Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of reducing a program capacity.SOLUTION: The winning mode obtained in the internal lottery includes a plurality of kinds of specific winning modes, and the specific winning mode is a winning mode in which a plurality of kinds of small winning combinations having different payouts are won in an overlapping manner, and is a winning mode in which when a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which a specific reel is stopped first, any small winning combination is necessarily won, and when a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which a predetermined reel is stopped first, any small winning combination may not be won. The specific winning mode includes a first winning mode and a second winning mode, the first winning mode and the second winning mode are winning modes in which plural kinds of small prizes including a first small prize are won in an overlapping manner, a first symbol is set as a symbol relating to a predetermined reel among symbols constituting a symbol combination indicating a winning mode of a special prize, and a second symbol is set as a symbol relating to a predetermined reel among symbols constituting a symbol combination indicating a winning mode of the first small prize.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Slot machines, which have multiple reels with multiple symbols arranged on the outer periphery, have been known as gaming machines. In slot machines, the reels begin to spin when a game starts, and an internal lottery is held using a lottery table. When the reels stop, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the multiple reels. If this winning combination results in a win, a process corresponding to the winning combination is carried out, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows the player to play again without consuming any more medals.

[0003] Also, slot machines that have an instruction function to assist in winning a specific combination are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of gaming machine, the instruction function is activated in a so-called AT presentation state (assist time presentation state: instruction presentation state), and the batting order for winning a specific combination is notified, making it easier for the player to win the specific combination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-116444 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, there is a demand for improving the gaming experience of gaming machines, while there is also a demand for reducing the program capacity of gaming machines.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can improve playability and reduce program capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged; An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in response to a stop operation so that a symbol corresponding to the result of the internal lottery among symbols present within a predetermined pull-in range is displayed on an active line; A winning determination means for determining that a winning combination has been achieved based on the fact that a symbol combination indicating a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active line while the plurality of reels are stopped; A payout control means for controlling the awarding of a game value according to the payout of the small winning combination based on the winning of the small winning combination; A game state control means is provided for transitioning the game state between a plurality of game states including a first game state in which a state in which a special role is won is maintained, and a second game state to which the game state transitions when the special role is won, The small wins include the first small win, the second small win, the third small win, and several types of fourth small wins. The first small win and the second small win are small wins with the largest payout set among all small wins, The third small win is a small win in which a payout smaller than the maximum payout is set, The fourth small win is a small win in which a payout smaller than the maximum payout is set, The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor winning combination may not be present within the reel-in range depending on the timing of the stop operation for at least one of the plurality of reels, The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor winning combination are present within the pull-in range for all of the plurality of reels regardless of the timing of the stop operation, The winning patterns obtained in the internal lottery include: A first winning mode in which the first small win, the second small win, and the third small win overlap and win; The second winning mode in which all small winnings are won in duplicate, At least one of the plurality of types of fourth minor winning combinations is won, and a plurality of types of specific winning modes in which a symbol combination showing the winning form of the fourth minor winning combination is displayed on the pay line by performing the stop operation in a specific operation mode, When the first winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery in the first gaming state, the reel control means When the stop operation is performed in a first operation mode capable of displaying a symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role on an effective line, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role is displayed on the effective line, When the stop operation is performed in the second operation mode in which it is impossible to display the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role on the pay line, by controlling the reels to stop so that the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form that can be displayed on the pay line is maximized, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the third minor role is displayed on the pay line, When the second winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery in the second gaming state, the reel control means By controlling the reels to stop so that the amount of game value awarded is maximized, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor combination is displayed on the pay line. It is characterized by:

[0008] The gaming machine of the present invention is provided with multiple specific winning modes in which at least one of multiple types of fourth minor roles is won, and by performing a stopping operation in a specific operating mode, a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the fourth minor role is displayed on the valid line.By making it easy to perform a stopping operation in the specific operating mode in a specified situation (such as an AT performance state) and win the fourth minor role, it is possible to provide gameplay that increases the gaming value in the specified situation.

[0009] Furthermore, the gaming machine of the present invention is capable of obtaining a first winning mode in which a first minor winning combination can be won by performing a stop operation in the first operation mode in the first gaming state. That is, if a player can win the first minor winning combination when the first winning mode is obtained, in addition to winning the fourth minor winning combination when the specific winning mode is obtained, it is possible to win a large amount of gaming value. Furthermore, since the first minor winning combination is the minor winning combination with the largest payout of all the minor winning combinations, the ability to win gaming value differs significantly between playing in the first operation mode when the first winning mode is obtained and playing in the second operation mode when the first winning mode is obtained. That is, by providing such a first winning mode, the expected value of winning gaming value can be significantly different between players who can accurately play in the first operation mode and those who cannot. This increases the difference in ability to win gaming value depending on the player's skill, thereby improving gameplay.

[0010] In addition, in order to realize the first winning mode in which, when the stop operation is performed in the first operation mode, the small role with the largest payout among all the small roles is won (the first small role is won), and when the stop operation is performed in the second operation mode, the small role with the largest payout among all the small roles is not won (the third small role is won), in the present invention, the first small role is a role where PB≠1 (PB will be described later).

[0011] Here, it is preferable that the second gaming state to which a player transitions when a special combination is won has the same expected payout rate regardless of the batting order. Furthermore, it is preferable that the winning combination with the highest payout rate among all winning combinations that are obtained in the second gaming state be set to win, regardless of the type of stop operation. This allows a single value to be applied as the expected payout rate in the second gaming state, making it easier to compare the expected payout rates with those of other gaming states. Furthermore, this prevents player confusion and disadvantages to the player, even if the first gaming state, etc., has a different expected payout rate depending on the batting order. Here, in the present invention, a first minor combination with the highest payout rate among all minor combinations is provided. However, since the first minor combination does not have a PB of 1, if the first minor combination is set to win when the second winning combination is obtained in the second gaming state, the first minor combination may not win depending on the type of stop operation. However, in the present invention, a second minor role with PB=1 is provided, and when the second winning mode is obtained, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor role is displayed on the pay line, thereby enabling the player to obtain the maximum amount of gaming value regardless of the type of stop operation. Furthermore, in the present invention, since such a second minor role with PB=1 is set to win even in the first gaming state, there is no need to provide a role that only wins in the second gaming state in order to obtain the maximum amount of gaming value regardless of the type of stop operation in the second gaming state. Furthermore, if the second minor role is always won when the second winning mode is obtained in the second gaming state, it is guaranteed that the maximum amount of gaming value will be obtained regardless of the type of stop operation. Therefore, there is no need to vary the winning role depending on the type of stop operation, and reel stop control in the second gaming state can be simplified. Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve playability and reduce program capacity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stop operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 9] This is a state transition diagram of the game area and presentation state. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the reel stop control. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the reel stop control. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the reel stop control. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the reel stop control. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention, for explaining an internal lottery table. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram for explaining a winning area according to the first modified example. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a diagram for explaining a winning area according to the second modified example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described as being applied to a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to slot machines and may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines. As shown in Fig. 1, a slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of the present invention includes a box-shaped housing 11 that is open on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door 12 that opens and closes the front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses a reel unit that combines a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c, a hopper device that pays out medals (game value), and the like. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11.

[0015] The upper door 12a is provided with devices for effects such as a liquid crystal display (display means) 13 and a speaker (sound output means) 14, as well as a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (moving images, still images) for various effects. The speaker 14 outputs sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for various effects. In addition to the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14, other devices for effects may include illumination devices such as lamps (LEDs), movable props that can be operated by actuators, etc.

[0016] A reel unit is arranged behind the display window 16 so that a portion of it can be seen from outside the display window 16. The outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 regions) at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame. In other words, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c. When each of the reels 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (top, middle, and bottom symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. The display window 16 is provided with an upper, middle, and bottom row as display positions for visually viewing the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by combining the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c. In this embodiment, an active line is formed by the lower part of the first reel 20a, the middle part of the second reel 20b, and the upper part of the third reel 20c. In this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: a white 7 symbol "white 7", a purple 7 symbol A "purple 7A", a purple 7 symbol B "purple 7B", a purple 7 symbol C "purple 7C", a purple 7 symbol D "purple 7D", a yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", a red 7 symbol "red 7", a black BAR symbol "black BAR", a red BAR symbol "red BAR", and a blank symbol "BK". Each symbol on each of the reels 20a to 20c is assigned a symbol number from 0 to 19.

[0018] In the slot machine 10, when a game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to spin, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a loss (non-win). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, this winning combination will be a win, and a process corresponding to the winning combination (a prize-winning process) will be executed.

[0019] Below the display window 16, there are provided a game information display section 17 and a favorable zone indicator 18. The game information display section 17 is made up of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, error information, etc. The favorable zone indicator 18 also has an LED, and by turning this LED on and off, it is possible to notify whether or not the player is in the favorable zone.

[0020] The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion slot 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 for betting credited medals, a start lever (game start operating means) 24 that is operated to start a game, stop buttons (stop operating means) 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the spinning reels, a payout slot 27 from which medals are paid out by a hopper device, and a medal tray 28 that receives medals paid out from the payout slot 27. In addition, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 3) is provided at the back of the medal insertion slot 22 to detect the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 22.

[0021] In the slot machine 10, operation of the start lever 24 is enabled when medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 or when a specified number of medals are bet by operating the bet button 23. Furthermore, a game starts when the enabled start lever 24 is operated. When a game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and reaches a steady rotation, operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Furthermore, when an enabled stop button 26a to 26c is operated, the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c stops.

[0022] In addition, the lower door 12b is provided with an effect button (effect operation means) 25. The effect button 25 is operated by the player, and when pressed, it changes the mode of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13, thereby increasing the player's sense of participation in the game and enhancing the player's interest. Note that the effect button (effect operation means) 25 does not have to be button-shaped, and may be anything that can detect the player's operation.

[0023] As shown in Fig. 3, the slot machine 10 is provided with a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control device) 32. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, start lever 24, stop buttons 26a-26c, and medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31 and input signals from input means such as the effect button 25, performs various calculations to execute effects, and controls devices for effects such as the liquid crystal display 13 and speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

[0024] In addition, the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31. In addition, the functions of each board, such as the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or by software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0025] The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 that performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 that controls the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 that determines whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game status control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a main effect control means 52, and a storage means 60. The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM. The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-effect control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

[0026] Furthermore, the main effect control means 52 and the sub-effect control means 70 constitute the effect control means 100. The main effect control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-effect control means 70 based on the game status, the effect status, etc. Furthermore, the sub-effect control means 70 controls the effect devices using the effect data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the information on the game status, the effect status, or information on whether or not to perform an effect instruction transmitted from the main effect control means 52. Note that the control performed by the main effect control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-effect control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-effect control means 70 may be performed by the main effect control means 52. Furthermore, the control performed by the effect control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the effect control means 100.

[0027] The insertion acceptance means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs processing to validate a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number. Furthermore, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to a specified number. In this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24, which has been validated based on the insertion of the specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and this operation triggers the start of rotation of the reels 20a to 20c, and a lottery such as an internal lottery is held.

[0028] Furthermore, the insertion acceptance means 40 controls so that medals owned by the player are not newly set to an inserted state in the next game following the game in which a replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (for example, 50 medals). Furthermore, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

[0029] The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range), for example. In this embodiment, the term "random numbers" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[0030] The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table when the activated start lever 24 is operated (that is, when a game starts). The internal lottery table associates various winning combinations including small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses, and losing combinations (non-winning combinations), with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and is stored in a plurality of internal lottery tables in an internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the game status can be set to a normal in-game status, an RBB internal in-game status, and an RBB operating status, and six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as setting values, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game status and setting value and performs an internal lottery. A small win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the small win. A replay is a win (activation) that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

[0031] In the internal lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. The winning combination associated with the random number value is determined as a winning combination. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 4, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is corresponding to one of the winning areas. The winning areas include winning areas that contain one or more winning combinations (are associated with winning combinations), and winning areas that do not contain any winning combinations (are associated with losing combinations). Each winning area contains a different combination of winning combinations. All winning combinations that belong to the winning areas that correspond to the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 are determined as winning combinations in the internal lottery. Hereinafter, when a combination that belongs to a winning area is achieved in the internal lottery, this will also be referred to as "the winning area is winning." When no combination is achieved, this will also be referred to as "the winning area 'non-winning' is winning."

[0032] As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, small wins include small wins 1 to 33. The winning areas that include small wins include "small win ALL," "8 coins ALL," "3 coins ALL," "1 coin ALL," "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H," "4-choice 3 coins A" to "4-choice 3 coins D," "Striking order A" to "Striking order D," "Common 3 coins A," "Common 3 coins B," "Chance A," "Chance B," "Right-up yellow 7," "Middle yellow 7," "Black BAR alignment," and "Common 1 coin." Small wins 1 to 3 are 15-coin wins, where 15 medals are paid out upon winning. Small wins 4 to 8 are 8-coin wins, where 8 medals are paid out upon winning. Small wins 9 to 14 are 3-coin wins, where 3 medals are paid out upon winning. Small wins 15 to 33 are 1-coin wins, where 1 medal is paid out upon winning. In the following, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice yellow 7". Furthermore, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice 3-piece role". Furthermore, the winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" may be collectively referred to as "eye-pressing batting order role". In this embodiment, the batting order bell basically refers to the winning area of ​​the 4-choice yellow 7, but the batting order bell may also refer to the winning area of ​​the 4-choice 3-piece role, etc.

[0033] The winning area "Small Role ALL" is a winning area where all small roles (Small Role 1 to Small Role 33) are won in duplicate. The winning area "8-Coin ALL" is a winning area where small roles 4 to 33 are won in duplicate. The winning area "3-Coin ALL" is a winning area where small roles 9 to 33 are won in duplicate. The winning area "1-Coin ALL" is a winning area where small roles 15 to 33 are won in duplicate. The winning areas "4-Choice Yellow 7A" to "4-Choice Yellow 7H" are winning areas where one type of 8-coin role and multiple types of 1-coin roles are won in duplicate. The winning areas "4-Choice 3-Coin A" to "4-Choice 3-Coin D" are winning areas where one type of 3-coin role and multiple types of 1-coin roles are won in duplicate. The winning areas "Missing Order A" to "Missing Order D" are winning areas where a 15-coin role and multiple types of 1-coin roles are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "Common 3 A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Common 3 B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles and one type of 1-coin role (small role 25) overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye A" is a winning area where a 3-coin role (small role 11) is won alone. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Right-Up Yellow 7" is a winning area where an 8-coin role (small role 6) is won alone. In addition, the winning area "Middle Yellow 7" is a winning area where an 8-coin role (small role 4) is won alone. In addition, the winning area "Black BAR Alignment" is a winning area where multiple types of 8-coin roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Common 1" is a winning area where multiple types of 1-coin roles overlap and are won.

