Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide diverse and highly engaging gameplay. [Solution] The special ball entry easy state includes a first special ball entry easy state, a second special ball entry easy state which is more advantageous to the player than the first special ball entry easy state, and a third special ball entry easy state which can be transitioned to when a predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special ball entry easy state. If a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special ball entry easy state, it is possible to transition to a first specific ball entry easy state which has performance approximately equivalent to the first special ball entry easy state. If a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the third special ball entry easy state, it is possible to transition to a second specific ball entry easy state which has performance approximately equivalent to the third special ball entry easy state.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As a gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine is known which includes a game area where game balls (game values) move, a launching device that launches game balls into the game area, and the like. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the game area, and when the entry of a game ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is performed. Then, when a predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, a special game is executed. In the special game, a big winning port provided in the game area operates to an open state, and game balls are paid out based on the entry of game balls into the big winning port.

[0003] Some gaming machines of this type shift to a predetermined time-saving state without going through a special game when a specific result is obtained in a special symbol lottery (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Meanwhile, gaming machines are required to realize diverse and highly interesting game properties.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to realize diverse and highly interesting game properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area (for example, game area 4), A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening (for example, a passage gate 48 or an operating prize opening) that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern lottery to displace the movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is triggered by a ball entering the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result (for example, "winning"), and a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) is made easier for the ball to enter. The game includes a game state setting means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple conditions that facilitate ball entry include: After the execution of the aforementioned special game, there are several types of special ball-entry easy states to transition to, There are several types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result (for example, "C time reduction") is obtained in the special symbol lottery, In the aforementioned special conditions that make it easy to score, There is a first special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 6th prize is easily won), a second special easy ball entry state that is more advantageous to the player than the first special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 8th prize is easily won), and a third special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 4th prize is easily won) which can be entered when the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the third special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state.

[0008] In the second special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. However, in the third special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state. Even if the same specific result is obtained, the transition to which easy ball entry state occurs depends on the current easy ball entry state. In other words, the role of the "specific result" in the special symbol lottery differs depending on the easy ball entry state. By configuring the transition of easy ball entry states to have different control content (transition destination) depending on the current easy ball entry state, a diverse and highly engaging gameplay experience can be achieved. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize diverse and highly engaging gameplay. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing the general configuration of a gaming machine. [Figure 6] The same diagram explains the grand prize area, with (a) showing the state of passing through a specific area and (b) showing the state of passing through a non-specific area. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the regular winning lottery table. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a normal symbol lottery table. [Figure 9] This is a diagram showing a winning lottery table. [Figure 10] This is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table. [Figure 11] This is a diagram for explaining the display of performance symbols and reserved symbols. [Figure 12] This is a state transition diagram of the gaming state. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing the relationship between the referenced gaming state and the transition destination gaming state when a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. [Figure 14] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table C. [Figure 15] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram showing the relationship between the referenced gaming state and the transition destination gaming state when a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. [Figure 16] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a state transition diagram of the gaming state. [Figure 17] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram illustrating a character determination performance. [Figure 18] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram showing the relationship between the referenced gaming state and the transition destination gaming state when a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. [Figure 19] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram showing another configuration example of the relationship between the referenced gaming state and the transition destination gaming state when a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. [Figure 20] This shows a gaming machine according to a modification, and is a diagram showing another configuration example of state transition of the gaming state. [Figure 21] This shows a gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table B. [Figure 22] This is a state transition diagram of the gaming state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the gaming machine, the player's side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "back". "Up and down" means that the top surface of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom surface is "down". "Left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the gaming machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

[0012] Unlike conventional pachinko machines, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment allows players to play without touching the game balls. The gaming machine 1 is a sealed circulation type in which a certain number of game balls (game mediums) circulate within the machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 uses game value as electronic information, and the game value is consumed or dispensed through gameplay. In the gaming machine 1, the dispensing of game value means electronically dispensing (granting) the game value. It should be noted that the invention according to this embodiment is not limited to the gaming machine 1 but can also be applied to conventional pachinko machines, that is, pachinko machines in which players can physically touch the game balls and the game balls are dispensed into a tray based on their entry into predetermined prize slots.

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment comprises an outer frame 2 that forms the outer surface of the gaming machine, a game board 6 provided inside the gaming machine that forms a game area 4 on which game balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the game board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the game board 6 visible to the player but inaccessible to the player, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be openable and closable. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that blocks the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0014] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside this translucent portion are multiple lamps 12 (lighting means) that emit special effects lights to enhance the gameplay. In addition, speakers 14 (sound output means) that emit special effects sounds to enhance the gameplay are provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0015] A grip unit 20 (handle) is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10. When a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the game machine, a launching device (not shown) located inside the game machine is activated, and game balls are launched into the game area 4. The launching device in this embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

[0016] The front frame 10 is equipped with a performance button 26 (performance control means), and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance displayed on the gaming machine changes.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, a dedicated unit 400 (game value lending device, predetermined device) is provided on the side (left side) of the gaming machine 1 as a device for lending game value, and is connected to the gaming machine 1. The front of the dedicated unit 400 is provided with a banknote slot 406 into which banknotes can be inserted, a card insertion / discharge slot 402 into which cards (game value management media) can be inserted / discharged, a lending button (lending operation means) 403, a replay button (lending operation means) 404, and a card return button 405, etc. The card is used to manage the number of game value owned by the player. In other words, the number of game value owned by the player can be ascertained by the card. The card may also be capable of storing a prepaid balance. Furthermore, the management of the number of game values ​​using cards may be carried out by storing the number of game values ​​on the card itself, or by storing the number of game values ​​in a designated management device installed in the gaming hall, etc., and linking the number of game values ​​stored in the management device, etc. with the identification information stored on the card (such as the player's ID or the unique identification number for each card).

[0018] In the dedicated unit 400, an operation (press operation) on the lending button 403 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) that transfers game value to the game machine 1. When the lending button 403 is pressed, the stored value, etc., that is stored as a prepaid balance in the banknotes or cards inserted into the banknote slot 406 is consumed, and a predetermined number (for example, 125 units) of game value is credited to the game machine 1. In addition, in the dedicated unit 400, an operation (press operation) on the replay button 404 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) that transfers game value to the game machine 1. When the replay button 404 is pressed, the game value owned by the player, which is managed by the card (game value linked to the card), is consumed, and a predetermined number (for example, 125 units) of game value is credited to the game machine 1. In other words, in this embodiment, an operation on the loan button 403 or the replay button 404, which are loan operation means, is received as a loan operation (game value transfer operation), and based on the loan operation, a predetermined number of game values ​​are transferred (loaned) from the dedicated unit 400 to the game machine 1.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the left side (dedicated unit 400 side) of the front frame 10 is provided with a game value display device 211 (game ball count display device) and a counting button 212 (counting operation means). Based on the lending operation on the dedicated unit 400, the game machine 1 stores a value corresponding to a predetermined number of game values ​​in the game value storage area of ​​the frame control board 201, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the value shown in the game value storage area (stored value) will be called the "number of balls held" (number of balls held). The number of balls held can be said to be the number of game values ​​that can be used for playing. The number of balls held is displayed on the game value display device 211. The game value display device 211 has a 6-digit 7-segment display, and the number of balls held is displayed on the 7-segment display.

[0020] The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a frame control board 201 (see Figure 5), which controls the value (number of balls held) stored in the game value memory area. The frame control board 201 decreases the number of balls held based on the detection of a game ball being launched. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of balls held based on the payout of prize balls. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of balls held based on the detection of a foul ball. Furthermore, when game value is transferred from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 201 increases the number of balls held by the amount of game value being transferred. Furthermore, when game value is transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400, the frame control board 201 decreases the number of balls held by the amount of game value being transferred. The frame control board 201 also controls the display of the number of balls held on the game value display device 211, and changes the display content of the game value display device 211 according to the increase or decrease in the number of balls held.

[0021] The counting button 212 is operated when sending (returning, transferring) all or part of the number of balls held (game value stored in the game value memory area) to the dedicated unit 400. The counting button 212 is equipped with a press part (operation part), and the press part is formed to be pressable. When a player finishes playing, they operate (press) the counting button 212 as a counting operation (return operation). When the counting button 212 is operated, a predetermined number of game values ​​are transferred from the game machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400. After the game values ​​have been transferred to the dedicated unit 400, when the card return button 405 of the dedicated unit 400 is operated (pressed), a card that allows the player to know the number of game values ​​they possess is ejected from the dedicated unit 400 (card insertion / discharge port 402).

[0022] Figure 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 6. The game board 6 is provided with a circular outer rail 28, and the area enclosed by the outer rail 28 is the game area 4 on which the game balls move. In addition, an inner rail 30 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 28 at the left end of the game area 4, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) located below the game board 6 into the game area 4.

