Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of improving amusement property of a game.SOLUTION: A game machine is provided with a common lower-stage bell including a small combination 13 and a common 1-token combination not including the small combination 13. In a game in which the common lower-stage bell is obtained by an internal lottery, when a stopping operation is performed in a recommended hitting order for stopping at least a first reel 13a first, the small combination 13 is won and a stopping mode with the lower-stage bell alignment occurs. In a game in which the common 1-token combination is obtained by an internal lottery, when a stopping operation is performed in a recommended hitting order, stopping positions of the rotating reels are determined so as to generate the same stopping mode as that when the stopping operation is performed in a recommended hitting order in the game in which the common lower-stage bell is obtained on a first stop reel and a second stop reel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on the outer periphery have been known for some time. These types of gaming machines are used to win gaming value, such as medals. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines perform an internal lottery and start the rotation of the multiple reels when the player initiates a spin operation, and stop the multiple reels in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery when the player initiates a stop operation. The outcome of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when the multiple reels are stopped, and gaming value is paid out according to the outcome of the game.

[0003] In recent years, gaming machines with instruction functions that provide operation instruction information to assist in winning small prizes, which pay out game value upon winning, thereby changing the probability of winning small prizes and making it easier to win game value such as medals in an 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] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-169321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, many gaming machines with instruction functions are controlled to change the winning rate of minor prizes depending on the order of stopping operations, but it is desirable to prevent the outcome of the game from being known at an early stage based on the stopping pattern of the first reel to stop among multiple reels, which could dampen expectations.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a gaming machine comprising a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery, an internal lottery means for conducting an internal lottery for determining whether a plurality of types of roles will be won, and a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and stopping the reels during rotation in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, the reels being stopped, the gaming machine winning a role when a symbol combination showing a winning form predetermined for each role is displayed on an active line, the winning modes of the internal lottery being provided being a first winning mode including a specific role and a second winning mode not including a specific role, and when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation sequence that stops a specific reel of the plurality of reels first, a winning mode different from the specific operation sequence is won. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which there are cases where the reel control means determines the stopping positions of the reels during rotation so that the specific winning combination is won when the stopping operations are performed in at least the specific operation sequence in a game in which the first winning combination is obtained by the internal lottery, and in which the reel control means determines the stopping positions of the reels during rotation so that the specific combination is won when the stopping operations are performed in at least the specific operation sequence in a game in which the second winning combination is obtained by the internal lottery, when the stopping operations are performed in accordance with the specific operation sequence, the first and second reels to stop among the plurality of reels will have the same stopping patterns as when the stopping operations are performed in accordance with the specific operation sequence in a game in which the first winning combination is obtained.

[0008] In the present invention, performing stop operations in a specific operation order that stops a specific reel among multiple reels first can be more advantageous than performing stop operations in an operation order other than the specific operation order, so stopping operations in accordance with the specific operation order are recommended. Even if a second winning mode that does not include a specific combination is obtained, if the stop operations are performed in accordance with the specific operation order, the expectation of winning a specific combination can be maintained at least until the second reel stops. Therefore, according to the present invention, the interest in playing a game can be increased when performing stop operations in accordance with the specific operation order. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 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. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the winning patterns of small winning combinations and replays in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 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 9] 10 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] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 3 is a transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a transition diagram of a gaming zone in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of stopping modes of reels in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of stopping modes of reels in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 10A to 10C are diagrams showing examples of stopping modes of reels in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential constituent elements 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 of the type in which games are played using electronic medals as game value.

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

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit 30 for a gaming machine according to 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 formed 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 circularly molded resin reel body 34 (reel drum). The reel tape 35 is wound around the reel body 34 so that its front surface forms the outer periphery of each reel and its back surface 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 the stepping motor 33 by bolts 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 bolts 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 is equipped with 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). Each reel backlight unit 36 ​​is provided with a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb so as to illuminate each of the three display positions (upper, middle, and lower) that can be observed 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] The housing of the gaming machine 10 also contains a main control board, a sub-control board, and a medal count control board, each of which is equipped with a CPU as a computing means, ROM and RAM as storage means, and is capable of controlling the operation of the gaming machine. The main control board and the sub-control board are connected in a manner that allows only one-way communication from the main control board to the sub-control board, and the sub-control board cannot send information to the main control board. Bidirectional communication is also possible between the main control board and the medal count control board, allowing information to be sent from the main control board to the medal count control board, and information to be sent 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 plurality of types of symbols is arranged on each frame. Each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is driven to rotate around the axis of the stepping motor 33, and is provided so as to be able to stop in frame units (units of a predetermined rotation angle, units of a predetermined rotation amount) by controlling the number of pulses, pulse width, etc. of the drive pulses 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 drive pulse for full phase excitation 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 stopped 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 symbols (upper, middle, and lower symbols) that are arranged consecutively 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.

[0024] In addition, in the gaming machine 10, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower 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 consisting of the lower section of the first reel 13a, the middle section of the second reel 13b, and the upper section of the third reel 13c is activated.

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

[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 7-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 in possession.

[0027] The front door 12 is also provided with peripheral lamps 19 and a liquid crystal display 20 for game effects. The peripheral lamps 19 illuminate the front door 12 and, depending on their lighting modes, serve to enhance the game, provide information to assist the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine. The exterior of the peripheral lamps 19 is made of translucent resin or glass, allowing light from the built-in LED unit to pass through. The liquid crystal display 20 displays various videos (or images) to assist the game, enhance the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine. The gaming machine of this embodiment is also provided with a speaker 40 on the front door 12 for game effects. The speaker 40 outputs various sounds and background music to assist the game, enhance the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine.

[0028] The front door 12 is also provided with various operating means. These operating means include a bet switch 21 (insertion operating means) for inserting electronic medals, 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-23c (stop operating means) for stopping each of the first reel 13a-3 reel 13c driven by the stepping motor 33, a counting switch 26 for transferring electronic medals to an external device, and a settlement switch 28 for canceling the inserted state of electronic medals. In particular, in this embodiment, the bet switch 21 and the stop switches 23a-23c have exteriors made of translucent resin that are transparent to light from built-in LED units. The illumination of the LED units indicates that the insertion of electronic medals has been activated, and that the stopping of the spinning reels has been activated.

[0029] The front door 12 is also 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. The front door 12 can also be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 24 clockwise by 90 degrees from its 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 controlling the rotation 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 validated.

[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 changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0032] Furthermore, when the player releases the pressed stop switches 23a to 23c 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 ON to OFF.

[0033] The main control board then 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 according to the results of the game, the electronic medals corresponding to the number paid out are counted up to a predetermined upper limit, and the display value of the game medal number display 27 is changed in accordance with the change in the number of electronic medals owned.

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

[0036] When a player uses the gaming machine 10, he or she 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 inserted 1,000 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 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 number of electronic medals transferred.

[0037] When the bet switch 21 of the gaming machine 10 is operated and electronic medals are inserted, 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 state in which electronic medals have been inserted is released, and the display value of the game medal display 27 changes by an amount equivalent to the number of medals inserted.

[0039] Furthermore, when a player finishes using the gaming machine 10, the counting switch 26 is operated, and the digitized medals managed in the gaming machine 10 are transferred to the dedicated unit 800. When the digitized medals are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the acquired medal count indicator 808 of the dedicated unit 800 increases by an amount corresponding to the amount of the transferred digitized medals, and the displayed value of the gaming medal count indicator 27 of the gaming machine 10 decreases by an amount corresponding to the amount of the transferred digitized medals. When the player operates the return switch 805 of the dedicated unit 800, the digitized medals managed in the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to a card medium stored in the dedicated unit 800, and the card medium is removed from the dedicated unit 800 through the card insertion portion 803. In this manner, in this embodiment, digitized medals acquired while using the gaming machine 10 can be stored on a card medium.

