Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can prevent a player's interest in a performance from declining.SOLUTION: Performance control means, when a privilege is imparted by AT control means, can execute a specific additional notification performance and a normal additional notification performance using a display device, and a panel flashing performance using a panel unit. The normal additional notification performance suggests that a first privilege or more is to be added, and the specific additional notification performance suggests that a second privilege or more is to be added. The panel flashing performance suggests that a third privilege or more is to be added. The specific additional notification performance is executed with a first probability when a privilege equal to or greater than the second privilege but less than the third privilege is imparted, and is executed with a second probability higher than the first probability when a privilege equal to or greater than the third privilege is imparted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on their outer peripheries have been known. These types of gaming machines assign a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire these gaming media. 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 game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on a winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals or other items are paid out according to the game result.

[0003] In the gaming machine described above, a configuration is known that makes it possible to execute a so-called reversal effect as a presentation related to the awarding of a bonus, in which a display is first made to indicate that the player has not won, and then an announcement is made that a bonus has been awarded (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-18678 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines that use a variety of effects to enhance a player's interest in the effects. Such gaming machines are configured so that the sense of expectation regarding the award of a bonus varies depending on the effect that is executed. Here, if the gaming machine is configured to be able to execute any of a plurality of types of effects, including a so-called reversal effect like the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, as a plurality of effects that have different senses of expectation regarding the award of a bonus, and if the frequencies of occurrence of each effect are configured to be approximately the same, the player may feel uncomfortable with the content of the effect that is executed, and the player's interest in the effects may decrease.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a player's interest in the presentation from declining. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a method for controlling the awarding of benefits, comprising: and a production means for producing a production, When a benefit is granted by the control means, the presentation means is capable of executing a first presentation (for example, a normal bonus notification presentation, paragraph

[0224] , FIG. 10), a second presentation (for example, a specific bonus notification presentation, paragraph

[0225] , FIG. 11), and a third presentation (for example, a panel flashing presentation, paragraph

[0226] , FIG. 12), The first effect is an effect that suggests that a benefit equal to or greater than the first benefit (for example, an additional 100 games as the number of games that the first AT state continues through a lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, paragraph

[0224] ) will be granted, The second effect is an effect that suggests that a second benefit (for example, an additional 500 games as the number of games to continue the first AT state by drawing a lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, paragraph

[0225] ) or more will be granted. The third effect is an effect that suggests that a third benefit (for example, an additional 1,000 games as the number of games played during the second AT state by a lottery to add more games during the first AT state, paragraph

[0226] ) or more will be granted. the second benefit is more advantageous to the player than the first benefit, The third benefit is more advantageous to the player than the second benefit, The second effect is executed with a first probability when a benefit equal to or greater than the second benefit and less than the third benefit is awarded; The second effect is executed with a second probability when the third or higher benefit is awarded; The second probability is higher than the first probability. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a player's interest in the presentation from declining. [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 diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing winning areas that can be won by internal lottery in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and winning combinations included in each winning area. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in a non-RT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB internal state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB state in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]10 is a flowchart showing the process of setting an upper limit on the number of payouts in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a table summarizing the small winning combinations that are awarded based on winnings for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] (A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which play has begun in the second AT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; (B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the normal additional notification effect has begun in the second AT state; (C) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the normal additional notification effect has changed based on the stop button being operated to the second stop in the second AT state; (D) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the normal additional notification effect has changed based on the stop button being operated to the third stop in the second AT state; and (E) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the normal additional notification effect has changed based on the effect display button being operated after the stop button has been operated to the third stop in the second AT state. [Figure 11] (A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which play has begun in the second AT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; (B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which a specific additional notification effect has begun in the second AT state; (C) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the specific additional notification effect has changed based on the stop button being operated to a second stop in the second AT state; (D) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the specific additional notification effect has changed based on the stop button being operated to a third stop in the second AT state; and (E) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the image displayed in the specific additional notification effect has changed based on the effect display button being operated after the stop button has been operated to a third stop in the second AT state. [Figure 12] (A) is a diagram illustrating the panel unit when the panel flashing effect is not executed in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the panel unit is turned off due to the panel flashing effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention. Furthermore, in the following description, the side toward the player (nearby) will be referred to as "front" and the opposite side as "rear."

[0011] 1. Overview of the gaming machine configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called reel-type gaming machine, and is configured as a medal-less gaming machine in which gaming value available to a player is recorded electromagnetically based on a lending signal output from an external device provided outside the slot machine 1 and configured to electromagnetically lend and settle electronic medals that constitute gaming value, and a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) serving as a specific unit. The slot machine 1 is configured to store information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals and to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU records the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and dispenses it to settle the electronic medals.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is housed in a box-shaped cabinet consisting of a cabinet BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD, and houses a reel unit RU consisting of a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as multiple reels. The cabinet of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a control board that is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc. and controls the operation of the slot machine 1.

[0013] The outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 shown in Figure 1 is divided into 20 areas (hereinafter, each area will be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD can be opened and closed separately. The upper front door UD is provided with a display device 410 as a display means for displaying various videos and images to assist and enhance the game. The display device 410 has a display area 410a for displaying images, and a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is made up of a transparent liquid crystal display. The display device 410 is configured so that the spinning and stopped states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three consecutive symbols (top, middle, and bottom symbols) arranged on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410. Among the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, three symbols arranged consecutively on the outer periphery can be observed through the display device 410.

[0015] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 410, and an activated line L1 is set for an activated line formed by a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called specified number (specified number), is set to three (first specified number) or two (second specified number), and when electronic medals equivalent to the specified number are inserted, the activated line L1 formed by the middle row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 (valid line), and if the symbol combination on the valid line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined role, that role is considered to have won, and control according to the winning role is executed.

[0017] The lower front door DD is provided with various operating means, such as a max bet button MB as an inserting operation means for setting the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to an inserted state, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform a start operation that triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to spin and start a game, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for allowing the player to perform a stop operation that triggers each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are rotated by a stepping motor, a counting button KB as a counting operation means for transmitting the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a settlement button AB for performing a settlement operation that cancels the inserted state and returns the electronic medals set to the inserted state to the medal count counter 311 (see FIG. 2), and an effect display button PU used to enhance the entertainment value of the effects.

[0018] The effect display button PU is a substantially rectangular button with the word "PUSH" written inside. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the effect display button PU is operated and an effect signal output to the effect control means 200 (see FIG. 2) is activated, an effect is executed on the display device 410 to notify the player that the effect display button PU will be operated, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect display button PU is displayed.

[0019] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is provided with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to the payout of electronic medals. The alert display displayed on the main control display device 10D corresponds to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in the current game, when a specified number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0020] In addition, the front lower door DD is provided with a game medal count display device MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see Figure 2). The game medal count display device MD is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual receptacle by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0021] A panel unit 430 is provided at the bottom of the front lower door DD to decorate the appearance of the slot machine 1. A light source (LED) for illumination controlled by the performance control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 (see FIG. 2) is provided on the back side of the panel unit 430, and the panel unit 430 is configured to emit light when illuminated from behind by the light emitted from the light source.

[0022] In addition, a plurality of sound devices 420 for producing sound effects are provided behind the panel unit 430. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist and liven up the game.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game played using game values. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the presentation related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and controls the number of game medals by being configured to be able to communicate with the dedicated unit SU.

[0024] The main control CPU 11 functions as setting change means 100, deposit acceptance means 105, random number generation means 110, internal lottery means 120, reel control means 130, winning determination means 140, payout control means 150, game state transition control means 160, assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0025] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. The setting change means 100 operates when a setting key is inserted into a setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10 and the setting key is turned, turning on the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC. When the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permitted state in which setting changes are permitted. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to the setting change permitted state when the setting change switch SS is in the ON state while the power is on.

[0026] In the setting change permitted state, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... → Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided on the power supply device, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of a combination in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control relating to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control relating to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later, and the control relating to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 170 before the setting change is also initialized and a normal zone is set. Meanwhile, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power interruption) and then the power supply is resumed, the control relating to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control relating to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption, and the control relating to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 170 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

[0028] The deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number is stored in the medal number counter 311 described below during the deposit acceptance period for accepting the deposit of electronic medals, and sets the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 to an inserted state up to the specified number set for each game state, and performs processing to enable the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that electronic medals equivalent to the specified number have been set to the inserted state.

[0029] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the first pressing of the start lever SL, which is enabled based on the setting of the inserted state of electronic medals equivalent to the specified number, is accepted as a game start operation by the player, which triggers the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also triggers the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery. The specified number set for each game state will be described later in detail.

[0030] In addition, the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period from when the electronic medals are set to the inserted state until the start lever SL is operated to cancel the inserted state and adds the same number of electronic medals set to the inserted state to the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling the electronic medals set to the inserted state.

[0031] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lotteries. In this embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore may function as random numbers.

[0032] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on the start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0033] In the lottery table selection process, an internal lottery table to be used for the internal lottery is selected based on the current game state from among the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replays, small combinations, and bonuses, and non-wins (misses) are associated with each of multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0034] In the following description, a bonus means a role that activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device when won, a bonus being activated means that a bonus is won and activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, and a bonus state means that the reel or reel continuous operation device is activated.

[0035] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generation means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined based on the comparison result whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0036] 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-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to a established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are simultaneously won, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations are set to an established state. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment provides a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over its established state to the next game or thereafter until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unestablished state without carrying over its established state to the next game or thereafter regardless of whether a prize is won or not. In addition, the lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0037] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control, which starts the rotation of the left reels R1 to R3 and controls the rotation pattern of the left reels R1 to R3, based on the player's start operation of the start lever SL and the output of a start signal. Furthermore, when the left reels R1 to R3 are in a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (e.g., approximately 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate a stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 executes control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reels R1 to R3 corresponding to the stop button B1 to B3 that was operated to stop.

[0038] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and the player operates each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped by the time a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) has elapsed since the time when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop button B1 to B3 is also referred to as an operation. The slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed, but also when, for example, an operation of pressing the stop button B1 to B3 and then releasing the pressed stop button B1 to B3 is performed.

[0040] Here, when the rotating reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each rotating reel is configured to be able to rotate a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of five frames from the frame displayed on the pay line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops are the range (pull-in range) in which symbols can be pulled onto the pay line L1.

[0041] When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a predetermined priority through logic calculations including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a hit state can be won as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a non-hit state cannot be won, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel by reel stop control and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 is also referred to as a "stop display").

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the candidate stop positions: a method for determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the activated line L1 (number priority control), and a method for determining the priority according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout predetermined for the small winning combination (number priority control). However, when the number priority control is executed, if multiple small winning combinations with the same payout are won, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each small winning combination is treated as being the same.

[0043] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, by referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, it determines whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is a winning form for each predetermined winning combination. The winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of a winning combination will also be referred to as the "winning symbol combination."

