Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that can reduce the amount of data related to the roles. [Solution] For the first prize, if it is won in the first game state, the first number of game values ​​will be paid out, and if it is won in the second game state, a game value less than the first number will be paid out. For the second prize, if it is won in the first game state, the second number of game values ​​will be paid out, and if it is won in the second game state, a game value less than the second number will be paid out. In the first and second game states, the first prize can be won when multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode in which the first stop button is operated first. For the second prize, in the first game state, multiple stop buttons can be operated in the first operation mode, and in the second game state, multiple stop buttons can be operated in the second operation mode in which the second stop button is operated first.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces are known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to obtain such gaming media. In addition, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon the player's rotation start operation, and controls the stopping of the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon the player's stop operation. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, in order to reduce the data capacity related to the winning combinations, a configuration is known in which winning combinations that win when small winning combinations set with a payout higher than a specified number are missed are shared (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In gaming machines, when designing a machine to have a winning pattern that allows players to acquire more game value than a predetermined amount when operated in a predetermined manner, it is necessary to design the machine to have a winning pattern that may result in missed opportunities when operated in that predetermined manner, in order to prevent players from acquiring excessive game value when operated in that predetermined manner. In such a gaming machine, it becomes necessary to prepare a large number of winning patterns in order to set multiple types of probabilities for missed opportunities, which may increase the data capacity.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the amount of data related to the roles of the players. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention relates to a plurality of reels, Multiple stop buttons, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, A game state transition control means that controls the transition between game states between multiple game states, Equipped with, The aforementioned multiple reels are, 1 reel And the second reel, Includes, The plurality of stop buttons are the 1 Compatible with reels 1 Stop button And a second stop button corresponding to the aforementioned second reel, Includes, In the aforementioned internal lottery, multiple types The role The decision was made on whether it was correct or incorrect. The aforementioned multiple types of roles include: The first minor role and the second minor role, It includes, The aforementioned multiple game states include a first game state and a second game state, The aforementioned first game state is initiated when a first predetermined number of game values ​​are invested. The second game state is initiated when a second specified number of game values, which is less than the first specified number, is invested. The aforementioned first minor role can be awarded when it is won in the first game state and when it is won in the second game state. The aforementioned second minor role can be awarded when it is won in the first game state and when it is won in the second game state. When the first minor role is achieved in the first game state, the game value of the first number is paid out. When the first minor role is achieved in the second game state, a game value less than the first number is paid out. When the aforementioned second minor role is achieved in the aforementioned first game state, the game value of the second number is paid out. When the aforementioned second minor role is achieved in the aforementioned second game state, a game value less than the aforementioned second number is paid out. In the first game state, the first small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode in which the first stop button is operated first. In the first game state, the second small prize can be won if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode. In the second game state, the first small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode. In the second game state, the second small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in which the second stop button is operated first. characterized in that.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the data capacity related to the role.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the functional blocks of the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a winning area that can be won in an internal lottery in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and winning roles included in each winning area. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the symbol arrangement of the reels in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the winning symbol combinations of minor roles 1 to 13, the payouts of minor roles 1 to 13, and the number of winning symbol combinations of minor roles 1 to 13 in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [[ID=:34]] [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the winning symbol combinations of minor roles 14 to 33, the payouts of minor roles 14 to 33, and the number of winning symbol combinations of minor roles 14 to 33 in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the winning symbol combinations of minor roles 34 to 49, the payouts of minor roles 34 to, 49, and the number of winning symbol combinations of minor roles 34 to 49 in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (A) is a state transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram related to the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means, and the production state during the advantageous section. [Figure 9]This figure shows the game results for each batting order when, in a non-RT state, the player wins in the following batting order areas: "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 4A", "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 4B", "batting order bell 1C" to "batting order bell 4C", and "batting order bell 1D" to "batting order bell 4D" in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure shows the game results for each batting order when, in the RBB internal state of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, the player wins in the winning area "batting order bell 1A" to the winning area "batting order bell 4A", the winning area "batting order bell 1B" to the winning area "batting order bell 4B", the winning area "batting order bell 1C" to the winning area "batting order bell 4C", and the winning area "batting order bell 1D" to the winning area "batting order bell 4D". [Figure 11] This figure shows the game results for each turn when a player wins in the non-RT state or RBB internal state of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, in the winning area "Rare Role", winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 8", or winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 16". [Figure 12] This figure shows the game results for each turn when a winning area containing a small win is hit in the RBB state of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a table summarizing the winning combinations for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] (A) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 2 when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 4 when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, and (C) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 8 when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation. [Figure 15](A) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 2 when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 4 when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, and (C) is a diagram showing combinations of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 8 when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation. [Figure 16] (A) is a diagram showing the winning ratio in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing the winning ratio when minor role 5 and minor role 6 are removed from the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (C) is a diagram showing the winning ratio when the symbols on the left reel that constitute the winning symbol combinations for minor role 5 and minor role 6 are composed of one type of symbol that can be stopped regardless of the timing of the stopping operation. [Figure 17] This diagram illustrates the symbols that are stopped and displayed on the active line at each timing of operation of the stop button B1 when it is possible to win small prizes 5 and 6 in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This flowchart shows the process for setting the upper limit of the number of payouts in a modified version of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Overview of the configuration of the gaming machine Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external 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 a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records the gaming value that can be used by the player by an electromagnetic method based on a lending signal output from a dedicated unit SU (see Figure 2), which is provided outside the slot machine 1 and has a configuration that lends and settles medals that constitute the gaming value by an electromagnetic method. The slot machine 1 stores information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals, and is configured to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and dispensing it.

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

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are each divided into 20 regions (hereinafter referred to as "frames") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is equipped with a display device 410, which serves as a display means for displaying various videos and images to assist or enhance the gameplay. The display device 410 has a display area 410a for displaying images, and a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is made of a transparent liquid crystal display, allowing the rotation and stopping states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to be observed through the display device 410. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions on each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called specified number (specified number), is set to 3 tokens (first specified number) or 2 tokens (second specified number), and when tokens corresponding to the specified number are inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that combination is considered to have been won, and control corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB, which is an insertion operation means for setting the slot machine 1 to the inserted state; a start lever SL, which is a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3; stop buttons B1 to B3, which are stop operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to stop the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors; a counting button KB, which is a counting operation means for transmitting the number of game tokens stored in the slot machine 1 to a dedicated unit SU; and a settlement button AB, which is a settlement operation for releasing the inserted state and returning the electronic tokens set to the inserted state to the token counter 311 (see Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see Figure 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display and other components, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (notification display) indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to medal payout. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D corresponds to the winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning combination information in the current game when a specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0019] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a game token count display device MD controlled by the token count control CPU 31 (see Figure 2). The game token count display device MD consists of a 7-segment display and functions as a conceptual container by displaying the number of game tokens stored in the slot machine 1.

[0020] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with multiple sound devices 420 for sound-based effects. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0021] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30 as control boards. 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 value. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and is configured to communicate with a dedicated unit SU to perform control related to the number of game medals.

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

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

[0024] The setting change means 100, in the setting change permission state, receives an input signal output when the setting change button BS on the power supply is operated, and cyclically changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ..., and confirms the setting value based on the reception of a start signal output when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are restarted from the state before the power outage, and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the power outage is also maintained in the state before the power outage.

[0026] The input receiving means 105, during the input receiving period for accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, receives an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311 (described later) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Based on this, it sets the electronic tokens stored in the token counter 311 to the insertion state, up to a predetermined number set for each game state, and activates the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the electronic tokens corresponding to the predetermined number have been set to the insertion state.

[0027] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the initial press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens, is accepted as the player's operation to start playing, triggering the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to perform an internal lottery. Details of the predetermined numbers set for each game state will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the input receiving means 105, during the period between when the electronic tokens are set to the input state and when the start lever SL is started, receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby releasing the input state and adding the same number of electronic tokens that were set to the input state to the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311, thereby settling the electronic tokens that were set to the input state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In this embodiment, "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal output when a 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, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main memory means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is started. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to 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 an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are lottery flags that can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags that are reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main memory means 190.

[0035] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the player performing a start operation on the start lever SL and outputting a start signal. Furthermore, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stopped stop buttons B1 to B3.

[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 the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, 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, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 will also be referred to as the operation. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, when the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 and then releasing the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is performed.

[0038] In this case, if the spinning reels are to be stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, it is possible for the reels to rotate a maximum of 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0039] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main memory means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of electronic medals dispensed based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0041] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize 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, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the main memory means 190, it determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped corresponds to a predetermined winning combination. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the combination of symbols that indicates the winning combination (the combination of symbols related to winning) will also be referred to as the "prize symbol combination".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for each process executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small prize is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of game tokens to be dispensed as electronic tokens; if a replay is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to execute a process that will allow the next game to be played without consuming electronic tokens; and if a prize that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is won, the game state transition control means 160 is instructed to transition to a game state.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of electronic tokens according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, it determines the number of electronic tokens to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and virtually controls the payout by adding the number of game tokens corresponding to the determined payout number to the token counter 311.

[0044] Furthermore, the payout control means 150, when it is determined by the winning determination means 140 that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay process (re-play process) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of electronic tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted without using the electronic tokens held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] In slot machine 1, the system is configured so that even if the settlement buttons A and B are operated during the period from when a replay is awarded until the start of the next game, that is, during the period when a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted due to the replay process and the game has not yet started, the same number of game tokens as the predetermined number will not be added to the token counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If 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 on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 is an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications assisting in winning specific roles on the main control display device 10D, can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, thereby performing control related to the normal section, advantageous section, and auxiliary games.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data used in various controls related to multiple types of performance states, including the normal state and the AT state, which are executed within the advantageous period (various flags, counters, etc., which are set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process).

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and provides operation notification to assist in winning specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 10D, which consists of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the performance control means 200, described later, executes a navigation performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct sequence of hits on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified through operation notification and navigation performance assistance, thereby executing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 170, when a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous period, as will be described in more detail later, is met, executes a predetermined termination process that ends the advantageous period and starts the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period.

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

[0052] Furthermore, in the process of updating the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 subtracts the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a because the number of tokens paid out in the game is less than a specified number, and even if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than "0", the AT control means 170 sets the result of the subtraction to the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value to the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] The AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when more than 2400 medals are acquired in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game. For example, in slot machine 1, if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before transitioning to a performance state in which medals can be acquired, then in the performance state in which medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 medals can be acquired: 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "0", and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "2401" or more.

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

[0055] The complete control means 180 controls the slot machine 1 to activate a complete function, which stops the game when the cumulative number of medals acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The complete control means 180 performs an update process (complete acquired number update process) in which the difference (difference in medals, acquired number) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out in each game from the number of medals inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on is cumulatively recorded in the medal acquired number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. However, the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquired counter 197a when a replay is awarded.

[0056] In the complete medal count update process, which updates the stored value of the medal count counter 197a, the complete control means 180, when the stored value of the medal count counter 197a is subtracted because the number of medals paid out in the game is less than a predetermined number, sets the stored value of the medal count counter 197a to "0" if the stored value of the medal count counter 197a becomes less than "0". As a result, the complete control means 180 can fix the value of the stored value of the medal count counter 197a to "0" when it reaches its lowest point. Therefore, in the control process using the stored value of the medal count counter 197a, it is no longer necessary to change the value that serves as the threshold for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load on the control process using the stored value of the medal count counter 197a can be reduced.

