Gaming terminal with special-event wager having different denomination increment than basic wagering game

Abstract

A method for playing a wagering game having a special payout. In response to a player making a wager of a first denomination, a gaming terminal conducts a basic game having a randomly selected outcome. The terminal then presents a side-wager option for a player to be eligible for the special payout. The side-wager option requires the player to make a wager of a second denomination that is different than the first denomination. If the randomly selected outcome of the basic game is a basic game winning outcome, the player is credited with an award in the first denomination. However, if the player selected the option to be eligible for the special payout, and the randomly selected outcome is a special randomly selected outcome, then the gaming terminal awards the player the special payout.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/637,562, filed Dec. 21, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to gaming terminals for playing a wagering game and, more particularly, to a wagering game having a unique feature for allowing a player to make a wager on a special event.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Gaming machines, such as slot machines, video poker machines, and the like, have been a cornerstone of the gaming industry for several years. Generally, the popularity of such machines with players is dependent on the likelihood (or perceived likelihood) of winning money at the machine and the intrinsic entertainment value of the machine relative to other available gaming options. Where the available gaming options include a number of competing machines and the expectation of winning each machine is roughly the same (or believed to be the same), players are most likely to be attracted to the most entertaining and exciting of the machines.

[0004] Consequently, shrewd operators strive to employ the most entertaining and exciting machines available because such machines attract frequent play and, hence, increase profitability to the operator. In the competitive gaming machine industry, there is a continuing need for gaming machine manufacturers to produce new types of games, or enhancements to existing games, which will attract frequent play by enhancing the entertainment value and excitement associated with the game.

[0005] One concept that has been successfully employed to enhance the entertainment value of a game is that of a "bonus" game which may be played in conjunction with a "basic" game. The bonus game may comprise any type of game, either similar to or completely different from the basic game, and is entered upon the occurrence of a selected event or outcome of the basic game. Such a bonus game produces a significantly higher level of player excitement than the basic game because it provides a greater expectation of winning than the basic game.

[0006] Another concept that has been employed is the use of a progressive jackpot. In the gaming industry, a "progressive" involves collecting coin-in data from participating gaming device(s) (e.g., slot machines), contributing a percentage of that coin-in data to a jackpot amount, and awarding that jackpot amount to a player upon the occurrence of a certain jackpot-won event. The percentage of the coin-in is determined prior to any result being achieved and is independent of any result. A jackpot-won event typically occurs when a "progressive winning position" is achieved at a participating gaming device. If the gaming device is a slot machine, a progressive winning position may, for example, correspond to alignment of progressive jackpot reel symbols along a certain payline. The initial progressive jackpot is a predetermined minimum amount. That jackpot amount, however, progressively increases as players continue to play the gaming machine without winning the jackpot. Further, when several gaming machines are linked together such that several players at several gaming machines compete for the same jackpot, the jackpot progressively increases at a much faster rate, which leads to further player excitement.

[0007] In some current progressive games, the player must make a side-wager, or separate wager, in order to be eligible for the progressive game. In these games, the side-wager is of the same denomination as the base game. For example, if the player is playing a gaming terminal with a minimum wager of one dollar, the denomination for entry into the progressive game is also one dollar.

[0008] This can cause player dissatisfaction because the player may decide that the original denomination is too high of a stake for a chance at winning the progressive jackpot. Alternatively, the player may decide to make the wager, but if he or she does not win, the player may then become angry, thinking that he or she has just wasted a large amount of money on a chance that amounted to nothing.