[0044] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination process by the winning determination means 140. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a small combination is won, a process is executed to determine the number of game medals to be paid out of electronic medals by the payout control means 150, when a replay is won, a process is executed to make the payout control means 150 execute the next game without consuming electronic medals, and when a combination that triggers a transition of the game state, such as a bonus, is won, a process is executed to make the game state transition control means 160 transition the game state.

[0045] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the payout number of electronic medals in the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay out the medals.

[0046] Furthermore, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay among a plurality of types of replay roles described later has been stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the payout control means 150 performs a replay process (replay process) to set the machine to a ready state in which the next game can be played without inserting electronic medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a specified number of electronic medals without using the electronic medals in the player's possession, and the machine waits for the start operation of the start lever SL to be performed next time, with the same pay line L1 as in the previous game set.

[0047] In addition, in the slot machine 1, during the period from the game in which a replay is won until the start of the next game, i.e., during the period in which a specified number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process but the game has not started, even if the settlement button AB is operated, the number of game medals equal to the specified number will not be added to the medal number counter 311.

[0048] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process for transitioning game states between multiple game states and a process for activation and termination of bonuses. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0049] The AT control means 170 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 196 to control the transition between an advantageous zone (advantageous period), which is a zone (period) in which control related to instruction functions including auxiliary games that display notifications on the main control display device 10D to assist in winning specific roles, can be executed, and a normal zone (non-advantageous period), which is a zone (period) in which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means (control means that performs control related to instruction functions) that performs control related to the normal zone, advantageous zone, and auxiliary games.

[0050] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by specified control processing) used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states, including normal states and AT states, that are executed within the advantageous zone.

[0051] The AT control means 170 sets the presentation state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the advantageous zone, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win the specific role that has been won on the main control display device 10D consisting of a 7-segment display, thereby performing an operation notification to assist in the winning of the specific role. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the presentation control means 200, which will be described later, executes a navigation presentation in which an indicator corresponding to the correct batting order is displayed on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation presentation, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) that is advantageous to the player.

[0052] More specifically, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, which will be described later, is met, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined termination process that terminates the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes information related to the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values ​​set within the advantageous zone.

[0053] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous zone difference number update process) that cumulatively records in the advantageous zone counter 196a the difference value (difference in number of medals, number of medals won) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out by the number of electronic medals inserted from the game that started the advantageous zone. When the AT control means 170 is in control of the advantageous zone, regardless of the game state, it executes advantageous zone difference number update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a to a value equivalent to the difference in number of electronic medals.

[0054] Furthermore, in the advantageous zone difference number update process, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the AT control means 170 also sets the subtracted result in the advantageous zone counter 196a even if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes less than the value "0." In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous zone counter 196a.

[0055] When more than 2400 electronic medals are won in the advantageous zone, that is, when the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400," the AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous zone, and executes a predetermined termination process that ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before the transition to a presentation state in which electronic medals can be won, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be won in the presentation state in which electronic medals can be won: 900 medals until the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes "0" and 2401 medals until the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes "2401" or more.

[0056] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous zone, such as each flag set to ON in the advantageous zone and values ​​set in the advantageous zone. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous zone when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) other than the specific end condition is met, and also executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined end process when the normal end condition is met. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0057] The complete control means 180 controls the activation of a complete function, which is a function that stops the slot machine 1 when the cumulative number of electronic medals won since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete acquired number update process) that cumulatively records the difference value (number of medals difference, number of medals won) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out in each game by the number of electronic medals inserted into the medal acquired number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0058] In a complete winning number update process that updates the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a, if the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a to the value "0." This allows the complete control means 180 to fix the value when the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a reaches its lowest point to the value "0." Therefore, in the control process that uses the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a, it is not necessary to vary the value that serves as the judgment threshold depending on the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process that uses the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a can be reduced.

[0059] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function are met when the number of medals acquired from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is turned on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000."

[0060] When none of the Regular Bonus (RB) as a first type special feature, the Regular Big Bonus (RBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the first type special feature, and the Challenge Big Bonus (CBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the second type special feature is operating, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped in a game in which the conditions for activating the complete function are met, based on the establishment of the conditions for activating the complete function.

[0061] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB or CBB is activated, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 stop in a game in which the activated RB, RBB or CBB has ended.

[0062] When the complete function is activated, the complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a play-stop state, and no further play can be performed until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag that has been set to the ON state is reset to the OFF state by opening the upper front door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside. With this configuration, when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the complete function cannot be released by an operation by the player.

[0063] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as the performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0064] The effect control means 200 controls effects related to the game, such as image and video effects using the display device 410, sound effects using the sound device 420, and light-emitting effects using the panel unit 430, based on the effect data stored in the effect control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as the max bet button MB, the start lever SL, the stop buttons B1 to B3, or the count button KB, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the effect control means 200 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game, assist the game, and notify the player that an operation has been performed, by executing effects such as lighting or flashing of lamps and LEDs and sound output from the sound device 420. In addition, the effect control means 200 causes each component of the effect device 400 to execute effects based on each effect state.

[0065] Furthermore, when executing control related to images and videos, the performance control means 200 draws them on the corresponding layers among the multiple layers provided in the sub-storage means 210. The performance control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the multiple layers into a single image in the frame buffer 213 provided in the sub-storage means 210, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When drawing images in the frame buffer 213, the performance control means 200 draws the images drawn on the lower layers in the frame buffer 213 in order, so that images drawn on the higher layers are displayed in the display area 410a in priority to images drawn on the lower layers.

[0066] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0067] The medal count control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and is also configured to be able to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for games in the slot machine 1, using a medal count counter 311, and displays the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0068] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 10, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or operation of the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the number of game medals updated in this way on the game medal number display device MD.

[0069] Specifically, when the counting button KB is operated while play is possible, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while play is possible" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are powered on, neither the gaming machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no errors that prevent play from occurring. Furthermore, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 controls the counting button KB so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not decremented by operation of the counting button KB, thereby preventing a situation in which a signal is not sent to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been decremented.

[0070] If the count button KB is pressed for less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to 1 medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "1." Also, if the count button KB is pressed for 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms has elapsed, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Thereafter, every time 300 ms has elapsed while the count button KB is pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Furthermore, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50" when 500 ms or more has elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value corresponding to the stored value from the stored value of the medal count counter 311, thereby setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0071] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or greater than the value "16369," the medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred, in which the number of game medals stored exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage in the slot machine 1. In the slot machine 1, a medal overflow error occurs based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, and when the count button KB is operated to count the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or less than the value "16368," the medal overflow error is canceled.

[0072] When the power is turned on with a medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count by setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0." This allows the slot machine 1 to initialize, when the power is turned on, the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before the power was turned off.

[0073] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12, details of each component included in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0074] <Control of the specified number by the input receiving means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, during a deposit acceptance period in which the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts the deposit of electronic medals, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) with the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 being equal to or greater than a specified number, input signals equal to the specified number set for each game state are output. Each time an input signal is input, the deposit acceptance means 105 adds a value of "1" corresponding to one electronic medal to the deposit number storage means 198 of the main storage means 190, and continues to add values ​​to the deposit number storage means 198 up to the specified number set for each game state.

[0075] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is set to three (first specified number), and for the RBB state, the specified number is set to two (second specified number).

[0076] In other words, when the gaming state is a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "3" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input three times by operating the max bet button MB when three or more gaming medals are stored in the medal count counter 311. Also, when the gaming state is an RBB state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "2" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input two times by operating the max bet button MB when two or more gaming medals are stored in the medal count counter 311.

[0077] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations that are associated with each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a device for continuously operating a special bonus related to a first-class special bonus.

[0078] 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery include the winning area "all small roles", the winning area "all 1-coin roles", the winning area "replay 1", the winning area "replay 2", the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare role", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role", and the winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 11 are associated with these areas, respectively. Also, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with a non-winning (miss) result as a result of the internal lottery.

[0079] Here, "batting order" refers to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated will also be referred to as "operation timing."

[0080] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the batting order, which is the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, is comprised of six types of batting orders, batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3, which is called a "sequential pressing" batting order. Batting order 2 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2, which is called a "scissors hitting" batting order. Batting order 3 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order called reverse pressing, in which the stop operation is executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0081] In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is a winner in order from the winning area associated with the winning number 11 to the non-winning area associated with the winning number 0.

[0082] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has small role 1 to small role 9 as small roles that can be won if the internal lottery is won, and has Replay 1 and Replay 2 as replays that can be won in the internal lottery. Each small role and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, a winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is set as a winning area that includes a bonus and a small role, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area that includes only a bonus.

[0083] In the slot machine 1, the winning probability for the winning area "Replay 2" is set lower than that for the winning area "Replay 1." Also, in the slot machine 1, the winning probability for the winning area "Rare Role" is set lower than that for each winning area including the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" and the small role of the winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role."

[0084] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the role associated with the carryover flag is RBB, and the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the established state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether the small role and replay will be won or not, even in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already-won RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery are set to an established state.

[0085] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of this embodiment stores, as internal lottery tables that are lottery tables used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (normal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal state (internal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value number is associated with each winning area that is the subject of the lottery.

[0086] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery table A corresponds 65,536 lottery values ​​to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", the winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role", and the winning area "RBB", and is configured to win any of the small roles, replays, or bonuses in the internal lottery.

[0087] In addition, the internal lottery table B is configured so that the 65,536 lottery values ​​correspond to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", and the winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role", and is configured so that in the internal lottery, either a small role, a replay, or a bonus is won.

[0088] In the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. The winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. Specifically, for example, the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table B.

[0089] The internal lottery table C is configured so that 65536 lottery value numbers correspond to either the winning area "all small roles" or the winning area "all 1-piece roles", and is configured so that a small role is won in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table C, the probability of winning each of the small roles 1 to 9 is higher than the probability of winning each of the small roles 1 to 9 in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table A or the internal lottery table B.

[0090] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that there will be no loss (miss) in the internal lottery in any of the gaming states, namely the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0091] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the lottery value numbers associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192, and when the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it determines that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted lottery value number has been won. Also, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value after completing the subtraction of all the lottery value numbers stored in the internal lottery table, it determines that no winning combination has been won, that is, that the player has not won.

[0092] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is determined in the order of "replay > small combination > bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or replay.

[0093] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to rotate the reels a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, and is therefore configured to be able to stop and display the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the activated line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0094] Furthermore, when the start lever SL detects a start operation and receives a start signal output from a start switch built into the start lever SL, the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reels R1 to R3 and starts one game, and then sets (sets) a waiting time (approximately 4.1 seconds), generally referred to as a wait (or wait time), in a wait timer (not shown) in the main storage means 190 based on the start of rotation of the left reels R1 to R3. Then, when the reel control means 130 receives a start signal from the start switch within the period from when the waiting time is set until the waiting time has elapsed, the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reels R1 to R3 after the waiting time has elapsed. With this configuration, the reel control means 130 can start a game after a minimum game time (approximately 4.1 seconds) has elapsed as a fixed time from the start of one game to the start of the next game.