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

[0058] The complete control means 180 activates the complete function when none of the following are activated: the regular bonus (RB) as a first-class special feature, the regular big bonus (RBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the first-class special feature, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the second-class special feature. Based on the fulfillment of the conditions for activating the complete function, the complete function is activated in the game in which the conditions are met, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, if RB, RBB, or CBB is active, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in a game where the active RB, RBB, or CBB has finished.

[0060] 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 activating the complete function. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a 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, which is set to the ON state, is reset to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS located inside is operated to initialize it. Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the complete function is activated, the complete function cannot be deactivated by the player's operation.

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

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

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

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

[0065] The medal count control means 300 primarily 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 operations on the counting button KB which has a built-in counting switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the updated number of game medals on the game medal count display device MD.

[0066] Specifically, the medal count control means 300, when the counting button KB is operated while the game is playable, transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means that the game machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, power is supplied to both the game machine and the dedicated unit SU, neither the game machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no error has occurred that would prevent the game from being played. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is controlled so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by operation of the counting button KB when it is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, thereby preventing a situation in which the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted but no signal is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU.

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

[0068] The medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred when the stored value of the medal count counter 311 exceeds the value "16369", which is set as the limit of 16368 medals to be stored in the slot machine 1. Based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, the slot machine 1 issues a medal overflow error, and when the counting button KB is operated and the stored number of medals in the medal count counter 311 is counted, the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16368" or less, the medal overflow error is cleared.

[0069] When the coin count control means 300 is powered on while the coin count clear button CL, which is located inside the gaming machine, is pressed, it initializes the coin count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the coin count, setting the stored value of the coin count counter 311 to "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of coins that remained in the coin count counter 311 before the power was turned off when the power is turned on.

[0070] When the coin count control means 300 is powered on while the coin count clear button CL, which is located inside the gaming machine, is pressed, it initializes the coin count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the coin count, setting the stored value of the coin count counter 311 to "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of coins that remained in the coin count counter 311 before the power was turned off when the power is turned on.

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

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

[0073] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of specified coins is set to 3 (first specified number) for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the number of specified coins is set to 2 (second specified number) for the RBB state.

[0074] In other words, when the game state is not RT state or RBB internal state, the coin insertion receiving means 105 stores the value "3" in the coin insertion count storage means 198 based on the fact that the input signal is received three times when the Max Bet button MB is operated with three or more game tokens stored in the medal count counter 311. Also, when the game state is RBB state, the coin insertion receiving means 105 stores the value "2" in the coin insertion count storage means 198 based on the fact that the input signal is received twice when the Max Bet button MB is operated with two or more game tokens stored in the medal count counter 311.

[0075] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> Figure 3 shows the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations associated with each winning area. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a continuous activation device for a special first-class bonus.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the following winning areas that are subject to internal drawing: winning area "Bonus Small Win 1", winning area "Bonus Small Win 2", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1C" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4C", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1D" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4D", winning area "Rare Win", winning area "Replay 1", winning area "Replay 2", winning area "RBB&3-Coin Win 1" to winning area "RBB&3-Coin Win 8", winning area "RBB&1-Coin Win 1" to winning area "RBB&1-Coin Win 16", and winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 46 are associated with each of these areas. In addition, in slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with the result of the internal lottery, which is a loss (a losing spin).

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

[0078] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated consists of six types of stop orders, from stop order 1 to stop order 6. Stop order 1 is a stop order called "sequential pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Stop order 2 is a stop order called "scissors pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Stop order 3 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Stop order 4 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Stop order 5 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Furthermore, batting order 6 is a so-called reverse batting order, where the stopping operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0079] The internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is correct or incorrect in the random number determination process, starting from the winning area associated with winning number 46 and moving towards the losing area associated with winning number 0.

[0080] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are small wins 1 to 49 that can be won when selected by internal lottery, and there are replays 1 and 2 that can be won by internal lottery. Each small win and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3. Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1, there are winning areas that include both bonuses and small wins, from winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1" to winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8", from winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1" to winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16", and there is a winning area "RBB" that includes only bonuses.

[0081] In Slot Machine 1, the winning area "Replay 2" has a lower winning probability than other replay winning areas. Also, in Slot Machine 1, the winning area "Rare Role" has a lower winning probability than each of the winning areas that include the following small roles: winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1C" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4C", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1D" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4D", winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 8", and winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 16".

[0082] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the carry-over flag is associated with the RBB, while the minor role and replay are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, if the internal lottery hits a winning area including the RBB, the state in which the RBB lottery flag is established is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the minor role and replay are won, even in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won RBB lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery, are set to the established state.

[0083] <Internal Lottery Table> In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 stores in the internal lottery table storage means 192 three internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120: an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal mode (internal mode) (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 each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value is associated with each winning area that is the target of the lottery.

[0084] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery table A has 65,536 lottery values, each corresponding to one of the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "Rare Role", "Replay 1", "Replay 2", "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16", and "RBB". The internal lottery is configured to result in winning either a small role, a replay, or a bonus.

[0085] Furthermore, the internal lottery table B has 65,536 lottery values ​​that correspond to one of the following winning areas: "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D", "Rare Role", "Replay 1", "Replay 2", "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", and "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16". The internal lottery is configured to result in winning either a small role, a replay, or a bonus.

[0086] Internal draw table A and internal draw table B are such that the number of draw values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in internal draw table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in internal draw table B. The probability of winning for each winning area other than "Replay 2" and "RBB" in internal draw table A is the same as the probability of winning for each winning area other than "Replay 2" in internal draw table B. Specifically, for example, the probability of winning from the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4A" in internal draw table A is the same as the probability of winning from the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4A" in internal draw table B.

[0087] Internal lottery table C has 65,536 lottery values, each associated with either the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" or the winning area "Bonus Small Win 2," and is configured to result in winning a small win in the internal lottery. Furthermore, in the internal lottery using internal lottery table C, the probability of winning each of the small wins 1 through 49 is higher than in the internal lottery using internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B.

[0088] Given this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that it will not result in a loss (failure) in any of the internal lotteries during the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, or the RBB state.

[0089] <Random number generation process> In this embodiment, the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values ​​associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. If the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it is determined that the player has won in the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values ​​that was subtracted. Furthermore, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting by all the number of lottery values ​​stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that the player has not won any role and is therefore unsuccessful. <Bonus Winning Determination Process> As described above, in the internal lottery table B of this embodiment, when the RBB is in the internal state, the lottery values ​​are set in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8" and the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16". In the internal lottery when the game state is in the internal state of RBB, there is a possibility that an RBB may be won again when an RBB has already been set to be established. Therefore, the internal lottery means 120 is configured to execute a bonus win determination process that determines whether the winning area whose win or loss is determined by the random number determination process is a winning area that includes a bonus, in order to prevent the newly won RBB from being set to be established.

[0090] In the bonus winning determination process, the internal lottery means 120, when it determines in the random number determination process that a winning area including a bonus is subject to determination of win or loss, executes a process to skip the process of setting the bonus to the active state if the winning area including a bonus is a win and the game state is in the RBB internal state. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to the active state when an RBB is already set to the active state.

[0091] <Arrangement of patterns> Figure 4 shows 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 Figure 4, each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in this embodiment has 20 symbols arranged on its periphery. In addition, each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 has seven types of symbols arranged on its periphery: the red 7 symbol "Red 7", the white 7 symbol "White 7", the bell symbol "BL", the replay symbol "RP", the blank A symbol "BKA", and the blank C symbol "BKC". Furthermore, the left reel R1 has the cherry A symbol "CHA", the middle reel R2 has the cherry B symbol "CHB", and the right reel R3 has the cherry C symbol "CHC".

[0092] In this embodiment, although the cherry A pattern "CHA", cherry B pattern "CHB", and cherry C pattern "CHC" are composed of different types of patterns, they share common characteristics and are composed of patterns with substantially similar design features because each is composed of a bell motif.

[0093] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of the game state, the priority order for the winning combinations to be stopped on the active line L1 in the reel stop control is set to "Replay > Small Win > Bonus". In other words, when a bonus and a small win or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that prioritizes the small win or replay over the bonus.

[0094] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to rotate up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. Therefore, it is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 for symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0095] Specifically, the reel control means 130 is configured to stop the replay symbol "RP", bell symbol "BL", blank A symbol "BKA", cherry A symbol "CHA" on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, cherry B symbol "CHB" on the middle reel R2, and cherry C symbol "CHC" on the right reel R3, regardless of the timing of operation of stop buttons B1 to B3, as long as they can be stopped on the active line L1.

[0096] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 can stop symbols even if they are not the same symbol, as long as they are arranged at intervals of four frames or less. For example, if any of the following can be stopped on the active line L1: the white 7 symbol "White 7" arranged at stop number 2 on the left reel R1, the blank B symbol "BKB" arranged at stop number 7, the red 7 symbol "Red 7" arranged at stop number 12, and the blank C symbol "BKC" arranged at stop number 17, then the reel control means 130 is configured to stop the red 7 symbol "Red 7", the white 7 symbol "White 7", the blank B symbol "BKB", or the blank C symbol "BKC", regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B1.

[0097] <Details of minor roles> Figures 5 to 7 show the combinations of winning symbols for small wins 1 to 49, the payouts for small wins 1 to 49, and the number of combinations of winning symbols for small wins 1 to 49 that slot machine 1 has.

[0098] Here, the number of winning symbol combinations refers to the number of symbol combinations that correspond to the winning symbol combination, out of the symbol combinations that can be formed from the symbols arranged on each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. For example, if the winning symbol combination is small win 1 consisting of "CHA-RP-BKA", then the cherry A symbol "CHA" arranged at stop number 4 on the left reel R1, the replay symbol "RP" arranged at stop number 0 on the middle reel R2, and the right reel The symbol combination "CHA-RP-BKA," which consists of a blank A symbol "BKA" positioned at stop number 0 on reel R3, and the symbol combination "CHA-RP-BKA," which consists of a cherry A symbol "CHA" positioned at stop number 9 on left reel R1, a replay symbol "RP" positioned at stop number 0 on middle reel R2, and a blank A symbol "BKA" positioned at stop number 0 on right reel R3, are counted as separate winning symbol combinations.

[0099] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the payouts for each small win are set for both when three tokens, which are the first predetermined number, are inserted and the game is started (3-token bet), and when two tokens, which are the first predetermined number, are inserted and the game is started (2-token bet).

[0100] Among the minor roles 1 to 49 shown in Figures 5 to 7, for example, minor roles such as minor role 1, in which the winning symbol combination consists of "CHA-RP-BKA", are configured such that when reel stop control is performed to enable stopping and displaying on the active line L1, the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on each reel, the reels will stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0101] On the other hand, among the minor roles 1 to 49, for example, minor role 10, in which the winning symbol combination consists of "RP-BKA-Red 7" and the timing for operating the stop button B3 to stop the Red 7 symbol "Red 7" on the right reel R3 onto the active line L1 is limited, minor roles in which the winning symbol combination consists of symbols arranged at intervals wider than 4 frames on at least one of the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that make up the winning symbol combination are configured in such a way that if the stop button is operated at a timing different from the timing at which the symbol can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, it will not be possible to win.

[0102] As shown in Figure 5, for minor roles 1 and 2, the payout when a 3-coin bet is played is set to 15 coins, which is more than the first specified number. For minor roles 3 through 6, the payout when a 3-coin bet is played is set to 3 coins, which is the same as the first specified number. Furthermore, for minor roles 1 through 6, the payout when a 2-coin bet is played is set to 1 coin, which is less than the second specified number. Thus, the payouts for 3-coin bets and 2-coin bets are set differently.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the payouts for minor roles 7 to 49 are the same whether a 3-coin bet is played or a 2-coin bet is played, and are set to 1 coin, which is less than the second specified number.