[0023] In the center of the game board 6, there is a performance unit 36 ​​which includes a liquid crystal display 32 (performance display device, display means) that displays performance images and the like to enhance the game, and a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. Above the center of the liquid crystal display 32, there is a lamp 38 (lighting means) which is part of the performance unit 36 ​​and outputs performance lights and the like to enhance the game.

[0024] In this embodiment, the game balls are prevented from passing in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launcher fall into either the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 or the game area 4b on the right side. In addition, numerous game pins (not shown) are driven into the game area 4 so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, causing the direction of movement of the game balls as they move through the game area 4 to change randomly.

[0025] Furthermore, an opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling from the game area 4a to the left of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass. Game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 located below the liquid crystal display 32. The upper surface of this stage 44 is a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downwards from the stage 44. Game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downwards from near the center of the stage 44.

[0026] A first start port 46 (first area) is provided in the lower central area (predetermined area) of the stage 44, into which game balls (including game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44) can enter. A first start port switch 100 (see Figure 5) is also provided inside the first start port 46 to detect game balls that have entered the first start port 46. When the first start port switch 100 detects a game ball (a game ball entering the first start port 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then executes a first special symbol lottery (first lottery) as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the first start port switch 100. The main control board 200 also dispenses prize balls (for example, 1 ball) based on the input of the detection signal from the first start port switch 100. Furthermore, any game balls that enter the first starting opening 46 are collected inside the game machine.

[0027] To the left of the first start opening 46 in the game area 4, there are multiple (3) general prize openings 47 (upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, and lower left general prize opening 47c). The game board 6 is also equipped with a general prize opening switch 101 (see Figure 5) that detects game balls that enter the upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, or lower left general prize opening 47c. When the general prize opening switch 101 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the upper left general prize opening 47a, left-center general prize opening 47b, or lower left general prize opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then dispenses prize balls (for example, 3 balls) based on the detection signal input from the general prize opening switch 101. Furthermore, one general prize slot switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize slot 47a, the left middle general prize slot 47b, and the lower left general prize slot 47c, or one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize slots 47. In addition, general prize slots 47 and general prize slot switches corresponding to these general prize slots may also be provided.

[0028] A passage gate 48 is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, through which game balls pass without being collected inside the game machine. A gate switch 102 (see Figure 5) is also installed inside the passage gate 48 to detect when a game ball has passed through. When the gate switch 102 detects a game ball (passing through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then performs a regular symbol lottery to determine whether a regular win has occurred, based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102. In this embodiment, a drawing for ordinary symbols is performed based on the entry of a game ball into the passage gate 48. However, instead of the passage gate 48, or in addition to the passage gate 48, an activated prize entry point may be provided from which a predetermined number of prize balls are dispensed and a drawing for ordinary symbols is performed based on the entry of a game ball, and the drawing for ordinary symbols may be performed based on the entry of a game ball into the activated prize entry point. The passage gate 48 and / or the activated prize entry point may be referred to as the "activated entry point".

[0029] In the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, a second start port 49 (second area) is provided below the passage gate 48. The second start port 49 is located in a different area from the area (predetermined area) where the first start port 46 is provided. A second start port switch 103 (see Figure 5) is also provided inside the second start port 49 to detect game balls that have entered the second start port 49. When the second start port switch 103 detects a game ball (game balls entering the second start port 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then executes a second special symbol lottery (second lottery) as a special symbol lottery based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. The main control board 200 also dispenses prize balls (for example, 1 ball) based on the input of the detection signal from the second start port switch 103. Additionally, game balls that enter the second starting port 49 are collected inside the game machine.

[0030] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a standard mechanism 54 (first movable part, movable member, movable piece) that can operate between a reduced state (closed state, first state, a state in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49) and an enlarged state (open state, second state, a state in which it is easy for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49). The standard mechanism 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery. The standard mechanism 54 can change the ease with which game balls can enter the second starting opening 49. The operating opening is the trigger for the execution of the regular symbol lottery, which determines whether or not to displace the standard mechanism 54 to the state in which it is easy for game balls to enter.

[0031] Furthermore, a large prize slot 50 (third area) is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see Figure 5) for detecting game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 is also installed inside the large prize slot 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (a game ball entering the large prize slot 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then dispenses prize balls (for example, 15 balls) based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. The main control board 200 also counts the number of game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 based on the detection signal input from the count switch 104. The game balls that have entered the large prize slot 50 are then collected inside the game machine.

[0032] The large prize opening 50 is equipped with a special mechanism 56 (second movable part, special movable member) that can operate between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 50 (inaccessible state) and an open state in which game balls can enter (inaccessible state). The special mechanism 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in the special game state which is started when a win is achieved in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery). The special mechanism 56 is also controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in the minor win game state which is started when a minor win is achieved in the special symbol lottery. The large prize opening 50 is in a state where it is easy for game balls to enter when a special symbol lottery, which is performed when a game ball enters the first start opening 46 or the second start opening 49, is performed and the result of the special symbol lottery is a predetermined result (win).

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the large prize opening 50 is provided with a specific area 51, a discharge area 52, and a distribution means 53 (wing member) that distributes game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area 51 or the discharge area 52.

[0034] A specific area switch 107 is installed in the specific area 51. The specific area switch 107 (specific area sensor) outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a game ball passing through the specific area 51 (the game ball passing through the specific area 51). A discharge area switch 108 is installed in the discharge area 52. The discharge area switch 108 (discharge area sensor) outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of game balls passing through the discharge area 52 (passage of game balls through the discharge area 52). The sorting means 53 can be switched between a specific area passage state (Figure 6(a)), in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are sorted into a specific area 51, and a non-specific area passage state (Figure 6(b)), in which game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are sorted into the discharge area 52. That is, when the sorting means 53 is switched to the specific area passage state, game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are sorted into the specific area 51. As a result, it becomes impossible for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to pass through the discharge area 52.

[0035] On the other hand, when the sorting means 53 is displaced to a non-specific area passage state, game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are sorted to the discharge area 52. This makes it impossible for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to pass through the specific area 51. The sorting means 53 is displaced by the specific area solenoid. Game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 are first detected by the count switch 104, and then sorted by the sorting means 53 to either the specific area 51 or the discharge area 52. After passing through the area, they are discharged into the discharge path. At this time, game balls sorted into the specific area 51 are detected by the specific area switch 107, and game balls sorted into the discharge area 52 are detected by the discharge area switch 108.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall out of the game area 4 without entering any of the prize winning holes 46, 47, 49, or 50 into the game machine. Inside the game machine, there is an outlet passage (not shown) through which the game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. In this game machine, all game balls launched into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) are configured to pass through the outlet passage. That is, game balls launched into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the outlet passage by entering any of the prize winning holes 46, 47, 49, or 50 or by passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each prize winning hole 46, 47, 49, or 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 located inside the prize winning holes, and then guided to the outlet passage. Furthermore, the game balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see Figure 5) is also installed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects game balls passing through the discharge path (discharge of game balls from the game area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then counts the number of game balls discharged from the game area 4 based on the detection signal input from the out switch 106.

[0037] The game ball launching device is configured such that the launch output of the game balls changes by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1. When the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game balls are launched so that they fall into the game area 4a (first game area 4a, left-handed area) on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game balls are launched so that they fall into the game area 4b (second game area 4b, right-handed area) on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0038] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 according to the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left game area 4a, or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 and enters the first starting opening 46 (left-handed shot), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right game area 4b, passes through the passage gate 48, or enters the second starting opening 49, or enters the large prize opening 50 (right-handed shot). Left-handed shot may be called the first game method, and right-handed shot may be called the second game method.

[0039] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a game ball falls through the left-side game area 4a, the game ball does not pass through the passage gate 48, and therefore does not enter (win) the second starting opening 49 or the large prize opening 50. Also, when a game ball falls through the right-side game area 4b, the game ball does not enter the first starting opening 46 or the general prize opening 47.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, a status indicator unit 70 is provided in the lower right part of the game board 6, outside the game area 4, which indicates the various states of the game machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0041] Figure 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. The status display unit 70 is equipped with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, and a game status display unit 84.

[0042] The regular symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps. When a regular symbol lottery is held, the two lamps flash to display a changing regular symbol, and the two lamps light up or turn off to display a stopped regular symbol, thereby displaying the result of the regular symbol lottery.

[0043] The normal hold display unit 74 consists of two lamps and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of normal hold numbers that are held, when a normal symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball passes through the passage gate 48, or when a normal symbol lottery cannot be performed even if a random value for normal symbol lottery is acquired. The normal hold number is displayed by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps.

[0044] The first special symbol display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the first start opening 46 and a lottery for the first special symbol is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the first special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the first special symbol in a stationary state, thereby displaying the result of the lottery for the first special symbol.