[0095] <Small win payout> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, payouts are set for minor prizes 1 to 9 when the first specified number of three electronic medals is inserted to start the game (3-coin bet), and when the first specified number of two electronic medals is inserted to start the game (2-coin bet).

[0096] The payout for minor win 1 is the same when a three-coin bet game is executed and when a two-coin bet game is executed, and is set to 14, which is more than the first specified number. The payout for minor win 2 is the same when a three-coin bet game is executed and when a two-coin bet game is executed, and is set to 3, which is the same as the first specified number. The payout for minor wins 3 to 9 is the same when a three-coin bet game is executed and when a two-coin bet game is executed, and is set to 1, which is less than the first specified number.

[0097] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment sets the same payout for all minor roles from minor role 1 to minor role 9 when a three-coin bet game is executed and when a two-coin bet game is executed, so there is no need to set a specified number of parameters for the data related to payout setting, and there is no need to set the payout when a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout when a two-coin bet game is executed separately, so the data capacity of the data related to minor roles can be reduced in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various data.

[0098] <Setting the number of payments> In the payout process for paying out electronic medals according to the game results, when a small winning combination is won, the payout control means 150 stores a value corresponding to the payout predetermined for each winning combination in the payout number memory means 199 (see Figure 2) of the main memory means 190.

[0099] Furthermore, when a two-coin bet game is played, the payout control means 150 of this embodiment compares the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out with the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 in the payout process, and if the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 is greater than the upper limit, determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out in that game by setting the payout number for that game to the upper limit, and performs control to virtually pay out medals by adding the number of game medals equivalent to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311. Details of the process of referencing the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played will be described later.

[0100] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states to which transition can be made from each game state in the control relating to transition of game states executed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0101] As shown in Figure 4 (A), the non-RT state is a gaming state (initial gaming state, normal gaming state) that corresponds to the initial state among multiple gaming states, and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the gaming state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the winning probability of a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is the non-RT state, a first specified number (3) of electronic medals are set to an inserted state, so that a game can be started.

[0102] The RBB internal state is a gaming state to which the game enters when either the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" or the winning area "RBB" is won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, and the RBB is set to the established state, and is a bonus established state in which a bonus is established. In the RBB internal state, the gaming state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B, in which the winning probability of a replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is the RBB internal state, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to start playing by setting the first specified number (3) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0103] The RBB state is a gaming state to which the game is transitioned when the RBB wins and the RBB is activated. In the RBB state, the gaming state transition control means 160 determines that the RBB termination condition is met when a predetermined number of electronic medals (e.g., 12 medals) has been paid out, terminates the operation of the RBB, and transitions the gaming state to a non-RT state. In the RBB state, the gaming state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is the RBB state, a game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 medals) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0104] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0105] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. In the game during the normal section, the AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0106] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 170 first acquires an advantageous section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of the advantageous section" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

[0107] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery by the winning probability of "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0108] The AT control means 170 of the present embodiment executes the advantageous section lottery when winning the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare combination", and the winning area "replay 1" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and when winning the winning areas "RBB & one-card combination" and "RBB" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, and is configured not to execute the advantageous section lottery when winning other winning areas. In addition, the AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery in which the probability of winning "start of the advantageous section" is as high as about 1 / 1.5. <00​​In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 has, as states (presentation states) related to the instruction function, a first start state, a second start state, a normal state, a normal CZ state, a specific CZ state, and an AT state having a first AT state and a second AT state, and is configured not to execute the winning assistance of small win 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the normal state, normal CZ state, and specific CZ state, and is configured to execute the winning assistance of small win 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the AT state. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the staying ratio of the advantageous zone in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0110] The first start state is a presentation state that is set when the game state is in a non-RT state and in a normal zone, and the game state transitions from the normal zone to the favorable zone by a favorable zone lottery based on winning the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role", which is set as the target of the favorable zone lottery and is a winning area including RBB, and the winning area "RBB" in an internal lottery. In the first start state, when one game is executed, the AT control means 170 ends the first start state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

[0111] The second start state is a presentation state that is set when the game state is in a non-RT state or an internal RBB state and is in the normal zone, and the game transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone through an advantageous zone lottery based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", and the winning area "Replay 1", which are set as the target of the advantageous zone lottery and do not include RBB, in the internal lottery.

[0112] In the second start state, the AT control means 170 refers to the game state at the time the second start state is started. If the game state at the time the second start state is started is a non-RT state, the AT control means 170 ends the second start state after one game is executed and transitions the presentation state to a normal state. Also, if the game state at the time the second start state is started is an RBB internal state, the AT control means 170 determines to execute a specific CZ state after the end of the second start state, and after one game is executed, ends the second start state and transitions the presentation state to the specific CZ state.

[0113] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a transition occurs from the normal zone to the advantageous zone during play in the normal zone (first game), the presentation state is set to the first start state or the second start state by a control process for setting the presentation state by the AT control means 170 during the first game. Next, in the slot machine 1, in a game following the first game (second game), a game is executed with the presentation state set to the first start state or the second start state, and if the presentation state is the first start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state, and if the presentation state is the second start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state or the specific CZ state depending on the game state in the second game.

[0114] The normal state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to the normal state among multiple types of presentation states, and is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When there is a transition from the first start state, the second start state, the specific CZ state, or the first AT state to the normal state, the AT control means 170 sets the value "700" as the initial value to an AT transition game number counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played until the transition to the AT state.

[0115] The AT control means 170 executes a decrement update to subtract "1," a value corresponding to one game, from the stored value of the AT transition game number counter each time a game is played in either the normal state or the normal CZ state. The AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) has been met when the stored value of the AT transition game number counter becomes "0." If the presentation state in the game in which the stored value of the AT transition game number counter becomes "0" is the normal state, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the normal state to the first AT state. On the other hand, if the presentation state in the game in which the stored value of the AT transition game number counter becomes "0" is the normal CZ state, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the normal CZ state to the first AT state after 10 games are played in the normal CZ state and the termination condition of the normal CZ state is met.

[0116] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the normal CZ state in a game in which a winning area that does not include an RBB is won in an internal lottery in the normal state.

[0117] In addition, when the AT control means 170 wins the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery, it executes a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to decide to transition to the AT state, and when "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) has been met, and transitions from the normal state to the first AT state.

[0118] The normal CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control related to the instruction function, which determines whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state, is executed, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the normal CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value (e.g., 10 games) corresponding to the number of games that can continue the normal CZ state to the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update each time a game is executed, subtracting the value stored in the CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0119] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a normal CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state during each game in the normal CZ state. If the "transition to the AT state" is selected in the normal CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the normal CZ state to the first AT state after 10 games have been played since the start of the normal CZ state.

[0120] The AT control means 170 executes a normal CZ game number addition lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of games during which the first AT state continues for the first AT state to which the normal CZ state is transitioned when the "transition to AT state" is won in the normal CZ AT lottery and during play until the normal CZ state ends. When the AT control means 170 determines to add the number of games during which the first AT state continues in the normal CZ game number addition lottery, it adds the value determined to be added to the first AT game number counter 196b (see FIG. 2) in the AT control data storage means 196.

[0121] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the normal CZ state without winning the "transition to AT state" in the AT lottery during the normal CZ, the AT control means 170 ends the normal CZ state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

[0122] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute lotteries related to instruction functions executed in the normal CZ state (AT lottery during normal CZ, set number addition lottery during normal CZ) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured so that, for lotteries related to auxiliary games executed in the normal CZ state, if a player wins the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lower than if the player wins other winning areas, resulting in a favorable outcome for the player (in the case of the AT lottery during the normal CZ, the probability of "transition to AT state" is higher). Specifically, in the AT lottery during the normal CZ, if a player wins the winning area "rare combination," the player wins "transition to AT state" with an approximately 50% probability, and if the player wins a winning area other than the winning area "rare combination," the player wins "transition to AT state" with an approximately 30% probability.

[0123] The specific CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state and the normal CZ state when control related to the instruction function is executed to determine whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the normal CZ state. At the start of the specific CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 20 games) to the specific CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update each time a game is executed, subtracting the value stored in the specific CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0124] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a specific CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state in a game in which the stored value of the specific CZ game number counter becomes the value "0." If the "transition to AT state" is won in the specific CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the specific CZ state to the first AT state. On the other hand, if the "transition to normal state" is won in the specific CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the specific CZ state to the normal state.

[0125] The AT state is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state because it is possible to execute assistance for winning the small prize 1 when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won. The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to set the presentation state to the first AT state when the AT state is started.

[0126] When the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the AT termination condition has been met, terminates the AT state, and determines that a specific termination condition among the advantageous zone termination conditions has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process for initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process which ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

[0127] The first AT state is a presentation state in which the duration for which it can be continued is managed by the number of games played. At the start of the first AT state, the AT control means 170 adds a value corresponding to the number of games for which the first AT state can be continued (for example, 50 games) to the first AT game number counter 196b of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the value stored in the first AT game number counter 196b by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0128] The AT control means 170 executes a second AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition the presentation state from the first AT state to the second AT state when the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 wins the winning area "rare role". The AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the first AT state to the second AT state when the "transition to second AT state" is won in the second AT lottery.

[0129] When a game is played in the first AT state and the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196b becomes "0", the AT control means 170 ends the first AT state and transitions the presentation state from the first AT state to the normal state.

[0130] The second AT state is a presentation state in which the duration for which it can be continued is managed by the number of games played. At the start of the second AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (for example, 1 game) corresponding to the number of games for which the second AT state can be continued to a second AT game number counter (not shown) in the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update to subtract the value stored in the second AT game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time a game is played.

[0131] The AT control means 170 is configured to transition the presentation state to the first AT state when the stored value of the second AT game number counter becomes the value "0", and is configured not to terminate the AT state and transition to the normal state when the second AT state is terminated based on the stored value of the second AT game number counter becoming the value "0".

[0132] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment executes a lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of games during the continuation of the first AT state to which the second AT state is transitioned during play in the second AT state. The AT control means 170 executes a lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT based on the start lever SL being operated to start play in the second AT state.

[0133] When the AT control means 170 determines in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT to add the number of games during which the first AT state continues, it adds the value determined to be added to the first AT game number counter 196b in the AT control data storage means 196. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a lottery in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT with a higher probability of winning a larger number of games as the number of games to be added than in the lottery for adding the number of games during the normal CZ. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a lottery in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT with a higher probability of winning an addition of at least 100 games.

[0134] The presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to determine the content of the addition notification presentation that notifies the number of games to be added, by referring to the result of the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT by the AT control means 170. The presentation control means 200 is configured to be able to execute a normal addition notification presentation and a specific addition notification presentation using the display device 410 in the addition notification presentation, and is configured to be able to execute a panel flashing presentation as a presentation using the panel unit 430. Details of the addition notification presentation will be described later.