[0104] <Game state transition control means> Figure 8(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of game states performed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0105] As shown in Figure 8(A), the non-RT state is the initial state among several types of game states (initial game state, normal game state), and is a non-bonus state in which no bonus is activated or 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 internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In slot machine 1, when the game state is the non-RT state, the game can be started by setting a first predetermined number (3 coins) to the insert state.

[0106] The RBB internal state is a game state that is entered when, in the non-RT state, the internal lottery selects one of the winning areas "RBB&3-coin payout 1" to "RBB&3-coin payout 8", "RBB&1-coin payout 1" to "RBB&1-coin payout 16", or "RBB", and RBB is set to the active state. In the RBB internal state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB internal state, the game can be started when the first specified number (3 coins) of coins are set to the insert state.

[0107] The RBB state is a game state that is entered when an RBB is won and the RBB is activated. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 determines that the RBB termination condition has been met when a predetermined number of medals (for example, 12 medals) exceeding a predetermined payout amount is paid out, terminates 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 execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, the game can be started when a second predetermined number (2 medals) is set to the insert state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0108] <AT control means> FIG. 8(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of a normal section and a favorable section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and a production state controlled during the favorable section.

[0109] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes a favorable section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the favorable section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 in the game within the normal section.

[0110] In the favorable section lottery, the AT control means 170 first acquires a favorable section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of favorable section" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the favorable section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the favorable section based on the comparison result.

[0111] The AT control means 170 executes the favorable section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery by the winning probability of "start of favorable section" in the favorable section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0112] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to perform a favorable section lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "Rare Role", "Replay 1", "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16" is won in an internal lottery during a non-RT state or RBB internal state, and when the winning area "RBB" is won in an internal lottery during a non-RT state, and does not perform a favorable section lottery when any other winning area is won. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 performs a lottery for the start of a favorable period, with a high probability of approximately 1 / 1.5.

[0113] In the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 has states (performance states) related to the instruction function, namely a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to perform assistance for winning small role 1 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", and "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to perform assistance for winning small role 1 and small role 2 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", and "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D". Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous period during the overall gameplay can be 70% or more.

[0114] The normal state is the performance state that corresponds to the normal state among several types of performance states (normal performance state), which is set when the performance state has not transitioned to any other performance state. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 performs an incremental update to the normal game counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. When the value of the normal game counter reaches the value of "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the CZ state (CZ transition conditions) have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0115] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state in a game in which the internal lottery in the normal state has resulted in a winning area that does not include RBB.

[0116] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 performs a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state when it wins the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery. If it wins "transition to AT state", it determines that the conditions for transitioning to the AT state (AT transition conditions) have been met, and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0117] The CZ state is configured to allow transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when a control is executed to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state as part of the auxiliary gameplay control, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state. The AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the CZ state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the CZ game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to 1 game.

[0118] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ-in AT lottery in each game played in the CZ state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state. If the CZ-in AT lottery results in "transition to AT state", the AT control means 170 transitions the performance state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games have been played from the start of the CZ state.

[0119] The AT control means 170, in the gameplay from the end of the CZ until the "transition to AT state" is won in the AT lottery during the CZ, executes a lottery during the CZ 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 transition is made from the CZ state.

[0120] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT state" lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 terminates the CZ state and transitions the performance state back to the normal state.

[0121] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute lotteries related to auxiliary games performed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for increasing the number of sets during CZ) regardless of the results of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured such that, with respect to lotteries related to auxiliary games performed in the CZ state, if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (miss)" is reduced compared to when other winning areas are won, resulting in a more favorable outcome for the player (in the case of AT lottery during CZ, the probability of "transitioning to AT state" is increased).

[0122] The AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state because when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", and "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D", assistance is provided for winning small roles 1 and 2.

[0123] The AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the AT game counter by a value "1" which corresponds to 1 game.

[0124] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add the value determined by the lottery to the stored value of the AT game counter when the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, thereby determining whether or not to add (add) the period during which the AT state continues, and if the value determined by the add-on lottery is 1 or greater, it performs an add-on process to add the determined value to the AT game counter.

[0125] The AT control means 170 determines that the AT state termination condition (AT termination condition) has been met when the stored value of the AT game counter becomes "0" due to a decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and also determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and performs a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0126] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 also determines that the AT termination condition has been met if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" while in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0127] As shown in Figure 8(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to set the performance state at the start of the advantageous period to the CZ state when it wins the "start of advantageous period" lottery in the advantageous period during the normal period and starts the advantageous period. Furthermore, as described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the advantageous period and start the normal period when the AT state ends.

[0128] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when the AT state ends and the player transitions from the normal section to the advantageous section, the CZ state is started, and the probability of transitioning back to the AT state is higher than when the normal section is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, once the AT state is started, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can start the AT state again via the normal section and the CZ state, allowing the player to acquire electronic tokens through multiple AT states, thereby increasing the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0129] 3. Gameplay in each game state Next, the gameplay characteristics of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment in each game state will be described.

[0130] <Game results in each game state> Figure 9 shows the game results for each operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the non-RT state in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", and "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D". Figure 10 shows the game results for each operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the RBB internal state in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", and "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C". Figure 11 shows the game results for each operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area is "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D". Figure 12 shows the game results for each operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area is "Rare Role", the winning area is "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", the winning area is "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16" in the non-RT state and RBB internal state.

[0131] As shown in Figure 9, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A" or "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B" is selected during a non-RT state, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game can be won at the probability (winning probability) shown in Figure 9, regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0132] Let's explain this using the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A". In slot machine 1, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" is selected in the internal lottery during the non-RT state, and the stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop, and the replay symbol "RP" is stopped and displayed on the active line L1, then the following four symbol combinations will be displayed on the active line L1: the winning symbol combination for small win 9 "RP-BKA-BKA", the winning symbol combination for small win 10 "RP-BKA-Red 7", the winning symbol combination for small win 11 "RP-BKA-White 7", and the winning symbol combination for small win 12 "RP-BKA-BKB". Since it is possible to stop and display the replay symbol "RP" on the active line L1, and there are more possibilities than when other symbols are stopped and displayed (for example, when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" is stopped and displayed on the active line L1, three symbol combinations can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1: the winning symbol combination of small role 14 "Red 7-RP-Red 7" shown in Figures 6 and 7, the winning symbol combination of small role 15 "Red 7-RP-White 7", and the winning symbol combination of small role 34 "Red 7-Red 7-RP"), the replay symbol "RP" is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 by reel stop control using quantity priority control.

[0133] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the internal lottery results in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" and multiple wins occur among small wins 1, 9-12, 14, 15, 20-23, 28, 29, 34, 39, 44, and 49, the small wins that can be awarded in that game are limited to small wins 9-12.

[0134] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the blank A symbol "BKA" on the middle reel R2 and the blank A symbol "BKA" on the right reel R3, which constitute the winning symbol combination "RP-BKA-BKA" for the small win 9, can be displayed on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of stop buttons B2 and B3. Therefore, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" is selected in the internal lottery and stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the small win 9 will be awarded.

[0135] In slot machine 1, in the number priority control, if there is no difference in the number of symbol combinations that can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, the machine is configured to execute reel stop control using a stop control table.

[0136] Thus, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the player is not in RT mode, if the player wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A" or the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", reel stop control using number priority control and reel stop control using a stop control table are executed. As a result, even if the player wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A" or the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", which are winning areas that include small wins 1 and 2 with a payout of 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game, small wins 1 and 2 cannot be won.

[0137] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 10, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Beat Order Bell 1A" to "Beat Order Bell 4A" and the winning area "Beat Order Bell 1B" to "Beat Order Bell 4B" are selected in the RBB internal state, the correct hitting order for stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that small wins 1 and 2, which are set to pay 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a probability of 1 / 1. Also, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Beat Order Bell 1C" to "Beat Order Bell 4C" and the winning area "Beat Order Bell 1D" to "Beat Order Bell 4D" are selected in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the correct hitting order for stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that small wins 1 and 2, which are set to pay 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0138] In slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A" and the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B" are selected during the RBB internal state, and when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C" and the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D" are selected during the non-RT state and during the RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, the reel stop control, which is based on the number of coins priority control, will stop the symbols that make up the winning symbol combinations of small win 1 and small win 2, which are set to pay out 15 coins, on the active line L1.

[0139] As shown in Figure 11, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Rare Role" is hit in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, a small role set to pay out 1 coin will be awarded with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3 regardless of whether stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting order 1 to 6. Specifically, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Rare Role" is hit in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or 2, small role 4 will be awarded with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 or 4, small role 5 will be awarded with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 or 6, small role 6 will be awarded with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3. Details regarding the reel stopping control when a "rare role" is won in the winning area will be described later.

[0140] In slot machine 1, when the player wins in the non-RT state or RBB internal state, if the player wins in the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 1" to the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 8", if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2, the 3-coin payout will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 1, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, one of the 14 to 29 or 34 to 49 payouts will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 8. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, when a win occurs in the winning area "RBB&1-coin payout 1" to "RBB&1-coin payout 16" during non-RT state or RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2, one of the small payouts 7 to 12, which are set to pay out one coin, will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 1. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, one of the small payouts 14 to 29 or 34 to 49, which are set to pay out one coin, will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 8. Details of the reel stop control when winning in the winning areas "RBB&3-coin payout 1" to "RBB&3-coin payout 8" and "RBB&1-coin payout 1" to "RBB&1-coin payout 16" will be described later.

[0141] As shown in Figure 12, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" is hit in RBB state, depending on how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, small wins 1 to 6, which are set to pay 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, can be won. Specifically, in slot machine 1, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 and turn 2, small win 2 will be won with a probability of 1 / 1. Also in slot machine 1, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 and turn 4, small win 1 will be won with a probability of 1 / 1. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 5, small win 4 can be won with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3, and if small win 4 is not won, small win 3 will be won with a probability of 1 / 1. In slot machine 1, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the 6th turn order, there is approximately a 1 / 1.3 probability that the first stop operation will be performed at a timing that allows for the winning of small prize 5. If small prize 5 is not won, there is approximately a 1 / 1.3 probability that small prize 6 will be won if the second stop operation is performed at a timing that allows for the winning of small prize 6. If neither small prize 5 nor small prize 6 is won, there is a 1 / 1 probability that small prize 3 will be won.

[0142] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Bonus Small Win 2" is hit during RBB state, regardless of which of the batting orders from batting order 1 to batting order 6 the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in, there is a 1 / 1 probability that Small Win 1, which is set to pay 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, will be awarded.

[0143] <Payout of medals in each game state> As shown in Figure 9, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A" or the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B" is selected in the internal lottery during the non-RT state, the configuration ensures that small wins 1 and 2, which are set to pay out more than the first specified number, will not be awarded. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0144] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out during a predetermined number of games (e.g., 17,500 games) to the total number of medals inserted during that predetermined number of games, assuming that the effects of temporary probability biases are sufficiently ignored.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2 during the RBB internal state, small wins 1 and 2, which are set to pay more than the first specified number, will not be awarded. However, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, small wins 1 and 2 become awardable. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2, and more than 50% when they are operated in any of turn 3 to turn 6. Also, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random turn order during the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0146] As shown in Figure 12, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" is selected during the RBB state, a small win corresponding to the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 from small wins 1 to small wins 6 will be awarded, and when the winning area "Bonus Small Win 2" is selected, small win 1 will be awarded.

[0147] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game is played with a 2-coin bet, the payouts for minor wins 1 to 49 are set to be 1 coin each.

