Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine in which increase in a processing load is suppressed.SOLUTION: Stop operation at timing is defined as stop operation at specific timing, the timing being timing when any one of symbols within a specific range of a specific reel to be stopped at first is positioned at a predetermined display position, in a case where a specific lottery-winning mode has been obtained in an internal lottery. The specific timing includes: first timing when a second symbol is not displayed on an effective line of the specific reel, but a first symbol is displayed on an effective line of a specific reel; and second timing when the first symbol is not displayed on the effective line of the specific reel but the second symbol is displayed on the effective line of the specific reel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] As a gaming machine, a slot machine having a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery is known. In the slot machine, the reels start to rotate when a game starts, and an internal lottery is performed using a lottery table. When the reels stop, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the reels, and if this winning combination wins a prize, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process for paying out medals (game value) or a replay process for allowing a player to play again without consuming medals.

[0003] Some slot machines have a winning area in which multiple replays can overlap and be won, and when the winning area is won, the winning replay changes depending on the manner in which the player performs the stopping operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-112374 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in gaming machines, there is a demand for suppressing an increase in the processing load.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine in which an increase in processing load is suppressed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, An internal lottery means (e.g., the internal lottery means 42) for performing an internal lottery to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved; a reel control means (e.g., a reel control means 43) for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in response to a stop operation so that a symbol existing within a predetermined pull-in range and corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is displayed on an active line; A winning determination means (e.g., winning determination means 44) for determining the winning combination, The reel control means is capable of stopping the plurality of reels and displaying a symbol combination showing a winning form determined in advance for each winning combination on an active line; The winning combination includes a first winning combination (e.g., small winning combination 9) and a second winning combination (e.g., small winning combination 6), As a winning mode obtained in the internal lottery, there is a specific winning mode in which the first combination and the second combination overlap and win, When the specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role is displayed on an active line, the stopping pattern of the multiple reels becomes a first stopping pattern suggesting the award of a special prize, and when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role is displayed on an active line, the stopping pattern of the multiple reels becomes a second stopping pattern suggesting the award of a special prize, The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first combination and the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second combination are present within the pull-in range for all of the plurality of reels regardless of the timing of the stop operation; A first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is set as a symbol to be displayed on an active line of a specific reel (for example, the left reel) in a symbol combination that indicates a winning form of the first combination; A second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is set as a symbol to be displayed on the pay line of the specific reel in the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second role, The specific reel has a specific range (a range from the symbol number 13 to the symbol number 17) in which the first symbol and the second symbol are set within the pull-in range, When the specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, the stop operation at the timing when any of the symbols within the specific range of the specific reel to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position is defined as the stop operation at the specific timing. The specific timing includes: A first timing when the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is not displayed on the pay line of the specific reel and the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is displayed on the pay line of the specific reel (for example, when the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 14 is located on the upper row); There is a second timing when the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is not displayed on the pay line of the specific reel and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is displayed on the pay line of the specific reel (for example, when symbol number 16, bell symbol "BL", is located in the upper row).

[0008] When the specific winning pattern is obtained, if a stop operation is performed at the first timing for the specific reel that is stopped first, the first symbol (the first symbol constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role) is displayed on the winning line of the specific reel. Also, when the specific winning pattern is obtained, if a stop operation is performed at the second timing for the specific reel that is stopped first, the second symbol (the second symbol constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role) is displayed on the winning line of the specific reel. When the specific winning pattern is obtained, depending on the timing of the stop operation for the specific reel, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role is displayed on the winning line and the stopping mode of the multiple reels is switched to a first stopping mode suggesting the award of a bonus, or a symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role is displayed on the winning line and the stopping mode of the multiple reels is switched to a second stopping mode suggesting the award of a bonus. In other words, when the specific winning pattern is won, the stop pattern (reel stop pattern) that suggests the award of the bonus is determined according to the timing of the stop operation for the specific reel. Therefore, the specific winning pattern can be set and the reel can be stopped in any of the multiple types of "stop patterns that suggest the award of the bonus" without increasing the number of winning patterns (winning areas) obtained in the internal lottery. This ensures the game nature of the gaming machine in which the award of the bonus is suggested by the reel stopping in a stop pattern that suggests the award of the bonus, while suppressing the complication of processing caused by the increase in the number of winning patterns (winning areas) and simplifying the management of the stop patterns that suggest the award of the bonus. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the processing load of the gaming machine. In addition, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the capacity of the storage means caused by the increase in the number of winning patterns. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, an increase in processing load can be suppressed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the receiving tray and the cancel chute, where (a) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in close proximity, and (b) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in a state separated from each other. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the cancel chute, where (a) shows the cancel chute from the front and (b) shows the cancel chute from the rear. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hopper unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which (a) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from above, and (b) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from the left side. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, where (a) shows a see-through view of the front member of the cancel chute, and (b) shows only the rear member of the cancel chute. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a second imaginary line. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a third imaginary line. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing one end of a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing the other end of the first imaginary straight line. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view seen from the front side, showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. [Figure 18] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the reel support portion and the power supply box, in which (a) is a diagram of the housing as seen from the front, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in (a). [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is a top view of the power supply box and the reel support part of the same. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining a heat dissipation port having a foreign object intrusion prevention portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the relationship between the hole on the rear surface of the housing, the power supply box, and the reel support portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Diagram 31] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game section and presentation state. [Diagram 32]The same figures show an example of the reel stopping pattern, where (a) shows the operation when batting 5, (b) shows the operation when batting 6, and (c) shows the operation when pressing the left button. [Diagram 33] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reel stopping pattern, where (a) and (b) show an example of a first stopping pattern related to a reach pattern, and (c) and (d) show an example of a second stopping pattern related to a reach pattern. [Diagram 34] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a reel stopping pattern, where (a) shows an example of a third stopping pattern related to a reach pattern, and (b) shows an example of a fourth stopping pattern related to a reach pattern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or each component may be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.

[0013] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).

[0014] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected to the hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.

[0015] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) as a presentation device is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0016] A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 2) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a pay line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 15a, the middle section of the second reel 15b, and the middle section of the third reel 15c.

[0017] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained by the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0018] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.

[0019] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.

[0020] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation unit) that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.

[0021] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.

[0022] In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there are provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. On the rear side of this lower panel 39, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 2, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and the like. Each reel is fixed to an output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.

[0024] Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.

[0025] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.

[0026] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the slot machine 100 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The slot machine 100 is also capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.

[0027] In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.

[0028] Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, and the stop button 33, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.

[0029] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0030] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, a receiving tray 38 and a dispensing opening 50 are provided below the front door 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a cancel chute 40 is provided behind the receiving tray 38. Although not shown, a hopper unit 11 (Fig. 2) is disposed behind (on the back side of) the cancel chute 40.

[0032] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the tray 38 and the cancel chute 40 are separated. The tray 38 is formed in a substantially square (substantially rectangular) dish shape that is long in the left-right direction. The tray 38 mainly includes a bottom 381, an edge (wall) 382 that is formed (standing) so as to surround the bottom 381, and a payout outlet 50 that is formed in the rear edge 382. In this embodiment, the tray 38 includes a concave storage section 383 that can store medals and the like, but the storage section 383 may not be provided. In other words, the storage section 383 may not be provided, and the bottom 381 may be larger.

[0033] Edge 382 has the function of preventing medals paid out from payout outlet 50 from spilling out of tray 38. Edge 382 is made up of a front edge (front wall 382a) provided on the front side of bottom 381, a right edge provided on the right side of bottom 381, a left edge provided on the left side of bottom 381, and a rear edge provided on the rear side of bottom 381. In this embodiment, the height of the front edge (height from bottom 381) is the lowest, but this height is a dimension equal to or greater than the diameter of a medal.

[0034] The cancel chute 40 is formed to have a space on the inside (inside), allowing medals to pass through the inside. The cancel chute 40 functions as a medal passage (guide passage) that guides medals that have entered the inside to the receiving tray 38. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 may be referred to as a "medal passage." The cancel chute 40 has multiple openings (described later). In other words, the cancel chute 40 has an entrance section and an exit section for medals. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 is composed of two members, a first member (front member) and a second member (rear member) combined from the front and rear, but is not limited to this and may be composed of one member, or may be composed of two or more members.

[0035] The medal passage (i.e., the cancel chute 40) is required to be formed so that medals can flow (pass) smoothly in order to prevent medal clogging within the passage. However, if the medal passage is shaped in such a way that the smooth flow of medals is given too much priority in order to prevent medal clogging, a problem occurs in that it becomes easier to commit fraud against the hopper unit 11 located at the rear (deterioration of fraud prevention performance). Furthermore, if the medal passage is shaped in a complex manner in order to improve fraud prevention performance, it becomes difficult to achieve the smooth flow of medals, and furthermore, the complex shape creates a problem in that it impedes the installation (placement) of other components on the front door 20 (reducing the installation space for other components).

[0036] In this embodiment, we will describe a shape of a medal passage that can achieve a good balance between allowing the medals to flow smoothly, improving anti-fraud performance, and preventing interference with the installation of other components.

[0037] (Second opening 402) As shown in FIG. 3(b), a second opening 402 (receiving tray side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided at the lower front side of the cancel chute 40. FIG. 4(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as viewed from the front side. The second opening 402 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the second opening 402 contacts the payout outlet 50 of the receiving tray 38. Note that contact includes being close to the payout outlet 50 and being in contact with the payout outlet 50. The second opening 402 is provided at a position corresponding to (opposing) the payout outlet 50. It can also be said that the second opening 402 and the payout outlet 50 are formed to overlap in the front-rear direction. The second opening 402 is an outlet for medals from the cancel chute 40.

[0038] The cancel chute 40 is located between the receiving tray 38 and the medal payout device 11 (Figure 2) in the front-to-rear direction, and is capable of guiding medals sent out from the medal payout device 11 to the receiving tray 38 (details will be described later).

[0039] 5 is a view of the medal payout device 11 (hopper) as seen from the front side. A medal payout section 111 (payout section, launch port section) is provided on the front side (front surface side) of the medal payout device 11. The medal payout section 111 is formed to be able to pass medals, and medals are sent out (launched) from the medal payout section 111 when, for example, a small winning combination is achieved or when the settlement button 60 is pressed with credited medals present. The opening of the medal payout section 111 is substantially rectangular, and is diagonally downward to the right as seen from the front.

[0040] A peripheral wall 112 is provided around the medal payout unit 111. The peripheral wall 112 is a portion (wall portion) of a predetermined range of the front surface of the medal payout device 11 around the medal payout unit 111. The predetermined range is at least a range that includes the range facing the first opening 401 (opening area of ​​the first opening 401) described next (for example, the range inside the dashed line Q in FIG. 5). The peripheral wall 112 is a surface that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0041] (First opening 401) FIG. 4(b) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the rear side (back side). A first opening 401 (hopper side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided on the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The first opening 401 is substantially rectangular and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the rear (downward to the right when viewed from the front). When the front door 20 is closed, the first opening 401 contacts the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. Note that contact includes being close to and being in contact with each other.

[0042] With the front door 20 closed, the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 face each other. The opening size of the first opening 401 is larger than (the opening of) the medal payout unit 111. The first opening 401 is provided at a position corresponding to (facing) the medal payout unit 111. It can also be said that the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 are formed to overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The first opening 401 serves as an entrance (first entrance) for medals to the cancel chute 40.

[0043] Figure 6 is a view of the front door 20 (lower door) as seen from the rear side. Below the medal insertion port 34 (Figure 1) in the front door 20, a medal selector (selector) 90 is provided. The medal selector 90 is provided above the cancel chute 40. The medal selector 90 has the function of selecting medals inserted through the medal insertion port 34. For example, if the inserted medal is not a genuine medal or if the timing of inserting the medal is not appropriate, the medal selector 90 guides the inserted medal downward to the cancel chute 40 (drops the medal toward the cancel chute 40 downward).

[0044] (Third opening 403) FIG. 7(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from above. A third opening 403 (selector side opening) is provided on the upper side (upper right side) of the cancel chute 40. The third opening 403 is open in the vertical direction. The third opening 403 is in contact with the lower end of the medal selector 90. Note that "in contact" includes being close to the medal selector 90 and being in contact with the medal selector 90. The third opening 403 is substantially rectangular in shape. The third opening 403 serves as an entrance (second entrance) for medals into the cancel chute 40.

[0045] (Positional relationship of each opening) 7(b) is a diagram (left side view) of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the left side. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights (shifted heights) in the up-down direction. The first opening 401 is provided above the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the first opening 401.

[0046] A medal fired from the medal payout unit 111 of the medal payout device 11 enters the interior of the cancel chute 40 (medal passage) through the first opening 401. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medal that has entered the interior from the first opening 401 forward. The medal that has entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the first opening 401 passes through (flows down, slides) the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exits the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.

[0047] Furthermore, the medals sent out from the medal selector 90 (that have passed through the medal selector 90) enter the interior of the cancel chute 40 via the third opening 403. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medals that have entered the interior through the third opening 403 downward. The medals that have entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 pass through the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exit the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.

[0048] FIG. 8(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the front, with the members constituting the front side of the cancel chute 40 seen through (transparent). The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The first opening 401 is provided to the left of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The third opening 403 is provided to the right of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction.

[0049] In this embodiment, the left end of the first opening 401 is located to the left of the left end of the second opening 402, but the right end of the first opening 401 is located between the left end of the second opening 402 and the right end of the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 have a relatively small offset in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but a relatively large offset in the up-down direction (height direction), so there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0050] The left end of the third opening 403 is provided to the right of the right end of the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0051] The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and do not have an overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0052] 8(b) is a diagram showing (only) the members constituting the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The inner surface of the cancel chute 40 (the surface constituting the medal passage) includes a first inclined surface 411, a second inclined surface 412, and a third inclined surface 413.

[0053] The first inclined surface 411 is a surface that inclines downward toward the right in the left-right direction (a surface that slopes downward to the right). The first inclined surface 411 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal that has entered through the first opening 401, and when the medal comes into contact with the first inclined surface 411, the first inclined surface 411 guides the medal to the lower right (to the second inclined surface 412).

[0054] The third inclined surface 413 is a surface that inclines downward in the left-right direction toward the left (a surface that slopes downward to the left). The third inclined surface 413 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with a medal that has entered through the third opening 403, and when the medal comes into contact with the third inclined surface 413, the third inclined surface 413 guides the medal to the lower left (the second inclined surface 412).

