A gaming machine 10 has a display 12 and a game controller arranged to control images of symbols displayed on the display 12. The game controller is arranged to play a game wherein at least one random event is caused to be displayed on the display 12 and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine 10 awards a prize. The game controller monitors and stores data relating to a number of free games awarded to a player during a playing session. The gaming machine 10 includes a selector for operation by the player so that the player can choose when, during the playing session, any free game is to be played.