[0009] Thus, there is a need to allow a player to enter the progressive game for a denomination that differs from the denomination of the base game.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for playing a wagering game having a special payout. The method includes the step of conducting a basic game in response to a player making a wager of a first denomination. A side-wager option for a player to be eligible for the special payout is then presented to a player. The side-wager option requires the player to make a wager of a second denomination that is different than the first denomination. In response to the randomly selected outcome of the basic game being a basic game winning outcome, the player is credited with an award in the first denomination. If the player selected the option to be eligible for the special payout, the player is awarded the special payout when a special randomly selected outcome occurs in the basic game.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, another method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal is provided. The wagering game has a special award and the method includes conducting a basic game having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the basic game. The basic game has a wagering amount of a first type and an award that is credited in an amount of the first type. The player is then presented with an option for to be eligible for the special award, such that the option has a wagering amount of a second type. In response to the player selecting the option to be eligible for the special award, the special award is awarded when a special randomly selected outcome is achieved in the basic game.

[0012] In yet another aspect of the present invention, a gaming system for playing a wagering game having a special award is provided. The gaming system includes a gaming terminal for playing a basic game having a randomly selected outcome. The basic game requires a wager of a first denomination and awards credits in the first denomination in response to the randomly selected outcome being a non-special winning outcome. The gaming terminal also includes a side-wager input device that allows a player to be eligible to win the special award. The side-wager input device requires a wager of a second denomination. In response to activation of the side-wager input device, the gaming terminal awards the player the special award when a special randomly selected outcome is achieved.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, a gaming terminal for playing a wagering game is provided. The gaming terminal has a basic game that includes a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the basic game. The basic game awards a player an amount in a first denomination in response to the randomly selected outcome being a basic-game winning outcome. The gaming terminal also includes a progressive payout and an input device. The input device allows a player to become eligible for the progressive payout. The input device accepts wagers of a second denomination. In response to the input device being activated, the gaming terminal awards the player the progressive payout when a special randomly selected outcome is achieved.

[0014] The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention, as there are several novel methods and gaming terminals incorporating this communication feature. The detailed description and Figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a video gaming terminal according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 illustrates a main display of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 illustrates the main display with a pop-up feature of the gaming terminal of FIG. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a flow-chart describing the operation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a typical gaming terminal 10 used by gaming establishments, such as casinos. With regard to the present invention, the gaming terminal 10 may be any type of gaming terminal and may have varying structures and methods of operation. For example, the gaming terminal 10 may be a mechanical gaming terminal configured to play mechanical slots, or it may be an electromechanical or electrical gaming terminal configured to play video slots or a video casino game, such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, etc.

[0023] As shown, the gaming terminal 10 includes input devices, such as a wager acceptor 16 (shown as a card wager acceptor 16a and a cash wager accepter 16b), a touch screen 21, a push-button panel 22, and an information reader 24. For outputs, the gaming terminal 10 includes a payout mechanism 23, a main display 26 for displaying information about the basic wagering game, and a secondary display 27 that may display an electronic version of a pay table, and/or also possibly game-related information or other entertainment features. While these typical components found in the gaming terminal 10 are described below, it should be understood that numerous other elements may exist and may be used in any number of combinations to create various forms of a gaming terminal.

[0024] The wager acceptor 16 may be provided in many forms, individually or in combination. The cash wager acceptor 16a may include a coin slot acceptor or a note acceptor to input value to the gaming terminal 10. The card wager acceptor 16b may include a card-reading device for reading a card that has a recorded monetary value with which it is associated. The card wager acceptor 16b may also receive a card that authorizes access to a central account, which can transfer money to the gaming terminal 10.

[0025] Also included is the payout mechanism 23, which performs the reverse functions of the wager acceptor 16. For example, the payout mechanism 23 may include a coin dispenser or a note dispenser to output value from gaming terminal 10. Also, the payout mechanism 23 may also be adapted to receive a card that authorizes the gaming terminal to transfer credits from the gaming terminal 10 to a central account.

[0026] The push button panel 22 is typically offered, in addition to the touch screen 21, to provide players with an option on how to make their game selections. Alternatively, the push button panel 22 provides inputs for one aspect of operating the game, while the touch screen 21 allows for inputs needed for another aspect of operating the game.

