A gaming apparatus for conducting a wagering game comprises a video screen for displaying a dynamic video image and a structure for displaying non-video artwork. The video and non-video artworks are visually linked to form an integrated image associated with the wagering game. The structure covers a portion, but not all, of the video screen. Thus, video images on conventional video screens may effectively be blended with non-video artwork to create entertaining and attractive displays.

A method and apparatus is disclosed for verifying the outcome of a game played on a gaming machine having at least one rotatable reel, the position of the at least one reel associated with the outcome of the game. The apparatus includes at least one image collection device arranged to collect one or more images of the reel(s) for use in verifying the position of the reel(s) at one or more times. Session data may also be collected and stored. In one embodiment, the image collection device comprises a camera, and the apparatus includes a controller and a memory for storing image information. In accordance with a method, image information regarding the position of the one or more reels of the gaming machine is collected. In one embodiment, the image and session information is stored locally and/or transmitted to a remote location via a communication link.

A gaming apparatus provides symbols to determine winning outcomes. An object-element passes in a path through displayed pathways on a display. As the object-element passes over symbol collecting positions on the display in the pathways, symbols on collecting positions are activated as part of a game display. The gaming apparatus provides at least one award for predetermined combinations of symbols. The object-element should collect at least two symbols in a single pass through the path.

A game machine is provided with first, second and third reel rows, and each of the reel rows executes slot game independent from each other. The number of reel rows to be actuated is increased in proportion to the number of bet coins. When less than three coins are betted, a first privilege providing section is operated to judge whether the first winning is generated. The first and a second privilege providing sections are operated to judge whether the first winning and a second winning are generated when four coins are betted. Dividend coins are provided in the first winning and a free game in the second winning. A player may play slot game without betting a coin in the free game.

A method and apparatus for conducting a wagering game are disclosed. A value input device receives a wager from a player to play the wagering game. A processor is operative to define a plurality of possible destinations; define a plurality of possible different movement patterns for moving the objects to the destinations; and for a given one of the objects, assign probabilities to the respective possible movement patterns and select one of the possible movement patterns based on the assigned probabilities. A display depicts the object going to a selected one of the destinations in accordance with the assigned movement pattern. The assigned probabilities for the given object may, for example, depend upon the destination that is selected.