[0034] In this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 6. In addition, the winning areas containing replays are provided as "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 Batting Order Replay", "Middle Row Replay", "Red 7 Fake Replay", "Red 7 Alignment", and "BAR Alignment".

[0035] The winning areas "Replay A," "Replay B," "7-in-batting order replay," "Red 7," and "BAR replay" are areas where multiple types of replays can be won at the same time. Additionally, the winning areas "Middle row replay" and "Red 7 fake replay" are areas where only one type of replay can be won.

[0036] In this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special role) is provided as a bonus. As a winning area associated with the bonus, a winning area "RBB" in which a big bonus is won alone is provided, and the winning areas "red 7s line up", "bars line up", "black bars line up", and "one common coin" are set so that the big bonus is won multiple times. In addition, when the gaming state is in the normal state, the winning areas "red 7s line up", "bars line up", "black bars line up", and "one common coin" are set so that the big bonus is won multiple times, but when the gaming state is in the RBB internal state, the big bonus is not won multiple times. In this embodiment, a bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device for a so-called first-class special bonus, but other bonuses may also be used. Other bonuses may also be installed. The installed bonuses may be set to be won independently, or may be set to be won in combination with a replay or small bonus.

[0037] In addition, a "no win" area is provided as a winning area associated with a losing win.

[0038] Each winning area is set to be winable or non-winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table depending on the game state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combination that can be won. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery targets. In Figure 4, a circle indicates whether each winning area can be won in each game state. The winning areas "No Win," "All Minor Wins," "All 8 Coins," "All 3 Coins," and "All 1 Coin" are winable when the game state is in the RBB active state, but not when the game state is in the normal or RBB internal state. The winning areas "Replay A," "Replay B," "7-in-batting order replay," "Middle row replay," "Red 7 fake replay," "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H," "4-choice 3-in-batting order A" to "4-choice 3-in-batting order D," "Common 3-in-batting order A," "Common 3-in-batting order B," "Chance A," "Chance B," "Right-up yellow 7," "Middle row yellow 7," "Red 7 replay," "Bar replay," "Black Bar replay," and "Common 1 Coin" are winable when the game state is in the normal or RBB internal state, but not when the RBB is active. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game state is in the normal state, and cannot be won when the RBB is inside or the RBB is operating.

[0039] In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small win is the same in the normal state and the RBB internal state. Also, in the RBB operating state, it is not possible to win a replay. In other words, in the normal state and the RBB internal state, the probability of winning a replay is higher than in the RBB operating state.

[0040] The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (OFF state) to a winning state (ON state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in a winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

[0041] Furthermore, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) whose winning state can be carried over to the next game or thereafter until a win is achieved, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) whose winning state is not carried over to the next game or thereafter and is reset to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved or not (non-carry-over flag). A big bonus is a winning combination associated with a carry-over flag. A small bonus and a replay are also winning combinations associated with a non-carry-over flag. For example, when a big bonus is won in the internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 also carries out an internal lottery to determine whether a small bonus and a replay are won or not, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over. That is, when a small bonus or a replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, the internal lottery means 42 sets winning flags corresponding to two or more types of combinations, namely, the winning flag of the big bonus already won and the winning flag of the small bonus or replay won in the internal lottery, to a winning state.

[0042] Furthermore, the slot machine 10 is configured so that the winning probabilities of winning combinations differ depending on the setting values ​​for the six settings from Setting 1 to Setting 6. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of multiple internal lottery tables selected according to the game state is changed to an internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and the winning probabilities of small combinations, replays, and bonuses change to a different internal lottery table group depending on the setting.

[0043] The setting change means 47 controls changing of the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when a setting change key is inserted into a setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the slot machine 10 is powered on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from its initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values, from Setting 1 to Setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery varies so that the expected payout rate increases sequentially from Setting 1 to Setting 6. In the setting change mode, the setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the following order each time a setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed: Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... Each time the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, it is possible to switch from the setting change mode to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0044] Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting values ​​but it is not possible to play games.

[0045] When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a portion of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game zone, and presentation state, described below, to their initial states. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game zone becomes a non-advantageous zone, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous zone presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power was first turned on after shipping from the factory. In addition, during the initialization process, the initialization means 48 also initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. The sub-control board 32 also has initialization means (not shown), and when a signal indicating that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72. In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial state.

[0046] The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c when the activated start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the activated stop button 26a to 26c is operated, it controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

[0047] That is, each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel among the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c corresponding to the operated button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (play order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

[0048] In the following, the order of stop operations (operation order of stop buttons 26a to 26c) will be referred to as the "batting order," which is the order of all stop operations performed among stop buttons 26a to 26c. Of the stop operations that make up the batting order, the first stop operation will be referred to as the "first stop operation," the second stop operation will be referred to as the "second stop operation," and the third stop operation will be referred to as the "third stop operation."

[0049] In the following description, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c will be referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b will be referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c will be referred to as "batting order 3." " Batting order 4 is the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 5 is the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b. Batting order 6 is the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a. Furthermore, "batting order 1" and "batting order 2" are collectively referred to as "left push," "batting order 3" and "batting order 4" are collectively referred to as "center push," and "batting order 5" and "batting order 6" are collectively referred to as "right push." ​​Furthermore, "center push" and "right push" are sometimes collectively referred to as "irregular push."

[0050] In this embodiment, the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c are stopped within 190 ms of the moment the stop button 26a to 26c is pressed. The reels can rotate a maximum of four frames (four symbols) from the moment the stop button 26a to 26c is pressed until the reels 20a to 20c stop. The reel control means 43 controls the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c whose stop operation is performed to stop so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination whose win flag is set to a winning state are displayed on the winning line when the symbols on the outer periphery of the reel 20a to 20c whose stop button 26a to 26c whose stop operation is performed are located within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the display position on the winning line at the time the stop operation is performed. In other words, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c for which the stop operation has been performed so that any one of the symbols from the symbol currently positioned on the pay line at the time the stop operation was performed to the symbol four symbols adjacent thereto is displayed on the pay line.

[0051] A winning combination in which the symbols constituting a winning mode are always arranged within the reel-in range (0 to 4 frames) for all of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c regardless of the timing of the stop operation is sometimes called a "PB=1 winning combination." Also, a winning combination in which the symbols constituting a winning mode are always arranged within the reel-in range (0 to 4 frames) for at least one of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c depending on the timing of the stop operation is sometimes called a "PB≠1 winning combination." Furthermore, a "PB=1 combination" can be defined as a combination in which, in a situation where the possibility of winning of the PB=1 combination remains during a game in which the PB=1 combination is in a winning state, regardless of the timing of any stop operation performed, any of the symbols constituting one of the symbol combinations indicating the winning form of the PB=1 combination and which have a possibility of being displayed on an active line in that situation are always present within the pull-in range for the reels 20a-20c corresponding to the executed stop operation. Furthermore, a "PB≠1 combination" can be defined as a combination in which, in a predetermined situation in which the possibility of winning of the PB≠1 combination remains during a predetermined game in which the PB≠1 combination is in a winning state, any of the symbols constituting one of the symbol combinations indicating the winning form of the PB≠1 combination and which have a possibility of being displayed on an active line in that situation may not be present within the pull-in range for the predetermined reel, depending on the timing of the stop operation performed for a predetermined reel among the reels 20a-20c. In addition, here, "a situation where there is a possibility of winning" may be a situation where no stop operation has been performed yet. In this embodiment, small win 1 is a combination of PB = 1, and small win 2 is a combination of PB ≠ 1 (see Figure 2, Figure 6).

[0052] Furthermore, in the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination whose win flag is set to a winning state will be awarded. Specifically, when the win flag for one winning combination is set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination will be awarded. Furthermore, when the win flags for multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped according to the priority order set for each winning combination so that a predetermined winning combination will be awarded. In this embodiment, the priority order is set as "replay > small combination > bonus." The reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing the winning mode of a winning combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing the winning mode of a winning combination with a lower priority.

[0053] Furthermore, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined by two methods: a method of determining the priority based on the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the payline (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out (number priority control). When executing number priority control, which determines the priority of the candidate stop positions based on the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the payline, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority increases as the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the payline and indicate winning forms increases. When executing number priority control, which determines the priority of the candidate stop positions based on the number of medals paid out, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority increases as the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small winning combination corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the payline increases (stop positions that can win a small winning combination with a large payout). Note that when determining the priority of the candidate stop positions based on the number of medals paid out, 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.

[0054] In addition, in the case where a bonus is won in addition to a small role, the number priority control determines the stop position taking into consideration the number of medals paid out when the small role is won and the bonus that has been won. Specifically, when the stop position is determined based on the number priority control, if there are two stop positions within the pull-in range for the press detection position at which the number of medals paid out when the small role is won is the same, and one of them allows the bonus to be won and the other does not, the stop position is determined so that the bonus can be won. In addition, in the number priority control, the stop position may be determined taking into consideration the number of symbol combinations related to the small role and the bonus that has been won, or may be determined without taking that into consideration. Specifically, when the stop position is determined based on the number priority control, if there are two stop positions within the pull-in range relative to the press detection position that have the same number of pattern combinations related to minor wins, and one of the stop positions allows the patterns that make up the pattern combination related to the bonus to be displayed on the valid line, but the other does not allow the patterns that make up the pattern combination related to the bonus to be displayed on the valid line, the stop position may be determined so that the patterns that make up the pattern combination related to the bonus can be displayed on the valid line.

[0055] FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the manner of stop operation and the winning combination when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the four-choice yellow 7s has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set. When each winning area of ​​the four-choice yellow 7 is selected in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role (correct role) will be awarded, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) will be awarded. In other words, when any of the four-choice yellow 7s is selected in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can award small roles 4 to 7 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can award small roles 15, 17 to 28, and 31 have the highest priority.

[0056] There is only one correct batting order for each of the four-choice yellow 7s, and the other five are considered incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" through "4-choice yellow 7D" have different correct batting orders set as their respective correct batting orders, and the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7E" through "4-choice yellow 7H" have different correct batting orders set as their respective correct batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" through "4-choice yellow 7D" have any of the correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6 set as their correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 have been set as their incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7E" through "4-choice yellow 7H" have any of the correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6 set as their correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 have been set as their incorrect batting orders.

[0057] The contents in parentheses in Figure 5 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stop operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1 / 2)" indicates that there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1 / 2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "1 piece (1 / 4)" indicates that there is a 1 / 4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 3 / 4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

[0058] In the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" to "4-choice Yellow 7H", if you operate the buttons in the correct order, you will win an 8-piece winning combination. Also, in the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" to "4-choice Yellow 7H", if you operate the buttons in the incorrect order, you will win a 1-piece winning combination or no winning combination.

[0059] In addition, when each of the four-choice yellow 7 winning areas is won in the general medium state, if the RBB internal medium state is selected, even if the stopping operation is performed in the batting order in which an 8-piece role will win (correct batting order), the 8-piece role will not win, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1 / 2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

[0060] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the four-choice three-coin roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of ​​a four-choice three-coin role is won in the RBB internal state, if the player operates in the correct batting order, a three-coin role (correct role) will be awarded, and if the player operates in the incorrect batting order, a one-coin role (incorrect role) will be awarded. In other words, when any of the four-choice three-coin roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can award small roles 9 to 10 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can award small roles 15 to 28 and small roles 31 have the highest priority.

[0061] There is one correct batting order for each 4-choice 3-piece role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" have different correct batting orders. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" have one of the correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 set as incorrect batting orders.

[0062] In the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" to "4 Choice 3 Cards D", if you operate the buttons in the correct order, you will win a 3-card role. Also, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" to "4 Choice 3 Cards D", if you operate the buttons in the incorrect order, you will win a 1-card role.

[0063] Furthermore, when the winning areas "4-Choice 3-Card A" to "4-Choice 3-Card D" are won in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be awarded, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be awarded. In the normal state, there are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "4-Choice 3-Card A" to "4-Choice 3-Card D," and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the normal state, the winning areas "4-Choice 3-Card A" to "4-Choice 3-Card D" are set to any two of batting orders 3 to 6 as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set to incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "4-Choice 3-Card A" and "4-Choice 3-Card B," in the normal state, batting orders 3 and 4 are set to correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set to incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choices, 3 Cards C" and "4 Choices, 3 Cards D" in the general medium state, batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 to batting order 4 are set as the incorrect batting order. In other words, the winning areas "4 Choices, 3 Cards A" to "4 Choices, 3 Cards D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the general medium state compared to the RBB internal medium state, and the probability of winning a 3-card role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if you win.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the eye-pressing batting order roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set. When each winning area of ​​the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 15-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the eye-pressing batting order roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 1 to 3 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 20, small role 22, and small roles 31 to 33 have the highest priority.

[0065] There is one correct batting order for each button-press batting order role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. In addition, different batting orders are set as the correct batting orders for the winning areas "Button-press batting order A" to "Button-press batting order D." In addition, for the winning areas "Button-press batting order A" to "Button-press batting order D," any of batting orders 3 to 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders.

[0066] The winning areas "Striking Batting Order A" to "Striking Batting Order D" are designed to award a 15-coin combination when the reels are operated in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). The first predetermined timing may refer to, for example, when a first stop operation is performed when a specific symbol (e.g., a red BAR symbol "RED BAR") within a predetermined range on the reels 20a to 20c that are to be stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (e.g., on an active line). In other words, by operating the reels in the correct batting order and performing the first stop operation while aiming for the specific symbol, a 15-coin combination can be awarded. In addition, the winning areas "Striking Order A" to "Striking Order D" are configured to win a 1-piece combination when an operation is performed in an incorrect batting order, and when an operation is performed in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (second predetermined timing). The case where a predetermined stop operation is performed at the second predetermined timing may be, for example, when a first stop operation is performed when a pattern within a predetermined range that does not include the specific pattern on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line).

