gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preventing a decline in the marketability of the game machine. [Solution] The effect control means executes a specific effect when, in a favorable zone, the multiple stop buttons are operated in a second operation mode without indicating the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons that will enable a winning combination, and when, in a non-favorable zone, the multiple stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode. The AT control means does not award a bonus related to the instruction function if, in a favorable zone, the multiple stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode without indicating the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons that will enable a winning combination, and if a specific condition related to the result of an internal lottery is met in the next game. The gaming machine is capable of awarding a bonus when, in a game in a non-favorable zone in which a specific effect has been executed, the game transitions from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone and a specific condition is met in the game following that game.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on their outer peripheries have been known. These types of gaming machines assign a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire these gaming media. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines perform an internal lottery and start the rotation of the multiple reels when the player initiates a spin operation, and stop the multiple reels in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery when the player initiates a stop operation. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on a winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals or other items are paid out according to the game result.

[0003] In the gaming machine described above, by transitioning to an assist time state, which is a presentation state in which a winning assistance effect is executed to assist in the winning of a winning role, the probability of winning a specific role can be varied, making it easier to acquire gaming value.In addition, when the winning assistance effect is not being executed, if multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation sequence that increases the probability of winning the specific role, a configuration is known in which control processing is performed that is disadvantageous to the player across multiple games (for example, Patent Document 1). [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] In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines that limit the period during which control related to the instruction function, including the winning assistance control in the assist time state, can be executed to a specific section (advantageous section), and that prohibit the execution of control related to the instruction function in a section (non-advantageous section) different from the specific section, thereby preventing excessive payout of gaming value. In a case where a gaming machine is configured to be able to execute control processing that is disadvantageous to a player across multiple games, as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, the control processing cannot be executed in a non-advantageous section. However, if the player determines that the section is a non-advantageous section, the player may determine that the gaming machine has been initialized due to a setting change, which could lead to the gaming machine's lack of gameplay and could reduce the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the marketability of the gaming machine from declining. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a reel system including: Multiple stop buttons and an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery; A control means for controlling the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section; A performance control means for controlling the performance, the plurality of reels includes a specific reel, the plurality of stop buttons includes a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel, the operation modes of the plurality of stop buttons include a first operation mode and a second operation mode; The first operation mode is an operation mode in which the specific stop button is operated first (for example, batting order 1, batting order 2, paragraph

[0185] , Figure 8, Figure 9), The second operation mode is an operation mode in which a stop button different from the specific stop button is first operated (for example, batting order 3 to batting order 6, paragraph

[0185] , Figure 8, Figure 9), The non-advantageous section is a section in which control related to the instruction function is not executed, The advantageous section is a section in which control related to the instruction function can be executed, When the instruction function is not activated, an expected value of game value to be acquired when a game is played by operating the plurality of stop buttons in the first operation mode is lower than an expected value of game value to be acquired when a game is played by operating the plurality of stop buttons in the second operation mode, The effect control means executes a specific effect (for example, an effect suggesting an unfavorable state, paragraphs

[0263] ,

[0264] , FIG. 15) when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in a state in which an operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons that makes it possible to win a winning combination is not suggested in the advantageous section, The effect control means executes the specific effect when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the non-advantageous section in the second operation mode, The specific effect is not executed when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode, When the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone without indicating the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons that makes it possible to win a winning combination, and when a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery is established in the next game (for example, when the winning areas "Transitional combination 1" to "Transitional combination 4" are won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2, paragraph

[0123] ), the control means does not grant a benefit related to the instruction function (for example, transition to CZ state, paragraph

[0123] ), The present invention is characterized in that, in a game in which the specific effect is executed in the non-advantageous zone, the bonus can be granted if there is a transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone and the specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery is met in the next game of the game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the marketability of the gaming machine from decreasing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing winning areas that can be won by internal lottery in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and winning combinations included in each winning area. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram showing winning symbol combinations of small winning combinations 1 to 17 and payouts for small winning combinations 1 to 17 in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram showing winning symbol combinations of small winning combinations 18 to 30 and payouts for small winning combinations 18 to 30 in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order and the winning probability of each small winning combination when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in a non-RT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure shows the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in the RBB internal state in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, and the winning probability of each small winning combination. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in the RBB state in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, and the winning probability of each small winning combination. [Figure 11] 10 is a table summarizing the small winning combinations that are awarded based on winnings for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]A flowchart showing the processing related to updating the AT high probability counter executed by the AT control means in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the small winning combinations that can be won and the small winning combinations that do not win when each winning area including a small winning combination is won in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the recommended order notification effect executed in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] (A) is a diagram illustrating the winning history display that is updated when the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state in an gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention; (B) is a diagram illustrating the state when the next game starts from the state shown in (A), and the game ends when the stop button is stopped in batting orders 3 to 6; (C) is a diagram illustrating the state when the next game starts from the state shown in (B), and the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery; and (D) is a diagram illustrating the state when the next game starts from the state shown in (B), and the winning area "transition role 1" to the winning area "transition role 4" is won in the internal lottery, and the stop button is stopped in batting orders 1 and 2. [Figure 16] (A) is a diagram showing a state in which a recommended order notification effect is executed based on the stop button being stopped at batting orders 3 to 6 during play in a non-advantageous zone in a gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, and the game transitions to an advantageous zone and is set to a second starting state; (B) is a diagram explaining a state in which the next game starts from the state shown in (A), and the winning area is selected in an internal lottery for one of the winning areas "common bell," "cherry," or "chance role"; and (C) is a diagram explaining a state in which the next game starts from the state shown in (A), and the winning area is selected in an internal lottery for one of the winning areas "transition role 1" to "transition role 4," and the stop button is stopped at batting orders 1 and 2. [Figure 17]10 is a flowchart showing the process of setting an upper limit on the number of payouts in a gaming machine according to a modified example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 410, and an activated line L1 is set for an activated line formed by a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified number (specified number), is set to three (first specified number) or two (second specified number), and when medals equivalent to the specified number are inserted, an activated line L1 formed by the upper row of the left reel R1, the middle row of the center reel R2, and the lower row of the right reel R3 is activated.

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

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

[0018] In addition, the lower front door DD is provided with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D is composed of a 7-segment display or the like, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to the payout of medals. The alert display displayed on the main control display device 10D corresponds to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in the current game, when a specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0019] In addition, the front lower door DD is provided with a game medal count display device MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see Figure 2). The game medal count display device MD is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual receptacle by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0020] The front lower door DD is provided with a plurality of sound devices 420 for producing sound effects. The sound devices 420 output a variety of sounds to assist and liven up the game.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game played using game values. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the presentation related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and controls the number of game medals by being configured to be able to communicate with the dedicated unit SU.

[0022] The main control CPU 11 functions as setting change means 100, deposit acceptance means 105, random number generation means 110, internal lottery means 120, reel control means 130, winning determination means 140, payout control means 150, game state transition control means 160, assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0023] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. The setting change means 100 operates when a setting key is inserted into a setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10 and the setting key is turned, turning on the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC. When the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permitted state in which setting changes are permitted. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to the setting change permitted state when the setting change switch SS is in the ON state while the power is on.

[0024] In the setting change permitted state, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... → Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided on the power supply device, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of a combination in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control relating to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control relating to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later, and the control relating to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 170 before the setting change is also initialized to set a non-advantageous zone. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power interruption) and the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is not executed until the power supply is resumed, the control relating to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control relating to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption, and the control relating to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 170 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

[0026] The deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number is stored in the medal number counter 311 described below during the deposit acceptance period for accepting the deposit of electronic medals, and sets the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 to an inserted state up to the specified number set for each game state, and performs processing to enable the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that electronic medals equivalent to the specified number have been set to the inserted state.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the first pressing of the start lever SL, which is enabled based on the setting of the inserted state of electronic medals equivalent to the specified number, is accepted as a game start operation by the player, which triggers the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also triggers the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery. The specified number set for each game state will be described later in detail.

[0028] In addition, the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period from when the electronic medals are set to the inserted state until the start lever SL is operated to cancel the inserted state and adds the same number of electronic medals set to the inserted state to the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling the electronic medals set to the inserted state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lotteries. In this embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore may function as random numbers.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on the start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, an internal lottery table to be used for the internal lottery is selected based on the current game state from among the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replays, small combinations, and bonuses, and non-wins (misses) are associated with each of multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0032] In the following description, a bonus means a role that activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device when won, a bonus being activated means that a bonus is won and activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, and a bonus state means that the reel or reel continuous operation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generation means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined based on the comparison result whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0034] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to a established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are simultaneously won, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations are set to an established state. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment provides a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over its established state to the next game or thereafter until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unestablished state without carrying over its established state to the next game or thereafter regardless of whether a prize is won or not. In addition, the lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0035] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control, which starts the rotation of the left reels R1 to R3 and controls the rotation pattern of the left reels R1 to R3, based on the player's start operation of the start lever SL and the output of a start signal. Furthermore, when the left reels R1 to R3 are in a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (e.g., approximately 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate a stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 executes control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reels R1 to R3 corresponding to the stop button B1 to B3 that was operated to stop.

[0036] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and the player operates each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped by the time a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) has elapsed since the time when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop button B1 to B3 is also referred to as an operation. The slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed, but also when, for example, an operation of pressing the stop button B1 to B3 and then releasing the pressed stop button B1 to B3 is performed.

[0038] Here, when the rotating reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each rotating reel is configured to be able to rotate a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of five frames from the frame displayed on the pay line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops are the range (pull-in range) in which symbols can be pulled onto the pay line L1.

[0039] When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a predetermined priority through logic calculations including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a hit state can be won as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a non-hit state cannot be won, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel by reel stop control and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 is also referred to as a "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the candidate stop positions: a method for determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the activated line L1 (number priority control), and a method for determining the priority according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout predetermined for the small winning combination (number priority control). However, when the number priority control is executed, if multiple small winning combinations with the same payout are won, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each small winning combination is treated as being the same.

[0041] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, by referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, it determines whether the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped corresponds to a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. The winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of the winning combination (the symbol combination related to the winning combination) will also be referred to as the "winning symbol combination."

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination process by the winning determination means 140. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a small combination is won, a process is executed to determine the number of game medals to be paid out of electronic medals by the payout control means 150, when a replay is won, a process is executed to make the payout control means 150 execute the next game without consuming electronic medals, and when a combination that triggers a transition of the game state, such as a bonus, is won, a process is executed to make the game state transition control means 160 transition the game state.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the payout number of electronic medals in the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay out the medals.

[0044] Furthermore, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay among a plurality of types of replay roles described later has been stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the payout control means 150 performs a replay process (replay process) to set the machine to a ready state for the next game so that the game can be executed without inserting electronic medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a specified number of electronic medals without using the electronic medals in the player's possession, and the machine waits for the start operation of the start lever SL for the next game, with the same pay line L1 as in the previous game set.

[0045] In addition, in the slot machine 1, during the period from the game in which a replay is won until the start of the next game, i.e., during the period in which a specified number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process but the game has not started, even if the settlement button AB is operated, the number of game medals equal to the specified number will not be added to the medal number counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process for transitioning game states between multiple game states and a process for activation and termination of bonuses. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 196 to control the transition between advantageous zones (advantageous periods), which are zones (periods) during which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications on the main control display device 10D to assist in the winning of specific roles, can be executed, and non-advantageous zones (non-advantageous periods, normal zones), which are zones (periods) during which control related to instruction functions (control related to auxiliary games) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, and constitutes an instruction function control means (auxiliary game control means) that performs control related to non-advantageous zones, advantageous zones, and instruction functions.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by specified control processing) used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states, including normal states and AT states, that are executed within the advantageous zone.

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the presentation state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the advantageous zone, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win the specific role that has been won on the main control display device 10D consisting of a 7-segment display, thereby performing an operation notification to assist in the winning of the specific role. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the presentation control means 200, which will be described later, executes a navigation presentation in which an indicator corresponding to the correct batting order is displayed on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation presentation, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) that is advantageous to the player.

[0050] More specifically, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, which will be described later, is met, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined termination process that terminates the advantageous zone and starts a non-advantageous zone from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes information related to the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values ​​set within the advantageous zone.

[0051] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous zone difference number update process) that cumulatively records in the advantageous zone counter 196a the difference value (difference in number of medals, number of medals won) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the game that started the advantageous zone by the number of medals inserted. When the AT control means 170 is controlling in the advantageous zone, regardless of the game state, it executes advantageous zone difference number update process that cumulatively updates the value equivalent to the difference in number of medals to the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a.

