US Patent 7455588 Gaming device having competing positive and negative outcome events

A gaming device including an outcome or award event which is triggered from a base game when at least one positive modifier symbol and at least one award symbol are indicated on the reels. In the bonus game, the positive modifier symbol includes at least one positive modifier which increases a bonus award associated with the award symbol. A negative modifier symbol, if indicated on the reels, includes at least one negative modifier which reduces the bonus award associated with the award symbol. The positive modifiers and negative modifiers are applied to the award to provide a modified award to the player in the game.