[0135] As described above, the slot machine 1 is configured to end the AT state when the advantageous zone ends or when the stored value of the first AT game number counter becomes the value "0." As shown in Figure 4 (B), the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to transition to a specific CZ state via a second start state that is initiated based on the transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone when the advantageous zone ends.

[0136] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the specific CZ AT lottery executed in the specific CZ state regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, the AT control means 170 is configured so that, for the specific CZ AT lottery, if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lower and the probability of "transition to AT state" is higher than when other winning areas are won. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the winning area "rare role" is won in the AT lottery during the specific CZ, the "transition to AT state" is won with a probability of approximately 100%, and if a winning area other than the winning area "rare role" is won, the "transition to AT state" is won with a probability of approximately 70%.

[0137] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability of winning the "transition to AT state" in the specific CZ AT lottery executed in the specific CZ state is approximately 70% or more regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and the probability of transitioning from the specific CZ state to the AT state is higher than the probability of transitioning from the normal CZ state to the AT state (approximately 50% even if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery).

[0138] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability of transitioning to the AT state by executing an AT lottery during the specific CZ is higher when the AT state ends with the end of the advantageous zone and the advantageous zone starts again, resulting in a transition to the specific CZ state, than when the slot machine 1 transitions to the normal state while the advantageous zone continues after the AT state ends.By transitioning to the specific CZ state, the possibility of starting the AT state again after the AT state ends and winning electronic medals increases, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0139] <Details of control using the first and second start states> As described above, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment is configured to stop and display the winning symbol combination of a small role or a replay on the activated line L1 in priority to the bonus. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated at an operation timing that prevents the small role that has been won in the internal lottery from winning, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute reel stop control so that a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of any role is stopped and displayed on the activated line L1, resulting in a missed win (non-winning).

[0140] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the internal lottery will result in winning either a small win or a replay, so the RBB winning pattern combination will not be displayed stopped on the activated line L1, and the RBB internal state will be maintained.

[0141] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, once the gaming state is set to the RBB internal state, the game continues in the RBB internal state thereafter, so when the advantageous zone ends and the normal zone starts based on the establishment of a normal end condition or a specific end condition in the advantageous zone, the gaming state becomes the RBB internal state and is controlled to the normal zone. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, after the gaming state transitions from the advantageous zone to the normal zone while the gaming state is in the RBB internal state, if the "transition to advantageous zone" is won in the advantageous zone lottery and the game transitions to the advantageous zone, the presentation state is set to the second start state, and since the gaming state at the start of the second start state is the RBB internal state, the presentation state is configured to transition to the specific CZ state after one game is executed in the second start state.

[0142] In a slot machine 1 having such playability, as described above, when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control relating to the game state and the control relating to the advantageous zone are initialized, and the game state is set to a non-RT state and to a normal zone.

[0143] Therefore, if the slot machine 1 is configured so that the presentation state is always set to a specific CZ state when transitioning from a normal zone to a favorable zone, there is a risk that the normal zone will be set by initialization when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, which will make the probability of transitioning to a specific CZ state immediately after setting change control extremely high.

[0144] In such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, in the specific CZ state that is initiated based on the transition to the advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control is executed, the presentation control means 200 executes the presentation in the normal state (normal presentation), which makes it possible for the player to not see that the current presentation state is the specific CZ state; however, data and programs related to the normal presentation that are exclusive to the specific CZ state immediately after the setting change are required, which increases the program capacity related to the presentation.

[0145] Furthermore, in a slot machine 1 configured in this manner, although the specific CZ state immediately after a setting change can be made invisible through normal presentation, the specific CZ state is executed under control by the AT control means 170, which creates the possibility of a strategy in which the machine easily transitions to the AT state immediately after a setting change, making it easy to win electronic medals.

[0146] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the winning area selected in the internal lottery and determine whether the presentation state to be set at the start of the advantageous zone will be the first start state or the second start state.

[0147] When an advantageous zone is started based on winning the winning area "RBB" or the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role", which are winning areas that can only be won by internal lottery in the non-RT state, the AT control means 170 sets the presentation state at the start of the advantageous zone to the first start state. As described above, the first start state is a presentation state that transitions to the normal state after one game is executed.

[0148] Therefore, in slot machine 1, even if the game state at the start of the advantageous zone is in the RBB internal state, when setting change control is executed and the game state in the normal zone transitions from a non-RT state to an advantageous zone, the presentation state can be set to the normal state via the first start state.

[0149] Furthermore, when the AT control means 170 starts an advantageous zone based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", and the winning area "Replay 1", which are winning areas that can be won even in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, it sets the presentation state at the start of the advantageous zone to the second start state. The AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the game state when the game is played in the second start state, and to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game is played in the second start state.

[0150] Specifically, if the game state when playing in the second starting state is a non-RT state, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to transition to after one game is played in the second starting state to be the normal state, and if the game state when playing in the second starting state is an RBB internal state, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to transition to after one game is played in the second starting state to be the specific CZ state.

[0151] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state when playing in the second starting state becomes a non-RT state only when the advantageous zone is started based on winning the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4", winning area "Rare Role", or winning area "Replay 1" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state.

[0152] In addition, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured not to execute the advantageous zone lottery when the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role", which is a winning area that can be won by internal lottery in the RBB internal state, which is a game state that is set when the RBB is carried over to the established state, is won.

[0153] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state when playing in the second starting state becomes the RBB internal state only when the advantageous zone is started based on winning the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4", winning area "Rare Role", or winning area "Replay 1" in the internal lottery in the RBB internal state.

[0154] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the game state is set to a non-RT state, and the game state is set to the normal zone, but when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control, the game state is set to the normal state based on the start of the advantageous zone, and when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the game state is set to the CZ state based on the start of the advantageous zone, thereby realizing gameplay that allows for improved product value while having an advantageous zone.

[0155] In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can prevent the occurrence of overly advantageous strategies immediately after the setting change control is initiated, and with the transition to an advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control is executed, data and programs for executing presentations different from the set presentation state are no longer required, thereby preventing an increase in the program capacity related to the presentation.

[0156] 3. Playability in each game state Next, the gameplay in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0157] <Game results in each game state> Figure 5 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small win is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state, Figure 6 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small win is won in an internal lottery in an RBB internal state, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small win is won in an internal lottery in an RBB state.

[0158] As shown in Figure 5, in the slot machine 1, when a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" is won in the non-RT state, any of the small winning combinations 3 to 8, which have a payout set to 1 coin in a game with a bet of 3 coins, can be won, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0159] In other words, in the slot machine 1, when in the non-RT state, even if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which are winning areas including the minor winning feature 1 with a payout set to 14 coins in a 3-coin bet game, is won, the minor winning feature 1 cannot be won.

[0160] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the RBB internal state, the batting order (correct batting order) of stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that minor winning feature 1, with a payout set to 14 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0161] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, small wins 3 and 4 will be won with a 1 / 1 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win, and small wins 5 to 8 will be won with a 1 / 2 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win.

[0162] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, the stop button B3 is stopped at the operation timing when the small role 2 can be won, and the small role 2, which is set to a payout of 3 coins in a 3-coin bet game, is won, and the winning probability is about 1 / 1.3. In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "rare role" is won and the small role 2 is not won, it is configured to be a miss (no win).

[0163] In addition, if the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the small role 9, which has a payout set to 1 coin in a game where 3 coins are bet, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 7, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "All Small Winning Features" is won in the RBB state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, either the small winning feature 2, which has a payout of 3 coins in a game where two coins are bet, or the small winning feature 9, which has a payout of 1 coin in a game where two coins are bet, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6, the small winning feature 1, which has a payout of 14 coins in a game where two coins are bet, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0165] The winning symbol combination for minor win 2 and the winning symbol combination for minor win 9 are configured to include symbols common to the symbols on the left reel R1 and the center reel R2. Also, the winning symbol combination for minor win 2 and the winning symbol combination for minor win 9 are configured with different symbols on the right reel R3. The symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning symbol combination for minor win 2 are symbols that have a pull-in range of 15 frames out of 20 frames on the right reel R3, and the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning symbol combination for minor win 9 are symbols that are arranged so that they can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3.

[0166] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "All Small Wins" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning combination of small win 2 can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, small win 2 will be won, and if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning combination of small win 2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, small win 9 will be won.

[0167] In the slot machine 1, if the winning area "All 1 Coin Role" is won in the RBB state, regardless of the order of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3, the small role 9, which is set to pay out 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0168] Here, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set an upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played, and is configured to set the payout number to the upper limit and pay out electronic medals when a small combination with a payout set equal to or greater than the upper limit is won. Specifically, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to one when a two-coin bet game is played.

[0169] <Setting the upper limit of the payout quantity> Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an upper limit value setting process in which the slot machine 1 sets an upper limit value for the payout number. The process shown in Fig. 8 is executed after the payout value set for the winning minor winning combination is stored in the payout number storage means 199 in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is executed when a minor winning combination is won.

[0170] 8, the payout control means 150 first acquires the payout number stored in the payout number storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 acquires the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the payout value set for the small winning combination in the current game.

[0171] Next, the payout control means 150 checks the number of electronic medals that have been set to the inserted state for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 checks the value stored in the inserted number storage means 198, thereby making it possible to determine whether the current game is a two-coin bet game or a three-coin bet game.

[0172] Next, the payout control means 150 determines whether or not the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether or not the stored value of the inserted number storage means 198 confirmed in the process of step S2 is the value "2". By the payout control means 150 executing the process of step S3, the slot machine 1 can determine whether or not the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (two medals) is set.

[0173] In the process of step S3, if it is determined that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts stored in the payout number storage means 199 obtained in the process of step S1 is a value of "2" or more.

[0174] In the process of step S4, if it is determined that the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the number of payouts to one (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 changes the value of two or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1", thereby setting the number of payouts in the current game to one.

[0175] This processing in step S5 constitutes a process for setting the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1 medal) that is less than the second specified number (3 medals) when a game is started by inserting a second specified number (2 medals) that is less than the first specified number (3 medals).

[0176] After executing the processing of step S5, if it is determined in the processing of step S3 that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state for the current game is three (NO), or if it is determined in the processing of step S4 that the number of medals to be paid out for the current game is one (NO), the payout control means 150 executes processing to pay out the electronic medals (S6) and ends the payout processing. In this processing, the payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of electronic medals to be paid out for the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined number to the medal number counter 311.

[0177] <Payout of electronic medals in each game state> 5, the slot machine 1 is configured so that a prize is not won based on the winning of the small winning combination 1, which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number, in the non-RT state. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0178] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of electronic medals won during a predetermined number of games (for example, 17,500 games), which is a number of games that is sufficient to ignore the effects of temporary probability bias, to the total number of electronic medals inserted during the predetermined number of games.