[0052] Furthermore, in the advantageous zone difference number update process, when the number of medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number and the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is subtracted, the AT control means 170 also sets the subtracted result in the advantageous zone counter 196a even if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes less than the value "0." In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous zone counter 196a.

[0053] When more than 2400 medals are won in the advantageous zone, that is, when the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400," the AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, and executes a predetermined termination process that terminates the advantageous zone and starts a non-advantageous zone from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before the transition to a presentation state in which medals can be won, a total of 3301 medals can be won in the presentation state in which medals can be won: 900 medals until the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "0," and 2401 medals until the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0054] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous zone, such as each flag set to ON in the advantageous zone and values ​​set in the advantageous zone. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous zone when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) other than the specific end condition is met, and also executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined end process when the normal end condition is met. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0055] The complete control means 180 controls the activation of a complete function, which is a function that stops the slot machine 1 when the cumulative number of medals won since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete earned number update process) that cumulatively records the difference value (number of medals difference, number of medals won) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out in each game by the number of medals inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on in the earned medal number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the earned medal number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0056] In a complete winning number update process that updates the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a, if the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a is subtracted because the number of medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a to the value "0." This allows the complete control means 180 to fix the value when the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a reaches its lowest point to the value "0." Therefore, in the control process that uses the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a, it is not necessary to vary the value that serves as the judgment threshold depending on the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process that uses the stored value of the earned medal counter 197a can be reduced.

[0057] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function are met when the number of game medals acquired from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is turned on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000."

[0058] When none of the Regular Bonus (RB) as a first type special feature, the Regular Big Bonus (RBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the first type special feature, and the Challenge Big Bonus (CBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the second type special feature is operating, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function based on the establishment of the condition for activating the complete function in a game in which the condition is established, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB or CBB is activated, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 stop in a game in which the activated RB, RBB or CBB has ended.

[0060] When the complete function is activated, the complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a play-stop state, and no further play can be performed until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag that has been set to the ON state is reset to the OFF state by opening the upper front door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside. With this configuration, when the complete function is activated, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the complete function cannot be released by an operation by the player.

[0061] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as the performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0062] The effect control means 200 controls effects related to the game, such as image and video effects using the display device 410 and sound effects using the sound device 420, based on the effect data stored in the effect control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as the max bet button MB, the start lever SL, the stop buttons B1 to B3, or the count button KB, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the effect control means 200 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game, assist the game, and notify the player that an operation has been performed, by executing effects such as lighting or flashing of lamps and LEDs and sound output from the sound device 420. In addition, the effect control means 200 causes each component of the effect device 400 to execute effects based on each effect state.

[0063] The performance control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on a plurality of layers into a single image in the frame buffer 213 provided in the sub-storage means 210, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When drawing an image in the frame buffer 213, the performance control means 200 draws the images in the frame buffer 213 in order from the image drawn on the lower layer, so that the image drawn on the higher layer is displayed in the display area 410a in priority to the image drawn on the lower layer.

[0064] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads out and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0065] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 10, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or operation of the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the number of game medals updated in this way on the game medal number display device MD.

[0066] Specifically, when the counting button KB is operated while play is possible, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while play is possible" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are powered on, neither the gaming machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no errors that prevent play from occurring. Furthermore, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 controls the counting button KB so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not decremented by operation of the counting button KB, thereby preventing a situation in which a signal is not sent to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been decremented.

[0067] If the count button KB is pressed for less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to 1 medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "1." Also, if the count button KB is pressed for 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms has elapsed, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Thereafter, every time 300 ms has elapsed while the count button KB is pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and decrements the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Furthermore, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50" when 500 ms or more has elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value corresponding to the stored value from the stored value of the medal count counter 311, thereby setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0068] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or greater than the value "16369," the medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred, in which the number of game medals stored exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage in the slot machine 1. In the slot machine 1, a medal overflow error occurs based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, and when the count button KB is operated to count the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or less than the value "16368," the medal overflow error is canceled.

[0069] When the power is turned on with a medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count by setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0." This allows the slot machine 1 to initialize, when the power is turned on, the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before the power was turned off.

[0070] When the power is turned on with a medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count by setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0." This allows the slot machine 1 to initialize, when the power is turned on, the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before the power was turned off.

[0071] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 16, details of each component included in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0072] <Control of the specified number by the input receiving means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, during a deposit acceptance period in which the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts the deposit of medals, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) with the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 being equal to or greater than the specified number, input signals equal in number to the specified number set for each game state are output. Each time an input signal is input, the deposit acceptance means 105 adds a value "1" corresponding to one medal to the deposit number storage means 198 of the main storage means 190, and continues to add values ​​to the deposit number storage means 198 up to the specified number set for each game state.

[0073] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is set to three (first specified number), and for the RBB state, the specified number is set to two (second specified number).

[0074] In other words, when the gaming state is a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "3" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input three times by operating the max bet button MB when three or more gaming medals are stored in the medal count counter 311. Also, when the gaming state is an RBB state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "2" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input two times by operating the max bet button MB when two or more gaming medals are stored in the medal count counter 311.

[0075] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations that are associated with each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a device for continuously operating a special bonus related to a first-class special bonus.

[0076] 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery include the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1," the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2," the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 8," the winning area "common bell," the winning area "missed role," the winning area "cherry," the winning area "chance role," the winning area "transition role 1" to the winning area "transition role 4," the winning area "replay 1," the winning area "replay 2," the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 1," the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 2," and the winning area "RBB," and the winning numbers 1 to 23 are associated with these winning areas, respectively. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with a non-winning (missing) result as a result of the internal lottery.

[0077] Here, "batting order" refers to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated will also be referred to as "operation timing."

[0078] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the batting order, which is the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, is comprised of six types of batting orders, batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3, which is called a "sequential pressing" batting order. Batting order 2 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2, which is called a "scissors hitting" batting order. Batting order 3 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order called reverse pressing, in which the stop operation is executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0079] In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is a winner in order from the winning area associated with the winning number 23 to the non-winning area associated with the winning number 0.

[0080] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has small winning combinations 1 to 30 as small winning combinations that can be won if the internal lottery is won, and has Replay 1 and Replay 2 as replays that can be won in the internal lottery. Each small winning combination and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, winning areas "RBB&1 coin winning combination 1" and "RBB&1 coin winning combination 2" are set as winning areas that include a bonus and a small winning combination, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area that includes only a bonus.

[0081] In the slot machine 1, the winning probability for the winning area "Replay 2" is set lower than that for the winning areas of other replays. Also, in the slot machine 1, the winning probability for the winning area "Chance Role" is set lower than that for each winning area including the small roles of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Slip Role", the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4", the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", and the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2".

[0082] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the role associated with the carryover flag is RBB, and the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the established state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether the small role and replay will be won or not, even in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already-won RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery are set to an established state.

[0083] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of this embodiment stores, as internal lottery tables that are lottery tables used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (normal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal state (internal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value number is associated with each winning area that is the subject of the lottery.

[0084] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery table A corresponds 65,536 lottery values ​​to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", winning area "Missed Role", winning area "Cherry", winning area "Chance Role", winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4", winning area "Replay 1", winning area "Replay 2", winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2", and winning area "RBB", and is configured to win any of the small role, replay, or bonus in the internal lottery.

[0085] In addition, the internal lottery table B corresponds 65,536 lottery values ​​to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", winning area "Missed Role", winning area "Cherry", winning area "Chance Role", winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4", winning area "Replay 1", winning area "Replay 2", winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", and winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2", and is configured to win either a small role, replay, or bonus in the internal lottery.

[0086] In the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. The winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. Specifically, for example, the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery table B.

[0087] The internal lottery table C is configured so that 65,536 lottery value numbers correspond to either the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1" or the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2", and is configured to win a small role in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table C, it is configured so that each of the small roles 1 to 30 is won with a higher probability than the winning probability of each of the small roles 1 to 30 in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table A or the internal lottery table B.

[0088] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that there will be no loss (miss) in the internal lottery in any of the gaming states, namely the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0089] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the lottery value numbers associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192, and when the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it determines that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted lottery value number has been won. Also, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value after completing the subtraction of all the lottery value numbers stored in the internal lottery table, it determines that no winning combination has been won, that is, that the player has not won.

[0090] <Bonus winning determination process> As described above, in the internal lottery table B of this embodiment, in the RBB internal state, lottery values ​​are set in the winning areas "RBB & 1 coin role 1" and "RBB & 1 coin role 2". In the internal lottery when the gaming state is in the RBB internal state, there is a possibility that an RBB will be won again when an RBB has already been set to a formed state. Therefore, in order not to set a newly won RBB to a formed state, the internal lottery means 120 is configured to execute a bonus win determination process that determines whether or not the winning area whose win or loss is determined by the random number determination process is a winning area including a bonus.

[0091] In the bonus win determination process, when the random number determination process determines that the winning area including the bonus is the target for determining whether it is a win or a loss, if the winning area including the bonus is won and the gaming state is the RBB internal state, the internal lottery means 120 executes a process to skip the process of setting the bonus to the established state. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to the established state when an RBB is already set to the established state.

[0092] <Arrangement of designs> 4 is a diagram showing the symbols arranged on the periphery of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, 20 symbols are arranged on each of the periphery of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 of this embodiment. Also, 10 types of symbols are arranged on the periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3: a red 7 symbol "RED 7", a white 7 symbol "WHITE 7", a yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7", a bell symbol "BL", a replay symbol "RP", a cherry symbol "CH", a watermelon symbol "WM", a star A symbol "STA", a star B symbol "STB", and a blank symbol "BK".

[0093] In this embodiment, although the star A pattern "STA" and the star B pattern "STB" are configured as different types of patterns, they are each composed of a design with a star motif, and therefore have common characteristics and are configured as patterns with approximately similar designs.

[0094] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is determined in the order of "replay > small combination > bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or replay.

[0095] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to rotate the reels a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, and is therefore configured to be able to stop and display the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the activated line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0096] Specifically, the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to stop the replay symbol "RP" and the bell symbol "BL" on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the watermelon symbol "WM" on the left reel R1 and the right reel R3, and the cherry symbol "CH" on the center reel R2 on the activated line L1, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0097] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 is capable of stopping symbols that are not the same as each other as long as they are arranged at intervals of four frames or less. For example, if any of the star A symbol "STA" arranged at stop number 2 on the middle reel R2, the blank symbol "BK" arranged at stop number 7, the white 7 symbol "White 7" arranged at stop number 12, and the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" arranged at stop number 17 can be stopped on the valid line L1, the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to stop the star A symbol "STA", the blank symbol "BK", the white 7 symbol "White 7", or the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B2.

[0098] <Details of small prizes> 5 and 6 are diagrams showing winning symbol combinations of small winning combinations 1 to 30 provided in the slot machine 1 and payouts of small winning combinations 1 to 30. FIG.

[0099] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the payout for each minor role is set when the first specified number of three medals is inserted and the game is started (3-coin bet), and when the first specified number of two medals is inserted and the game is started (2-coin bet).

[0100] Of the small winning combinations 1 to 30 shown in Figures 5 and 6, for example, small winning combinations such as small winning combination 1, which is composed of "WM-BL-RP", in which the patterns on the left reel R1 to right reel R3 that make up the winning combination are arranged at intervals of no more than four frames on each reel, are configured to be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 when reel stop control is executed to enable the small winning combination to be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1.

[0101] On the other hand, among the minor winning combinations 1 to 30, for example, minor winning combination 2 is composed of "BL-red 7 (WM)-WM" and the timing of operating the stop button B2 is limited to stop the red 7 symbol "red 7" or the watermelon symbol "WM" on the middle reel R2 on the valid line L1. In the case of a minor winning combination composed of symbols arranged at intervals wider than four frames on at least one reel among the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that make up the winning symbol combination, if the stop button is operated at a timing different from the timing that allows the symbol to be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1, the winning symbol cannot be won.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 5, the payout for minor role 1 when a three-coin bet game is executed is set to 11, which is more than the first specified number. Also, the payout for minor role 2 and minor role 3 when a three-coin bet game is executed is set to 3, which is the same as the first specified number. Also, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the payout for minor role 4 to minor role 30 when a three-coin bet game is executed and when a two-coin bet game is executed are set to 1, which is less than the second specified number.

[0103] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 7(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states to which transition can be made from each game state in the control relating to transition of game states executed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and is a non-bonus state in which the bonus is not activated and established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the non-RT state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 medals) to the inserted state.

