Game machine

Abstract

To provide a technique for improving a degree of freedom in design of a game machine.SOLUTION: A normal state in which a prescribed supply number can be set to three and a bonus state in which a prescribed supply number can be set to two can be set, an expectation value toward acquisition of a game value is higher in the bonus state than in the normal state, a dividend when a prescribed supply number is three differs from a dividend when a prescribed supply number is two for one portion of a small winning combination as a lottery object in the normal state and the bonus state, and control is performed such that an internal lottery is performed such that a probability of winning a small winning combination is higher in the bonus state than in the normal state, and either small winning combination is always won and the putout number of a game value when a small winning combination is won becomes two or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on the outer periphery are known. In this type of gaming machine, a game is played to win gaming value such as medals. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, an internal lottery is performed and the multiple reels start to rotate when the player operates to start the rotation, and when the player operates to stop the reels, the multiple reels are stopped in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the combination of symbols displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and the payout of gaming value is performed according to the result of the game.

[0003] In recent years, gaming machines with instruction functions that change the probability of winning a small prize by providing operation instruction information that assists in winning a small prize, which pays out game value when the small prize is won, and make it easier to win game value in the AT state where operation instruction information can be provided, have been popular (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5679391 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a conventional gaming machine with an instruction function, a first gaming state is set up in which an internal lottery is performed to make the specific minor roles win without overlapping each other by providing a plurality of types of specific minor roles whose winning is assisted by the instruction function, and a second gaming state is set up in which an internal lottery is performed to make the specific minor roles win by overlapping each other while increasing the probability of winning the minor roles more than in the first gaming state, and the second gaming state is set up in which an internal lottery is performed to make the specific minor roles win by overlapping each other, and the second gaming state is set up in which the winning chance of the specific minor roles is restricted to keep the winning performance of the second gaming state low, thereby increasing the winning performance of the gaming value by the instruction function. However, in the conventional method, in order to sufficiently reduce the winning performance of the gaming value in the second gaming state, it is necessary to provide many types of specific minor roles, and there is a drawback in that the more types of specific minor roles are increased, the more design restrictions there are on the arrangement of the patterns and the control for stopping the reels.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a technique for improving the degree of freedom in designing gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a gaming machine capable of providing operation instruction information to assist in winning a small role won by an internal lottery, and in which a gaming value is paid out when the small role is won, the gaming machine including a gaming control means capable of setting a first gaming state in which the number of gaming values ​​to be used in a game is set to a first input number, and a second gaming state in which the number of gaming values ​​to be used in a game is set to a second input number less than the first input number, the second gaming state having a higher expected value of winning gaming value than the first gaming state, This relates to a gaming machine in which, for some of the minor roles that are the subject of a lottery in the second gaming state, the amount of game value paid out linked to the first number of inserts is different from the amount of game value paid out linked to the second number of inserts, and the gaming control means performs the internal lottery so that the probability of winning the minor role is higher in the second gaming state than in the first gaming state, and any of the minor roles is always won, and controls the amount of game value paid out when the minor role wins to be equal to or less than the second number of inserts.

[0008] In the present invention, the type of minor winning combinations that assist in winning can be reduced by providing operational instruction information, while the performance in acquiring game value in each game state can be suitably adjusted, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine and a dedicated unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the winning patterns of minor prizes in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of small prizes and replays in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on a reel in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14]1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 2 is a transition diagram of a gaming state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 18] A transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] A transition diagram of a game zone in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram comparing a conventional method with a new method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called smart pachislot, which is a reel-type gaming machine in which games are played using electronic medals as game value.

[0013] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing made up of a storage box 11 and a front door 12, and accommodates a first reel 13a, a second reel 13b, and a third reel 13c.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit 30 for a gaming machine in this embodiment.

[0015] In the reel unit 30 of this embodiment, the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are each fixed to a metal (or resin) base unit 31 molded in an approximately U-shape via a metal (or resin) support unit 32 that supports a stepping motor 33 for driving each reel.

[0016] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c housed in the base unit 31 is configured by winding a reel tape 35 made of a strip-shaped resin film around the outer periphery of a resin reel body 34 (reel drum) molded into an annular shape. The reel tape 35 is wound around the reel body 34 so that the front side forms the outer periphery of each reel and the back side forms the inner periphery of each reel, and the ends are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0017] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c is fixed to the drive shaft of a stepping motor 33 by bolting or the like at a position corresponding to the center of rotation of the reel body 34. The stepping motor 33 for each reel is also fixed to the support unit 32 by bolting or the like.

[0018] The reel tape 35 for each reel is divided into pattern arrangement areas of 20 frames at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of patterns is arranged on the surface of the reel tape 35 at each position corresponding to each frame.

[0019] The reel unit 30 of this embodiment includes a backlight unit 36 ​​(illumination means) that illuminates the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c from the back side of the reel tape 35 of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). In the backlight unit 36 ​​for each reel, a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb is disposed so as to illuminate each display position of three frames (upper, middle, and lower) observable through the display window 14 of the gaming machine, and in this embodiment, three light sources are provided corresponding to the display positions of each reel: an upper backlight 37a that illuminates the upper display position, a middle backlight 37b that illuminates the middle display position, and a lower backlight 37c that illuminates the lower display position.

[0020] A power supply unit and a setting change unit are built into the housing of the gaming machine 10, and various switches are provided, such as a power switch for starting up the gaming machine 10, a start-up mode change switch for performing operations related to setting changes, and a setting change switch. The setting change unit may be integrated with a main control board, which will be described later.

[0021] In addition, a main control board, a sub-control board, and a medal count control board are built into the housing of the gaming machine 10, and each of these control boards is equipped with a CPU as a calculation means, and a ROM and RAM as storage means, etc., so that the operation of the gaming machine can be controlled. The main control board and the sub-control board are connected in such a way that only one-way communication from the main control board to the sub-control board is possible, and the sub-control board cannot transmit information to the main control board. In addition, two-way communication is possible between the main control board and the medal count control board, and information can be transmitted from the main control board to the medal count control board, and information can be transmitted from the medal count control board to the main control board.

[0022] As described above, the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is divided into 20 regions (each region is called a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a number of different patterns is arranged on each frame. Each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is rotated around the axis of the stepping motor 33, and is provided so as to be able to be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units) by controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the drive pulse of the stepping motor 33. That is, in the gaming machine 10, the stepping motor 33 drives the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to rotate in response to a drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when a full-phase excitation drive pulse is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor 33 stops, causing the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to stop.

[0023] The front door 12 can be opened and closed freely, and is provided with a display window 14 that allows the rotation and stop states of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to be observed. When the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are stopped, three patterns (upper pattern, middle pattern, and lower pattern) that are consecutively arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c can be observed through the display window 14 from the front of the gaming machine, among a plurality of types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c.

[0024] In addition, in the gaming machine 10, an upper, middle, and lower section are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the symbols through the display window 14, and an active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine 10, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three or two, and when electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line 15 formed by the middle sections of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c is activated.

[0025] The game result is determined by the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the pay line 15 in the display window 14. If the symbol combination on the pay line 15 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is deemed to have been won, and the medal control board pays out electronic medals, etc.