[0040] In this embodiment, the use of the gaming machine 10 can be resumed using the card medium on which digitized medals have been accumulated. Specifically, when a player uses the gaming machine 10, he or she can play a game by inserting the card medium on which digitized medals have been accumulated into the card insertion portion 803 instead of cash and having the dedicated unit 800 read the digitized medals accumulated on the card medium. In this case, the digitized medals accumulated on the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, and the total number of digitized medals accumulated on the card medium is displayed on the acquired medal count display 808. The player can transfer the digitized 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] As described above, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not require actual medals, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as inserting fake medals or using illegally brought medals. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out gaming media such as medals within the gaming machine 10, 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, fraud can be prevented. Furthermore, by centrally managing information on electronic medals in the gaming machine 10, gambling behavior can be suppressed, thereby strengthening 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 activated by power supplied from a power supply unit when a power switch is activated. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 20 activates earlier than the main control unit 10 due to the relationship between the activation voltages of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20. In other words, when the gaming machine 10 is powered on, the sub-control unit 20 activates before the main control unit 10 and waits to receive a command from the main control unit 10. Furthermore, the activation of the main control unit 10 is not completed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, so that game play can be performed after the activation of the liquid crystal display 20, which is managed by the sub-control unit 20, has been completed. Furthermore, the medal count control unit 600 receives an activation command from the main control unit 10 and activates 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, setting change switch 302, door open / close switch 303, bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a-23b, settlement switch 28, etc., and performs various calculations to set up the gaming machine, manage main errors, or progress the game, and controls the operation of the reel unit 30, etc. based on the calculation results. Also, in response to commands from the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200 controls the operation of the display unit 501, speaker 40, lamp unit 503, etc., and manages sub-errors. Also, in response to input signals from the counting switch 26 and commands from the main control unit 100, the medal count control unit 600 manages digitized medals and medal errors, and transfers information about digitized medals to and from the dedicated unit 800. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 100, sub-control unit 200, and 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 ROM, etc.

[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 of the setting values ​​stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is switched between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode depending on the state of the start-up mode change switch 301 when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10 with the start-up mode change switch 301 setting the start-up mode to setting change mode, the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, a setting value can be selected from six setting values, from Setting 1 to Setting 6, and the probability of winning the internal lottery varies so that the expected value of the payout rate increases from Setting 1 to Setting 6. 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 is turned on to the gaming machine 10 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] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize the information stored in the 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 of the information stored in the read / write memory is initialized, but some of the information is retained without being initialized. In the initialization process in the setting change mode, for example, the game state is initialized to the normal state, and control information related to the advantageous zone is initialized and set to the normal zone, but control information related to the electronic medals is not 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 starts, it determines whether or not a winning combination will be 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 spinning reels 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 to progress the game by processing according to the determination result. Details of this process will be explained below.

[0051] First, the game control means 102 accepts an operation (insertion operation) of the bet switch 21 related to the insertion of electronic medals for each game, and performs processing to validate a 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 (three or two). 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 a trigger to start the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c and to execute an internal lottery.

[0052] The electronic medal insertion function is realized by cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. When the bet switch 21 is activated, the main control unit 100 transmits an insertion command to the medal count control unit 600 specifying the specified number of electronic medals to be inserted. Upon receiving the insertion command, the medal count control unit 600 returns a reply command to the main control unit 100 if the number of electronic medals stored in the medal information storage unit 603 is equal to or greater than the specified number specified in the insertion command. The counting control unit 601 of the medal count control unit 600 also subtracts the specified number of electronic medals from the number of gaming medals stored in the medal information storage unit 603. If the reply command indicates that an amount of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number can be inserted, the game control unit 102 in the main control unit 100 sets the electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number to the inserted state. In this embodiment, the specified insertion number is set to three medals when the game state is normal or bonus status, and to two medals when the game state is bonus status.

[0053] Furthermore, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be 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 that determines whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a game start operation.

[0054] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table to use 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 combinations such as replays, small combinations, and bonuses, as well as misses (non-wins), are associated with each of multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535). 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 combination and the random number value is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the payout rate.

[0055] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus established state, or 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 associated with a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state. Regarding internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Fig. 5, internal lottery table 1 is referenced in the normal state, internal lottery table 2 is referenced in the bonus establishment state, and internal lottery table 3 is referenced in the bonus state.

[0057] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 23 are provided as small prizes, and the winning patterns of the small prizes are set as shown in Figure 6, including batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a8), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b8), batting order bell group c (batting order bell c1 to batting order bell c8), common middle bell, chance eye, watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, batting order 1-coin prize a to batting order 1-coin prize d, common bottom bell, common 1-coin prize, JAC1, and JAC2.

[0058] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 6, and the winning modes of replays are set as Bell Replay, Watermelon Replay A, Watermelon Replay B, Normal Replay A, and Normal Replay B, as shown in Figure 6.

[0059] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the winning probability of a small role is the same on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the winning probability of a replay is higher on internal lottery table 2 than on internal lottery table 1, replays are not subject to lottery on internal lottery table 3, and the lottery mode of a small role on internal lottery table 3 is different from that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the winning probability of a small role is higher than that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2. Particularly in this embodiment, the winning mode of a small role is always obtained on internal lottery table 3, and in a bonus state in which internal lottery table 3 is referenced, either JAC1 or JAC2 is always won. Furthermore, on internal lottery table 3, the winning probability is higher than on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2 for each of the small roles that are subject to lottery on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

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

[0061] In this embodiment, the probability of winning bonuses and replays does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some minor winning patterns changes depending on the setting value, and the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning the common lower bell, and the higher the setting value, the lower the probability of winning the common 1-coin role.

[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 mentioned above is a means for generating random number values ​​for lottery. The random number values ​​can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 without duplication within one cycle. In this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[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 flags is stored in the main storage means 105.

[0065] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to subsequent games 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 subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. The former carry-over flag is associated with a bonus, while the latter non-carry-over flag is associated with 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 a small win or a replay will be 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 winning combination or a replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of combinations consisting of the lottery flag of the bonus already won and the lottery flag of the small winning combination or replay won by the internal lottery are set to the winning state.

[0066] Furthermore, the game control means 102 starts the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by the stepping motor based on a game start operation on the start switch 22, and controls to validate a stop operation by pressing the stop button 23a to 23c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel that is steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute) of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and controls to stop the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (the result of the internal lottery). In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a reel control means that spins a plurality of reels based on a game start operation, and stops the rotating reel 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 first reel 13a to the third reel 13c to stop by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 30 based on the signal from the operated stop switch.

[0068] That is, each time one of the stop switches 23a to 23c is operated, the game control means 102 determines the stop position of the reel among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c corresponding to the operated stop switch, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. Note that in the gaming machine 10 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 10 of this embodiment, when the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c changes, the stop order of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c changes. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the reel that stops first among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c may be referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that stops second may be referred to as the second stop reel, and the reel that stops last may be referred to as the third stop reel. Also, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops first among the stop switches 23a to 23c may be referred to as the first stop operation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops second may be referred to as the second stop operation, and the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops last may be referred to as the third stop operation. Also, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, with regard to the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c, the operation order that stops the first reel 13a first may be referred to as the recommended batting order, and the operation order that stops the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first may be referred to as the irregular batting order.

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

[0070] Furthermore, 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 able to monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotary 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 each time the reel makes one rotation. In other words, the game control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0071] In this embodiment, multiple types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that make up the reel unit 30, and when symbols located 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 the stop switch is activated (the time the operation of the stop switch is detected). In this embodiment, the operation detection position is the display position of the upper row of each reel.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol arrangement for the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, a red 7 symbol "RED 7", a white 7 symbol "WHITE 7", a black bar symbol "BLACK BAR", a white bar symbol "WHITE BAR", a watermelon symbol "WM", a cherry symbol "CH", a bell symbol a "BLa", a bell symbol b "BLb", a replay symbol a "RPa", and a replay symbol b "RPb" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c.