[0045] The first special reserve display unit 78 consists of two lamps and displays the number of first special reserves corresponding to the number of first special random values ​​that are being held in reserve when, for example, the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state when a game ball enters the first start opening 46, and even if a random value for special symbol lottery (lottery information) is acquired, a special symbol lottery cannot be performed. The first special reserve display unit 78 displays 0 to 4 first special reserves by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the two lamps.

[0046] The second special symbol display unit 81 is composed of a 7-segment display. When a game ball enters the second start opening 49 and a second special symbol lottery is held, the 7-segment display flashes to display the second special symbol in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display lights up in one of several different modes to display the second special symbol in a stationary state, thereby displaying the result of the second special symbol lottery.

[0047] The game state display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and the type of game state currently set is displayed by the combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the six lamps. As will be described in detail later, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, multiple types of game states can be set, including the normal state and the time-saving state (the first to the tenth state). The time-saving state is a game state in which the variation time of the first special symbol or the second special symbol is shortened compared to the normal state, and the trigger for executing the special symbol lottery occurs more frequently.

[0048] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board that includes a main control board 200 (main control means), a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means), and a frame control board 201. The functions of the main control board 200, sub-control board 202, and frame control board 201 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0049] The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start gate switch 100, the second start gate switch 103, the general prize gate switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the regular prize 54 and the special prize 56 based on the calculation results.

[0050] The sub-control board 202 receives signals from the main control board 200 and input signals from the performance button switch 150 that detects operations on the performance button 26, performs various calculations to execute performances in accordance with the progress of the game, and controls the operation of performance devices such as lamps 12, 38, speaker 14, and liquid crystal display 32 based on the calculation results.

[0051] The frame control board 201 receives signals from the main control board 200 and input signals from the counting buttons 212, and performs control related to the number of balls held (game balls), as well as control of the game value display device 211, etc. The frame control board 201 is capable of bidirectional communication with the main control board 200.

[0052] The main control board 200 is composed of a random number generation means 210, a normal symbol lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal bonus item control means 224, a special symbol lottery means 230 (lottery means), a special display control means 240, a game state control means 250 (state control means), a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290, among others.

[0053] The random number generation means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is implemented by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, "random numbers" include 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.

[0054] The normal symbol lottery means 220, based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 which detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, obtains a random value for normal symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 and stores it in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290. The normal symbol lottery is then performed to determine whether a normal win occurs based on the random value for normal symbol lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0055] In detail, the ordinary random number storage means 2912 is provided with four ordinary hold storage areas, ordinary hold storage area 1 to ordinary hold storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired ordinary symbol lottery random values, and one ordinary hold storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the ordinary symbol lottery random values ​​read from ordinary hold storage area 1 and used for the ordinary symbol lottery until the display of the changing and stopping of the ordinary symbols is finished. Then, when the normal symbol lottery means 220 obtains a random value for normal symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210, if the random value for normal symbol lottery is not stored in any of the normal hold memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the obtained random value for normal symbol lottery in normal hold memory area 1. Then, when the random value for normal symbol lottery is stored in normal hold memory area 1, if the normal symbol is not in a fluctuating display or stopped display, that is, if the random value for normal symbol lottery is not stored in the normal hold memory area and control to open the normal mechanism 54 is not being executed, it immediately reads the random value for normal symbol lottery from normal hold memory area 1 and performs a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random value for normal symbol lottery obtained from the normal symbol lottery in the normal hold memory area. On the other hand, if the regular symbols are in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if a random value for the regular symbol lottery is stored in the regular symbol hold memory area, or if control is being executed to open the regular mechanism 54, the random value for the regular symbol lottery is held in the regular symbol hold memory area 1.

[0056] Then, if a random value for normal symbol lottery is already held in the normal hold memory area 1, and a detection signal is input from the gate switch 102 to acquire a random value for normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol lottery means 220, on the condition that the number of random values ​​for normal symbol lottery held in normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, on the condition that the number of normal hold values ​​is less than 4, stores the random value for normal symbol lottery in the normal hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among normal hold memory areas 1 to 4 that does not currently hold a random value for normal symbol lottery.

[0057] Then, when the display of the variation and stop of the normal symbols is finished, the normal symbol lottery means 220 erases the random value for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area. If a random value for normal symbol lottery is reserved in normal reserve memory area 1, provided that control to open the normal mechanism 54 is not currently being executed, it reads the random value for normal symbol lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 to perform a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random value for normal symbol lottery used in the normal symbol lottery in the normal reserve memory area. If a random value for normal symbol lottery remains in normal reserve memory area 2 or later, the remaining random value for normal symbol lottery is moved from the original normal reserve memory area to a normal reserve memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, if a random value for normal symbol lottery remains in normal reserve memory areas 2 to 3, it is moved to normal reserve memory areas 1 to 2.

[0058] Thus, in the ordinary random number storage means 2912, random numbers for ordinary symbol lottery in which an ordinary symbol lottery has been conducted are stored in the ordinary reserve storage area up to a maximum of 1, and random numbers for ordinary symbol lottery in which an ordinary symbol lottery has not been conducted are stored in ordinary reserve storage areas 1 to 4 up to a maximum of 4.

[0059] The regular symbol lottery means 220 performs a regular win determination process, a regular symbol determination process, and so on as part of the regular symbol lottery.

[0060] The normal win determination process is the process of determining whether or not a normal win has occurred. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal win lottery table stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

[0061] Figure 7 shows the regular win lottery table. In this embodiment, the regular win lottery table associates a regular win with each of the 100 random numbers for the regular symbol lottery, ranging from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery is 1 / 1 (100 / 100). In other words, the correspondence between regular wins and random numbers is set in the regular win lottery table so that a regular win is won with a probability of 1 / 1. The regular symbol lottery means 220 refers to the regular win lottery table and determines whether a regular win has been won by determining whether a random number for the regular symbol lottery read from the regular hold storage area 1 of the regular random number storage means 2912 is associated with a regular win.

[0062] In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal win lottery table regardless of the game state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal win in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state. However, the normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is a time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a "normal win" compared to the normal symbol lottery table selected when the game state is not a time-saving state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery conducted when the game state is a time-saving state may have a higher probability of winning a "normal win" compared to the normal symbol lottery conducted when the game state is not a time-saving state. Furthermore, in the time-saving state, the probability of winning a "normal win" in the normal symbol lottery may differ depending on which state (1st state to 10th state) it is.

[0063] In this embodiment, the system is configured so that a regular win occurs with a probability of 1 / 1 in the regular win lottery table. However, if the system is configured not to include "regular losses" as in this embodiment, a modified version of the regular win determination process may be implemented. This can consist of a simplified program that does not perform a determination process based on random numbers, but simply checks for the presence or absence of random numbers and returns the result as a "regular win."

[0064] The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal win is achieved in the normal win determination process, and it is the process of determining which of the multiple normal win symbols will be the normal win symbol (type of normal win). In this embodiment, the types are set as "normal win symbol 1", "normal win symbol 2", and "normal win symbol 3". In the normal symbol determination process, the probability of "normal win symbol 1" being determined (winning probability) is 10 / 1000, the probability of "normal win symbol 2" being determined (winning probability) is 10 / 1000, and the probability of "normal win symbol 3" being determined (winning probability) is 980 / 1000.

[0065] In this embodiment, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the regular feature 54 is opened (opened and closed) according to the opening pattern (opening mode / opening and closing mode) corresponding to the type of regular win determined. In this embodiment, the types of opening patterns for the regular feature 54 are set as a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern). The short opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it difficult for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49. In the short opening pattern, the time that the normal mechanism 54 is in the open (expanded) state is set to be shorter compared to the long opening pattern. In the short opening pattern, for example, the number of times the normal mechanism 54 opens is set to 1, and the opening time of the normal mechanism 54 is set to approximately 0.016 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49. Compared to the short opening pattern, the long opening pattern has a longer time during which the normal mechanism 54 is in the open (expanded) state. In the long opening pattern, for example, the number of times the normal mechanism 54 opens is set to 1, and the opening time of the normal mechanism 54 is set to approximately 6 [s]. Note that one opening in the long opening pattern has a total opening time of approximately 6 [s] for the normal mechanism 54, and it may operate as follows: open state (3 [s]) → closed state (1 [s]) → open state (3 [s]). That is, after opening, it may close once and then open again. When the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern for the normal mechanism 54, if the game is played by shooting to the right, it is almost certain that game balls will enter the second starting opening 49.

[0066] In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of the multiple normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed. When the game is in the normal state, the normal symbol lottery table 1 shown in Figure 8(a) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "Normal Winning Symbol 1" to "Normal Winning Symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the short opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the short opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1. In other words, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the probability of the long opening pattern being set is 0.