[0055] The second inclined surface 412 is provided below the first inclined surface 411 and the third inclined surface 413. The second inclined surface 412 is inclined downward in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined surface 412 is made up of two inclined surfaces with different gradients (inclination), and the inclined surface on the front side has a greater gradient (inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) than the inclined surface on the rear side.

[0056] The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to come into contact with a medal falling from above, and guides the medal that comes into contact with it to the front side (i.e., the second opening 402). The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to continue to the second opening 402, and the medal that reaches the second opening 402 by descending the inclined surface is discharged from the second opening 402 to the outside (i.e., the receiving tray 38).

[0057] Here, the medal passage from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 (connecting the first opening 401 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the first passage F1, and the medal passage from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 (connecting the third opening 403 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the second passage F2.

[0058] The first passage F1 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal advances (traveling direction). It can also be said that the first passage F1 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the first passage F1 is crank-shaped. The second passage F2 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal moves (traveling direction). It can also be said that the second passage F2 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the second passage F2 is crank-shaped.

[0059] The first passage F1 leading from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from the rear to the front, turns at a bend (first bend) to proceed to the right side (lower right side), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front side (lower front side), as shown by the arrow F1. A medal launched from the rear to the front through the first opening 401 may collide with the flat front surface inside the passage (the surface marked with the symbol P in FIG. 12). A metal plate (buffer member) may be arranged on the front surface with which the medal collides in order to cushion the impact of the medal collision. In other words, a part (of the inner surface) of the medal passage may be formed from a metal plate. By arranging the metal plate, it is possible to prevent the inner surface of the passage from being deformed or damaged by the medal collision. The metal plate may be, for example, a stainless steel plate with a thickness of about 0.4 mm. Note that rubber (elastic body) may be used as the buffer member instead of a metal plate. In the above, it has been described that a medal shot forward from the rear collides with a flat front surface in the passage, but this is not limiting, and the medal may collide with a curved front surface in the passage. In other words, the front surface may be curved. A curved surface may be, for example, a shape that is concave (recessed) toward the front. When the front surface against which the medal collides is curved, the impact of the medal collision is mitigated compared to when it is flat. This allows the medal to be guided more smoothly to the receiving tray 38.

[0060] The second passage F2 leading from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from top to bottom, turns at a bend (third bend) to proceed to the left (lower left), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front (lower front), as shown by the arrow F2.

[0061] Moreover, a passage from the third opening 403 to the first opening 401 is referred to as a third passage F3. Although not shown in the drawings, the third passage F3 has at least one bent portion, similar to the first passage F1 and the second passage F2.

[0062] If the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 were not shaped to change the direction in which the medals move, but were straight (without any curved sections), it would be easy for a player to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like to commit fraud (pranks). In this embodiment, as described above, the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 are shaped to change the direction in which the medals move (because they have curved sections), making it difficult for a player to insert a tool (member) or the like. This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance. Note that being able to improve fraud prevention performance includes reducing the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of a tool or the like.

[0063] Here, as shown in Fig. 9, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 is defined as a first virtual line X. In this embodiment, it is possible to draw (draw) the first virtual line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (first passage F1). In other words, the first virtual line X is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can be connected by a line (first virtual line X) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. According to this configuration, the medal passage (first passage F1) has a shape that makes it possible to draw the first imaginary straight line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (a shape that has a linearly communicating space), so medals can pass through (be paid out) smoothly. Also, compared to a medal passage (first passage) with a complicated shape that makes it impossible to draw the first imaginary straight line X, this simple shape prevents it from interfering with the installation of other components.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 10, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 is defined as a third virtual line Z. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the third virtual line Z without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (third passage F3). In other words, the third virtual line Z is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (third virtual line Z) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the third virtual line Z contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (third passage F3) is shaped in such a way that the third virtual straight line Z cannot be drawn, so that it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like through the third opening 403 to access the first opening 401 (medal payout section 111). This can improve fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the shape of the cancel chute 40 does not allow the third virtual straight line Z to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of medals that enter the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 and flow down toward the first opening 401 can be prevented.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 11, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 is defined as a second virtual line Y. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the second virtual line Y without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (second passage F2). In other words, the second virtual line Y is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (second virtual line Y) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the second virtual line Y contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (second passage F2) is shaped in such a way that the second virtual straight line Y cannot be drawn, so it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like from the second opening 402 to access the third opening 403 (medal selector 90). This improves fraud prevention capabilities.

[0066] In this embodiment, medals pass through the first passage F1 more frequently than through the second passage F2. The first passage F1 has a shape that allows the drawing of the first imaginary straight line X while strengthening fraud prevention measures, taking into account the high frequency of medals passing through it, and realizes the smooth passage of medals. On the other hand, the second passage F2 has a shape that makes it impossible to draw the second imaginary straight line Y, while strengthening fraud prevention measures since medals pass through it less frequently.

[0067] 12, the end on the front side (near side) of the first imaginary straight line X is defined as one end X1 (one end portion). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn such that the one end X1 does not come into contact with the front edge portion (front wall portion 382a) of the tray 38, but comes into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38, without coming into contact with the front wall portion 382a of the tray 38. According to such a configuration, one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a, so that a medal that passes through the medal passage contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the medal from climbing over the front wall 382a and spilling out of the tray 38. In addition, when the one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 (when X1 is temporarily positioned further back) than when it contacts the front wall 382a, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like into the first passage from the front side because the bottom 381 becomes an obstacle. This can improve the fraud prevention performance.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 13, the rear end (deeper side) of the first imaginary straight line X is the other end X2 (other end). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn so that the other end X2 comes into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 (Fig. 5) without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. With this configuration, the other end X2 contacts the peripheral wall 112 instead of the medal payout section 111, so even if an implement (rod-shaped member) or the like is inserted into the first passage F1, it is difficult for the tip of the implement to contact (access) the medal payout section 111 (or to be inserted into) the medal payout section 111. This can further improve fraud prevention capabilities.

[0069] (Component G) Here, a rod-shaped member having a predetermined diameter (for example, about 5 mm) and a predetermined length is defined as member G. The predetermined length is, for example, a length longer than the linear distance from third opening 403 to second opening 402.

[0070] When the front door 20 is open and a component G is inserted into the first opening 401 from the rear side, the component G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the component G coming out of the second opening 402 comes into contact with the bottom 381 of the receiving tray 38. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if a member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the member G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the member G protruding from the first opening 401 comes into contact with the peripheral wall 112 of the medal payout device 11. In reality, however, it is difficult to insert the member G into the first passage F1 from the front side, since the presence of the receiving tray 38 acts as an obstacle.

[0071] Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and the member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the second opening 402. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if the member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the tip of the member G cannot be ejected from the third opening 403. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and a member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the first opening 401. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the third passage F3.

[0072] In this embodiment, when the front door 20 is open and the second opening 402 (tray side opening) is viewed (looked into) from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), the bottom 381 of the tray 38 is visible, and the front wall 382a of the tray 38 is visible, but the upper end of the front wall 382a is not visible. Also, when the front door 20 is open and the second opening 402 (tray side opening) is viewed from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), the bottom 381 of the tray 38 is visible, but the front wall 382a may not be visible. This allows smooth passage of the game value. As a modified example, when the front door 20 is open and an attempt is made to view the second opening 402 (receiving tray side opening) from the first opening 401 (hopper side opening), neither the bottom 381 nor the front wall 382a of the receiving tray 38 may be visible.

[0073] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a cabinet (e.g., cabinet 1) and a front door (e.g., front door 20), The housing includes a hopper (e.g., a hopper unit 11), The front door is provided with a receiving tray (e.g., a receiving tray 38) and a guide passage (e.g., a cancel chute 40), The hopper includes a launch port portion (e.g., a medal payout portion 111) from which the game value is launched, and a peripheral wall portion (e.g., a peripheral wall portion 112) of the launch port portion, The tray includes a bottom (e.g., bottom 381) and a front wall (e.g., front wall 382a) provided on the front side of the bottom. The guide passage includes a hopper side opening (e.g., a first opening 401) and a tray side opening (e.g., a second opening 402), If the passage from the hopper side opening to the tray side opening is a first passage (for example, a first passage F1), The first passage is capable of guiding the game value shot from the shot port to the tray, The first passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the hopper side opening and the tray side opening is a first virtual line (for example, a first virtual line X), The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. According to this configuration, the first passage is shaped to change the direction in which the game value advances, making it difficult for players to insert tools or the like. This improves the performance of fraud prevention. In other words, it reduces the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of tools or the like. In addition, the first passage is capable of drawing the first virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. This allows for smooth passage of the game value. In addition, the first passage has a simple shape compared to a case where the first passage is so complex that the first virtual straight line cannot be drawn. This prevents the first passage from interfering with the installation of other components.

[0074] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be depicted so that one end (for example, one end X1) contacts the bottom portion and the other end (for example, the other end X2) contacts the peripheral wall portion. According to this configuration, the gaming value that passes through the guide passage comes into contact with the bottom portion, not the front wall portion. This more reliably prevents the gaming value from climbing over the front wall portion and spilling out of the tray. In addition, because the bottom portion acts as an obstacle, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool or the like into the first passage from the front side. This further improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, even if an instrument or the like is inserted into the first passage, the tip of the instrument will contact the surrounding wall, not the launch port. This makes it difficult for the tip to contact the launch port (to access the launch port) (to be inserted into the launch port). This further improves the fraud prevention performance.

[0075] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has The front door further includes a selector (e.g., a medal selector 90), The guide passage further includes a selector side opening (e.g., a third opening 403), If the passage from the selector side opening to the tray side opening is a second passage (for example, a second passage F2), the second passage is capable of guiding the game value sent from the selector to the receiving tray; The second passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the tray side opening and the selector side opening is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y), The second imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. With this configuration, the second passage cannot draw the second virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. This makes it difficult to insert an implement or the like through the tray-side opening to access the selector-side opening (selector). This improves fraud prevention performance.

[0076] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, A passage from the selector side opening to the hopper side opening is a third passage (for example, a third passage F3), If a virtual line passing through the selector side opening and the hopper side opening is a third virtual line (for example, a third virtual line Z), The third imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. With this configuration, the third passage cannot draw the third virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to insert a tool or the like through the selector side opening to access the hopper side opening (launch port). This improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the third passage has a shape that does not allow the third virtual straight line to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of the game value that enters the guide passage from the selector side opening and flows down toward the hopper side opening can be prevented.

[0077] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or each component may be omitted.

[0078] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 100. FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.

[0079] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).

[0080] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected to the hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.

[0081] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) as a presentation device is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0082] A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 15) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a pay line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 15a, the middle section of the second reel 15b, and the middle section of the third reel 15c.

[0083] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained by the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0084] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.

[0085] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.

[0086] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation unit) that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.

[0087] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.

[0088] In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there are provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. On the rear side of this lower panel 39, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 15, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and the like. Each reel is fixed to the output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.

[0090] Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.

[0091] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.

[0092] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the slot machine 100 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The slot machine 100 is also capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.

[0093] In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.

[0094] Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, and the stop button 33, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.

[0095] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0096] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.

[0097] As shown in Fig. 15, the power supply unit 10 is provided at the lower left rear side (side panel 5 side) inside the housing 1. The power supply unit 10 is formed in a rectangular box shape, and is longer in the depth direction (front-back direction) than in the width direction (left-right direction). Hereinafter, the top surface of the power supply unit 10 is referred to as the top surface 10a.

[0098] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the power supply unit 10. The power supply unit 10 includes a power supply board (not shown) on which a plurality of components are arranged, a power supply case 91 that covers the power supply board, a power switch (not shown) that can switch the power supply (power supply board) ON or OFF, a power switch cover 92 that covers the power switch and is provided so as to be openable and closable, a front panel 93, a connector 94, and the like. In this embodiment, a first connector 94a and a second connector 94b are provided as the connector 94. The power supply unit 10 that includes the power supply board can be called a board unit. A power cable (not shown) is connected to the power supply unit 10, and the power cable is connected to an outlet that supplies a commercial power supply (AC 100V). The power supply board creates a DC power supply (for example, 5V, 12V, 24V, etc.) from the power sent from the outside of the gaming machine via the power cable, and supplies power to each component of the gaming machine.

[0099] In this embodiment, the power supply case 91 is made of metal. A plurality of heat dissipation outlets 95 (heat dissipation holes) are provided at predetermined intervals on the top surface 10a of the power supply case 91. In this embodiment, the heat dissipation outlets 95 are elongated holes (slots) that are long in the front-rear direction. The shape of the heat dissipation outlets 95 may be substantially rectangular or substantially elliptical. Furthermore, the heat dissipation outlets 95 may be openings that are long in the left-right direction instead of openings that are long in the front-rear direction.

[0100] The heat dissipation ports 95 are provided to release heat generated inside the power supply unit 10 (to achieve a heat dissipation effect). Therefore, the more heat dissipation ports 95 are provided, the higher the heat dissipation effect can be. Also, the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved by providing the heat dissipation ports 95 on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 rather than on the side surfaces of the power supply unit 10.

[0101] Further, an opening is provided on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 for exposing the connector 94, and the connector 94 is exposed from the opening. Although not shown in the figure, a mating connector is connected to the connector 94.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 15, a plate-shaped reel support part 13 (center base, middle plate, sheet metal member) is provided in approximately the center in the up-down direction inside the housing 1. The reel support part 13 is fixed to the inner surface of the housing 1 (the inner surface of the side plate) by screwing or the like. The reel unit 14 is disposed (placed) on the reel support part 13. In other words, the reel support part 13 supports the reel unit 14. The reel support part 13 is formed of, for example, a metal.

[0103] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the reel support part 13 (support part). At least a portion of the reel support part 13 is hollowed out (removed). In other words, the reel support part 13 has at least one hollowed out part penetrating in the up-down direction. The hollowed out part may be a hole (through hole) or a notch. By providing the hollowed out part while ensuring rigidity, it is possible to reduce the weight and cost of the reel support part 13.

[0104] In this embodiment, at least one cutout is provided above (the top surface 10a of) the power supply unit 10. In other words, the power supply unit 10 (top surface 10a) is disposed below a predetermined cutout in the reel support portion 13. If the range of the reel support portion 13 that faces the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 is defined as a specific range, then at least one cutout is provided in the specific range.

[0105] The dashed lines in Fig. 17 indicate that top surface 10a has been moved upward by a predetermined distance, and in this embodiment, four cutouts, cutout portion 131, cutout portion 132, cutout portion 133, and cutout portion 134, are provided above (top surface 10a of) power supply unit 10. Cutout portion 131 and cutout portion 132 are rectangular cutouts. Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are circular through holes.

