Various embodiments are directed to a method for enhancing the outcome of a reel spinning game having one or more shared award-modifier reels. An embodiment of the method includes providing a game including a first set of reels, a second set of reels, and a shared base award-multiplier reel positioned adjacent to a first and second set of reels, wherein the first set of reels, second set of reels, and the shared base award-multiplier reel form a contiguous set of reels having a common axis of rotation, and the shared base award-multiplier reel enhances any winning outcomes in the first and/or second set of reels. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining whether the game outcome of one set of reels is a winning outcome and enhancing the winning outcome of at least one set of reels when an award-multiplier symbol is present on the shared base award-multiplier reel.