[0067] When the game state is in the time-saving state (first regular symbol ST state), the regular symbol lottery table 2 shown in Figure 8(b) is selected. In this case, if "regular winning symbol 1" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is selected; if "regular winning symbol 2" is determined, the short opening pattern is selected; and if "regular winning symbol 3" is determined, the short opening pattern is selected. As a result, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery in the first regular symbol ST state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 100.

[0068] When the game state is in the time-saving state (second regular symbol ST state), the regular symbol lottery table 3 shown in Figure 8(c) is selected. In this case, if "regular winning symbol 1" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is selected; if "regular winning symbol 2" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected; and if "regular winning symbol 3" is determined, the short opening pattern is selected. As a result, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery in the second regular symbol ST state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 50.

[0069] When the game state is in a time-saving state (1G consecutive state), the regular symbol lottery table 4 shown in Figure 8(d) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "regular winning symbol 1" to "regular winning symbol 3" is determined in the regular symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery in the 1G consecutive state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0070] In the time-saving state, the normal mechanism 54 is operated in a way that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second starting opening 49 than in the normal state, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state. In addition, the probability of selecting the long opening pattern when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery (the probability of winning a long opening) differs between the first normal symbol ST state, the second normal symbol ST state, and the 1G consecutive state. The 1G consecutive state has a higher probability of winning a long opening than the first normal symbol ST state and the second normal symbol ST state, making it a more advantageous state for the player.

[0071] The normal symbol lottery means 220 determines the variation pattern (variation time) of the normal symbols according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed (normal variation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to be shorter than when the game state is a normal state. In other words, when the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is not a time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to the first hour (for example, 20 seconds), and when the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is a time-saving state, the variation time of the normal symbols is set to the second hour (for example, 1 second), which is shorter than the first hour. Therefore, when the game state is a time-saving state, the trigger for performing the normal symbol lottery occurs more frequently. Note that the variation time of the normal symbols may be set differently depending on the state (first state to tenth state) of the time-saving state. Also, the variation time of the normal symbols in the 1G consecutive state may be set to be the shortest.

[0072] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the lottery result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0073] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal display control means 222 makes the normal symbols change by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the change time corresponding to the change pattern of the normal symbols determined in the normal change pattern determination process has elapsed. In the normal win determination process, the normal symbol display unit 72 displays the result of the normal symbol lottery by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 to stop the normal symbols, depending on whether or not a "normal win" has been won.

[0074] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, according to the number of random values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0075] The ordinary feature control means 224 (movable member control means) is a means for controlling the ordinary feature 54 based on the lottery result of the ordinary symbol lottery. When the ordinary symbol stops and is displayed in a manner indicating a winning ordinary prize, the ordinary feature control means 224 controls the drive of the ordinary feature drive device so that the ordinary feature 54 opens (opens and closes) in a determined opening pattern (opening mode / opening and closing mode). The normal mechanism control means 224 can, when the game state is not in a time-saving state (when a short opening pattern is determined), control the normal mechanism 54 so that it expands and then returns to a reduced state until a time A (for example, 0.016 seconds) has elapsed, triggered by the normal symbols stopping and displaying in a manner indicating a "normal win". Furthermore, when the game state is in a time-saving state and a long opening pattern is determined, the normal mechanism control means 224 can, when the normal symbols stopping and displaying in a manner indicating a "normal win", control the normal mechanism 54 so that it expands and then returns to a reduced state until a time B (for example, 6 seconds) that is longer than time A has elapsed.

[0076] In the regular symbol lottery, if a "regular win" occurs, the regular mechanism 54 operates in such a way that the ease with which the game ball enters the second start opening 49 does not increase significantly if the game state is not in a time-saving state. However, if the game state is in a time-saving state, the regular mechanism 54 operates in such a way that the ease with which the game ball enters the second start opening 49 increases. In this embodiment, in the time-saving state, the regular mechanism 54 is controlled to operate in such a way that it is easier for the game ball to enter the second start opening 49 than in the normal state. Therefore, the time-saving state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

[0077] The special symbol lottery means 230 (special lottery means) obtains a random value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the first start-up switch 100, which detects each game ball entering the first start-up 46, and stores it as the first special random value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. The special symbol lottery means 230 also obtains a random value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on a detection signal input from the second start-up switch 103, which detects each game ball entering the second start-up 49, and stores it as the second special random value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first or second special random value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won.

[0078] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with four first special reserve storage areas, from the first special reserve storage area 1 to the first special reserve storage area 4, as storage areas for storing the acquired first special random number value. One first special reserve storage area is provided as a storage area for storing the first special random number value read from the first special reserve storage area 1 and used for the special symbol lottery, until the variation display and stop display of the first special symbol are completed.

[0079] When the special symbol lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the first start switch 100 and acquires a random value for special symbol lottery, if the first special random value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random value for special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area 1 as the first special random value. Then, when the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed in a fluctuating or stopped state, that is, if the first special random value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a minor win game is not being executed, it immediately reads the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 to perform a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, if the first special symbol is in a variable display state or stopped display state, that is, if the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area, or if the game state is a special game state, or if a minor win game is being played, the first special random value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0080] Then, if a detection signal is input from the first start switch 100 while a first special random value is being held in the first special hold memory area 1, and a random value for special symbol lottery is obtained, the special symbol lottery means 230 stores the first special random value in the first special hold memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4, which is a hold memory area where no first special random value is being held and which has the smallest ordinal number, provided that the number of first special random values ​​being held in the first special hold memory areas 1 to 4 is less than 4, that is, provided that the number of first special holds is less than 4.

[0081] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with a second special random number storage area as a storage area for storing the acquired second special random number value.

[0082] When the special symbol lottery means 230 receives a detection signal from the second start switch 103 and obtains a random value for the special symbol lottery, if the second special symbol is not in a fluctuating display or stopped display, that is, the second special random value is not stored in the second special random number storage area, the game state is not a special game state, and a minor win game is not being executed, it immediately performs a special symbol lottery and stores the second special random value in the second special random number storage area.

[0083] When the variation and stop display of the first special symbol is finished, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random value stored in the first special reserve memory area. If the first special random value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, and provided that the game state is not a special game state and a minor win game is not in progress, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the first special random value from the first special reserve memory area 1 and performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random value obtained from the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area. Furthermore, when the variation and stop display of the second special symbol is finished, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the second special random value stored in the second special random number memory area. In this embodiment, the second special random value is processed with priority over the first special random value. In this embodiment, since there is no second special reserve storage area for storing the second special random value (the second special random value is not reserved), the display of the second special symbol variation based on the second special random value can only be performed when the display of variation based on the first special random value and the second special random value is not being performed. Therefore, although the second special random value takes priority in processing, there is no actual priority relationship. As a modification, the system may be configured so that the display of the second special symbol variation starts while the display of the first special symbol variation is being performed, or the display of the first special symbol variation starts while the display of the second special symbol variation is being performed. Furthermore, regardless of whether it is the first or second special random value, the system may be configured to read the first or second special random value in the order in which it was stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and perform a special symbol lottery. That is, the system may be configured to process the first or second special random value in the order in which the game balls entered the first start opening 46 or the second start opening 49.

[0084] When the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if there are still first special random values ​​remaining in the first special reserved memory area 2 and beyond, the remaining first special random values ​​are moved to a special reserved memory area with an ordinal number one smaller than the original special reserved memory area. For example, when the first special random value is read from the first special reserved memory area 1, if there are still first special random values ​​remaining in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4, the first special random values ​​stored in each of the first special reserved memory areas 2 through 4 are moved to each of the first special reserved memory areas 1 through 3.

[0085] In the special random number storage means 2914, the first special random number values ​​for which no special symbol lottery has been conducted are stored in the first special reserve storage area 1 to the first special reserve storage area 4, up to a maximum of 4 values.

[0086] Furthermore, the special random number storage means 2914 does not store a new second special random number when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are being displayed in a variable or stopped state, or when the game state is a special game state or when a minor win game is being played. In other words, in the game machine of this embodiment, the random number value (second special random number value) based on the entry of a game ball into the second start port 49 (in other words, the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103) is not retained.

[0087] Next, the details of the special symbol lottery will be explained. Based on the detection signal input from the first start switch 100 or the second start switch 103, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random numbers, such as a winning determination random number and a symbol determination random number, as random numbers for the special symbol lottery, and stores these multiple types of random numbers in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs the winning determination process, the symbol determination process, etc., as part of the special symbol lottery.

[0088] The win determination process involves reading one win determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the special random number storage means 2914 to determine whether it is a big win (or a small win). Here, one win determination random number is obtained from 65,536 win determination random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 based on a detection signal input from the first start switch 100 or the second start switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0089] In the winning determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of winning lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the single winning determination random number read out was stored as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0090] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the winning lottery table A shown in Figure 9(a) and the winning lottery table B shown in Figure 9(b). In each winning lottery table, a minor win (or major win), etc., is associated with each of the 65,536 random winning values ​​ranging from 0 to 65,535.