[0106] Hollowed out portion 133 and hollowed out portion 134 are hollowed out portions that do not have an insertion member, whereas hollowed out portion 131 and hollowed out portion 132 are hollowed out portions that have an insertion member. A specific description will be given below. Figure 18(b) is a cross-sectional view showing a state cut along line CC in Figure 18(a).

[0107] (Cutout part 131) The cutout portion 131 is formed on the left end side of the reel support portion 13. As shown in FIG. 15, a handle 200 is provided on the side (both side) of the housing 1. In this embodiment, the handle 200 and the reel support portion 13 are provided at approximately the same height in the vertical direction (height direction) (see FIG. 18(a)). As shown in FIG. 18(b), the handle 200 bulges out toward the inside of the housing 1 by a predetermined length, and this portion is accommodated in the cutout portion 131. In other words, the handle 200 as an insertion member is inserted (in the vertical direction) into the cutout portion 131. The cutout portion 131 is blocked by an insertion member (shielding member) (another member is interposed). The cutout portion 131 is provided to avoid interference between the reel support portion 13 and the handle 200. In this embodiment, the insertion member refers to a member that is passed through a hole (notch).

[0108] (Cutout part 132) The cutout portion 132 is formed on the left side (corner) of the rear end of the reel support portion 13. Although not shown (simplified), a harness (harness group) serving as an insertion member is inserted (in the vertical direction) into the cutout portion 132. The cutout portion 132 is blocked by an insertion member (shielding member) (another member is present). The provision of the cutout portion 132 makes it possible to guide the harness extending from the power supply unit 10 upward. The harness may be connected to the reel unit 14 or to a main control board.

[0109] (Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134) No member is inserted through cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134. In other words, cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are not blocked by an insertion member (shielding member). Cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 are not holes provided for inserting a member through.

[0110] Hereinafter, cutout portion 133 and cutout portion 134 that do not have an insertion member are referred to as first cutout portion 135 (through cutout portion), and cutout portion 131 and cutout portion 132 that have an insertion member are referred to as second cutout portion 136 (non-through cutout portion). Note that the number of cutout portions constituting first cutout portion 135 and second cutout portion 136 is not limited to this.

[0111] For example, when installing the cabinet 1 in an island facility of an amusement park, there is a possibility that screws, iron powder, etc. may fall downward inside the cabinet 1. If the heat dissipation port 95 of the power supply unit 10 is provided below (vertically below) the cutout portion of the reel support portion 13, foreign matter (falling objects) such as screws and iron powder may pass through the cutout portion and further through the heat dissipation port 95 and enter the inside of the power supply unit 10, causing damage to the power supply unit 10.

[0112] FIG. 19 is a diagram (viewed from above) for explaining the positional relationship between the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 and the reel support portion 13, with the reel support portion 13 being seen through. In this embodiment, (1) the heat dissipation port 95 is not provided below the first cutout portion 135. In other words, when viewed from above (vertical direction), the cutout portion not having an insertion member and the heat dissipation port 95 are provided at positions where they do not overlap. Therefore, even if a foreign object falls from above and passes through the first cutout portion 135, the foreign object will not further pass through the heat dissipation port 95. (2) On the other hand, the heat dissipation port 95 is provided below the second cutout portion 136. In other words, when viewed from above (vertical direction), the cutout portion having the insertion member and the heat dissipation port 95 are provided at positions where they overlap. Even if a foreign object falls from above, the insertion member is present in the second cutout portion 136, so that the possibility of the foreign object passing through the cutout portion is low. Therefore, by providing the heat dissipation port 95 below the second cutout portion 136 having the insertion member, the heat dissipation efficiency of the power supply unit 10 can be improved.

[0113] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from above, the first cutout portion and the heat dissipation port are provided at positions where they do not overlap.

[0114] Even if a foreign object such as a screw or iron powder falls from above, the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the first cutout portion where no insertion member is present and then through the heat dissipation port and entering the inside of the board unit, thereby suppressing damage to the board unit (components).

[0115] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The cutout portion has a second cutout portion (e.g., second cutout portion 136) through which a member to be inserted is present, The heat dissipation port is provided below the second cutout portion.

[0116] The second cutout portion is difficult for foreign objects to pass through due to the presence of the insertion member. Therefore, by providing a heat dissipation port below the second cutout portion, the number of heat dissipation ports can be increased and the heat dissipation efficiency can be improved. This makes it possible to prevent damage to components (electronic components, etc.) caused by the inside of the board unit becoming too hot.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 19, the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10 has a first area A and a second area B in the up-down direction, which overlap with the cutouts of the reel support portion 13. The first area A is an area that overlaps (faces) the first cutout portion 135. The second area B is an area that overlaps (faces) the second cutout portion 136. No member (insertion member, foreign object intrusion prevention member, shielding member) for preventing the intrusion of foreign objects (dust) is provided above the first area A, but a foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the second area B. Examples of the foreign object intrusion prevention member include a handle 200, a harness, and other members. The first area A does not have a heat dissipation port 95. On the other hand, the second area B has a heat dissipation port 95.

[0118] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member to be inserted is present, and a second cutout portion (e.g., second cutout portion 136) through which a member to be inserted is present, The top surface has a first area (e.g., first area A) facing the first cutout portion and a second area (e.g., second area B) facing the second cutout portion, No foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the first range, but a foreign object intrusion prevention member is provided above the second range, The first area is not provided with the heat dissipation opening, but the second area is provided with the heat dissipation opening. By providing a heat dissipation port in the second range where the foreign object intrusion prevention member is present above and where the possibility of foreign objects falling is low, the heat dissipation efficiency of the board unit can be improved.

[0119] 20, a through hole 3a (hole 3a) penetrating in the front-rear direction is provided in the back plate 3 of the housing 1. This through hole 3a is provided above the reel support portion 13. The through hole 3a may be a hole for dissipating heat, or may be a hole for inserting a cable (power cable).

[0120] 20, a line (a line perpendicular to the bottom surface) passing through first cutout portion 135 and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a first imaginary line X. A line passing through heat dissipation outlet 95 and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a second imaginary line Y. When viewed from the front, through hole 3a is located (exists) on first imaginary line X. On the other hand, when viewed from the front, through hole 3a is not located (exists) on second imaginary line Y. Through hole 3a and heat dissipation outlet 95 are provided at positions offset from each other in the depth direction (front-to-back direction on the paper), and are also provided at positions offset from each other in the left-right direction.

[0121] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, A straight line passing through the first cutout portion and drawn in the vertical direction is defined as a first virtual straight line (for example, a first virtual straight line X); If a line passing through the heat dissipation port and drawn in the vertical direction is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y), When the housing is viewed from the front, the hole is located on the first imaginary straight line but is not located on the second imaginary straight line. If a foreign object enters the housing through the hole on the rear side and falls straight down (in a straight line), there is a possibility that the foreign object will pass through the first cutout. Therefore, by shifting the position of the hole and the heat dissipation port (left-right position), it is possible to prevent foreign objects from outside the housing from passing through the first cutout and entering the heat dissipation port. This can further prevent damage to the board unit.

[0122] (Variation 1) When viewed from above, the first cutout portion 135 and a part of the heat dissipation port 95 may be provided at a position where they overlap. In this case, it is preferable that at least the part of the heat dissipation port 95 is configured as follows. As shown in FIG. 21, the heat dissipation port 95 includes a foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 is formed, for example, in a roof shape (dome shape, lid shape) and is capable of covering the upper part (upper side) of the opening while allowing air to pass to the outside (rear side). The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 has a function of preventing the intrusion of foreign objects that have fallen from above. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96 may be formed in an L-shaped cross section. The foreign object intrusion prevention portion 91 may be provided integrally with the top surface 10a, or may be provided as a separate body (detachable).

[0123] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from above, the first cutout portion and a part of the heat dissipation port are provided at a position where they overlap, and the heat dissipation port is provided with a shape (for example, a foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96) that covers the upper side of the opening.

[0124] (Variation 2) In FIG. 20, the heat dissipation port 95, the first cutout portion 135, and the hole 3a are arranged in the order of increasing height from bottom to top. In this case, the heat dissipation port 95, the first cutout portion 135, and the hole 3a may be arranged to be disposed on the second imaginary straight line Y when viewed from the front (i.e., may be arranged to be positioned on a straight line). In this case, it is preferable that the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 is provided between the heat dissipation port 95 and the first cutout portion 135. In other words, it is preferable that the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 is interposed (present) between the heat dissipation port 95 and the first cutout portion 135. The foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 may be any member that covers the upper side of the opening of the heat dissipation port 95, and may be, for example, a plate-shaped cover member or the like.

[0125] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the first cutout portion, and the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and a member (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening of the heat dissipation outlet is provided between the heat dissipation outlet and the first cutout portion. Even if a foreign object enters the housing through the hole on the rear surface and falls straight down (in a straight line) and passes through the first cutout, the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the heat dissipation port, thereby preventing damage to the board unit.

[0126] Note that the above-mentioned foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 may be provided instead of the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150. "A member covering the opening of the heat dissipation port 95 is provided above the opening" may refer to the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 or the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150. In other words, the gaming machine of this modified example is, A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided above the support portion, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the first cutout portion, and the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and a member (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96, foreign object intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening of the heat dissipation outlet is provided above the opening.

[0127] (Variation 3) In the second modification, the hole 3a is provided above the reel support portion 13 (first cutout portion 135), but in this modification, the hole 3a is provided below the reel support portion 13 (first cutout portion 135). Below the reel support portion 13 means that at least a portion (lower end) of the hole 3a is located below the reel support portion 13. The hole 3a is provided above the top surface 10a (heat vent 95) of the power supply unit 10. The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The hole is provided below the support portion, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation ports 95) are provided on the top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit, The support portion has at least one recessed portion, The cutout portion includes a first cutout portion (e.g., first cutout portion 135) through which no member is inserted, When viewed from the front, the heat dissipation outlet, the hole, and the first cutout portion are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, and the heat dissipation outlet is provided with a shape (e.g., foreign object intrusion prevention portion 96) that covers the upper side of the opening. Even if a foreign object enters the inside of the housing through the hole on the rear side and falls straight down (in a straight line), the foreign object can be prevented from passing through the heat dissipation port, thereby preventing damage to the board unit.

[0128] (Variation 4) Figure 22 is a diagram (viewed from above) for explaining the positional relationship between the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, the reel support portion 13, and the hole 3a formed in the back panel 3 of the housing 1, and is a perspective view of the reel support portion 13. On the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, an area facing the reel support portion 13 is defined as a first area L, and an area not facing the reel support portion 13 is defined as a second area M. In other words, on the top surface 10a of the power supply unit 10, there are the first area L overlapping with the reel support portion 13 and the second area M not overlapping with the reel support portion 13 when viewed from above. The second area M is closer to the hole 3a than the first area L. The first area L is provided with a plurality of heat dissipation ports 95, but the second area M is not provided with a heat dissipation port 95.

[0129] Also, when viewed from the front, the power supply unit 10 and at least a part of the hole 3a are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction. In this modification, as in the third modification, the height (vertical position) of the hole 3a is lower than the reel support part 13, but the hole 3a may be at the same (or approximately the same) height as the reel support part 13, or may be provided above the reel support part 13. The above-mentioned foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 is provided in the heat dissipation port 95 provided in the first region L. Note that a foreign object intrusion prevention member 150 may be provided instead of the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96. The phrase "a member covering the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port 95" may refer to the foreign object intrusion prevention part 96 or the foreign object intrusion prevention member 150.

[0130] The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows: A housing (e.g., housing 1), A board unit (e.g., a power supply unit 10), a reel unit (e.g., reel unit 14); a support portion (e.g., a reel support portion 13) that supports the reel unit, The housing has a hole (e.g., hole 3a) on the back surface, The support portion is provided above the substrate unit, When viewed from the front, the board unit and at least a part of the hole are located on an imaginary straight line drawn in the vertical direction, a top surface (e.g., top surface 10a) of the substrate unit has a first region (e.g., first region L) that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above, and a second region (e.g., second region M) that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above, The second region has a smaller distance to the hole than the first region, A plurality of heat dissipation ports (e.g., heat dissipation port 95) are provided in the first region, but no heat dissipation port is provided in the second region, A member (for example, foreign matter intrusion prevention portion 96, foreign matter intrusion prevention member 150) that covers the opening is provided above the opening of the heat dissipation port in the first region.

[0131] The top surface of the board unit does not have a heat dissipation port in a second region that does not overlap with the support portion when viewed from above and is relatively close to the hole in the rear of the housing. On the other hand, a heat dissipation port is provided in a first region that overlaps with the support portion when viewed from above and is relatively far from the hole in the rear of the housing. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent foreign matter that has entered through the hole in the rear of the housing from entering the inside of the board unit through the heat dissipation port, while providing the heat dissipation port in a location where the possibility of foreign matter entering is low, thereby achieving the heat dissipation performance of the board unit. In addition, by providing a member covering the opening above the opening of the heat dissipation port, the possibility of foreign matter entering the inside of the board unit can be further reduced.

[0132] In this embodiment, the power supply unit 10 is a board unit, but the board unit is not limited to the power supply unit 10 and may be, for example, a relay board unit or the like.

[0133] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 23, a slot machine (game machine) 10 according to this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 11 with an opening on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door (front door) 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals (game value), and the like. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11.

[0135] The upper door 12a is provided with devices for effects such as a liquid crystal display (display means) 13 and a speaker (sound output means) 14, and a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (moving images, still images) for various effects. The speaker 14 outputs sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for various effects. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14, lighting devices such as lamps (LEDs), movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as devices for effects. Also, although the liquid crystal display 13 is provided in FIG. 1, the liquid crystal display 13 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0136] A reel unit is arranged behind the display window 16 so that a part of it can be seen from outside the display window 16. The outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 regions) at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame. In other words, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c. When each of the reels 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. The display window 16 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually seeing the symbols of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c. In this embodiment, an active line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 20a, the middle section of the second reel 20b, and the middle section of the third reel 20c.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 24, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: cherry symbol "CH", watermelon symbol A "WMA", watermelon symbol B "WMB", bell symbol "BL", replay symbol "RP", white 7 symbol "white 7", red 7 symbol "red 7", black BAR symbol "black BAR", special symbol A "SPA" and special symbol B "SPB". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are associated with each of the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c. Hereinafter, the watermelon symbol A "WMA" and the watermelon symbol B "WMB" may be collectively referred to as the watermelon symbol "WM", and the watermelon symbol "WM" may refer to both the watermelon symbol A "WMA" and the watermelon symbol B "WMB", or may refer to either one of them.