[0073] The game control means 102 also determines the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the main storage means 105. 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 also 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 as "replay > bonus" and then "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including a symbol 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 for 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 to be paid out based on the payout that is predetermined 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 priority is given to stop positions with a greater number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, and when the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that priority is given to stop positions with a greater number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the pattern displayed at the display position on the valid line (stop positions that can win a minor role with a greater payout). 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 the valid line, 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 the valid line, the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is the same.

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

[0077] In this embodiment, there are multiple types of specific winning modes for the winning patterns of small wins in the normal state and the bonus state, in which a specific small win in which the number of electronic medals paid out upon winning is greater than the number of electronic medals inserted and a non-specific small win in which the number of electronic medals paid out upon winning is less than the number of electronic medals inserted are overlappingly won, and a correct operation mode that makes it possible to win the specific small win is set for each specific winning mode. In a game in which a specific winning mode is obtained in the bonus state, if a stop operation is performed according to a correct operation mode, the stop position of the spinning reel is determined to prioritize the winning of the specific small win while prioritizing the winning of the non-specific small win when the 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 specific winning modes, and the stop position of the spinning reel is determined to prioritize the winning of the non-specific small win while avoiding the winning of the specific small win, regardless of the mode in which the stop operation is performed.

[0078] In this embodiment, batting order bells a1 to a8, batting order bells b1 to b8, and batting order bells c1 to c8 are provided as specific winning modes. Hereinafter, these winning modes will be collectively referred to as batting order bells. Each batting order bell is a winning mode in which a 14-coin small combination and a 1-coin small combination are won in combination, with the 14-coin small combination corresponding to a specific small combination and the 1-coin small combination corresponding to a non-specific small combination. In the stop control table that is referenced when the batting order bell is won in the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 8, the correct batting order that becomes the 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 is won, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the correct batting order, a 14-coin small combination is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an operation sequence different from the correct batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1-coin small combination is won and cases where no combination is won (a combination is missed). In Fig. 8, "1-coin small combination (1 / 4)" means that in that operation sequence, a 1-coin small combination is won with a 1 / 4 probability, and a combination is missed with a 3 / 4 probability.

[0080] In addition, when each batting order bell is won, in the correct batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the symbols that make up the winning form of the 14-coin small win are preferentially displayed on the active line by the payout number priority control, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the symbols that make up the winning form of the 1-coin small win are preferentially displayed on the active 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, it is possible to win a 14-coin small win while avoiding the winning of a 1-coin small win, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, it is possible to win a 1-coin small win while avoiding the winning of a 14-coin small win.

[0081] In this embodiment, for the batting order bell group a and the batting order bell group b, the correct batting order is valid only when the bonus is established, and in the normal state, if a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group a or the batting order bell group b is won, a 1-coin small win will be awarded even if the stop operation is performed according to the correct batting order. In other words, in the normal state, for the batting order bell group a and the batting order bell group b, even if the stop operation is performed in a manner that allows a 14-coin small win in the bonus state, the stop position is determined by the number priority control so as to avoid the winning of the 14-coin small win. On the other hand, for the batting order bell group c, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus state, and in either game state, in the correct batting order, the stop position is determined by the payout number priority control so that the winning of the 14-coin small win is prioritized.

[0082] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when the common middle bell is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small win 3, which is a three-coin small win, will be won, regardless of the manner of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c. When the small win 3 is won, a stop mode of a middle bell arrangement will appear, in which a bell pattern (at least one of bell pattern a "BLa" and bell pattern b "BLb") is displayed on the middle invalid line consisting of the display position of the middle of each reel.

[0083] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when the common lower bell is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small win 13, which is a one-coin small win, will be won regardless of the manner of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c. When the small win 13 is won, a stop mode of a lower bell arrangement will appear, in which a bell symbol (at least one of bell symbol a "BLa" and bell symbol b "BLb") is displayed on the lower invalid line consisting of the display positions of the lower tier of each reel.

[0084] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when any of the batting order 1-coin roles a to d is won in the internal lottery, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that the probability of winning a 1-coin small role varies depending on the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c. As shown in Fig. 9, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in batting order 1 or 2, which is the operation order that stops the first reel 13a first, the 1-coin small role is always won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in batting order 3 to 6, which is the operation order that stops the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first, the 1-coin small role is won with a 1 / 4 probability and the role is missed with a 3 / 4 probability.

[0085] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a common 1-coin role is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that a 1-coin minor role will be won regardless of the manner of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0086] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a chance symbol is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small prize 10, which is a one-coin small prize, is won, regardless of the manner of the stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0087] In addition, in the stop control table that is referred to when a watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small win 5, which is a one-coin small win, will be won regardless of the manner of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c. When the small win 5 is won, a stop mode of a lower-row watermelon alignment will appear, with the watermelon symbol "WM" displayed on the lower-row invalid line consisting of the display positions of the lower rows of each reel.

[0088] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a weak cherry is won in the internal lottery, regardless of the manner of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c, a small role 2, which is a three-coin small role, is won, and in the stop control table that is referenced when a strong cherry is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a small role 4, which is a three-coin small role, is won and cases where neither role is won, depending on the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a. When a strong cherry is won, there is a 3 / 5 probability that a small role 4 will be won, and a 2 / 5 probability that the role will be missed.

[0089] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a bell replay is won in the internal lottery, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that the type of winning replay varies depending on the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c. As shown in Fig. 9, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in batting order 1 or 2, which is the operation order that stops the first reel 13a first, Replay 2 wins, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in batting order 3 to 6, which is the operation order that stops the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first, Replay 1 or Replay 3 wins. When Replay 2 wins, a stop pattern of a bell pattern (at least one of bell pattern a "BLa" and bell pattern b "BLb") upward to the right appears on the pay line 15. When Replay 1 is won, a stop mode of a downward-right replay combination appears, in which a replay symbol (at least one of replay symbol a "RPa" and replay symbol b "RPb") is displayed on a downward-right inactive line consisting of the display positions of the top of the first reel 13a, the middle of the second reel 13b, and the bottom of the third reel 13c. When Replay 3 is won, a stop mode of an upper-row replay combination appears, in which a replay symbol (at least one of replay symbol a "RPa" and replay symbol b "RPb") is displayed on an upper-row inactive line consisting of the display positions of the top of each reel.

[0090] In addition, in the stop control table referenced when Suikari Play a or Suikari Play b is won in the internal lottery, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that the type of winning replay varies depending on the operation order of stop switches 23a-23c. As shown in FIG. 9, when Suikari Play a is won, if stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 3, Replay 4 wins, and if stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 4, Replay 6 wins. Also as shown in FIG. 9, when Suikari Play b is won, if stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 3, Replay 5 wins, and if stop switches 23a-23c are operated in batting order 4, Replay 4 wins. Also as shown in FIG. 9, for batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6, whether Suikari Play a or Suikari Play b is won, Replay 1 or Replay 3 wins. When Replay 4 is won, a right-upward watermelon pattern with the watermelon symbol "WM" displayed on active line 15 appears.

[0091] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when normal replay a or normal replay b is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that any of the replays included in the winning mode of each replay will win, regardless of the mode of stop operation on stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0092] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC1 is won in the internal lottery, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that either small win 1 to small win 4 or small win 13 will always be won. In this embodiment, when JAC1 is won, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated according to the batting order 1, 2, which is the operation order that stops the first reel 13a first, small win 13 will be won, and if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated according to the batting order 3 to 6, which is the operation order that stops the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first, small win 1 to small win 4 will be won.

[0093] In addition, in the stop control table that is referred to when JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that any one of small prizes 5 to 23 is sure to win.

[0094] In addition, the Big Bonus (BB) can only be won if the Big Bonus (BB) is won alone in the normal state, and there are no misses when the bonus is formed, and since there are always overlapping wins of small winning combinations or replays with higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB), the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set in the stop control table so that the Big Bonus (BB) is not won.

[0095] The game control means 102 also performs a win determination process to determine 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 win determination means for determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. Specifically, the game control means 102 refers to a win determination table stored in the main storage means 105 to determine whether or not a symbol combination displayed on an active line when all of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c have stopped is in the form of a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, a win determination table is provided so that, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 13, whether or not a big bonus (BB), replay 1 to replay 6, and small bonus 1 to small bonus 23 have been achieved is determined based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped.

