# How a Slot Machine Game Links Symbols for Bigger Wins

> This patent describes a casino slot machine game where special 'value-bearing' symbols can link together and trigger respins, growing a cluster of symbols to award a larger prize.

- **Patent:** US 12738124
- **Original title:** Gaming system and method with a value-bearing symbol feature
- **Granted:** 2026
- **Status:** Active
- **Times cited:** 0
- **Field:** gaming, software, consumer_electronics

## What it does

This gaming system presents a series of spins on reels that feature 'value-bearing symbols'. When a 'triggering event' occurs, all 'value-bearing symbols' involved in that event, plus any 'value-bearing symbols adjacent to them', are added to a 'list of linked symbols'. These linked symbols are then 'held in their positions', while the remaining reels 'spin again'. If any newly landed 'value-bearing symbols' are 'adjacent to a symbol in the set of linked symbols', they are also added to the linked set, and this process 'repeats for a certain number of spins'. At the end of these respins, an award is paid based on the total values of all symbols in the final set of linked symbols. For example, if three coin symbols trigger a bonus, those coins and any touching coin symbols lock in place. The other reels respin, and if more coins land next to the locked ones, they also lock, potentially growing the prize over several respins.

## What it does NOT cover

- Does not cover games where symbols are not 'held in their positions' during subsequent respins.
- Does not cover games where new symbols are linked if they are not 'adjacent' to existing linked symbols.
- Does not cover games where the final award is not based on the 'values borne by all symbols in the set of linked symbols'.
- Does not cover games without 'value-bearing symbols' that contribute to a triggering event.
- Does not cover games that do not utilize spinning 'reels' as the primary game mechanism.

## The clever bit

The novelty lies in the specific mechanism of growing the 'linked symbols' cluster through adjacency during respins, where newly landed value symbols expand the locked set, directly increasing the potential final award.

## Real-world examples

1. Hold and Spin slot games
2. Link & Win slot games
3. Cash-on-Reels bonus features in casino games
4. Sticky symbol bonus rounds in video slots

## Why it matters

This patent describes a popular game mechanic used in many modern slot machines. Features that allow symbols to lock and trigger respins, potentially growing a prize, are key to player engagement and the appeal of many casino games. This type of bonus round is a common way to offer players the chance for larger payouts.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How a Slot Machine Game Links Symbols for Bigger Wins cover?

This patent describes a casino slot machine game where special 'value-bearing' symbols can link together and trigger respins, growing a cluster of symbols to award a larger prize.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.

### What problem does this patent solve?

This patent describes a popular game mechanic used in many modern slot machines. Features that allow symbols to lock and trigger respins, potentially growing a prize, are key to player engagement and the appeal of many casino games. This type of bonus round is a common way to offer players the chance for larger payouts.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover games where symbols are not 'held in their positions' during subsequent respins.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738124/gaming-system-and-method-with-a-value-bearing-symbol-feature

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12738124

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._