[0105] The RBB internal middle state is a game state that transitions when winning in any of the winning areas "RBB & 1 medal combination 1", "RBB & 1 medal combination 2", and "RBB" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB is set to the established state. In the RBB internal middle state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB internal middle state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 medals) to the inserted state.

[0106] The RBB state is a game state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB is activated. In the RBB state, when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined predetermined payout number (for example, 12), the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied, ends the operation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, the game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 medals) to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0107] <AT control means> FIG. 7(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the non-advantageous zone and advantageous zone controlled by the AT control means 170 of this embodiment, and the presentation state controlled during the advantageous zone.

[0108] As described above, the non-advantageous zone is a period during which no control is executed regarding the instruction function based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. During play within the non-advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 executes an advantageous zone lottery, which is a lottery that determines whether to end the non-advantageous zone and start an advantageous zone, based on the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0109] In the advantageous zone lottery, the AT control means 170 first acquires an advantageous zone transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous zone" and "miss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the advantageous zone transition lottery table, and determines whether or not to start an advantageous zone based on the comparison result.

[0110] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous zone lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the winning probability of the "start of the advantageous zone" in the advantageous zone lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0111] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute a lottery for a favorable zone when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Missed Role", the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance Role", or the winning area "Replay 1" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and when the winning areas "RBB & 1-piece Role 1", "RBB & 1-piece Role 2", or "RBB" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, but not to execute a lottery for a favorable zone when another winning area is won. The AT control means 170 also executes a lottery for a favorable zone with a high probability of winning the "start of the favorable zone", approximately 1 / 1.5.

[0112] In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 has a first start state, a second start state, a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state as states (presentation states) related to the instruction function, and in the normal state and the CZ state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance of the small win 1 when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, and in the AT state, it is configured to execute the winning assistance of the small win 1 when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" are won. Also, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the ratio of staying in the advantageous zone during the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0113] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to have processing related to an instruction function that is executed by referring to the AT high-probability counter 196b (see FIG. 2) of the AT control data storage means 196 in each presentation state during the advantageous zone. The AT high-probability counter 196b is set to a value of "0" as its initial value. The AT control means 170 is configured to be able to execute processing that is more advantageous to the player in processing related to the instruction function that is executed by referring to the AT high-probability counter 196b when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is a value of "1" than when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the initial value of "0." Furthermore, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to set the AT high-probability counter 196b to a value of "1" based on a transition from a non-advantageous zone to a advantageous zone. Details of the AT high-probability counter 196b and the processing related to the instruction function that references the AT high-probability counter 196b will be described later.

[0114] The first start state is a presentation state that is set when the gaming state is a non-RT state and a non-advantageous zone, and the non-advantageous zone is transitioned from a non-advantageous zone by an advantageous zone lottery based on winning the winning areas "RBB & 1 coin role 1", "RBB & 1 coin role 2", and "RBB" which are set as the target of the advantageous zone lottery and are winning areas including RBB by internal lottery. In the first start state, the AT control means 170 is configured to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game is executed in the first start state, based on the gaming result in the first start state.

[0115] Specifically, if the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery in the first start state and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the first start state to be the CZ state, and if the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery in the first start state and the game result is different from when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the first start state to be the normal state.

[0116] In addition, the AT control means 170 executes an AT lottery during the first start state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state if the winning area "common bell", winning area "cherry", or winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery during the first start state, and if "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the AT transition condition has been met, and after transitioning from the first start state to the normal state, a predetermined number of games (e.g., 30 games) are played, and then transitions to the AT state.

[0117] The second start state is a presentation state that is set when the game state is in a non-RT state or an internal RBB state and is in a non-advantageous zone, and the game transitions from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone through an advantageous zone lottery based on winning the internal lottery in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Missed Role", the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance Role", and the winning area "Replay 1", which are set as the target of the advantageous zone lottery and do not include RBB.

[0118] In the second start state, the AT control means 170 refers to the game state at the time when the second start state is started. If the game state at the time when the second start state is started is a non-RT state, the AT control means 170 is configured to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game is executed in the second start state based on the game result in the second start state.

[0119] Specifically, when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the second start state and in the non-RT state, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the second start state to be the CZ state, and when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the second start state and in the non-RT state, and the game result is different from when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the second start state to be the normal state.

[0120] In addition, when the internal lottery in the second start state and non-RT state wins the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role", the AT control means 170 executes an AT lottery during the second start state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, and when the "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the AT transition condition has been met, and after transitioning from the second start state to the normal state, a predetermined number of games (e.g., 30 games) are played, and then the AT state is transitioned to.

[0121] In addition, if the game state at the time the second start state is started is an RBB internal state, the AT control means 170 decides to execute the CZ state after the second start state ends, and after one game is executed, ends the second start state and transitions the presentation state to the CZ state.

[0122] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a transition occurs from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone during play in a non-advantageous zone (first game), the presentation state is set to the first start state or the second start state by a control process for setting the presentation state by the AT control means 170 during the first game. Next, in the slot machine 1, in a game following the first game (second game), a game is executed with the presentation state set to the first start state or the second start state, and if the presentation state is the first start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state, and if the presentation state is the second start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state or the CZ state depending on the game state in the second game.

[0123] The normal state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to the normal state among multiple types of presentation states, and is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When the presentation state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 executes an incremental update to add a value "1" corresponding to one game to the stored value of a normal game number counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, each time a game is played. When the stored value of the normal game number counter reaches a value "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) has been met, and transitions the presentation state from the normal state to the AT state.

[0124] When the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1", the AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) has been met, and transitions the presentation state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0125] In addition, when the internal lottery results in a win in the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role", the AT control means 170 executes a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, and when the "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the AT transition condition has been met and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0126] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured so that if a player wins either the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" within a predetermined period (e.g., three games) from a game in which the player wins either the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" in the internal lottery, the probability of winning "transition to AT state" in the normal AT lottery becomes higher.

[0127] The effect control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to perform a winning history display in which an image corresponding to the winning area that has been won is displayed in the display area 410a of the display device 410 until a predetermined period of time has elapsed when any of the winning areas "common bell", "cherry", and "chance role" is won in the internal lottery under normal conditions. The details of the winning history display will be described later.

[0128] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control related to the instruction function, which determines whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state, is executed, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) to the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update each time a game is executed, subtracting the value stored in the CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0129] When the internal lottery in the CZ state results in the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance role", the winning area "Transition role 1" to the winning area "Transition role 4", the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role 2", the AT control means 170 executes an AT lottery during the CZ to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, and when "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the AT transition condition has been met, and after 10 games have been played since the start of the CZ state, the presentation state transitions from the CZ state to the AT state.

[0130] In this embodiment, when the internal lottery in the CZ state results in a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Cherry", winning area "Chance Role", winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4", winning area "RBB & 1 Piece Role 1", or winning area "RBB & 1 Piece Role 2", the effect control means 200 displays an image having a star design common to the star A pattern "STA" and the star B pattern "STB" on the display device 410, and executes a pattern suggestion effect suggesting that the winning pattern combination has won a small role having the star A pattern "STA" or the star B pattern "STB" (for example, small role 18 composed of the winning pattern combination "BL-STB-CH").

[0131] In addition, when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4", winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", or winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2" is won in the internal lottery in the CZ state, the performance control means 200 displays "??1" or the like in the display area 410a, thereby executing a batting order suggestion performance that suggests operating stop button B1 to stop button B3 in batting order 5 or batting order 6.

[0132] The AT control means 170 executes a CZ set number addition lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of times one set of AT state is executed for the AT state to which the player is transitioned from the CZ state during play until the CZ state ends after winning the "transition to AT state" in the CZ AT lottery.

[0133] The AT control means 170 executes the lotteries related to the instruction functions executed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, set number addition lottery during CZ) so that the probability of an outcome advantageous to the player varies depending on the result of the internal lottery. Specifically, the AT control means 170 sets the probability of an outcome advantageous to the player in the lottery related to the instruction functions executed in the CZ state to a first probability when the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role 1" and the winning area "chance role" are won, a second probability higher than the first probability when the winning area "cherry" and the winning area "transition role 1" to the winning area "transition role 4" are won, and a third probability higher than the second probability when the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role 2" is won.

[0134] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT state" in the AT lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 ends the CZ state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

[0135] The AT state is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state, as a prize-winning assistance for minor role 1 is executed when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won. The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to be able to execute a prize-winning assistance (correct batting order notification) that notifies the player of the correct batting order that makes it possible to win minor role 1 when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the AT state.

[0136] At the start of the AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the stored value of the AT game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0137] In addition, when the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance Role", or the winning area "Transition Role 1" to the winning area "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, the AT control means 170 executes an addition lottery to determine whether to add (add) the period for which the AT state continues by determining whether to add a value determined by lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, and if the value determined by the addition lottery is 1 or greater, executes an addition process to add the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0138] When the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes "0" due to the decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the termination condition of the AT state (AT termination condition) has been met, terminates the AT state, and determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous zone has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process of initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process which ends the advantageous zone and starts a non-advantageous zone from the next game.

[0139] In addition, if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the AT termination condition has been met, terminates the AT state, and determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions for the advantageous zone has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process for initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process which ends the advantageous zone and starts a non-advantageous zone from the next game.

[0140] <Details of control using the first and second start states> As described above, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment is configured to stop and display the winning symbol combination of a small role or a replay on the activated line L1 in priority to the bonus. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated at an operation timing that prevents the small role that has been won in the internal lottery from winning, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute reel stop control so that a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of any role is stopped and displayed on the activated line L1, resulting in a missed win (non-winning).

[0141] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the internal lottery will result in winning either a small win or a replay, so the RBB winning pattern combination will not be displayed stopped on the activated line L1, and the RBB internal state will be maintained.

[0142] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, once the gaming state is set to the RBB internal state, the game continues in the RBB internal state thereafter, so when the advantageous zone ends and the non-advantageous zone starts based on the establishment of a normal end condition or a specific end condition in the advantageous zone, the gaming state becomes the RBB internal state and is controlled to the non-advantageous zone. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, if the gaming state transitions from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone while in the RBB internal state, and then the "transition to advantageous zone" is won in the advantageous zone lottery and transitions to the advantageous zone, the presentation state is set to the second start state, and since the gaming state at the start of the second start state is the RBB internal state, the presentation state transitions to the CZ state after one game is executed in the second start state.

[0143] In a slot machine 1 having such playability, as described above, when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control relating to the game state and the control relating to the advantageous zone are initialized, and the game state is set to a non-RT state and a non-advantageous zone.

[0144] Therefore, if the slot machine 1 is configured to always set the presentation state to the CZ state when transitioning from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone, there is a risk that the presentation state will be set to the non-advantageous zone due to initialization when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, which could result in an extremely high probability of transitioning to the CZ state immediately after setting change control.

[0145] In such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, in the CZ state that is initiated based on the transition to the advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control is executed, the presentation control means 200 executes the presentation in the normal state (normal presentation), which makes it possible for the player to not see that the current presentation state is the CZ state; however, data and programs related to the normal presentation that are exclusive to the CZ state immediately after the setting change are required, which increases the program capacity related to the presentation.

[0146] Furthermore, in a slot machine 1 configured in this manner, although the CZ state immediately after a setting change can be made invisible through normal presentation, the CZ state is executed under control by the AT control means 170, which creates the possibility of transitioning to the AT state immediately after a setting change, making it easy to win electronic medals.

[0147] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when transitioning from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the winning area selected in the internal lottery and determine whether the presentation state to be set at the start of the advantageous zone will be the first start state or the second start state.

[0148] When starting an advantageous zone based on winning the winning area "RBB", the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role 2", which are winning areas that can only be won by internal lottery in the non-RT state, the AT control means 170 sets the presentation state at the start of the advantageous zone to the first start state. As described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game is played in the first start state based on the game result in the first start state.

[0149] Specifically, if the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery in the first start state and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the first start state to be the CZ state, and if the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery in the first start state and the game result is different from when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the first start state to be the normal state.

[0150] For this reason, in slot machine 1, even if the game state at the start of the advantageous zone is in the RBB internal state, when setting change control is executed and the game state in the non-advantageous zone transitions from a non-RT state to an advantageous zone, the presentation state can be set to the normal state via the first start state, except in cases where the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, thereby establishing the CZ transition condition.

[0151] Furthermore, when the AT control means 170 starts an advantageous zone based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Missed Role", the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance Role", and the winning area "Replay 1", which are winning areas that can be won even in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, it sets the presentation state at the start of the advantageous zone to the second start state. The AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the game state when the game is played in the second start state, and to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game is played in the second start state.

