Adaptable gaming machine in a gaming network

In a server-based gaming network including a number of gaming machines communicatively coupled to one or more servers, an adaptable electro-mechanical gaming machine having an electro-mechanical device and an optional variable display device(s) coupled to a controller. The configuration of the adaptable electro-mechanical gaming machine is substantially or partially controlled via feature options. Selection of the feature options may be made by the adaptable electro-mechanical gaming machine or by a coupled apparatus. The feature options may reside on the adaptable electro-mechanical gaming machine or on a coupled apparatus, and may include hold percentage configurations, game play denominations, minimum wager amounts, top award configurations, bonus game schemes, player specific bonus features, mechanical device motion profiles, electronic transfer fund configurations, game theme configurations, lighting configurations, sound configurations, harm minimization behaviors, and casino float configurations. Thus, the adaptable electro-mechanical gaming machine can be automatically configured with or without manual intervention.