[0138] In this embodiment, the number of medals (prescribed number) required for one game is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. In the slot machine 10, when the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning roles will be won or not (not won). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role won in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning role will be a prize, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning role that has been won is executed. That is, whether or not the winning role has been won is displayed according to the symbol combination displayed through the display window 16 when the reels 20a to 20c stop. The active line can be said to be a line for determining whether or not the winning role has been won.

[0139] A game information display unit 17 is provided below the display window 16. The game information display unit 17 is made up of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, error information, etc. Also, a favorable zone indicator 18 is provided below the display window 16, and the favorable zone indicator 18 may have an LED, and may be configured to notify whether or not the player is in the favorable zone by turning this LED on and off.

[0140] The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 operated when betting (inserting) credited medals (game medals, game value), a start lever (game start operation means) 24 operated when starting a game, a stop button (stop operation means) 26 (26a, 26b, 26c) for stopping the spinning reels, a payout outlet 27 from which medals are paid out by a hopper device, and a receiving tray 28 for receiving medals paid out from the payout outlet 27. In addition, at the back of the medal insertion port 22, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 25) is provided for detecting the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22. In addition, the bet buttons 23 may be provided as a MAX bet button (first bet button) that is operated when betting three game values ​​(prescribed number), and a 1 bet button (second bet button) that is operated when betting one game value.

[0141] Also, the lower door 12b may be provided with an effect button (effect operation means) 25. The effect button 25 is operated when proceeding with the effect (changing the aspect of the effect), etc. The effect button 25 is formed to be operable by pressing, and when pressed, for example, the aspect of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 changes. By providing the effect button 25 and enabling its operation at a predetermined opportunity, it is possible to increase the player's awareness of participating in the game and improve the interest of the game. For example, the effect button 25 becomes in an effective state during the execution of an effect that gives the player hope of transitioning to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. Then, when the effect button 25 is operated, the result of the game (for example, whether or not the game will transition to an advantageous state) is notified. Note that the effect button 25 is not limited to a button-shaped button, and may be a lever-shaped button, etc., as long as it is configured to be capable of detecting the operation of the player.

[0142] In the slot machine 10, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated to bet a specified number of medals (set to an inserted state), the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled. That is, the state becomes one in which a game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 24 is operated, a game starts. When a game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the rotation of each of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop buttons 26a to 26c stops. When the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, a process of paying out (granting) a predetermined number of medals according to the result of the game, a process of making it possible to start a game again without consuming new medals (replay process), and the like are performed, and one game (one game) ends.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 25, the slot machine 10 is provided with a main control board (main control means) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control means) 32 inside. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26a-26c, and the medal sensor 29, performs various calculations for executing a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and the hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31 and input signals from input means such as the performance button 25, performs various calculations for executing a performance, and controls devices for performance such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

[0144] In addition, the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are electrically connected, and various information (signals), such as information indicating the game status, can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31. In addition, the functions of each board, such as the main control board 31 and the sub control board 32, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or by software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0145] The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a performance main control means 52, and a storage means 60 (main storage means). The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM. The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-performance control means 70 and a sub-side storage means (sub-memory) 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

[0146] The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-performance control means 70 based on the game state, the performance state, and the like. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, the information on the performance state, or the information on whether or not to perform the instruction performance transmitted from the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the performance control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the performance control means 100.

[0147] The insertion reception means 40 accepts insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion reception means 40 sets the inserted medals to an insertion state (betting state) up to a specified number. In addition, when the bet button 23 is pressed in a state in which medals are credited, the insertion reception means 40 sets the credited medals to an insertion state up to a specified number. In this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24 that is valid based on the insertion of a specified number of medals is accepted as a game start operation, and the operation triggers the start of rotation of the reels 20a to 20c, and a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

[0148] The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to an inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (for example, 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

[0149] The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range), for example. In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[0150] The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (that is, the start of a game). In the internal lottery table, various winning combinations including small combinations, replays, and bonuses and losing combinations (non-winning combinations) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In this embodiment, as described later, the game status can be set to a normal state, an RBB internal state, and an RBB operating state, and six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting value, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game status and the setting value to perform an internal lottery. A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win (activation) that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

[0151] In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value becomes a winning role. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 26, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. In addition, the winning areas include winning areas that include one or more winning roles (are associated with winning roles), and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (are associated with losses). In addition, the combinations of winning roles included in each winning area are different. All winning roles that belong to the winning areas that are associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 become winning roles as a result of the internal lottery. Hereinafter, when a role that belongs to a winning area wins in the internal lottery, this will also be referred to as "the winning area wins". In addition, when no role wins, this will also be referred to as "the winning area 'non-winning' wins".

[0152] As shown in FIG. 26, in this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 39 are prepared as small prizes. In addition, "bell ALL", "3 coins ALL", "1 coin ALL", "watermelon", "cherry A", "cherry B", "batting order bell A3" to "batting order bell A6", "batting order bell B3" to "batting order bell B6", "batting order bell C3" to "batting order bell C6", "batting order bell D3" to "batting order bell D6", "batting order bell E3" to "batting order bell E6", "batting order bell F3" to "batting order bell F6", "batting order bell G3" to "batting order bell G6", "batting order bell H3" to "batting order bell H6", "batting order 3 coins", "common 3 coins", "reach eyes" and "cherry C" are prepared as winning areas including small prizes. In addition, small prizes 1 to 10 are 8 coins that pay out 8 medals when they win (FIG. 28). In addition, small prize 11 is 4 coins that pay out 4 medals when they win (FIG. 28). In addition, small prizes 12 to 16 are 3-coin prizes that pay out 3 medals when they win (Figure 28). In addition, small prizes 17 to 39 are 1-coin prizes that pay out 1 medal when they win (Figures 28 and 29).

[0153] In the following, the winning areas "batting order bell A3" to "batting order bell A6", "batting order bell B3" to "batting order bell B6", "batting order bell C3" to "batting order bell C6", "batting order bell D3" to "batting order bell D6", "batting order bell E3" to "batting order bell E6", "batting order bell F3" to "batting order bell F6", "batting order bell G3" to "batting order bell G6" and "batting order bell H3" to "batting order bell H6" may be collectively referred to as "batting order bells". In addition, the batting order bell may include the winning area "batting order 3 cards". In addition, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell A3" to "Batting Order Bell A6" are called Batting Order Bell A, "Batting Order Bell B3" to "Batting Order Bell B6" are called Batting Order Bell B, "Batting Order Bell C3" to "Batting Order Bell C6" are called Batting Order Bell C, "Batting Order Bell D3" to "Batting Order Bell D6" are called Batting Order Bell D, "Batting Order Bell E3" to "Batting Order Bell E6" are called Batting Order Bell E, "Batting Order Bell F3" to "Batting Order Bell F6" are called Batting Order Bell F, "Batting Order Bell G3" to "Batting Order Bell G6" are called Batting Order Bell G, and "Batting Order Bell H3" to "Batting Order Bell H6" are called Batting Order Bell H.

[0154] The winning area "Bell ALL" is a winning area where all small roles (small role 1 to small role 39) are overlapping and winning. The winning area "3-piece ALL" is a winning area where small roles 12 to 39 are overlapping and winning. The winning area "1-piece ALL" is a winning area where small roles 17 to 39 are overlapping and winning. The winning area "Watermelon" is a winning area where small role 11 is won alone. The winning area "Cherry A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles and multiple types of 1-piece roles are overlapping and winning. The winning area "Cherry B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles and multiple types of 1-piece roles are overlapping and winning. The winning area "Bell in Batting Order" is a winning area where one type of 8-piece roles and multiple types of 1-piece roles are overlapping and winning. The winning area "3-piece in Batting Order" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles and multiple types of 1-piece roles are overlapping and winning. In addition, the "Common 3" winning area is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles overlap, and the "Reach Eye" winning area is a winning area where multiple types of 8-piece roles overlap.

[0155] In this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 3. As winning areas including replays, "Replay A", "Replay B" and "Replay C" are provided.

[0156] The winning areas "Replay A" and "Replay B" are areas where multiple types of replays can be won at the same time. The winning area "Replay C" is an area where only one type of replay can be won.

[0157] In this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special role) is prepared as a bonus. As a winning area associated with the bonus, a winning area "RBB" is prepared in which the big bonus is won alone, and the winning areas "3 in batting order", "3 in common", "reach" and "cherry C" are set to win the big bonus multiple times. In addition, when the game state is in the normal state, the winning areas "3 in batting order", "3 in common", "reach" and "cherry C" win the big bonus multiple times, whereas when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the big bonus is not won multiple times. In this embodiment, the bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device related to a so-called first-class special bonus, but other bonuses may be used. In addition, other bonuses may also be installed. In addition, the installed bonuses may be set to win independently, or may be set to win in combination with replays or small prizes.

[0158] In addition, a "no win" area is provided as a winning area associated with a losing win.

[0159] Each winning area is set to be winable or non-winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combination that can be won. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery objects. In Figure 26, whether each winning area can be won in each game state is indicated by a "◯" mark. That is, the winning areas "No Win", "Bell ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are won when the game state is in the RBB operating state, but are not won in the normal state or the RBB internal state. In addition, the winning areas "Watermelon", "Cherry A", "Cherry B", "Bell A3" to "Bell A6", "Bell B3" to "Bell B6", "Bell C3" to "Bell C6", "Bell D3" to "Bell D6", "Bell E3" to "Bell E6", "Bell F3" to "Bell F6", "Bell G3" to "Bell G6", "Bell H3" to "Bell H6", "Replay A" to "Replay C", "3 batting orders", "3 common cards", "Reach eyes" and "Cherry C" are won when the game state is in the normal state or in the RBB inside state, and are not won when the RBB is in operation. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game state is in the normal state, and is not won when the RBB is in the RBB inside state or in the RBB operation state.

[0160] In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small win is the same in the normal state and the RBB internal state. Also, in the RBB operating state, replays cannot be won. In other words, in the normal state and the RBB internal state, the probability of winning a replay is higher than in the RBB operating state.

[0161] The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination resulting from the internal lottery from a non-winning state (OFF state) to a winning state (ON state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

[0162] In addition, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A big bonus is a role to which a carry-over flag is associated. A small role and a replay are roles to which a non-carry-over flag is associated. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, the internal lottery means 42 carries out an internal lottery to determine whether or not a small role and a replay are won. That is, in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, when a small role or a replay is won, a winning flag corresponding to two or more roles, the winning flag of the big bonus already won and the winning flag of the small role or the replay won in the internal lottery, is set to a winning state.

[0163] In addition, the slot machine 10 is designed so that the probability of winning a combination varies depending on the difference in the setting value for the six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of a plurality of internal lottery tables selected according to the game state is changed to an internal lottery table group corresponding to each setting, and the internal lottery table group is changed to one with a different probability of winning a small combination, replay, or bonus depending on the setting.

[0164] The setting change means 47 controls to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, it is possible to switch from the setting change mode to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0165] Also, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 starts in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting value, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting value but it is not possible to play games. The main control means 31 may be provided with a setting confirmation means. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder in the game mode with the power turned on and the setting key is rotated clockwise by 90 degrees from the initial position, the setting confirmation means shifts the gaming machine (gaming machine 10) from the game mode to a setting confirmation mode (setting reference mode) and performs a process (setting notification process) of notifying the current setting value via the liquid crystal display 13, the game information display unit 17, etc. In the setting confirmation mode, an image (for example, the text "setting reference in progress") that notifies the user that the setting confirmation mode is in progress is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. In the setting confirmation mode, the first main display in the game information display unit 17 displays the currently set setting value. In the setting confirmation mode, the current setting value can be referred to (informed), but it is not possible to play the game. Also, in the setting confirmation mode, the setting value can be referred to, but it is not possible to change the setting value.

[0166] When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game section, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game section becomes a non-advantageous section, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous section presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72. In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

[0167] The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

[0168] That is, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c every time the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the first reel 20a stops spinning, when the stop button 26b is operated, the second reel 20b stops spinning, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the third reel 20c stops spinning. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

[0169] In the following, the order of the stop operations (operation order of the stop buttons 26a to 26c) is referred to as the "batting order", which is the order of all the stop buttons 26a to 26c. The first stop operation in the batting order is referred to as the "first stop operation", the second stop operation as the "second stop operation", and the third stop operation as the "third stop operation".

[0170] In the following description, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." ", the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a is designated as "batting order 4", the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b is designated as "batting order 5", and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a is designated as "batting order 6". In addition, "batting order 1" and "batting order 2" are collectively called "left push", "batting order 3" and "batting order 4" are collectively called "middle push", and "batting order 5" and "batting order 6" are collectively called "right push (reverse push)". In addition, "middle push" and "right push" are sometimes collectively called "irregular push".

[0171] In this embodiment, the reels corresponding to the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated. The reels can rotate up to 4 frames (4 symbols) from the time when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated until the reels 20a to 20c are stopped. The reel control means 43 controls the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c to which the stop operation is performed to stop so that the symbols corresponding to the roles set to the winning state are displayed on the winning lines when the symbols corresponding to the roles set to the winning state are located within a range of 0 frames to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) on the outer circumferential surface of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c to which the stop operation is performed. In other words, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c for which the stop operation has been performed so that any one of the symbols from the symbol located on the pay line at the time the stop operation was performed up to the symbol four symbols adjacent thereto is displayed on the pay line.

[0172] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, multiple types of patterns are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of reels 20a to 20c, and when a pattern that is within four frames from the press detection position (the position of the reel at the time the press of the stop button is detected) is drawn onto an active line, the patterns that are arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer peripheral surface of each reel can be displayed in any display position, regardless of the press detection position.

[0173] In addition, in the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination with a winning flag set to a winning state wins. Specifically, in a state where the winning flag of one winning combination is set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, in a state where the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay>minor combination>bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a lower priority.

[0174] In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control) or according to the number of medals paid out (number priority control). When executing the number priority control for determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority order of each candidate for the stop positions is determined so that the priority order of the stop positions (symbols) that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is higher. When executing the number priority control for determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order of each candidate for the stop positions is determined so that the priority order of the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the valid line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout) is higher. Note that, when determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payout are won multiple times, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

[0175] FIG. 27 shows the relationship between the manner of stopping operation and the winning combination when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state. As shown in FIG. 27, the batting order bell has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set. When each winning area of ​​the batting order bell is won in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order (correct operation mode), an 8-coin role (correct role) is won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order (incorrect operation mode), a 1-coin role (incorrect role) is won. In other words, when any of the batting order bells is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority (priority) of the candidate stop position that can win the 8-coin role is the highest, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority (priority) of the candidate stop position that can win the 1-coin role is the highest.