[0067] The four-choice yellow 7 is a winning area where an 8-coin combination is awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the winning combination is selected, and the eye-pressing batting order combination is a winning area where a 15-coin combination is awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the winning combination is selected and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). In this embodiment, the eye-pressing batting order combination is provided as a winning area where the number of medals that can be paid out when the winning combination is selected is greater than that of the four-choice yellow 7.

[0068] In addition, when the winning areas "Skip Batting Order A" to "Skip Batting Order D" are won in the normal state, if the correct batting order is operated and the predetermined stopping operation is performed at the predetermined timing (first predetermined timing), a 15-coin prize will be awarded. In addition, when the winning areas "Skip Batting Order A" to "Skip Batting Order D" are won in the normal state, if the operations are performed in the incorrect batting order, or if the operations are performed in the correct batting order and the predetermined stopping operation is performed at the predetermined timing (second predetermined timing), a 1-coin prize will be awarded. In the normal state, there are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "Skip Batting Order A" to "Skip Batting Order D," and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the normal state, there are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "Skip Batting Order A" to "Skip Batting Order D," and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the normal state, there are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "Skip Batting Order A" to "Skip Batting Order D," from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "Batto Press Batting Order A" and "Batto Press Batting Order B," batting orders 3 and 4 are set as the correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5 and 6 are set as the incorrect batting orders. In the winning areas "Batto Press Batting Order C" and "Batto Press Batting Order D," batting orders 5 and 6 are set as the correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as the incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "Batto Press Batting Order A" to "Batto Press Batting Order D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal medium state than in the RBB internal medium state, and the probability of winning a 15-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if you win.

[0069] The winning determination means 44 is activated when the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped is compared with a winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination is stored in the winning determination table, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. The correspondence relationship between the symbol combination displayed on the pay line and the winning combination in this embodiment is shown in Figures 6 and 7. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, for example, if a black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" stops on the bottom row of the first reel 20a, a red 7 symbol "RED 7" or a white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" stops on the middle row of the second reel 20b, and a yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" stops on the top row of the third reel 20c, then small win 1 will be won.

[0070] When a winning combination is achieved, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination. Specifically, the winning process involves a payout process when a small combination is achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay is achieved (activated), and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus is achieved (activated).

[0071] Here, the payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a small winning combination is achieved, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a small winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. Note that when credits are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper device, a credit addition process is performed in which the number of medals to be paid out is added to the number of credits (number of credited medals) stored in a credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and medals are virtually paid out.

[0072] In this embodiment, 15 medals are paid out when small prizes 1 to 3 are won, 8 medals are paid out when small prizes 4 to 8 are won, 3 medals are paid out when small prizes 9 to 14 are won, and 1 medal is paid out when small prizes 15 to 33 are won.

[0073] Furthermore, the replay process is a process that, when a replay wins, sets the next game to the same game start standby state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the insertion state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using any medals held by the player (including credited medals), and the system waits for the next game start operation of the start lever 24 with an active line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. Furthermore, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 8, the gaming state control means 49 performs a gaming state transition control process that transitions the gaming state between the normal state, the RBB internal state (bonus established state), and the RBB operating state (bonus state). A single condition or multiple conditions may be defined as the gaming state transition condition. When multiple conditions are defined, the gaming state may be transitioned based on one of the multiple predetermined conditions being established, or based on multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions being established.

[0075] As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery target. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery targets. In the RBB operation state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery targets.

[0076] The initial gaming state is the normal state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win," "Small Win All," "8 Coins All," "3 Coins All," and "1 Coin All" are set as the lottery targets. In addition, it is possible to transition from the normal state to the RBB internal state. When a big bonus is won in the normal state, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state to the RBB internal state.

[0077] The RBB internal state is a gaming state to which the game enters when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win," "Small Win," "All 8 Coins," "All 3 Coins," "All 1 Coin," and "RBB" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the big bonus is won, and when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

[0078] The RBB operating state is a game state that is entered when a symbol combination indicating a big bonus winning mode is displayed on an active pay line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win," "Small Win," "All 8 Coins," "All 3 Coins," and "All 1 Coin" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB operating state, the game state control means 49 determines whether the termination condition is met based on the total number of medals paid out during the RBB operating state. If the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB operating state and transitions the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the termination condition of the RBB operating state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the termination condition may be determined by the number of games played in the RBB operating state, the number of small wins, etc. Also, the termination condition of the RBB operating state may be determined so that it ends after one game.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3 , the instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the activation of an instruction function that assists in the winning of a specific winning combination in a favorable zone. Specifically, when a specific winning combination is achieved, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether to perform an instruction presentation that assists in the winning of this winning combination. More specifically, when, for example, a four-choice yellow 7 is achieved, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether to perform an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists in the winning of an eight-piece winning combination. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 causes presentation devices such as the LCD display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation. Note that when the batting order navigation presentation is performed, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, the gaming zone control means 80 performs a gaming zone transition control process that transitions the gaming zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone depending on the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a gaming zone that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of gaming zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and if the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is won, the gaming zone control means 80 transitions the gaming zone to an advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is a gaming zone in which an upper limit (1,500 times in this example) is set for the number of times that a game can be played. Furthermore, when the gaming zone is set as a non-advantageous zone, instruction effects cannot be performed, and instruction effects can only be performed when the gaming zone is set as an advantageous zone. When the number of times that a game has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 1,500, the gaming zone control means 80 terminates the advantageous zone and transitions the gaming zone to a non-advantageous zone.

[0081] In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to an advantageous zone at a predetermined trigger. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to an advantageous zone based on the result of the internal lottery (winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

[0082] Furthermore, the gaming zone control means 80 performs an increment process, triggered by the operation of the start lever 24 to start a game, to add "1" to the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one play, as an increment process. The gaming zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. At the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0." When the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit) of "1500," the gaming zone control means 80 determines that the advantageous zone termination condition is met and transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. In other words, the upper limit for the number of plays in the advantageous zone is set to 1500, preventing more than 1500 consecutive plays from being played in the advantageous zone.

[0083] Furthermore, in the advantageous zone, the gaming zone control means 80 performs an update process in which it updates the stored value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 with the difference number of medals, subtracts a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no winning combination is achieved and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number of medals in the game, and adds this calculation result to the stored value of the difference number counter 64. Note that the gaming zone control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Furthermore, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the stored value of the difference number counter 64 is "0". When the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the condition for ending the advantageous zone is met and transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to a non-advantageous zone. The stored value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0." For example, if the stored value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of a game is "2" and, as a result of playing, no winning combination is achieved and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3." Adding the calculation result of the difference number to the stored value of the difference number counter 64 results in a value below the initial value "0." However, the updated stored value of the difference number counter 64 is configured to stop counting with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be won in the advantageous zone. The point at which the number of medals is lowest in the advantageous zone is set as the reference value "0," and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals increases by more than 2400 from that reference value. In addition, if a replay is won in a game, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated by treating the game in which the replay was won as having paid out medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and for the next game that is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated by treating the next game that is provided free of charge as having paid out medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, even if no actual medals are inserted.

[0084] In addition, the advantageous zone indicator 18 is turned off in a non-advantageous zone and turned on in an advantageous zone. It should be noted that the advantageous zone indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous zone, but only needs to be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. Also, once turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

[0085] As shown in Figure 9, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states, including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a non-AT presentation state, and an AT presentation state (instruction presentation state). The AT presentation state also includes a normal AT presentation state and a special AT presentation state. The presentation state transition condition may be a single condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is met, or when multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met.

[0086] The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of presentation states. In the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In the non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery to transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery to transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to a non-AT presentation state.

[0087] The non-AT presentation state is a presentation state that is basically transitioned to when an advantageous zone starts, and at the start of an advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the non-AT presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. Also, in the non-AT presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is rarely or never performed.

[0088] Also, in the non-AT presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 performs an AT lottery, for example, in the non-AT presentation state (during a predetermined period in the non-AT presentation state) according to the result of an internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when a transition to the AT presentation state is determined based on the AT lottery, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state (for example, a special AT presentation state).

[0089] In the AT presentation state, when the batting order bell is drawn, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. Furthermore, when the execution of the batting order navigation presentation is decided, the presentation control means 100 causes the LCD display 13 to display the correct batting order. In this embodiment, the batting order navigation presentation is executed when the batting order bell is drawn in both the normal AT presentation state and the special AT presentation state, but the frequency with which the batting order navigation presentation occurs in the special AT presentation state may be lower or higher than in the normal AT presentation state. Here, "low frequency" includes cases where the batting order navigation presentation is not performed at all.

[0090] The continuation of the AT presentation state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The instruction function control means 51 determines the value to be set in the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT presentation state to which the transition occurs at the start of the AT presentation state. In other words, the instruction function control means 51 increases the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT presentation state. In yet other words, the special AT presentation state is a presentation state that determines the initial value of the value related to the continuation of the AT presentation state (the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67). When the special AT presentation state ends, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state. Note that there may be cases where the special AT presentation state does not begin via the special AT presentation state.

[0091] Furthermore, in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 subtracts a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no winning combination is achieved and no medals are paid out) to obtain the calculation result of the difference in the number of medals in the game, and performs an update process of subtracting this calculation result from the value stored in the AT termination determination counter 67. Then, when the value stored in the AT termination determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 determines that the termination condition of the AT presentation state (one of the termination conditions) has been met, and transitions the presentation state from the normal AT presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. In other words, in this embodiment, the AT presentation state ends when the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) reaches a predetermined number (the number set in the special AT presentation state). In addition, when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, if there is a right to transition to the special AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the special AT presentation state. In addition, the right to transition to the special AT presentation state may be granted by the benefit granting means 82 based on, for example, a predetermined lottery held in the AT presentation state.

[0092] In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT presentation state is managed based on the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state. Specifically, it is managed based on the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state. However, it may also be managed based on, for example, the number of games played in the AT presentation state or the number of batting order navigation presentations. That is, the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 may represent the number of games that can be played in the AT presentation state (AT game count) or the number of batting order navigation presentations that can be performed in the AT presentation state (batting order navigation count). In other words, in the special AT presentation state, the number of AT games played or the number of batting order navigation presentations may be set in the AT end determination counter 67, and in the normal AT presentation state, the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 may be updated each time a game is played or each time a batting order navigation presentation is performed, and the AT presentation state may be ended when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches a threshold value.

[0093] It is also possible to transition directly from a non-advantageous zone presentation state to an AT presentation state. For example, in the advantageous zone transition lottery, rather than simply determining whether or not to transition to an advantageous zone (non-AT presentation state), it is also possible to draw a lottery to determine whether to transition the presentation state to an AT presentation state, to transition to a non-AT presentation state, or to remain in the non-advantageous zone presentation state without transitioning. In other words, the AT lottery may be performed in a non-advantageous zone presentation state.

[0094] Furthermore, the AT presentation state may be set according to the gaming state to which the transition is made based on the winning of a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the gaming state is in the RBB internal state, transition to the AT presentation state may be possible, and transition to the AT presentation state may be impossible in the general state or the RBB operating state. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, transition to the AT presentation state may not be made even if the AT lottery is won, and the AT lottery may not be held.

[0095] Also, if a bonus is won when the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is in the RBB internal state, the AT presentation state may be suspended after the RBB operating state, which is entered upon winning this bonus, ends and the game state transitions back to the RBB internal state via the general internal state. In other words, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the game transitions back to the RBB internal state.

[0096] When the advantageous zone ends and the play zone transitions to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67. In other words, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the setting value is changed, the information related to the instruction performance shown here is also initialized.

[0097] When the presentation state is the AT presentation state, if the batting order bell is won, the presentation control means 100 controls the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists in winning an 8-coin combination. If the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified by the instruction presentation, an 8-coin combination is won and the player can win 8 medals.

[0098] (Gaining value performance) In this embodiment, when small wins 4 to 7 are won, more medals than the specified number (3) are paid out, allowing the player to increase the number of medals they have. The probability of winning at least one of small wins 4 to 7 in the RBB active state is lower than the probability of winning at least one of small wins 4 to 7 in the RBB internal state, making it more difficult for the player to increase their medal holdings in the RBB active state compared to the RBB internal state. Furthermore, when the presentation state is the AT presentation state, the correct batting order of the batting order bell is announced by the instruction presentation, allowing the player to increase their medal holdings. In other words, when the RBB internal state and the AT presentation state are both in the RBB internal state, the situation is more favorable for winning medals than when the RBB is active, motivating the player to maintain the RBB internal state for a long period of time.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the RBB internal state, the "non-win" winning area cannot be won, and when a replay or small win is won, the symbols that make up the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of the replay or small win are preferentially drawn onto the activated line, so winning a big bonus is difficult (here, "difficult" includes cases where it is impossible) in the RBB internal state. Note that winning a big bonus may be possible only in games in which the "RBB" winning area, in which a big bonus is won alone, is won, for example. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a game is played in the RBB internal state and the presentation state is set to the AT presentation state, the player can increase the number of medals in his / her possession without changing the game state.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by making the RBB operating state a gaming state that is inferior to the general state and the RBB internal state in terms of the ability to acquire gaming value, it is possible to set the probability of winning a small prize in the general state or the RBB internal state higher while keeping the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted) throughout the entire gaming state within a predetermined range.