[0027] The outcome of the basic wagering game is displayed to the player on the main display 26. The main display 26 may take the form of a cathode ray tube (CRT), a high resolution LCD, a plasma display, LED, or any other type of video display suitable for use in the gaming terminal 10. As shown, the main display 26 includes the touch screen 21 overlaying the entire monitor (or a portion thereof) to allow players to make game-related selections. Alternatively, the gaming terminal 10 may have a number of mechanical reels to display the game outcome, as well.

[0028] In some embodiments, the information reader 24 is a card reader that allows for identification of a player by reading a card with information indicating his or her true identity. Currently, identification is used by casinos for rewarding certain players with complimentary services or special offers. For example, a player may be enrolled in the gaming establishment's players' club and may be awarded certain complimentary services as that player collects points in his or her player-tracking account. The player inserts his or her card into the player-identification card reader 24, which allows the casino's computers to register that player's wagering at the gaming terminal 10. The information reader 24 may also include a keypad (not shown) for entering a personal identification number (PIN). The gaming terminal 10 may require that the player enter their PIN prior to obtaining information. The gaming terminal 10 may use the secondary display 27 for providing the player with information about his or her account or other player-specific information. Also, in some embodiments, the information reader 24 may be used to restore assets that the player achieved during a previous game session and had saved.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the various components of the gaming terminal 10 are controlled by a central processing unit (CPU) 30 (such as a microprocessor or microcontroller). To provide the gaming functions, the CPU 30 executes a game program that allows for the randomly selected outcome. The CPU 30 is also coupled to or includes a local memory 32. The local memory 32 may comprise a volatile memory 33 (e.g., a random-access memory (RAM)) and a non-volatile memory 34 (e.g., an EEPROM). It should be appreciated that the CPU 30 may include one or more microprocessors. Similarly, the local memory 32 may include multiple RAM and multiple program memories.

[0030] Communications between the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10 and the CPU 30 occur through input/output (I/O) circuits 35a. As such, the CPU 30 also controls and receives inputs from the peripheral components of the gaming terminal 10. Further, the CPU 30 communicates with external systems via the I/O circuits 35b. Although the I/O circuits 35 may be shown as a single block, it should be appreciated that the I/O circuits 35 may include a number of different types of I/O circuits.

[0031] The gaming terminal 10 is typically operated as part of a game control network 50 having control circuitry and memory devices. The game control network 50 may optionally include a system memory 52 for alternative storage of data. The game network 50 can include instructions for playing games, such as progressive jackpots that are contributed to by all or some of the gaming terminals 10 in the network 50. The gaming terminal 10 often has multiple serial ports, each port dedicated to providing data to a specific host computer system that performs a specific function (e.g., account system, player-tracking system, progressive game control system, etc . . . ). To set up a typical serial communication hardware link to the host system, the typical RS-232 point-to-point communication protocol that is often present in the gaming terminal 10 is converted to an RS-485 (or RS-485-type) master-slave protocol so as to take advantage of some of the advantages of the RS-485 capability (e.g., multi-drop capability that allows many gaming terminals 10 to communicate with the game control network 50). To perform this function, a custom interface board may be used by the gaming terminal 10 for each communication port in the gaming terminal 10. It should be noted that the gaming terminal 10 can initially be designed to be configured for a typical RS-485 protocol, instead of the typical RS-232 protocol. Further, the gaming terminal 10 may simply be designed for an Ethernet connection to the game control network 50.

