1. A computer-implemented method in a gaming system having a processor, a main memory, and a graphics processing unit (GPU) coupled to the processor, the GPU having a memory and a plurality of graphics pipelines, the method comprising: loading a wagering game program into the main memory for execution by the processor; transferring commands or data from the main memory to the memory of the GPU for rendering by at least one of the plurality of graphics pipelines; receiving image data from at least one of the plurality of graphics pipelines at a video output, the image data being derived from the transferred commands or data defining a graphical object of a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; and displaying the graphical object via the video output.