[0101] Specifically, in this embodiment, the specified number of coins inserted in each game state (normal, RBB internal, and RBB active) is the same, and the number of coins inserted in each game state is unchanged. Instead, a situation with a low medal acquisition rate is created by utilizing the RBB active state (a so-called first-class special feature) in which an internal lottery is performed with a higher probability of winning a small prize than in the normal or RBB internal states. More specifically, the RBB active state provides "small prize ALL" and "8 coins ALL" winning areas, which allow small prizes 4 to 7, which are individually won in the normal or RBB internal states, to be won simultaneously. The internal lottery is performed so that the probability of setting the winning flags corresponding to small prizes 4 to 7 in the RBB active state is higher than in the normal or RBB internal states. Furthermore, the combined probability of winning the "small prize ALL" and "8 coins ALL" winning areas in the RBB active state is set to be higher than the probability of winning the batting order bell in the normal or RBB internal states. In addition, the combined probability of winning the "Small Role ALL" and "8-card ALL" winning areas in the RBB operating state is set to be higher than the combined probability of winning each of the winning areas containing the same small role among small roles 4 to 7 in the normal state and the RBB internal state (for example, for the batting order bell in which small role 4 is won, the combined probability of winning the winning area "4-choice yellow 7A" and the winning area "4-choice yellow 7E"). Also, the internal lottery is performed so that the probability of winning any of the winning areas related to small roles, that is, the combined probability of winning each winning area related to small roles, is higher in the RBB operating state than in the normal state and the RBB internal state.Furthermore, when the RBB is in operation, the probability of winning each of the small winning combinations 4 to 7, which have a higher payout than the required number of inputs, is higher than in the normal state or the RBB internal state, and the probability of winning all small winning combinations is also higher than in the normal state or the RBB internal state. However, the probability of winning a winning area that includes small winning combinations 4 to 7, which have a higher payout than the required number of inputs (the combined probability of the winning areas "small winning combination ALL" and "8 pieces ALL") is lower than the probability of winning a winning area that includes small winning combinations 4 to 7 in the normal state or the RBB internal state (the combined probability of the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" and "red BAR line-up"), making it possible to lower the expected rate of winning medals when the RBB is in operation (for example, to make it less than 100%). In particular, in this embodiment, there are four types (minor roles 4 to 7) of specific minor roles (minor roles for which more medals are paid out than the number of insertions (prescribed number)) that can be won in the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won, and these are overlappingly won in the RBB operating state, thereby reducing the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the RBB operating state. In other words, by performing an internal lottery in which N types of specific minor roles are won without overlapping in the general state and the RBB internal state, and performing an internal lottery in which N types of specific minor roles are won overlappingly in the RBB operating state, the probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific minor role in the RBB operating state (probability of winning one of multiple types of specific minor roles) can be compressed to about 1 / N of the probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific minor role in the general state and the RBB internal state. This allows the medal acquisition performance for the AT performance state to be designed after lowering the lower limit of the expected medal acquisition rate in the RBB operating state to, for example, 100% or less, so the design freedom of gaming machines equipped with AT performance states can be dramatically improved. Note that, although the case where the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including small combinations 4 to 7 is compressed here has been described, the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including small combinations 1 to 3 may also be compressed in the same way.

[0102] Furthermore, in the normal state or the RBB internal state, unless the AT effect is in effect, the player cannot know the results of the internal lottery. Therefore, when the AT effect is not in effect, it is difficult to win minor prizes 4 to 7, making it difficult to win medals. On the other hand, when the RBB is in effect, each winning area related to the minor prize can win the same number of medals regardless of the play method. When the AT effect is not in effect, whether the batting order is fixed or randomly selected each time, the RBB is in effect, and the expected medal winning rate is higher than in the normal state or the RBB internal state. However, in the AT effect state, an instruction display is displayed to notify the player of the correct batting order. If the player performs the stop operation according to the instruction display, they can win medals with a high probability. This allows the player to play with a high expected medal winning rate when the RBB is in effect and the AT effect is in effect.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the predetermined processing related to the instruction effect is set to be more advantageous to the player when the game is played by pressing left than when the game is played by pressing irregular buttons. Specifically, in the non-AT effect state of the RBB internal state, when the game is played by pressing left, an AT lottery is executed as a predetermined lottery related to the instruction effect, whereas when the game is played by pressing irregular buttons, an AT lottery is not executed as a predetermined lottery related to the instruction effect. In other words, for a predetermined game in which the instruction effect is not executed, playing by pressing left is more advantageous to the player in terms of the instruction effect (transition of the effect state, etc.) than when playing by pressing irregular buttons. In other words, in this embodiment, a predetermined penalty is imposed on a player who plays a stop operation mode other than pressing left as a specific stop operation mode in a predetermined game in which the instruction effect is not executed.

[0104] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the expected value of the payout rate when playing with left-button presses is set lower than that when playing with irregular button presses, thereby ensuring an appropriate payout rate (payout performance). Specifically, in this embodiment, for the RBB internal middle state, a batting order bell with the correct batting order is prepared by pressing the center button, and a batting order bell with the correct batting order is prepared by pressing the right button, but a batting order bell with the correct batting order is not prepared by pressing the left button. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning the batting order bell and receiving a payout of 8 medals is lower when always playing with left-button presses than when always playing with center button presses or always playing with right button presses. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the 4-choice 3-coin combination and the eye-pressing batting order combination, the correct batting order combination is not prepared when always playing with left-button presses in the RBB internal middle state, and the probability of receiving a payout of 3 or 15 medals is lower when always playing with left-button presses than when always playing with center button presses or always playing with right button presses. Note that, by using other methods, the expected value of the payout rate when playing with a predetermined operation sequence (pushing left) may be made lower than that when playing with other operation sequences (pushing center or pushing right). For example, a batting order bell for the correct batting order when pressed left may also be prepared, and the probability of winning the batting order bell for the correct batting order when pressed left in the internal lottery may be set lower than the probability of winning the batting order bell for the correct batting order when pressed center, and lower than the probability of winning the batting order bell for the correct batting order when pressed right.

[0105] Here, when the expected value of the payout rate varies depending on the batting order for a specific game state (the RBB internal state), it is preferable to make the magnitude relationship of the expected value of the payout rate according to the batting order for other game states the same as for the specific game state, or to make the expected value of the payout rate equal regardless of the batting order. This prevents confusion for the player and puts the player in a disadvantageous situation. Furthermore, when the aforementioned penalty is imposed, the expected value of the payout rate according to the batting order (when always playing in a specific batting order) is lower for left-clicking than for irregular-clicking, and the predetermined degree of advantage related to the instruction function is higher for left-clicking than for irregular-clicking. This clarifies the relationship between the two, thereby optimizing the payout performance of the gaming machine. Furthermore, by making the expected value of the payout rate equal regardless of the batting order for a specific game state (the RBB operational state), a single value can be applied as the expected value of the payout rate for the specific game state, making it easier to compare the expected value of the payout rate with other game states. Therefore, in this embodiment, the magnitude relationship between the expected values ​​of the ball payout rates (gaming value acquisition performance) of each batting order in each gaming state is set to have the following relationship. Expected payout rate when playing in normal mode Batting order 1 = Batting order 2 < Batting order 3 = Batting order 4 = Batting order 5 = Batting order 6 Expected payout rate when playing in the RBB internal state Batting order 1 = Batting order 2 < Batting order 3 = Batting order 4 = Batting order 5 = Batting order 6 Expected payout rate when playing with RBB in operation Batting order 1 = Batting order 2 = Batting order 3 = Batting order 4 = Batting order 5 = Batting order 6

[0106] In this embodiment, the expected payout rate in the RBB operation state is the same regardless of the batting order, as configured below. That is, in the RBB operation state, for all possible winning areas (the winning areas "small combination ALL," "8-coin ALL," "3-coin ALL," and "1-coin ALL"), the winning combination with the highest payout among all overlapping winning combinations is set to win, regardless of the manner of the stopping operation (batting order and timing of the stopping operation). Specifically, for example, if the "small combination ALL" winning area is won in the RBB operation state, the 15-coin winning combination with the highest payout among the overlapping winning combinations 1 to 33 is always set to win, regardless of the manner of the stopping operation. More specifically, when the "small combination ALL" winning area is won in the RBB operation state, the reel control means 43 controls the reels to stop so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of small combination 1 with PB=1 among the multiple types of 15-coin winning combinations always stops on the pay line (so that small combination 1 always wins), regardless of the manner of the stopping operation. Here, the reel control means 43 performs number-priority control for determining the stopping position of at least one of the reels 20a to 20c (for example, the reel to be stopped first) so as to maximize the number of medals paid out, thereby stopping the pattern combination (the patterns constituting the pattern combination) showing the winning form of minor prize 1 on the activated line. In addition, when the winning area "Small Win ALL" is won while the RBB is in operation, it may be possible for a pattern combination indicating a winning form of a 15-piece role other than Small Win 1 (for example, Small Win 2) to stop on an effective line.

[0107] In this way, in the RBB operating state, by setting the winning combination with the largest payout among all winning combinations that are won in all winning areas that can be won regardless of the manner of the stopping operation (the hitting order and the timing of the stopping operation), it is possible to prevent the expected value of the payout rate from diverging too much between multiple types of playing methods, such as a playing method in which a player plays to win the maximum payout in each game and also plays to always win a bonus when a bonus is possible, or a playing method played by a normal player.

[0108] (Batting order guide) In this embodiment, when the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, the number of medals paid out varies depending on the type of stop operation. Specifically, when the eye-pressing batting order role is won, if the stop operation is performed in the correct stop operation mode, the maximum number of medals paid out (15 medals) is set. Also, when the batting order bell is won in the RBB internal state, the number of medals paid out varies depending on the type of stop operation. Specifically, when the batting order bell is won, if the stop operation is performed in the correct stop operation mode, the maximum number of medals paid out (8 medals) is set. In addition, the eye-pressing batting order role can win the correct role (15-coin role) regardless of the order in which the stop operations are performed, but it may also be a winning area in which the correct role is won when some of the stop operations among multiple stop operations are performed at a predetermined timing, and the correct role is not won when some of the stop operations are performed at a timing other than the predetermined timing. That is, in this embodiment, the correct stop operation mode for the eye-pressing batting order role is an operation mode in which stop operations are performed in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing, but it is not limited to this, and it may also be an operation mode in which only a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (that is, the correct role may be won regardless of the batting order).

[0109] The maximum number of medals that can be won when the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state is the same as the maximum number of medals that can be won when the winning area "small role ALL" is won in the RBB operating state. Also, in the RBB internal state, the maximum number of medals that can be won when the eye-pressing batting order role is won is greater than the maximum number of medals that can be won when the batting order bell is won.

[0110] Below, we will explain in detail the stop control when the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal middle state. As shown in Figure 4, the small roles included in the winning area "eye-pressing batting order B" are small role 1, small role 2, small role 15, small role 31 and small role 32. Therefore, when the winning area "eye-pressing batting order B" is won in the RBB internal middle state, small role 1, small role 2, small role 15, small role 31, small role 32 and big bonus are set to the winning state.

[0111] (When the RBB is in the middle of the internal state and the winning area "Battalion B" is selected, and the stop operation is performed at batting order 1 or batting order 2) In a game in which the winning area "Missing Hit Order B" is won, while each of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is spinning, if the stop button 26a is pressed when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18 "BLACK BAR" is located on the bottom row (on the active line) of the first reel 20a, there are five possible symbols (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range) that will stop on the active line: the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18 "BLACK BAR", the purple 7D symbol with symbol number 17 "PURPLE 7D", the red BAR symbol with symbol number 16 "RED BAR", the red 7 symbol with symbol number 15 "RED 7", and the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14 "YELLOW 7" (see Figure 2).

[0112] As is clear from FIG. 10(a), the symbol combinations associated with winning roles that can be displayed on an active line for each of these symbol candidates are as follows: That is, for the first reel 20a, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is four. Also, when the purple 7D symbol "PURPLE 7D" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two, and the possibility of winning a big bonus remains. In addition, when the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to show the winning form of the minor winning combination will be 10.

[0113] In this embodiment, when the stop button 26a is pressed in the first stop operation upon winning the winning area "Matching Order B" in the RBB internal state, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, which indicates a winning combination. Therefore, when the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" is displayed on the pay line for the first reel 20a, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, which indicates a winning combination, is 10, which is the largest number. Therefore, the stop position of the first reel 20a is determined to be the position where the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" (symbol number 14) stops on the pay line. In other words, since this stop operation is related to a stop operation mode that is not a correct stop operation mode, the stop position is determined so that symbol combinations that indicate a winning combination of 15 coins do not line up on the pay line.

[0114] As shown in Figure 10(b), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14, "Yellow 7", is positioned on the active line, the symbol combinations for the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line will be as shown in Figure 10(c), and the winning combinations will be small symbol 15, small symbol 31, and small symbol 32.

[0115] As shown in Figure 10(b), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 14 is positioned on the active line and the second reel 20b and the third reel 20c are rotating, if the stop button 26b is pressed on the second reel 20b when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned in the middle row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" with symbol number 14 stops on the active line as the stop position of the second reel 20b. In addition, in the case where the symbol combinations relating to winning roles that can be displayed on the valid line are only symbol combinations relating to minor roles with the same number of payouts, as in the above situation, it is possible to set the symbol relating to any of the symbol combinations that show the winning forms of the minor roles that can be displayed to stop on the valid line.

[0116] 10(d), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 14 is positioned on the pay line, and the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" with symbol number 14 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to winning roles that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 10(e), and the winning roles will be small roles 15 and 31. In this situation, when the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the upper row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the third reel 20c. Then, when the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "black BAR," is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 10(f), and one medal is paid out.

[0117] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10(b), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14, "Yellow 7", is positioned on the active line and the second reel 20b and the third reel 20c are rotating, if the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c at a time when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "Black BAR", is positioned on the upper row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "Black BAR", stops on the active line as the stop position of the third reel 20c.

[0118] 10(g), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 14 is positioned on the pay line, and the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to winning combinations that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 10(h), and the winning combinations will be small combinations 15 and 32. In this situation, when the stop button 26b is pressed on the second reel 20b at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the middle row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" with symbol number 14 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the second reel 20b. Then, when the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7C symbol with symbol number 14, "Purple 7C," is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 10(i), and one medal is paid out.

[0119] (If you win the winning area "Battalion B" and the ball stops at batting order 3 or 4, 1) In a game in which the winning area "Missing Hit Order B" is won, while each of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is spinning, if the stop button 26b is pressed on the second reel 20a when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 is located in the middle (on the active line), there are five possible symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range): the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18 "BLACK BAR", the red BAR symbol with symbol number 17 "RED BAR", the red 7 symbol with symbol number 16 "RED 7", the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 15 "Yellow 7", and the purple 7C symbol with symbol number 14 "PURPLE 7C" (see Figure 2).

[0120] As is clear from FIG. 11(a), the symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for each of these candidate symbols are as follows: That is, for the second reel 20b, if the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role is zero. Also, if the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role is eight. Also, if the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role is one, and the possibility of winning a big bonus remains. Also, if the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role is zero. In addition, when the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" stops on an effective line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor winning combinations that can be displayed on the effective line will be two.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the stop button 26b is pressed in the first stop operation upon winning the winning area "Matching Order B" in the RBB internal state, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, which indicate a winning combination. Therefore, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is displayed on the pay line for the second reel 20b, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, which indicate a winning combination, is eight, which is the largest number. Therefore, the position where the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with symbol number 17 stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the second reel 20b. In other words, since this stop operation is related to the correct stop operation mode, the stop position is determined so that the symbol combinations that indicate a winning combination of 15 coins can be aligned on the pay line.

