An improved external visual indicator, such as a candle or a visual display panel provided for a gaming machine having lights such as LEDs which are programmable via a processor of the gaming machine. The reprogrammability of the illumination sequence and colors of the candle or visual display panel may provide for the promotion of bonusing and to aid in the servicing of gaming machines. Any assortment of colors of LEDs and combinations thereof may be provided and programmed via the processor of the gaming machine.