[0152] Specifically, when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the second start state and in the non-RT state, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the second start state to be the CZ state, and when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the second start state and in the non-RT state, and the game result is different from when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the AT control means 170 determines the presentation state to be transitioned to after one game is played in the second start state to be the normal state.

[0153] In addition, if the game state at the time the second start state is started is an RBB internal state, the AT control means 170 decides to execute the CZ state after the second start state ends, and after one game is executed, ends the second start state and transitions the presentation state to the CZ state.

[0154] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state when playing in the second starting state becomes a non-RT state only when an advantageous zone is started based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Missed Role", the winning area "Cherry", the winning area "Chance Role", or the winning area "Replay 1" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state.

[0155] In addition, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured not to execute the advantageous zone lottery when the winning areas "RBB & 1 coin role 1" and "RBB & 1 coin role 2", which are winning areas that can be won by internal lottery in the RBB internal intermediate state, which is the game state that is set when the RBB is carried over to the established state, are won.

[0156] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game state when playing in the second starting state becomes the RBB internal state only when the advantageous zone is started based on winning the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", winning area "Missed Role", winning area "Cherry", winning area "Chance Role", or winning area "Replay 1" in the internal lottery in the RBB internal state.

[0157] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the game state is set to a non-RT state, and the game state is set to a non-advantageous zone, but when transitioning from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control, the game state is set to the normal state based on the start of the advantageous zone, and when transitioning from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the game state is set to the CZ state based on the start of the advantageous zone, so that once the AT state is initiated, it is possible to initiate the AT state again via the non-advantageous zone, the second start state, and the CZ state, so that electronic medals can be acquired through multiple AT states, improving the product value while having an advantageous zone and increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0158] In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can prevent the occurrence of overly advantageous strategies immediately after the setting change control is initiated, and with the transition to an advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control is executed, data and programs for executing presentations different from the set presentation state are no longer required, thereby preventing an increase in the program capacity related to the presentation.

[0159] 3. Playability in each game state Next, the gameplay in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0160] <Game results in each game state> Figure 8 is a diagram showing the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in a non-RT state, and the winning probability of each small winning combination; Figure 9 is a diagram showing the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in an RBB internal state, and the winning probability of each small winning combination; and Figure 10 is a diagram showing the small winning combinations that will be won for each batting order when a winning area including a small winning combination is won in an RBB state, and the winning probability of each small winning combination.

[0161] As shown in Figure 8, in the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the small winning combination with the payout set to 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game can be won with the probability (winning probability) shown in Figure 8.

[0162] A specific explanation will be given using the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1." In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" is won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the stop button B1 is operated to stop for the first time, if the bell symbol "BL" is stopped and displayed on the activated line L1, the winning symbol combination "BL-CH-RP" of the small win 5 shown in FIG. 5, the winning symbol combination "BL-STB-CH" of the small win 18, the winning symbol combination "BL-WM-RP" and "BL-WM-STB" of the small win 29, and the winning symbol combination "BL-CH-ST" of the small win 30 will be displayed. Five symbol combinations including "STA" and "B" can be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1, which is more than when other symbols are stopped and displayed (for example, when the star A symbol "STA" is stopped and displayed on the valid line L1, two symbol combinations of the winning symbol combinations of minor prize 6 shown in FIG. 5, "STA-BL-STA" and "STA-BL-white 7", can be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1), so the reel stop control based on number priority control causes the bell symbol "BL" to be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1.

[0163] As a result, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" is won by the internal lottery and small prize 1, small prize 5, small prize 6, small prize 9, small prize 13, small prize 18, small prize 29, and small prize 30 are overlappingly won, the small prizes that can be won in the game are limited to small prize 5, small prize 18, small prize 29, and small prize 30.

[0164] 4 and 5, the cherry symbol "CH" on the center reel R2 and the replay symbol "RP" on the right reel R3, which constitute the winning symbol combination "BL-CH-RP" for minor win 5, can be stopped and displayed on the activated line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B2 or stop button B3. In the slot machine 1, when there is no difference in the number of symbol combinations that can be stopped and displayed on the activated line L1 under the number-priority control, the reel stop control is executed using the stop control table, and when the winning area "Battalion Bell 1" is won in the internal lottery and the stop button B1 is operated for the first stop, the reel stop control is executed using the stop control table, and minor win 5 is won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0165] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when in a non-RT state, if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won, reel stop control using number priority control and reel stop control using a stop control table are executed, so that even if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which are winning areas including small win 1 with a payout set to 11 coins in a 3-coin bet game, are won, small win 1 cannot be won.

[0166] Also, as shown in Figure 8, in the slot machine 1, when a player wins in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3" among the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which is overlappingly won with small prize 1, small prize 4, small prize 5, small prize 11, small prize 15, small prize 16, small prize 18, small prize 29, and small prize 30, and the stop button B1 is operated to perform the first stop operation, the reel stop control using the number priority control and the reel stop control using the stop control table are configured to win small prize 4 with a probability of 1 / 1 in preference to small prize 5.

[0167] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the RBB internal state, the batting order (correct batting order) of stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that minor winning feature 1, with a payout of 11 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0168] Also, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that the payout for the minor prize 1, which is set to 11 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0169] In the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the RBB internal state, or when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the non-RT state and RBB internal state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, the reel stop control based on the number-priority control will stop the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of minor winning combination 1, which is set to a payout of 11 coins, on the activated line L1.

[0170] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Common Bell" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, regardless of whether stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 to 6, the payout is set to 3 coins with a 1 / 1 winning probability, and the winning combination "BL-BL-BL" in which the bell symbols "BL" line up in a row on the active line L1 is won, resulting in the winning minor prize 3.

[0171] In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "missed role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, regardless of whether the stop button B1 to stop button B3 is operated in batting order 1 to batting order 6, the small role 2, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, will be won with a winning probability of approximately 1 / 1.3. Specifically, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "missed role" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, if the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when 15 of 20 frames of the middle reel R2, from the star A symbol "STA" at stop number 2 to the bell symbol "BL" at stop number 0, and the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 19 to the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 8, are displayed in rotation on the valid line L1, then minor role 2 will be won, and if the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when 5 of 20 frames of the middle reel R2, from the blank symbol "BK" at stop number 7 to the star B symbol "STA" at stop number 3, are displayed in rotation on the valid line L1, then a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of either role will be displayed in rotation on the valid line L1, resulting in a miss (non-winning).

[0172] In the slot machine 1, if the winning area "Cherry" is won in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 to batting order 5, the small winning combination 25, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, will be won with a winning probability of 1 / 1. Also, in the slot machine 1, if the winning area "Cherry" is won in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 6, the small winning combination 18, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, will be won with a winning probability of 1 / 40, and if the small winning combination 18 is not won, the small winning combination 25 will be won with a winning probability of 1 / 1.

[0173] Specifically, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Cherry" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 6, if the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when 10 out of 20 frames of the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 17 to the cherry symbol "CH" at stop number 14 on the right reel R3, and the star A symbol "STA" at stop number 8 to the cherry symbol "CH" at stop number 4 are displayed rotating on the active line L1, and if the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when 1 out of 20 frames of the star B symbol "STB" at stop number 3 on the center reel R2 is displayed stopped on the active line L1, the small prize 18 can be won, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode different from the operation mode that makes it possible to win the small prize 18, the small prize 25 can be won.

[0174] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Cherry" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 to batting order 5, and the winning symbol combination 25 consisting of "RP-CH-Red 7 (STB, CH)" is won, the replay symbol "RP" arranged at stop number 6 on the left reel R1 is displayed stopped on the activated line L1, and the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed stopped on the activated line L1 of the center reel R2 and the right reel R3, so that the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed stopped on each of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 within the specific area 410b.

[0175] In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Chance Role" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 to batting order 4, the small role 24 set to a payout of 1 coin will be won with a 1 / 1 winning probability. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Chance Role" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, the small role 30 set to a payout of 1 coin will be won with a 1 / 10 winning probability, the small role 29 set to a payout of 1 coin will be won with a winning probability of approximately 1 / 5.6, and if the small role 29 and the small role 30 are not won, the small role 5 will be won with a winning probability of 1 / 1.

[0176] Specifically, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Chance Role" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, if the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when the bell symbol "BL" at stop number 10 and the star B symbol "STB" at stop number 9 on the right reel R3, two of 20 symbols, are displayed rotating on the active line L1, the star B symbol "STB" is displayed stopped on the active line L1 of the right reel R3, and the possible winning symbols are limited to small role 29 and small role 30. In the slot machine 1, when the possible winning symbols are limited to small role 29 and small role 30, if the stop button B2 is operated, the cherry symbol "CH" is displayed stopped on the active line L1 of the center reel R2, and the possible winning symbols are limited to small role 30.

[0177] In addition, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Chance Role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, if the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when 18 of the 20 frames of the right reel R3's stop number 19 red 7 symbol "Red 7" to stop number 11 replay symbol "PR", and stop number 8 star A symbol "STA" to stop number 0 bell symbol "BL" are displayed rotating on the active line L1, the replay symbol "RP" will be displayed stopped on the active line L1 of the right reel R3, and the roles that can win a prize will be limited to small role 5 and small role 29. In slot machine 1, when stop button B2 is operated at the timing when 4 of the 20 frames of the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 14 on middle reel R2, the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 13, the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 9, and the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 8 are stopped and displayed on the active line L1 on middle reel R2, the watermelon symbol "WM" is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 on middle reel R2, making it possible to win small win 29, and when stop button B2 is operated at a timing different from the timing that makes it possible to win small win 29, it becomes possible to win small win 5.

[0178] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Chance Role" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 to batting order 4, and the winning symbol combination 24 consisting of "WM-Red 7 (STB, WM)-White 7 (Yellow 7, STA, BK)" is won, the star B symbol "STB" is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 of the center reel R2, and the bell symbol "BL" with stop number 10 is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 of the right reel R3, so that the star A symbol "STA" and the star B symbol "STB" are stopped and displayed on the center reel R2 and the right reel R3, respectively, within the specific area 410b.

[0179] In the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 1 to 4, small roles 20 to 23, which are set to a payout of 1 coin with a 1 / 1 winning probability, will be won. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, small role 26, which is set to a payout of 1 coin with a 1 / 4 winning probability, will be won, and if small role 26 is not won, small role 27, which is set to a payout of 1 coin with a 1 / 1 winning probability, will be won.

[0180] Specifically, in the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Transitional Role 1" to "Transitional Role 4" are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, if the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when 5 of the 20 frames of the blank symbol "BK" at stop number 3 to the bell symbol "BL" at stop number 0 and the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 19 on the right reel R3 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1, the red 7 symbol "Red 7" will be displayed stopped on the active line L1 of the right reel R3, making it possible to win the small role 26, and if the operation timing of the stop button B3 is operated at a timing different from the operation timing that makes it possible to win the small role 26, it becomes possible to win the small role 27.

[0181] In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the small role 5 is won with a 1 / 1 winning probability, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small role 19, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, is won with a 1 / 1 winning probability. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2" is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the small role 5 is won with a 1 / 1 winning probability, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small role 28, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, is won with a 1 / 1 winning probability.

[0182] As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "bonus small / medium win 1" is won in the RBB state, small win 1 to small win 3, which are set to one coin in a two-coin bet game, can be won depending on the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3. Specifically, in the slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1, small win 2 is won with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3, and when stop button B2 is operated at an operation timing that does not win small win 2, small win 3 is won with a probability of 1 / 1. Also, in the slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 2, small win 3 is won with a probability of 1 / 1. Also, in the slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6, small win 1 is won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0183] In addition, in the slot machine 1, if the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2" is won in the RBB state, regardless of whether the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting orders 1 to 6, the small role 1, which has a payout set to 1 in a 2-coin bet game, will be won with a 1 / 1 probability of winning.

[0184] <Payout of medals in each game state> As shown in Fig. 8, in the slot machine 1, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, the small winning combination 1, which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number, will not be won. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0185] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of medals won during a predetermined number of games (e.g., 17,500 games), which is a number of games that is sufficient to ignore the effects of temporary probability bias, to the total number of medals inserted during the predetermined number of games.

[0186] 9, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2 in the RBB internal state, the small winning combination 1 set to a payout greater than the first specified number does not win, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small winning combination 1 can win. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2, and to exceed 50% when operated in any of batting orders 3 to 6. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random batting order in the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1" is won in the RBB state, the small role corresponding to the operation mode of stop button B1 to stop button B3 among small roles 1 to 3 is won, and when the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2" is won, small role 1 is won.