[0091] The winning lottery table A is selected when determining a win for the first special random value, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the winning determination random value is set so that a "win" is won with a predetermined probability (X / 65536) (for example, 1 / 219) and a "loss" is won with a predetermined probability ((65536-X) / 65536) (for example, 218 / 219). The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the winning lottery table A and determines whether the winning determination random value read from the first reserve memory area 1 is associated with a "win" or a "loss," thereby determining whether a "win" or a "loss" has been won. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "win" or a "loss" in the first special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0092] The winning lottery table B is selected when determining a win for the second special random value, and the correspondence between each judgment result and the winning determination random value is set so that "Win" is won with a predetermined probability (e.g., 32768 / 65536) and "C Short Time" is won with a predetermined probability (e.g., 32768 / 65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the winning lottery table B and determines whether the second special random value (winning determination random value) is associated with "Win" or "C Short Time," thereby determining whether "Win" or "C Short Time" has been won. In this embodiment, the probability of winning "Win" or "C Short Time" in the second special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0093] The symbol determination process is performed when a "win" or "C time reduction" is selected in the win determination process. The symbol determination process reads one symbol determination random number from the first special random number or second special random number stored in the special random number storage means 2914, and determines which of the multiple winning symbols will be the winning symbol (type of win) if a "win" is selected, and which of the multiple time reduction symbols will be the time reduction symbol (type of C time reduction symbol) if a "C time reduction" is selected. Here, one symbol determination random number is obtained from 200 symbol determination random numbers from 0 to 199 based on detection signals input from the first start switch 100 and the second start switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number or the second special random number.

[0094] In the pattern determination process, the special pattern lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to for random number determination processing, depending on whether the random number value read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0095] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores the pattern lottery table A shown in Figure 10(a), the pattern lottery table B shown in Figure 10(b), and the pattern lottery table C shown in Figure 10(c). In each pattern lottery table, a predetermined pattern is associated with each of the random numbers used to determine the pattern.

[0096] The symbol lottery table A shown in Figure 10(a) is selected when a "win" is achieved and the read symbol determination random number is stored as the first special random number. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number is set so that "winning symbol 1" is won with a predetermined probability and "winning symbol 2" is won with a predetermined probability. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table A and determines which of the multiple types of winning symbols is associated with the read symbol determination random number, thereby determining which of the multiple types of winning symbols has been won.

[0097] The symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 10(b) is selected when a "win" is achieved and the read symbol determination random number is stored as the second special random number. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number is set so that "winning symbol 3" is won with a predetermined probability, "winning symbol 4" is won with a predetermined probability, and "winning symbol 5" is won with a predetermined probability. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table B and determines which of the multiple types of winning symbols is associated with the read symbol determination random number, thereby determining which of the multiple types of winning symbols has been won.

[0098] The symbol lottery table C shown in Figure 10(c) is selected when "C Time Reduction" is won and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the second special random value. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random value is set so that "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" is won with a predetermined probability (1900 / 10000), "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" is won with a predetermined probability (3900 / 10000), and "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" is won with a predetermined probability (4200 / 10000). The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table C and determines which of the multiple types of time reduction symbols is associated with one of the read symbol determination random values, thereby determining which of the multiple types of time reduction symbols has been won.

[0099] The special game execution means 260 (special game control means) is a means for executing a special game (jackpot game) based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the special game. The special game execution means 260 is also a means for executing a minor win game based on the fact that a "minor win" has been won in the special symbol lottery, and performs the execution process of the minor win game.

[0100] The minor win game state is initiated when a "minor win" is achieved in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), and ends when the minor win game is performed a predetermined number of times (1 time in this embodiment). During the minor win game, the special mechanism 56 opens to allow game balls to enter the large prize opening 50, and the distribution means 53 is displaced from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. The minor win game then ends when a predetermined opening time (for example, 1.8 seconds) has elapsed since the special mechanism 56 was opened, or when the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the minor win game has reached a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10 balls).

[0101] In a minor win game, the distribution means 53 is displaced from a non-specific area passage state to a specific area passage state so that it is easy (possible) for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the minor win game to pass through a specific area 51. When "Winning Symbol 1", "Winning Symbol 2", "Winning Symbol 3", "Winning Symbol 4", or "Winning Symbol 5" is won, the distribution means 53 is displaced from a non-specific area passage state to a specific area passage state in such a manner that it is easy (possible) for game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the minor win game to pass through a specific area 51. As a result, when "Winning Symbol 1", "Winning Symbol 2", "Winning Symbol 3", "Winning Symbol 4", or "Winning Symbol 5" is won, it is easy (possible) for game balls to pass through a specific area 51 during the minor win game state.

[0102] If the passage of a game ball through a specific area 51 is detected during a minor win game (if the passage of a game ball that entered the large prize slot 50 is detected during the execution of a minor win game), a special game state (special game) is started based on the end of the minor win game state. On the other hand, if the passage of a game ball through a specific area 51 is not detected during a minor win game (if the passage of a game ball that entered the large prize slot 50 is not detected during the execution of a minor win game), the special game state is not started.

[0103] If the "winning symbol 1" is selected in the first special symbol lottery, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area 51 is detected during the minor win game state, the number of special games (round games) is set to 1. As a result, two rounds are executed, with the minor win game being the first round game. In the round game excluding the minor win game, the game ends based on the elapsed of a predetermined open time (for example, 29 seconds) since the special mechanism 56 was opened, or when the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the round game reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10 balls). The special game state then ends on the condition that two rounds of special games have been executed. In addition, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds is set at the end of the special game state, and the time-saving state begins. Furthermore, if the passage of a game ball through a specific area 51 is not detected during a minor win game (i.e., if the passage of a game ball that entered the big prize slot 50 during the execution of a minor win game is not detected), the special game state will not start, and the normal state will begin.

[0104] If the "winning symbol 2" is selected in the first special symbol lottery, and the passage of the game ball through a specific area 51 is detected during the minor win game state, the number of special games (round games) is set to 1. As a result, two rounds are executed, with the minor win game being the first round game. In the round game excluding the minor win game, the game ends based on the elapsed of a predetermined open time (for example, 29 seconds) since the special mechanism 56 was opened, or when the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the round game reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10 balls). The special game state then ends, provided that two rounds of special games have been executed. Also, at the end of the special game state, the number of time-saving rounds is set to 0, and the normal state begins. Furthermore, if the passage of a game ball through a specific area 51 is not detected during a minor win game (i.e., if the passage of a game ball that entered the big prize slot 50 during the execution of a minor win game is not detected), the special game state will not start, and the normal state will begin.

[0105] If the player wins "Winning Symbol 3," "Winning Symbol 4," or "Winning Symbol 5" in the second special symbol lottery, and the game ball is detected passing through a specific area 51 during the minor win game state, the number of special games (round games) is set to 9. This results in 10 rounds being played, with the minor win game being the first round game. The 9 round games excluding the minor win game are terminated based on the elapsed time (for example, 29 seconds) since the special mechanism 56 was opened, or when the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 50 during the round game reaches a predetermined upper limit (for example, 10 balls). The special game state then ends, provided that 10 rounds of special games have been played. Additionally, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds is set at the end of the special game state, and the time-saving state begins. Furthermore, if the passage of a game ball through a specific area 51 is not detected during a minor win game (i.e., if the passage of a game ball that entered the big prize slot 50 during the execution of a minor win game is not detected), the special game state will not start, and the normal state will begin.

[0106] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery, it is possible to win a "minor win" but not a "big win". However, it is also possible to set it so that it is possible to win a "big win" in the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery. That is, in this embodiment, "winning symbol 1", "winning symbol 2", "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5" are symbols that correspond to minor wins, but it is not limited to these and may also be symbols that correspond to big wins. In other words, random values ​​corresponding to "big wins" may be set in the winning lottery table A. Furthermore, if random values ​​corresponding to "big wins" are set in the winning lottery table A, it is preferable that random values ​​corresponding to "big wins" are also set in the winning lottery table B. Specifically, it is preferable that the first special symbol lottery and the second special symbol lottery are set so that it is possible to win a "big win" with the same probability. If a "jackpot" is won in the first special symbol lottery, or if a "jackpot" is won in the second special symbol lottery, the special game state may be initiated without going through the minor win game state, and the special game state may end after a predetermined number of rounds of special game have been played. If a "jackpot" is possible in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), the special game state will be initiated based on the fact that a "jackpot" has been won in the special symbol lottery, and will end after a predetermined number of rounds of special game (jackpot game) have been played according to the type of winning symbol (jackpot symbol). In addition, if a "jackpot" is won in the special symbol lottery, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds may be set at the end of the special game state, and a time-saving round may be initiated.