[0176] Each batting order bell has one correct batting order, and the other five are incorrect batting orders. Also, the correct batting orders for each of the batting order bells A to H are different from each other. Also, the correct batting orders for each of the batting order bells A to H are set to any of the batting orders 3 to 6, and the batting orders 1 and 2 are set to incorrect batting orders.

[0177] The contents in parentheses in FIG. 27 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stop operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1 / 2)" indicates that there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1 / 2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "1 piece (1 / 4)" indicates that there is a 1 / 4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 3 / 4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "3 pieces (3 / 4)" indicates that there is a 3 / 4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1 / 4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

[0178] When the batting order bell is operated in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role is awarded, and when it is operated in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role or no role is awarded.

[0179] The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a-20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a-20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a-20c is compared with the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped) of each winning combination, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. The correspondence relationship between the symbol combination displayed on the pay line and the winning combination in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 28 and FIG. 29. As shown in Figures 28 and 29, for example, if the bell pattern "BL" stops in the middle of the first reel 20a, the bell pattern "BL" stops in the middle of the second reel 20b, and the bell pattern "BL" stops in the middle of the third reel 20c, small win 1 will be won.

[0180] When a winning combination is won, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been won. Specifically, the winning process performs a payout process when a minor combination is won, a replay process (replay process) when a replay is won (activated), and a process for transitioning the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus is won (activated).

[0181] Here, the payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. Note that, when credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper device, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and medals are virtually paid out.

[0182] In this embodiment, eight medals are paid out when small prizes 1 to 10 are won, four medals are paid out when small prize 11 is won, three medals are paid out when small prizes 12 to 16 are won, and one medal is paid out when small prizes 17 to 39 are won.

[0183] Moreover, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the insertion state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the medals held by the player (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 in a state in which an effective line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process is set. Moreover, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

[0184] The game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state between a normal state, an RBB internal state (bonus established state), and an RBB operating state (bonus state), as shown in Fig. 30. A single condition may be set as a transition condition for the game state, or multiple conditions may be set. When multiple conditions are set, the game state may be transitioned based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or based on the establishment of multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0185] As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery object. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object. In the RBB operation state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object.

[0186] The game state is the general middle state in the initial state. In the general middle state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table in which all winning areas except the winning areas "No Win", "Bell ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as the lottery target. In addition, it is possible to transition from the general middle state to the RBB internal middle state. When a big bonus is won in the general middle state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB internal middle state.

[0187] The RBB internal state (first game state) is a game state to which the game state is transitioned when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Bell ALL", "3 Coins ALL", "1 Coin ALL" and "RBB" are set as lottery targets. In the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

[0188] The RBB operating state (second gaming state) is a gaming state to which the game state is shifted when a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus is displayed on an active line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win", "Bell ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB operating state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not the termination condition is established based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB operating state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB operating state and shifts the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the end condition of the RBB operating state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the end condition may be determined by the number of games played in the RBB operating state, the number of times a small win occurs, etc. Also, the end condition of the RBB operating state may be determined so that the state ends after one game.

[0189] As shown in FIG. 25, the instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists the winning of a specific role in an advantageous zone. Specifically, when a specific role is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation that assists the winning of this role. More specifically, when, for example, a batting order bell is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the correct batting order and assists the winning of an 8-piece role. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation. In addition, when the instruction function control means 51 performs the batting order navigation presentation, the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17 displays information indicating the correct batting order.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 31, the game zone control means 80 performs a game zone transition control process for transitioning the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of game zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 performs an advantageous zone transition lottery, and when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone to the advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is a game zone in which an upper limit (here, 4000 times) is set for the number of times that the game can be played. In addition, when the game zone is set to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction performance cannot be performed, and the instruction performance can be performed only when the game zone is set to an advantageous zone. When the number of times that the game zone has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 4000 times, the game zone control means 80 ends the advantageous zone and transitions the game zone to the non-advantageous zone.

[0191] In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not a transition to an advantageous zone is possible at a predetermined opportunity. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not a transition to an advantageous zone is possible based on the result of the internal lottery (winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

[0192] In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process of adding "1" to the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one game, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24, every time one game is played in the advantageous zone. The game zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value) "4000", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. That is, the upper limit value of the number of games played in the advantageous zone is set to 4000 times, and games exceeding 4000 times are not played continuously in the advantageous zone.

[0193] In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the stored value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adds this calculation result to the stored value of the difference number counter 64. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the stored value of the difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game area control means 80 determines that the condition for ending the advantageous area is met, and transitions the game area from the advantageous area to a non-advantageous area. In this embodiment, the stored value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so that it may fall below the initial value "0" at the time of transition to the favorable zone (at the start of the favorable zone). For example, if the stored value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and, as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3", and the calculation result of the difference number is added to the stored value of the difference number counter 64, which falls below the initial value "0". In this embodiment, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be acquired in the favorable zone, and the favorable zone ends (the condition for ending the favorable zone is met) when the increase in the number of medals from the reference at the time of transition to the favorable zone (at the start of the favorable zone) exceeds 2400 medals. In addition, when a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated.For the next game which is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the amount of medals inserted may be treated as having been inserted equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated.

[0194] Also, the advantageous zone indicator 18 may be turned off in a non-advantageous zone and turned on in an advantageous zone. The advantageous zone indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous zone, but may be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. Also, once turned on, it is configured not to be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

[0195] As shown in Fig. 31, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process for transitioning the presentation state between a plurality of types of presentation states including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, an AT presentation state, and a special presentation state. A single condition may be set as a transition condition of the presentation state, or a plurality of conditions may be set. When a plurality of conditions are set, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the plurality of predefined conditions is satisfied, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on the satisfaction of a plurality or all of the plurality of predefined conditions.

[0196] The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of presentation states. In the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In the non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

[0197] The normal presentation state is a presentation state that is basically transitioned to when the advantageous zone starts, and at the start of the advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the normal presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. In addition, in the normal presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is almost not performed or is not performed at all. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). In the normal presentation state, if the AT lottery is won, the bonus granting means 82 grants the right to transition to the AT presentation state. The presentation state control means 81 is capable of transitioning the presentation state to the AT presentation state based on the granted right to transition to the AT presentation state.

[0198] In the AT performance state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area)) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation performance that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When the execution of the batting order navigation performance is decided, the performance control means 100 executes a batting order navigation performance that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists the player in winning an 8-coin role. Specifically, a display (number) indicating the correct batting order is displayed on the game information display unit 17. In addition, if a liquid crystal display 13 is provided, a display (number) indicating the correct batting order may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. When the player presses the stop buttons 26a to 26c according to the correct batting order notified in the batting order navigation performance, the 8-coin role is won and the player can win 8 medals. The AT performance state in which the batting order navigation performance is executed is a performance state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal performance state.

[0199] In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT presentation state is managed by the number of games played in the AT presentation state. Specifically, the continuation of the AT presentation state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The bonus granting means 82 determines the value to be set in the AT end judgment counter 67 at the start of the AT presentation state. In this embodiment, when the winning result (winning type) of the AT lottery is the first result (transition to the first AT presentation state), the bonus granting means 82 sets the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 to "67", and when the winning result of the AT lottery is the second result (transition to the second AT presentation state), the bonus granting means 82 sets the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 to "100".

[0200] The presentation state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting "1" corresponding to one play from the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 each time a play is performed in the AT presentation state (for example, triggered by a play start operation on the start lever 24). When the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaches a threshold value "0", the presentation state control means 81 determines that the end condition of the AT presentation state is established, ends the AT presentation state, and transitions the presentation state to a special presentation state. In this embodiment, at the start of the AT presentation state, a value corresponding to the number of plays that can be performed in the AT presentation state is set in the AT end judgment counter 67, and each time a play is performed in the AT presentation state, the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is updated, and the AT presentation state ends based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaching the threshold value.

[0201] In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT presentation state is managed by the number of games played in the AT presentation state, but for example, it may be managed based on the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state. Also, the continuation of the AT presentation state may be managed based on the number of times the batting order navigation presentation is executed in the AT presentation state.

[0202] The bonus granting means 82 may, in the AT presentation state, hold a lottery (additional lottery) at a predetermined opportunity (triggered by the winning of a predetermined role (winning area)) to determine whether or not to grant the right to transition to the AT presentation state, and if the lottery is won, may grant the right to transition to the AT presentation state. When the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0", the presentation state control means 81 may determine whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state has been granted, and if the right has been granted, may start the AT presentation state again.

[0203] In the special presentation state, a predetermined number of times (for example, 32 times) of games are played. In addition, in the special presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state at a predetermined opportunity (triggered by winning a predetermined role (winning area)). The special presentation state is set to have a higher expectation of transition to the AT presentation state (expectation of granting a bonus related to the batting order navigation presentation) than the normal presentation state. In other words, the special presentation state is a presentation state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal presentation state. In the special presentation state, if the AT lottery is won and the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state. In the special presentation state, if a predetermined number of times (32 times) of games are played in the special presentation state without determining transition to the AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 determines that the termination condition of the special presentation state is established and transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous section presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. If the end condition of the advantageous zone is not satisfied at the end of the special performance state, the performance state may be shifted to the normal performance state, and the advantageous zone may be continued (without shifting to the non-advantageous zone).

[0204] In this embodiment, the non-advantageous zone presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the advantageous zone transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone (normal presentation state), a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the normal presentation state, or whether or not to transition to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the non-advantageous zone presentation state.

[0205] The AT presentation state may also be set according to the game state to which the game is transitioned based on the winning of a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, transition to the AT presentation state may be possible, and transition to the AT presentation state may be impossible in the general state or the RBB operating state. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the AT presentation state may not be transitioned to, and the AT lottery may not be held.

[0206] Also, if a bonus is won when the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is the RBB internal state, the AT presentation state may be interrupted until the state transitions back to the RBB internal state via the general state after the RBB operation state transitions due to the winning of this bonus ends. In other words, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the state transitions back to the RBB internal state.

[0207] When the advantageous zone ends and the game zone transitions to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67. In other words, information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the set value is changed, the information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) shown here is also initialized.

[0208] In this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the instruction function control means 51 (presentation control means 100) performs lotteries related to instruction functions (for example, lotteries related to transition to the AT presentation state), granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation (for example, benefits that increase the probability of transition to the AT presentation state), and processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation, but when the game state is in the general state or the RBB operating state, it does not perform lotteries related to instruction functions, granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation, or processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation.

[0209] In this embodiment, in the RBB internal state (bonus internal state), the reels 20a to 20c are controlled to stop so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (RBB) is not displayed on the pay line, regardless of the result of the internal lottery (and regardless of the manner of the stop operation). That is, in this embodiment, once the gaming state is set to the RBB internal state, the game is continued in the RBB internal state thereafter. For this reason, in this embodiment, the game is basically played in the RBB internal state. The following description is given on the premise that the gaming state is basically the RBB internal state.

[0210] In this embodiment, in the normal state and the RBB internal state, the winning area "batting order bell" is set to be won by 8-coin roles without overlapping with each other, while in the RBB operating state (bonus operating state), the winning area "bell ALL" is set to be won by 8-coin roles overlapping with each other. The winning probability of the winning area "bell ALL" in the RBB operating state is set to be higher than the winning probability of each of the winning areas "batting order bell" in other game states. Also, the winning probability of the winning area "bell ALL" in the RBB operating state is set to be lower than the winning probability of any of the winning areas "batting order bell" in other game states. This reduces the chance of winning an 8-coin role in the RBB operating state compared to other game states, and lowers the expected value of the payout rate in a situation where a bonus is operating.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 25, the sub-control board 32 includes a performance sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory (sub-storage means) 72. The performance sub-control means 70 controls performances using the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and the lamp (illumination device) based on performance data stored in the sub-memory 72. For example, the illumination device is turned on or off in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 23, the start lever 24, and the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, and the like, and the display content of the liquid crystal display 13 is changed, and sound is output from the speaker 14, thereby controlling the execution of performances to liven up the game or assist the game in response to the progress of the game.

[0212] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-memory 72 in response to commands (information) sent from the main control board 31 corresponding to the game state, the effect state, the result of the internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output (displayed) on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 14.

[0213] Gaming machines need to be designed so that the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted), which is an index of medal acquisition performance, falls within a predetermined range. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the expected value of the payout rate when playing by pressing the left button is set lower than that when playing by pressing the left button in an irregular manner (pressing the center or right button), basically recommending playing by pressing the left button (second operation mode), and making the payout rate (payout performance) appropriate.

[0214] In this embodiment, for the RBB internal state, a batting order bell with the correct batting order is prepared by pressing the center button, and a batting order bell with the correct batting order is prepared by pressing the right button, and a batting order bell with the correct batting order is not prepared by pressing the left button. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning the batting order bell and receiving eight medals is lower when playing by always pressing the left button than when playing by always pressing the center button or when playing by always pressing the right button. In other words, the probability of winning an eight-coin role (specific role) is higher when playing by operating in the first operation mode (irregular pressing) than when playing by operating in the second operation mode (left pressing). The eight-coin role can be said to be a role that can win more game value than the medals (game value) bet for one game when it is won. The eight-coin role can also be said to be a role that pays out more medals when it is won than the number of medals (game value) required to start playing. In addition, the 1-coin role can be said to be a role that, if won, can acquire a game value equal to or less than the game value bet for one game.

[0215] By other methods, the expected value of the ball payout rate when playing with a certain operation sequence (pushing left) may be set to be lower than that when playing with other operation sequences (pushing center or pushing right). For example, a batting order bell with the correct batting order is also prepared when the player pushes left, and the probability of the batting order bell with the correct batting order being selected by pushing left in the internal lottery may be set to be lower than the probability of the batting order bell with the correct batting order being selected by pushing center, and lower than the probability of the batting order bell with the correct batting order being selected by pushing right.

[0216] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27, the batting order bell is set to any of batting orders 3 to 6 as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. In other words, when the batting order bell is viewed as a whole, there is a bias in the setting of the correct batting order. When the batting order bell is pressed left (second operation mode), a 1-coin role (incorrect role) is won or no role is won, and when the batting order bell is pressed center or right (first operation mode), if the batting order is correct, an 8-coin role (correct role) is won, and if the batting order is incorrect, a 1-coin role is won or no role is won. The batting order bell is a winning area in which the number of medals paid out varies (changes) depending on the batting order (operation mode (operation sequence) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c).