[0148] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the machine transitions to an RBB state with a predetermined number of 2 coins, and a winning area including a small win is hit, a payout of 1 coin is executed regardless of which small win is hit. Furthermore, as described above, in the internal lottery in the RBB state where the internal lottery table C is used, the machine is configured to hit either the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" or the winning area "Bonus Small Win 2".

[0149] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when in the RBB state, two tokens are inserted and one token is dispensed, so the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the token acquisition performance when the RBB is not active can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0150] Furthermore, as mentioned above, slot machine 1 is configured such that, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the payout rate when 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%).

[0151] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a lower payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state where RBB is not operating or in the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, thus ensuring sufficient performance of the gaming machine.

[0152] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that for all minor roles from minor role 1 to minor role 49, the payout when a two-coin bet is made is set to one coin. Therefore, in the RBB state where the prescribed number is set to two coins, there is no need to perform a process to set an upper limit on the number of payouts (upper limit setting process) in order to pay out one coin when a minor role is won. Thus, the amount of data required for the program that would otherwise be needed to perform the upper limit setting process for the number of payouts can be reduced.

[0153] <Winning combinations available in each game state> Next, using Figure 13, we have a table summarizing the small wins that are awarded based on winning in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment: non-RT state, RBB internal state, and RBB state.

[0154] As shown in Figure 13, the small wins 1 and 2, which are awarded based on whether they are won in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, or the RBB state, are configured to pay out 15 coins when a 3-coin bet is played and 1 coin when a 2-coin bet is played.

[0155] Furthermore, the small wins 3 through 6, which are set to pay out 3 coins when a 3-coin bet is played and 1 coin when a 2-coin bet is played, are configured to be awarded based on whether they are won in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, or the RBB state.

[0156] Furthermore, for minor roles 7 through 49, where the payout for both 3-coin bets and 2-coin bets is set to 1 coin, they do not award when won in RBB state, but are awarded based on wins in non-RT state and RBB internal state.

[0157] As mentioned above, in slot machine 1, when the second set number of tokens (2 tokens) is inserted and the game starts, the payout for small wins 1 to 49 is set to 1 token.

[0158] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that each of the small wins 1 to 6 pays out a different amount when it is won in the RBB state, which is set to start with 2 tokens inserted, compared to when it is set to start with 3 tokens inserted. Furthermore, the small wins 1 to 6 are configured to be awarded when they are won in the RBB state.

[0159] With this configuration, in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number set to a first specified number in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of electronic medals paid out when small wins 1 to 6 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when they are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, because the machine is awarded based on the fact that any of small wins 1 to 6 are won in the RBB state, it is possible to prevent the performance of small wins 1 to 6 from being excessively reduced and to sufficiently guarantee the performance of the gaming machine.

[0160] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, in slot machine 1, the payout when 3 tokens are inserted and the game starts is set to 1 token, and the payout when 2 tokens are inserted and the game starts is also set to 1 token. For the small wins 7 to 49, which have the same payout when a win occurs in the RBB state when 2 tokens are inserted and the game starts when 3 tokens are inserted, the machine is configured to award a win based on the outcome in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, in the RBB state, if a win occurs, the machine is configured not to award a win regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0161] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the RBB state, where the number of electronic medals paid out does not change when a win occurs in the RBB state compared to when a win occurs in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of wins for small wins 7 to 49 does not occur in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to pre-store stop control data related to reel stop control that enables wins for small wins 7 to 49 in the reel control data storage means 194, thereby reducing the data capacity related to stop control data in the RBB state.

[0162] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in the bonus state and allows medals to be won by executing AT game in a game state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state where the bonus is not activated, such as a bonus-established state), conventionally, there are multiple types of first specific small wins in which multiple types of first specific small wins, which are set to pay out more than the number of game value inputs required to start the game, do not overlap with each other but overlap with second specific small wins different from the first specific small wins, and a third type of first specific small wins in which multiple types of first specific small wins overlap and are won, and the internal lottery means is in the normal game state, bonus state It is known that a machine is configured such that, in the standing state, an internal lottery is conducted so that there are multiple types of first winning patterns, and in the bonus state, an internal lottery is conducted so that there is a third winning pattern, and the probability of winning the third winning pattern in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the multiple types of first winning patterns in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus state, and the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state is higher than or equal to the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus state.

[0163] In a gaming machine with such a configuration, while compressing the probability of winning the first specific minor winning combination in the bonus state to the reciprocal of the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination (for example, 1 / 4 in a configuration having four types of the first specific minor winning combination), ensuring that the performance in the bonus state is sufficient performance required for the gaming machine, and in the non-bonus state, by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor winning combination, increasing the winning probability of the first specific minor winning combination compared to the case where no winning assistance is executed and enabling the acquisition of medals in AT games, it is necessary to have a plurality of types of the first specific minor winning combination.

[0164] In a gaming machine, for a minor winning combination that can acquire medals by winning, it is common to stop and display a specific symbol (for example, a symbol with a bell motif) in a visible form for the player. However, when each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is configured to be visible in three frames in a specific area where the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are visible, since the patterns for displaying a specific symbol in a row are limited to five patterns, when the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination exceeds five types, it becomes necessary to display it within the specific area in a display mode different from the display mode for displaying in a row.

[0165] Also, in a gaming machine, there are a method of determining the priority of stop position candidates when a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are won in an internal lottery (number priority control), which determines the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1, and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control).

[0166] <0​​​​Because of these limitations, in gaming machines, the more you try to increase the number of types of the first specific small win and compress the payout rate in the bonus state, the more types of the second specific small win also need to be increased. Furthermore, the arrangement of symbols required to make the second specific small win possible also needs to be increased. As a result, compressing the payout rate in the bonus state increases the amount of data related to the small wins, and the difficulty of design tends to increase.

[0168] In contrast, in the RBB state, where the number of tokens is set to a second number (2 tokens) different from the first number (3 tokens), the payout for all small wins when the second number of tokens is inserted and the game starts is set to a payout of less than the second number, resulting in a payout rate of 50%, the slot machine 1 is configured to have two types of small wins, small win 1 and small win 2, where the payout for when the first number of tokens is inserted and the game starts is set to a payout greater than the first number. This ensures that the performance of the RBB state is sufficient to meet the requirements of a gaming machine, while also significantly reducing the payout rate in the RBB state.

[0169] Therefore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state and prevent an increase in the data capacity related to small wins when designing the medal acquisition performance when the RBB is not activated. This reduces the data capacity related to small wins and improves the design freedom related to the arrangement of symbols. Furthermore, by reducing the data capacity related to small wins, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0170] These minor roles 1 to 6 constitute the minor roles included in the second group and the predetermined group, which consist of minor roles that pay out different amounts of game value depending on whether the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value or with a second predetermined amount of game value. Minor roles 7 to 49 constitute the minor roles included in the first group, which consist of minor roles that have the same payout depending on whether the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value or with a second predetermined amount of game value, which is less than the first predetermined amount.

[0171] 4. Combinations of minor roles according to the probability of winning Next, we will explain in detail the small wins in the 3-coin betting game of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment that are set to pay out 1 coin, specifically the small wins that can be won when the game is played in the 3rd and 4th batting sequences where stop button B2 is the first stop and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, and the small wins that can be won when the game is played in the 5th and 6th batting sequences where stop button B3 is the first stop and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0172] <Details of the winning area, including the minor role set for each payout> As shown in Figure 3, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the following winning areas, which include winning roles that can be won in the internal lottery during the non-RT state and the RBB internal state: winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1C" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4C", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1D" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4D", winning area "Rare Role", winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Role 8", and winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 16". Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the winning area "Rare Role" is a winning area where winning roles 4 to 6, which are set to pay 3 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won simultaneously.

[0173] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the player wins in one of the following areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "RBB&3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Payout 8", or "RBB&1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Payout 16", and the stop button B2 is pressed to perform the first stop operation, and a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded, then one of the small wins 14 to 29 is awarded.

[0174] As shown in Figure 6, among the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations for minor roles 14 to minor roles 29, the symbol on the middle reel R2 is always a replay symbol "RP", and is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B2. In addition, among the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations for minor roles 14 to minor roles 29, the symbol on the left reel R1 and the symbol on the right reel R3 are composed of one of the following: red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", blank B symbol "BKB", or blank C symbol "BKC".

[0175] As shown in Figure 4, on the periphery of the left reel R1, a white 7 symbol "White 7" is arranged at stop number 2, a blank B symbol "BKB" is arranged at stop number 7, a red 7 symbol "Red 7" is arranged at stop number 12, and a blank C symbol "BKC" is arranged at stop number 17. The pull-in ranges of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", blank B symbol "BKB", and blank C symbol "BKC" do not overlap with each other, and are configured to have a pull-in range of 5 out of 20 frames.

[0176] Furthermore, on the circumference of the right reel R3, a white 7 symbol "White 7" is arranged at stop number 4, a blank B symbol "BKB" is arranged at stop number 9, a red 7 symbol "Red 7" is arranged at stop number 14, and a blank C symbol "BKC" is arranged at stop number 19. The pull-in ranges of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", blank B symbol "BKB", and blank C symbol "BKC" do not overlap with each other, and are configured to have a pull-in range of 5 out of 20 frames.

[0177] Given this configuration, minor wins 14 to 29 require that the timing of operating stop button B1 and stop button B3 coincide with the timing when 5 out of 20 symbols that can be stopped on the active line L1 to form the winning combination are rotating and displayed on the active line L1. Specifically, minor win 14 can be won when stop button B1 is operated at the timing when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 12 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 16 of the left reel R1 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, and stop button B3 is operated at the timing when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 14 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 18 of the right reel R3 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1.

[0178] Therefore, when it is impossible to determine which of the minor roles 14 to 29 can be won, and the player is unable to perform a game aimed at stopping a specific symbol on the active line L1 when operating stop buttons B1 and B3, the probability of each winning is set to 1 / 16.

[0179] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if the winning area is "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", or "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16", and stop button B3 is performed as the first stop operation, and a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded, then one of the small wins from 30 to 49 will be awarded.

[0180] As shown in Figure 6, among the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations for minor roles 30 to minor roles 33, the symbol on the right reel R3 is always a cherry C symbol "CHC", and is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B3. In addition, among the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations for minor roles 30 to minor roles 33, the symbol on the left reel R1 and the symbol on the middle reel R2 are composed of either a red 7 symbol "red 7" or a white 7 symbol "white 7", or a blank B symbol "BKB" or a blank C symbol "BKC".

[0181] As shown in Figure 4, on the surface of the middle reel R2, a white 7 symbol "White 7" is arranged at stop number 3, a blank B symbol "BKB" is arranged at stop number 8, a red 7 symbol "Red 7" is arranged at stop number 13, and a blank C symbol "BKC" is arranged at stop number 18. The pull-in ranges of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", blank B symbol "BKB", and blank C symbol "BKC" do not overlap with each other, and are configured to have a pull-in range of 5 out of 20 frames.

[0182] Given this configuration, for minor wins 30 to 33, the timing of operating stop button B1 and stop button B2 must coincide with the timing when 10 out of 20 symbols that can be stopped on the active line L1 to form a winning combination are rotating and displayed on the active line L1. Specifically, the small win 30 can be achieved when stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when the symbols from stop number 2 (white 7) to stop number 6 (replay symbol) on the left reel R1, and the symbols from stop number 12 (red 7) to stop number 16 (replay symbol) on the right reel L1 are rotating and displayed, and when stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when the symbols from stop number 3 (white 7) to stop number 7 (blank A symbol) on the middle reel R2, and the symbols from stop number 13 (red 7) to stop number 17 (blank A symbol) on the right reel L1 are rotating and displayed.