[0122] Here, for the second reel 20b, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is displayed on an active line and when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is displayed on an active line, both symbol combinations that indicate a winning mode of 15 coins, which maximizes the number of medals paid out, are possible. However, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is displayed on an active line, a big bonus cannot be won, whereas when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is displayed on an active line, a big bonus can be won. Therefore, when the stop position is determined based on the number priority control, the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is displayed on an active line in preference to the red BAR symbol "RED BAR." For this reason, the stop position is determined based on the number priority control.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the first stop operation related to the correct stop operation mode is performed, for the small win 1 and small win 2 for which the maximum payout is set, the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 2 of PB≠1 are drawn in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the small win 1 of PB=1. This prevents the winning of the small win 1 of PB=1.

[0124] As shown in Figure 11(b), when the second reel 20b stops so that the red BAR symbol with symbol number 17, "RED BAR", is positioned on the active line, the symbol combinations for the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line will be as shown in Figure 11(c), and the winning combinations will be small symbol 2 and small symbol 32.

[0125] As shown in Figure 11(b), when the second reel 20b has stopped so that the red BAR symbol with symbol number 17, "RED BAR," is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and the third reel 20c are spinning, if the stop button 26a is pressed when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "BLACK BAR," is positioned on the bottom row (on the active line) of the first reel 20a, there are five possible symbols (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range) that will stop on the active line: the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "BLACK BAR," the purple 7D symbol with symbol number 17, "PURPLE 7D," the red BAR symbol with symbol number 16, "RED BAR," the red 7 symbol with symbol number 15, "RED 7," and the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14, "YELLOW 7" (see Figure 2).

[0126] As is clear from FIG. 11(c), the symbol combinations associated with winning roles that can be displayed on an active line for each of these symbol candidates are as follows: That is, for the first reel 20a, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two. Also, when the purple 7D symbol "PURPLE 7D" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two. In addition, when the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" stops on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to show the winning form of the minor winning combination will be two.

[0127] In this embodiment, when the winning area "Missing Hit Order B" in the RBB internal state is won, if the stop button 26b is pressed in the first stop operation and the stop button 26a is operated in the second stop operation, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that indicate a winning mode that can be displayed on the pay line. Therefore, for the first reel 20a, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is displayed on the pay line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate a winning mode that can be displayed on the pay line is two, which is the largest number. Therefore, the position where the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the first reel 20a. In other words, since this stop operation is related to a stop operation mode that is not a correct stop operation mode, the stop position is determined so that symbol combinations that indicate a winning mode of 15 coins do not line up on the pay line. Here, the stop position is determined to be the position where the black BAR symbol "black BAR" with symbol number 18 stops on the valid line, but the stop position may also be determined to be the position where the yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7" with symbol number 14 stops on the valid line, which will have the greatest number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line and indicate winning forms.

[0128] 11(d), when the first reel 20a stops so that the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the active line, and the second reel 20b stops so that the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with symbol number 17 is positioned on the active line, the symbol combinations related to the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line will be as shown in FIG. 11(e), and the winning combination will be the small combination 32. In this situation, when the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c at the timing when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the upper row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 is stopped on the active line as the stop position of the third reel 20c. Then, when the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "black BAR," is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the minor prize 32 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 11(f), and one medal is paid out.

[0129] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 11(b), when the second reel 20b has stopped so that the red BAR symbol with symbol number 17, "RED BAR," is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and the third reel 20c are spinning, if the stop button 26c is pressed when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "BLACK BAR," is positioned on the top row (on the active line) of the third reel 20c, there are five possible symbols (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range) that will stop on the active line: the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "BLACK BAR," the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 17, "Yellow 7," the red 7 symbol with symbol number 16, "RED 7," the red BAR symbol with symbol number 15, "RED BAR," and the purple 7C symbol with symbol number 14, "PURPLE 7C" (see Figure 2).

[0130] As is clear from FIG. 11(c), the symbol combinations associated with winning roles that can be displayed on an active line for each of these candidate symbols are as follows: That is, for the third reel 20c, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two. Also, when the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two. Also, when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is two. Also, when the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" stops on an effective line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor winning combinations that can be displayed on the effective line will be zero.

[0131] In this embodiment, when the winning area "Matching Order B" in the RBB internal state is won, if the stop button 26b is pressed in the first stop operation and the stop button 26c is operated in the second stop operation, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the third reel 20c so that a symbol combination indicating a winning mode of a 15-coin combination is aligned on the pay line. In other words, since the second stop operation is related to the correct stop operation mode, the stop position is determined so that a symbol combination indicating a winning mode of a 15-coin combination is aligned on the pay line. Therefore, when the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is displayed on the pay line for the third reel 20c, a symbol combination indicating a winning mode of a 15-coin combination (small win 2) is aligned on the pay line, and therefore the position where the red 7 symbol "RED 7" of symbol number 16 stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the third reel 20c. In this case, either number priority control, which determines the stopping position so as to maximize the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the valid line and indicate winning forms, or number priority control, which determines the stopping position so as to maximize the number of medals paid out, can be used to stop the red 7 pattern ``Red 7'' on the valid line, so either control can be used.

[0132] 11(g), when the second reel 20b stops so that the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" with symbol number 17 is positioned on the pay line, and the third reel 20c stops so that the red 7 symbol "RED 7" with symbol number 16 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to the winning combinations that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 11(h), and the winning combination will be the small combination 2. In this situation, when the stop button 26a is pressed on the first reel 20a at the timing when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the lower row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the red 7 symbol "RED 7" with symbol number 15 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the first reel 20a. Then, when the first reel 20a stops so that the red 7 symbol with symbol number 15, "Red 7", is positioned on the pay line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor prize 2 is displayed on the pay line, as shown in Figure 11(i), and 15 medals are paid out.

[0133] (If you win the winning area "Battalion B" and the ball stops at batting order 3 or 4, 2) In a game in which the winning area "Missing Hit Order B" is won, while each of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is spinning, if the stop button 26b is pressed when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 13 "BLACK BAR" is located in the middle row (on the active line) of the second reel 20a, there are five possible symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range): the black BAR symbol with symbol number 13 "BLACK BAR", the blank symbol with symbol number 12 "BK", the white 7 symbol with symbol number 11 "WHITE 7", the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 10 "YELLOW 7", and the purple 7B symbol with symbol number 9 "PURPLE 7B" (see Figure 2).

[0134] As is clear from FIG. 12(a), the symbol combinations associated with winning roles that can be displayed on an active line for each of these candidate symbols are as follows: That is, for the second reel 20b, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the blank symbol "BK" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is one. Also, when the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" is stopped on an active line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on an active line and indicate a winning form of a minor role is zero. Also, when the purple 7B symbol "Purple 7B" stops on an effective line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor winning combinations that can be displayed on the effective line will be two.

[0135] In this embodiment, as described above, when the stop button 26b is pressed in the first stop operation upon winning the winning area "Matching Order B" in the RBB internal state, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and indicate a winning mode. Therefore, for the second reel 20b, when the purple 7B symbol "PURPLE 7B" is displayed on the pay line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line and indicate a winning mode is two, which is the largest number, and therefore the position where the purple 7B symbol "PURPLE 7B" with symbol number 9 stops on the pay line is determined as the stop position of the second reel 20b.

[0136] In this embodiment, when a first stop operation related to the incorrect stop operation mode is performed (here, the correct hitting order is reached but the timing of the stop operation is not related to the correct stop operation mode), the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the 1-coin role are drawn in by the number priority control in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the small role 1. This prevents the winning of the small role 1 with PB=1. In other words, since the first stop operation is related to an operation mode in which it is impossible to display the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the small role 2 with PB≠1 on the pay line (a stop operation at a timing in which it is impossible to draw the symbols constituting the symbol combination onto the pay line), the second reel 20b is stopped by the number priority control, so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the 1-coin role are drawn in by the number priority control in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the small role 1.

[0137] As shown in Figure 12(b), when the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7B symbol "Purple 7B" with symbol number 9 is located on the active line, the symbol combinations related to winning roles that can be displayed on the active line will be as shown in Figure 12(c), and the winning roles will be small role 15 and small role 31. In this situation, for the first reel 20a, if the stop button 26a is pressed at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 13 is located on the lower row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 9 stops on the active line as the stop position of the first reel 20a.

[0138] 12(d), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 9 is positioned on the pay line, and the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7B symbol "Purple 7B" with symbol number 9 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to winning roles that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 12(e), and the winning roles will be small role 15 and small role 31. In this situation, when the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 13 is positioned on the upper row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 13 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the third reel 20c. Then, when the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol with symbol number 13, "black BAR," is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 12(f), and one medal is paid out.

[0139] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12(b), when the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7B symbol "Purple 7B" with symbol number 9 is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and the third reel 20c are rotating, if the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c at a time when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 13 is positioned on the upper row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 13 stops on the active line as the stop position of the third reel 20c.

[0140] 12(g), when the second reel 20a stops so that the purple 7B symbol "Purple 7B" of symbol number 9 is positioned on the pay line, and the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" of symbol number 13 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to the winning combinations that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 10(h), and the winning combination will be the small combination 15. In this situation, when the stop button 26a is pressed on the first reel 20a at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" of symbol number 13 is positioned on the lower row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" of symbol number 9 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the first reel 20a. Then, when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 9, "Yellow 7", is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 12(i), and one medal is paid out.

[0141] (When the player is in the RBB internal state and wins the winning area "Battalion Order B" and the stop operation is performed at batting order 5 or 6) In a game in which the winning area "Missing Hit Order B" is won, while each of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is spinning, if the stop button 26c is pressed when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18 "BLACK BAR" is located on the top row (on the active line) of the third reel 20c, there are five possible symbols to stop on the active line (symbols within the five-frame pull-in range): symbol number 18 black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR", symbol number 17 yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7", symbol number 16 red 7 symbol "RED 7", symbol number 15 red BAR symbol "RED BAR", and symbol number 14 purple 7C symbol "PURPLE 7C" (see Figure 2).

[0142] As is clear from FIG. 13(a), the symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for each of these candidate symbols are as follows: That is, for the third reel 20c, if the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role will be six. Also, if the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role will be four. Also, if the red 7 symbol "RED 7" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role will be two, and there will still be a chance of winning a big bonus. Also, if the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" is stopped on a payline, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline for a winning minor role will be zero. Also, when the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" stops on an effective line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of minor winning combinations that can be displayed on the effective line will be zero.

[0143] In this embodiment, when the stop button 26c is pressed in the first stop operation upon winning the winning area "Matching Order B" in the RBB internal state, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position so as to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, indicating a winning combination. Therefore, for the third reel 20c, when the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is displayed on the pay line, the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line, indicating a winning combination, is six, which is the largest number. Therefore, the stop position of the third reel 20c is determined to be the position where the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" with symbol number 18 stops on the pay line. In other words, since this stop operation is related to a stop operation mode that is not a correct stop operation mode, the stop position is determined so that symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line indicate a winning combination of 15 coins.

[0144] As shown in Figure 13(b), when the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "black BAR," is positioned on the active line, the symbol combinations for the winning combinations that can be displayed on the active line will be as shown in Figure 13(c), and the winning combinations will be small symbol 15 and small symbol 32.

[0145] As shown in Figure 13(b), when the third reel 20c is stopped so that the black BAR symbol "black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and second reel 20b are rotating, if the stop button 26a is pressed on the first reel 20a at a time when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the lower row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7" with symbol number 14 stops on the active line as the stop position of the first reel 20a. Here, because the only symbol combinations that can be displayed on a payline are those associated with minor symbols with the same payout value, it is possible to arbitrarily select whether the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" or the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" will stop on the payline. However, if the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" is stopped on the payline, only the minor symbol 32 will be possible. If the red BAR symbol "RED BAR" cannot be stopped in the middle of the second reel 20c during the third stop operation, neither minor symbol will win. In other words, a one-coin win may be missed. Therefore, the reel corresponding to the second stop operation (first reel 20a) is stopped so that a symbol combination representing a one-coin win can be aligned on the payline regardless of the timing of the third stop operation.

[0146] 13(d), when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" with symbol number 14 is positioned on the pay line, and the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to winning combinations that can be displayed on the pay line will be as shown in FIG. 13(e), and the winning combinations will be small combinations 15 and 32. In this situation, when the stop button 26b is pressed on the second reel 20b at the timing when the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the middle row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the purple 7C symbol "Purple 7C" with symbol number 14 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the second reel 20b. Then, when the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7C symbol with symbol number 14, "Purple 7C," is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 13(f), and one medal is paid out.

[0147] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 13(b), when the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol "black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and second reel 20b are rotating, if the stop button 26b is pressed on the second reel 20b at a time when the black BAR symbol "black BAR" with symbol number 18 is positioned in the middle row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the purple 7C symbol "purple 7C" with symbol number 14 stops on the active line as the stop position of the second reel 20b.

[0148] 13(g), when the second reel 20b stops so that the purple 7C symbol with symbol number 14, "Purple 7C," is positioned on the pay line, and the third reel 20c stops so that the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "Black BAR," is positioned on the pay line, the symbol combinations related to the winning combinations that can be displayed on the pay line are as shown in FIG. 13(h), and the winning combination is the small combination 15. In this situation, when the stop button 26a is pressed on the first reel 20a at the timing when the black BAR symbol with symbol number 18, "Black BAR," is positioned on the lower row (on the pay line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14, "Yellow 7," is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the first reel 20a. Then, when the first reel 20a stops so that the yellow 7 symbol with symbol number 14, "Yellow 7", is positioned on the active line, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the minor prize 15 is displayed on the active line, as shown in Figure 13(i), and one medal is paid out.