[0107] In this embodiment, "special game" may refer to both big win games and small win games as a whole. Furthermore, "special game" is not limited to referring to a single round game, but may also refer to the entire round game (for example, a 10-round special game: the special game state).

[0108] Based on the start of a special game (including a minor win game) in each round (based on the fulfillment of the opening condition), the special feature 56 enters an open state. Once the special feature 56 is in an open state, it enters a closed state based on the fulfillment of one of several closing conditions. One of the closing conditions is that the opening timer in the main memory 290 counts a predetermined time (1.8 seconds to 29 seconds) (reaches the predetermined time). Another closing condition is that when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, the value of the big win counter 2920 in the main memory 290, which adds a value equivalent to one game ball (for example, 1), reaches a predetermined value (for example, 10). When the closing condition is fulfilled (when the end condition of the special game is fulfilled), the drive control of the special feature drive device is performed so that the special feature 56 enters a closed state. Furthermore, while the game is designed to end when the opening time reaches 1.8 seconds during a minor win, it doesn't actually open continuously for 1.8 seconds. Instead, it repeatedly performs short openings of 0.15 seconds and short closings of 0.8 seconds, totaling 12 short openings to measure the total opening time of 1.8 seconds.

[0109] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the maximum number of game balls that can enter the large prize pocket 50 in one round is 10, and the number of prize balls awarded for each ball entered is 15. Therefore, a player can win 150 prize balls in one round. Consequently, if the player wins "Winning Symbol 3," "Winning Symbol 4," or "Winning Symbol 5," they can win 1500 prize balls. Also, if the player wins "Winning Symbol 1" or "Winning Symbol 2," they can win 300 prize balls.

[0110] The special display control means 240 performs a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, and a first special hold display control process based on the results of the special symbol lottery.

[0111] The first special symbol display control process is performed when a special symbol lottery is conducted based on the first special random value. The special display control means 240 displays the first special symbol in a variable state by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then displays the first special symbol in a fixed state by lighting the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner. The special symbol lottery means 230 performs a variation pattern determination process for the special symbol lottery, and the special display control means 240 displays the first special symbol in a variation by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 until a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and then displays the first special symbol in a stopped state by lighting the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0112] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is predetermined to correspond to each winning symbol. The special display control means 240 lights up the 7-segment display of the first special symbol display unit 76 in a manner that corresponds to whether or not a "win" has been determined in the win determination process, and in a manner that corresponds to the winning symbol (minor win symbol or major win symbol) determined in the symbol determination process if a "win" has been determined in the win determination process, thereby stopping the display of the first special symbol and displaying the result of the special symbol lottery on the first special symbol display unit 76.

[0113] The second special symbol display control process is performed when a special symbol lottery is conducted based on a second special random value. The special display control means 240 displays the second special symbol in a variable state by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 until the variable time has elapsed, and then displays the second special symbol in a stopped state by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner. The special symbol lottery means 230 performs a variation pattern determination process for the special symbol lottery, and the special display control means 240 displays the second special symbol in a variation by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 until a variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and then displays the second special symbol in a stopped state by lighting the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

[0114] The special display control means 240 lights up the 7-segment display of the second special symbol display unit 81 in a manner that corresponds to whether or not a "win" or "C time reduction" has been won in the win determination process, and in a manner that corresponds to the winning symbol (minor win symbol or major win symbol) determined in the symbol determination process if a "win" has been won in the win determination process, and in a manner that corresponds to the time reduction symbol determined in the symbol determination process if a "C time reduction" has been won in the win determination process, thereby stopping the display of the second special symbol and displaying the result of the special symbol lottery on the second special symbol display unit 81.

[0115] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by a combination of lighting, extinguishing, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78, according to the number of first special random values ​​stored in the special random number storage means 2914.

[0116] In this embodiment, a special game state is initiated (including via a minor win game state) in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50 based on winning a "win" in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery). For example, if a "minor win" is won in the special symbol lottery, a minor win game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. When it is detected that a game ball that has entered the large prize slot 50 has passed through a specific area 51 in the minor win game state, a special game state is initiated in which it becomes possible (easy) to enter the large prize slot 50. By getting game balls into the large prize slot 50, the player can win many prize balls.

[0117] In this embodiment, obtaining the opportunity to draw the second special symbol results in a higher probability of transitioning to a special game state than obtaining the opportunity to draw the first special symbol. As described above, in order to obtain the opportunity to draw the second special symbol, it is necessary to win a "regular win" in the regular symbol draw and to enter (win) a game ball into the second start opening 49 when the regular mechanism 54 (regular electric mechanism) is in the open state. The ease with which a game ball enters the second start opening 49 (ease of entering the ball) varies depending on the game state.

[0118] Return to Figure 5. The payout control means 270 controls the payout (electronically) of a number of game balls corresponding to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal, based on the detection signals received from the first start switch 100, the second start switch 103, the general prize slot switch 101, and the count switch 104.

[0119] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated according to the various calculation results of the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 and the frame control board 201. In this embodiment, only unidirectional communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202, and the communication connection is configured such that the sub-control board 202 cannot transmit information to the main control board 200.

[0120] The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

[0121] The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302. By controlling the performance device, it causes the performance device to execute performances that enhance or assist the game, such as lighting or blinking the lamps 12 and 38, displaying performance images on the liquid crystal display 32, controlling the sound device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects.

[0122] The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32. Based on this performance image data, the performance control means 300 draws an image to the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 every frame (1 / 30 second), and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a video on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0123] The performance control means 300 can perform a performance in which a performance symbol (demo symbol) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol in the first special symbol display unit 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the fluctuation and stop display of the normal symbol in the normal symbol display unit 72, and can notify the result of the first special symbol lottery or the normal symbol lottery. In the normal state, the performance control means 300 can display a performance symbol on the liquid crystal display 32 that corresponds to the fluctuation and stop display of the first special symbol, and in the time-saving state, it can display a performance symbol on the liquid crystal display 32 that corresponds to the fluctuation and stop display of the normal symbol.

[0124] Here, we will explain the display of the performance symbols in the normal state. Figure 11(a) shows the state before the first special symbol begins to change display. The left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 are displayed as performance symbols in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left performance symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle performance symbol 352 is displayed on the center side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right performance symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left performance symbol 350, the middle performance symbol 352, and the right performance symbol 354 each constitute a sequence of nine performance symbols representing the numbers "1" to "9". Note that each performance symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may include decorative elements such as characters along with the numbers.

[0125] As shown in Figure 11(b), the display of the special symbols changes (display display effect) when the first special symbol starts to change. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the special symbols are changing rapidly in the vertical direction (scrolling).

[0126] As shown in Figure 11(c), the performance symbols are displayed in a stopped state based on the stop display of the first special symbol. The performance symbols are displayed in a manner corresponding to the result of the first special symbol lottery. For example, if a "win" is achieved in the first special symbol lottery, the performance symbols are displayed in a manner corresponding to the winning symbol determined in the symbol determination process. Although not shown in the illustration, even in the time-saving state, the performance symbols are displayed in a varied or stopped state in accordance with the varied and stopped displays of the normal symbols, just as in the normal state (as shown in Figures 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c)).

[0127] The performance control means 300 can execute a performance (reserve performance) that displays an image representing the first special reserve number on the liquid crystal display 32, based on the first special reserve number (the first special random number value stored (reserved) in the special random number storage means 2914) in the main control board 200. The performance control means 300 can also execute a performance (reserve performance) that displays an image representing the normal reserve number on the liquid crystal display 32, based on the normal reserve number (the normal random number storage means 2912 stored (reserved)) in the main control board 200. In the reserve performance, four reserve display areas (display areas), the first reserve display area 411 to the fourth reserve display area 414, which correspond to the first special reserve storage area 1 to the first special reserve storage area 4 (or normal reserve storage area 1 to normal reserve storage area 4) of the special random number storage means 2914 (or normal random number storage means 2912), are displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0128] Figure 11(a) shows the hold animation performed under normal conditions, where the first special random value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 3, and the first hold image 420 (three first hold images 420) is displayed in the first hold display area 411 to the third hold display area 413.

[0129] In the hold animation, one hold display area 430 is displayed in the area to the left of the first hold display area 411 at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the special hold storage area (or the ordinary hold storage area) of the special random number storage means 2914 (or ordinary random number storage means 2912). In the state shown in Figure 11(a), when the first special random value is read from the first special hold storage area 1 and stored in the special hold storage area, the first hold image 420 is displayed in the hold display area 430, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0130] Figure 11(d) shows the hold animation performed in a time-saving state, where random values ​​for normal symbol lottery are stored in the normal hold memory area 1 and the normal hold memory area 2, and the second hold image 422 is displayed in the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412.

[0131] (Transition of game state) The game state control means 250 (game state setting means), as shown in Figure 12, performs game state transition control processing to transition between multiple types of game states based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions). The multiple types of game states include the normal state, the time-saving state (1st state to 10th state), and the special game state.