[0183] Therefore, when it is impossible to determine which of the minor roles 30 to 33 is possible to win, and the player is unable to perform a game aimed at stopping a specific symbol on the active line L1 when operating stop buttons B1 and B3, the probability of each winning is set to 1 / 4.

[0184] As shown in Figure 7, of the symbols on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations for small wins 34 to small wins 49, the symbols on the right reel R3 are all composed of the replay symbol "RP", and are configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of the stop button B3. In addition, of the symbols on the left reel R1 to the middle reel R2 that constitute the winning combinations for small wins 34 to small wins 49, the symbols on the left reel R1 and the symbols on the middle reel R2 are composed of one of the following: the red 7 symbol "red 7", the white 7 symbol "white 7", the blank B symbol "BKB", or the blank C symbol "BKC".

[0185] Given this configuration, minor wins 34 to 49 require that the timing of operating stop button B1 and stop button B2 coincide with the timing when 5 out of 20 symbols that can be stopped on the active line L1 to form the winning combination are rotating and displayed on the active line L1. Specifically, minor win 34 can be won when stop button B1 is operated at the timing when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 12 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 16 of the left reel R1 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, and stop button B2 is operated at the timing when the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 13 to the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 17 of the middle reel R2 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1.

[0186] Therefore, when it is impossible to determine which of the minor roles 34 to 49 can be won, and the player is unable to perform a game aimed at stopping a specific symbol on the active line L1 when operating stop buttons B1 and B3, the probability of each winning is set to 1 / 16.

[0187] Next, we will explain in detail the cases in which a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is achieved when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, using Figures 9 to 11 and 14. Figure 14(A) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 2 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, Figure 14(B) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 4 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, and Figure 14(C) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 8 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop.

[0188] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", and "Bat Order Bell 2D" are won, and stop button B2 is operated as the first stop, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order for the second stop operation, then a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is won with a probability of 1 / 2.

[0189] As shown in Figure 14(A), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 2 probability of winning a small role with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small role 14, small role 15, small role 20 to small role 23, small role 28, and small role 29, and the combination of small role 16 to small role 19, and small role 24 to small role 27.

[0190] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A", "Batting Order Bell 2A", "Batting Order Bell 1C", or "Batting Order Bell 2C" is hit, the small prizes 14, 15, 20-23, 28, and 29 are hit simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1B", "Batting Order Bell 2B", "Batting Order Bell 1D", or "Batting Order Bell 2D" is hit, the small prizes 16-19 and 24-27 are hit simultaneously.

[0191] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area is "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", or "Bat Order Bell 2D", and stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a batting order different from the correct batting order as the second stop, then a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a 1 / 2 probability.

[0192] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 3A", "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 3B", "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 3C", "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 3D", or "Bat Order Bell 4D" is selected and the stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a 1 / 4 probability of winning is awarded, which pays out 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game.

[0193] As shown in Figure 14(B), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 4 probability of winning a small role with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small role 14, small role 19, small role 24, and small role 29; the combination of small role 15, small role 20, small role 25, and small role 26; the combination of small role 16, small role 21, small role 22, and small role 27; and the combination of small role 17, small role 18, small role 23, and small role 28.

[0194] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A" or "Batting Order Bell 3C" is hit, the small wins 14, 19, 24, and 29 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4A" or "Batting Order Bell 4C" is hit, the small wins 15, 20, 25, and 26 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3B" or "Batting Order Bell 3D" is hit, the small wins 16, 21, 22, and 27 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4B" or "Batting Order Bell 4D" is hit, the small wins 17, 18, 23, and 28 are awarded simultaneously.

[0195] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 3B", "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 3C", "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 3D", or "Batting Order Bell 4D" is selected and stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a 1 / 4 probability.

[0196] As shown in Figure 11, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8" and the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16" are hit, and stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a probability of 1 / 8.

[0197] As shown in Figure 14(C), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 8 probability of winning a small prize with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small prize 14 and small prize 29, the combination of small prize 15 and small prize 28, the combination of small prize 16 and small prize 27, the combination of small prize 17 and small prize 26, the combination of small prize 18 and small prize 25, the combination of small prize 19 and small prize 24, the combination of small prize 20 and small prize 23, and the combination of small prize 21 and small prize 22.

[0198] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 9", you will win minor wins 14 and 29 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 2", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 2", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 10", you will win minor wins 15 and 28 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 3", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 3", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 11", you will win minor wins 16 and 27 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 4", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 4", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 12", you will win minor wins 17 and 26 simultaneously. If you win multiple times, and you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 5", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 5", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 13", then minor wins 18 and 25 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 6", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 6", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 14", then minor wins 19 and 24 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 7", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 7", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 15", then minor wins 20 and 23 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 8", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16", then minor wins 21 and 22 will be awarded simultaneously.

[0199] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area is "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8", or "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16", and stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 8.

[0200] Next, we will explain in detail the cases in which a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet is achieved when stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, using Figures 9 to 11 and 15. Figure 15(A) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 2 when stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, Figure 15(B) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 4 when stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, and Figure 15(C) is a diagram illustrating the combination of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 8 when stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop.

[0201] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 3A", "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 3B", "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 3C", "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 3D", and "Bat Order Bell 4D" are selected, and stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different batting order than the correct batting order as the second stop, then a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a probability of 1 / 2.

[0202] As shown in Figure 15(A), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 2 probability of winning a small prize with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small prize 30 and small prize 33, and the combination of small prize 31 and small prize 32.

[0203] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 3C", or "Batting Order Bell 4C" is hit, the small prizes 30 and 33 are awarded simultaneously, and when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3B", "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 3D", or "Batting Order Bell 4D" is hit, the small prizes 31 and 32 are awarded simultaneously.

[0204] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area is "Bat Order Bell 3A", "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 3B", "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 3C", "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 3D", or "Bat Order Bell 4D", and stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different batting order than the correct batting order as the second stop, then a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game will be awarded with a 1 / 2 probability.

[0205] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", or "Bat Order Bell 2D" is selected and the stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a probability of 1 / 4, which is set to pay 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game, is awarded.

[0206] As shown in Figure 15(B), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 4 probability of winning a small role with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small role 34, small role 39, small role 44, small role 49; the combination of small role 35, small role 40, small role 45, small role 46; the combination of small role 36, small role 41, small role 42, small role 47; and the combination of small role 37, small role 38, small role 43, small role 48.

[0207] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" or "Batting Order Bell 1C" is hit, the small wins 34, 39, 44, and 49 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2A" or "Batting Order Bell 2C" is hit, the small wins 35, 40, 45, and 46 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1B" or "Batting Order Bell 1D" is hit, the small wins 36, 41, 42, and 47 are awarded simultaneously. When the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2B" or "Batting Order Bell 2D" is hit, the small wins 37, 38, 43, and 48 are awarded simultaneously.

[0208] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 3B", "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 3C", "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 3D", or "Batting Order Bell 4D" is selected and stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a 1 / 4 probability.

[0209] As shown in Figure 11, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8" and the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16" are won, and the stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game is awarded with a probability of 1 / 8.

[0210] As shown in Figure 15(C), in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, the combinations that result in a 1 / 8 probability of winning a small prize with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game are the combination of small prize 34 and small prize 49, the combination of small prize 35 and small prize 48, the combination of small prize 36 and small prize 47, the combination of small prize 37 and small prize 46, the combination of small prize 38 and small prize 45, the combination of small prize 39 and small prize 44, the combination of small prize 40 and small prize 43, and the combination of small prize 41 and small prize 42.

[0211] In slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 3, when you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 1", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 1", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 9", you will win small wins 41 and 42 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 2", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 2", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 10", you will win small wins 40 and 43 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 3", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 3", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 11", you will win small wins 39 and 44 simultaneously. When you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 4", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 4", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 12", you will win small wins 38 and 45 simultaneously. If you win multiple times, and you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 5", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 5", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 13", then minor wins 37 and 46 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 6", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 6", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 14", then minor wins 36 and 47 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 7", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 7", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 15", then minor wins 35 and 48 will be awarded simultaneously. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 8", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16", then minor wins 34 and 49 will be awarded simultaneously.

[0212] As a result, in slot machine 1, if the winning area is "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8", or "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16", and stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a payout of 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 8.

[0213] <Summary of the probability of winning small prizes set for a single payout> As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting order 3 to 6 during the RBB internal state, the payout rate exceeds 50% because it becomes possible to win small wins 1 and 2, which are set to pay out 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game and more than the first specified number.

[0214] Therefore, in slot machine 1, in order to prevent the payout rate from becoming excessively high when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting order 3 to 6 during the RBB internal state, the machine is configured such that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting order 3 to 6, it may miss out on small wins where the payout in a 3-coin bet game is set to 1 coin.

[0215] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, it may miss out on small wins in a 3-coin bet game where the payout is set to 1 coin. In each of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8", and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16", a predetermined number of small wins from small wins 14 to small wins 29, each with a winning probability of 1 / 16, are awarded simultaneously, thereby achieving winning probabilities of 1 / 2, 1 / 4, and 1 / 8.

[0216] Specifically, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1C", or "Bat Order Bell 2C" is hit, eight small wins (14, 15, 20-23, 28, and 29) are hit, and when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1D", or "Bat Order Bell 2D" is hit, eight small wins (16-19 and 24-27) are hit, and if stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, and stop buttons B1-B3 are pressed in a different order than the correct batting order for the second stop, a small win with a 1 / 2 probability of hitting, which pays 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game, is hit.

[0217] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3C", you will win four small wins: 14, 19, 24, and 29. If you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4A" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4C", you will win four small wins: 15, 20, 25, and 26. If you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3B" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3D", The game is configured such that when four small wins, 16, 21, 22, and 27, are won simultaneously, and when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4B" or "Batting Order Bell 4D" is hit, four small wins, 17, 18, 23, and 28, are won simultaneously, the game is configured such that when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, there is a 1 / 4 chance of winning a small win that is set to pay 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game.

[0218] Then, in slot machine 1, when you win in the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 1", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 9", two small wins, 14 and 29, are awarded simultaneously, and when you win in the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 2", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 2", or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 10", two small wins, 15 and 28, are awarded simultaneously, and the winning area "RBB & 3 If you win in the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 3" or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 11", then two minor wins, 16 and 27, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 4", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 4", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 12", then two minor wins, 17 and 26, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 5", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 5", and the winning area If you win "RBB&1-coin win 13" in the rear, you will also win two small wins, 18 and 25. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 6", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 6", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 14", you will also win two small wins, 19 and 24. If you win in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 7", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 7", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 15", you will win two small wins. When two small wins, 0 and 23, are won simultaneously, and the winning area is "RBB&3-coin win 8", "RBB&1-coin win 8", or "RBB&1-coin win 16", the two small wins 21 and 22 are also won simultaneously. This configuration ensures that when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a 1 / 8 probability of winning, where the payout for a 3-coin bet is set to 1 coin, is awarded.

[0219] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has small wins 14 to 29 that can be won with a probability of 1 / 16 when they are won in the internal lottery and the stop button B2 is pressed to the first stop operation, making them eligible to win. Furthermore, the winning areas "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8" and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16" each contain two of the small wins 14 to 29, and when the stop button B2 is pressed to the first stop operation and the contained small wins become eligible to win, the winning probability of the contained small wins is 1 / 8, which is twice 1 / 16.

[0220] Additionally, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 3B", "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 3C", "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 3D", and "Batting Order Bell 4D" each contain four of the 14 to 29 minor roles. When stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, and it is possible to win one of the included minor roles, the probability of winning is 1 / 4, which is four times the probability of 1 / 16.