[0179] 6, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2 in the RBB internal state, the small winning combination 1 set to a payout greater than the first specified number does not win, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small winning combination 1 can win. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2, and to exceed 50% when operated in any of batting orders 3 to 6. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random batting order in the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0180] As shown in Figure 8, when a three-coin bet game is played, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip the processing of steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6, determine the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the small winning combination won in the game, as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and add the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0181] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out the same number of electronic medals as the payout set for the winning small win in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a payout exceeding the first specified number when the small win 1 is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state where the specified number is set to the first specified number (3 medals).

[0182] On the other hand, when a two-coin bet game is played and a small role with a payout of two or more coins set as the payout for the two-coin bet game is won, the payout control means 150 is configured to execute the processing of step S5 and then proceed to step S6, and determines the stored value of the payout number memory means 199, which is set to the value "1", as the payout number of electronic medals for the game, regardless of the value set as the payout for the small role won in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals (1 medal) corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0183] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to two, if the winning area "all minor symbols" is won by an internal lottery, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, minor symbol 2, the payout of which is set to three in a game where two symbols are bet, can be won, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, minor symbol 1, the payout of which is set to 14 in a game where two symbols are bet, can be won. However, by executing the upper limit value setting process for the payout number by the payout control means 150 shown in Figure 8, the number of electronic medals paid out in a game where minor symbol 1 is won is set to one.

[0184] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the same payout when a three-coin bet game is played and when a two-coin bet game is played, and when small winning combinations 1 and 2, which are set to a payout of more than one coin, are won in the RBB state where a two-coin bet game is played, a payout of one coin is executed, which is less than the set payout and is less than the specified number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0185] As described above, when a two-coin bet game is executed, the payout for small winning combinations 3 to 9 is set to one coin.

[0186] That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the specified number is set to the RBB state of 2 coins and a win area including a small win is won, a payout of 1 coin is executed regardless of which small win among all the small wins is won. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the specified number is set to the second specified number (2 coins) and small win 1 is won, a payout of less than the second specified number is executed.

[0187] Also, as described above, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state in which the internal lottery table C is used, the winning area is configured to be either the "all small roles" winning area or the "all 1-coin roles" winning area.

[0188] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and play begins, it is possible to execute the payout of game values ​​exceeding the first specified number, and when a second specified number of game values ​​less than the first specified number is inserted and play begins, the upper limit of the number of game values ​​that can be paid out is set to a specific number less than the second specified number.

[0189] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state, two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and a game is executed in which one electronic medal is paid out. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value for the state in which the RBB is not activated can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0190] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is lower than the payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0191] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a lower ball payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state where the RBB is not operating and in the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0192] <Small winning combinations that can be won in each game state> Next, FIG. 9 is a table summarizing small winning combinations that are awarded based on winning in each gaming state of the non-RT state, the RBB inside state, and the RBB state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0193] As shown in Figure 9, minor win 1, which has a payout set to 14 coins when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, is configured to not win if it is won in a non-RT state, but to win if it is won in an RBB internal state or an RBB state.

[0194] In addition, minor winnings 2, which have a payout set to three coins when a three-coin bet game is played and a payout set to three coins when a two-coin bet game is played, are configured to win based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0195] Of the small winning combinations 3 to 9, for which the payout when a three-coin bet game is played and the payout when a two-coin bet game is played are both set to one coin, small winning combination 9 wins based on winning in the non-RT state, the state inside the RBB, and the RBB state, while small winning combinations 3 to 8 do not win based on winning in the RBB state, but win based on winning in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB.

[0196] As described above, in the slot machine 1, in the RBB state in which the second specified number (two) of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, even if a small winning combination with a payout of two or more medals is won, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number shown in Figure 8 is executed, so that one medal is paid out.

[0197] In other words, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started are both set to a payout greater than one medal, and when minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are won in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the payout amount is configured to be different from when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started.

[0198] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when each of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is won in the RBB state where two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, the payout number is different from when three electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, and is configured so that when the play state is the RBB state, small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won based on the fact that they have been won.

[0199] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an internal lottery determines whether multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a predetermined group, and the predetermined group is a group of minor roles that have different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a game is started after a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and when a game is started after a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number are inserted, and each of the minor roles included in the predetermined group wins based on winning the internal lottery in both a game that is started after a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and when a game is started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted.

[0200] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the minor roles included in the predetermined group include a first minor role (minor role 1) and a second minor role (minor role 2), and if the first minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game that is started after a second specified number of game values ​​has been inserted, the first minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a first operation mode (batting order 3 to batting order 6), and if the second minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game that is started after a second specified number of game values ​​has been inserted, the second minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a second operation mode (batting order 1, batting order 2) that is different from the first operation mode.

[0201] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB; however, by winning based on the fact that both small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won in the RBB state, the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is prevented from deteriorating excessively, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0202] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started, and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started, are both set to one. In the RBB state where two electronic medals are inserted and play is started, and in the case where three electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the same payout amount is awarded for small prizes 3 to 9, and in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, small prizes are awarded based on a win. In the RBB state, small prize 9 is awarded based on a win, but in the RBB state, small prizes 3 to 8 are not awarded based on which stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated in case of a win.

[0203] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an internal lottery determines whether multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a first group and minor roles included in a second group. The first group is a group of minor roles that have the same number of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started and a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted and game play is started. The second group is a group of minor roles that have a different number of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started and a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started. The minor roles included in the first group include minor roles that will not win when a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started, regardless of the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons.

[0204] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in a change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are not won in the RBB state.This eliminates the need to pre-store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that makes it possible to win small prizes 3 to 8, and reduces the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0205] The small winning combinations 1 and 2 constitute the second group of small winning combinations and the small winning combinations included in the predetermined group, which are made up of small winning combinations with different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a game is started after a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and when a game is started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted, and the small winning combinations 3 to 9 constitute the small winning combinations included in the first group of small winning combinations with the same payout set when a game is started after a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and when a game is started after a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted.

[0206] <Summary of gameplay in each game state> Thus, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the specified number is fixed to a first specified number (3 coins) in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, which are the first gaming states in which the RBB is not operating, and the specified number is fixed to a second specified number (2 coins) in the RBB state, which is the second gaming state in which the RBB is operating. The slot machine 1 is also configured so that the payout rate in the RBB state is higher than the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. The slot machine 1 is also configured so that the winning probability of each minor winning combination in the RBB state is higher than the winning probability of each minor winning combination in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0207] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when a prize is won in the RBB state in which a second specified number of electronic medals are set to an inserted state and game play is started, the prize is won based on the winning of minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 when the game state is the RBB state, which are configured so that the payout amount is different from when a first specified number of electronic medals are set to an inserted state and game play is started.

[0208] Then, in the RBB state in which the second specified number of electronic medals is set to an inserted state and play begins, the slot machine 1 executes a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts, so that the upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out in the game is set to a specific number (1 medal) that is less than the second specified number, and therefore, even if small prize 1 or small prize 2 is won, one medal is paid out.

[0209] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the ball payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in this embodiment), and the performance in the RBB state can be designed to obtain gaming value when the RBB is not operating while adhering to the performance required for a gaming machine, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0210] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the specified number is set to two coins, and when a winning area including a small win is won, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number (see Figure 8) is executed, and one coin is paid out regardless of which of all small wins is won. Therefore, by lowering the payout rate in the RBB state to 50%, it is possible to design the performance of acquiring game value for the state when the RBB is not activated, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0211] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 or small prize 2 is won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB. However, by winning a prize based on both small prize 1 and small prize 2 being won in the RBB state, the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is prevented from deteriorating excessively, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0212] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the slot machine 1 is configured so that small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in a change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are not won in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to store in advance in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that makes it possible to win small prizes 3 to 8, and reduces the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0213] Furthermore, as described above, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), the slot machine 1 is configured to execute an upper limit value setting process for the payout number, so that the payout rate becomes 50%.

[0214] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in a bonus state and makes it possible to acquire medals by executing AT play in a gaming state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated, such as a bonus establishment state), there has conventionally been a gaming machine that has a plurality of first winning modes in which a plurality of first specific minor roles, which are set to a payout greater than the number of game values ​​inserted required to start a game, do not overlap with each other but overlap with a second specific minor role different from the first specific minor role, and a third winning mode in which a plurality of first specific minor roles overlap and are won, and an internal lottery means In a known configuration, an internal lottery is conducted in the bonus state so that multiple types of first winning patterns exist, and in the bonus state so that a third winning pattern exists, and the probability of winning the third winning pattern in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning one of the multiple types of first winning patterns in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus formation state, and the winning probability of each of all small roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state is equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all small roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus formation state.

[0215] In a gaming machine configured in this manner, the probability of winning the first specific minor role in the bonus state is compressed to the reciprocal of the number of types of first specific minor role (for example, 1 / 4 if the configuration has four types of first specific minor role), while ensuring that the performance in the bonus state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine, and by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor role in the non-bonus state, the probability of winning the first specific minor role is increased compared to when winning assistance is not executed, making it possible to win medals in AT play, but it is necessary to have multiple types of first specific minor role.

[0216] In gaming machines, it is common for small winning combinations that can earn medals by winning to have specific symbols (for example, bell symbols) displayed in a stopped form that is visible to the player. However, if the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are configured so that each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is visible in three frames in a specific area that makes the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 visible, the number of patterns in which the specific symbols are displayed in a row is limited to five, so if the number of types of first specific small winning combinations exceeds five, it becomes necessary to display the symbols in the specific area in a display mode that is different from the display mode in which they are displayed in a row.

[0217] In addition, in gaming machines, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in an internal lottery, there are two ways to determine the priority of the candidate stopping positions: a method of determining the priority based on the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the valid line L1 (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out based on the payout that is predetermined for the small winning combination (number priority control).

[0218] Therefore, in a gaming machine, when an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win a first specific small role and an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it impossible to win a first specific small role and makes it possible to win a second specific small role are set, in order to make it possible to win a second specific small role, it is necessary to make it possible to win a second specific small role by using quantity priority control.

[0219] Due to such limitations, in gaming machines, the more the types of first specific small roles are increased and the payout rate in the bonus state is compressed, the more types of second specific small roles will also increase, and an arrangement of patterns that makes it possible to win with the second specific small roles is also required, so compressing the payout rate in the bonus state tends to increase the data volume related to the small roles and make the design more difficult.

[0220] In contrast, in a slot machine 1 configured so that the payout rate is 50% when the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins) in the RBB state, by executing an upper limit value setting process for the payout number, even if the payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and play begins is configured to have one small role with a payout greater than the first specified number, the payout rate in the RBB state can be sufficiently reduced while ensuring that the performance in the RBB state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine.

[0221] By configuring the slot machine 1 in this manner, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced, and the data capacity related to small winning combinations can be prevented from increasing when designing medal acquisition performance for a state in which the RBB is not activated. This reduces the data capacity related to small winning combinations and improves the design freedom related to the arrangement of patterns. Furthermore, by reducing the data capacity related to small winning combinations, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0222] 4. Details of the additional notification Next, the details of the additional notification effect executed by the effect control means 200 of this embodiment will be described.