[0032] The gaming terminal 10 and associated game control network 50 is capable of executing wagering games on or through a controller 60. Controller 60, as used herein, comprises any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware that may be disposed or resident inside and/or outside of a gaming terminal 10 or like machine which may communicate with and/or control the transfer of data between the gaming terminal and a bus, another computer, processor, or device, and/or a service and/or a network. The network may include, but is not limited to a peer-to-peer, client/server, master/slave, star network, ring network, bus network, or other network architecture wherein at least one processing device (e.g., computer) is linked to at least one other processing device. The controller 60 may comprise the I/O circuits 35b and the CPU 30. In other embodiments, the CPU 30 may be housed outside of the controller 60, and a different processor may be housed within the controller 60. The controller 60, as used herein, may comprise one or more controllers. In one implementation, each gaming terminal 10 comprises, or is connected to, a controller 60, enabling each gaming terminal 10 to transmit and/or receive signals, preferably both, in a peer-to-peer arrangement. In another example, the controller 60 may be adapted to facilitate communication and/or data transfer for one or more gaming terminals 10 in a client/server or centralized arrangement. In one aspect, shown in FIG. 2, the controller 60 may connect the gaming terminal 10 via a conventional I/O port and communication path (e.g. serial, parallel, IR, RC, 10bT, etc.) to the game control network 50, which may include, for example, other gaming terminals connected together in the game control network 50.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 3, the main display 26 of one embodiment of the present invention is shown in more detail. In this embodiment, the basic game is a slot machine game, with symbols on five different reels 36, 38, 40, 42, 44. The reels 36-44 may be either traditional mechanical reels or they may be computer-generated images of reels, with each reel composed of a plurality of symbols. Payline indicators 46 indicate a randomly selected outcome for each payline, which is the combination of symbols on the reels 36-44. Thereafter, an outcome indicator 48 indicates whether the outcome has resulted in a payout, a progressive jackpot, a bonus game, or whether it resulted in nothing. While multiple paylines are shown, a gaming terminal 10 with a single payline will also work with the present invention.

[0034] In the present example, the wagering game shown is "Big Bass Bucks," where the symbols include various types of fish, lures, bobbers, and other symbols related to fishing. In accordance with the present invention, the player can open an interactive pop-up window 53 (FIG. 4) by touching different portions of the touch screen video display 21 and can in turn, configure different aspects of the wagering game via the pop-up window 53. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict a player's hand 54 pointing to a portion of the display image. The hand 54 is not part of the display image, but rather represents the player's physical hand touching a portion of the display image to either open the pop-up window 53 or select an option within a previously opened pop-up window 53.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the player is playing a twenty-five cent ($0.25) wagering game. In other words, to participate in the basic game of the gaming terminal 10, the player must make a wager of at least twenty-five cents ($0.25), and every additional wager in the basic game is made in twenty-five cent increments. Accordingly, any winnings achieved by the player are awarded in twenty-five cent increments.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, display images illustrate the use of the pop-up window 53 to make a side-wager. Before spinning the reels 36-44, the player can touch a progressive-indicating symbol 56, in this case, the "Big Bass Bucks" symbol, to open the pop-up window 53 (FIG. 4). Using the pop-up window 53, the player can then place a wager allowing the player to be eligible for the progressive jackpot.

[0037] To play for the progressive jackpot, the player needs to make a side-wager. In this embodiment, the side-wager is in the amount of one cent, or a penny. The side-wager amount is in a denomination that is different from the denomination required to play the basic game. Because it is cheaper to place the side-wager for the progressive jackpot than to play the basic game, the player is more likely to place the side-wager for the chance to win the progressive jackpot. Also, since the amount wagered is relatively small, the player will not be as dissatisfied if he or she does not win the progressive jackpot.

[0038] To show the two different denominations being wagered, the display 26 of the gaming terminal 10 can have two credit meters 58, 60, one for each denomination. Alternatively, the meter may not be in traditional credits, but may only reflect the actual amount being wagered and credited. For example, in a gaming terminal having a single meter, every time the player makes a single wager in the basic game, the meter will debit twenty-five cents from the meter. Should the player win in the basic game, the meter will be credited by the number of credits multiplied by twenty-five cents. Every time the player chooses to make a side-wager to play for the progressive jackpot, the meter will deduct only a penny.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 5, the operation detailing the method of playing the game according to the illustrated embodiment of the invention will be described. In step s100, a player at the gaming terminal 10 begins a gaming session by any conventional method (e.g., inserting coins or using credits). The gaming terminal 10 has a basic wagering game that involves a player making various inputs, including, for example, choosing a number of paylines to play (step s102). In some embodiments, there are a maximum of nine paylines, as shown in the gaming terminal 10 of FIG. 1. In other embodiments, there may only be a single payline. In those embodiments, this step would be skipped. After choosing how many paylines to play, the player selects how many credits (e.g., 1-5) to wager on each payline (step s104).