[0221] Furthermore, in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A", "Batting Order Bell 2A", "Batting Order Bell 1B", "Batting Order Bell 2B", "Batting Order Bell 1C", "Batting Order Bell 2C", "Batting Order Bell 1D", and "Batting Order Bell 2D", eight of the 14 to 29 minor roles are included. If stop button B2 is used as the first stop operation, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order for the second stop operation, then the included minor roles can be won with a winning probability of 1 / 2, which is 8 times 1 / 16.

[0222] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the combinations of minor roles 14 to 29 are configured such that at least one of them is included in common in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 1B" to "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 1D" to "Batting Order Bell 4D", "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", and "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16". For example, minor role 14 is included in all of the following winning areas: "Batting Order Bell 1A" to "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 1C" to "Batting Order Bell 3C", "RBB & 3-coin role 1", "RBB & 1-coin role 1", and "RBB & 1-coin role 9".

[0223] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a winning probability of 1 / 16 in each of the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", and "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16". By adjusting the number of small wins, including those numbered 14 to 29, it is possible to create a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 2 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 4, and a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 8. Since there is no need to separately prepare small wins where the probability of winning is 1 / 2, 1 / 4, and 1 / 8 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, the amount of data related to the wins can be reduced.

[0224] When the designated reel is the middle reel R2 and the designated stop button is the stop button B2, the small wins 14 to 29 constitute the specific type of small win in this embodiment, and the probability of winning small wins 14 to 29, which is 1 / 16, constitutes the specific probability in this embodiment. Furthermore, when the first group of winning patterns includes two specific types of small wins that are integers of 1 or more, such as "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8", and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16", the second group of winning patterns includes four specific types of small wins that are greater than 2, such as "batting order bell 3A", "batting order bell 4A", "batting order bell 3B", "batting order bell 4B", "batting order bell 3C", "batting order bell 4C", "batting order bell 3D", and "batting order bell 4D". Furthermore, if the first group of winning patterns consists of four specific types of small wins that are integers of 1 or more, then the second group of winning patterns in this embodiment consists of eight specific types of small wins that are greater than 4, including the winning patterns "Batting Order Bell 3A", "Batting Order Bell 4A", "Batting Order Bell 3B", "Batting Order Bell 4B", "Batting Order Bell 3C", "Batting Order Bell 4C", "Batting Order Bell 3D", and "Batting Order Bell 4D".

[0225] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, it may miss out on small wins in a 3-coin bet game where the payout is set to 1 coin. In each of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", "Bat Order Bell 2D", "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8", and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16", it is configured to allow for simultaneous wins with a predetermined number of small wins from small wins 34 to small wins 49, each with a winning probability of 1 / 16, thereby achieving a winning probability of 1 / 4 and a winning probability of 1 / 8.

[0226] Specifically, in slot machine 1, if you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1C", four small wins will be awarded: small wins 34, 39, 44, and 49. If you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2A" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2C", four small wins will be awarded: small wins 35, 40, 45, and 46. If you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1B" or the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1D", In combination, when four small wins 36, 41, 42, and 47 are won simultaneously, and when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2B" or "Batting Order Bell 2D" is won, four small wins 37, 38, 43, and 48 are won simultaneously, the game is configured such that when stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, there is a 1 / 4 chance of winning a small win that is set to pay 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game.

[0227] Then, in slot machine 1, when you win in the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 1", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 9", two small wins, 41 and 42, are awarded simultaneously, and when you win in the winning area "RBB & 3-coin payout 2", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 2", or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin payout 10", two small wins, 40 and 43, are awarded simultaneously, and the winning area "RBB & 3 If you win in the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 3" or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 11", then two minor wins, 39 and 44, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 4", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 4", or the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 12", then two minor wins, 38 and 45, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 5", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 5", and the winning area If you win "RBB&1-coin win 13" in the rear, two small wins, 37 and 46, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 6", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 6", and the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 14", two small wins, 36 and 47, will be won simultaneously in the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 7", the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 7", and the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 15", then small win 3 5. When two of the small wins 48 are won simultaneously, and the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8", "RBB&1-coin win 8", and "RBB&1-coin win 16" are won, the small wins 34 and 49 are also won simultaneously. This configuration ensures that when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a small win with a 1 / 8 probability of winning, which pays 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game, is awarded.

[0228] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has small wins 34 to 49 that can be won with a probability of 1 / 16 when they are won in the internal lottery and the stop button B3 is pressed to the first stop operation, making them eligible to win. Furthermore, the winning areas "RBB&3-coin win 1" to "RBB&3-coin win 8" and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 16" each contain two of the small wins 34 to 49, and when the stop button B3 is pressed to the first stop operation and the included small wins become eligible to win, the included small wins can be won with a probability of 1 / 8, which is twice the probability of 1 / 16.

[0229] Furthermore, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A", "Batting Order Bell 2A", "Batting Order Bell 1B", "Batting Order Bell 2B", "Batting Order Bell 1C", "Batting Order Bell 2C", "Batting Order Bell 1D", and "Batting Order Bell 2D" each contain four of the 34 to 49 minor roles. When stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, and it is possible to win one of the included minor roles, the probability of winning is 1 / 4, which is four times the probability of 1 / 16.

[0230] As shown in Figure 3, the combinations of minor roles 34 to 49 are configured such that at least one of them is included in common in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A", "Batting Order Bell 2A", "Batting Order Bell 1B", "Batting Order Bell 2B", "Batting Order Bell 1C", "Batting Order Bell 2C", "Batting Order Bell 1D", "Batting Order Bell 2D", "RBB&3-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", and "RBB&1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Role 16". For example, minor role 34 is included in common in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A", "Batting Order Bell 1C", "RBB&3-Coin Role 8", "RBB&1-Coin Role 8", and "RBB&1-Coin Role 16".

[0231] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", "Bat Order Bell 2D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16", and so on. In each case, by adjusting the number of small wins 34 to 49, which have a winning probability of 1 / 16, it is possible to create a winning area where the winning probability is 1 / 4 when stop button B3 is the first stop operation, and a winning area where the winning probability is 1 / 8. Since there is no need to separately prepare small wins where the winning probability is 1 / 4 and small wins where the winning probability is 1 / 8 when stop button B3 is the first stop operation, the amount of data related to the wins can be reduced.

[0232] Furthermore, in the case where the slot machine 1 of this embodiment wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to the winning area "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", or "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16", and the stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, the reel stop control is configured to execute a common reel stop control in the winning areas where the small winning combinations that can be won are common.

[0233] Specifically, in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1A" and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1C", when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3, minor role 1 can be won, and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 4, one of minor roles 14, 15, 20 to 23, 28, or 29 can be won with a 1 / 2 probability. The reel stop control when stop button B2 is operated as the first stop is the same for both winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A" and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3C", when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 and 4, one of minor roles 14, 19, 24, or 29 can be won with a 1 / 4 probability. The reel stop control when stop button B2 is operated as the first stop is the same for both winning area "Batting Order Bell 3A" and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 3C". Furthermore, in the winning areas "RBB&3-coin win 1", "RBB&1-coin win 1", and "RBB&1-coin win 9", where either small win 14 or small win 29 can be won with a probability of 1 / 8 when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the 3rd and 4th batting order, the reel stop control when stop button B2 is operated as the first stop is the same reel stop control.

[0234] Furthermore, in the case where the slot machine 1 of this embodiment wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", "Bat Order Bell 2D", "RBB&3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB&3-Coin Payout 8", or "RBB&1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB&1-Coin Payout 16", and the stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, the reel stop control is configured to execute a common reel stop control in the winning areas where the small winning combinations that can be won are common.

[0235] Specifically, in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1A" and "Batting Order Bell 1C," where one of the small wins 34, 39, 44, or 45 can be won with a 1 / 4 probability when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, the reel stop control when stop button B3 is the first stop is the same. Also, in the winning areas "RBB & 3-Coin Win 1," "RBB & 1-Coin Win 1," and "RBB & 1-Coin Win 9," where one of the small wins 41 or 42 can be won with a 1 / 8 probability when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and 6, the reel stop control when stop button B3 is the first stop is the same.

[0236] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the following winning areas among the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, which include winning areas that include small roles: winning area "Bat Order Bell 1A" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4A", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1B" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4B", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1C" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4C", winning area "Bat Order Bell 1D" to winning area "Bat Order Bell 4D", winning area "Rare Role", and winning area "RBB". Although the system has 41 types of winning areas, such as "&3-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&3-coin win 8" and "RBB&1-coin win 1" to the winning area "RBB&1-coin win 16", the reel stop control is standardized in the winning areas where the winning combinations are common. Therefore, by reducing the data capacity of the program code related to reel stop control to compensate for the increase in data capacity related to the winning areas, it is possible to suppress an excessive increase in the data capacity stored in the main memory means 190.

[0237] When the designated reel is the right reel R3 and the designated stop button is the stop button B3, the small wins 34 to 49 constitute the specific type of small win in this embodiment, and the probability of winning small wins 34 to 49, which is 1 / 16, constitutes the specific probability in this embodiment. Furthermore, when the first group of winning patterns includes two specific types of small wins that are integers of 1 or more, such as "RBB&3-coin win1" to "RBB&3-coin win8", and "RBB&1-coin win1" to "RBB&1-coin win16", the second group of winning patterns includes four specific types of small wins that are greater than 2, such as "batting order bell 1A", "batting order bell 2A", "batting order bell 1B", "batting order bell 2B", "batting order bell 1C", "batting order bell 2C", "batting order bell 1D", and "batting order bell 2D".

[0238] 5. Details of the winning probabilities for minor roles 4 to 6. Next, we will explain the details of the minor roles 4 to 6 included in the winning area "rare role" of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0239] <Details of minor roles 4-6> In slot machines, it is necessary to ensure fairness in the game by having a winning mechanism in which the outcome of the game changes depending on the timing of at least one operation of stop buttons B1 to B3, regardless of the order in which the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning area "rare role" is hit, the machine is configured so that depending on the timing of operation of stop button B2 or stop button B3, there are cases where minor roles 4 to 6 are awarded, and cases where the win is missed (not awarded).

[0240] As shown in Figure 5, the winning symbol combinations for minor role 4, "RP-BL-Red 7 (White 7, BKB)", and the winning symbol combination for minor role 5, "Red 7 (White 7, CHA, BKA, BKC)-BKA-Red 7 (White 7, BKB)", are designed to be awarded when the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when the White 7 symbol "White 7" is displayed rotating on the active line L1 from stop number 4 to stop number 18 on the right reel R3. Therefore, each combination is designed to be awarded with a probability of approximately 1 / 1.3.

[0241] Furthermore, the winning combination for small win 6, "Red 7 (White 7, CHA, BKA, BKC)-Red 7 (White 7, BKB)-BL," can be won when the stop button B2 is operated at the same time that the White 7 symbol "White 7" is displayed at stop number 3 on the middle reel R2 to the blank A symbol "BKA" is displayed at stop number 17 on the active line L1. This combination is configured to have a winning probability of approximately 1 / 1.3.

[0242] <Winning ratio in the slot machine of this embodiment> Next, the winning ratio in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 16. Here, the winning ratio is the ratio of the number of winning symbol combinations for minor roles to the total number of symbol combinations. In slot machines, according to the standards set out in the rules of play, the winning ratio must be kept within the range of 11% to 40%.

[0243] Figure 16(A) shows the winning percentage in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 16(A), the total number of winning symbol combinations for small wins in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is 952. Also, as shown in Figure 4, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, 20 symbols are arranged on the periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, so the total number of symbol combinations in the slot machine 1 is 20 to the power of 3, which is 8000. Therefore, the winning percentage of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is 11.9%, and the configuration complies with the standards stipulated in the game rules.