[0026] The front door 12 is also provided with a main display 16, a sub-display 18, and a game medal count display 27. The main display 16, the sub-display 18, and the game medal count display 27 are all seven-segment displays, with the main display 16 displaying the number of electronic medals paid out for each game, operation instruction information, and main error information, the sub-display 18 displaying the number of electronic medals acquired in a specified game section and sub-error information, and the game medal count display 27 displaying the number of electronic medals held.

[0027] The front door 12 is provided with an outer perimeter lamp 19 and a liquid crystal display 20 for performing game effects. The outer perimeter lamp 19 illuminates the front door 12 and plays a role in livening up the game by its lighting mode, notifying information that assists the game, notifying the status of the game machine, etc., and its exterior is made of translucent resin or glass and is formed to be able to transmit light from the built-in LED unit. The liquid crystal display 20 also displays various videos (or images) for assisting the game, livening up the game, and notifying the status of the game machine. In the game machine of this embodiment, a speaker 40 for performing game effects is provided on the front door 12. The speaker 40 outputs various sounds and background music for assisting the game, livening up the game, and notifying the status of the game machine.

[0028] In addition, various operating means are provided on the front door 12. The operating means include a bet switch 21 (insertion operating means) for inserting a digitalized medal, a start switch 22 (game start operating means) for rotating the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to start a game, stop switches 23a to 23c (stop operating means) for stopping each of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c rotated by the stepping motor 33, a counting switch 26 for transferring the digitalized medal to an external device, and a settlement switch 28 for canceling the inserted state of the digitalized medal. In particular, in this embodiment, the exterior of the bet switch 21 and the stop switches 23a to 23c are made of translucent resin and are formed to be able to transmit light from a built-in LED unit, and it is possible to know that the insertion operation of the digitalized medal is enabled and the stop operation of the reel being rotated is enabled by the lighting of the LED unit.

[0029] In addition, the front door 12 is provided with a door key cylinder 24, and the front door 12 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 24. In addition, the front door 12 can be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 24 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position.

[0030] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a player inserts an electronic medal by operating the bet switch 21, the machine is set to a ready state in which it is possible to start the rotation control of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. Then, when the player operates the start switch 22, the control board starts rotating the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by driving the stepping motor 33, and an internal lottery is performed using a random number value. On the condition that the rotation speed of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop switches 23a to 23c is enabled.

[0031] Thereafter, when the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c at any timing, the operation is detected by a sensor (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop switches 23a to 23c, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board is changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0032] In addition, when the player releases any of the stop switches 23a to 23c that are pressed down at any timing, the sensors corresponding to the stop switches 23a to 23c detect the end of the operation and change the reel stop signal input to the main control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0033] The main control board stops the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from an OFF state to an ON state of the reel stop signal, whose signal state changes depending on the timing of pressing and releasing the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0034] In addition, when electronic medals are paid out based on the results of a game, the number of medals equivalent to the number paid out is counted up to a predetermined upper limit, and the display value of the game medal count display 27 is changed in accordance with the change in the number of electronic medals owned.

[0035] In this embodiment, the electronic medals are managed by the gaming machine 10 and a dedicated unit 800 (an example of a specific unit) communicatively connected to the gaming machine 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic mechanical configuration of the gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 800. The dedicated unit 800 has a built-in CPU as a computing means that functions as a lending control unit 801 that exchanges information with the gaming machine 10, controls inputs from various switches provided in the dedicated unit 800, and controls various displays provided in the dedicated unit 800.

[0036] When a player uses the gaming machine 10, he inserts cash into the cash insertion section 802 of the dedicated unit 800. When cash is inserted into the cash insertion section 802, the number of points corresponding to the inserted cash (for example, "10" for an insertion of 1000 yen) is displayed on the point display 807 of the dedicated unit 800. When the lending switch 804 is operated while points remain in the dedicated unit 800, electronic medals corresponding to the number of points held in the dedicated unit 800 (for example, "50") are transferred to the gaming machine 10 at once. In the gaming machine 10 to which the electronic medals have been transferred from the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the gaming machine medal count display 27 changes by an increment corresponding to the amount of electronic medals transferred.

[0037] When the bet switch 21 of the gaming machine 10 is operated to insert electronic medals, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by a decrement equivalent to the number of electronic medals inserted. Also, when electronic medals are paid out as a result of playing, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by an increment equivalent to the number of electronic medals paid out.

[0038] Furthermore, if the settlement switch 28 is operated after the bet switch 21 has been operated and electronic medals have been inserted, but before the start switch 21 is operated, the inserted state of the electronic medals is released, and the display value of the game medal display 27 changes by an increment equivalent to the number of medals inserted.

[0039] When the player finishes using the gaming machine 10, the counting switch 26 is operated, and the electronic medals managed in the gaming machine 10 are transferred to the dedicated unit 800. When the electronic medals are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, the display value of the acquired medal number display 808 of the dedicated unit 800 changes by an increase amount corresponding to the transferred electronic medals, and the display value of the game medal number display 27 of the gaming machine 10 changes by a decrease amount corresponding to the transferred electronic medals. When the player operates the return switch 805 of the dedicated unit 800, the electronic medals managed in the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to the card medium stored in the dedicated unit 800, and the card medium is pulled out of the dedicated unit 800 through the card insertion section 803. In this way, in this embodiment, the electronic medals acquired by using the gaming machine 10 can be stored in the card medium.

[0040] In this embodiment, the use of the gaming machine 10 can be resumed by using the card medium in which the electronic medals are stored. Specifically, when the player uses the gaming machine 10, the player inserts the card medium in which the electronic medals are stored into the card insertion section 803 instead of cash, and the electronic medals stored in the card medium are read into the dedicated unit 800, so that the player can play the game. In this case, the electronic medals stored in the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, and the total number of electronic medals stored in the card medium is displayed on the acquired medal number display 808. The player can transfer the electronic medals managed by the dedicated unit 800 to the gaming machine 10 by operating the game switch 806 of the dedicated unit 800 instead of the lending switch 804 of the dedicated unit 800.

[0041] In this way, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment does not require actual medals, and therefore it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as inserting medals in a pseudo manner or using medals that have been illegally brought in. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out gaming media such as medals in the gaming machine 10, so that design and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of gaming media to players and the counting of acquired gaming media, it is possible to prevent fraud. In addition, by centrally managing information on electronic medals in the gaming machine 10, it is possible to suppress gambling, and as a result, to strengthen measures against addiction.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0043] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a main control unit 100 (main control board), a sub-control unit 200 (sub-control board), and a medal count control unit 600 (medal count control board). The main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are started by power supplied from the power supply unit by operating the power switch. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 20 starts up at an earlier stage than the main control unit 10 due to the relationship between the start-up voltages of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20. That is, when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10, creating a situation in which it waits for a command to be received from the main control unit 10. In addition, the start-up of the main control unit 10 is not completed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, so that the game can be played after the start-up of the liquid crystal display 20 managed by the sub-control unit 20 has been completed. In addition, the medal count control unit 600 receives a start-up command from the main control unit 10 and starts itself and establishes a communication connection with the dedicated unit 800.