[0096] 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.

[0097] First, the game control means 102 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals in accordance with the game results. In this embodiment, the function of paying out electronic medals is realized through cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the game control means 102 of the main control unit 100 determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the 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 receives 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 in the payout command. Note that 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 as a result of a win of a small winning combination, the game control means 102 controls the main display 16 to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out in response to the win of the small winning combination. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a payout control means for paying out a number of electronic medals corresponding to the payout of the winning small winning combination when a small winning combination is won. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout for each small winning combination is set in association with the specified insertion number, and for some small winning combinations, the payout when the specified insertion number is three coins is different from the payout when the specified insertion number is two coins. As shown in FIG. 11 , for small winning combinations 1 to 4, the payout when the specified insertion number is three coins is different from the payout when the specified insertion number is two coins. For small winning combinations 1 to 4, the payout when the specified insertion number is three coins is 14 coins, while the payout when the specified insertion number is two coins is one coin. For small winning combinations 2 to 4, the payout when the specified insertion number is three coins is three coins, while the payout when the specified insertion number is two coins is one coin. For small wins 5 to 23, the payout is the same when the specified number of coins is 3 and when the specified number of coins is 2, and the payout is 1 coin for either specified number of coins.In this embodiment, the specified insertion number is set to three in the normal state and the bonus state, and to two in the bonus state. Therefore, in the normal state and the bonus state, if a small win is won, more than the specified insertion number of electronic medals may be paid out. However, in the bonus state, regardless of the small win, the number of electronic medals paid out is controlled to be less than the specified insertion number. Note that a payout limit for electronic medals may be set according to the specified insertion number, and when electronic medals are paid out in response to a small win, the payout limit may be controlled so that more electronic medals than the payout limit are not paid out in a single game. Specifically, if the specified insertion number is three, the payout limit may be set to 15, and if the specified insertion number is two, the payout limit may be set to one. For example, if the specified insertion number is two, even if a 14-coin or 3-coin small win is won, the payout limit is set to one, so the number of electronic medals paid out in response to a 14-coin or 3-coin small win is one.

[0098] Furthermore, when a replay wins, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any 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 that automatically inserts the same number of electronic medals as in the previous game without using any electronic medals owned by the player, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start switch 22 with the same pay lines set as in the previous game. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a replay processing means that provides the next game free of charge when a replay wins.

[0099] In addition, the game control means 102 performs a game state transition process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state, as shown in FIG. 14. 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 current game state is stored in the main memory 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 fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0100] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among multiple game states, and transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state or the bonus state is possible. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state and the bonus is not awarded, the game state transitions to the bonus establishment state, and if the bonus is awarded, the game state transitions to the bonus state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table among multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, in which small combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery targets. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to three, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 1 among internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the payout rate, which corresponds to the expected value of winning electronic medals, is less than 50%.

[0101] The bonus formation state is a gaming state to which the game transitions when a bonus is won in an internal lottery but the bonus is not awarded. In the bonus formation state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the win or loss of a minor combination 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 bonuses are excluded from the lottery. Note that replays are also set as a lottery target in the bonus formation state, but the winning probability and winning mode of replays may be different or the same as in the normal state. In this embodiment, in the bonus formation state, the specified number of coins is set to three, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 2 of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in this embodiment, in the bonus formation state, the payout rate when the presentation state is not in the AT state (when not in the AT state) is at least 50% higher, and when the presentation state is in the AT state (when in the AT state) the payout rate is approximately 250%.

[0102] In addition, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in the winning state until the bonus is won, and the win or loss of the minor winning combination and replay is determined, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the 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.

[0103] The bonus state is a gaming state to which the game enters when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning mode is displayed on an active pay 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 combination is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery. In other words, the bonus state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the bonus state in that small combinations are more frequently won than in the normal state and the bonus state. In this embodiment, in the bonus state, the specified number of coins is set to two, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 3 of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout rate in the bonus state is 50%.

[0104] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 determines whether or not the termination condition is met based on the total number of electronic medals paid out in 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 termination (for example, 100 medals), the game control means 102 terminates the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, count information on the number of payouts in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 105.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 15, the game control means 102 changes the presentation state among multiple presentation states, including the initial presentation state, normal presentation state, ST state, and AT state. It sets the presentation state to the AT state under predetermined conditions and controls the AT state to end when the AT state termination condition is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current presentation state is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when the AT state is active, the game control means 102 notifies the player of a correct operation to assist in winning a specific minor win by displaying information (operation instruction information) corresponding to the correct operation mode on the main display 16, which is a 7-segment display, when a specific winning mode is selected. This allows the player to play an assist time game, which makes it easier to win medals than a game in the initial presentation state or the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, the function of executing an assist time game in a favorable zone is the instruction function, and the processing that affects the execution of the assist time game is the processing related to the instruction function.

[0106] 16, the game control means 102 is capable of setting a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, and in the normal zone, the presentation state is fixed to the initial presentation state, which is the initial state, and a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is held, and by winning the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the advantageous zone is started, and the presentation state can be set to the AT state on the condition that it is an advantageous zone. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a zone control means that is capable of setting a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and is capable of providing operation instruction information in the advantageous zone.

[0107] The game control means 102 performs a lottery for shifting to an advantageous zone in each game in the normal zone to determine whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone according to the result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, the game control means 102 determines whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone by linking it to the winning pattern obtained in the normal state or the bonus formation state, and the player wins the advantageous zone except when a very small number of winning patterns are obtained.

[0108] When the advantageous zone is won in the normal zone, the game control means 102 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.

[0109] In the advantageous zone, if the promotion condition is met in the normal presentation state, the state transitions to the ST state, and if the fall condition is met in the ST state, the state transitions to the normal presentation state. The game control means 102 performs an ST lottery every time a game is played in the normal presentation state, and if the ST lottery is won, it determines that the promotion condition is met and performs control to transition from the normal presentation state to the ST state.

[0110] In the ST state, when a predetermined condition is met, the main storage means 105 sets the consecutive win flag to the ON state. When the consecutive win flag is set to the ON state, the main storage means 105 updates the count information of the number of consecutive wins. In this embodiment, when the consecutive win flag is set to the OFF state and small wins 1 to 5, small win 10, small win 12, or small win 13 are won, the game control means 102 sets the consecutive win flag to the ON state. When the consecutive win flag is set to the ON state, the game control means 102 updates the count information to increase the number of consecutive wins when the count condition is met. The count conditions described above are that when the batting order bell group a is won, the first stop operation is in accordance with the correct batting order, when the batting order bell group b and the batting order bell group c are won, the correct batting order is reached up to the second stop operation, and a winning pattern of the common middle bell, chance eye, watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, common lower bell, or replay is obtained. In the ST state, when the batting order bell is won, operation instruction information can be provided via the main display 16 to notify only the first stop operation in the correct batting order. In this way, in the ST state, by incompletely notifying the correct operation mode of the batting order bell, the game zone is set to a level where the player can maintain the current status of their electronic medals (the expected value of the payout rate is nearly 100%). In the ST state, if a winning mode other than the batting order bell is obtained, the first reel 13a must be stopped in the recommended batting order, which is the operation sequence that first stops the reel. If a winning mode other than the batting order bell is obtained and the stop operation is performed in an operation sequence different from the recommended batting order, the process of setting the consecutive win flag to the ON state and the process of updating the consecutive win count information are not performed. In other words, when operation instruction information is not provided in the ST state, the game control means 102 can execute more advantageous processing when the stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order than when the stop operation is performed in an operation sequence different from the recommended batting order.When the count condition is not met in a game in which the consecutive winning flag is set to the on state, the game control means 102 sets the consecutive winning flag to the off state, executes an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) with a winning probability according to the count information of the number of consecutive winnings, and resets the count information of the number of consecutive winnings to an initial value (for example, 0) after executing the AT lottery. The AT lottery is executed so that the probability of winning the AT increases as the number of consecutive winnings increases, and if the number of consecutive winnings is 5 or more, the probability of winning the AT is 100%.