[0223] <Summary of additional notification effects> As described above, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to determine the content of the additional notification presentation that notifies the number of games to be added as the number of games to continue the first AT state, by referring to the result of the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT by the AT control means 170. If the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT determines that less than 500 games (less than the second bonus) will be added as the number of games to continue the first AT state, the presentation control means 200 executes the normal additional notification presentation.

[0224] As described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to determine, in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, an addition of at least 100 games as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state. In other words, the normal addition notification effect is configured as an effect suggesting that an addition of 100 games or more will be granted as the number of games to continue the first AT state.

[0225] In addition, when the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT determines that 500 or more games will be added as the number of games during which the first AT state continues, the effect control means 200 executes a lottery for adding notification effects to determine whether to execute a normal adding notification effect or a specific adding notification effect. In other words, the specific adding notification effect is configured as an effect suggesting that 500 or more games will be added as the number of games during which the first AT state continues.

[0226] Then, when it is determined in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT that 1000 or more games will be added as the number of games during which the first AT state continues, the effect control means 200 executes a panel flashing effect lottery for determining whether or not to execute a panel flashing effect. In other words, the panel flashing effect is configured as an effect suggesting that 1000 or more games will be added as the number of games during which the first AT state continues.

[0227] In this embodiment, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 500 or more and less than 1000 games (the second benefit or more and less than the third benefit), the presentation control means 200 executes an additional notification effect lottery with a first probability of about 10% to win "execution of specific additional notification effect" and a probability of about 90% to win "execution of normal additional notification effect." Also, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 1000 games or more, the presentation control means 200 executes an additional notification effect lottery with a second probability of about 30% to win "execution of specific additional notification effect" and a probability of about 70% to win "execution of normal additional notification effect."

[0228] Furthermore, the performance control means 200 executes a panel flashing performance lottery in which the third probability of winning "flashing the panel unit" is about 7% and the third probability of winning "maintaining the lit state of the panel unit" is about 93%.

[0229] In other words, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute a panel flashing presentation that causes the panel unit 430 to flash when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is determined to be 1,000 games or more in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT by the AT control means 170, and to execute a normal addition notification presentation or a specific addition notification presentation.

[0230] <Details of the regular additional notification effect> 10 is a diagram illustrating the normal additional notification effect executed by the effect control means 200 of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 10, the AT control means 170 has determined that 300 games will be added as an additional number of games to continue the first AT state by drawing a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT.

[0231] 10(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a game has started in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the presentation control means 200 displays a second AT start screen 500 in the display area 410a of the display device 410 based on the start of the game by operating the start lever SL in the second AT state. In the second AT start screen 500, a second AT start image 511 notifying the start of the second AT state is displayed in the display area 410a at a position approximately in the horizontal center and above the vertical direction when the display device 410 is viewed from the front. In addition, in the second AT start screen 500, a character image 512a is displayed in the display area 410a at a position approximately in the horizontal center and above the specific area 410b when the display device 410 is viewed from the front.

[0232] 10(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a normal additional notification effect has started in the second AT state. The effect control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to be able to start a normal additional notification effect when a game progresses in the second AT state and a first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3. In other words, the normal additional notification effect is executed when a game starts in the second AT state and a first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0233] As shown in Figure 10 (B), in the normal addition notification performance, the performance control means 200 displays a normal addition notification screen 501 in the display area 410a. On the normal addition notification screen 501 at the time when the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, character image 512b is displayed, which has changed from character image 512a, which was displayed with both arms down in the second AT start screen 500, to character image 512b, which is displayed with one arm raised.

[0234] Also, on the normal addition notification screen 501 at the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the first stop, an addition game number suggestion image 513a indicating a part of the number of games to be added determined in the game number addition lottery during the second AT is displayed near the arm of the character image 512b, which has changed from a display mode in which the arm is lowered to a display mode in which the arm is raised. In the example shown in Fig. 10(B), since the addition of 300 games has been determined as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state in the game number addition lottery during the second AT, an addition game number suggestion image 513a is displayed to notify the addition of 50 games out of the 300 games by displaying "+50".

[0235] 10(C) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image displayed in the normal bonus notification effect has changed based on the second stop operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 10(C), the effect control means 200 changes the display mode of the image displayed on the normal bonus notification screen 501 based on the game progressing in the second AT state and the second stop operation being executed. On the normal bonus notification screen 501 at the time when the second stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, character image 512c is displayed, which has changed from character image 512b, which had been displayed in a mode with one arm raised, to character image 512c, which has been displayed in a mode with both arms raised.

[0236] Also, on the normal addition notification screen 501 at the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated for the second stop, an addition game number suggestion image 513b indicating a part of the number of games to be added determined in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT is displayed near the arm of the character image 512c, which has changed from a display mode in which the arm is lowered to a display mode in which the arm is raised. In the example shown in Fig. 10(C), since the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT has determined that 300 games will be added as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state, an addition game number suggestion image 513b is displayed to notify that 60 games out of 300 games will be added by displaying "+60".

[0237] 10(D) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image displayed in the normal bonus notification effect has changed based on the third stop operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 10(D), the effect control means 200 changes the display mode of the image displayed on the normal bonus notification screen 501 based on the progress of the game in the second AT state and the execution of the third stop operation. On the normal bonus notification screen 501 at the time when the third stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, an effect display button suggestion image 514 suggesting the operation of the effect display button PU is displayed in a position that overlaps with the character image 512c, approximately in the center of the display area 410a in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction when viewing the display device 410 from the front.

[0238] 10(E) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the image displayed in the normal bonus notification effect changes based on the operation of the effect display button PU after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to the third stop in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 10(E), the effect control means 200 changes the display mode of the image displayed on the normal bonus notification screen 501 based on the operation of the effect display button PU after the third stop operation is performed as the game progresses in the second AT state. On the normal bonus notification screen 501 at the time when the effect display button PU is operated after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to the third stop, an added game number notification image 515 displaying "Total +300G!" is displayed in the display area 410a, approximately in the center in the horizontal direction when viewed from the front of the display device 410 and in the upper position in the vertical direction, to notify the number of games to be added determined in the game number addition lottery during the second AT.

[0239] Furthermore, on the normal top-up notification screen 501 at the time when the effect display button PU is operated after the third stop operation on stop buttons B1 to B3, the display position of character image 512c is changed to a position that has moved downward in the vertical direction when viewing the display device 410 from the front, and character image 512d is displayed.

[0240] Since the display position of the character image 512d is located at the bottom in the vertical direction, the position where the added game number notification image 515 is displayed and the position where the character image 512d is displayed do not overlap on the normal added game notification screen 501, so the visibility of the added game number notification image 515 is maintained and the player can be notified of the results of the game number addition lottery during the second AT, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game and the presentation.

[0241] <Details of specific additional notification effects> Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating a specific additional notification effect executed by the effect control means 200 of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 11, a state is illustrated in which an additional 500 games has been determined as an additional number of games to continue the first AT state through a lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT by the AT control means 170. In the following explanation, components that are common to the normal additional notification effect will be assigned the same reference numerals and will not be explained.

[0242] 11(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a game has started in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 11(A), when the start lever SL is operated to start the game in the second AT state, the presentation control means 200 controls the display device 410 so that the player cannot distinguish whether a normal additional notification presentation or a specific additional notification presentation is being executed by displaying a second AT start screen 500 in the display area 410a of the display device 410.

[0243] 11(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a specific additional notification effect has started in the second AT state. The effect control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to be able to start a specific additional notification effect when a game progresses in the second AT state and a first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3. In other words, the specific additional notification effect is executed when a game starts in the second AT state and a first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0244] As shown in Fig. 11(B), the presentation control means 200 displays a specific additional bonus notification screen 502 in the display area 410a during the specific additional bonus notification presentation. On the specific additional bonus notification screen 502 at the time when the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, a character image 512c with both arms raised, which is displayed at the time when the second stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3 during the normal additional bonus notification presentation, is displayed. Also, on the specific additional bonus notification screen 502, at the time when the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, an additional game number suggestion image 516a, which indicates a portion of the number of games to be added determined in the game number additional lottery during the second AT, is displayed near the left arm of the character image 512c's raised arms when viewing the display device 410 from the front, of the two arms that the character image 512c has raised, is displayed. In the example shown in Figure 11 (B), in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, it has been decided that 500 games will be added as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state, so an image 516a suggesting the number of added games is displayed, indicating that 100 games out of the 500 will be added by displaying "+100".

[0245] 11(C) is a diagram illustrating a specific bonus notification screen 502 displayed on the display device 410 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the second stop operation in the second AT state. As shown in FIG. 11(C), the presentation control means 200 is configured to maintain the display mode of the character image 512c displayed at the time of the first stop operation when the game progresses in the second AT state and the second stop operation is performed. Also, on the specific bonus notification screen 502, when the second stop operation is performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3, an added game number suggestion image 516b indicating a portion of the number of games to be added determined in the game number add-on lottery during the second AT is displayed near the right arm of the character image 512c's raised arms when the display device 410 is viewed from the front. In the example shown in Figure 11 (C), in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, it has been decided that 500 games will be added as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state, so an image 516b suggesting the number of added games is displayed, indicating that 100 games out of the 500 will be added by displaying "+100".

[0246] As shown in Figures 10(C) to (E) and Figures 11(C) to (E), the normal additional bonus notification screen 501 and the specific additional bonus notification screen 502 are configured so that the display mode of the character images 512c, 512d, the display mode of the effect display button suggestion image 514, and the position at which the additional game number notification image 515 is displayed are approximately the same after the second stop operation is executed on stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0247] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game is started in the second AT state and the character image 512b is displayed on the display device 410 at the time when the first stop operation is performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3, the effect to be executed is determined by the player to be a normal additional notification effect. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the character image 512c, which is displayed at the time when the second stop operation is performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the normal additional notification effect, is displayed on the display device 410 at the time when the first stop operation is performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3, the effect to be executed is determined by the player to be a specific additional notification effect.

[0248] As a result, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a specific additional notification effect is executed, the character image 512c that is displayed on the display device 410 when the second stop operation is executed on stop button B1 to stop button B3 in the normal additional notification effect is displayed when the first stop operation is executed on stop button B1 to stop button B3, so the player can expect that an additional 500 games or more has been decided as an additional number of games to continue the first AT state through the game number addition lottery during the second AT, and the normal additional notification screen 501 and the specific additional notification screen 502, which have different timings for displaying images that have a common display mode, can increase the player's interest in the game and the effects.

[0249] The number of games displayed in the added game number suggestion images 513a, 513b, 516a, and 516b may each be a fixed number of games. Alternatively, the number of games displayed in the added game number suggestion images 513a and 513b may be calculated using a ratio according to the result of a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT (in the example shown in FIG. 10, since an addition of 300 games was determined as the number of games to continue the first AT state, the added game number suggestion image 513a may suggest an addition of 50 games, which corresponds to 1 / 6 of 300 games, and the added game number suggestion image 513b may suggest an addition of 60 games, which corresponds to 1 / 5 of 300 games). Alternatively, the normal added game notification effect and the specific added game notification effect may be configured to display one of a plurality of types of character images, and the number of games corresponding to the displayed character image may be displayed.