[0044] The main control unit 100 receives input signals from the start mode change switch 301, the setting change switch 302, the door open / close switch 303, the bet switch 21, the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a-23b, the settlement switch 28, etc., and performs various calculations to set the gaming machine, manage main errors, or proceed with the game, and controls the operation of the reel unit 30, etc., based on the calculation results. The sub-control unit 200 also responds to commands from the main control unit 100, and controls the operation of the display unit 501, the speaker 40, the lamp unit 503, etc., and manages sub-errors. The medal count control unit 600 also responds to input signals from the counting switch 26 and commands from the main control unit 100, and manages electronic medals and medal errors, and transfers information about electronic medals to and from the dedicated unit 800. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM, or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

[0045] The main control unit 100 includes a setting change means 101 , a game control means 102 , a random number generation means 103 , and a main memory means 105 .

[0046] The setting change means 101 controls changing the setting value stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the game mode and the setting change mode are switched depending on the state of the start mode change switch 301 when the power is turned on, and when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10 with the start mode change switch 301 setting the start mode to the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, 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 from setting 1 to setting 6 in order. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0047] Furthermore, when the setting change switch 302 is actuated in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch 302, and when the start switch 22 is actuated, it confirms the setting value and performs control to store the confirmed setting value in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the main display 16 displays the selected setting value in the setting change mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is turned on with the start-up mode change switch 301 setting the start-up mode to the game mode, the gaming machine 10 is started up in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, a game can be played but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed but the game cannot be played.

[0049] In addition, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read / write memory (RWM) which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 105. Note that in the initialization process, not all information stored in the read / write memory is initialized, but some information is retained without being initialized.

[0050] The game control means 102 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when an electronic medal is inserted and a game is started, it determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop switches 23a to 23c, it stops the reels being rotated according to the result of the internal lottery, determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line, and performs a main loop process in which the game progresses by performing processing according to the determination result. Details of this process are described below.

[0051] First, the game control means 102 accepts the operation (insertion operation) of the bet switch 21 related to the insertion of electronic medals for each game, and performs processing to enable the game start operation for the start switch 22 (game start operation means) based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 or 2 medals). That is, the game control means 102 functions as an insertion acceptance means that accepts the insertion of electronic medals to be used for a game up to the specified insertion number based on the insertion operation. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first operation of the start switch 22 that is enabled based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c and to execute an internal lottery.

[0052] The function of inserting electronic medals is realized by cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. When the bet switch 21 is operated, the main control unit 100 transmits an insertion command specifying the specified number of electronic medals to be inserted to the medal count control unit 600, and when the medal count control unit 600 receives the insertion command and stores in the medal information storage means 603 the number of electronic medals to be inserted as the number of game medals equal to or greater than the specified number specified in the insertion command, the medal count control unit 600 returns a reply command to the main control unit 100. Furthermore, the counting control means 601 of the medal count control unit 600 reduces the number of game medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the specified number of electronic medals. When it is possible to insert electronic medals equivalent to the specified number of insertions by receiving the reply command, the game control means 102 in the main control unit 100 sets the electronic medals equivalent to the specified number of insertions to an inserted state. In this embodiment, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set according to the game state. When the game state is normal or a bonus state, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to three, and when the game state is a bonus state, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to two.

[0053] In addition, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a game start operation on the start switch 22 (the first operation on the activated start switch 22), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as an internal lottery means to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a game start operation.

[0054] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table is used to perform the internal lottery among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and miss (non-winning) are associated with each of multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65535). In this embodiment, for six levels of setting values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each setting value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between the role and the random number value is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate.

[0055] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing examples of three types of internal lottery tables corresponding to a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state. Regarding internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3 shown in Fig. 5, in the normal state, internal lottery table 1 is referred to, in the bonus establishment state, internal lottery table 2 is referred to, and in the bonus state, internal lottery table 3 is referred to.

[0057] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, minor roles 1 to 39 are prepared as minor roles, and the winning modes of the minor roles are set as shown in Figures 6 and 7, and include batting order bell group a (batting order bell a3 to batting order bell a6), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b3 to batting order bell b6), batting order bell group c (batting order bell c3 to batting order bell c6), batting order bell group d (batting order bell d3 to batting order bell d6), batting order bell group e (batting order bell e3 to batting order bell e6), batting order bell group f (batting order bell f3 to batting order bell f6), batting order bell group g (batting order bell g3 to batting order bell g6), batting order bell group h (batting order bell h3 to batting order bell h6), watermelon, cherry a, cherry b, cherry c, special role, batting order 3-coin role (an example of the second winning mode), common 3-coin role (an example of the first winning mode), JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3.

[0058] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 3 are provided as replays, and normal replay a, normal replay b, and normal replay c are set as winning modes of the replays, as shown in FIG.

[0059] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the winning probability of the small role is the same in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2, the winning probability of the replay is higher in the internal lottery table 2 than in the internal lottery table 1, the replay is not a lottery target in the internal lottery table 3, the lottery mode of the small role is different from that in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2, and the winning probability of the small role is higher than that in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the winning mode of the small role is always obtained in the internal lottery table 3, and in the bonus state in which the internal lottery table 3 is referred to, any one of JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3 is always won. In addition, in the internal lottery table 3, the winning probability of each of the small roles that are the lottery targets in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2 is higher than that in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2.

[0060] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB: an example of a special role) is provided as a bonus, and the big bonus (BB) is an object of drawing in the internal drawing table 1 which is referred to in the normal state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a bonus or replay does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some of the minor winning patterns changes depending on the setting value. The higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning JAC1, and the higher the setting value, the lower the probability of winning JAC3.

[0062] In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 103 for each game based on the operation of the start switch 22, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has resulted in a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 105.

[0063] The random number generating means 103 described above is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535 without duplication in one period. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but may function as random numbers because the timing of acquisition is irregular.

[0064] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the main storage means 105.

[0065] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a lottery 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 are prepared. The former carry-over flag corresponds to a bonus, and the latter non-carry-over flag corresponds to a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small win and the replay are won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small win or replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won bonus and the lottery flag of the small win or replay won in the internal lottery is set to a winning state.

[0066] The game control means 102 also controls the stepping motor to start rotating the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c based on a game start operation on the start switch 22, and validates a stop operation by pressing the stop buttons 23a to 23c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute) of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and controls the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that are rotated by the stepping motor to stop in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery). That is, the game control means 102 functions as a reel control means that rotates a plurality of reels based on a game start operation, and stops the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated.

[0067] When the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c while the stop operation for the stop switches 23a to 23c is enabled, the game control means 102 controls the stopping of each of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by stopping the supply of a drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 30 based on a signal from the operated stop switch.

[0068] That is, the game control means 102 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c every time the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, operating the stop switch 23a corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel 13a, operating the stop switch 23b corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel 13b, and operating the stop switch 23c corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel 13c. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c is changed, the stop order of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c is changed.