[0040] At step s105, the gaming terminal 10 provides the player with the offer to make a side-wager to play for the progressive jackpot. The "side-wager" option is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/659,878, filed on Sep. 11, 2003, entitled "Gaming Machine With Multi-Level Progressive Jackpot," which is commonly owned and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. After the player selects whether to make the side-wager, the player begins the basic wagering game (step s106); thereby causing the reels to spin and display a symbol combination that corresponds to the randomly selected outcome from the CPU 30 (FIG. 2). If the randomly selected outcome (i.e., arrangement of symbols) is not one of the winning outcomes according to a basic-game pay table (not shown), the system returns to step s100, and the game is ready to begin again.

[0041] If the randomly selected outcome is one of the winning outcomes, then the gaming system progresses to step s110, where it is determined whether the winning outcome is a progressive jackpot winning outcome. If the answer is "no," play proceeds to step s112, and the player is given the award that corresponds to the winning combination achieved.

[0042] If the answer at step s110 is "yes," then the gaming terminal 10 determines whether the player elected to make the side-wager at step s114. If the answer is "no", the game returns to step s100 and the game begins again. If the answer is "yes," then the player is awarded the progressive jackpot and the gaming terminal then returns to step s100.

[0043] In some embodiments, the player may have both a non-progressive winning outcome and a progressive winning outcome. In that case, regardless of whether the player made the side-wager, the player is still given the awards from the non-progressive winning outcomes, but not the progressive jackpots. If the player has made the side-wager, then the player wins the prizes associated with both outcomes.

[0044] In the above-illustrated embodiment, the basic game wager amount is a quarter. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the basic game denomination can be any denomination (e.g., a penny, nickel, dime, quarter, dollar, etc . . . ). Also, the side-wager denomination in the above embodiment is a penny, but it may also be any denomination.

[0045] In an alternative embodiment, there may be multiple progressive jackpots of varying amounts (e.g., a mini, a maxi, and a mega). The player may have to make multiple side-wagers in order to be eligible for all of the jackpots. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the denominations wagered may be different for each of the different jackpots. For example, the side-wager for the mini jackpot may be a penny, the side-wager for the maxi jackpot a nickel, and the side-wager for the mega jackpot may be a dime. The amount of the denomination needed to enter may correspond either directly (the higher the jackpot, the larger the side-wager denomination) or inversely (the higher the jackpot, the smaller the side-wager denomination) to the amount of the jackpot. Alternatively, the jackpots may be divided by hit rate, and the amount of the side-wager may be based on that, e.g., the side-wager denomination may be larger for jackpots that hit more often.

[0046] In other embodiments, the player may be able to make multiple side-wagers on each spin in order to increase their odds of winning a jackpot.

[0047] In some embodiments, the player may not use the touch screen 21 to enter the side-wager, but instead activate a dedicated button on the gaming terminal 10. Alternatively, the button may be included on the touch screen 21 (as opposed to activating a progressive jackpot symbol on the reels 36-44).

[0048] The above games have been described with the side-wager being made to become eligible to win a progressive jackpot, but the side-wager feature may also be used to enter another secondary game, such as a bonus game. In this embodiment, the player may only gain entry to a bonus game if the side-wager has been made. In some embodiments, there may be multiple bonus games, and the player becomes eligible for the multiple bonus games by placing a side-wager for each bonus game. For example, there may be ten bonus games, and in order for the player to be eligible to enter all ten, the player would have to make ten side-wagers. Alternatively, the bonus games may require different amounts be wagered for each depending on various conditions, such as amount to be won or hit rate.