[0188] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a two-coin bet game is executed, the payouts for small wins 1 to 30 are set to one coin for each small win.

[0189] That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the slot machine transitions to the RBB state in which the specified number is set to two, and when a winning area including a small winning combination is won, one coin is paid out regardless of which small winning combination is won. Also, as described above, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state in which the internal lottery table C is used, either the winning area "bonus small / medium winning combination 1" or the winning area "bonus small / medium winning combination 2" is won.

[0190] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state, two medals are set to the inserted state and a game is executed in which one medal is paid out, so while the payout rate in the RBB state is reduced to 50%, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance for the state in which the RBB is not activated, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0191] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is lower than the payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0192] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a lower ball payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state where the RBB is not operating and in the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0193] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the payout is set to 1 coin for all minor roles from minor role 1 to minor role 30 when a game is played with 2 coins bet, so that when a minor role is won in an RBB state where the specified number is set to 2 coins, the number of coins to be paid out is set to 1 coin, and therefore there is no need to execute a process to set the upper limit of the payout number (upper limit setting process), which makes it possible to reduce the data capacity related to the program required to execute the upper limit setting process for the payout number.

[0194] <Small winning combinations that can be won in each game state> Next, FIG. 11 is a table summarizing small winning combinations that are awarded based on winning in each gaming state of the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0195] As shown in Figure 11, minor win 1, in which the payout is set to 11 coins when a game with three bets is played and the payout is set to 1 coin when a game with two bets is played, is configured to win based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0196] In addition, minor prizes 2 and 3, the payout for which is set to 3 coins when a 3-coin bet game is played and 1 coin when a 2-coin bet game is played, are configured to win based on whether they are won in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, or the RBB state.

[0197] In addition, minor prizes 4 to 30, which have a payout set to 1 coin when a game is played with 3 coins and when a game is played with 2 coins, are configured not to win if they are won in the RBB state, but to win if they are won in the non-RT state or the state inside the RBB.

[0198] As described above, in the slot machine 1, when the second specified number (two medals) of medals are set to the inserted state and a game is started, the payouts for small prizes 1 to 30 are set to one medal.

[0199] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when each of small prizes 1 to 3 is won in the RBB state where two medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, the payout number is different from when three medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, and is configured so that when the play state is the RBB state for small prizes 1 to 3, a prize is won based on the win.

[0200] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prizes 1 to 3 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB; however, by winning based on any of small prizes 1 to 3 being won in the RBB state, the performance of small prizes 1 to 3 is prevented from deteriorating excessively, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0201] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three medals are inserted and play is started, and the payout when two medals are inserted and play is started, are both set to one, and for minor prizes 4 to 30, which have the same payout amount when winning in the RBB state where two medals are inserted and play is started, and when playing is started with three medals inserted, the slot machine is configured to win when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, but in the RBB state, when a prize is won, no prize is won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0202] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, small prizes 4 to 30, which do not result in a change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are not won in the RBB state.This eliminates the need to pre-store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that makes it possible to win small prizes 4 to 30, and reduces the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0203] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in a bonus state and makes it possible to acquire medals by executing AT play in a gaming state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated, such as a bonus establishment state), there has conventionally been a gaming machine that has a plurality of first winning modes in which a plurality of first specific minor roles, which are set to a payout greater than the number of game values ​​inserted required to start a game, do not overlap with each other but overlap with a second specific minor role different from the first specific minor role, and a third winning mode in which a plurality of first specific minor roles overlap and are won, and an internal lottery means In a known configuration, an internal lottery is conducted in the bonus state so that multiple types of first winning patterns exist, and in the bonus state so that a third winning pattern exists, and the probability of winning the third winning pattern in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning one of the multiple types of first winning patterns in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus formation state, and the winning probability of each of all small roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state is equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all small roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus formation state.

[0204] In a gaming machine configured in this manner, the probability of winning the first specific minor role in the bonus state is compressed to the inverse of the number of types of first specific minor role (for example, 1 / 4 if the configuration has four types of first specific minor role), while ensuring that the performance in the bonus state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine, and by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor role in the non-bonus state, the probability of winning the first specific minor role is increased compared to when winning assistance is not executed, making it possible to win medals in AT play, but it is necessary to have multiple types of first specific minor role.

[0205] In gaming machines, for small winning combinations that can earn medals by winning, it is common for specific symbols (for example, symbols with a bell motif) to be displayed in a stopped form that is visible to the player. However, if the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are configured so that each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is visible in three frames in a specific area that makes the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 visible, the number of patterns in which the specific symbols are displayed in a row is limited to five, so if the number of types of first specific small winning combinations exceeds five, it becomes necessary to display them in the specific area in a display mode different from the display mode in which they are displayed in a row.

[0206] In addition, in gaming machines, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in an internal lottery, there are two ways to determine the priority of the candidate stopping positions: a method of determining the priority based on the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the valid line L1 (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out based on the payout that is predetermined for the small winning combination (number priority control).

[0207] Therefore, in a gaming machine, when an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win a first specific small role and an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it impossible to win a first specific small role and makes it possible to win a second specific small role are set, in order to make it possible to win a second specific small role, it is necessary to make it possible to win a second specific small role by using quantity priority control.

[0208] Due to such limitations, in gaming machines, the more the types of first specific small roles are increased and the payout rate in the bonus state is compressed, the more types of second specific small roles will also increase, and an arrangement of patterns that makes it possible to win with the second specific small roles is also required, so compressing the payout rate in the bonus state tends to increase the data volume related to the small roles and make the design more difficult.

[0209] In contrast, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), the payout rate is configured to be 50% by setting the payout for all minor roles to a payout less than the second specified number when the second specified number of medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, and the slot machine 1 is configured to have one type of minor role, minor role 1, as a minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as the payout when the first specified number of medals are set to the inserted state and play begins, and the payout rate in the RBB state can be sufficiently reduced while ensuring that the performance in the RBB state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine.

[0210] Therefore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state and prevent the data capacity related to small winning combinations from increasing when designing medal acquisition performance for a state in which the RBB is not activated, thereby reducing the data capacity related to small winning combinations and improving the design freedom related to the arrangement of patterns.In addition, by reducing the data capacity related to small winning combinations, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0211] When the game starts with the first specified number of game values being inserted for Minor Role 1 to Minor Role 3, and when the game starts with the second specified number of game values being inserted, the number of game values paid out based on winning is different for the minor roles included in the second group and the predetermined group. Minor Role 4 to Minor Role 30 are composed of minor roles included in the first group where the same payout is set when the game starts with the first specified number of game values inserted and when the game starts with the second specified number of game values inserted, which is less than the first specified number.

[0212] <Control Using the AT High - Probability Counter> Next, the details of the AT high - probability counter 196b controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment and the control related to the instruction function executed using the AT high - probability counter 196b will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control related to the update of the stored value of the AT high - probability counter 196b executed by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 12, the AT control means 170 executes control related to the instruction function by referring to the stored value of the AT high - probability counter 196b (S11). In this process, the AT control means 170 executes control related to the instruction function by referring to the stored value of the AT high - probability counter 196b according to the current production state.

[0214] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to be able to execute lotteries related to instruction functions, such as control related to instruction functions that refer to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the presentation state is normal, such as control related to instruction functions such as a normal AT lottery based on winning the winning area "common bell," winning area "cherry," or winning area "chance role," and control related to changing the winning probability of "transition to AT state" in the normal AT lottery that is executed when the winning area "common bell," winning area "cherry," or winning area "chance role" is won within a predetermined period of time since the game in which the winning area "common bell," winning area "cherry," or winning area "chance role" was won. The AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the AT high probability counter 196b in control related to various instruction functions that are executed based on the results of internal lotteries in the normal state, and not execute the control if the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "0."

[0215] Furthermore, when the presentation state is a CZ state, for example, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to execute a lottery related to the instruction function in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for adding the number of sets during CZ) as control related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b. The AT control means 170 is configured to reference the AT high probability counter 196b in the lottery related to the instruction function in the CZ state, and to make the probability of "not winning (missing)" lower and the probability of a result advantageous to the player higher (in the case of an AT lottery during a CZ, "transition to the AT state") when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1" than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "0".

[0216] Next, the AT control means 170 determines whether all of the left reels R1 to R3 have stopped (S12). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether the left reels R1 to R3, which began spinning when the start lever SL was operated, have all stopped by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3. If it is determined that at least one of the left reels R1 to R3 is spinning (NO), the AT control means 170 repeats the process of step S12 until all of the left reels R1 to R3 have stopped.

[0217] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that all of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 have stopped (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether the stop button B1 has been operated for the first stop in this game (S13). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether the stop button operated for the first stop was stop button B1, stop button B2, or stop button B3.

[0218] In the process of step S13, if it is determined that the stop button B1 has not been operated to perform the first stop in the current game (NO), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" have been won in the internal lottery in the current game (S14). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether or not any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have been won in the current game.

[0219] In the process of step S14, if it is determined that the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have been won in the current game (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the correct batting order notification has been executed in the current game (S15). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the winning assistance for the correct batting order notification has been executed in the current game, thereby determining whether or not the stop button B2 or stop button B3 has been operated to perform the first stop as a result of the player playing in accordance with the winning assistance when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have been won in the internal lottery.

[0220] In the process of step S14, if it is determined that the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" have not been won in this game (NO), the AT control means 170 determines whether the presentation state is normal or not (S16). In this process, if it is determined that the presentation state is normal (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether the winning areas "transition role 1" to "transition role 4" have been won in this game (S17).

[0221] In the processing of step S13, if it is determined that the stop button B1 has been operated to perform the first stop (YES), if it is determined in the processing of step S15 that the winning assistance of the correct batting order notification is being executed in this game (YES), if it is determined in the processing of step S16 that the current game is in the CZ state or the AT state (NO), or if it is determined in the processing of step S17 that the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" have not been won (NO), the AT control means 170 executes control related to the instruction function by referring to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S18). In this processing, the AT control means 170 controls the instruction function by referring to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b according to the current presentation state. For example, when the presentation state is normal, if the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, resulting in the winning of small roles 20 to 23, the AT control means 170 refers to the AT high probability counter 196b, and if the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "1", it executes control to transition the presentation state from the normal state to the CZ state, and if the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "0", it controls to maintain the presentation state in the normal state.

[0222] After executing the processing of step S18, or if it is determined in the processing of step S17 that the current game is in a normal state and that the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" have been won in the internal lottery (YES), the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S19). Then, the AT control means 170 adds the value "1" to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S20) and ends the processing related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b. By executing these processing, the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0", then adds the value "1", and ends the processing related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, thereby making it possible to set the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "1" when the next game is started and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is referenced.

[0223] On the other hand, if it is determined in the processing of step S15 that the winning assistance of the correct batting order notification has not been executed in this game (NO), the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S21) and terminates the processing related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0224] In this way, in a game in which no winning assistance is being performed and the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, when the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to the first stop, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment proceeds to step S21 without executing the processing from step S15 to step S18 to step S20, and ends the processing with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b set to the value "0", thereby making it possible to set the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" at the time the next game is started and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is referenced.

[0225] As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when the game state is in the RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, minor winning combination 1, which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number, will not win, but if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3 to batting order 6, minor winning combination 1 can win.Therefore, when play is performed by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the payout rate is less than 50%, and when play is performed by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the payout rate is more than 50%.

[0226] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the AT control means 170 is not executing winning assistance and the instruction function is not activated, meaning that the correct batting order notification is not being executed, the expected value of winning electronic medals when a game is played in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting orders 1 and 2 is lower than the expected value of winning electronic medals when a game is played in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 3 to 6.

[0227] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when in the normal state or CZ state where the winning assistance is not performed, the possibility of winning an electronic medal in the game is higher when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to 6 than when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 and batting order 2.

[0228] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to update the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "1" and terminate the processing in the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, which is executed after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 shown in Figure 12 have stopped, if a winning assistance is executed, or if a winning assistance is not executed but the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are operated in batting order 1 or 2 when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is updated to the value "1" and terminate the processing, and to initialize the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and terminate the processing in the case where the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery and the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6 without the winning assistance being executed.

[0229] In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform various controls related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, such that when various controls are executed, such as enabling the presentation state to transition to an AT state that is advantageous to the player, when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1", it is more advantageous to the player than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "0".