[0111] The game control means 102 determines the conditions for falling into the ST state based on the number of games played and other information. Specifically, a minimum guaranteed number of games for the ST state (for example, 10 times: hereinafter referred to as the guaranteed number of games played) is set, and if the AT lottery has been executed at the time the guaranteed number of games have been played in the ST state and the guaranteed number of games have been played without obtaining a lottery result for AT winning in the executed AT lottery, it is determined that the conditions for falling into the ST state have been met based on the fact that the guaranteed number of games have been played. On the other hand, if the AT lottery has not been executed at the time the guaranteed number of games have been played in the ST state, the ST state continues until the AT lottery is executed, the AT lottery is executed, and it is determined that the conditions for falling into the ST state have been met based on the fact that the lottery result for AT winning has not been obtained in the executed AT lottery. Furthermore, even if at least one AT lottery has been executed when the guaranteed number of plays has been played in the ST state, if the consecutive winning flag is in the on state, the ST state will continue until the consecutive winning flag is turned off, and an AT lottery will be executed after the guaranteed number of plays has been played, and it will be determined that the conditions for falling into the ST state have been met based on the fact that the lottery result for winning the AT has not been obtained in that AT lottery.

[0112] The game control means 102 controls the transition of the presentation state from the ST state to the AT state based on the result of the AT lottery being an AT win. In this embodiment, the number of AT games (the number of times played in the AT state) is set based on the result of the AT win, and a fixed number of AT games (for example, 50) is set up until the number of consecutive wins referenced when the AT lottery is executed is five. If the number of consecutive wins exceeds five, the number of AT games is set so that the number of times played increases as the number of consecutive wins exceeds five. For example, for each consecutive win over five, an additional 10 AT games are added; if the number of consecutive wins is six, the number of AT games can be 60, and if the number of consecutive wins is seven, the number of AT games can be 70.

[0113] The game control means 102 executes an assist time game 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 an assist time game is executed. In this embodiment, the count information of the number of AT games is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when one of the multiple types of specific winning patterns (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b, batting order bell group c) 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, the operation instruction number corresponding to the correct batting order corresponding to the won specific winning pattern is displayed on the main display 16. Unlike the ST state, the AT state notifies the correct operation pattern in its complete form, so the expected payout rate of electronic medals is approximately 250%, making it a play zone in which the player can increase the number of electronic medals he owns.

[0114] When the game control means 102 determines that the conditions for ending the AT state are 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 ST state.

[0115] In this embodiment, the game control means 102 updates the count information of the difference in number of medals in the advantageous zone based on the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, and when it determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met based on the count information of the difference in number of medals, it performs control to end the advantageous zone. The count information of the difference in number of medals is stored in the main memory means 105, and as long as the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not met in the advantageous zone, the count information of the difference in number of medals is updated even if a transition in the game state or presentation state occurs.

[0116] 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 the various types of information stored in the main storage means 105, information related to the presentation state, count information related to the number of times a specific outcome has occurred by the specific outcome counter, count information related to the number of AT games played, and information related to the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized by the initialization process based on the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, when the initialization process is performed based on the end of the advantageous zone, unlike when the initialization process is performed upon a setting change, information related to the lottery flag for the internal lottery and information related to the game state are retained without being initialized by the initialization process based on the end of the advantageous zone. When the initialization process is performed based on the end of the advantageous zone, the presentation state is initialized to the initial presentation state, and the count information related to the number of times a specific outcome has occurred by the specific outcome counter, count information related to the number of AT games played, and information related to the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized to their initial values ​​(e.g., 0), and the game returns to the normal zone.

[0117] In this embodiment, an initialization process is executed at the end of the favorable period to return to the normal period, so if the 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 period will forcibly terminate the AT state.

[0118] 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.

[0119] The effect control means 201 controls the effects performed using the display unit 501 (for example, the liquid crystal display 20), the effects performed using the speaker 40, and the effects performed using the lamp unit 503 (for example, the outer perimeter lamp 19, etc.) based on the effect data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs in response to the operation of the bet switch 21, the operation of the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, or the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, the effect control means 201 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0120] When the presentation state is the ST state, the presentation control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and the speaker 40 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies a part of the correct operation mode (first stop operation) when a specific winning mode is won, and assists in winning a specific small win.

[0121] In addition, when the presentation state is in 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 the correct operation mode when a specific winning mode is won and assists in winning a specific small win.

[0122] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the ST state, the presentation control means 201 controls the execution of a consecutive win count display presentation in which the number of consecutive wins is displayed on the liquid crystal display 20. In the consecutive win count display presentation, when the count information of the consecutive win count is updated by playing a game, the display content is changed so that the number of consecutive wins increases to reflect the updated count information.

[0123] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the AT state, the effect control means 201 controls the execution of a remaining number display effect that displays the remaining number of games until the AT state ends on the liquid crystal display 20. In the remaining number display effect, 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 also decreases to reflect the update of the count information.

[0124] In this embodiment, in the main loop processing of the main control unit 100, at least when the reels are rotating, the backlight unit 36 ​​illuminates the pattern display position of each reel to ensure the visibility of the patterns arranged on each reel, and the backlight unit 36 ​​is controlled to turn off or blink at predetermined times such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0125] 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 lottery 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.

[0126] 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 from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or from a web server on the Internet via a network. In the computer system, the bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a-23c, etc. can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or a controller. In the computer system, the main display 16, the medal count display 27, the reel unit 30, etc. are not essential components, and these units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed on the display.

[0127] 2. Method of this embodiment In this embodiment, the number of consecutive wins of the winning combination is counted in the ST state, and the AT lottery is held with a probability according to the number of consecutive wins. Therefore, in the ST state, if a winning combination that counts the number of consecutive wins wins, the next game is also played in the hope of increasing the number of consecutive wins. There are several types of winning combinations that can be won when a winning combination that counts the number of consecutive wins is obtained, including small combination 13, replay 1, and replay 3.

[0128] The minor winning combination 13 is a combination in which, when a winning combination is achieved, a lower bell alignment stop pattern appears in which bell symbols (at least one of bell symbol a "BLa" and bell symbol b "BLb") are aligned and displayed on the lower invalid line formed by the lower row of each reel. The minor winning combination 13 is included in the winning combination of the common lower bell, which is the target of counting the number of consecutive wins, and when the common lower bell is won, the minor winning combination 13 is achieved regardless of the type of stop operation. In other words, the minor winning combination 13 can be said to be a combination that is achieved when a winning combination including the minor winning combination 13 is achieved and the stop operation is performed at least in the recommended batting order.

[0129] Replay 1 is a winning combination in which, when a winning combination is achieved, a downward-right replay combination appears, in which replay symbols (at least one of replay symbol a "RPa" and replay symbol b "RPb") are aligned on a downward-right inactive line formed by the top row of the first reel 13a, the middle row of the second reel 13b, and the bottom row of the third reel 13c. Replay 3 is a winning combination in which, when a winning combination is achieved, a downward-right replay combination appears, in which replay symbols are aligned on a downward-right inactive line formed by the top row of each reel. Replay 1 and Replay 3 are included in winning combinations such as normal replay a and normal replay b, which are counted as consecutive winning combinations. When normal replay a or normal replay b is won, Replay 1 or Replay 3 wins regardless of the type of stop operation. In other words, Replay 1 and Replay 3 can be said to be winning combinations in which, when a winning combination including Replay 1 and Replay 3 is achieved, the stop operation is performed at least in the recommended batting order.

[0130] In the ST state, if no operation instruction information is provided, the player is required to perform stop operations in the recommended batting order. If no operation instruction information is provided and stop operations are performed in an order different from the recommended batting order, the process related to counting the number of consecutive wins will be invalid. Due to the nature of the game specifications in this ST state, the player will perform stop operations in the recommended batting order, but if the possibility of increasing the number of consecutive wins disappears before all the reels have stopped, the game loses its excitement, which has been an issue. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is adopted that can maintain the expectation of consecutive wins of a winning combination up to the third stop operation.