[0149] As described above, the gaming machine of this embodiment: a plurality of reels 20a to 20c on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged; An internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved; a reel control means 43 that controls the reels 20a to 20c to rotate for each game and stop the reels 20a to 20c in response to a stop operation so that symbols present within a predetermined pull-in range (a pull-in range of 5 frames) corresponding to the result of the internal lottery are displayed on an active line; A winning determination means 44 determines that a winning combination has been achieved based on the fact that a symbol combination indicating a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active line while the plurality of reels 20a to 20c are stopped; A payout control means 45 that controls the awarding of a game value according to the payout of the small winning combination based on the winning of the small winning combination; A game state control means 49 is provided to transition the game state between a plurality of game states including a first game state (RBB internal state) in which a state in which a special role (big bonus) is won is maintained, and a second game state (RBB operating state) to which the game state transitions when the special role is won, The small wins include the first small win (small win 2), the second small win (small win 1), the third small win (small win 15), and several types of fourth small wins (small win 4 to small win 7). The first small win and the second small win are small wins with the largest payout set among all small wins, The third small win is a small win in which a payout smaller than the maximum payout is set, The fourth small win is a small win in which a payout smaller than the maximum payout is set, The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor winning combination may not be within the reel-in range (PB≠1) for at least one of the plurality of reels 20a to 20c (the second reel 20b) depending on the timing of the stop operation. The symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the second minor combination are present within the pull-in range for all of the plurality of reels 20a to 20c regardless of the timing of the stop operation (PB=1), The winning patterns obtained in the internal lottery include: The first winning mode (winning area "eye-pressing batting order B") in which the first small win, the second small win, and the third small win overlap and win; The second winning mode in which all small wins overlap (winning area "small win ALL"), At least one of the plurality of types of fourth minor winning combinations is won, and by performing the stop operation in a specific operation mode, a symbol combination showing the winning form of the fourth minor winning combination is displayed on the effective line. When the first winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery in the first gaming state, the reel control means 43 When the stop operation is performed in a first operation mode capable of displaying a symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role on an effective line, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role is displayed on the effective line, When the stop operation is performed in the second operation mode in which it is impossible to display the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor role on the pay line, by performing control (number priority control) to stop the reels so that the number of symbol combinations showing the winning form that can be displayed on the pay line is maximized, the symbol combination showing the winning form of the third minor role is displayed on the pay line, When the second winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery in the second gaming state, the reel control means 43 By performing control (number-priority control) to stop the reels so that the amount of game value awarded is maximized, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second minor role is displayed on the pay line.

[0150] The gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with multiple types of batting order bells that allow at least one of multiple types of 8-coin roles to be won, and by performing a stopping operation in a specific operating manner, a pattern combination indicating the winning form of an 8-coin role is displayed on the valid line.By executing the batting order navigation performance in a specified situation (such as an AT performance state), it becomes easy to perform a stopping operation in that specific operating manner to win an 8-coin role (a role with a payout set to more than a specified number), and it is possible to provide gameplay that increases the gaming value in that specified situation.

[0151] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the RBB is in the internal state, performing a stop operation in the first operation mode can result in winning the button-press batting order role, which can result in winning small role 2. That is, if the batting order bell is won and the small role 2 is won, in addition to winning the 8-coin role, it is possible to win a large amount of gaming value. Furthermore, since the small role 2 is the small role with the largest payout of all the small roles, the ability to win gaming value differs significantly between playing with the first operation mode when the button-press batting order role is won and playing with the second operation mode when the button-press batting order role is won. That is, by providing such a button-press batting order role, the expected value of winning gaming value can be significantly different between players who can accurately play in the first operation mode and those who cannot. This increases the difference in ability to win gaming value depending on the player's skill, thereby improving gameplay.

[0152] In addition, in order to realize the first winning mode in which, when the stop operation is performed in the first operation mode, the small role with the largest payout among all the small roles is won (small role 2 is won), and when the stop operation is performed in the second operation mode, the small role with the largest payout among all the small roles is not won (a 1-coin role is won), in this embodiment, small role 2 is set to a role where PB≠1.

[0153] As mentioned above, it is preferable that the expected payout rate for the RBB operation state be the same regardless of the batting order. Furthermore, it is preferable that the winning combination with the highest payout rate among all overlapping winning combinations be set for each special area that is won during the RBB operation state, regardless of the type of stop operation. This allows a single value to be applied as the expected payout rate for the RBB operation state, making it easier to compare the expected payout rates with those of other game states. Furthermore, this prevents player confusion and disadvantages to the player, even when the RBB internal state, etc., is set as a game state with different expected payout rates depending on the batting order. In this embodiment, a small win 2 is provided, which has the highest payout rate among all small wins. However, since the small win 2 does not have a PB of 1, if the winning combination is set to win when the winning area "small win ALL" is won during the RBB operation state, small win 2 may not win depending on the type of stop operation. However, in this embodiment, a small win 1 with PB=1 is provided, and when the winning area "small win ALL" is won, a symbol combination indicating the winning form of small win 1 is displayed on the pay line, thereby enabling the player to obtain the maximum amount of game value regardless of the type of stop operation. Furthermore, in this embodiment, such a small win 1 with PB=1 is set to win even in the RBB internal state, so that the maximum amount of game value can be obtained regardless of the type of stop operation in the RBB operating state, there is no need to provide a winning combination that only wins in the RBB operating state. Furthermore, if the winning area "small win ALL" is always won in the RBB operating state, the maximum amount of game value can be obtained regardless of the type of stop operation. Therefore, there is no need to vary the winning combination depending on the type of stop operation, and reel stop control in the RBB operating state can be simplified. Therefore, the program capacity can be reduced.

[0154] (Second embodiment) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine of this embodiment has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment that is the same as the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0155] In this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) varies depending on the game state. Specifically, for the RBB1 operating RB operating state, the prescribed number is set to 1 medal, and for other game states, the prescribed number is set to 3 medals. The game states will be described in detail later.

[0156] In this embodiment, there are three active lines: a first active line formed by the middle of the first reel 20a, the middle of the second reel 20b, and the middle of the third reel 20c; a second active line formed by the bottom of the first reel 20a, the bottom of the second reel 20b, and the bottom of the third reel 20c; and a third active line formed by the top of the first reel 20a, the middle of the second reel 20b, and the bottom of the third reel 20c. Note that the number of active lines may vary depending on the specified number (number of coins inserted), such as when three coins are inserted to play a game, three active lines are activated, and when one coin is inserted to play a game, one active line is activated. Alternatively, the number of active lines may be the same (for example, three or one) regardless of the specified number (number of coins inserted).

[0157] The internal lottery table of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in Fig. 14, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. Also, in Fig. 14, whether or not each winning area can be won in each game state is indicated by a "◯" mark.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, small wins include small wins 1 to 9. Winning areas including small wins include "winning win A," "winning win B," "winning win C," "cherry," "JAC1," "JAC2," "JAC3," and "JAC4." Small win 1 is a 15-coin win where 15 medals are paid out upon winning. Small win 2 is a 13-coin win where 13 medals are paid out upon winning. Small wins 3 to 6 are 4-coin wins where 4 medals are paid out upon winning. Small wins 7 to 9 are 1-coin wins where 1 medal is paid out upon winning. While the payout for a small win is the same regardless of the number of medals inserted (prescribed number) in this embodiment, there may be small wins where the payout differs depending on the number of medals inserted (prescribed number).

[0159] The winning areas "Winning Role A," "Winning Role B," and "Winning Role C" are winning areas where a 4-coin role and a 1-coin role overlap. The winning area "Cherry" is a winning area where one type of 4-coin role is won alone. The 4-coin role included in the winning area "Cherry" is a 4-coin role that is not included in the winning areas "Winning Role A," "Winning Role B," and "Winning Role C." The winning area "JAC1" is a winning area where a 13-coin role and a 4-coin role overlap. The winning area "JAC2" is a winning area where a 13-coin role, a 4-coin role, and a 1-coin role overlap. The winning area "JAC3" is a winning area where a 15-coin role and a 4-coin role overlap. The winning area "JAC4" is a winning area where a 15-coin role, a 4-coin role, and a 1-coin role overlap.

[0160] In this embodiment, Replay 1 is prepared as a replay. Furthermore, as a winning area including a replay, a winning area "Replay" in which Replay 1 is won alone is prepared.

[0161] In this embodiment, the first big bonus (RBB1: first special role), the second big bonus (RBB2: second special role), and the regular bonus (RB: shift role) are provided as bonuses. The winning areas associated with the bonuses are the "RBB1" winning area where the first big bonus is won alone, the "RBB2" winning area where the second big bonus is won alone, and the "RB" winning area where the regular bonus is won alone. The "JAC4" winning area may or may not win the regular bonus when the gaming state is in the "RBB1 activated, RB activated, RB not internal" state. The "Replay" winning area is designed to win the regular bonus when the gaming state is in the "RBB1 activated, normal" state. The "Cherry" winning area may or may not win the first big bonus when the gaming state is in the "normal" state.

[0162] In addition, a "no win" area is provided as a winning area associated with a losing win.

[0163] Regarding the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, if the win flags for multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state at the same time, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that a predetermined winning combination is achieved according to the priority order set for each combination. In this embodiment, the priority order is set as "replay > bonus > minor combination." The reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing the winning mode of a combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing the winning mode of a combination with a lower priority.

[0164] 15, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state among a general state, an RBB1 internal state, an RBB1 operating state, an RBB2 internal state, and an RBB2 operating state. The RBB1 operating state includes an RBB1 operating general state, an RBB1 operating RB internal state, and an RBB1 operating RB operating state. The RBB1 operating RB operating state includes an RBB1 operating RB operating RB not internal state and an RBB1 operating RB operating RB internal state.

[0165] Furthermore, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the general state, the first big bonus and the second big bonus are set as the objects of the lottery, and the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the regular bonus is excluded from the objects of the lottery. Furthermore, in the RBB1 internal state, the RBB2 internal state, the RBB1 activated RB internal state, and the RBB1 activated RB activated RB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the first big bonus, the second big bonus, and the regular bonus are excluded from the objects of the lottery. Furthermore, in the RBB1 activated general state and the RBB1 activated RB activated RB non-internal state, the regular bonus is set as the object of the lottery, and the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the first big bonus and the second big bonus are excluded from the objects of the lottery.

[0166] The game state is initially in the normal state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win," "Replay," "Winning Symbol A," "Winning Symbol B," "Winning Symbol C," "Cherry," "RBB1," and "RBB2" are set as the lottery targets. Also, in the normal state, when the winning area "Cherry" is won, the first big bonus or the second big bonus may be won simultaneously, or neither bonus may be won simultaneously. Furthermore, transitions from the normal state to the RBB1 internal state and the RBB2 internal state are possible. When the first big bonus is won in the normal state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB1 internal state. Also, when the second big bonus is won in the normal state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB2 internal state.

[0167] The RBB1 internal state is a gaming state to which the game enters when the first big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB1 internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win," "Replay," "Winning Symbol A," "Winning Symbol B," "Winning Symbol C," and "Cherry" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB1 internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the first big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the first big bonus is won. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state from the RBB1 internal state to the RBB1 operating state, specifically, the RBB1 operating normal state.

[0168] The RBB1 operation general state is a game state that is triggered by the display of a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first big bonus on the pay line. In the RBB1 operation general state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "Replay," "Winning Role A," "Winning Role B," "Winning Role C," and "RB" are set as the lottery targets. Also, in the RBB1 operation general state, when the "Replay" winning area is won, the regular bonus is (always) won as well. Furthermore, it is possible to transition from the RBB1 operation general state to the RBB1 operation RB internal state. When a regular bonus is won in the RBB1 operation general state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB1 operation RB internal state.

[0169] The RBB1 operating RB internal state is a gaming state transitioned to when a regular bonus is won in an internal lottery during the RBB1 operating state. In the RBB1 operating RB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win," "Replay," "Winning Symbol A," "Winning Symbol B," "Winning Symbol C," and "Cherry" are set as the lottery targets. Furthermore, in the RBB1 operating RB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in a winning state until the regular bonus is won. When a symbol combination indicating a winning form of the regular bonus is displayed on the pay line, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state from the RBB1 operating RB internal state to the RBB1 operating RB operating state, specifically, the RBB1 operating RB non-internal state.

[0170] The RBB1 active, RB active, RB not internal state is a game state that is triggered when a symbol combination indicating a regular bonus winning form appears on the pay line in the RBB1 active, RB internal state. In the RBB1 active, RB active, RB not internal state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table that sets the winning areas "JAC3" and "JAC4" as the lottery targets. Furthermore, in the RBB1 active, RB active, RB not internal state, when the winning area "JAC4" is won, the regular bonus may be won twice or neither bonus may be won twice. Furthermore, the RBB1 active, RB active, RB not internal state can transition to the RBB1 active, RB active, RB internal state and the RBB1 active, general state. When a regular bonus is won in the RBB1 active, RB active, RB not internal state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB1 active, RB active, RB internal state. In addition, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state to the RBB operating general state when the termination condition of the RBB1 operating RB operating state is met before a regular bonus is won in the RBB1 operating RB operating RB non-internal state. Here, the termination condition of the RBB1 operating RB operating state may be, for example, that the number of times of winning of a small role in the RBB1 operating RB operating state reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times), or that the number of times of play reaches a predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times).

[0171] The RBB1 operating, RB operating, RB internal state is a gaming state to which the game state is transitioned when a regular bonus is won in an internal lottery in the RBB1 operating, RB operating, RB not internal state. In the RBB1 operating, RB operating, RB internal state, the internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "JAC3" and "JAC4" are set as the lottery targets. Also, in the RBB1 operating, RB operating, RB internal state, if the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in a winning state and the termination condition of the RBB1 operating, RB operating, RB internal state is met, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state to the RBB1 operating, RB internal state.

[0172] Furthermore, in the RBB1 operation state, it is determined whether or not the termination condition has been met based on the total number of medals paid out through play in the RBB1 operation state, and when medals exceeding a predetermined number (for example, 285 medals) have been paid out, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB1 operation state and returns the game state to the general state. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the win flag for the regular bonus is set to a win state at the end of the RBB1 operation state, the win flag for the regular bonus is reset to a non-win state when the RBB1 operation state ends.

[0173] The RBB2 internal state is a gaming state to which the game enters when the second big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB2 internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win," "Replay," "Winning Symbol A," "Winning Symbol B," "Winning Symbol C," and "Cherry" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB2 internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the second big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the second big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state from the RBB2 internal state to the RBB2 operating state.

[0174] The RBB2 active state is a game state that is triggered when the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of the second big bonus is displayed on the pay line. In the RBB2 active state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table that sets the winning areas "JAC1" and "JAC2" as the lottery targets.

[0175] In addition, in the RBB2 operating state, the total number of medals paid out through play in the RBB2 operating state determines whether the termination condition has been met, and if more than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 117 medals) have been paid out, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB2 operating state and returns the game state to the general state.