[0250] <Details of the panel flashing effect> Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the panel flashing effect executed by the effect control means 200 of this embodiment, where Figure 12(A) is a diagram explaining the panel unit 430 when the panel flashing effect is not executed, and Figure 12(B) is a diagram explaining the state in which the panel unit 430 is turned off by the panel flashing effect.

[0251] As shown in Figure 12(A), when the panel flashing effect is not executed, the effect control means 200 of this embodiment controls the light source arranged behind the panel unit 430 to be lit when play in the second AT state begins.

[0252] The performance control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to keep the light source arranged behind the panel unit 430 lit, except when it is decided to execute a performance in which the panel unit 430 flashes or turns off.

[0253] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12 (A), when play begins with the panel unit 430 lit, no particular performance using the panel unit 430 is executed, and the lighting state of the panel unit 430 does not suggest or notify the player of the result of the lottery to add to the number of games during the second AT.

[0254] 12(B), when executing the panel flashing effect, the effect control means 200 of this embodiment controls so that the light source disposed behind the panel unit 430 is turned off when a game is started in the second AT state. In other words, the panel flashing effect is executed at the timing when the start lever SL is operated to start the game in the second AT state.

[0255] The performance control means 200 turns off the light source arranged behind the panel unit 430, and then repeats turning on and off the light source to execute a panel flashing performance that causes the panel unit 430 to flash.

[0256] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can indicate, at the time when play in the second AT state begins, by a panel flashing effect that causes the panel unit 430 to flash, that an addition of 1,000 or more games has been decided as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state in the game number addition lottery during the second AT.

[0257] As described above, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to determine, by a lottery for adding an additional 500 games or more as an additional number of games to continue the first AT state in the lottery for adding the number of games during the second AT, whether to execute a normal additional notification presentation or a specific additional notification presentation using the display device 410. In other words, the presentation control means 200 is configured to execute a lottery for an additional notification presentation using a lottery table in which the number of lottery values ​​is associated with "execution of a normal additional notification presentation" and "execution of a specific additional notification presentation" in one lottery for adding an additional notification presentation.

[0258] Furthermore, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to determine, by a panel lighting presentation lottery, whether or not to execute a panel lighting presentation, which is a presentation using the panel unit 430, when an addition of 1000 games or more is determined in the second AT game number addition lottery as an addition to the number of games to continue the first AT state. In other words, the presentation control means 200 is configured to execute a panel flashing presentation lottery in one panel flashing presentation lottery using a lottery table in which the number of lottery values ​​corresponds to "execution of panel flashing presentation" and "miss (non-winning)."

[0259] Here, in the case of slot machine 1, for example, if it is configured so that "executing a normal additional notification effect," "executing a specific additional notification effect," "executing a panel flashing effect," and "maintaining the panel unit in a lit state" are determined through a single lottery, the lottery table used in the lottery will need to associate lottery values ​​with "executing a normal additional notification effect and maintaining the panel unit in a lit state," "executing a normal additional notification effect and executing a panel flashing effect," "executing a specific additional notification effect and maintaining the panel unit in a lit state," and "executing a specific additional notification effect and executing a panel flashing effect," which will increase the amount of data required for one lottery table.

[0260] Furthermore, when configured in this manner, when setting the winning probability for each target in the slot machine 1, it becomes necessary to prepare a large number of random numbers in order to set a slight difference in the winning probability for each target or to set a low winning probability, which increases the data capacity of the lottery table that corresponds each random number to accommodate a large number of random numbers, and also increases the cost related to designing the presentation.

[0261] In contrast, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to execute two lotteries: an additional notification effect lottery and a panel flashing effect lottery. Therefore, even if 256 random numbers are used in each lottery, 256 x 256 = 65,536 possible lottery results can be generated. This reduces the amount of data required for the lottery table compared to when 65,536 random numbers are used in a single lottery, and also reduces the cost associated with designing the effects.

[0262] <Summary of additional notification effects> Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the start lever SL is operated to start in the second AT state and play begins, if an addition of 1,000 games or more has been determined in the game number addition lottery during the second AT, the panel flashing effect can be executed, so that when the panel unit 430 flashes, it is indicated that an addition of 1,000 games or more has been determined in the second AT state.

[0263] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, even if the panel unit 430 remains lit and the panel flashing effect is not executed when play begins in the second AT state, if an addition of 500 games or more has been determined in the game number addition lottery during the second AT as the number of games to continue the first AT state, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute a specific addition notification effect in which a character image 512c is displayed on the display device 410 when the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated to perform the first stop.Therefore, when the character image 512c is displayed when the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated to perform the first stop, it is suggested that an addition of 500 games or more has been determined as the number of games to continue the first AT state in the second AT state.

[0264] As described above, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a probability of approximately 10% to win the "execution of a specific additional notification presentation" when the number of games added as the number of games to continue the first AT state is 500 games or more but less than 1000 games, and to execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a probability of approximately 30% to win the "execution of a specific additional notification presentation" when the number of games added as the number of games to continue the first AT state is 1000 games or more.

[0265] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the panel flashing effect is not executed when play begins in the second AT state, a specific additional notification effect is executed when the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, thereby confirming that the number of games to continue the first AT state for 500 games or more will be added as a bonus, and the player can be given a sense of expectation that the probability of adding the number of games to continue the first AT state for 1000 games or more is higher than the probability of adding the number of games to continue the first AT state for less than 1000 games.By setting the probability of executing the specific additional notification effect to different probabilities depending on the bonus granted, it is possible to prevent the player's interest in the effects from decreasing.

[0266] Furthermore, as described above, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to display the character image 512c that is displayed when the second stop operation is performed on stop button B1 to stop button B3 on the normal top-up notification screen 501 displayed in the normal top-up notification presentation, and when the first stop operation is performed on stop button B1 to stop button B3 on the specific top-up notification screen 502 displayed in the specific top-up notification presentation.

[0267] In other words, in the second performance, a specific image (character image 512c) is displayed at a specific timing (when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the first stop), and in the first performance, a specific image is displayed at a timing after the specific timing (when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the second stop).

[0268] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of this embodiment executes a specific additional notification effect, it displays the character image 512c that is displayed when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the second stop in the normal additional notification effect when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the first stop, thereby making the player clearly aware that a different type of effect has begun than the normal additional notification effect, thereby increasing the player's expectations for the specific additional notification effect and improving the player's interest in the effect.

[0269] Furthermore, as described above, when executing a panel flashing effect and a specific additional notification effect, the effect control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute the panel flashing effect when the start lever SL is operated to start in the second AT state and the game begins, and to execute the specific additional notification effect when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to perform the first stop.

[0270] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment executes the panel flashing effect, which most likely heightens the player's anticipation for the bonus to be granted, at a timing earlier than the normal additional notification effect and the specific additional notification effect, out of the normal additional notification effect, which is an effect that suggests an increase in the number of plays that will continue while the first AT state is in progress, which is a bonus granted in the second AT state, the specific additional notification effect, and the panel flashing effect, thereby increasing the player's interest in the panel flashing effect.

[0271] Furthermore, as described above, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a second probability of approximately 30% to win "execution of a specific additional notification presentation" when the number of additional plays that continue the first AT state is 1000 games or more, and to execute a panel flashing presentation lottery with a third probability of approximately 7% to win "flashing of panel unit."

[0272] In other words, the third effect (panel flashing effect) is executed with a third probability (approximately 7%) when a third benefit (an additional 1000 games as the number of games to continue the first AT state) or more is awarded, and the third probability is configured to be lower than the second probability (approximately 30%, which is the probability that a specific additional notification effect will be executed when an additional 1000 games or more is determined as the number of games to continue the first AT state).

[0273] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a lower probability of executing the panel flashing effect than the specific additional notification effect, thereby increasing the player's anticipation of the bonus that will be awarded if the panel flashing effect is executed, and if the panel flashing effect is not executed, the specific additional notification effect is executed with a higher probability than the panel flashing effect, creating a sense of anticipation among the player that the specific additional notification effect will be executed if the panel flashing effect is not executed, thereby increasing the player's interest in the effects.

[0274] The control means in this embodiment is the AT control means 170, which executes a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT, which allows the player to extend the period during which the first AT state is advantageous to the player, as control for awarding the bonus. The control means in this embodiment is the display control means 200, the display device 410, the sound device 420, and the panel unit 430 included in the presentation device 400. Of the additional number of games during the first AT state determined by executing the lottery to add the number of games during the second AT in the second AT, an additional 100 games constitutes the first bonus in this embodiment, an additional 500 games constitutes the second bonus in this embodiment, and an additional 1000 games constitutes the third bonus in this embodiment. The normal bonus notification effect constitutes the first effect in this embodiment, the specific bonus notification effect constitutes the second effect in this embodiment, and the panel flashing effect constitutes the third effect in this embodiment. Furthermore, the point at which the game is started in the second AT state and the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3 constitutes the first timing at which the specific additional notification effect in this embodiment is executed, and the point at which the start lever SL is operated to start the game in the second AT state constitutes the second timing prior to the first timing at which the panel flashing effect in this embodiment is executed.

[0275] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the panel flashing effect is not executed when play begins in the second AT state, a specific additional notification effect is executed when the first stop operation is performed on stop buttons B1 to B3, thereby confirming that the number of games played to continue the first AT state for 500 games or more will be added as a bonus, and the player can be given a sense of expectation that the probability of adding the number of games played to continue the first AT state for 1000 games or more is higher than the probability of adding the number of games played to continue the first AT state for less than 1000 games.By setting the probability of executing the specific additional notification effect to different probabilities depending on the bonus granted, it is possible to prevent the player's interest in the effects from decreasing.

[0276] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the presentation control means 200 is configured to, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 1000 games or more, execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a second probability of about 30% to win "execution of a specific additional notification presentation," and execute a panel flashing presentation lottery with a third probability of about 7% to win "flashing of a panel unit." The presentation control means 200 may be configured, for example, to, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 1000 games or more, execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a second probability of about 30% to win "execution of a specific additional notification presentation," and execute a panel flashing presentation lottery with a third probability of about 7% to win "flashing of a panel unit." Furthermore, the presentation control means 200 may be configured to, for example, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 1,000 games or more, execute an additional notification presentation lottery with a probability of approximately 10% to win "execution of a specific additional notification presentation," and execute a panel flashing presentation lottery with a probability of approximately 15% to win "flashing of panel unit."

[0277] In other words, when the number of games played to continue the first AT state is increased by 1,000 games or more, the effect control means 200 may determine that the second probability, which is the probability of winning the ``execution of a specific additional notification effect'' in the additional notification effect lottery, and the third probability, which is the probability of winning ``flashing of the panel unit'' in the panel flashing effect lottery, are the same as the second probability, or that the third probability is higher than the second probability.