[0131] Batting order 1-coin combinations a to d include minor combination 6, which wins in the recommended batting order. If the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the second reel 13b, the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(A) will appear. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a downward-right replay combination, which can lead to the possibility of winning Replay 1, which counts for the number of consecutive wins. The stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(A) also appears when winning Watermelon Play a, Watermelon Play b, Normal Replay a, and Normal Replay b. Therefore, players can play the game in anticipation of consecutive wins of combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive wins until the third stop operation is performed to stop the third reel 13c. Furthermore, if the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the third reel 13c, the stop pattern shown in Figure 17(B) will appear. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a stop pattern with a lower bell combination appearing, and it is possible to expect the possibility of winning a small winning combination 13 that is the target of counting the number of consecutive winning combinations. Since the stop pattern shown in Figure 17(B) also appears when the common lower bell combination is won, players can continue playing in anticipation of consecutive winning combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive winning combinations until the third stop operation is performed to stop the second reel 13b.

[0132] In addition, the common 1-piece role includes small role 6 to small role 9, which can be won in the recommended batting order. The stopping mode that appears in the process of winning small role 6 is as described above, but for small role 7, small role 8, and small role 9, stopping modes that can maintain the expectation for consecutive winning of roles will also appear until the third stopping operation.

[0133] For example, let us consider a case where a small win 7 is achieved by performing stop operations according to the recommended batting order. If the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the second reel 13b, the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(C) will appear. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a stop pattern with a lower bell combination, and the possibility of winning a small win 13, which is counted as a consecutive win, can be expected. Since the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(C) also appears when a common lower bell is won, the player can play the game in anticipation of consecutive wins of a combination associated with an increase in the number of consecutive wins until the third stop operation is performed to stop the third reel 13c. Furthermore, if the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the third reel 13c, the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(D) will appear. This stopping pattern suggests the possibility of a downward-right replay combination, which may result in the winning of Replay 1, which is counted as a consecutive winning combination. The stopping pattern shown in Figure 17(D) is also a stopping pattern that appears when winning the Watermelon Replay a, Watermelon Replay b, Normal Replay a, and Normal Replay b, so players can play in anticipation of consecutive winning combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive winning combinations until the third stopping operation is performed to stop the second reel 13b.

[0134] For example, let us consider a case where a minor winning combination 8 is achieved by performing stop operations according to the recommended batting order. If the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the second reel 13b, the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(E) will occur. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a top-row replay combination, which can lead to the possibility of a Replay 3 winning, which counts as a consecutive winning combination. The stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(E) also appears when a watermelon replay a, a watermelon replay b, a normal replay a, or a normal replay b is won. Therefore, players can play the game in anticipation of consecutive winning combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive winning combinations until a third stop operation is performed to stop the third reel 13c. Furthermore, if the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the third reel 13c, the stop pattern shown in FIG. 17(F) will occur. This stopping pattern suggests the possibility of a downward-right replay combination, which may result in the winning of Replay 1, which is counted as a consecutive winning combination. The stopping pattern shown in Figure 17(F) is also a stopping pattern that appears when winning the Watermelon Replay A, Watermelon Replay B, Normal Replay A, and Normal Replay B, so players can play the game in anticipation of consecutive winning combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive winning combinations until the third stopping operation is performed to stop the second reel 13b.

[0135] For example, let us consider a case where a minor winning combination 9 is achieved by performing stop operations according to the recommended batting order. If the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the second reel 13b, the stop pattern shown in Figure 17(G) will occur. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a downward-right replay combination, which can lead to the possibility of a Replay 1 winning, which counts as a consecutive winning combination. The stop pattern shown in Figure 17(G) also appears when a watermelon replay a, a watermelon replay b, a normal replay a, or a normal replay b is won. Therefore, players can play the game in anticipation of consecutive winning combinations associated with an increase in the number of consecutive winning combinations until a third stop operation is performed to stop the third reel 13c. Furthermore, if the first stop operation in the recommended batting order stops the first reel 13a and the second stop operation stops the third reel 13c, the stop pattern shown in Figure 17(H) will occur. This stop pattern suggests the possibility of a stop pattern with a top replay combination appearing, and there is hope for the possibility of winning Replay 3, which is counted as a consecutive win. The stop pattern shown in Figure 17(H) is also a stop pattern that appears when winning Watermelon Replay A, Watermelon Replay B, Normal Replay A, and Normal Replay B, so players can continue playing in anticipation of consecutive wins of a combination associated with an increase in the number of consecutive wins until the third stop operation that stops second reel 13b is performed.

[0136] In this embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order when batting order 1-coin roles a to batting order 1-coin roles d and common 1-coin roles are won, the stop patterns of small roles 6 to 9 that can win in the recommended batting order will produce stop patterns that anticipate winning of small roles 13, Replay 1, and Replay 3, so that even in games where operation instruction information is not provided in the ST state, the player can proceed with the game in anticipation of consecutive wins of roles associated with an increase in the number of consecutive wins up to the third stop operation.

[0137] In this embodiment, when the batting order bell is won in the ST state, the first stop operation of the correct operation mode is announced. Therefore, when the batting order bell is won in the ST state, the stop operation is not performed in the recommended batting order. However, when the batting order bell is won in the ST state, it may be controlled so that there are cases where the first stop operation of the correct operation mode is announced and cases where the announcement is not made.

[0138] For example, whether or not to notify the first stop operation of the correct operation mode in the ST state can be determined by lottery. In this case, in a game in which no operation instruction information is provided in the ST state, by enabling the process associated with the count of consecutive wins, provided that the stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order, if the first stop operation of the correct operation mode is not notified even when the batting order bell is won, the stop operation in the recommended batting order must be performed. In this embodiment, at least one of small wins 6 to 9 is included in all batting order bells, and small wins 6 to 9 are small wins that are awarded when the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order when each batting order bell is won. For example, if the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order in a game in which batting order bells a3, a4, a7, and a8 are won, small win 6 will be awarded. Also, for example, if the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order in a game in which batting order bells a1 and a2 are won, small win 7 will be awarded. Also, for example, if a stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order in a game in which batting order bells c5 and c6 are won, small win 8 will be won. Also, for example, if a stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order in a game in which batting order bells b1 to b8, c1 to c4, c7, and c8 are won, small win 9 will be won. In this way, by including one of small wins 6 to 9 that will be won in the recommended batting order in each batting order bell, even if a notification of the first stop operation of the correct operation mode is not made in a game in which the batting order bell is won in ST state, the game can proceed in anticipation of consecutive wins of a role associated with an increase in the number of consecutive wins up to the third stop operation.

[0139] In this embodiment, the symbols assigned to the first reel 13a for minor wins 6 to 9 are all bell symbols (bell symbol a "BLa" and bell symbol b "BLb"). Therefore, when the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order, the first stop pattern of the first reel 13a is the same regardless of the type of batting order bell. When the batting order 1-piece and common 1-piece roles are won, one of minor wins 6 to 9 will win if the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order. Therefore, when the stop operation is performed according to the recommended batting order, it is not possible to guess whether the batting order bell has been won, or the type of batting order bell, based on the stop pattern of the first reel 13a. Therefore, if the first stop operation of the correct operation mode is not notified when the batting order bell is won in the ST state, it is possible to prevent the result of the internal lottery from being easily guessed when no operation instruction information is provided in the ST state.

[0140] In this embodiment, the lottery method for the small prize differs between the normal state and the bonus state, and the payout for some small prizes is changed, so that all small prizes that result in the payout of three or more electronic medals in the normal state have a payout of one medal in the bonus state. This is achieved by setting the specified input numbers to three and two medals, and setting the payout for the small prize to be linked to each of them, so that the specified input number is three medals in the normal state and two medals in the bonus state, so that when the specified input number is three medals, a payout of three medals or more is set, but when the specified input number is two medals, the payout for all small prizes is set to one medal.