[0230] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured not to execute control related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the winning assistance is not executed and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, or when the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to perform the first stop in a game in which the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in an internal lottery under normal conditions, in the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0231] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can execute control related to the instruction function that is more advantageous to the player when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 or batting order 2 when the winning assistance is not being executed, by referring to the AT high probability counter 196b, than when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6. Since it is relatively disadvantageous to the player when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6, it is possible to prevent the player from taking a strategic approach of operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 to aim for winning the small winning combination 1 that is set to a payout greater than the first specified number.

[0232] Furthermore, in the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment updates the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "1" and terminates the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b in the following cases: when winning assistance is executed, when a winning area other than the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won, and in addition, when winning assistance is not executed but the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2 when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won, thereby controlling the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to be the value "1" at the time the next game is started.

[0233] On the other hand, in the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, if the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is operated to make the first stop in a game in which the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" has been won and the winning area has not been executed, the AT control means 170 updates the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and terminates the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, thereby controlling the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to be the value "0" at the time the next game is started.

[0234] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute control related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b in a manner that is more advantageous to the player when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1" than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "0."

[0235] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in a state where the winning assistance is not executed, in a game (second game) following a game (first game) in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the second game is started in a state where the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b has been updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b. Therefore, even if the control related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is executed in the second game, the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is not updated to the value "1". Since this is relatively more disadvantageous than when control related to the instruction function is executed with reference to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, stopping the stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6 when the winning assistance is not being executed creates a situation where the control related to the instruction function is at a disadvantage over two games, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a strategy of aiming to win small winning combination 1, which has a payout set to be greater than the first specified number, by stopping the stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6 when the winning assistance is not being executed.

[0236] This stop button B1 constitutes the specific stop button in this embodiment, the left reel R1 constitutes the specific reel in this embodiment, batting orders 1 and 2, who perform the first stop operation on stop button B1, constitute the first operation mode, and batting orders 3 to 6, who perform the first stop operation on stop button B2 and stop button B3, which are stop buttons different from stop button B1, constitute the second operation mode in this embodiment.

[0237] 4. Details of the effects and gameplay in non-advantageous zones and normal states Next, we will explain the details of the presentation executed by the presentation control means 200 in the non-advantageous zone and normal state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the details of the gameplay in the normal state, which is the presentation state in the advantageous zone.

[0238] <Pattern combinations displayed when transitional roles are won> Figure 13 shows the pattern combinations that are displayed in a stopped state in the specific area 410b when the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2.

[0239] As shown in Figure 13 (A), in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Transition Role 1" is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 to win small role 20, the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped on the top row of left reel R1, the middle row of center reel R2, and the bottom row of right reel R3.

[0240] As shown in Figure 13 (B), in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Transition Role 2" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 to win the small role 21, the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped on the lower row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0241] As shown in Figure 13 (C), in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Transition Role 3" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 to win the small role 22, the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped on the bottom row of the left reel R1, the middle row of the middle reel R2, and the top row of the right reel R3.

[0242] As shown in Figure 13 (D), in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Transition Role 4" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 to win the small role 23, the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped in the middle row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0243] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped within the specific area 410b.

[0244] As described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to determine that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) is met and transition the presentation state from the normal state to the CZ state when the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1."

[0245] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the normal state in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed in the specific area 410b, thereby providing a playable configuration that allows the presentation state to transition from the normal state to the CZ state, and the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" displayed in the specific area 410b can suggest to the player that a transition from the normal state to the CZ state will be granted as a bonus related to the instruction function.

[0246] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment transitions to a CZ state that is advantageous to the player when the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped in the specific area 410b, and the symbol combination displayed stopped in the specific area 410b is used to suggest to the player the transition to the presentation state, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0247] <Recommended order announcement effect> As described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured not to execute correct batting order notification (prize winning assistance) when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won when the presentation state is normal. Therefore, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the normal state and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to 6, the game ends with the AT high probability counter 196b initialized, and when the next game starts, it is configured to be relatively more disadvantageous to the player than when the game starts with the AT high probability counter 196b set to the value "1".

[0248] For this reason, since the recommended operation order of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the normal state is batting order 1 and batting order 2, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute a recommended order notification presentation that encourages the stop operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2 when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6 in the normal state.

[0249] Fig. 14 is a diagram illustrating a recommended order notification effect executed in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the effect control means 200 illustrates a case where stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop at the third position in the hitting order in a normal state, and based on the first stop operation being executed on stop button B2, the effect control means 200 displays a recommended order image 411 consisting of the words "Left push recommended" in the display area 410a of the display device 410 as a recommended order notification effect.

[0250] By displaying the recommended order image 411, the slot machine 1 can suggest to the player that the recommended order when viewing the slot machine 1 from the front is to perform the first stop operation on the stop button B1, which is located on the left of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0251] Also, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute the recommended order notification effect even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting orders 3 to 6 while being controlled by the AT control means 170 in a non-favorable section. Specifically, the effect control means 200 executes the recommended order notification effect when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting orders 3 to 6 in a state where the game state is a non-RT state and it is a non-favorable section.

[0252] As described above, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the control related to the game state and the control related to the favorable section are initialized, so that the game state is set to the non-RT state and configured to be set to the non-favorable section. Therefore, if the slot machine 1 is configured not to execute the recommended order notification effect when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting orders 3 to 6 in a state where the game state is a non-RT state and it is a non-favorable section, even though the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting orders 3 to 6 in a state where winning assistance is not executed, the fact that the setting change control by the setting change means 100 has been executed will be discriminated by the player.

[0253] In contrast, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to prevent the player from discriminating that the setting change control by the setting change means 100 has been executed by executing the recommended order notification effect when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting orders 3 to 6 in a state where the game state is a non-RT state and it is a non-favorable section.

[0254] <Relationship between control using the AT high-probability counter and effects> Next, the relationship between the control using the AT high-probability counter 196b and the effects executed by the effect control means 200 will be described. <00008�7>

[0255] ]> 15(A) is a diagram illustrating the winning history display that is updated when the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state. The example shown in FIG. 15(A) illustrates a case where the winning area "common bell" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the normal AT lottery is executed based on the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b being the value "1".

[0256] 15(A), the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to display a winning history display 412 to the left of a specific area 410b in a display area 410a of a display device 410 when the presentation state is normal. The winning history display 412 is displayed in a plurality of areas, namely, a first area 412a, a second area 412b, and a third area 412c.

[0257] When a game in which a normal AT lottery is executed based on the fact that a winning area "common bell", a winning area "cherry", or a winning area "chance role" is won in an internal lottery in the normal state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "1", the presentation control means 200 displays a display corresponding to the winning area that was won in the first area 412a of the first area 412a to the third area 412c of the winning history display 412.

[0258] As shown in Figure 15 (A), when the winning area "Common Bell" is won and a normal AT lottery is executed based on the value "1" stored in the AT high probability counter 196b, a row of bell symbols "BL" is displayed on the valid line L1, and a bell image having a design similar to that of the bell symbol "BL" is displayed. In addition, when a normal AT lottery is executed based on the winning area "Cherry" being won and the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b being the value "1", the performance control means 200 displays a cherry image with a design similar to the cherry pattern "CH" since the cherry pattern "CH" can be stopped and displayed on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 within the specific area 410b, and when a normal AT lottery is executed based on the winning area "Chance role" being won and the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b being the value "1", the performance control means 200 displays a star image with a design similar to the star A pattern "STA" and star B pattern "STB" since the star A pattern "STA" and star B pattern "STB" can be stopped and displayed on the middle reel R2 and right reel R3 within the specific area 410b.

[0259] Figure 15(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the next game starts from the state shown in Figure 15(A), and the game ends when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped at batting order 3 to batting order 6. The example shown in Figure 15(B) illustrates a case in which the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped at batting order 3.

[0260] As shown in Fig. 15(B), in the slot machine 1, in the normal state, based on the stop button B1 to stop button B3 being operated to stop at batting order 3, a recommended order notification effect is executed, and a recommended order image 411 is displayed in the display area 410a. Also, in the example shown in Fig. 15(B), since the winning area "batting order bell 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state and the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated to stop at batting order 3, the game ends with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b being initialized to the value "0".

[0261] 15(B), the presentation control means 200 ends the display of the bell image that was displayed in the first area 412a and starts displaying the bell image in the second area 412b based on the completion of a game following a game in which a bell image was displayed in the first area 412a of the winning history display 412. The presentation control means 200 is configured to update the displays in the first area 412a to the third area 412c each time a game is executed, thereby suggesting to the player a predetermined period during which the probability of winning "transition to AT state" in the normal AT lottery is high when the player wins the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" in the internal lottery in the normal state and then wins the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" again in the internal lottery.

[0262] Figure 15(C) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the next game is started from the state shown in Figure 15(B) and the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery. The example shown in Figure 15(C) illustrates a case in which the winning area "common bell" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state.

[0263] As described above, in the example shown in Fig. 15(B), the game ends with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b being the value "0." Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 15(C), the slot machine 1 is in a state where the normal AT lottery based on winning the winning area "common bell" in the internal lottery in the normal state is not executed.

[0264] 15(C), since one game has been played from the state shown in Fig. 15(B), the presentation control means 200 ends the display of the bell image that was displayed in the second area 412b and starts displaying a bell image in the third area 412c. Also, since the winning area "common bell" was won and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b was "0", the presentation control means 200 does not display a bell image in the first area 412a, since the normal AT lottery was not executed.

[0265] In this way, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute an unfavorable state indication presentation that suggests that the player is in a relatively unfavorable state when the winning assistance is not being executed and the player has won the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6, so that even if the player has won the winning area for which an image is to be displayed in the first area 412a of the winning history display 412, the image corresponding to the selected area will not be displayed.

[0266] Figure 15(D) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the next game is started from the state shown in Figure 15(B), one of the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2. The example shown in Figure 15(D) illustrates a case in which the winning area "Transition Role 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2.

[0267] As described above, in the example shown in Fig. 15(B), the game ends with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b being the value "0". Therefore, in the example shown in Fig. 15(D), in the slot machine 1, the winning area "transition role 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 1 and the batting order 2. In addition, the control related to the transition to the CZ state based on the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" being stopped and displayed in the specific area 410b is not executed.

[0268] As shown in Figure 15(D), since one game has been played from the state shown in Figure 15(B), the presentation control means 200 ends the display of the bell image that was being displayed in the second area 412b and starts displaying the bell image in the third area 412c. In addition, in the state shown in Figure 15 (B), when the winning assistance is not being executed and the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have been won, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 have been stopped in batting orders 3 to 6, causing the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to become the value "0", the presentation control means 200 is executing a presentation that suggests that the player is in a relatively disadvantageous state, and is configured not to execute a presentation that displays an image indicating a transition to the CZ state even if the winning area "Transition Role 1" has been won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 have been stopped in batting orders 1 and 2, and the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped in the specific area 410b.

[0269] In the state shown in Figure 15 (D), the winning area "Transition Role 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, and the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" is displayed stopped in the specific area 410b, but since the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "0", the AT control means 170 does not execute control related to the transition to the CZ state, and therefore, the execution of the disadvantageous state suggestion effect can prevent the effect state controlled by the AT control means 170 from differing from the effect displayed on the display device 410.

[0270] In this way, the presentation control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute a presentation suggesting an unfavorable state in which, when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "0" and control related to the instruction function that references the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is not executed, a display corresponding to the execution of the control is not displayed on the display device 410.

[0271] As a result, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 1 or batting order 2 when the winning assistance is not being executed, the control related to the instruction function that is more advantageous to the player than when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6 can be executed by referring to the AT high probability counter 196b. Therefore, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6, it is relatively disadvantageous to the player, and the disadvantageous state suggestion effect suggests that this is relatively disadvantageous to the player. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the execution of a game in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6, and to prevent the occurrence of a strategy of operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6 in an attempt to win the small winning combination 1 that is set to a payout greater than the first specified number.

[0272] 16(A) is a diagram showing a state in which a recommended order notification effect is executed based on the stop button B1 to stop button B3 being operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6 during play in a non-advantageous zone, and the game transitions to an advantageous zone and is set to the second start state. As described above, in the slot machine 1, even if a recommended order notification effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone, since it is a non-advantageous zone and control related to the instruction function cannot be executed, control related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, etc. is not executed.

[0273] Therefore, in the state illustrated in Figure 16(A), although the recommended order notification display is being executed, the advantageous zone has started and the second starting state has been set, and therefore the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b has been set to the value "1".

[0274] 16(A) illustrates a state in which the winning area "Batting Order Bell 5" is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3, resulting in the winning of small win 1. The effect control means 200 executes an effect suggesting an unfavorable state based on the fact that the winning assistance is not being executed, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3 to 6 in a state in which the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won.

