Gaming apparatus having touch pad input

A gaming apparatus may comprise a display unit that is capable of generating gaming images and a value input device. A touch pad assembly may be provided including at least one touch pad having a touch detection field, wherein at least a portion of said touch detection field defines a touch area and wherein a user touch in said touch area creates a disturbance in said touch detection field to generate a switch activation signal. A controller is operatively coupled to said display unit and said value input device, said controller comprising a processor and a memory operatively coupled to said processor. Said controller is programmed to allow a person to make a wager and cause a gaming image to be generated on said display unit, said gaming image representing a game selected from said group of games consisting of poker, blackjack, slots, keno and bingo. Said controller is programmed to determine a value payout associated with an outcome of said game, and respond to said switch activation signal.