[0141] Here, when a small win is provided in which the number of electronic medals paid out differs between the normal state and the bonus state, it is necessary that the small win whose payout changes can be won in the bonus state. In this embodiment, JAC1 and JAC2 are provided as winning patterns for small wins that are the subject of a lottery in the bonus state. Of the small wins 1 to 4 and small win 13 included in JAC1, the payout for small wins 1 to 4 when the specified number of coins is three is different from the payout for small wins when the specified number of coins is two. Furthermore, the small wins 1 to 3 and small win 13 included in JAC1 are small wins that can display a symbol combination indicating a winning form regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switches 23a to 23c. The small win 4 is a small win that can display a symbol combination indicating a winning form with a probability of 3 / 5 depending on the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a, but cannot display a symbol combination indicating a winning form with a probability of 2 / 5. In other words, among the small wins included in JAC1, the small win 4 has a lower probability of displaying a symbol combination indicating a winning form than the other small wins. For this reason, there are reels that are spinning, and in a situation where only small win number 4 is possible, there is a concern that players will miss out on winnings.

[0142] In this embodiment, when JAC1 is won in the bonus state, a method is adopted in which the winning of small win 4 is prioritized under predetermined conditions, so that the winning of small win 4, which has a low probability of displaying a pattern combination that indicates a winning form, can be achieved without missing out on the winning role.

[0143] When JAC1 is won in the bonus state, if the stop operation is performed according to batting order 1 and 2, which is the operation order to stop the first reel 13a first, small win 13 is won, and if the stop operation is performed according to batting order 3 to batting order 6, which is the operation order to stop the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first, small win 1 to small win 4 are won. In this embodiment, when JAC1 is won, if the operation order is to stop the third reel 13c with the first stop operation and stop the first reel 13a with the second stop operation, the stop position of the spinning first reel 13a is determined so as to prioritize the winning of small win 4 on the second stop reel.

[0144] First, when the third reel 13c is stopped by the first stop operation, since the bell symbol b "BLb" is commonly assigned to the small win 3 and the small win 4, as shown in Fig. 18(A), the third reel 13c is stopped at a position where the bell symbol b "BLb" is displayed in the upper row, which is the display position on the activated line 15. When the third reel 13c stops, a situation is created in which the small win 3 or the small win 4, among the small wins included in JAC1, can win.

[0145] Next, when the first reel 13a is stopped by the second stop operation, the stop position of the first reel 13a is determined so that the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 4 are displayed on the activated line 15 in priority to the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 3.

[0146] Specifically, when the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a for stopping the first reel 13a is 5 to 16, the display of the symbol (white bar symbol "WHITE BAR", black bar symbol "BLACK BAR", or cherry symbol "CH") constituting the winning form of the small win 4 is prioritized over the symbol (watermelon symbol "WM") constituting the winning form of the small win 3, and as shown in FIG. 18(B), the first reel 13a is stopped at a position where the symbol constituting the winning form of the small win 4 is displayed in the lower row, which is the display position on the activated line. In this case, when the first reel 13a stops, a situation is formed in which only the small win 4 can be won, and finally, when the second reel 13b is stopped by the third stop operation, the second reel 13b stops in a manner in which the small win 4 is won regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23b for stopping the second reel 13b, as shown in FIG. 18(C).

[0147] On the other hand, when the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a for stopping the first reel 13a is 0 to 4 or 17 to 19, the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 4 cannot be displayed on the pay line 15 within the pull-in range of 0 to 4 frames, so as shown in Figure 18 (D), the first reel 13a is stopped at a position where the symbol constituting the winning form of small win 3 (watermelon symbol "WM") is displayed in the lower row. In this case, when the first reel 13a stops, a situation is created in which only small win 3 can be won, and finally, when the second reel 13b is stopped by the third stop operation, the second reel 13b stops in a manner in which small win 3 is won regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23b for stopping the second reel 13b, as shown in Figure 18 (E).

[0148] In this embodiment, when JAC1 is won in the bonus state, if the stopping operation is performed according to the hitting order 5 that stops the first reel 13a second, the stopping position of the first reel 13a is determined so as to give priority to the winning of the small winning combination 4, which has a low probability of displaying a pattern combination that indicates a winning form, thereby making it possible to win the small winning combination 4 without missing out on any winning combinations in the bonus state.

[0149] In the example shown in Figure 18, we have explained a case where there is a procedure that allows you to win small win 4 without missing a win by using small win 3. This is because the symbols assigned to the third reel 13c are the same in the winning form of small win 3 and the winning form of small win 4.

[0150] In this embodiment, among the small winning combinations included in JAC1, the winning form of small winning combination 2 and the winning form of small winning combination 4 share the same symbols assigned to the second reel 13b, so it is possible to perform control so that small winning combination 2 can be used to win small winning combination 4 without causing a missed win. Below, we will explain the case where, when JAC1 is won, the stopping operation is performed according to hitting order 3, which is the operating order in which the second reel 13b is stopped first and the first reel 13a is stopped second.

[0151] When the second reel 13b is stopped by the first stop operation, the cherry symbol "CH" is commonly assigned to the winning form of small win 2 and the winning form of small win 4, so as shown in Fig. 19(A), the second reel 13b is stopped at a position where the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed in the middle, which is the display position on the activated line 15. When the second reel 13b stops, a situation is created in which either small win 2 or small win 4, out of the small wins included in JAC1, can be won.

[0152] When the first reel 13a is stopped by the second stop operation, the stop position of the first reel 13a is determined according to the operation detection position.

[0153] Specifically, when the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a for stopping the first reel 13a is No. 5 to No. 16, as shown in FIG. 19(B), the first reel 13a is stopped at a position where the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 2 and the winning form of small win 4 (white bar symbol "WHITE BAR", black bar symbol "BLACK BAR", or cherry symbol "CH") are displayed in the lower row, which is the display position on the activated line. In this case, even when the first reel 13a has stopped, the situation where small win 2 or small win 4 can be won is maintained. Then, when the third stop operation is performed in a situation where the possibility of winning small win 4 remains, the stop position of the third reel 13c is determined so that the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 4 are displayed on the activated line 15 in priority to the symbols constituting the winning form of small win 2. The bell symbol b "BLb" constituting the winning form of the small win 4 on the third reel 13c is arranged on the third reel 13c in a positional relationship that allows it to be displayed on the pay line 15 regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23c. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19(C), the third reel 13c stops in a manner that results in the winning of the small win 4 regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23c for stopping the third reel 13c.

[0154] On the other hand, when the operation detection position of the stop switch 23a for stopping the first reel 13a is No. 0 to No. 4 or No. 17 to No. 19, the first reel 13a is stopped at a position where the symbols constituting the winning form of minor win 2 (white 7 symbol "white 7" or red 7 symbol "red 7") are displayed in the lower row, as shown in FIG. 19(D). In this case, when the first reel 13a stops, a situation is created where only minor win 2 can be won. Regarding the third reel 13c, the replay symbols constituting the winning form of minor win 2 (replay symbol a "RPa" and replay symbol b "RPb") are arranged on the third reel 13c in a positional relationship where they can be displayed on the pay line 15 regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23c. Therefore, when the third reel 13c is finally stopped by the third stop operation, as shown in Figure 19 (E), the third reel 13c stops in a manner that results in the winning of small prize 2 regardless of the operation detection position of the stop switch 23c for stopping the third reel 13c.

[0155] Even when small win 2 is used in this way, if the stopping operation is performed according to the hitting order 3 which stops the first reel 13a second when JAC1 is won in the bonus state, by determining the stopping position of the third reel 13c so that the winning of small win 4 is given priority in the third stopping operation, it is possible to win small win 4 without missing out on any wins in the bonus state.