[0275] Figure 16(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the next game is started from the state shown in Figure 16(A) and the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery. The example shown in Figure 16(B) illustrates a case in which the winning area "common bell" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state.

[0276] 16(B), in the slot machine 1, the winning area "common bell" has been won, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1", so a normal AT lottery is being executed. At this time, the presentation control means 200 is configured not to display a bell image in the first area 412a of the winning history display 412, because the winning assistance was not executed in the previous game, the winning area "batting order bell 5" among the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" has been won in the internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 have been stopped in batting order 3 to batting order 6.

[0277] Figure 16(C) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the next game is started from the state shown in Figure 16(A), one of the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" is won in the internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2. The example shown in Figure 16(C) illustrates a case in which the winning area "Transition Role 1" is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2.

[0278] 16(C), in the slot machine 1, the winning area "transition role 1" is won, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 1 and the batting order 2, causing the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" to be stopped and displayed in the specific area 410b, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is set to the value "1." In other words, in the slot machine 1, in a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone, the game transitions from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, and in the game following the game, the winning area "transition role 1" is won by an internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 1 and the batting order 2, causing the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" to be stopped and displayed in the specific area 410b, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is set to the value "1." Therefore, the CZ transition condition is met, and the effect state transitions to the CZ state.

[0279] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the first game when it transitions from a non-advantageous zone where control related to the instruction function is not executed to an advantageous zone, it is unable to obtain information related to the instruction function in the game before the advantageous zone began, and it is difficult to execute control that is relatively disadvantageous to the player using the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.Therefore, in a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion display is executed in a non-advantageous zone, if the game transitions from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, and in the next game after that game, the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won in an internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, causing the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" to be displayed stopped in the specific area 410b, it is decided to transition to the CZ state, so that it is possible to prevent the playability from being impaired when an advantageous zone is started by play in a non-advantageous zone, and to prevent the marketability of the gaming machine from being reduced.

[0280] Also, as shown in Figure 16 (C), since the presentation state is transitioning to the CZ state, the presentation control means 200 executes a state transition presentation in which a CZ state transition image 413 consisting of the words "CZ transition!" is displayed in the display area 410a, thereby notifying the player that the presentation state is transitioning to the CZ state.

[0281] <Summary of the relationship between the unfavorable state indication effect and control using the AT high probability counter> As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the power supply to the main control board 10 is cut off and setting change control is not executed by the setting change means 100 from the state in which the power is turned off until the power is restored again, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to resume from the state before the power was cut off, and the control related to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 170 before the power was cut off is also configured to maintain the state before the power was cut off.

[0282] For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the power is cut off while the game state is in the RBB internal state and controlled to the normal state in the advantageous zone, and when the power is turned on again, the game is resumed with the game state in the RBB internal state and controlled to the normal state in the advantageous zone, and if the stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated to stop in batting order 3 to batting order 6 in the first game after resumption, and the winning area "Batting order bell 1" to winning area "Batting order bell 8" are won in the internal lottery, the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is initialized to the value "0", the game ends, and a recommended order notification effect and an unfavorable state suggestion effect are executed.

[0283] Furthermore, as described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control relating to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control relating to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are initialized, and the game state is controlled to a non-RT state and a non-advantageous zone, and the game immediately after the power is turned ON and setting change control is executed is played in a non-RT state and in a state controlled to a non-advantageous zone.

[0284] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when in a non-RT state and controlled to a non-advantageous zone, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop at batting order 3 to batting order 6 and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won in the internal lottery, the recommended order notification display and the unfavorable state suggestion display are executed, thereby preventing the player from determining that the setting change control by the setting change means 100 has caused the machine to be initialized to a non-advantageous zone, and preventing a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0285] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion effect is executed in a non-favorable zone transitions to a favorable zone, and when a lottery for transitioning to the presentation state (AT lottery during the first start state, AT lottery during the second start state) is executed based on winning the winning area "common bell", winning area "cherry", or winning area "chance role" in an internal lottery in the first game game in which the game has transitioned to the favorable zone, the game is configured to transition from the first start state or the second start state to the normal state in either the case where the "transition to AT state" is won or the case where it is lost (not won), and the impact on playability is minor even if the fact that the lottery for transitioning to the presentation state has been executed is not suggested or notified in the game.

[0286] For this reason, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that in the next game after a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion effect is executed in normal state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is initialized to the value "0", if the winning area "common bell", winning area "cherry", or winning area "chance role" is won in the internal lottery, and the image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is not displayed on the winning history display 412, in approximately the same way as when the AT lottery is not executed during normal state.

[0287] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player wins the winning area "common bell", the winning area "cherry", or the winning area "chance role" in the internal lottery in the next game after the game in which the unfavorable state suggestion effect was executed, the display in the first area 412a of the winning history display 412 prevents the player from determining that the game in which the unfavorable state suggestion effect was executed was in a non-favorable zone, that is, that the game was initialized to a non-favorable zone by the setting change control by the setting change means 100, and prevents the marketability of the gaming machine from being reduced.

[0288] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion effect is executed in a non-favorable zone is transitioned to a favorable zone, and in the first game in which the game has transitioned to the favorable zone, an internal lottery is conducted to win the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4", and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, causing the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" to be displayed stopped in the specific area 410b, and the game is transitioned to the CZ state based on this, if it is not announced that the presentation state will transition to the CZ state, it will have a significant impact on playability and will lead to a decrease in the marketability of the gaming machine, so the configuration is such that a state transition effect is executed to display a CZ state transition image 413, and an announcement is made that the presentation state has transitioned to the CZ state.

[0289] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment notifies the player that the presentation state will transition to a CZ state, that is, a state different from the normal state, in the next game after a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion presentation is executed, thereby preventing a mismatch between the set presentation state and the presentation to be executed, which would have a significant impact on playability and prevent a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0290] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in a state where it is recommended to stop the stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2, such as a non-advantageous zone, first start state, second start state, and normal state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have not been won, and even if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b is initialized to the value "0", and the game does not end, the recommended order notification effect is executed.

[0291] With this configuration, if the player accidentally stops the stop buttons B1 to B3 at batting order 3 to batting order 6, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can execute a recommended order notification effect to suggest to the player that the recommended order is batting order 1 and batting order 2, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is initialized to the value "0", ending the game and putting the player in a relatively disadvantageous situation. This prevents the player from being put in an excessively relatively disadvantageous situation and prevents the marketability of the gaming machine from decreasing.

[0292] This adverse state suggestion effect constitutes a specific effect that is executed when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6 in an advantageous zone without any indication of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that would enable a winning role, and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6 in an unfavorable zone. Winning the winning area "Transition Role 1" to winning area "Transition Role 4" and stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and 2 constitutes the fulfillment of a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery, and the transition of the performance state to the CZ state due to the fulfillment of the specific condition constitutes a benefit related to the instruction function that is granted based on the fulfillment of a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery.

[0293] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the first game when the slot machine 1 transitions from a non-advantageous zone where control related to the instruction function is not executed to a favorable zone, it is unable to obtain information related to the instruction function in the game before the favorable zone began, and it is difficult to execute control that is relatively disadvantageous to the player using the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.Therefore, in a game in which an unfavorable state suggestion display is executed in a non-advantageous zone, if the slot machine 1 transitions from the non-advantageous zone to the favorable zone, and in the game following that game, the winning areas "Transition Role 1" to "Transition Role 4" are won in the internal lottery, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, causing the pattern combination "RP-RP-BL" to be stopped and displayed in the specific area 410b, a transition to the CZ state is determined, thereby preventing the playability from being impaired when a favorable zone is started by play in a non-advantageous zone, and preventing a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0294] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to initialize the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and end the game when the winning assistance is not executed, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 3 to 6, and the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" are won in the internal lottery, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to initialize the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and end the game when the winning assistance is not executed, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 3 to 6, regardless of the result of the internal lottery.

[0295] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to determine that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery has been fulfilled when the winning areas "Transitional Role 1" to "Transitional Role 4" are won in the internal lottery and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, causing the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" to be stopped and displayed in the specific area 410b, but this is not limiting. The slot machine 1 may be configured to determine that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery has been fulfilled, for example, based on winning a specific winning area (e.g., the winning area "Missed Role") in the internal lottery. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to determine that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery has been fulfilled, for example, based on winning a specific winning area (e.g., the winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role 1") in the internal lottery and winning a small role 5. In addition, the slot machine 1 may be configured to determine that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery has been met, for example, when a player wins a bonus in a lottery related to an instruction function that is executed by referring to a winning area that has been won in an internal lottery.

[0296] In other words, the specific conditions related to the results of the internal lottery may consist of not only the result of the internal lottery, but also whether or not the winning role in the internal lottery wins, and whether or not the lottery executed with reference to the result of the internal lottery wins.

[0297] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition the presentation state to the CZ state as a benefit related to the instruction function when a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery is established, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to transition to the AT state as a benefit related to the instruction function, and may also be configured to determine, when transitioning to the AT state, when initially setting the period for which the AT state will continue, to add (add) the period to an initial value, and the content of the benefit is not limited to this embodiment.

[0298] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition the presentation state to the CZ state as a bonus related to the instruction function when specific conditions related to the results of the internal lottery are met, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to grant a bonus related to the instruction function by determining by lottery whether to transition to the CZ state when specific conditions related to the results of the internal lottery are met.

[0299] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute, as a special effect, an effect suggesting a disadvantageous state in which no display corresponding to control related to the instruction function is performed on the display device 410, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to execute, as a special effect, an effect informing the player that he is in a relatively disadvantageous state by displaying an image, etc., that clearly indicates that he is in a relatively disadvantageous state, such as an image consisting of the words "Penalty in Progress," or may be configured to execute an effect suggesting that he is in a relatively disadvantageous state by displaying an image, etc., that suggests that he is in a relatively disadvantageous state, such as an image consisting of a symbol such as "!"

[0300] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a common effect in a case where a specific effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone and in a case where a specific effect is executed in a advantageous zone, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to have a plurality of types of effect modes as effect modes that can be executed in a specific effect, and to execute an effect of one of the plurality of effect modes when an opportunity to execute a specific effect is established, thereby enabling a specific effect of a different effect mode to be executed in a case where a specific effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone and in a advantageous zone.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition from the second start state to the CZ state when it transitions from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone and the gaming state in the second start state is in the RBB internal state, and is configured to be able to transition to the AT state again via the CZ state when the end condition of the advantageous zone is met in the AT state and it transitions to a non-advantageous zone, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that when it transitions from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone, the presentation state is set to the normal state based on the start of the advantageous zone, regardless of the result of the internal lottery that triggered the transition to the gaming state and the advantageous zone.

[0302] When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 may be configured to end the advantageous zone and transition to a non-advantageous zone, for example, when the AT transition condition is not met in the CZ state and the CZ state ends. In other words, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to transition to a non-advantageous zone according to the progress of the game, in addition to when the end condition of the advantageous zone is met in the AT state and when initialization is executed by setting change control by the setting change means 100, even if the number of electronic medals acquired in the advantageous zone is 2,400 or less.

[0303] When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 can be transitioned to a non-advantageous zone as the game progresses, so that in a game in which a specific effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone, there is an increased possibility that a transition will occur from the non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone and that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery will be met in the next game after that game.Therefore, by configuring the slot machine 1 so that a bonus can be awarded in a game in which a specific effect is executed in a non-advantageous zone, there is an increased possibility that a transition will occur from the non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone and that a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery will be met in the next game after that game, it is possible to prevent the playability from being impaired when a beneficial zone is started by play in a non-advantageous zone and prevent the marketability of the gaming machine from being reduced.

[0304] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition the presentation state related to the instruction function from the normal state to the CZ state when the winning areas "Transitional Role 1" to "Transitional Role 4" are won in the normal state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 1 and the batting order 2 to stop the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL", but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to set the state controlled by the presentation control means 200 to a specific state while maintaining the presentation state related to the instruction function in the normal state, for example, when the winning areas "Transitional Role 1" to "Transitional Role 4" are won in the normal state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order 1 and the batting order 2 to stop the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL".

[0305] In other words, the slot machine 1 only needs to be configured to be able to set a specific state that is advantageous to the player when the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" is stopped and displayed, and the specific state may be configured to be either a state related to an instruction function controlled by the AT control means 170 or a state related to a presentation controlled by the presentation control means 200. In addition, when the specific state is configured to be a state related to a presentation controlled by the presentation control means 200, it is preferable that the AT control means 170 is also configured to manage, using a storage area provided in the AT control data storage means 196, that the specific state is set by the presentation control means 200 based on the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" being stopped and displayed when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1".