[0176] In this embodiment, it is possible to win a regular bonus even when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, but when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, the reel control means 43 performs stop control so that the pattern combination that indicates the winning form of the regular bonus is not displayed on the pay line.

[0177] In this embodiment, the number of medals that can be acquired when each winning area containing a small winning combination is won is set as shown in FIG.

[0178] That is, in the winning area "winning role A," one medal can be won if it is won in the normal state, one medal can be won if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and four medals can be won if it is won in the RBB1 operating state. In other words, in the winning area "winning role A," a one-coin role can be won if it is won in the normal state, a one-coin role can be won if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and a four-coin role can be won if it is won in the RBB1 operating state.

[0179] In addition, the winning area "winning role B" can win one medal if it is won in the normal state, can win four medals if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can win four medals if it is won in the RBB1 operating state. In other words, the winning area "winning role B" can win a one-coin role if it is won in the normal state, can win a four-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can win a four-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 operating state.

[0180] In addition, the winning area "winning role C" can win four medals if it is won in the normal state, can win four medals if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can win four medals if it is won in the RBB1 operating state. In other words, the winning area "winning role C" can win a four-coin role if it is won in the normal state, can win a four-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can win a four-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 operating state.

[0181] In addition, the winning area "Cherry" can be won with 4 medals if it is won in the normal state, can be won with 4 medals if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can be won with 4 medals if it is won in the RBB1 operating state. In other words, the winning area "Cherry" can be won with a 4-coin role if it is won in the normal state, can be won with a 4-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 internal state or the RBB2 internal state, and can be won with a 4-coin role if it is won in the RBB1 operating state.

[0182] In addition, the winning area "JAC1" can win 13 medals if it is won while RBB2 is in operation. In other words, the winning area "JAC1" can win 13 medals if it is won while RBB2 is in operation. In addition, the 13-piece role (small role 2) can only be won when RBB2 is in operation, and cannot be won in other game states.

[0183] In addition, the winning area "JAC2" can win 13 medals if it is won while RBB2 is in operation. In other words, the winning area "JAC2" can win 13 medals if it is won while RBB2 is in operation.

[0184] In addition, the winning area "JAC3" can win 15 medals if it is won while RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation. In other words, the winning area "JAC3" is designed to win 15 medals if it is won while RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation. In addition, the 15-piece role (small role 1) can only be won when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, and cannot be won in other game states.

[0185] In addition, the winning area "JAC4" can win 15 medals if it is won while RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation. In other words, the winning area "JAC4" can win 15 medals if it is won while RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation.

[0186] The number of medals that can be won for each winning area containing a small winning combination, as explained here, is the maximum number of medals that can be won when that winning area is won. When each winning area containing a small winning combination is won, the number of medals explained here may be won (each combination will always win) regardless of the manner of the stopping operation. Also, depending on the manner of the stopping operation, there may be cases where the number of medals explained here cannot be won (each combination does not win). In other words, depending on the manner of the stopping operation, there may be cases where fewer medals than the number of medals explained here are won, or no medals can be won (none of the small winning combinations win).

[0187] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a four-coin role when each winning area is won is different for each game state. Specifically, the RBB1 internal state, RBB2 internal state, and RBB1 operating state are more likely to win a four-coin role when the winning area "winning role B" is won than the general state, and the RBB1 internal state, RBB2 internal state, and RBB1 operating state are more likely to win a four-coin role (higher probability of winning a four-coin role) than the general state. Also, the RBB1 operating state is more likely to win a four-coin role when the winning area "winning role A" is won than the general state, RBB1 internal state, and RBB2 internal state, and the RBB1 operating state is more likely to win a four-coin role (higher probability of winning a four-coin role) than the general state, RBB1 internal state, and RBB2 internal state. Here, "it is easy to win" may mean, for example, that the probability of winning is high when a game is played so that the batting order and the timing of each stop operation are randomly determined for each game. Also, "it is easy to win" may mean, for example, that the probability of winning is high when a game is played so that the batting order follows a predetermined rule and the timing of each stop operation is randomly determined for each game. Also, for those who find it difficult to win, the probability of winning a 4-piece combination may be 0%. In this way, by making it easier to obtain a four-coin combination in the RBB1 internal state, the RBB2 internal state, and the RBB1 operating state (RB inactive state while RBB1 is operating), it is possible to reduce the combination ratio (continuous combination ratio), which is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out by the operation of combinations to the total number of medals paid out when a predetermined number of games are played. In other words, by configuring it in this way, it is possible to reduce the proportion of medals paid out in the RBB1 operating RB operating state and the RBB2 operating state out of the total number of medals paid out throughout all game states, thereby reducing the combination ratio (continuous combination ratio). Furthermore, by making it easier to obtain a four-coin combination in the RBB1 internal state, the RBB2 internal state, and the RBB1 operating state (RB inactive state while RBB1 is operating), it is possible to keep the combination ratio (continuous combination ratio) within an appropriate range even if the expected value of the payout rate in the general operating state is reduced. In this embodiment, by making it more difficult to obtain a four-coin combination in the general state compared to the RBB1 internal state, the RBB2 internal state, and the RBB1 operating state, the expected value of the payout rate in the general state is lowered. By lowering the expected value of the payout rate in the general state, it becomes easier to keep the gaming machine's performance in acquiring game value within an appropriate range, even if the probability of winning a bonus (first big bonus or second big bonus) is set high or the expected value of the increase in the number of medals in one bonus (first big bonus or second big bonus) is set high. Therefore, this configuration lowers the expected value of the payout rate in the general state in which a player generally stays when playing, and increases the expectation for acquiring game value through bonuses, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game.

[0188] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a replay is higher in the RBB1 operation general state and the RBB1 operation RB internal state than in the general state, the RBB1 internal state, and the RBB2 internal state. Specifically, the probability of winning a replay is approximately 1 / 7.3 in the general state, the RBB1 internal state, and the RBB2 internal state, while the probability of winning a replay is approximately 1 / 2 in the RBB1 operation general state and the RBB1 operation RB internal state. Note that the probability of winning a replay is equal in the general state, the RBB1 internal state, and the RBB2 internal state. Furthermore, the probability of winning a replay is equal in the RBB1 operation general state and the RBB1 operation RB internal state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a replay is not changed for all bonuses when a bonus is won. Specifically, in this embodiment, when any of the first, second, and third Big Bonus is won, the probability of any of the replay winning areas being won in the internal lottery (the combined probability of the winning probabilities of each replay winning area) does not change, and the winning probability of each replay winning area does not change (the winning probability of any replay winning area does not change). Also, in this embodiment, when the first Big Bonus is won (when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first Big Bonus is displayed on the pay line), the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed (increased). In other words, when the first Big Bonus is won, the winning probability of at least one of the replay winning areas is changed (increased). In this embodiment, only the winning area "Replay" is provided as a winning area that includes a replay. In other words, in this embodiment, the "probability of any of the winning areas related to replays being won" and the "probability of each winning area related to replays being won" can also be said to be the probability of winning the winning area "Replay". In other words, in the case of the "probability of any of the winning areas related to replays being won" and the "probability of each winning area related to replays being won", only one winning area related to replays may be provided. Furthermore, a winning area other than the winning area "Replay" may be provided as a winning area that includes a replay.

[0189] Also, when RBB1 is in operation and in the normal state, the regular bonus may be won by winning the winning area "RB" alone, or it may be won in combination with the winning area "Replay." Also, the probability of winning the winning area "RB" when RBB1 is in operation and in the normal state is approximately 1 / 933. In other words, when RBB1 is in operation and in the normal state, the probability of winning the regular bonus in combination with a replay (approximately 1 / 2) is much higher than the probability of winning the regular bonus alone (approximately 1 / 933). Also, when RBB1 is in operation and in the normal state, there is a high probability (approximately 1 / 2) of winning the regular bonus.

[0190] In addition, the probability of winning the winning area "non-winning" in the RB internal middle state while RBB1 is operating is equal to the probability of winning the winning area "RB" in the RBB1 normal middle state. In other words, in the RB internal middle state while RBB1 is operating, the probability that only the regular bonus winning flag will be set to the winning state as a result of the internal lottery is low (about 1 / 933), with about a 1 / 2 probability that the regular bonus winning flag and the replay winning flag will be overlapped and set to the winning state, and with about a 1 / 2 probability that the regular bonus winning flag and the small role winning flag will be overlapped and set to the winning state.

[0191] In this embodiment, the number of medals that can be won when each winning area containing a small prize is won and the probability of winning each winning area are set as described above, thereby reducing the probability of winning a regular bonus when playing using a specified playing method.

[0192] Specifically, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a replay is increased when the first big bonus is won, and in the RBB1 operation general state, the replay, which has an increased winning probability, and the regular bonus are both won. Therefore, the probability of winning a regular bonus and a replay is increased, and the regular bonus is almost always won in combination with a replay. Furthermore, in a game in which the regular bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a-20c so that the symbol combination representing the replay winning form is displayed on the pay line, so the regular bonus is not won in that game. In other words, in the RBB1 operation general state, the regular bonus can only be won in a game in which the regular bonus is won alone. Therefore, a direct transition from the RBB1 operation general state to the RBB1 operation RB operation state is rare, and in most cases, the transition occurs to the RBB1 operation RB internal state.

[0193] Furthermore, in the RB internal state during RBB1 operation, there is about a 1 / 2 probability that the regular bonus winning flag and the replay winning flag will overlap and be set to a winning state, but in this case, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbol combination indicating the replay winning form is displayed on the pay line, so the regular bonus will not be won. On the other hand, in the RB internal state during RBB1 operation, there is about a 1 / 2 probability that the regular bonus winning flag and the small role winning flag will overlap and be set to a winning state, but in this case, the reel control means 43 displays the symbol combination indicating the regular bonus winning form on the pay line when a stop operation is performed in the first stop operation mode that can display the symbol combination indicating the regular bonus winning form on the pay line, and displays the symbol combination indicating the small role (4-piece role) winning form on the pay line when a stop operation is performed in the second stop operation mode that cannot display the symbol combination indicating the regular bonus winning form on the pay line. That is, as mentioned above, in this embodiment, the reel control means 43 is configured to display the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of a bonus on the active line in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination indicating the winning form of a small prize, but in a situation where a regular bonus and a small prize (4-piece prize) are won in overlapping fashion while the RB is in the internal state during RBB1 operation, it is possible to avoid winning the regular bonus and win the small prize (4-piece prize) by performing a stop operation in a predetermined operation mode (second stop operation mode).

[0194] That is, in the RBB1 operation RB internal in-state, as a result of the internal lottery, it is possible to win a regular bonus either when the regular bonus winning flag and the small prize winning flag are both set to the winning state (when the small prize winning area is won), or when the regular bonus winning flag is set to the winning state alone (when the small prize winning area is won). Here, in the RBB1 operation RB internal in-state, all of the small prize winning areas are winning areas that can win a 4-coin role (i.e., a small prize with a payout greater than the number of insertions (prescribed number)) if they are won. Therefore, in a game in which a small prize winning area is won, there are advantages to performing a stop operation in the first stop operation mode to win a regular bonus and performing a stop operation in the second stop operation mode to win a small prize (4-coin role). Specifically, when a regular bonus is won, there is an advantage in that it can be transitioned to the regular bonus operation state (RBB1 operation RB operation state). On the other hand, when a small prize is won, there is an advantage that more medals can be won in the game than the number of medals inserted (prescribed number). When playing with a game method that selects the advantage of winning a small prize in the RB internal state during RBB1 operation, it is possible to win a regular bonus only when the regular bonus win flag is set to a win state alone (when the win area "non-win" is won). Therefore, when playing with this game method, the probability of winning a regular bonus is low.

[0195] In addition, as a winning area that is won in the general state, RBB1 internal state, RBB2 internal state, RBB1 operating general state, and RBB1 operating RB internal state, a small payout winning area that is a winning area containing a small role and that can win a predetermined number of medals of three or less when won may be provided. In other words, the small payout winning area may have a maximum number of medals that can be won when won (regardless of the game state) of three or less. Furthermore, when a small payout winning area is provided, the probability of winning the small payout winning area (the probability of winning each of the small payout winning areas or the probability of winning any of the small payout winning areas) is preferably sufficiently lower (for example, 1 / 10 or less, more preferably 1 / 100 or less) than the probability of winning any of the winning areas that can win four or more medals (for example, the probability of winning any of the winning areas "winning role A," "winning role B," and "winning role C"). In this way, by lowering the probability of winning the small payout winning area, when a regular bonus and a small win are set to a winning state in an overlapping manner, if the maximum payout for the small win (the payout for the small win with the maximum payout set among the overlapping winning small wins) is less than or equal to the specified number (number of throws), the regular bonus is won, and if the maximum payout for the small win is more than the specified number (number of throws), the small win with the maximum payout (payout greater than the specified number) is won, the probability of winning the regular bonus is lower when playing in this manner.