[0217] In this embodiment, in the non-advantageous zone presentation state, normal presentation state, and special presentation state, even if the batting order bell is won, the frequency with which the batting order navigation presentation is decided to be executed (including cases where it is not executed at all) is low, and it is a period in which playing by pressing left is recommended (recommended left press period).

[0218] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the game is continued by pressing the irregular button (first operation mode), the probability of winning the 8-coin role is higher than when the game is continued by pressing the left button (second operation mode). Therefore, if the game is continued by pressing the irregular button, the ball output performance of the gaming machine may be excessive. Therefore, when the game is played by pressing the irregular button during the recommended left pressing period, a notification may be executed to encourage the player to play by pressing the left button. Also, when the game is played by pressing the irregular button during the recommended left pressing period, a predetermined disadvantage (penalty) may be given (imposed) on the player. The disadvantage may be that the value "1", which is the number of times the game has been played, is not added (or subtracted) from the stored value of a predetermined counter. The predetermined counter is a counter whose stored value is advantageous to the player when a value is added (or subtracted). The predetermined counter may be, for example, a counter that adds a value "1" each time a game is played in a normal presentation state, and when the stored value reaches a predetermined value (ceiling), a transition to an advantageous state (AT presentation state) is determined. In addition, when a predetermined lottery (for example, an AT lottery) is executed to determine whether or not a special benefit advantageous to a player is granted based on the result of an internal lottery during the left push recommended period, the disadvantage may be that the predetermined lottery is not executed in the game (game with irregular push). Also, if a game is played in the second operation mode (left push), the disadvantage (penalty) may not be received. In other words, when an operation is performed in the second operation mode (left push) different from the first operation mode (irregular push), the probability of a predetermined advantage regarding the instruction presentation being granted may be higher than when the operation is performed in the first operation mode. The predetermined advantage may be, for example, a value being added to the stored value of a predetermined counter, or a predetermined lottery being executed.

[0219] Next, the control in the case where the winning area "Reach Eye" is won in the normal presentation state will be described. The normal presentation state will be described below, but the normal presentation state may be interpreted as the above-mentioned left-push recommended period. In a game where the winning area "Reach Eye" is won, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a manner (stop manner) according to the manner (operation manner) of the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and a predetermined 8-coin role is won.

[0220] In this embodiment, as described above, in the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs an AT lottery triggered by the winning of a predetermined role (winning area). The predetermined winning area includes the winning area "reach eyes". In this embodiment, the AT lottery executed based on the winning of the winning area "reach eyes" in the normal presentation state is always won, and the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted as a bonus related to the batting order navigation presentation. In other words, the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted triggered by the winning of the winning area "reach eyes" in the normal presentation state. Note that the AT lottery may not be executed, and the right to transition to the AT presentation state may be granted triggered by the winning of the winning area "reach eyes" in the normal presentation state. Also, there may be cases where the right to transition to the AT presentation state is not granted even if the winning area "reach eyes" is won in the normal presentation state.

[0221] Also, in the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a specific lottery when the winning area "reach eyes" is won. This specific lottery is a lottery that determines whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state (hereinafter, the right to transition to the AT presentation state) that is granted when the winning area "reach eyes" is won. When executing the specific lottery, predetermined information may be referenced to determine whether or not the specific lottery will be won, and the predetermined information may be, for example, information regarding balls paid out and the number of remaining plays in the favorable zone in which the player is currently staying. The specific lottery can also be said to be a lottery that determines whether or not to suggest to the player that the right to transition to the AT presentation state has been granted.

[0222] When the special offer means 82 does not win the specific lottery (is not won) and determines not to transition to the AT presentation state based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state (does not suggest to the player that the right to transition to the AT presentation state has been granted), it causes the presentation control means 100 to execute a specific batting order navigation presentation (described later). On the other hand, when the special offer means 82 wins the specific lottery and determines to transition to the AT presentation state based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state (suggests to the player that the right to transition to the AT presentation state has been granted), it does not cause the presentation control means 100 to execute a specific batting order navigation presentation.

[0223] The specific batting order navigation effect instructs (prompts) the player to operate the stop buttons 26a to 26c by pushing the right (batting order 5 or batting order 6). When the player operates in batting order 5 based on the specific batting order navigation effect instructing the operation in batting order 5, for example, the reels 20a to 20c stop in the stopping mode shown in FIG. 32(a), and a symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 3 is displayed on the active line. When the player operates in batting order 6 based on the specific batting order navigation effect instructing the operation in batting order 6, for example, the reels 20a to 20c stop in the stopping mode shown in FIG. 32(b), and a symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 4 is displayed on the active line. When the player operates by pushing the right (reverse push) according to the specific batting order navigation effect, the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in the stopping mode (details will be described later) related to the reach eyes, and it is not suggested that the right to transition to the AT performance state has been granted. It can be said that the specific batting order navigation effect is executed in order to prevent the reels 20a to 20c from stopping in a stopping pattern related to a reach-eye combination.

[0224] If the specific lottery is won and the specific batting order navigation performance is not executed, the player operates the stop buttons 26a to 26c by pressing the left side since it is a period when the player is recommended to press the left side. In this case, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stop mode related to the reach-eye, suggesting to the player that the right to move to the AT performance state has been granted. FIG. 32(c) shows an example of a stop mode related to the reach-eye, in which a symbol combination showing a winning form of the small winning combination 9 is displayed on an active line. In FIG. 32(c), two replay symbols "RP" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (middle line) (replay symbols "RP" are ready), and two bell symbols "BL" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (downward-right line) (bell symbols "BL" are ready), but the stop mode is such that three identical symbols (replay symbols "RP" or bell symbols "BL") are not displayed side by side on the predetermined straight line. The "reach-eye-related stop mode" can be said to be a stop mode that suggests that the player has been granted the right to transition to the AT performance state as a privilege (a stop mode that suggests the granting of a privilege). Also, not executing the specific batting order navigation performance can be said to allow the reels 20a to 20c to stop in a reach-eye-related stop mode.

[0225] When the reels 20a to 20c stop in a manner related to a reach-eye, the player understands that a transition to a favorable presentation state has been decided (confirmed) (the right to transition to the AT presentation state has been granted), and can bask in joy. Note that in this embodiment, in a game in which the winning area "reach-eye" is won, even if the center button is pressed, the reels 20a to 20c can stop in a manner related to a reach-eye.

[0226] In addition, if the specific batting order navigation effect is executed without winning the specific lottery, but the reels 20a to 20c are operated by pushing left without following the specific batting order navigation effect, the reels 20a to 20c will stop in a stop mode related to the reach eye. In this case, as described above, since the specific lottery is not won, the AT effect state is not transitioned to based on the right to transition to the AT effect state.

[0227] When the specific lottery is won, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state, triggered by the establishment of a predetermined condition after the specific lottery is won (for example, triggered by the execution of a predetermined number of games). Note that the AT presentation state may be started from the game following the game in which the specific lottery is won and the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stop mode related to a reach eye.

[0228] In this embodiment, the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted when the winning area "reach eye" is won in the normal presentation state, but it may be configured as follows. The right to transition to the AT presentation state is not granted when the winning area "reach eye" is won in the normal presentation state, and when the winning area "reach eye" is won in the normal presentation state, the reels 20a to 20c are operated by pressing the left button (or the center button) and stop in a stopping mode related to the reach eye, the right to transition to the AT presentation state may be granted when the reels stop (the reach eye is displayed). In this case, the specific selection is a selection that determines whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted (whether or not the reels 20a to 20c are allowed to stop in a stopping mode related to the reach eye). In the normal performance state, if the winning area "reach eyes" is won, and the specific lottery is won, and it is determined that the right to transition to the AT performance state is permitted, the specific batting order navigation performance is not executed. In this case, when the reels 20a to 20c are operated by pressing the left (or center) button and stopped in a stop mode related to the reach eyes, the right to transition to the AT performance state is granted upon the stop (the reach eyes are displayed). On the other hand, in the normal performance state, if the winning area "reach eyes" is won, and the specific lottery is not won, and it is determined that the right to transition to the AT performance state is not permitted, the specific batting order navigation performance is executed. In this case, when the reels 20a to 20c are operated by pressing the right button in accordance with the specific batting order navigation performance, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in a stop mode different from the stop mode related to the reach eyes, but the right to transition to the AT performance state is not granted upon the stop. In addition, if the reels are operated by pressing the left button without following the specific batting order navigation effect, the reels 20a to 20c will stop in a stopping pattern related to a reach pattern, but since the specific lottery has not been won, the right to transition to the AT effect state as a result of the stop will not be granted.

[0229] Also, instead of granting the right to transition to the AT presentation state based on winning the winning area "reach eyes" in the normal presentation state, the following configuration may be used. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs an AT lottery triggered by the winning of a predetermined role (winning area) other than the winning area "reach eyes", and grants the right to transition to the AT presentation state when the AT lottery is won. Then, the bonus granting means 82 determines whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted based on the winning right to the AT presentation state when it is determined in the determination that the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted, and the specific lottery is not won when it is determined that the right to transition to the AT presentation state is not granted in the determination. In this judgment, if it is judged that the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted and if the specific lottery is won, it is determined that transition to the AT presentation state is possible based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state, and the specific batting order navigation presentation is not executed. In this case, if an operation is performed by pressing the left (or center) button, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stop mode related to a reach eye. Also, in this judgment, if it is judged that the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted but the specific lottery is not won, it is determined that transition to the AT presentation state is not possible based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state, and the specific batting order navigation presentation is executed. In this case, if an operation is performed by pressing the right in accordance with the specific batting order navigation presentation, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stop mode different from the stop mode related to the reach eye. Also, if an operation is performed by pressing the left without following the specific batting order navigation presentation, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stop mode related to a reach eye, but since the specific lottery is not won, transition to the AT presentation state is not executed based on the right to transition to the AT presentation state.

[0230] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of types of stop modes related to reach eyes are prepared as stop modes related to reach eyes. By providing a plurality of types of reach eyes and enabling the suggestion of the granting of benefits (right to transition to an AT performance state) in various patterns, the interest of the game can be further improved. In this case, if a plurality of winning areas are provided to realize the stop modes related to a plurality of types of reach eyes, problems such as the processing (control) becoming complicated as the number of winning areas increases and the capacity of the storage means 60 (ROM) being squeezed arise.

[0231] Therefore, in this embodiment, the reels 20a to 20c are allowed to stop in any one of the stop modes related to a plurality of types of reach eyes while suppressing an increase in the number of winning areas "reach eyes," thereby suppressing the occurrence of such problems. In a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, the reels 20a to 20c are allowed to stop in a stop mode related to the reach eyes, and the stop mode related to one of the plurality of types of reach eyes in which the reels stop is switched according to the operation mode of the stop button. The winning area "reach eyes" is a winning area in which the stop mode related to one of the reach eyes in which the reels 20a to 20c stop can be switched according to the operation mode of the stop button (the operation timing of the stop button, the pressing detection position).

[0232] Below, we will explain the control that occurs when, in the normal presentation state, the winning area "reach eye" is won in an internal lottery, a specific lottery is won so that a specific batting order navigation presentation is not executed, and the reels 20a to 20c are operated by pressing the left button (or center button) to stop in the stopping pattern related to a specific reach eye.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 26, the winning area "Reach Eye" (specific winning mode) is a winning area where multiple types of 8-coin roles (small role 3, small role 4, small role 6, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, and small role 10) overlap and win. The small roles (condition devices) included in the winning area "Reach Eye" are small role 3, small role 4, small role 6, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, and small role 10. When the winning area "Reach Eye" is won, small role 3, small role 4, small role 6, small role 7, small role 8, small role 9, and small role 10 overlap and win, and are set to a winning state.

[0234] Here, for a given winning combination (minor winning combination), the symbols constituting the winning combination are always within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) for all reels 20a to 20c, regardless of the timing of the stop operation, and this is called a "PB=1 winning combination." The minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 3, minor winning combination 4, minor winning combination 6, minor winning combination 7, minor winning combination 8, minor winning combination 9, and minor winning combination 10) included in the winning area "reach eyes" are PB=1 winning combinations. Note that, for at least one of reels 20a to 20c, the symbols constituting the winning combination are sometimes not within the pull-in range (0 to 4 frames) depending on the timing of the stop operation, and this is called a "PB≠1 winning combination."

[0235] The "PB=1 role" can be said to be a role in which, in a situation where the possibility of winning the PB=1 role remains during a game in which the PB=1 role is in a winning state, regardless of the timing at which any stop operation is performed, the symbols constituting any of the symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of the PB=1 role and that remain capable of being displayed on the pay line in the situation are always present within the pull-in range for the reels 20a-20c corresponding to the executed stop operation. Note that the "PB≠1 role" can be said to be a role in which, in a specific situation in which the possibility of winning the PB≠1 role remains during a specific game in which the PB≠1 role is in a winning state, depending on the timing of the stop operation corresponding to a specific reel among the reels 20a-20c, the symbols constituting any of the symbol combinations that indicate the winning form of the PB≠1 role and that remain capable of being displayed on the pay line in the situation may not be present within the pull-in range for the specific reel. It should be noted that, here, "a situation in which there is still a possibility of winning" may be a situation in which no stopping operation has been performed yet.

[0236] As shown in Fig. 28, the replay symbol "RP" is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20a in the symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 9. Also, the bell symbol "BL" is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20a in the symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 6.

[0237] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the bell symbol "BL" is set every 4 frames (with 4 frames in between) on the reel 20a. Therefore, when the stop button 26a is pressed (regardless of the pressing detection position), the bell symbol "BL" is set within the pull-in range (within the range of 0 to 4 frames). Also, the replay symbol "RP" is set every 4 frames (with 4 frames in between) on the reel 20a. Therefore, when the stop button 26a is pressed (regardless of the pressing detection position), the replay symbol "RP" is set within the pull-in range (within the range of 0 to 4 frames). The reel control means 43 is capable of pulling in and displaying (stopping) either the bell symbol "BL" or the replay symbol "RP" to a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line) even when the stop button 26a corresponding to the reel 20a is pressed at any time while the reel 20a is rotating. Although a redundant explanation will be omitted, the reels 20b and 20c are set in the same manner.

[0238] In this embodiment, the reel control means 43 controls (determines) in which stop mode the reels 20a to 20c are to be stopped based on the timing (pressed position) of the first stop operation for the reel to be stopped first.