[0132] (Normal state) The normal state (normal game state, non-time-saving state, low probability state) is the initial state among several types of game states. As mentioned above, in the normal state, even if a "normal win" is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, the normal mechanism 54 operates in such a way that the ease with which the game ball enters the second start opening 49 hardly increases. In other words, in the normal state, the probability of the long opening pattern being set when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery is "0". In the normal state, the normal mechanism 54 is less likely to become relatively easy to enter based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. In the normal state, it is difficult (impossible) to get the game ball into the second start opening 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to obtain an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery. For this reason, in the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot left to get the game ball into the first start opening 46 in order to obtain an opportunity for the first special symbol lottery than to shoot right. In other words, the normal state is a game state where you should be hitting the ball with your left hand.

[0133] (Time-saving state) As described above, in the time-saving state, when a "regular win" is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the regular mechanism 54 operates (activates) in such a way that it becomes easier for the game ball to enter the second start opening 49. The time-saving state can be described as an easy-to-enter state (easy-to-win state) in which the regular mechanism 54 is more likely to be in an open state (a state in which it is easy for the ball to enter the second start opening 49 as an entry point). In the time-saving state, the regular mechanism 54 is more likely to be in a state in which it is relatively easy for the ball to enter based on the execution of the regular symbol lottery. The normal state can be described as a state in which the regular mechanism 54 is less likely to be in an open state (a difficult-to-enter state). In the shortened time state, it is easier to get the game ball into the second start gate 49 (to win a prize) compared to the normal state. In other words, it is easier to obtain an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. In the shortened time state, it is more advantageous for the player to shoot to the right so that the game ball passes through the gate 48 in order to obtain an opportunity to draw the second special symbol than to shoot to the left. In other words, the shortened time state is a game state in which shooting to the right is recommended. In this embodiment, the second special symbol draw based on the entry of the game ball into the second start gate 49 has a higher probability of determining a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol draw. In other words, the probability of determining a transition to the special game state is higher in the shortened time state than in the normal state. In this embodiment, the shortened time state, in which it is easier to get the game ball into the second start gate 49 than in the normal state, may be called the high base state, and the normal state may be called the low base state.

[0134] (Transition of game state) The transitions in the game state will be explained using Figures 12 and 13.

[0135] The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (including via a minor win game state, hereinafter the same) based on the fact that a "win" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") has been won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state. Furthermore, if the type of win is "winning symbol 1", the game state control means 250 sets the first time reduction round to "70" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first easy-to-win state. Furthermore, if the type of win is "winning symbol 2", the game state control means 250 sets the time reduction round to 0 at the end of the special game state and transitions to the normal state.

[0136] In this embodiment, the game state control means 250 can determine the game state to transition to (destination) when a result related to the special symbol lottery is obtained, by referring to the game state at the time the result was obtained. This will be explained in detail below.

[0137] (Condition where first prize is easily won: Condition 1) The first easy-to-win state is the first regular symbol ST state (lower RUSH). In other words, the first easy-to-win state is a state in which, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, the long opening pattern is selected for the regular mechanism 54 with a probability of 1 / 100. In the first easy-to-win state, when a regular win is achieved in the regular symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 100 chance of obtaining an opportunity to participate in the second special symbol lottery. The first easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the first easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the first time-saving count of "70". The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a counter (not shown) that can count the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the first easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated). The game state control means 250 sets the first time-saving count of "70" as the value of the counter and subtracts "1" from the value of the counter each time the normal symbol lottery is performed in the first easy-to-win state. When the value of the counter reaches "0" in the first easy-to-win state, the termination condition is met, the first easy-to-win state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0138] In the first easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1". The regular mechanism control means 224 sets the regular mechanism 54 to the open state and closes it after a predetermined time (6 seconds) has elapsed. In this embodiment, the closing condition for the regular mechanism 54 is met and the opening (operation) of the regular mechanism 54 ends based on the entry of one (predetermined number of balls, predetermined number) game balls into the second start port 49.

[0139] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes a second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "first prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the first easy-to-win state) transitions to the third easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the third time reduction round to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the third easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 4" or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the first easy-to-win state) transitions to the first easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the first time reduction round to "70" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to the second easy-to-win state (based on the fact that the game state is the first easy-to-win state) (see Figure 13). Figure 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the referenced game state (reference game state) and the destination game state when a "C time reduction" is obtained in the special symbol lottery. Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the second time reduction count to "10000" and transitions to the second easy-to-win state.

[0140] (Condition for easy second place: Condition 2) The second easy-to-win state is a 1G consecutive win state. In other words, the second easy-to-win state is a state in which, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 1 probability that the long opening pattern will be selected for the normal mechanism 54 (a state in which the long opening pattern can be obtained based on one normal symbol lottery). In the second easy-to-win state, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 1 probability of obtaining an opportunity to participate in the second special symbol lottery. The second easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the second easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the second time-saving count of "10000". The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a counter (not shown) that can count the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the second easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated). The game state control means 250 sets the second time-saving count of "10000" as the value of the counter and subtracts "1" from the value of the counter each time the normal symbol lottery is performed in the second easy-to-win state. When the value of the counter reaches "0" in the second easy-to-win state, the termination condition is met, the second easy-to-win state ends, and the game returns to the normal state. However, if the second time-saving round is set to "10000", the transition to the special game state will occur based on obtaining a "win" in the second special symbol lottery before the value of the counter reaches "0". Therefore, in practice, the transition to the normal state will not occur based on the value of the counter reaching "0". The same applies below.

[0141] When the second prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0142] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes a second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "second prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the third easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the third time reduction round to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the third easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 4" or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the first easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the first time reduction round to "70" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to the second easy-to-win state (based on the fact that the game state is the second easy-to-win state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the second time reduction count to "10000" and transitions to the second easy-to-win state again (continues the second easy-to-win state). The second easy-to-win state is designed to repeat (loop) when a "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery. In other words, the second easy-to-win state continues until a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery. Therefore, the second easy-to-win state can be called a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0143] (Condition for easily winning third prize: Third condition) The third easy-to-win state is a 1G consecutive win state. The third easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the third easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the third time reduction count of "10000".

[0144] When the third prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0145] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is in the "third prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the third easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 1st time), and (based on the game state being the third easy-to-win state) transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fourth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the third easy prize winning state, transitions to the first easy prize winning state (based on the fact that the game state is the third easy prize winning state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the first time reduction count to "70" and transitions to the first easy prize winning state.

[0146] The third easy-to-win state is a CZ (Chance Zone) state, and if you get a "win" (50% probability) in the second special symbol lottery (1 time), you can effectively win 4500 balls (4500 prize balls) (and can also transition to the sixth easy-to-win state). However, if you get "C time reduction" (50% probability) in the second special symbol lottery (1 time), you will fall back to the first easy-to-win state (return to the first easy-to-win state). The performance control means 300 may execute a judgment performance via the LCD display 32 or the like to determine whether or not you can win an advantageous state (payout) in the third easy-to-win state.

[0147] (Condition for easily winning 4th prize: 4th condition) The fourth easy-to-win state is a 1G consecutive win state. The fourth easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the fourth easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the fourth time reduction count of "10000".

[0148] In the fourth easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3".

[0149] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "fourth prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fourth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: second time), and (based on the game state being the fourth easy-to-win state) transitions to the fifth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fifth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fifth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fourth prize-winning easy state, transitions to the fourth prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the fourth prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the fourth time reduction count to "10000" and transitions to the fourth prize-winning easy state again (continuing the fourth prize-winning easy state). The fourth prize-winning easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0150] (Easy to win 5th prize: 5th condition) The 5th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 5th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 5th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 5th time-saving round "10000".

[0151] When the 5th prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0152] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is long open. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "easy to win the fifth prize state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fifth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 3rd time), and (based on the game state being the fifth easy-to-win state) transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time reduction count to "100" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while the fifth prize is easy to win state, transitions to the fifth prize easy to win state (based on the fact that the game state is the fifth prize easy to win state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the number of fifth time reduction rounds to "10000" and transitions to the fifth prize easy to win state again (continuing the fifth prize easy to win state). The fifth prize easy to win state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0153] (Condition for easily placing in the 6th prize: 6th condition) The 6th Easy Prize State is the 2nd Normal Symbol ST State (Upper RUSH). In other words, the 6th Easy Prize State is a state in which, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 50 chance that the long opening pattern will be selected for the normal mechanism 54. In the 6th Easy Prize State, when a normal win is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 50 chance of obtaining an opportunity to participate in the 2nd Special Symbol lottery. The 6th prize-winning easy state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 6th prize-winning easy state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 6th time-saving count of "100". The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a counter (not shown) that can count the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 6th prize-winning easy state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the normal mechanism 54 is activated). The game state control means 250 sets the 6th time-saving count of "100" as the value of the counter and subtracts "1" from the value of the counter each time the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 6th prize-winning easy state. When the value of the counter reaches "0" in the 6th prize-winning easy state, the termination condition is met, the 6th prize-winning easy state ends, and the game returns to the normal state.