[0069] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop switch 23a to 23c is operated. When the reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop switch is operated, the stop position of each reel is determined by the number of frames required from the time when the stop switch is operated to the time when the reel stops within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range). The game control means 102 controls the reel to stop, which corresponds to the reel that is selected by the internal lottery, so that the symbol corresponding to the role for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line when the symbol corresponding to the role for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the display position on the pay line on the outer circumferential surface of the reel that is rotating and corresponds to the stop switch 23a to 23c that is operated.

[0070] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 30 is provided with a reel index 405 consisting of a photosensor, and the game control means 102 is capable of monitoring the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 405) based on the signal detected by the reel index 405 every time the reel rotates once. That is, the game control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel at the time of operation of the stop switch by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

[0071] In this embodiment, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c constituting the reel unit 30, and when symbols existing within four frames from the operation detection position are drawn onto an active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer periphery of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the operation detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time when the stop switch is actuated (the time when the operation of the stop switch is detected). Note that in this embodiment, the operation detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0072] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the symbol arrangement for the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a red 7 symbol "red 7", a white 7 symbol "white 7", a bar symbol "BAR", a special symbol 1 "SP1", a special symbol 2 "SP2", a watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", a watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", a cherry symbol "CH", a bell symbol "BL", and a replay symbol "RP" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c.

[0073] The game control means 102 also refers to a stop control table stored in the main storage means 105 to determine the stop position of the reel during rotation. In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation from the operation detection position to the actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the actual stop position may be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0074] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the priority order for small wins, replays, and bonuses is set in the order of "replay > bonus" and then "small win > bonus", and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including a pattern that constitutes the winning form of a high priority win is selected according to the priority order associated with each win.

[0075] In addition, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when the lottery flags related to multiple types of minor roles are set to a winning state in the internal lottery, there are cases where the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control) and cases where the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role (payout number priority control). When the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position with a greater number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is given priority, and when the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals paid out, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the stop position with a greater number of electronic medals paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the pattern displayed at the display position on the valid line (the stop position that can win a minor role with a greater payout) is given priority. However, when the stop positions are set according to the number of electronic medals paid out, for multiple stop positions where the number of electronic medals paid out is the same, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set, and when the stop positions are set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on an active line, for multiple stop positions where the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on an active line is the same, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set.

[0076] In this embodiment, the stop positions of the reels are set in each stop control table with respect to the operation detection positions so that so-called pull-in control and kick-off control can be realized. The pull-in control is a control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that the combination with the lottery flag set to the winning state can win as much as possible. On the other hand, the kick-off control is a control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that the combination with the lottery flag set to the non-winning state cannot win. In this way, the game control means 102 determines the stop positions of the reels so that the symbols of the combination with the lottery flag set to the winning state can be stopped in a winning form, while the symbols of the combination with the lottery flag set to the non-winning state do not stop in a winning form.

[0077] In this embodiment, as the winning modes of the small prize in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, there are a plurality of types of specific winning modes in which a specific small prize in which the number of electronic medals paid out due to winning is greater than the number of electronic medals inserted, and a non-specific small prize in which the number of electronic medals paid out due to winning is less than the number of electronic medals inserted are overlappingly won, and a correct operation mode that allows the specific small prize to be won is set for each of the specific winning modes. In a game in which a specific winning mode is obtained in the bonus establishment state, the stop position of the reel being rotated is determined so that the winning of a specific small prize is prioritized when a stop operation is performed according to a correct operation mode, and the winning of a non-specific small prize is prioritized while avoiding the winning of a specific small prize when a stop operation is performed according to a failed operation mode, which is an operation mode that is not a correct operation mode. On the other hand, in a game in which a specific winning mode is obtained in the normal state, all operation modes become failed operation modes for some of the specific winning modes, and the stop position of the reel being rotated is determined so that the winning of a non-specific small prize is prioritized while avoiding the winning of a specific small prize no matter what mode the stop operation is performed in.

[0078] In this embodiment, the specific winning modes are 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. Hereinafter, these winning modes are collectively referred to as batting order bells. Each batting order bell is a winning mode in which a 7-piece small combination and a 1-piece small combination are overlappingly won, and the 7-piece small combination corresponds to a specific small combination, and the 1-piece small combination corresponds to a non-specific small combination. In the stop control table that is referred to when the batting order bell is won by the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 9, a correct batting order that is a correct operation mode is set for each batting order bell.

[0079] In the stop control table that is referred to when any of the batting order bells win, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that when the stop switches 23a to 23c are pressed in the correct batting order, a 7-coin small role is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are pressed in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1-coin small role is won and cases where no role is won (role miss). "1-coin small role (1 / 2)" in FIG. 9 means that in that operation order, a 1-coin small role is won with a 1 / 2 probability, and a role miss occurs with a 1 / 2 probability. Also, "1-coin small role (1 / 4)" in FIG. 9 means that in that operation order, a 1-coin small role is won with a 1 / 4 probability, and a role miss occurs with a 3 / 4 probability. Also, "1-coin small prize (3 / 4)" in FIG. 9 means that in that operation sequence, there is a 3 / 4 probability that a 1-coin small prize will be won, and there is a 1 / 4 probability that a prize will be missed.

[0080] In addition, when each batting order bell is won, the stop position for the operation detection position is set in each stop control table so that in the correct batting order, the symbols constituting the winning form of the 7-coin small prize are preferentially displayed on the valid line by the payout number priority control, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the symbols constituting the winning form of the 1-coin small prize are preferentially displayed on the valid line by the number priority control. In this embodiment, by using the payout number priority control and the number priority control according to the operation order, in the correct batting order, the winning of the 1-coin small prize is avoided while the winning of the 7-coin small prize is possible, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the winning of the 1-coin small prize is avoided while the winning of the 7-coin small prize is possible while the winning of the 1-coin small prize is possible.

[0081] In this embodiment, for the batting order bell group a, the batting order bell group b, the batting order bell group e, and the batting order bell group f, the correct batting order is valid only when the bonus is established, and when the batting order bell is won in the normal state, even if the stop operation is performed according to the correct batting order, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-coin small role will be won, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a role will be missed. That is, in the normal state, for the batting order bell group a, the batting order bell group b, the batting order bell group e, and the batting order bell group f, even if the stop operation is performed in a manner that allows the 7-coin small role to be won in the bonus establishment state, the stop position is determined so as to avoid the winning of the 7-coin small role by the number priority control. On the other hand, for the batting order bell group c, the batting order bell group d, the batting order bell group g, and the batting order bell group h, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and the stop position is determined so that the winning of the 7-coin small role is prioritized by the payout number priority control in the correct batting order in both game states.

[0082] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 4-coin minor combination is won and cases where no combination is won.

[0083] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when Cherry A or Cherry B is won in the internal lottery, the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 3-coin small win is awarded and cases where a 1-coin small win is awarded, and the payout number priority control gives priority to a 3-coin small win over a 1-coin small win.

