REGULATED MULTI-LEVEL CASINO GAMES AND GAMING MACHINES CONFIGURED TO OFFER PLAYER REWARDS BASED ON PERFORMANCE INDICIA

A computer-implemented method of operating a regulated gaming machine may comprise accepting, in the regulated gaming machine, funds from a player and enabling the player to play a wager-based game that comprises a plurality of game levels. A plurality of payout schedules may be provided, each of which defining a respectively different Return to Player (RTP) percentage. The performance of the player during each of the plurality of game levels may be monitored and, during each of the plurality of game levels, a number of performance indicia may be awarded and displayed, depending upon the monitored player performance, such that a higher player performance is awarded a greater number of performance indicia than is a comparatively lower player performance. When game play has reached an end of a current level of the plurality of game levels, a bonus reward may be awarded, a value of the bonus reward being determined using a selected one of the plurality of payout schedules. The payout schedule used to determine the bonus reward may be selected according to the number performance indicia awarded and displayed during the current game level. Awarding the bonus reward may include generating and displaying one discrete graphic element for each performance indicium awarded, each being configured to enable at least a portion of the bonus reward to be displayed.