In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of operating a gaming machine, comprising providing a gaming machine having a game display for displaying symbols resulting from play of the gaming machine, and a pay-table display for displaying an active pay-table. The active pay-table has symbols that match the symbols displayed in the game display. The pay-table display is configured such that each symbol of the active pay-table has an inactivated state wherein the symbol of the active pay-table is subdued in appearance and an activated state wherein that symbol of the active pay-table is clearly visible. The pay-table display is configured to activate symbols on the active pay-table in response to the symbols appearing in the game display. The method further comprises the step of playing the gaming machine so that symbols appear in the game display, activating symbols on the active pay-table that match the symbols appearing in the game display, providing a pay-out to a player when a predetermined symbols appear in the game display, and providing a pay-out to the player when a predetermined symbols on the active pay-table are activated.