[0084] In addition, in the stop control table that is referred to when the cherry c is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the push detection position is set so that the 7-coin small prize is always awarded, as shown in Fig. 10, but the 7-coin small prize that is awarded varies depending on the order of the stop operation. When the cherry c is selected, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the batting order 1 to 4 that stops the first reel 13a or the second reel 13b first, the small prize 6 to the small prize 10 are awarded and a stop mode that shows the result of the middle cherry appears, and if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the batting order 5 and 6 that stops the third reel 13c first, the small prize 3 or the small prize 4 is awarded. In particular, in this embodiment, if the stopping operation is performed at batting order 5 when Cherry C is won, small prize 3, which is a 7-coin small prize associated with batting order 5 in the batting order bell, will be won, and if the stopping operation is performed at batting order 6 when Cherry C is won, small prize 4, which is a 7-coin small prize associated with batting order 6 in the batting order bell, will be won.

[0085] In addition, in the stop control table that is referred to when a special role is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that a 7-coin small role is always won as shown in Fig. 10, but the 7-coin small role that is won varies depending on the order of the stop operation. When a special role is won, if the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 1-4 that stops the first reel 13a or the second reel 13b first, the small role 5 is won and a stopping mode indicating a reach eye appears, and if the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 5 and batting order 6 that stops the third reel 13c first, the small role 3 or the small role 4 is won. In particular, in this embodiment, if the stopping operation is performed at batting order 5 when a special role is won, small role 3, which is a 7-coin small role associated with batting order 5 in the batting order bell, will win, and if the stopping operation is performed at batting order 6 when a special role is won, small role 4, which is a 7-coin small role associated with batting order 6 in the batting order bell, will win.

[0086] In addition, in the stop control table referred to when the batting order 3-coin role is won, as shown in Fig. 10, the correct batting order is set for the batting order 3-coin role, and when the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in the correct batting order, the stop positions are set for the operation detection positions so that the 3-coin minor role is won, and when the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the stop positions are set for the operation detection positions so that the 1-coin minor role is won. In particular, in this embodiment, when the batting order 3-coin role is won, the recommended batting order in which the first reel 13a is stopped first wins the 1-coin minor role, and the irregular batting order in which the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c is stopped first is the correct batting order and the 3-coin minor role is won.

[0087] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when the common 3-coin role is won, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the 3-coin minor role will always be won, regardless of the order of the stop operations, as shown in Figure 10.

[0088] In addition, in the stop control table referred to when JAC1 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that the small role 11 wins in priority to other small roles, in the stop control table referred to when JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that the small role 11 wins in priority to other small roles, and in the stop control table referred to when JAC3 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that the small role 11 wins in priority to other small roles. Note that in this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in a manner in which the small role 11 cannot win a prize even if any of JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3 is won, a small role other than the small role 11 included in that winning mode will always win a prize.

[0089] In addition, for the winning patterns of various replays such as normal replay a, normal replay b, and normal replay c, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that any of the replays included in the winning patterns will always win regardless of the manner of the stop operation.

[0090] As for the Big Bonus (BB), in the normal state, it can only be won if the Big Bonus (BB) is won alone; there are no misses when the bonus is established, and since there are always overlapping wins of small prizes or replays, which have a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB), the stop position for the operation detection position is set in the stop control table so that the Big Bonus (BB) is not won.

[0091] The game control means 102 also performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. That is, the game control means 102 functions as a winning judgment means for judging whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. Specifically, while referring to a winning judgment table stored in the main storage means 105, it judges whether or not a symbol combination displayed on an active line at the time when all of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, a winning judgment table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a big bonus (BB), replay 1 to replay 3, and small win 1 to small win 39 can be judged based on the symbol combination displayed on an active line when each reel has stopped, as shown in FIG. 11 to FIG. 16.

[0092] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the game control means 102 executes a winning process when a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination process. As the winning process, for example, a payout process of electronic medals is performed when a small combination is achieved, a replay process is performed when a replay is achieved, and a game state transition process for transitioning the game state is performed when a bonus is achieved.

[0093] First, the game control means 102 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to game results. In this embodiment, the payout function of electronic medals is realized by the cooperation of the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. Specifically, when a small winning combination is won, the game control means 102 of the main control unit 100 determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out in a game based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and transmits a payout command specifying the number of electronic medals to be paid out to the medal count control unit 600. In the medal count control unit 600 that has received the payout command, the counting control means 601 increases the number of game medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the payout number specified by the payout command as the increase in the number of game medals. In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when electronic medals are paid out in each game, the number of electronic medals to be paid out is displayed on the main display 16. That is, when electronic medals are paid out due to the winning of a small role, the game control means 102 performs control to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out due to the winning of the small role on the main display 16. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a payout control means for paying out the number of electronic medals according to the payout of the winning small role when a small role is won. In addition, in this embodiment, a payout upper limit of electronic medals is set according to the specified number of insertions, and when electronic medals are paid out due to the winning of a small role, control is performed so that electronic medals exceeding the payout upper limit are not paid out in one game. Specifically, when the specified number of insertions is 3, the payout upper limit is set to 15, and when the specified number of insertions is 2, the payout upper limit is set to 1. For example, when the specified number of insertions is 2, even if a 7-coin small role is won, the payout number of electronic medals due to the winning of a 7-coin small role is 1 because the payout upper limit is set to 1. In this embodiment, the payout for each small win is set in association with the prescribed number of coins, and except for some small wins, the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 3 is the same as the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 2. As shown in Fig. 13, for the small win 11, the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 3 is different from the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 2, and the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 3 is 4 coins, whereas the payout when the prescribed number of coins is 2 is 1 coin.

[0094] Furthermore, when a replay wins, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (replay process) for setting the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert electronic medals owned by the player. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed for automatically inserting the same number of electronic medals as in the previous game without using the electronic medals owned by the player, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start switch 22 with the same effective lines as in the previous game set. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a replay processing means for providing the next game free of charge when a replay wins.

[0095] In addition, the game control means 102 performs a game state transition process for transitioning the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state, as shown in FIG. 17. That is, the game control means 102 functions as a game state control means that can set the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the game state in which the player is currently playing is stored in the main storage means 105. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0096] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state. Specifically, when a bonus is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the bonus establishment state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery objects among a plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the prescribed number of coins is set to 3, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 1 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the payout rate corresponding to the expected value of the electronic medal is less than 50% in the normal state.

[0097] The bonus establishment state is a game state to which the game is transitioned when a bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the winning or losing of a minor role is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the bonus is excluded from the lottery object. Note that the replay is set as a lottery object even in the bonus establishment state, but the winning probability and winning mode of the replay may be different from those in the normal state, or may be the same. In this embodiment, in the bonus establishment state, the prescribed number of coins is set to 3, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 2 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in this embodiment, for the bonus establishment state, the ball payout rate when the performance state is not the AT state (when not in the AT state) is at least 50% higher, and the ball payout rate when the performance state is the AT state (when in the AT state) is 200%.

[0098] In addition, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in a winning state until the bonus is won, and the winning or losing of minor winning combinations and replays is determined, and when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the bonus is displayed on an active line, the game control means 102 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

[0099] The bonus state is a game state to which the game is switched when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning form is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the winning probability of a small role is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery target. That is, in the bonus state, the small role is more frequently won than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and the game state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the bonus establishment state. In this embodiment, in the bonus state, the specified number of coins is set to 2, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 3 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the payout rate for the bonus state is 50%.