[0156] Furthermore, this embodiment is a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels (first reel 13a, second reel 13b, third reel 13c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery, a main control unit 100 that controls the progress of a game, and a sub-control unit 200 that controls the execution of effects in accordance with the progress of a game, and the main control unit 100 executes an internal lottery that determines whether a plurality of types of roles will be won or lost, and reel control that spins the plurality of reels for each game and stops the spinning reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated, and when the plurality of reels are stopped, a symbol combination that indicates a winning form predetermined for each role is displayed on an active line, and the winning modes of the internal lottery include a first winning mode (lower common bell, normal replay a, normal replay b) that includes a specific role (small role 13, replay 1, replay 3), and a second winning mode (batting order 1-coin role a to batting order 1-coin role d, common 1-coin role and a specific winning combination (a winning role) is provided, and there are cases where a stopping operation is performed in a specific operation order (recommended batting order) in which a specific reel (first reel 13a) of the plurality of reels is stopped first, which is more advantageous than a stopping operation performed in an operation order different from the specific operation order (irregular batting order), and the main control unit 100, in a game in which the first winning pattern is obtained by the internal lottery, performs control to determine the stopping positions of the spinning reels so that the specific winning combination is won when at least the stopping operations are performed in the specific operation order, and in a game in which the second winning pattern is obtained by the internal lottery, performs control to determine the stopping positions of the spinning reels so that the first and second reels of the plurality of reels will have the same stopping pattern as when the stopping operations are performed in the specific operation order in the game in which the first winning pattern is obtained.

[0157] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, performing stop operations in a specific operation order that stops a specific reel among multiple reels first can be more advantageous than performing stop operations in an operation order other than the specific operation order, so stopping operations in accordance with the specific operation order are recommended. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, even if a second winning mode that does not include a specific combination is obtained, if stop operations are performed in accordance with the specific operation order, the expectation of winning a specific combination can be maintained at least until the second reel stops. Therefore, the gaming machine of this embodiment can increase the enjoyment of the game when stopping operations are performed in accordance with the specific operation order.

[0158] When the first winning pattern is obtained, there are cases where a more advantageous benefit (increased count of consecutive wins) is awarded than when the second winning pattern is obtained, and when the first winning pattern is obtained, specific stop patterns (lower row bell line, right downward bell line, upper row bell line) can appear, but when the second winning pattern is obtained, a configuration can be adopted in which specific stop patterns do not appear.

[0159] In a game in which the first winning pattern (batting order bell a3, a4, a7, a8) is won, if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the second reel 13b will stop in the same stopping pattern (downward right replay ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won, and if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the third reel 13c will stop in the same stopping pattern (lower bell ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second in a game in which the third winning pattern (common lower bell) is won.

[0160] In a game in which the first winning pattern (batting order bells a1, a2, a5, a6) is won, if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the second reel 13b will stop in the same stopping pattern (lower bell tenpai) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second in a game in which the third winning pattern (common lower bell) is won, and if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the third reel 13c will stop in the same stopping pattern (downward right replay tenpai) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won.

[0161] In a game in which the first winning pattern (batting order bells c5, c6) is won, if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the second reel 13b will stop in the same first stopping pattern (upper row replay ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won, and if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the third reel 13c will stop in the same second stopping pattern (downward right replay ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won.

[0162] In a game in which the first winning pattern (batting order bells b1 to b8, c1 to c4, c7, c8) is won, if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the second reel 13b will stop in the same second stopping pattern (downward right replay ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the second reel 13b is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won, and if the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second, the first reel 13a and the third reel 13c will stop in the same first stopping pattern (upper row replay ready) as when the first reel 13a is stopped first and the third reel 13c is stopped second in a game in which the second winning pattern (normal replay a, b) is won.

[0163] In addition, this embodiment includes a plurality of reels (first reel 13a, second reel 13b, third reel 13c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery, a main control unit 100 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit 200 that controls the execution of effects along with the progress of the game, and the main control unit 100 controls an internal lottery that determines whether or not a plurality of types of roles including small roles and special roles (big bonus (BB)) are won, reel control that spins the plurality of reels for each game and stops the reels during rotation in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, and a reel control that stops the reels during rotation in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a small role is won. The gaming machine executes payout control for controlling the payout of game value, and game state control for setting a first game state (normal state) in which an internal lottery for a special role is held, and a second game state (bonus state) to which the game state is shifted when a special role is won, and when a symbol combination showing a winning form predetermined for each role is displayed on an active line while the plurality of reels are stopped, the role is won, and the number of game values ​​inserted (prescribed number of insertions) required to play a game is different between the first game state and the second game state, and the main control unit 100 The small role that was the subject of the lottery in the first gaming state is made to win in the second gaming state with a higher probability than in the first gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed in the second gaming state so that the winning mode of the small role is always obtained (so that it is not a non-win), and in the second gaming state, even if any of the small roles is won, payout control is performed to pay out game value less than the number of game values ​​inserted (less than 2), and as the winning mode of the small role in the second gaming state, a predetermined winning mode (JAC1) including at least the first small role (small role 3) and the second small role (small role 4) is provided. The first minor role and the second minor role have different payout amounts of game value in the second gaming state from those in the first gaming state, and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role is made up of symbols that can be displayed on an active line regardless of the type of stop operation, and the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor role is made up of symbols that can be displayed on an active line or cannot be displayed on an active line depending on the timing (operation detection position) of the stop operation for a specific reel (first reel 13a) among the plurality of reels, and the main control unit 100In a game in which the predetermined winning pattern is obtained in the second game state, when a reel (third reel 13c) different from the specific reel is stopped first, a symbol (bell symbol b "BLb") common to the winning pattern of the first minor role and the winning pattern of the second minor role is displayed on the activated line, and when the specific reel is stopped second, symbols constituting the winning pattern of the second minor role (white bar symbol "white BAR", black bar symbol "black BAR", cherry symbol "CH") are displayed on the activated line in priority to symbols constituting the winning pattern of the first minor role (watermelon symbol "WM"), and the second minor role can be won regardless of the timing of the stop operation (operation detection position) for the reel (second reel 13b) to be stopped third.

[0164] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of game values ​​inserted to play a game differs between the first gaming state and the second gaming state. In the second gaming state, the payout is controlled so that, regardless of which small winning combination is won, an amount of game value less than the number of game values ​​inserted is paid out. Therefore, for small winning combinations for which game value is paid out, winning must be guaranteed in both the first gaming state and the second gaming state. In particular, for the second small winning combination, there are cases where the symbol combination indicating a winning form cannot be displayed depending on the timing of the stop operation for a specific reel, which can result in a missed win. However, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first small winning combination is used to assist in the display of the symbols that constitute the winning form of the second small winning combination, thereby realizing a procedure for winning the second small winning combination without missing a win. Therefore, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, even small winning combinations with a low probability of displaying a symbol combination indicating a winning form can easily be used as small winning combinations that pay out different amounts of game value upon winning depending on the number of game values ​​inserted, thereby improving the design flexibility of the gaming machine. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 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 Periphery lamp, 20 LCD display, 21 bet switch, 22 start switch, 23a, 23b, 23c Stop switch, 24 Door key cylinder, 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, 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 Frequency Indicator, 808 Medal Count Indicator

Claims

[Claim 1] a plurality of reels on the outer periphery of which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged; an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether or not a plurality of types of winning combinations have been achieved; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and stopping the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of an internal lottery in response to a stop operation; In a gaming machine comprising: a combination of symbols indicating a winning form predetermined for each winning combination displayed on an active line when the plurality of reels are stopped; As winning modes of the internal lottery, a first winning mode including a specific combination and a second winning mode not including a specific combination are provided, There are cases where a stop operation is performed in a specific operation order in which a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first, and it is more advantageous than a stop operation performed in an operation order different from the specific operation order, The reel control means In a game in which the first winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, control is performed to determine the stop positions of the reels during rotation so that the specific combination is won when at least the stop operation is performed in the specific operation sequence, In a game in which the second winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, when a stopping operation is performed in accordance with the specific operation sequence, the gaming machine performs control to determine the stopping positions of the rotating reels so that the first and second reels to stop among the plurality of reels will have the same stopping mode as when a stopping operation is performed in accordance with the specific operation sequence in a game in which the first winning mode is obtained.

Images