A system and method for presenting a player with simulated poker play is disclosed, where the result is actually based on a predetermined outcome. In order to create a realistic play scenario, the present invention never corrects or overrides a player's choices during the play of a hand. Rather, a new solution which incorporates a specially indicated bonus wheel or symbol is used. If a player makes choices while playing a hand that precludes the game machine from creating a needed final value corresponding to a predetermined win amount, a bonus is created to make up any difference. In addition, the way in which the apparent bonus is implemented includes seemingly random bonus awards, allowing both good and poor poker players to receive such bonuses. This further increases the realism of the play.