[0306] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to award a bonus based on the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" being stopped and displayed when the winning areas "Transitional Role 1" to "Transitional Role 4" are won in the CZ state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured to award a bonus based on the symbol combination "RP-RP-BL" being stopped and displayed even in the CZ state. The bonus based on the "RP-RP-BL" symbol combination being displayed in a stopped state may be configured to grant a bonus that is substantially the same as the bonus that is granted based on the "RP-RP-BL" symbol combination being displayed in a stopped state in the normal state, such as adding 10 games to the number of games that the CZ state continues, or it may be configured to grant a bonus that is different from the bonus that is granted based on the "RP-RP-BL" symbol combination being displayed in a stopped state in the normal state, such as increasing the probability of the player winning a bonus that is advantageous to the player in the next lottery related to the instruction function (AT lottery during CZ, lottery to add the number of sets during CZ).

[0307] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured so that, when the instruction function is not activated, the expected value of electronic medals to be won when a game is played in which the stop button B1 is operated to perform the first stop operation is lower than the expected value of electronic medals to be won when a game is played in which the stop buttons B2 and B3 are operated to perform the first stop operation, but this is not limiting. The slot machine 1 may also be configured so that the expected value of electronic medals to be won when a game is played in which one specific stop button among the stop buttons B1 to B3 is operated to perform the stop operation first is lower than the expected value of electronic medals to be won when a game is played in which a stop button other than the specific stop button is operated to perform the stop operation first.

[0308] In other words, in the slot machine 1, any one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 constitutes a specific stop button, the reel among the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the specific stop button constitutes a specific reel, the operation mode in which the specific stop button is operated first constitutes a first operation mode, and the operation mode in which a stop button other than the specific stop button is operated first constitutes a second operation mode.

[0309] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout number of electronic medals when a two-coin bet game is executed is one by setting the payout for all of the small roles 1 to 30 to one when a two-coin bet game is executed, but is not limited to this. For example, when a two-coin bet game is executed, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that the payout of one medal is executed regardless of the number of medals set for the winning small role by executing a process to set the upper limit of the payout number to one.

[0310] Below, a detailed description will be given of a configuration in which a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts (upper limit setting process) is executed to play a two-coin bet game and one electronic medal is paid out regardless of which minor winning combination is won. A slot machine 1 configured in this way is configured to set an upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played, and is configured to set the number of payouts to the upper limit and pay out medals when a minor winning combination with a payout set to equal or exceed the upper limit is won. Specifically, the slot machine 1 is configured to set one medal as the upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played.

[0311] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an upper limit value setting process in which the slot machine 1 of the modified example sets an upper limit value for the payout number. The process shown in Fig. 17 is executed after the payout value set for the winning minor winning combination is stored in the payout number storage means 199 (see Fig. 2) of the main storage means 190 in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is executed when a minor winning combination is won.

[0312] 17, the payout control means 150 first acquires the payout number stored in the payout number storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 acquires the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the payout value set for the small winning combination in the current game.

[0313] Next, the payout control means 150 checks the number of electronic medals that have been set to the inserted state for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 checks the value stored in the inserted number storage means 198, thereby making it possible to determine whether the current game is a two-coin bet game or a three-coin bet game.

[0314] Next, the payout control means 150 determines whether or not the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether or not the stored value of the inserted number storage means 198 (see FIG. 2) confirmed in the process of step S2 is the value "2". By the payout control means 150 executing the process of step S3, the slot machine 1 can determine whether or not the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (two medals) is set.

[0315] In the process of step S3, when it is determined that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts stored in the payout number storage means 199 obtained in the process of step S1 is the value "2" or more.

[0316] In the process of step S4, if it is determined that the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the number of payouts to one (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 changes the value of two or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1", thereby setting the number of payouts in the current game to one.

[0317] This processing in step S5 constitutes a process for setting the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1 medal) that is less than the second specified number (3 medals) when a game is started by inserting a second specified number (2 medals) that is less than the first specified number (3 medals).

[0318] After executing the processing of step S5, if it is determined in the processing of step S3 that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state for the current game is three (NO), or if it is determined in the processing of step S4 that the number of medals to be paid out for the current game is one (NO), the payout control means 150 executes processing to pay out medals (S6) and ends the payout processing. In this processing, the payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of medals to be paid out for the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined number to the medal number counter 311.

[0319] In this way, when a three-coin bet game is executed, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip the processing of steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6, determine the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the small winning combination won in the game, as the number of medals to be paid out in the game, and add the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0320] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out the same number of electronic medals as the payout set for the winning minor role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and when a minor role with a payout set to more than one medal is won, the payout of the payout is executed.

[0321] On the other hand, when a two-coin bet game is played and a small role with a payout of two or more coins set as the payout for the two-coin bet game is won, the payout control means 150 is configured to execute the processing of step S5 and then proceed to step S6, and determines the stored value of the payout number memory means 199, which is set to the value "1", as the number of medals to be paid out in the game, regardless of the value set as the payout for the small role won in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals (1 medal) corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0322] Because of this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a game with three bets is executed and when a game with two bets is executed, the payout is the same, and when a minor role with a payout set to more than one coin is won in the RBB state when a game with two bets is executed, a payout of one coin is executed, which is less than the set payout and is less than the specified number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0323] That is, in the slot machine 1, when the specified number is set to the RBB state of 2 coins and a win area including a small winning combination is won, one coin is paid out regardless of which of all the small winning combinations is won. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the specified number is set to the second specified number (2 coins) and a small winning combination with a payout set to a payout greater than the second specified number is won, a payout less than the second specified number is paid out.

[0324] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 transitions to an RBB state in which the specified number is set to two coins, and when a winning area including a small win is won, a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts is executed, so that one coin is paid out regardless of which of all the small wins is won. Therefore, by lowering the payout rate in the RBB state to 50%, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance for when the RBB is not activated, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0325] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is lower than the payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0326] With this configuration, the ball payout rate in the RBB state of the slot machine 1 is lower than that in the non-RT state where the RBB is not operating and the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0327] Furthermore, by configuring the slot machine 1 to execute an upper limit value setting process, the payout number when a two-coin bet game is executed can be set to one coin without having to set the payout when a two-coin bet game is executed for each minor role separately from the payout when a three-coin bet game is executed, thereby reducing the data volume required to set the payout when a two-coin bet game is executed for each minor role.

[0328] In addition, when configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 is required to be configured so that when the game state is in the RBB state, a prize is awarded based on a win for a minor role that is configured to result in a different payout number when a prize is awarded in the RBB state in which two medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, and when three medals are set to the inserted state and play is started.

[0329] As a result, in the RBB state where the prescribed number is set to a second prescribed number, which is different from the prescribed number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the slot machine 1 can win a minor winning combination in which the number of electronic medals paid out is less than the number of electronic medals that would be paid out if a winning combination was won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, by winning in the RBB state, preventing the performance of the minor winning combination from being excessively reduced and fully guaranteeing the performance of the gaming machine.

[0330] When configured in this manner, minor winning combinations that have different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started and when a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started constitute minor winning combinations included in the second group and the predetermined group, and minor winning combinations that have the same number of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and game play is started and when a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted and game play is started constitute minor winning combinations included in the first group.

[0331] In addition, when configured to execute the upper limit setting process, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the upper limit of the payout number set in the upper limit setting process to the payout number of 2, which is the same as the second specified number (2 coins). In other words, the slot machine 1 may be configured to execute a payout of the second specified number or less when a small combination set to a payout greater than the second specified number wins in an RBB state in which the specified number is set to the second specified number (2 coins).

[0332] In a configuration in which the payout number of two coins is set as the upper limit in the upper limit setting process, the slot machine 1 is preferably configured so that when the winning area "bonus small / medium combination 2" is won, a small combination set to a payout of one coin is won regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, in a case where it is configured in this way, it is preferable that the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium combination 2" is higher than the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium combination 1" in the internal lottery in the RBB state.

[0333] When the upper limit setting process is configured to set the payout number to two as the upper limit, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1" is won, one of small role 1 to small role 3 is won depending on the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3, and two electronic medals are paid out. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state, the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2," in which a payout of one medal is won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3, is higher than the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1," so that the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to less than 100%, and medal acquisition performance can be designed for when the RBB is not activated, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0334] In this embodiment, the payout for all of the small winning combinations 1 to 30 is set to 1 coin when a two-coin bet game is played, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that the payout for the small winning combination 1 is 2 coins when a two-coin bet game is played.

[0335] In the case where the slot machine 1 is configured in this way, it is preferable that when the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to 6, a small role (for example, small role 2, small role 3, etc.) with a payout set to one in the case of a two-coin bet game is won. Also, in the case where the slot machine 1 is configured in this way, the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium role 1" is higher than the probability of winning the winning area "bonus small / medium role 2" in the internal lottery in the RBB state. This makes it possible to reduce the payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% and design medal acquisition performance for the state in which the RBB is not activated, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0336] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the hitting order and operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "bonus small / medium winning combination 1" is won, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "bonus small / medium winning combination 1" is won.

[0337] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a non-RT state and an RBB internal state as the first gaming state, and an RBB state as the second gaming state, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to have, for example, the following game states in a game state in which the RBB is won and the RBB is activated: a non-RT state, an RBB internal state, a general RBB activated state in which the RBB is activated and the RB is not won or won and the RB is not activated, an RBB activated RB internal state in which the RBB is activated and the RB is won and the RB is not activated, and an RBB activated RB state in which the RBB is activated and the RB is won and the RB is activated.When configured in this way, the game states in which the probability of winning a small role in the internal lottery is the same in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, the general RBB activated state and the RBB activated RB internal state may constitute a first game state, and the RBB activated RB activated state in which the probability of winning any small role in the internal lottery is higher than in the first game state may constitute a second game state.

[0338] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in an advantageous zone, but this is not limiting. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is in an advantageous zone when the expected value of medal acquisition is 1 or more due to the support of winning a small winning combination.

[0339] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a plurality of reels, namely, left reel R1 to right reel R3, and a plurality of stop buttons, namely, stop buttons B1 to B3, corresponding to the left reel R1 to right reel R3, but is not limited to this and may have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0340] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to have, for example, a single bet button for inserting one medal in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0341] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to start a game when either the first specified number or the second specified number of electronic medals is set to the inserted state, with respect to the specified number in the non-RT state or the RBB state. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the max bet button MB is operated when the gaming state is the non-RT state or the RBB state, and to set the second specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the single bet button is operated twice.

[0342] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured as a so-called medalless gaming machine that records gaming value electromagnetically, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to allow medals, which serve as physical media for gaming value, to be inserted, and to allow the physical media medals to be paid out using a hopper unit. In this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to credit up to 50 inserted medals. In this configuration, the AT control means 170 ends the advantageous zone when 4,000 games have been played since the advantageous zone began.

[0343] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored value of each counter and memory means as an initial value, and to perform a decrement update by subtracting 1 each time a game is played, or an increment update by adding 1 each time a game is played, but this is not limited to this, and the method of updating each counter and memory means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0344] 1. Slot machines (gaming machines) 120 Internal lottery method B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 middle reel R3 Right reel

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels and Multiple stop buttons and an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery; A control means for controlling the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section; A performance control means for controlling the performance, the plurality of reels includes a specific reel, the plurality of stop buttons includes a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel, the operation modes of the plurality of stop buttons include a first operation mode and a second operation mode; the first operation mode is an operation mode in which the specific stop button is operated first, the second operation mode is an operation mode in which a stop button different from the specific stop button is first operated, The non-advantageous section is a section in which control related to the instruction function is not executed, The advantageous section is a section in which control related to the instruction function can be executed, When the instruction function is not activated, an expected value of game value to be acquired when a game is played by operating the plurality of stop buttons in the first operation mode is lower than an expected value of game value to be acquired when a game is played by operating the plurality of stop buttons in the second operation mode, The effect control means executes a specific effect when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in a state in which an operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons that makes it possible to win a winning combination is not suggested in the advantageous zone, The effect control means executes the specific effect when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the non-advantageous section in the second operation mode, The specific effect is not executed when the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode, When the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone without indicating an operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons that enables a winning combination, if a specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery is established in the next game, the control means does not grant a benefit related to the instruction function, In a game in which the specific effect is executed in the non-advantageous zone, when the game shifts from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone and the specific condition related to the result of the internal lottery is established in the next game of the game, the benefit can be granted. A gaming machine characterized by:

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