[0244] In this case, if slot machine 1 is configured to ensure fairness in the game by having a winning pattern in which the outcome of the game changes depending on the timing of at least one operation of stop buttons B1 to B3, regardless of the order in which the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3, then a configuration that includes small win 4 is sufficient to guarantee the function of ensuring fairness in the game.

[0245] Figure 16(B) shows the winning percentage of a slot machine when it does not have small wins 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 16(B), the total number of winning symbol combinations for slot machine 1 excluding small wins 5 and 6 is 688, so the winning percentage when small wins 5 and 6 are excluded is 8.6%.

[0246] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, among the symbols that make up the winning combinations for small wins 5 and small wins 6, the symbols on the left reel R1, namely the cherry A symbol "CHA" and the blank A symbol "BKA", are configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of operation of stop button B1. Therefore, in order to ensure fairness in the game, the winning pattern changes depending on the timing of operation of at least one of the stop buttons B1 to B3, regardless of the order in which the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3. If the symbols on the left reel R1 that make up the winning combinations for small wins 5 and small wins 6 are configured to include either the cherry A symbol "CHA" or the blank A symbol "BKA", then the function of ensuring fairness in the game can be sufficiently guaranteed.

[0247] Figure 16(C) shows the winning percentage of a slot machine when the left reel R1, which constitutes the winning symbol combinations for minor role 5 and minor role 6, is configured to have only the cherry A symbol "CHA". As shown in Figure 16(C), in slot machine 1, the winning symbol combination for minor role 5 is "CHA-BKA-Red 7 (White 7, BKB)" and the winning symbol combination for minor role 6 is "CHA-Red 7 (White 7, BKB)-BL", the total number of winning symbol combinations for minor roles is 784, so the winning percentage in this case is 9.8%.

[0248] Based on these, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when a winning area "rare role" is hit, it will also win minor role 5 and minor role 6 in addition to minor role 4. Furthermore, the symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning symbol combination for minor role 5 and the symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning symbol combination for minor role 6 are configured to include the cherry A symbol "CHA", the blank A symbol "BKA", the red 7 symbol "red 7", the white 7 symbol "white 7", and the blank C symbol "BKC", thereby ensuring a winning rate of over 11% and complying with the standards for winning rates stipulated in the game rules.

[0249] <Symbols displayed on the left reel when winning combinations 5 and 6> As described above, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a winning symbol combination for minor role 5 consisting of "red 7 (white 7, CHA, BKA, BKC)-BKA-red 7 (white 7, BKB)" and a winning symbol combination for minor role 6 consisting of "red 7 (white 7, CHA, BKA, BKC)-red 7 (white 7, BKB)-BL". When the winning area "rare role" is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 to turn 6, the machine is in a state where minor role 5 or minor role 6 can be won, and when stop button B1 is stopped, the machine has a configuration in which there are multiple candidate symbols that can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1.

[0250] Furthermore, in gaming machines, the combinations of winning symbols for minor roles must be configured to be displayed on the active payline at some point. For this reason, in slot machine 1, for minor role 5 and minor role 6, the symbols of the left reel R1 that constitute the winning symbol combinations—Cherry A symbol "CHA", Blank A symbol "BKA", Red 7 symbol "Red 7", White 7 symbol "White 7", and Blank C symbol "BKC"—are configured to be displayed on the active payline L1.

[0251] Figure 17 illustrates the symbols that are displayed on the active line L1 when the stop button B1 is pressed in a state in which a small win 5 or small win 6 can be awarded in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0252] As shown in Figure 17, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the stop button B1 is pressed in a state where a minor prize 5 or minor prize 6 can be won, the reel stop control by the reel control means 130 determines the symbol that will be stopped and displayed in the middle position of the left reel R1 according to the timing of the stop button B1 operation.

[0253] If the stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when the bell symbol "BL" at stop number 0, the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 1, the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 4 to the blank B symbol "BKB" at stop number 7, the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 9 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 11, the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 14 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 16, and the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 19 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, the reel control means 130 will stop and display the cherry A symbol "CHA" on the active line L1.

[0254] Further, when the stop button B1 is stopped and operated at the timing when the blank A symbol "BKA" with stop number 3, the blank A symbol "BKA" with stop number 8, the blank A symbol "BKA" with stop number 13, and the blank A symbol "BKA" with stop number 18 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 stops and displays the blank A symbol "BKA" on the effective line L1.

[0255] Further, when the stop button B1 is stopped and operated at the timing when the white 7 symbol "white 7" with stop number 2 is rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 stops and displays the white 7 symbol "white 7" on the effective line L1.

[0256] Further, when the stop button B1 is stopped and operated at the timing when the red 7 symbol "red 7" with stop number 12 is rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 stops and displays the red 7 symbol "red 7" on the effective line L1.

[0257] Then, when the stop button B1 is stopped and operated at the timing when the blank C symbol "BKC" with stop number 17 is rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 stops and displays the blank C symbol "BKC" on the effective line L1.

[0258] That is, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment wins in the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, and when it is possible to win the small combination 5 or the small combination 6, among the symbols located within the drawing range drawn from the symbol located on the effective line L1 at the timing when the stop button B1 is stopped and operated, the symbol at the position closest to the effective line L1 is stopped on the effective line L1. The reel stop control is configured to be executed.

[0259] With such a configuration, in order to increase the winning rate and improve the design and development environment of the gaming machine, in the configuration of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment having the minor winning combinations 5 and 6 in which a plurality of candidates for symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 are set on the left reel R1, without determining which symbol is displayed, the symbol at the position closest to the active line L1 is stopped on the active line L1 by a simple reel stop control. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode in which the "rare winning combination" winning area is won and the minor winning combinations 5 and 6 are capable of winning, the reel stop control can be realized. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the reel stop control for stopping and displaying each symbol constituting the winning symbol combination on the active line L1 at any timing, and it is possible to reduce the program capacity related to the reel stop control.

[0260] Also, in order to increase the winning rate and improve the design and development environment of the gaming machine, in the configuration of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment having the minor winning combinations 5 and 6 in which a plurality of candidates for symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 are set on the left reel R1, both the symbol of the left reel R1 constituting the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 5 and the symbol of the left reel R1 constituting the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 6 are the cherry A symbol "CHA", the blank A symbol "BKA", the red 7 symbol "red 7", the white 7 symbol "white 7", and the blank C symbol "BKC". By configuring them from common symbols, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode in which the "rare winning combination" winning area is won and the minor winning combinations 5 and 6 are capable of winning, the reel stop control related to the stop operation of the stop button B1 can be made common, so that the program capacity related to the reel stop control can be reduced.

[0261] These minor roles 5 and 6 constitute the specific minor roles in this embodiment, the left reel R1 constitutes the specific reel in this embodiment, the stop button B1 constitutes the specific stop button in this embodiment, the positions of stop numbers 4, 9, 14, and 19 on the left reel R1 where the cherry A symbol "CHA" is arranged constitute the multiple first positions in this embodiment, the positions of stop numbers 3, 8, 13, and 18 on the left reel R1 where the blank A symbol "BKA" is arranged, the position of stop number 2 where the white 7 symbol "white 7" is arranged, the position of stop number 12 where the red 7 symbol "red 7" is arranged, and the position of stop number 17 where the blank C symbol "BKC" is arranged constitute the second positions in this embodiment, and the non-RT state and the RBB internal state constitute the specific game state in this embodiment.

[0262] 6. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning is 1 / 16 in each of the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A" to "Bat Order Bell 4A", "Bat Order Bell 1B" to "Bat Order Bell 4B", "Bat Order Bell 1C" to "Bat Order Bell 4C", "Bat Order Bell 1D" to "Bat Order Bell 4D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", and "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16". By adjusting the number of small wins, including those numbered 14 to 29, it is possible to create a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 2 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 4, and a winning area where the probability of winning is 1 / 8. Since there is no need to separately prepare small wins where the probability of winning is 1 / 2, 1 / 4, and 1 / 8 when stop button B2 is pressed as the first stop, the amount of data related to the wins can be reduced.

[0263] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1A", "Bat Order Bell 2A", "Bat Order Bell 1B", "Bat Order Bell 2B", "Bat Order Bell 1C", "Bat Order Bell 2C", "Bat Order Bell 1D", "Bat Order Bell 2D", "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 3-Coin Payout 8", and "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 16". By adjusting the number of small wins, including those 34 to 49, which have a winning probability of 1 / 16, it is possible to create a winning area where the winning probability is 1 / 4 when stop button B3 is the first stop operation, and a winning area where the winning probability is 1 / 8. Since there is no need to separately prepare small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 4 and small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 8 when stop button B3 is the first stop operation, the amount of data related to the wins can be reduced.

[0264] 7. Variations In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has two specific types of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 16, which constitutes a winning pattern with a winning probability of 1 / 8; four specific types of small wins, which constitutes a winning pattern with a winning probability of 1 / 4; and eight specific types of small wins, which constitutes a winning pattern with a winning probability of 1 / 2. However, it is not limited to these configurations. For example, the slot machine 1 may have three specific types of small wins with a winning probability of 1 / 16, which constitutes a winning pattern with a winning probability of 3 / 16; or it may have one specific type of small win with a winning probability of 1 / 16, which constitutes a winning pattern with a winning probability of 1 / 16.

[0265] Furthermore, while slot machine 1 is configured to have a specific type of small win with a winning probability of 1 / 16, it is not limited to this. For example, it may also have a specific type of small win with a winning probability of 1 / 8, and any winning probability configuration is acceptable as long as it is composed of winning probabilities of 1 / 2 or less.

[0266] In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the first group of winning patterns includes n (where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) specific types of small wins, and the second group of winning patterns includes m (where m is an integer greater than n) specific types of small wins. When the internal lottery selects a winning pattern for the first group, and a predetermined stop button is pressed first, and it is possible to win a specific type of small win, the probability of winning any of the winning specific types of small wins is n times the specific probability. When the internal lottery selects a winning pattern for the second group, and a predetermined stop button is pressed first, and it is possible to win a specific type of small win, the probability of winning any of the winning specific types of small wins is m times the specific probability. The probability of winning a specific type of small win, the number of specific types of small wins included in the first group of winning patterns, and the number of specific types of small wins included in the second group of winning patterns are not limited to this embodiment.

[0267] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the symbols on the left reel R1 and the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations of minor roles 14 to 29 in the slot machine 1 are each composed of one of the following: red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", blank B symbol "BKB", and blank C symbol "BKC", but are not limited to this. The symbols on the left reel R1 and the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning combinations of minor roles 14 to 29 in the slot machine 1 may be composed of different symbols. Furthermore, the symbols on the left reel R1 and the symbols on the middle reel R2 that constitute the winning combinations of minor roles 34 to 49 in the slot machine 1 are each composed of one of the following: red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", blank B symbol "BKB", and blank C symbol "BKC", but are not limited to this. Slot machine 1 may have different symbols for the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2, which constitute the winning combinations of small wins 34 to 49.

[0268] In this configuration, Slot Machine 1 requires that the Cherry A symbol "CHA" to the Cherry C symbol "CHC" are composed of common symbols (for example, the Cherry symbol "CH"), thereby increasing the number of possible symbols that can be arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0269] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have the same Cherry A symbol "CHA" arranged at stop numbers 4, 9, 14, and 19 as symbols arranged at multiple first positions on the left reel R1, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to have symbols arranged at positions where the pull-in ranges do not overlap and which are of different types, such as the White 7 symbol "White 7" at stop number 2, the Blank B symbol "BKB" at stop number 7, the Red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 12, and the Blank C symbol "BKC" at stop number 17.