[0196] In this embodiment, the winning probability of a replay is changed (increased) when the first big bonus is won (activated) (with the start of the RBB1 operation general state), and the winning probability of a regular bonus is also increased (note that "increase" includes the case where the winning probability before the increase was 0%). Specifically, with the start of the RBB1 operation general state, the winning probability of at least one of the replay-related winning areas is changed, and in the RBB1 operation general state, a predetermined replay-related winning area (the "replay" winning area) and the regular bonus are overlappingly won. More specifically, in the RBB1 operation general state, the "replay" winning area, the winning probability of which increases with the start of the RBB1 operation general state, and the regular bonus are overlappingly won. That is, in this embodiment, the winning probability of the replay changes and the winning probability of the regular bonus increases upon winning (activation) of the first big bonus. Furthermore, by making it so that a predetermined winning area related to the replay and the regular bonus overlap in the normal state during RBB operation, the winning probability of the first big bonus changes with the activation of the first big bonus and the regular bonus overlap in the normal state during RBB operation. In this way, by making the winning probability of the changes with the activation of the first big bonus overlap in the normal state during RBB operation, the validity of increasing the winning probability of the regular bonus is ensured, and it becomes possible to play without discomfort. In other words, in this embodiment, the winning probability of the winning area related to the small bonus does not change (increase) with winning (activation) of the first big bonus, so that the winning area related to the small bonus and the regular bonus do not overlap in the normal state during RBB operation. In this embodiment, the number of values ​​(also referred to as the number of places) for each winning area is determined as follows: The "number of values" is a numerical value indicating the range of wins among the entire range of random number values ​​(e.g., 0 to 65535) obtained by the internal lottery. In other words, the number of values ​​indicates the number of random numbers associated with each winning area. For example, a winning area with a number of values ​​set to 8978 has a winning probability of approximately 1 / 7.3 (=8978 / 65536). In this embodiment, for the normal middle state, the RBB1 internal middle state, and the RBB2 internal middle state, the number of values ​​for the "replay" winning area is set to 8978, and the probability of winning the "replay" winning area (the probability of winning any of the replay-related winning areas) is set to approximately 1 / 7.3. In this embodiment, for the general state during RBB1 operation, the value of the "Replay" winning area is set to 32510, and the probability of winning the "Replay" winning area (the probability of winning any of the replay-related winning areas) is set to approximately 1 / 2.0. For the general state during RBB1 operation, when the "Replay" winning area is won, a regular bonus is also won. For the general state during RBB1 operation, the total value of the winning areas "Non-Win," "RBB1," and "RBB2" is set to 23598, and for the RBB1 internal state and the RBB internal state, the value of the "Non-Win" winning area is set to 23598. In other words, in this embodiment, for the general state, the RBB1 internal state, and the RBB internal state, the probability of not winning either the small win or the replay is set to approximately 1 / 2.8. For the general state during RBB1 operation, the value of the "RB" winning area is set to "66." That is, in this embodiment, for the general state during RBB1 operation, the probability of not winning either a small win or a replay is set to approximately 1 / 993.0.

[0197] In this embodiment, in the RBB1 operation general state and the RBB1 operation RB internal state, it is set so that there are cases where the regular bonus winning flag is set to the winning state alone (when the winning area "RB" or "no winning"), but it is also possible to prevent the regular bonus winning flag from being set to the winning state alone in both or at least one of the RBB operation general state and the RBB1 operation RB internal state. In other words, in the internal lottery in the RBB1 operation general state, the regular bonus may always be won in combination with a replay (or small winning combination). Also, in the internal lottery in the RBB1 operation RB internal state, it is also possible to prevent cases where neither combination is won (when the winning area "no winning combination" is won).

[0198] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the regular bonus winning flag and the small win winning flag are overlappingly set to a winning state in the RB internal state during RBB1 operation, there are cases where a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus is displayed depending on the type of stop operation, and cases where a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the small win is displayed, but it is also possible to always display a pattern combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus regardless of the type of stop operation.

[0199] In this embodiment, for the first Big Bonus, a regular bonus is provided as a shift role, and the winning probability of a small role is not changed (increased) when the gaming state transitions from the RBB1 internal state to the RBB1 operating state, but is changed (increased) when the gaming state transitions to the RBB1 operating RB operating state. On the other hand, for the second Big Bonus, no shift role is provided, and the winning probability of a small role is changed (increased) when the gaming state transitions from the RBB2 internal state to the RBB2 operating state. That is, for the first Big Bonus, if a regular bonus as a shift role is won after winning the first Big Bonus, the winning probability of a small role is changed (increased), whereas for the second Big Bonus, the winning probability of a small role is changed (increased) when winning the second Big Bonus. Therefore, in the RBB2 operating state, a game can be started in which it is easy to increase medals without waiting for a shift role to be won, providing a comfortable and fast-paced game. Furthermore, in the RBB2 operating state, in which a game that makes it easy to increase the number of medals is immediately started, the expected number of medals to be increased (the number of medals to be paid out that is the termination condition) is set to be less than in the RBB1 operating state, thereby preventing the gaming machine from having excessive gaming value acquisition capabilities. In addition, for the second big bonus, a regular bonus or the like may be provided as a shift combination, and when the second big bonus is won, the probability of winning a small combination may not change (increase), but when a shift combination is won after winning the second big bonus, the probability of winning a small combination may change (increase). In addition, the regular bonus (shift combination) in this case may be the same as or different from the regular bonus (shift combination) related to the first big bonus.

[0200] In this embodiment, the expected value of the ball payout rate may be set as follows. That is, when the expected value of the ball payout rate is calculated according to the following (1) to (5), the expected value of the ball payout rate in the RB internal state during RBB1 operation (shift internal state) may be set to be less than 220% or less than 150%. Also, when the expected value of the ball payout rate is calculated according to the following (1) to (6), the expected value of the ball payout rate in the RBB1 operation state (throughout the entire RBB1 operation state) may be set to be less than 220% or less than 150%. (1) The number of payouts for the game in which the replay was won is set to 0, and the number of coins inserted for the next game in which the replay was won is set to 0. (2) When the regular bonus (shift role) is set to a winning state by itself, or when the regular bonus (shift role) and a small role are set to a winning state in overlapping and the number of payouts is maximized by winning the small role, the number of payouts is equal to or less than the specified number (number of inputs), the symbol combination showing the winning form of the regular bonus (shift role) is displayed on the active line. (3) If a regular bonus (shift combination) and a small combination are set to a winning state and the payout number becomes greater than the specified number (number of insertions) when the small combination is won in a manner that maximizes the payout number, the small combination is won in a manner that maximizes the payout number (reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that the payout number becomes the maximum). (4) When a regular bonus (shift role) and a replay are overlapping and set to a winning state, a symbol combination showing the winning form of the replay is displayed on the active line. (5) When only a small win (one or more small wins) is set to a winning state, the small win is awarded in a manner that maximizes the payout amount (reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that the payout amount is maximized). (6) In the RB operating state (shift operating state) during RBB1 operation, even if the regular bonus (shift role) is set to a winning state, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the regular bonus (shift role) is not displayed on the activated line. Also, in the RB operating state (shift operating state) during RBB1 operation, if the regular bonus (shift role) and the small role overlap and are set to a winning state, the small role is won in a manner that maximizes the payout number (reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that the payout number is maximized). Note that (1) to (6) merely prescribe the calculation method for calculating the expected value of the payout rate. Even if some of the configurations described in (1) to (6) do not exist, as long as the expected value of the payout rate is calculated according to (1) to (6) (or (1) to (5)) for the configurations other than the non-existent configuration, it can be said that the expected value of the payout rate for the target gaming machine (game state) is calculated according to (1) to (6) (or (1) to (5)). Specifically, for example, even in a gaming machine in which the regular bonus is never set to a winning state by itself, a gaming machine in which the maximum payout of a minor combination that is set to a winning state in combination with the regular bonus is always greater than the specified number (number of balls inserted), or a gaming machine in which the regular bonus is never set to a winning state when the RBB1 or RB is operating, the expected value of the payout rate is calculated according to (1) to (6).

[0201] (Variation 1) A first modified example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In this modified example, the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B" shown in FIG. 16 are prepared as winning areas that are won in the RBB1 activated RB activated state. Also, in the RBB1 activated RB activated RB not inside state, when the winning area "JAC_A" is won, there are cases where the regular bonus is won twice, and cases where neither bonus is won twice. On the other hand, in the RBB1 activated RB activated RB inside state, there are cases where the regular bonus is won twice when the winning area "JAC_A" is won.

[0202] In addition, in the internal lottery when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, the probability of winning the winning area "JAC_A" is set to be higher than the probability of winning the winning area "JAC_B". In addition, in the internal lottery when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, the probability of winning the regular bonus twice when the winning area "JAC_A" is won is set to be higher than the probability of not winning the regular bonus twice. In this modified example, for the RBB1 operating RB operating state, no winning areas other than the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B" are prepared, and one of the winning areas will always be won, but it may also be possible to win a winning area other than the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B".

[0203] FIG. 16 shows the relationship between the manner of stop operation and winning combination when the winning area "JAC_A" or "JAC_B" is won in the RBB1 operating RB operating state.

[0204] As shown in Figure 16, the winning area "JAC_A" is designed so that if the stop operation is performed in a specific batting order (left push), a 15-piece role will be awarded, and if the stop operation is performed in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular push), a 1-piece role can be awarded. Note that if the stop operation is performed in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular push), a 1-piece role may always be awarded, or there may be cases where the 1-piece role is missed.

[0205] In addition, the winning area "JAC_B" will result in a 15-coin winning combination regardless of the stopping operation in any batting order.

[0206] By providing such a winning area "JAC_A", it is possible to lower the expected value of the payout rate when playing using a batting order other than the specific batting order in the RBB1 / RB operating state, and to make the gaming value acquisition performance of the gaming machine appropriate. Also, by providing a winning area "JAC_B", it is possible to prevent the expected value of the payout rate from dropping too much when playing using a batting order other than the specific batting order in the RBB1 / RB operating state. It is not necessary to prepare a winning area "JAC_B." In other words, when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, if the stop operation is performed in a specific batting order (pushing left), more medals can be obtained (the expected value of the payout number can be made higher) regardless of the result of the internal lottery (for all games) compared to if the stop operation is performed in another batting order (irregular pressing).

[0207] (Variation 2) A second modified example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment will be described. In this modified example, the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B" shown in FIG. 17 are prepared as winning areas that are won in the RBB1 activated RB activated state. Also, in the RBB1 activated RB activated RB not inside state, when the winning area "JAC_A" is won, there are cases where the regular bonus is won twice, and cases where neither bonus is won twice. On the other hand, in the RBB1 activated RB activated RB inside state, there are cases where the regular bonus is won twice, when the winning area "JAC_A" is won.

[0208] In addition, in the internal lottery when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, the probability of winning the winning area "JAC_A" is set to be higher than the probability of winning the winning area "JAC_B". In addition, in the internal lottery when RBB1 is in operation and RB is in operation, the probability of winning the regular bonus twice when the winning area "JAC_A" is won is set to be higher than the probability of not winning the regular bonus twice. In this modified example, for the RBB1 operating RB operating state, no winning areas other than the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B" are prepared, and one of the winning areas will always be won, but it may also be possible to win a winning area other than the winning areas "JAC_A" and "JAC_B".

[0209] FIG. 17 shows the relationship between the manner of stop operation and winning combination when the winning area "JAC_A" or "JAC_B" is won in the RBB1 operating RB operating state.

[0210] As shown in FIG. 17, the winning area "JAC_A" is configured such that a 15-coin combination is awarded when a stop operation is performed in a specific batting order (left-clicking), and an 11-coin combination (a combination that pays out 11 medals when a win occurs) is awarded when a stop operation is performed in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular button pressing). Specifically, an 11-coin combination is awarded when a stop operation is performed in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular button pressing) and a specific stop operation is performed at a specific timing. Furthermore, a 1-coin combination is awarded when a stop operation is performed in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular button pressing) and a specific stop operation is performed at a timing other than the specific timing. Here, a specific stop operation performed at a specific timing may be when a specific symbol on a specific reel 20a-20c within a specific range is located at a specific display position (e.g., on a pay line) and the stop button 26a-26c corresponding to the specific reel is operated. In other words, the winning area "JAC_A" can be entered by performing the stopping operation in a batting order other than the specific batting order (irregular pressing) and pressing the buttons at the right time to win an 11-piece role.

[0211] In addition, the winning area "JAC_B" is designed to win a 15-coin combination regardless of the order of play (operation mode) in which the stop operation is performed.

[0212] In the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, a four-coin combination may be won during the period from when the machine transitions to the RBB1 operating state (the RBB1 operating normal state) until when the machine transitions to the RBB1 operating RB operating state. Meanwhile, the RBB1 operating state ends when the total number of medals paid out during play in the RBB1 operating state exceeds 285. Therefore, the maximum number of medals that can be won during the RBB1 operating state is achieved by ensuring that the total number of medals paid out during play in the RBB1 operating state is a multiple of 15. Therefore, if a four-coin combination is won during the period, the number of medals that can be won may decrease. Therefore, in this modified example, a winning area "JAC_A" is provided that allows for the winning of an 11-coin combination. By performing a stop operation to win an 11-coin combination equal to the number of four-coin combinations won during the period, the total number of medals paid out during play in the RBB1 operating state can be restored to a multiple of 15. Therefore, the performance of acquiring game value when RBB1 is in operation can be improved. In addition, for the winning area "JAC_A", it is possible to make it so that an 11-coin combination is always won by performing the stopping operation in a predetermined hitting order (irregular pressing) without requiring the eye-pressing. However, by making it so that a 1-coin combination can be won in the winning area "JAC_A", it is possible to reduce the expected value of the payout rate when playing with a predetermined playing method, as in the case of variant 1. It is not necessary to prepare the winning area "JAC_B". In other words, in the internal lottery during the RBB1 operation and RB operation state, the winning mode that can win 11 coins (and the winning mode that can win 15 coins) can be always obtained.

[0213] In the above-described embodiments, games are played using medals as game value, but the game value may be electronic information (so-called medalless). In this case, when a winning combination is achieved, the amount of value corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the player in the form of electronic information.

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the game control mode and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the above-described control operation can be applied not only to slot machines, but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.

[0215] It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the embodiments may be freely combined, or any of the components of the embodiments may be modified, or any of the components of the embodiments may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 20a, 20b, 20c reels 42 Internal lottery procedures 43 Reel control means 45 Withdrawal control means 49 Game status control means

Claims

[Claim 1] A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged; An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in response to a stop operation so that a symbol corresponding to the result of the internal lottery among symbols present within a predetermined pull-in range is displayed on an active line; A winning determination means for determining a winning combination; A payout control means for controlling the awarding of a game value according to the payout of the small winning combination based on the winning of the small winning combination; and a game state control means for transitioning the game state between a plurality of game states including a first game state in which a state in which a special role is won is maintained, and a second game state to which the game state transitions when the special role is won. The small role includes the first small role, The winning patterns obtained in the internal lottery include a plurality of specific winning patterns, The specific winning mode is a winning mode in which multiple types of small winning combinations with different payouts are won in overlapping fashion, and when the specific winning mode is obtained by the internal lottery in the first gaming state, if a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which a specific reel among the multiple reels is stopped first, one of the small winning combinations will always win, and if a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which a predetermined reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, it is a winning mode in which none of the small winning combinations will win, The specific winning modes include a first winning mode and a second winning mode, The first winning mode and the second winning mode are winning modes in which a plurality of types of small winnings including the first small winnings are overlappingly won, Among the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the special combination, a first symbol is set as a symbol relating to the predetermined reel, Among the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the first minor combination, a second symbol different from the first symbol is set as a symbol relating to the predetermined reel. Gaming machine.

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