[0239] (Reach 1) In a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when the operation is performed by pushing the left button and the first stop operation is performed when the pattern (any of the pattern numbers 10 to 14 shown in FIG. 24) within a predetermined range on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 controls each reel to stop in the first stop mode related to the reach eyes (determines to stop in the first stop mode related to the reach eyes). In other words, it controls so that the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 9 is displayed on the pay line. The small winning combination 9 included in the winning area "reach eyes" can be said to be a small winning combination corresponding to the first stop mode related to the reach eyes. When the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 9 is displayed on the pay line, the stop mode of the reels 20a to 20c becomes the first stop mode related to the reach eyes (the first stop mode suggesting the granting of a bonus).

[0240] Fig. 33(a) shows an example of the first stop mode related to the reach eye. The first stop mode related to the reach eye is a stop mode in which two replay symbols "RP" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (middle line) (replay symbols "RP" are in tenpai) and two bell symbols "BL" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (line descending to the right) (bell symbols "BL" are in tenpai), but three of the same symbols (replay symbols "RP" or bell symbols "BL") are not displayed side by side on the predetermined straight line, and can be called "Rip Bell Double Ten Miss".

[0241] When the reel 20a is rotating and a pattern (any of the pattern numbers 10 to 14 shown in FIG. 24) within a predetermined range on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays either the replay pattern "RP" with the pattern number 8 or the replay pattern "RP" with the pattern number 13 into the middle part of the reel 20a. As shown in FIG. 24, the bell pattern "BL" is set next to the upper side of the replay pattern "RP" with the pattern number 8 and the pattern number 13 on the reel 20a. Therefore, the bell pattern "BL" is displayed in the upper part of the reel 20a. FIG. 33(a) shows a case where the replay pattern "RP" with the pattern number 8 is pulled into the middle part of the reel 20a.

[0242] The reel control means 43 pulls in and displays either the special symbol A "SPA" or the watermelon symbol B "WMB" in the middle of the reel 20b based on the pressing of the stop button 26b at any timing while the reel 20b is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped. As shown in FIG. 24, in the reel 20b, the watermelon symbol B "WMB" is set to the symbol number 3, the watermelon symbol B "WMB" is set to the symbol number 8 four frames apart, the special symbol A "SPA" is set to the symbol number 13 four frames apart, and the special symbol A "SPA" is set to the symbol number 18 four frames apart. Thus, the reel control means 43 pulls in either the special symbol A "SPA" or the watermelon symbol B "WMB" in the middle of the reel 20b according to the pressing timing of the stop button 26b. FIG. 33(a) shows a case where the special symbol A "SPA" with symbol number 18 is drawn into the middle row of the reel 20b.

[0243] When the stop button 26c is pressed at any timing while the reel 20c is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays the replay symbol "RP" in the middle of the reel 20c. As shown in FIG. 24, the bell symbol "BL" is set next to the lower side of each replay symbol "RP" in the reel 20c. Therefore, the bell symbol "BL" is displayed in the lower part of the reel 20c. Also, as shown in FIG. 24, the bell symbol "BL" is not set next to the upper side of each replay symbol "RP" in the reel 20c. Therefore, the bell symbol "BL" is displayed in the upper part of the reel 20c, and three bell symbols "BL" are not aligned in the upper line (in a straight line). FIG. 13(a) shows a case where the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 6 is pulled in to the middle part of the reel 20c.

[0244] In addition, in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when the stop button 26b is pressed at a timing when the reel 20b is rotating and the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b), the reel control means 43 may pull the black BAR symbol "black BAR" to the middle of the reel 20b and display it. Here, a case where the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in the first stop mode related to the reach eyes by operating with a center push in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won (when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the small winning combination 9 is displayed on the pay line) will be described. In this embodiment, in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, even if the reels 20a to 20c are operated with a center push, the reels 20a to 20c can be stopped in the first stop mode related to the reach eyes. Figure 33(b) shows an example of a first stopping pattern related to a reach pattern, in which two replay symbols "RP" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (middle line) (replay symbol "RP" is in tenpai), and two bell symbols "BL" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (downward-right line) (bell symbol "BL" is in tenpai), and three black BAR symbols "black BAR" are displayed on a predetermined straight line (upward-right line).

[0245] When the stop button 26b is pressed (first stop operation) at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b) for the first stopped reel 20b while the reel 20b is rotating, the reel control means 43 pulls the black BAR symbol "black BAR" into the middle of the reel 20b and displays it. When the stop button 26b is pressed at the timing with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed at the predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b). "Aiming" refers to aiming to display a predetermined symbol at a predetermined display position (upper, middle or lower) (visible through the display window 16). In addition, the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays the replay symbol "RP" in the middle of the reel 20a based on the stop button 26a being pressed at any timing while the reel 20a is rotating after the reel 20b has stopped. As shown in FIG. 33(b), when the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 8 is pulled in to the middle of the reel 20a, the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed in the lower part of the reel 20a. When the stop button 26a is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed in a predetermined display position with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed in the predetermined display position (the lower part of the reel 20a). In addition, the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays the replay symbol "RP" in the middle of the reel 20c based on the stop button 26c being pressed at any timing while the reel 20c is rotating after the reel 20b has stopped. As shown in FIG. 33(b), when the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 6 is pulled in to the middle of the reel 20c, the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed in the upper part of the reel 20c. When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed in a predetermined display position with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed in the predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20c).

[0246] (Reach 2) In a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when the operation is performed by pushing the left button and the first stop operation is performed when the pattern (any of the pattern numbers 0 to 7, 15 to 19 shown in FIG. 24) within a predetermined range on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (upper row of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 controls each reel to stop in the second stop mode related to the reach eyes (determines to stop in the second stop mode related to the reach eyes). In other words, it controls so that the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small role 6 is displayed on the pay line. The small role 6 included in the winning area "reach eyes" can be said to be a small role corresponding to the second stop mode related to the reach eyes. When the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small role 6 is displayed on the pay line, the stop mode of the reels 20a to 20c becomes the second stop mode related to the reach eyes (the second stop mode suggesting the grant of a bonus).

[0247] 33(c) and 33(d) show an example of the second stop mode related to the reach pattern. The second stop mode related to the reach pattern is a stop mode in which the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the upper row of the reel 20a, but three watermelon symbols "WM" are not displayed in a predetermined straight line, and can be called a "watermelon miss."

[0248] When the reel 20a is rotating and a symbol (any symbol among symbol numbers 0-7, 15-19 shown in FIG. 24) within a predetermined range on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays any one of the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 2, the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 7, the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 12, or the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 17 to the middle part of the reel 20a. As shown in FIG. 24, on the reel 20a, a watermelon symbol "WM" (watermelon symbol A "WMA" or watermelon symbol B "WMB") is set next to the upper side of each bell symbol "BL". Therefore, the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed on the upper part of the reel 20a. FIG. 33(c) and FIG. 33(d) show a case where the bell symbol "BL" of symbol number 2 (or symbol number 12) is pulled into the middle of the reel 20a.

[0249] When the stop button 26b is pressed at any timing while the reel 20b is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 draws in and displays either the watermelon symbol B "WMB" or the special symbol A "SPA" in the middle of the reel 20b. As shown in FIG. 24, in the reel 20b, the watermelon symbol B "WMB" is set to the symbol number 3, the watermelon symbol B "WMB" is set to the symbol number 8 four frames apart, the special symbol A "SPA" is set to the symbol number 13 four frames apart, and the special symbol A "SPA" is set to the symbol number 18 four frames apart. Thus, the reel control means 43 draws in either the watermelon symbol B "WMB" or the special symbol A "SPA" in the middle of the reel 20b according to the timing of pressing the stop button 26b. Figure 33(c) shows the case where special symbol A "SPA" with symbol number 18 is drawn into the middle row of reel 20b, and Figure 33(d) shows the case where watermelon symbol B "WMB" with symbol number 3 is drawn into the middle row of reel 20b. In addition, in a game in which the winning area "Reach Eye" is won, when the stop button 26b is pressed at a timing when the watermelon pattern A "WMA" with the pattern number 19 can be displayed in the middle of the reel 20b while the reel 20b is spinning, the reel control means 43 may pull the watermelon pattern A "WMA" with the pattern number 19 into the middle of the reel 20b and display it in the middle of the reel 20b.

[0250] When the stop button 26c is pressed at any timing while the reel 20c is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays any of the special symbol B "SPB", the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the special symbol A "SPA" or the watermelon symbol A "WMA" to the middle of the reel 20c. As shown in FIG. 24, on the reel 20c, the special symbol B "SPB" is set to the symbol number 0, the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is set to the symbol number 5 four frames apart, the special symbol A "SPA" is set to the symbol number 10 four frames apart, and the watermelon symbol A "WMA" is set to the symbol number 15 four frames apart. Therefore, the reel control means 43 can pull in any one of the special symbol B "SPB", the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the special symbol A "SPA" or the watermelon symbol A "WMA" in the middle of the reel 20c according to the timing of pressing the stop button 26c, and display it in the middle of the reel 20c. Fig. 33(c) shows a case where the special symbol A "SPA" with symbol number 10 is pulled in the middle of the reel 20c, and Fig. 33(d) shows a case where the watermelon symbol A "WMA" with symbol number 15 is pulled in the middle of the reel 20c.

[0251] (Reach point 3) In this embodiment, in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when the operation is performed by pushing the left button and the predetermined pattern (the pattern of the pattern number 8 shown in FIG. 24) on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at the predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 controls each reel to stop in the third stop mode related to the reach eyes (determines to stop in the third stop mode related to the reach eyes). In this case, the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 10 is displayed on the pay line. It can be said that the small winning combination 10 included in the winning area "reach eyes" corresponds to the third stop mode related to the reach eyes. When the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 10 is displayed on the pay line, the stop mode of the reels 20a to 20c becomes the third stop mode related to the reach eyes (the third stop mode suggesting the granting of a bonus).

[0252] Fig. 34(a) shows an example of the third stop mode related to the reach-eye. Fig. 34(a) shows the third stop mode related to the reach-eye, in which three black BAR symbols "black BAR" are displayed in a line (side by side) on a predetermined straight line (middle line).

[0253] The reel control means 43 pulls and displays the black BAR symbol "black BAR" to the middle of the reel 20a based on the fact that the stop button 26a is pressed (first stop operation) when a predetermined symbol (symbol number 8 shown in FIG. 24) on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (upper part of the reel 20a) while the reel 20a is rotating. When the stop button 26a is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at the predetermined display position (middle part of the reel 20a) with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed at the predetermined display position (middle part of the reel 20a).

[0254] When the stop button 26b is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b) while the reel 20b is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 pulls in the black BAR symbol "black BAR" and displays it at the middle of the reel 20b. FIG. 34(a) shows a case where the stop button 26b is pressed at the timing and the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is pulled in to the middle of the reel 20b. When the stop button 26b is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b) with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed at the predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20b). When the stop button 26b is pressed at a timing when it is impossible to display the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" in the specified display position (the middle of the reel 20b) while the reel 20b is rotating, the reel control means 43 pulls in the special symbol A "SPA" or the watermelon symbol B "WMB" which constitutes the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the minor win 10, and displays them in the middle of the reel 20b.

[0255] When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20c) while the reel 20c is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 pulls in the black BAR symbol "black BAR" and displays it in the middle of the reel 20c. FIG. 34(a) shows a case where the stop button 26c is pressed at the timing and the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is pulled in to the middle of the reel 20c. When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" can be displayed at a predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20c) with the aim of displaying the black BAR symbol "black BAR", the black BAR symbol "black BAR" is displayed in the predetermined display position (middle of the reel 20c). When the stop button 26c is pressed at a timing when it is impossible to display the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" in the specified display position (the middle of the reel 20c) while the reel 20c is spinning, the reel control means 43 pulls in any one of the special symbol A "SPA", special symbol B "SPB" or watermelon symbol A "WMA" which constitutes the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the minor win 10, and displays it in the middle of the reel 20c.

[0256] (Reach point 4) In this embodiment, in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when the operation is performed by pushing the left button and the predetermined pattern (the pattern of the pattern number 9 shown in FIG. 24) on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at the predetermined display position (the upper part of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 controls each reel to stop in the fourth stop mode related to the reach eyes (determines to stop in the fourth stop mode related to the reach eyes). In this case, the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 8 is displayed on the pay line. It can be said that the small winning combination 8 included in the winning area "reach eyes" corresponds to the fourth stop mode related to the reach eyes. When the pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small winning combination 8 is displayed on the pay line, the stop mode of the reels 20a to 20c becomes the fourth stop mode related to the reach eyes (the fourth stop mode suggesting the granting of a bonus).

[0257] Fig. 34(b) shows an example of the fourth stop mode related to the reach pattern. The fourth stop mode related to the reach pattern is a stop mode in which the bell pattern "BL" stops in a small V shape.

[0258] When the reel 20a is rotating and a predetermined symbol (symbol number 9 shown in FIG. 24) on the reel 20a to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (upper row of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 8 to the middle row of the reel 20a based on the pressing of the stop button 26a (first stop operation). As shown in FIG. 24, on the reel 20a, the bell symbol "BL" is set next to the upper side of the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 8. Therefore, the bell symbol "BL" is displayed on the upper row of the reel 20a.

[0259] When the stop button 26b is pressed at any timing while the reel 20b is spinning after the reel 20a has stopped, the reel control means 43 pulls in and displays the bell symbol "BL" in the middle of the reel 20b. As shown in FIG. 24, the replay symbol "RP" is set next to the upper side of each bell symbol "BL" in the reel 20b. Therefore, the replay symbol "RP" is displayed in the upper row of the reel 20b. FIG. 34(b) shows a case where the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 2 or 7 is pulled in to the middle row of the reel 20b.

[0260] The reel control means 43 pulls in and displays either the white 7 symbol "white 7" or the cherry symbol "CH" in the middle of the reel 20c based on the pressing of the stop button 26c at any timing while the reel 20c is rotating after the reel 20a has stopped. As shown in FIG. 24, in the reel 20c, the white 7 symbol "white 7" is set to the symbol number 3, the cherry symbol "CH" is set to the symbol number 8 four frames apart, the cherry symbol "CH" is set to the symbol number 13 four frames apart, and the cherry symbol "CH" is set to the symbol number 18 four frames apart. Thus, the reel control means 43 pulls in either the white 7 symbol "white 7" or the cherry symbol "CH" in the middle of the reel 20c according to the pressing timing of the stop button 26c. As shown in Fig. 24, on the reel 20c, a bell symbol "BL" is set adjacent to the upper side of the white 7 symbol "white 7", and a bell symbol "BL" is set adjacent to the upper side of each cherry symbol "CH". Therefore, the bell symbol "BL" is displayed on the upper row of the reel 20c. Fig. 24(b) shows a case where the cherry symbol "CH" of symbol number 8, 13 or 18 is drawn into the middle row of the reel 20c.