[0270] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has, but is not limited to, the following symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combination of small win 5: Cherry A symbol "CHA", Blank A symbol "BKA", Red 7 symbol "Red 7", White 7 symbol "White 7", and Blank C symbol "BKC", and the following symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combination of small win 6: Cherry A symbol "CHA", Blank A symbol "BKA", Red 7 symbol "Red 7", White 7 symbol "White 7", and Blank C symbol "BKC". Slot machine 1 only needs to be configured such that the symbols on the left reel R1 that make up the winning combinations for small wins 5 and small wins 6 result in a winning rate of 11% or more. For example, the symbols on the left reel R1 that make up the winning combinations for small wins 5 and small wins 6 may include the cherry A symbol "CHA" and the blank A symbol "BKA", but not the red 7 symbol "red 7", the white 7 symbol "white 7", and the blank C symbol "BKC". This configuration results in 880 possible winning combinations for small wins, and the winning rate is 11%.

[0271] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combinations for minor role 5 and the symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combinations for minor role 6 are composed of the common Cherry A symbol "CHA", Blank A symbol "BKA", Red 7 symbol "Red 7", White 7 symbol "White 7", and Blank C symbol "BKC", but are not limited to this. The symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combinations for minor role 5 and the symbols on the left reel R1 that constitute the winning combinations for minor role 6 may each be composed of different symbols.

[0272] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a left reel R1 as a specific reel, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may have, for example, a middle reel R2 or a right reel R3 as a specific reel. If the middle reel R2 is a specific reel, it has a stop button B2 as a specific stop button, and if the right reel R3 is a specific reel, it has a stop button B3 as a specific stop button.

[0273] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout for all minor roles from minor role 1 to minor role 49 is set to 1 coin when a two-coin bet is played, resulting in a payout of 1 electronic medal when a two-coin bet is played, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, when a two-coin bet is played, a process is executed to set the upper limit of the payout to 1 coin, so that regardless of the number of coins paid out for the winning minor role, a payout of 1 coin is executed.

[0274] The following describes in detail a configuration in which a process to set an upper limit on the number of payouts (upper limit setting process) is executed, allowing a two-coin bet game to be played and resulting in one electronic medal being paid out regardless of which winning combination is achieved. Slot machine 1 with this configuration is set 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 when a winning combination with a payout exceeding this upper limit is achieved, the number of payouts is set to this upper limit and the medals are paid out. Specifically, slot machine 1 is set to set the upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out as one when a two-coin bet game is played.

[0275] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing the upper limit setting process for the modified slot machine 1, which sets an upper limit on the number of payouts. The process shown in Figure 18 is executed in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is performed when a small win occurs, after the payout value set for the small win has been stored in the payout number storage means 199 (see Figure 2) of the main storage means 190.

[0276] As shown in Figure 18, the payout control means 150 first obtains the payout amount stored in the payout amount storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 obtains the stored value of the payout amount storage means 199, which stores the payout values ​​set for the winning combinations in the current game.

[0277] Next, the payout control means 150 confirms the number of electronic tokens that have been set to be inserted for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 can determine whether the current game is a 2-coin bet game or a 3-coin bet game by checking the value stored in the number of tokens inserted storage means 198.

[0278] Next, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of digitized medals set to the inserted state in the current game is 2 (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether 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, it is possible to determine whether the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (2) is set in the slot machine 1.

[0279] In the process of step S4, if it is determined that the number of payout medals in the current game is 2 or more (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the payout number in the current game is 2 or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the payout number stored in the payout number storage means 199 acquired in the process of step S1 is the value "2" or more.

[0280] In the process of step S5, if it is determined that the payout number in the current game is 2 or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the payout number to 1 (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 changes the value of 2 or more stored in the payout number storage means to the value "1", thereby setting the payout number in the current game to 1.

[0281] This process of step S5 constitutes a process of setting the upper limit of the number of digitized medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1) less than the second specified number when the game is started with the second specified number (2) of medals less than the first specified number (3) inserted.

[0282] After executing the process in step S5, if in the process of step S3 it is determined that the number of electronic tokens set to be inserted for this game is 3 (NO), or if in the process of step S4 it is determined that the number of tokens to be paid out for this game is 1 (NO), the payout control means 150 executes the process of paying out tokens (S6) and terminates the payout process. In this process, the payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of tokens to be paid out for the game, and adds the number of electronic tokens corresponding to the determined payout number to the token counter 311.

[0283] Thus, when a game with a 3-coin bet is played, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip the processing of steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6. The payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the winning combination in the game, as the number of medals to be paid out in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal counter 311.

[0284] In this configuration, slot machine 1 is set up so that in non-RT state and RBB internal state, the same number of electronic tokens as the payout set for the winning combination are paid out, and when a winning combination with a payout of more than one token is won, the payout of that token is executed.

[0285] On the other hand, the payout control means 150 is configured to proceed to step S6 after executing the process in step S5 if a game with a 2-coin bet is played and a small win with a payout of 2 or more coins is awarded in the game with a 2-coin bet. Regardless of the value set as the payout for the small win awarded in the game, the value stored in the payout number storage means 199, which is set to the value "1", is determined as the number of coins to be paid out in the game, and the number of electronic coins (1 coin) corresponding to the determined payout is added to the coin counter 311.

[0286] Given this configuration, in slot machine 1, when a small win with the same payout as when a 3-coin bet is played, and which is set to pay more than 1 coin, is won in the RBB state when a 2-coin bet is played, a payout of 1 coin is made, which is less than the set payout and less than the prescribed number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0287] In other words, in slot machine 1, when the game transitions to an RBB state where the specified number is set to 2 coins, and a winning area including a small win is hit, a payout of 1 coin is executed regardless of which small win is hit. To put it another way, in slot machine 1, when the specified number is set to the second specified number (2 coins) in an RBB state, if a small win with a payout higher than the second specified number is hit, a payout of less than the second specified number is executed.

[0288] With this configuration, slot machine 1 transitions to an RBB state where the specified number of coins is set to 2. When a winning area including a small win is hit, the payout limit setting process is executed, so that 1 coin is paid out regardless of which small win is hit. This allows the payout rate in the RBB state to be reduced to 50%, and the medal acquisition performance when the RBB is not active can be designed, dramatically increasing the design flexibility of slot machine 1.

[0289] Furthermore, as mentioned above, slot machine 1 is configured such that, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the payout rate when 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%).

[0290] With this configuration, the payout rate in the RBB state of slot machine 1 is lower than in the non-RT state where RBB is not active and in the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, thus ensuring sufficient performance of the gaming machine.

[0291] Furthermore, by configuring slot machine 1 to perform an upper limit setting process, it is possible to set the payout for a 2-coin bet to 1 coin when a 2-coin bet is played, without having to set the payout for a 2-coin bet separately for each small win when a 3-coin bet is played. This reduces the amount of data required to set the payout for a 2-coin bet for each small win.

[0292] Furthermore, in such a configuration, slot machine 1 is required to be configured such that the payout for small wins differs depending on whether the win occurs in the RBB state (where two tokens are inserted and the game starts) or in the RBB state (where three tokens are inserted and the game starts), and that the win occurs when the game is in the RBB state.

[0293] As a result, in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number set to the first specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the performance of the small wins that result in fewer electronic tokens being paid out when they are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state are prevented from being excessively reduced by awarding them based on the fact that they were won in the RBB state, thereby ensuring sufficient performance of the gaming machine.

[0294] In this configuration, the small wins included in the second group and the predetermined group consist of small wins where the number of game values ​​paid out based on winning differs depending on whether the game is started with a first predetermined number of game values ​​or with a second predetermined number of game values, while the small wins included in the first group consist of small wins where the number of game values ​​paid out based on winning is the same depending on whether the game is started with a first predetermined number of game values ​​or with a second predetermined number of game values ​​(which is less than the first predetermined number)

[0295] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to switch the winning combinations that can be awarded depending on the order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" is selected, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 only needs to be configured to switch the winning combinations that can be awarded depending on the operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "Bonus Small Win 1" is selected.

[0296] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a non-RT state and an RBB internal state as first game states, and an RBB state as second game states, but is not limited to this. Slot machine 1 may be configured such that, in a game state where an RBB is won and the RBB is activated, the game states include a non-RT state, an RBB internal state, a general RBB-activated state where the RBB is activated but an RB has not been won or awarded and the RB is not activated, an RBB-activated RB internal state where the RBB is activated, an RB has been won, but the RB is not awarded, and an RBB-activated RB state where the RBB is activated, an RB has been awarded and the RB is activated. In this configuration, the first game state may be one in which the probability of winning a small role in the internal lottery is the same for the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, the general RBB-activated state, and the RBB-activated RB internal state, and the second game state may be one in which the probability of winning any small role in the internal lottery is higher than in the first game state.

[0297] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in a favorable period, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to notify, for example, that it is in a favorable period when the expected value of medal acquisition becomes 1 or more due to the assistance of winning small roles.

[0298] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has multiple reels, from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and multiple stop buttons, from stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3, corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. However, it is not limited to this, and may also have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0299] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of tokens, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one token in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0300] In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured to start playing regardless of whether the number of electronic tokens inserted is set to a first predetermined number or a second predetermined number, for a predetermined number of tokens in the non-RT state or RBB internal state. In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first predetermined number of electronic tokens inserted when the max bet button MB is operated, and to set the second predetermined number of electronic tokens inserted when the single bet button is operated twice, when the game state is the non-RT state or RBB internal state.

[0301] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured as a so-called medalless gaming machine that records game value by an electromagnetic method, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to accept medals, which serve as a physical medium for game value, and to be configured to dispense the medals using a hopper unit when paying out. In this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to credit up to 50 medals for each inserted medal. Also in this configuration, the AT control means 170 terminates the advantageous period when 4000 games have been played since the start of the advantageous period.

[0302] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set initial values ​​for the stored values ​​of each counter and storage means, and to perform decrement updates that subtract 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates that add 1 each time a game is played. However, the method for updating each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0303] 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 120 Internal drawing method B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 Middle Reel R3 Right reel

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels, Multiple stop buttons, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, It includes a game state transition control means that controls the transition between game states between multiple game states, The aforementioned plurality of reels include a first reel, a second reel, The plurality of stop buttons include a first stop button corresponding to the first reel and a second stop button corresponding to the second reel. In the aforementioned internal lottery, the success or failure of multiple types of roles is determined. The aforementioned multiple types of hands include the first minor hand and the second minor hand. The aforementioned plurality of game states include a first game state and a second game state, The first game state is initiated when a first predetermined number of game values ​​are invested. The second game state is initiated when a second specified number of game values, which is less than the first specified number, is invested. The first minor role can be awarded when it is won in the first game state and when it is won in the second game state. The aforementioned second minor role can be awarded when it is won in the first game state and when it is won in the second game state. When the first minor role is achieved in the first game state, the game value of the first number is paid out. When the first minor role is achieved in the second game state, a game value less than the first number is paid out. When the second minor role is achieved in the first game state, the game value of the second number is paid out. When the second minor role is achieved in the second game state, a game value less than the second number is paid out. In the first game state, the first small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode in which the first stop button is operated first. In the first game state, the second small prize can be won if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode. In the second game state, the first small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode. In the second game state, the second small win can be awarded if it is won in the internal lottery and the multiple stop buttons are operated in the second operation mode in which the second stop button is operated first. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images