[0100] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 judges whether or not the end condition is met based on the total number of electronic medals paid out by the bonus game in the bonus state, and when the number of electronic medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number to be paid out for the end (for example, 250 medals), the game control means 102 ends the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information on the number of payouts in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 105.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 18, the game control means 102 changes the presentation state between a plurality of presentation states including an initial presentation state, a normal presentation state, and an AT state, sets the presentation state to an AT state under a predetermined condition, and controls to end the AT state when the end condition of the AT state is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the presentation state in which the player is staying is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when the player is staying in the AT state, the game control means 102 displays information (operation instruction information) corresponding to the correct operation mode on the main display 16 consisting of a 7-segment display when a specific winning mode is won, thereby performing a correct operation notification to assist the winning of a specific minor role, and the player can play an assist time game in which it is easier to win medals than a game in which the player is staying in the initial presentation state or the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, the function of executing the assist time game in the advantageous zone is the instruction function, and the process that affects the execution of the assist time game is the process related to the instruction function.

[0102] 19, the game control means 102 can set a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, fixes the presentation state to an initial presentation state in the normal zone, which is an initial state, and draws a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and starts the advantageous zone by winning the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and can set the presentation state to an AT state on condition that the advantageous zone is in the advantageous zone. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a zone control means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and can provide operation instruction information in the advantageous zone.

[0103] The game control means 102 performs a lottery for shifting to an advantageous zone in which whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone is determined according to the result of the internal lottery during each game in the normal zone. In this embodiment, the winning of the advantageous zone is determined by linking it to the winning pattern obtained in the normal state or the bonus establishment state, and the player wins the advantageous zone except for a very small number of winning patterns.

[0104] When the game control means 102 wins the advantageous zone in the normal zone, it performs advantageous zone transition processing based on the fact that the advantageous zone has been won, starts the advantageous zone from the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone has been won, and sets the presentation state to the normal presentation state or the AT state. In this embodiment, a fixed role is provided as a winning mode of a small role in the normal state and the bonus formation state, and in the advantageous zone win triggered by a winning mode other than the fixed role, the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state in the advantageous zone transition processing, and in the advantageous zone win triggered by the fixed role, the presentation state is set to the AT state in the advantageous zone transition processing. In this embodiment, cherry c and special roles correspond to fixed roles.

[0105] In this embodiment, a low probability mode and a high probability mode can be set as the selection mode of the AT selection in the normal presentation state, and when the normal presentation state is in the normal presentation state, the game remains in one of the selection modes, and when the presentation state is to be shifted to the normal presentation state, a mode selection selection is performed, and the selection mode is determined according to the result of the mode selection selection. The mode selection selection is performed by acquiring a random number value associated with a stop operation corresponding to the third stop of the game that shifts the presentation state to the normal presentation state, and obtaining either the low probability mode or the high probability mode associated with the acquired random number value as the selection result. In this embodiment, the mode selection selection is performed in such a manner that the low probability mode is more likely to be selected than the high probability mode. Note that the game that shifts the presentation state to the normal presentation state refers to a game in which a favorable zone is won, or a game in which the AT state has ended in the favorable zone, and in a game in which a favorable zone is won, a mode selection selection is performed as part of the favorable zone transition process, and in a game in which the AT state has ended in the favorable zone, a mode selection selection is performed as part of the process of returning the presentation state to the normal presentation state. In addition, the winning mode of the advantageous zone transition lottery may be, for example, two types, low probability winning and high probability winning, and the lottery mode to be shifted to in the advantageous zone transition process may be determined to be the low probability mode or the high probability mode. In this case, if the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery is a low probability win, the lottery mode can be set to the low probability mode in the advantageous zone transition process, and if the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery is a high probability win, the lottery mode can be set to the high probability mode in the advantageous zone transition process.

[0106] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) when the game state is a bonus establishment state and the presentation state is a normal presentation state in the advantageous zone. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is performed regardless of which winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, and the AT lottery is performed so that the AT winning result is obtained with a predetermined probability according to the winning mode. In this embodiment, the AT winning result is obtained with a higher probability in the high probability mode than in the low probability mode. In addition, for the fixed roles (cherry c and special roles), the lottery result of the AT winning is always obtained in the AT lottery in both the low probability mode and the high probability mode. Then, the game control means 102 performs control to transition the presentation state from the normal presentation state to the AT state based on the result of the AT lottery being an AT winning.

[0107] In the normal performance state, the management of the lottery mode that transitions between the low probability mode and the high probability mode can be determined by lottery. For example, in the low probability mode, a promotion lottery is performed every time a game is played, and if the promotion lottery is won, it is determined that the promotion condition is established and a transition to the high probability mode is made, and in the high probability mode, a fall lottery is performed every time a game is played, and if the fall lottery is won, it is determined that the fall condition is established and a transition to the low probability mode is made.

[0108] The game control means 102 causes an assist time game to be played based on the fact that the presentation state is the AT state, and updates the count information of the number of AT games by an update amount equivalent to one game each time the assist time game is played. In this embodiment, the count information of the number of AT games is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when any of a plurality of specific winning patterns is won in the AT state, the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification to notify the correct operation pattern corresponding to the specific winning pattern that has been won. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification regarding the specific winning pattern, an operation instruction number corresponding to the correct batting order corresponding to the specific winning pattern that has been won is displayed on the main display 16.

[0109] When the game control means 102 determines that the condition for terminating the AT state is met based on the count information of the number of AT games stored in the main memory means 105, it performs control to return the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

[0110] In this embodiment, the game control means 102 updates the count information of the difference in number in the advantageous zone based on the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, and when it determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met based on the count information of the difference in number, it performs control to end the advantageous zone. The count information of the difference in number is stored in the main storage means 105, and as long as the end condition of the advantageous zone is not met in the advantageous zone, the count information of the difference in number is updated even if a transition in the game state or the presentation state occurs.

[0111] The game control means 102 also performs an initialization process to initialize predetermined information stored in the main storage means 105 based on the end of the advantageous zone. In particular, in this embodiment, among various information stored in the main storage means 105, information on the presentation state, count information on the number of AT games, and information on the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, when the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, unlike the case where the initialization process is performed when the setting is changed, information on the lottery flag of the internal lottery and information on the game state are retained without being initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. Then, when the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, the presentation state is initialized to the initial presentation state, and the count information on the number of AT games and the information on the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized to initial values ​​(for example, 0) to return to the normal zone.

[0112] In this embodiment, an initialization process is executed at the end of the favorable zone to return to the normal zone, so if a termination condition based on the count information of the difference in the number of coins is met while remaining in the AT state, the initialization process at the end of the favorable zone will forcibly terminate the AT state.

[0113] Next, a description will be given of the sub-control unit 200. The sub-control unit 200 includes a performance control means 201 and a sub-storage means 203.

[0114] The performance control means 201 controls performances using the display unit 501 (e.g., liquid crystal display 20), the speaker 40, and the lamp unit 503 (e.g., outer perimeter lamp 19, etc.) based on the performance data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs in response to the occurrence of game events such as the operation of the bet switch 21, the operation of the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, and changes in the game state, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display 20, and outputting sounds from the speaker 40, the performance control means 201 controls the execution of performances to liven up the game or to assist the game in response to the progress of the game.

