Gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game

A gaming device having a die or dice directly associated with the reels in the primary game. One embodiment includes a mechanical die shaker mounted directly adjacent to the reels of the gaming device. The die shaker includes a suitable container that houses at least one die. In one embodiment, the gaming device activates the mechanical die shaker to shake or actuate the die simultaneously with the spinning of the reels. If the player obtains one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player obtains an award associated with the position of the shaken die. In this embodiment, if the player does not obtain one or more predetermined symbols or combinations of symbols on one or more paylines of the reels, the player will not obtain any award based on the shaken die.