[0261] (Relationship between Reach 1 and Reach 2) Here, the small win 9 corresponding to the first stop mode related to the reach eye is the first small win (first win), and the small win 6 corresponding to the second stop mode related to the reach eye is the second small win (second win). The first small win and the second small win are wins (PB=1 wins) in which the symbols constituting the symbol combinations showing the winning form are set to be within the pull-in range (within the range of 0 to 4 frames) for all of the reels 20a to 20c regardless of the timing of the stop button stop operation. In addition, the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20a (specific reel, left reel) in the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first small win. In addition, the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is set as the symbol displayed on the pay line of the reel 20a (specific reel, left reel) in the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second small win. In addition, the specific reel has a specific range in which the first and second symbols are set within a pull-in range (a range of 0 to 4 frames). The specific range is, for example, a range from the symbol number 13 to the symbol number 17 on the reel 20a (a range of 5 frames in total).

[0262] Here, in the case where the winning area "Reach Eye" (specific winning mode) is won in the internal lottery, the stopping operation (first stopping operation) at the timing when any of the symbols within the specific range of the reel 20a that is stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a) is defined as the stopping operation at the specific timing (first stopping operation). The stopping operation at the specific timing (first stopping operation on the reel 20a) can be said to be "a stopping operation at the timing when both the first and second symbols are within the pull-in range."

[0263] (Pattern number 13) The specific timing includes a timing when the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 13 within the specific range is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a). When the first stop operation is performed at this timing, the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 13 is displayed in the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20a (it is possible to pull the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 12 onto the effective line, but not the bell symbol "BL"). This timing is a timing when the second symbol (the bell symbol "BL") is not displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a, and the first symbol (the replay symbol "RP") is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. When a stop operation is performed at the relevant timing for the reel 20a that is to be stopped first, the reel control means 43 controls the reels so that the first pattern (replay pattern "RP") is drawn onto the pay line of the reel 20a, a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the first minor win (minor win 9) is displayed on the pay line, and each reel is stopped in the first stop pattern related to the reach pattern (the first stop pattern suggesting the granting of a special prize).

[0264] (Pattern number 14) The specific timing includes a timing (first timing) when the special symbol A "SPA" with symbol number 14 within the specific range is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a). When the first stop operation is performed at the first timing, the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 13 is displayed in the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20a (it is possible to pull the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 12 onto the effective line, but instead of the bell symbol "BL") The first timing is a timing when the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is not displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a, and the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. When a stop operation is performed at a first timing for the reel 20a that is to be stopped first, the reel control means 43 controls the reels so that a first pattern (replay pattern "RP") is drawn onto the pay line of the reel 20a, a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the first minor win (minor win 9) is displayed on the pay line, and each reel is stopped in a first stop pattern related to a reach pattern (a first stop pattern suggesting the granting of a bonus).

[0265] (Pattern number 15) The specific timing includes a timing when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with symbol number 15 in the specific range is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a). When the first stop operation is performed at this timing, the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 12 is displayed in the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20a (it is possible to pull the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 13 onto the effective line, but instead of the replay symbol "RP"), it is displayed. This timing is the timing when the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is not displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a, and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. When a stop operation is performed at the relevant timing for the reel 20a that is to be stopped first, the reel control means 43 controls the reels so that the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is drawn onto the pay line of the reel 20a, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor symbol (minor symbol 6) is displayed on the pay line, and each reel is stopped in a second stop pattern related to a reach pattern (a second stop pattern suggesting the granting of a special prize).

[0266] (Pattern number 16) The specific timing includes a timing (second timing) when the watermelon B "WMB" with the symbol number 16 within the specific range is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a). When the first stop operation is performed at the second timing, the bell symbol "BL" with the symbol number 17 is displayed in the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20a (it is possible to pull the replay symbol "RP" with the symbol number 13 onto the effective line, but instead of the replay symbol "RP"), the replay symbol "BL" with the symbol number 17 is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. The second timing is a timing when the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is not displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a, and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. When a stop operation is performed at the second timing for the reel 20a that is to be stopped first, the reel control means 43 controls the reels so that the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is drawn onto the pay line of the reel 20a, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor symbol (minor symbol 6) is displayed on the pay line, and each reel is stopped in a second stop pattern related to a reach pattern (a second stop pattern suggesting the granting of a special prize).

[0267] (Pattern number 17) The specific timing includes a timing when the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 17 in the specific range is located at a predetermined display position (for example, the upper row of the reel 20a). When the first stop operation is performed at this timing, the bell symbol "BL" with symbol number 17 is displayed in the middle row (on the effective line) of the reel 20a (it is possible to pull the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 18 onto the effective line, but not the replay symbol "RP"). This timing is a timing when the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is not displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a, and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is displayed on the effective line of the reel 20a. When a stop operation is performed at the relevant timing for the reel 20a that is to be stopped first, the reel control means 43 controls the reels so that the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is drawn onto the pay line of the reel 20a, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor symbol (minor symbol 6) is displayed on the pay line, and each reel is stopped in a second stop pattern related to a reach pattern (a second stop pattern suggesting the granting of a special prize).

[0268] In this embodiment, a case has been shown in which four types of stop modes (reach eyes 1 to reach eyes 4) are provided as stop modes related to reach eyes that can be stopped when operated by pushing left in a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, but this is not limited thereto, and at least two types of stop modes related to reach eyes (for example, reach eyes 1 and reach eyes 2) may be provided. For example, in FIG. 24, the pattern numbers 8 to 14 are set as the first predetermined range, and the pattern numbers 0 to 7 and 15 to 19 are set as the second predetermined range. In a game in which the winning area "reach eyes" is won, when an operation is performed by pushing left and any of the patterns within the first predetermined range on the reel 20a that is to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (upper row of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 may control each reel to stop in the first stop mode related to the reach eyes (control so that a pattern combination indicating a winning form of the small winning combination 9 is displayed on the pay line). In addition, in a game in which the winning area "reach eye" is won, if the operation is performed by pressing the left button and the first stop operation is performed when any of the patterns within a second predetermined range on the reel 20a that is to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (the upper row of the reel 20a), the reel control means 43 may control each reel to stop in a second stop pattern related to the reach eye (control so that a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the minor prize 6 is displayed on the pay line).

[0269] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is configured to set the expected value of the ball payout rate when the game is continued by pressing the left button lower than that when the game is continued by pressing the center button or the right button, and basically recommends the game by pressing the left button (a period of time for recommending the left button is provided). However, this is not limited to this, and for example, the expected value of the ball payout rate when the game is continued by pressing the center button may be set lower than that when the game is continued by pressing the left button or the right button, and basically recommends the game by pressing the center button. In this case, in a game in which the winning area "reach eye" is won, the reel control means 43 may be configured to control (determine) which reel 20a to 20c are stopped in which stop mode related to the reach eye, based on the timing (press position) of the first stop operation related to the reel (reel 20b) to be stopped first. For example, a first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is set as the symbol to be displayed on the pay line of reel 20b in a symbol combination indicating the winning form of a first minor role, and a second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is set as the symbol to be displayed on the pay line of reel 20b in a symbol combination indicating the winning form of a second minor role, and the above-mentioned specific range is provided on reel 20b, and the reel control means 43 may control the reel 20b that is stopped first so that, when a stop operation is performed at a first timing, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first minor role is displayed on the pay line and each reel stops in a first stop pattern related to a reach eye, and when a stop operation is performed at a second timing, the reel 20b that is stopped first is controlled so that a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor role is displayed on the pay line and each reel stops in a second stop pattern related to a reach eye.

[0270] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged, An internal lottery means (e.g., the internal lottery means 42) for performing an internal lottery to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved; a reel control means (e.g., a reel control means 43) for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in response to a stop operation so that a symbol existing within a predetermined pull-in range and corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is displayed on an active line; A winning determination means (e.g., winning determination means 44) for determining the winning combination, The reel control means is capable of stopping the plurality of reels and displaying a symbol combination showing a winning form determined in advance for each winning combination on an active line; The winning combination includes a first winning combination (e.g., small winning combination 9) and a second winning combination (e.g., small winning combination 6), As a winning mode obtained in the internal lottery, there is a specific winning mode in which the first combination and the second combination overlap and win, When the specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role is displayed on an active line, the stopping pattern of the multiple reels becomes a first stopping pattern suggesting the award of a special prize, and when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role is displayed on an active line, the stopping pattern of the multiple reels becomes a second stopping pattern suggesting the award of a special prize, The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first combination and the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second combination are present within the pull-in range for all of the plurality of reels regardless of the timing of the stop operation; A first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is set as a symbol to be displayed on an active line of a specific reel (for example, the left reel) in a symbol combination that indicates a winning form of the first combination; A second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is set as a symbol to be displayed on the pay line of the specific reel in the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second role, The specific reel has a specific range (a range from the symbol number 13 to the symbol number 17) in which the first symbol and the second symbol are set within the pull-in range, When the specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, the stop operation at the timing when any of the symbols within the specific range of the specific reel to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position is defined as the stop operation at the specific timing. The specific timing includes: A first timing when the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is not displayed on the pay line of the specific reel and the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is displayed on the pay line of the specific reel (for example, when the replay symbol "RP" with symbol number 14 is located on the upper row); There is a second timing when the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") is not displayed on the pay line of the specific reel and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") is displayed on the pay line of the specific reel (for example, when symbol number 16, bell symbol "BL", is located in the upper row).

[0271] When the specific winning pattern is obtained, if a stop operation is performed at the first timing for the specific reel that is stopped first, the first symbol (the first symbol constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role) is displayed on the winning line of the specific reel. Also, when the specific winning pattern is obtained, if a stop operation is performed at the second timing for the specific reel that is stopped first, the second symbol (the second symbol constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role) is displayed on the winning line of the specific reel. When the specific winning pattern is obtained, depending on the timing of the stop operation for the specific reel, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first role is displayed on the winning line and the stopping mode of the multiple reels is switched to a first stopping mode suggesting the award of a bonus, or a symbol combination showing the winning form of the second role is displayed on the winning line and the stopping mode of the multiple reels is switched to a second stopping mode suggesting the award of a bonus. In other words, when the specific winning pattern is won, the stop pattern (reel stop pattern) that suggests the award of the bonus is determined according to the timing of the stop operation for the specific reel. Therefore, the specific winning pattern can be set and the reel can be stopped in any of the multiple types of "stop patterns that suggest the award of the bonus" without increasing the number of winning patterns (winning areas) obtained in the internal lottery. This ensures the game nature of the gaming machine in which the award of the bonus is suggested by the reel stopping in a stop pattern that suggests the award of the bonus, while suppressing the complication of processing caused by the increase in the number of winning patterns (winning areas) and simplifying the management of the stop patterns that suggest the award of the bonus. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the processing load of the gaming machine. In addition, it is possible to suppress the pressure on the capacity of the storage means caused by the increase in the number of winning patterns.

[0272] In this embodiment, the first symbol (replay symbol "RP") constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor win and the second symbol (bell symbol "BL") constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor win are both arranged (set) so as to be within the pull-in range regardless of the timing of the stop operation for the specific reel (reel 20a). However, this is not limited to this, and as long as the specific reel has the above-mentioned specific range (the range in which the first and second symbols are set within the pull-in range), either the first symbol or the second symbol may be arranged so as not to be within the pull-in range depending on the timing of the stop operation.

[0273] In this embodiment, an example of applying the present invention to a slot machine 10 using game medals as game value has been described, but the present invention may be applied to a game machine (medalless game machine) in which a game is played by using game value as electronic information without using game medals as game value and consuming the game value or granting the game value. Unlike a conventional slot machine in which a physical medal is inserted when playing a game and a physical medal is paid out when a winning combination is achieved, a medalless game machine is a game machine in which a game value as electronic information is used without using physical medals and the game value is consumed or granted by playing. The game value in the medalless game machine corresponds to a medal, which is the game value in a conventional slot machine, and the game value in the medalless game machine can be understood as a virtual medal (electronic medal).

[0274] The medal-less gaming machine includes a bet button corresponding to the bet button 23, a start lever corresponding to the start lever 24, stop buttons corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c, reels corresponding to the reels 20a to 20c, a main control board corresponding to the main control board 31, and a sub-control board corresponding to the sub-control board 32. In the medal-less gaming machine, the same control as that in the slot machine 10 described above is performed, and for example, in a game in which a winning area "reach eye" is won, the stopping mode in which the reels 20a to 20c stop according to the operation mode (operation timing) of the stop button is switched.

[0275] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned control operation can be applied not only to slot machines, but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc. Furthermore, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or any component may be modified or omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0276] 20a, 20b, 20c reels 42 Internal lottery procedures 43 Reel control means 44 Winning Judgment Means

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on them, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether or not a role is achieved, A reel control means that rotates the plurality of reels for each game, and, triggered by a stop operation, controls the reels to stop so that a symbol corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is displayed on the active line from among the symbols within a predetermined pull-in range, The system includes a means for determining whether a role is awarded, The reel control means is capable of stopping the plurality of reels and displaying a predetermined combination of symbols on the active line that indicates a winning pattern for each role. The aforementioned roles include the first role and the second role. In the aforementioned internal lottery, one winning pattern is a specific winning pattern in which the first role and the second role are won simultaneously. In the aforementioned internal lottery, if the aforementioned specific winning pattern is obtained and a combination of symbols indicating the winning pattern of the first role or a combination of symbols indicating the winning pattern of the second role is displayed on the active line, the stopping pattern of the multiple reels can suggest the awarding of a bonus. The symbols constituting the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of the first role are located within the pull-in range for all of the multiple reels, regardless of the timing of the stop operation. In the symbol combination that shows the winning form of the first role, the first symbol is set as the symbol that is displayed on the active line of a specific reel. In the symbol combination that shows the winning form of the second role, the second symbol is set as the symbol displayed on the active line of the specific reel, The aforementioned specific reel has a specific range in which the first symbol and the second symbol are set within the pull-in range, If, in the internal lottery, the specific winning pattern is obtained, and the stopping operation performed at the timing when any symbol within the specific range of the first stopped specific reel is positioned at a predetermined display position is defined as the stopping operation at a specific timing, then At the aforementioned specific timing, A first timing in which the second symbol is not displayed on the active line of the specific reel, and the first symbol is displayed on the active line of the specific reel, A gaming machine having a second timing in which the first symbol is not displayed on the active line of the specific reel, and the second symbol is displayed on the active line of the specific reel.

Images