[0115] When the presentation state is the AT state, the presentation control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and the speaker 40 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies the player of a correct operation mode when a specific winning mode is won and assists in the winning of a specific minor role.

[0116] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the AT state, the presentation control means 201 controls to execute a remaining number display presentation that displays the remaining number of games until the AT state ends on the liquid crystal display 20. In the remaining number display presentation, when the count information of the number of AT games is updated by playing a game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect the update of the count information.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the main loop processing of the main control unit 100, at least when the reels are spinning, the backlight unit 36 ​​illuminates the pattern display position of each reel to ensure visibility of the patterns arranged on each reel, and the backlight unit 36 ​​is controlled to turn off or blink at predetermined triggers such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0118] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined in response to a command sent from the main control unit 100 in accordance with the game status, the effect status, the result of the internal lottery, etc., using an effect selection table stored in the sub-storage means 203. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 20, and sound data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 40.

[0119] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functions of the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that causes a computer to function as the game control means 100 of this embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. In the above computer system, the bet switch 21, the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, etc. can be realized by virtually allocating their functions to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or a controller. In the above computer system, the main display 16, the game medal number display 27, the reel unit 30, etc. are not essential components, and these units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed and output on the display.

[0120] 2. Method of the Present Invention First, in game specifications that use the instruction function as in this embodiment, a method is adopted that improves the performance of acquiring electronic medals in the AT state executed in the bonus establishment state by suppressing the performance of acquiring electronic medals in the bonus state. That is, in game specifications that acquire electronic medals using the instruction function as in this embodiment (hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, referred to as AT specifications as necessary), it is important to return the payout rate in the bonus state to the payout rate associated with the instruction function by lowering the payout rate.

[0121] In this embodiment, by setting a new type of bonus state that is different from the conventional method, it is possible to design a game specification that uses the instruction function more easily than the conventional method. Figure 20 is a diagram comparing the main differences between the bonus state of the conventional method and the bonus state of the new method that applies the method of this embodiment.

[0122] In the conventional bonus state, the effect of lowering the payout rate can be obtained by reducing the chances of winning specific small roles. Specifically, in the normal state and the bonus state, multiple types of specific small roles are won without overlapping each other, and in the bonus state, the chances of winning specific small roles are reduced by overlapping specific small roles. In other words, in the conventional bonus state, it is essential to prepare two or more types of specific small roles.

[0123] In addition, in the conventional bonus state, the internal lottery is performed without lowering the probability of winning each specific small role compared to the normal state and the bonus establishment state, so the effect of lowering the payout rate by lowering the chance of winning a specific small role increases as the number of types of specific small roles increases. Specifically, if N types of specific small roles are prepared and they are won without overlapping in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and all the specific small roles are won overlappingly in the bonus state, in the bonus state, the chance of winning a specific small role in the normal state and the bonus establishment state can be reduced to 1 / N.

[0124] In the conventional bonus state, the payout of electronic medals exceeding the prescribed number is permitted, so in order to keep the payout rate in the bonus state low, it is preferable to have a large number of electronic medals. For this reason, in the conventional bonus state, the prescribed number is set to three medals in all of the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In addition, since there is only one prescribed number in the conventional method, there is only one upper limit on the payout amount linked to the prescribed number, and the upper limit on the payout amount does not differ depending on the game state.

[0125] In the bonus state of the conventional method, as described above, in order to allow the payout of electronic medals in excess of the prescribed number of insertions, the internal lottery is conducted so that non-winning (missing) prizes occur in the internal lottery in order to keep the payout rate of the bonus state as low as possible. And in the conventional method, the payout rate of the bonus state cannot be completely fixed because the payout of electronic medals in excess of the prescribed number of insertions is allowed and non-winning (missing) prizes can occur in the internal lottery.

[0126] In addition, in the conventional bonus state, the specific small role that can receive the payout of electronic medals exceeding the prescribed number of insertions has a relatively large effect on the payout rate, so in order to sufficiently lower the payout rate in the bonus state, it is necessary to prepare many types of specific small roles. In addition, since the AT specification controls the winning rate of the specific small role according to the operation mode, it is necessary to prepare non-specific small roles such as one-piece small roles to avoid the winning of the specific small role in non-AT according to the type of specific small role. In other words, in the AT specification that adopts the conventional bonus state, the types of small roles are diverse, so the data capacity increases and the design of the pattern arrangement and reel stop control is greatly affected. In particular, in the conventional method, the more the types of specific small roles are increased, the lower the payout rate in the bonus state can be obtained, so if many specific small roles are prepared, the design of the reel stop output must also be compromised, and it becomes difficult to design the winning form of all specific small roles in a form in which the same motif is displayed on a straight line.

[0127] On the other hand, in the bonus state of the new method to which the method of this embodiment is applied, a prescribed number of insertions different from that in the normal state and the bonus state is set, and the payout of electronic medals in the bonus state is limited to 1 by the payout upper limit linked to the prescribed number of insertions. Therefore, even if a specific small combination is won with a high probability, the payout of electronic medals due to the winning of the specific small combination is limited to 1, and the effect of significantly lowering the payout rate can be obtained.

[0128] In addition, in the new bonus state proposed in this embodiment, there is no chance of a non-winning (miss) in the internal lottery, and any of JAC1 to JAC3 will always win, and no matter which winning pattern is obtained, a small prize will always be awarded. Therefore, in the new bonus state, the payout rate can be fixed to 50%. In this way, in the new bonus state, the payout rate in the bonus state can be fixed, so that the design freedom of the electronic medal winning performance in the normal state and the bonus establishment state can be improved.

[0129] In addition, in the AT specification that adopts the new bonus state, there is no need to provide multiple types of specific small roles as in the conventional method. Therefore, it is possible to realize it by preparing at least one type of specific small role, so the data capacity can be allocated elsewhere. In addition, in the AT specification that adopts the new bonus state, the number of specific small roles can be reduced compared to the conventional method, so the freedom of design of the stop results when a specific small role is won is improved, and it is easier to adopt a form in which the same motif is displayed in a straight line.

[0130] In this embodiment, the probability of winning any of the small roles in the bonus state is higher than in the normal state, and for each of the small roles that are the subject of the lottery in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed so that the small roles are won with a higher probability than in the normal state, thereby ensuring that the bonus state is a more advantageous game state than the normal state. In this embodiment, the lottery mode of the small roles is the same in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, but in the normal state, the winning opportunity of the specific small role is reduced by avoiding the winning of the specific small role regardless of the mode of the stop operation when some of the batting order bells are won, so that the payout rate of the normal state can be kept lower than that of the bonus establishment state and the bonus state. In this embodiment, the relationship of the payout rate of each game state of the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state is normal state < bonus state < bonus establishment state, and the payout rate of the bonus state can be easily kept lower than that of the conventional method by adopting the new bonus state, so that a design can be made in which the amount of the payout rate of the normal state and the bonus state that is kept lower is returned to the payout rate of the bonus establishment state that allows playing in the AT state.