[0278] If the third probability and the second probability are configured to be the same probability, the slot machine 1 can prevent an excessive difference from occurring between the frequency at which the third effect is executed and the frequency at which the second effect is executed when a third or higher benefit is awarded as a benefit, thereby preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable with the effects.

[0279] If the third probability is higher than the second probability, the slot machine 1 can prevent the second performance from being executed after the third performance when a third or higher performance is awarded as a bonus, thereby preventing the performance from becoming complicated and preventing the player from losing interest in the performance.

[0280] In addition, in this embodiment, when the panel flashing effect and the specific additional notification effect are executed, the effect control means 200 is configured to execute the panel flashing effect at an earlier timing than the specific additional notification effect, but is not limited to this. The effect control means 200 may be configured to execute the panel flashing effect at the same timing as the specific additional notification effect, for example. Furthermore, the effect control means 200 may be configured to execute the panel flashing effect at a later timing than the specific additional notification effect, for example.

[0281] When configured to execute the specific additional notification effect and the panel flashing effect at the same time, the slot machine 1 can greatly increase the player's expectations for the bonus that will be granted by executing the specific additional notification effect and the panel flashing effect simultaneously, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0282] When the slot machine 1 is configured to execute the panel flashing effect at a timing later than the specific additional notification effect, the specific additional notification effect is executed, and when it is determined that a second or higher bonus will be awarded, the panel flashing effect is executed, which determines that a third or higher bonus will be awarded. This allows the slot machine 1 to execute an effect that can heighten the player's expectations for the bonuses that will be awarded in stages, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0283] In addition, in this embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to display the character image 512c in the normal additional notification effect and the specific additional notification effect so that the images to be displayed have commonality, but is not limited to this. The effect control means 200 may be configured to execute an effect in which different images are displayed in the normal additional notification effect and the specific additional notification effect.

[0284] In addition, in this embodiment, the presentation control means 200 is configured to progress the content of the presentation displayed in the additional notification presentation while one game is progressing, but is not limited to this. For example, the presentation control means 200 may be configured to start the additional notification presentation while a freeze that delays the progress of the game is being executed, and to end the additional notification presentation by the time the freeze ends.

[0285] When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute (generate) a pseudo-game that allows the player to experience a simulated game by operating the start lever SL to spin the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a freeze that executes an additional notification effect, and by operating the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 to temporarily stop the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and may be configured to progress the content of the effect executed in the additional notification effect in accordance with the operation of the operating means during the pseudo-game.

[0286] In addition, in this embodiment, the performance control means 200 is configured to execute a panel flashing performance that causes the panel unit 430 to flash as the third performance, but is not limited to this. For example, the performance control means 200 may be configured to be able to execute a panel turning off performance that turns off the panel unit 430 as the third performance.

[0287] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to award, as a bonus, an additional number of games during which the first AT state continues, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to award, as a first bonus, an additional predetermined number of games (e.g., 100 games) as the number of games during which the first AT state continues, to transition to a specific AT state in which the duration of continuation is managed by the difference in number of medals and in which a number of medals greater than the difference in number of electronic medals that can be acquired on average when the first AT state continues for 100 games, and to award, as a third bonus, a decision to continue the AT state until the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400".

[0288] In other words, the first, second and third benefits do not all have to consist of an increase in the number of plays that the AT state continues, as long as they are configured so that the degree of advantage to the player is "first benefit < second benefit < third benefit", and the first, second and third benefits may be configured by an increase in the number of plays, an AT state managed by the number of sets and an increase in the number of sets in that AT state, or an AT state managed by the difference in the number of sheets and an increase in the difference in the number of sheets in that AT state.

[0289] Furthermore, in this embodiment, performance control means 200 is configured to be able to execute a normal additional notification performance using display device 410 as the first performance, a specific additional notification performance using display device 410 as the second performance, and a panel flashing performance using panel unit 430 as the third performance, but is not limited to this. Performance control means 200 may be configured to be able to execute performances using display device 410 for all of the first, second, and third performances, for example. Performance control means 200 may be configured to be able to execute a performance using display device 410 as the first performance, a performance using display device 410 and sound device 420 as the second performance, and a performance using sound device 420 as the third performance.

[0290] In other words, the performance control means 200 may be configured to be able to execute performances using any of the devices that make up the performance device 400 for each of the first, second, and third performances, and the devices used for each performance are not limited to those in this embodiment.

[0291] In addition, in this embodiment, the presentation control means 200 is configured to announce the number of games to be added as the number of games to be played during the continuation of the first AT state when the presentation display button PU is operated after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in the normal additional presentation notification presentation and the specific additional presentation notification presentation, but is not limited to this. For example, the presentation control means 200 may be configured to announce the number of games to be added as the number of games to be played during the continuation of the first AT state when the presentation display button PU is kept pressed after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in the normal additional presentation notification presentation and the specific additional presentation notification presentation. Furthermore, the presentation control means 200 may be configured to, for example, display a value ranging from "1" to "10" each time the presentation display button PU is pressed after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in the normal additional presentation and the specific additional presentation, and to display a value ranging from "1" to "10" each time the presentation display button PU is pressed until the sum of the additional game number suggestion image 513a, 513b or the additional game number suggestion image 516a, 516b and the numerical value displayed on the display device 410 each time the presentation display button PU is pressed reaches the result of the game number addition lottery during the second AT.

[0292] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 has a state in which the second AT state ends when one game is executed, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 170 may have a state in which multiple games can be executed as the second AT state. When configured in this manner, the AT control means 170 may be configured to execute a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT in each game in the second AT state, or to execute a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT in the game that starts or ends the second AT state. Furthermore, when configured in this manner, the presentation control means 200 may be configured to execute an additional game notification presentation each time a lottery to add the number of games during the second AT is executed, or to execute an additional game notification presentation in the final game in the second AT state.

[0293] In addition, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured not to execute the winning assistance for the small winning combination 1 when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the internal lottery in the normal CZ state and the specific CZ state, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to execute the winning assistance for the small winning combination 1 by determining by lottery whether or not to execute the winning assistance for the small winning combination 1 when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the internal lottery in the normal CZ state and the specific CZ state.

[0294] In the normal CZ state and the specific CZ state, if the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance for small prize 1 when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won by lottery, it is preferable that the slot machine 1 is designed so that the payout rate does not exceed 100% in the presentation state in which the winning assistance is executed by lottery.

[0295] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to manage the duration of each of the first AT state and the second AT state based on the number of games played, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to manage the duration of each of the first AT state and the second AT state based on the difference in number of coins, or may be configured to manage the duration based on the number of times the small winning combination 1 is won.

[0296] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to manage the duration of the second AT state based on the number of plays, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured to manage the number of plays that can be played in the second AT state using the number of sets, similar to the first AT state.

[0297] When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 may be configured to continue a set of second AT states with a higher probability when a set of executable second AT states is not stocked than the probability of continuing a set of first AT states when a set of executable first AT states is not stocked.

[0298] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a process of setting the upper limit of the payout number to 1 when a two-coin bet game is executed, thereby executing the payout of 1 coin regardless of the number of coins set for the winning minor combination, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to set the payout for all of the minor combinations 1 to 9 when a two-coin bet game is executed to 1 coin, so that the number of electronic medals paid out when a two-coin bet game is executed is 1 coin.

[0299] By being configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 does not need to execute a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts (upper limit setting process) in order to set the number of payouts to one coin when a small winning combination is won in an RBB state where the specified number is set to two coins, and therefore the data volume related to the program required to execute the upper limit setting process on the number of payouts can be reduced.

[0300] In addition, when configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 must be configured so that when a predetermined winning area is won, a prize can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in a predetermined operating manner for minor winning combinations in which the payout when a three-coin bet game is played and the payout when a two-coin bet game are played are different in the RBB state.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to include medal count control means 300 of the medal count control CPU 31 as management control means that manages the digitized medals and is capable of communicating with the dedicated unit SU, and to include the main control CPU 11 as game control means that controls games played using the digitized medals, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured not to include the medal count control board 30, and the various functions mounted on the medal count control board 30 may be realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, so that the main control CPU 11 manages the digitized medals and functions as management control means that is capable of communicating with the dedicated unit SU.

[0302] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in an advantageous zone, but this is not limiting. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is in an advantageous zone when the expected value of winning electronic medals is 1 or more due to the support of winning a small winning combination.

[0303] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a plurality of reels, namely, left reel R1 to right reel R3, and a plurality of stop buttons, namely, stop buttons B1 to B3, corresponding to the left reel R1 to right reel R3, but is not limited to this and may have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0304] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of electronic medals, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to have, for example, in addition to the max bet button MB, a single bet button for inserting one electronic medal.

[0305] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to start a game when either the first specified number or the second specified number of electronic medals is set to the inserted state, with respect to the specified number in the non-RT state or the RBB state. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the max bet button MB is operated when the gaming state is the non-RT state or the RBB state, and to set the second specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the single bet button is operated twice.

[0306] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored value of each counter and memory means as an initial value, and to perform a decrement update by subtracting 1 each time a game is played, or an increment update by adding 1 each time a game is played, but this is not limited to this, and the method of updating each counter and memory means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0307] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a slot machine type gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine, but this is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to pachinko machines capable of so-called first type games, which are equipped with a pattern determination means for determining one of a plurality of types of patterns including a jackpot pattern, a pattern display means for displaying the pattern on the pattern display unit when a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the pattern was determined, a big prize game execution means for executing a big prize game consisting of a plurality of rounds of play when the jackpot pattern is displayed on the pattern display unit, a game profit awarding means for awarding a predetermined game profit when a game ball that has entered a big prize opening enters a specific area during a predetermined specific round of play in the big prize game, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during the big prize game, or a pachinko machine capable of a second type game in which a big prize game can be started when a game ball enters a specific area during a small prize game. When the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, the gaming machine may be configured to circulate gaming balls within the gaming machine and record the gaming value used for gaming by an electromagnetic method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0308] 1. Slot machines (gaming machines) 170 AT control means (control means) 200 Production control means (production means) 400 Performance device (performance means) 410 Display device (direction means) 420 Sound equipment (performance means) 430 Panel Unit (Production Means)

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the granting of benefits; and a production means for producing a production, the effect means is capable of executing a first effect, a second effect, and a third effect when a benefit is granted by the control means; The first effect is an effect suggesting that a first or higher benefit will be awarded, The second effect is an effect suggesting that a second or higher benefit will be awarded, The third effect is an effect suggesting that a third or higher benefit will be awarded, the second benefit is more advantageous to the player than the first benefit, the third benefit is more advantageous to the player than the second benefit, The second effect is executed with a first probability when a benefit equal to or greater than the second benefit and less than the third benefit is awarded; The second effect is executed with a second probability when the third or higher benefit is awarded; The second probability is higher than the first probability. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. The second effect is executed at a first timing, The third performance is executed at a second timing prior to the first timing.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 .

Images