Methods for receiving and processing input on a gaming machine using a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one method, a gaming machine having a game display for presenting a game is able to generate a virtual user interface of a surface of the gaming machine. The virtual user interface includes one or more virtual components that correspond to one or more game functions. The gaming machine receives and processes user input via the virtual user interface. The gaming machine then performs the game function corresponding to the user input.Gaming machines having a virtual user interface are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, the gaming machine includes a game display for presenting a game. The gaming machine also includes a virtual interface controller for generating and presenting a virtual user interface on a surface of the gaming machine where the virtual user interface receives user input for gaming or non-gaming functions. The gaming machine also includes a game controller in communication with the game display and the virtual interface controller.