[0131] In the new bonus state, the payout for some of the minor roles is changed by changing the prescribed number of insertions. Specifically, when the prescribed number of insertions becomes two, the payout for the minor role 11 is changed from four to one, and the minor role 11 whose payout is changed is controlled to be given priority in the bonus state. For the minor roles whose payout has been changed due to the change in the prescribed number of insertions, it is necessary to make them win in the game played with each prescribed number of insertions, so it is preferable that the number of types of minor roles whose payout is changed with the change in the prescribed number of insertions is small. However, in most cases, there are multiple types of minor roles in which electronic medals exceeding the prescribed number of insertions are paid out in the design of the game specifications, so in this embodiment, by changing the payout upper limit linked to the prescribed number of insertions to be equal to or less than the prescribed number of insertions, it is not necessary to change the payout for all minor roles even if the prescribed number of insertions is different between the normal state and the bonus state. In this way, when the new bonus state proposed in this embodiment is adopted, it is easy to design a configuration that makes it easy to display the winning form of the minor role whose payout has been changed with the change in the prescribed number of insertions. In addition, the bonus state of the new method can be easily changed from the bonus state of the conventional method, and the design resources of the conventional method can be utilized, so that the design assets of the conventional method are less likely to go to waste.

[0132] In the method of the present embodiment described above, the type of specific small roles can be reduced while the performance of acquiring electronic medals in each game state can be suitably adjusted, so that the design freedom of the gaming machine can be improved. In particular, in this embodiment, by providing at least one type of specific small role, it is possible to design an AT specification that is comparable to the conventional method, so that the design freedom regarding the pattern arrangement and the stop control of the reel is greatly improved. In addition, by reducing the types of specific small roles, it is possible to reduce the data capacity required for various controls.

[0133] In the above embodiment, the maximum payout amount is 1 coin when the specified number of coins to be inserted is 2 coins. However, the maximum payout amount may be 2 coins when the specified number of coins to be inserted is 2 coins, as long as the maximum payout amount is equal to or less than the specified number of coins to be inserted.

[0134] In the above embodiment, the upper payout limit is set to a specified number of insertions or less, thereby realizing control so that the number of electronic medals paid out when a small win in bonus state is won is equal to or less than the specified number of insertions. However, when the specified number of insertions is 2 or 3, the payouts for all small wins with a payout of 2 or more are changed to 2 or less, so that the number of electronic medals paid out when a small win in bonus state is won is equal to or less than the specified number of insertions.

[0135] In the above embodiment, a case has been described in which JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3 are provided as the winning patterns of the minor winning combination that can be won in the internal lottery in the bonus state, but the lottery pattern in the bonus state may be such that only JAC1, which overlaps in winning all minor winning combinations, is the one that is subject to the lottery.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the payout is changed according to the change in the specified input number, but the payout may be changed for two or more types of small wins. In this case, it is preferable that the stop control is performed so that the winning form is displayed in the bonus state for all the small wins whose payouts have been changed.

[0137] In addition, in an AT specification that adopts the new bonus state proposed in the above embodiment, at least one type of specific minor winning combination is sufficient, and the payout for the specific minor winning combination may be changed in accordance with a change in the specified number of winning combinations.

[0138] Also, an increased minor role may be set that is not the subject of the lottery in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, but is the subject of the lottery only in the bonus state. In this case, in the bonus state, an internal lottery may be performed so that the increased minor role does not overlap with other minor roles and is won alone, or an internal lottery may be performed so that the minor role that is the subject of the lottery in the normal state and the bonus establishment state and the increased minor role overlap and are won.

[0139] In addition, in the above embodiment, one of the small prizes is guaranteed to win in the bonus state, and one of the small prizes is guaranteed to win regardless of the type of stopping operation, but if a small prize wins in the bonus state but the small prize does not win depending on the type of stopping operation, a so-called missed opportunity may occur.

[0140] In this embodiment, a gaming machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface, an input receiving means for receiving the input of gaming value to be used for a game, an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a plurality of types of roles including a bonus and a small role will be won, a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels and controlling the reels to stop rotating in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, a winning determination means for determining whether a role has been won, a gaming state control means for setting a first gaming state in which the bonus is the subject of a lottery and a second gaming state to which the game state is transitioned upon the winning of the bonus, and a gaming control means 102 that functions as a payout control means for controlling the payout of the gaming value when the small role is won, and is capable of providing operation instruction information to assist in the winning of the small role won in the internal lottery, The input receiving means sets the number of inputs of the game value to be used for the game to a first input number in the first game state, and sets the number of inputs of the game value to be used for the game to a second input number less than the first input number in the second game state, the second game state has a higher expected acquisition value of the game value than the first game state, and for some of the minor roles to be selected in the first game state and the second game state, the payout linked to the first input number and the payout linked to the second input number are different, the internal lottery means performs the internal lottery so that the probability of the minor role being won is higher in the second game state than in the first game state and one of the minor roles is always won, and the payout control means controls the number of payouts of the game value to be equal to or less than the second input number in the second game state when the minor role wins. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 10 gaming machines, 11 Storage box, 12 Front door, 13a first reel, 13b second reel, 13c third reel, 14 display window, 15 Effective line, 16 Main display, 18 Sub display, 19 Outer circumference lamp, 20 LCD display, 21 bet switch, 22 start switch, 23a, 23b, 23c stop switch, 24 door key cylinder, 25 Error release switch, 26 Counting switch, 27 Game medal number display, 28 settlement switch, 30 reel unit, 31 base unit, 32 support unit, 33 stepping motor, 34 reel body, 35 reel tape, 36 backlight unit, 37a upper backlight, 37b middle backlight, 37c lower backlight, 40 speakers, 100 Main control unit, 101 setting change means, 102 game control means, 103 random number generation means, 105 Main memory means, 200 Sub-control section, 201 performance control means, 203 auxiliary storage means, 301 Startup mode change switch, 302 Setting change switch, 303 Door opening / closing switch, 405 Reel index, 501 Display unit, 503 Lamp unit, 600 Medal count control unit, 601 counting control means, 602 medal error management means, 603 medal information storage means, 700 Rental equipment connection terminal board, 800 dedicated units, 801 lending control unit, 802 cash insertion unit, 803 card insertion unit, 804 Lending switch, 805 Return switch, 806 Game switch, 807 Degree Indicator, 808 Medal Count Indicator,

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine capable of providing operation instruction information to assist in the winning of a small role selected by an internal lottery, and in which a gaming value is paid out when the small role is won, a game control means for setting a first game state in which the number of game values ​​to be input for a game is set to a first input number, and a second game state in which the number of game values ​​to be input for a game is set to a second input number less than the first input number, The second gaming state has a higher expected value of acquisition of gaming value than the first gaming state, For some of the minor roles to be selected in the first gaming state and the second gaming state, the payout amount of the gaming value associated with the first input number is different from the payout amount of the gaming value associated with the second input number; The game control means In the second game state, the probability of winning the small prize is higher than in the first game state, and the internal lottery is performed so that any one of the small prizes is always won, and the gaming machine controls so that the payout amount of the gaming value when the small prize is won is equal to or less than the second input number.

Images