[0049] The side-wager can also be made on an outcome at a different gaming terminal. The side-wager may be placed on whether a player at a different gaming terminal wins the progressive jackpot. The player making the wager would then receive an award for making such a wager. This side-wager option is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/612,478, filed on Jul. 2, 2003, entitled "Gaming Machine Having A Community Game With Side Wagering" which is commonly owned and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0050] In all of the above-mentioned embodiments, the pay-out resulting from combination of the side-wager being made and the appropriate event occurring may be made in either the denomination that corresponds to the first, or basic game (twenty-five cents in the first embodiment) or in the denomination that corresponds to the side-wager (one cent in the first example).

[0051] While the above embodiments have described a progressive game and/or jackpot, it should be understood that the present invention applies to all secondary games and/or payouts including bonus game and/or payouts and the like.

[0052] While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for playing a wagering game having a special payout, the method comprising: in response to a player making a wager of a first denomination, conducting a basic game having a randomly selected outcome; presenting a side-wager option for a player to be eligible for the special payout, the side-wager option requiring the player to make a wager of a second denomination, the second denomination being different from the first denomination; in response to the randomly selected outcome of the basic game being a basic game winning outcome, crediting the player with an award in the first denomination; and in response to the player selecting the option to be eligible for the special payout, awarding the player the special payout when a special-payout outcome occurs in the basic game.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising awarding the player the special payout in the second denomination.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the special payout is a progressive jackpot or a payout from a bonus game.

4. A method for playing a wagering game on a gaming terminal, the wagering game having a special award, the method comprising: conducting a basic game having a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the basic game, the basic game having a wagering amount of a first denomination and an award that is credited in an amount of the first denomination; presenting an option for a player to be eligible for the special award, the option having a wagering amount of a second denomination; and in response to the player selecting the option to be eligible for the special award, awarding the special award when a special-award outcome is achieved in the basic game.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the conducting step comprises choosing at least one of a plurality of paylines to play and choosing a wager amount for each of the plurality of paylines chosen.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the awarding step is performed by a controller in the gaming terminal.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the special award is entry to a bonus game or a bonus jackpot.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein the special-award outcome is an outcome that is achieved on a second gaming terminal.

9. The method of claim 4, wherein the special award is awarded in amounts of the first denomination.

10. The method of claim 4, wherein the special award is awarded in amounts of the second denomination.

11. A gaming terminal for playing a basic game having a randomly selected outcome, the basic game requiring a wager of a first denomination and awarding credits in the first denomination in response to the randomly selected outcome being a non-special winning outcome, the gaming terminal having a side-wager input device for allowing a player to be eligible to win the special award, the side-wager input device requiring a wager of a second denomination, wherein, in response to activation of the side-wager input device, the gaming terminal awards the player a special award when a special-award outcome is achieved.

12. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein the special-award outcome occurs in a bonus game and the special award is a bonus game jackpot.

13. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein the side-wager input device is a button, a key, or a symbol on a touch screen.

14. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein the first and second randomly selected outcomes comprise a plurality of symbols.

15. The gaming terminal of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of symbols is a card from a deck of playing cards.

16. The gaming terminal of claim 14, wherein the gaming terminal is a slot machine and each of the plurality of symbols is a standard slot machine symbol.

17. The gaming terminal of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of gaming terminals for conducting wagering games, each of the plurality of gaming terminals having the side-wager input device and the side-wager input device is adapted to allow a wager to be made on an outcome occurring on another of the plurality of gaming terminals.

18. The gaming terminal of claim 11, wherein the special award comprises a plurality of awards and the side-wager input device is adapted to receive a separate side-wager for each of the plurality of awards.

19. The gaming terminal of claim 18, wherein each of the separate side-wagers is of a different denomination.

20. The gaming terminal of claim 18, wherein the plurality of awards is a plurality of progressive jackpots or entry to one of a plurality of bonus games.