[0154] In this embodiment, the sixth easy-to-win state (second normal ST state) has more time-saving rounds and a higher probability of winning a long opening than the first easy-to-win state (first normal ST state). In other words, the sixth easy-to-win state is a normal ST state (higher ST) that is more advantageous to the player than the first easy-to-win state. The sixth easy-to-win state (higher ST) may also be configured to have more time-saving rounds or a higher probability of winning a long opening than the first easy-to-win state (lower ST).

[0155] When the sixth prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1" or "Regular Winning Symbol 2" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1" or "Regular Winning Symbol 2".

[0156] In this embodiment, when the sixth prize is easily won, a regular symbol lottery is performed, and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1" (a part of the regular winning symbols related to the long opening) is displayed as stopped, the sixth prize is easily won (high reference) state is maintained. However, if "Regular Winning Symbol 2" (a part of the regular winning symbols related to the long opening) is displayed as stopped, the sixth prize is easily won state ends and the system is controlled to transition to the normal state (low reference) state.

[0157] (If the condition for easy placement in the 6th prize (high reference) is maintained) The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "sixth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 3" stop display is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 3"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the sixth easy-to-win state) transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state after the end of the special game state. The game state control means 250 sets the eighth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state (a state in which a battle performance with character A is executed). The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 4" is displayed as the stop symbol in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 4"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the fact that the game state is the sixth easy-to-win state) transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the ninth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state (a state in which a battle performance with character B is executed). The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 5" stop display is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 5"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the sixth easy-to-win state) transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the tenth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state (a state in which a battle performance with character C is executed). The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth prize-winning easy state, transitions to the seventh prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the sixth prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the seventh time reduction count to "10000" and transitions to the seventh prize-winning easy state.

[0158] (When transitioning to the normal state (low reference)) The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is long open. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "normal state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the normal state (low reference), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the normal state) transitions (returns) to the sixth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time reduction round count to "100" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the normal state (low reference), transitions to the fifth prize easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the normal state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the number of fifth time reductions to "10000" and transitions to the fifth prize easy state. As described above, when transitioning to the fifth prize easy state, the game proceeds to the sixth prize easy state via the special game state (1500 balls).

[0159] Based on the stopping display of certain regular winning symbols (regular winning symbol 2) related to the long opening, the game transitions to the normal state (low reference), and by awarding a "win" or "C time reduction" in the normal state, it is possible to achieve a transition where the game returns to the 6th easy winning state after the special game state (1500 balls) ends, without transitioning to the chance zone (8th easy winning state, 9th easy winning state, or 10th easy winning state).

[0160] (7th place easily attainable: 7th place) The 7th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 7th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 7th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 7th time-saving round count of "10000".

[0161] When the 7th prize-winning state is reached, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop symbol (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0162] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "seventh prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 3" stop display is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 3"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the seventh easy-to-win state) transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state after the end of the special game state. The game state control means 250 sets the eighth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state (battle scene with character A). The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 4" is displayed as the stop symbol in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 4"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the fact that the game state is the seventh easy-to-win state) transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the ninth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state (battle scene with character B). The game state control means 250, when the "winning symbol 5" stop display is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh easy-to-win state (when the type of win is "winning symbol 5"), transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the seventh easy-to-win state) transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the tenth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state (battle performance with character C). The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh prize easy state, transitions to the seventh prize easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the seventh prize easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, the game state control means 250 sets the number of seventh time reduction rounds to "10000" and transitions back to the seventh prize easy state (continuing the seventh prize easy state). The seventh prize easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state where a win is guaranteed to develop into a battle).

[0163] In the aforementioned sixth prize-easy state (normal symbol ST, normal symbol performance), when a normal symbol lottery is executed and "normal winning symbol 1" is obtained (when a win is achieved), a performance suggesting that transition to a chance zone (the eighth prize-easy state, the ninth prize-easy state, or the tenth prize-easy state) is highly likely (for example, a preview performance, a ready-to-win performance, a pre-read performance, etc.) may be configured to be executed. For example, a ready-to-win performance of a special mode (premium ready-to-win performance) may be executed to notify a win (winning of "normal winning symbol 1"). In addition, the performance symbols may be finally stopped and displayed in a mode that can suggest that the transition to the chance zone is highly likely (definite) (for example, stopped and displayed in a mode where "7" symbols are aligned), so that a win can be notified. In addition, the color of the reserved ball (for example, the second reserved image 422 shown in Fig. 11(d)) changes (promotes) to rainbow color, so that it can be suggested in advance that the transition to the chance zone is highly likely (definite). Note that the transition destination (which of the chance zones to transition to, or which character is the opponent character) is determined based on the result of the second special symbol lottery after the "normal winning symbol 1" is obtained, so the transition destination cannot be suggested in the aforementioned normal symbol performance.

[0164] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8(c), the ratio of the winning probabilities of "normal symbol winning symbol 1" and "normal winning symbol 2" in the sixth prize-easy state (second normal symbol ST state) is 1:1. Therefore, it is possible to transition to the chance zone (via a special game) at 50% of the time when a long-opening win is achieved in the sixth prize-easy state. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the ratio may be adjusted to change the chance zone transition rate.

[0165] (Eighth prize-easy state: Eighth state) The eighth prize-easy state is a 1G continuous state. The eighth prize-easy state ends when the number of executions of the normal symbol lottery in the eighth prize-easy state (the number of variable displays of the normal symbol or the number of operations of the normal accessory 54) reaches the eighth time-saving count "10000".

[0166] When the 8th prize-winning state is reached, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop symbol (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0167] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "easily win the 8th prize state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the eighth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 1st time), and (based on the game state being the eighth easy-to-win state) transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fourth time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the eighth prize-winning easy state, transitions to the sixth prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the eighth prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). The game state control means 250 sets the number of sixth time reduction rounds to "100" based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the sixth prize-winning easy state.

[0168] If a "win" (50% probability) is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the 8th easy-to-win state, the player will effectively win 4500 balls (4500 prize balls) and transition to the 6th easy-to-win state. On the other hand, if a "C time reduction" (50% probability) is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the 8th easy-to-win state, the player will (simply) transition to the 6th easy-to-win state (fall).

[0169] In the eighth easy-to-win state, the performance control means 300 can execute a performance (battle performance, judgment performance) in which the main character battles character A using the liquid crystal display 32 or the like. If a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery (if it is determined that 4500 balls will be won), the main character will ultimately win. On the other hand, if "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery (if 4500 balls will not be won), the main character will ultimately lose. The main character's winning rate, that is, the probability of winning 4500 balls, is 50%.

[0170] (Easy to win 9th prize: 9th condition) The 9th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 9th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 9th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 9th time-saving round "10000".

[0171] When the ninth prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0172] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "Ninth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 9th prize-winning easy state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 2nd time), and (based on the game state being the 9th prize-winning easy state) transitions to the 5th prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 5th time-saving round count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 5th prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when the "C time-saving symbol 1" stop display is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the ninth prize-winning easy state (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 1"), transitions to the fourth prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the ninth prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the "C time-saving symbol 1" stop display, the game state control means 250 sets the fourth time-saving round count to "10000" and transitions to the fourth prize-winning easy state (a 1G consecutive state where you are waiting for a win, a 1G consecutive state where you can always win 3000 balls). The game state control means 250, when the 9th prize-winning easy state is in the 2nd special symbol lottery, displays either "C time-saving symbol 2" or "C time-saving symbol 3" as the stop display (if the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2" or "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 9th prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the display of "C time-saving symbol 2" or "C time-saving symbol 3", the game state control means 250 sets the 6th time-saving round count to "100" and transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state.

[0173] If a "win" is obtained in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the 9th easy-to-win state, and if "C time reduction" is won in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the 9th easy-to-win state and some C time reduction symbols (stop display of C time reduction symbol 1) are obtained, the player will effectively win 3000 balls (3000 prize balls) and transition to the 6th easy-to-win state. The probability of "C time reduction symbol 1" being determined when "C time reduction" (50%) is won in the 2nd special symbol lottery is 1900 / 10000 (see Figure 10(c)). Therefore, the probability of winning 3000 balls is approximately 60%. On the other hand, the probability of not winning 3000 balls and transitioning (falling) to the 6th easy-to-win state (as is) is approximately 40%.

[0174] In the ninth easy-to-win state, the performance control means 300 can execute a performance (battle performance, judgment performance) in which the main character battles character B using the liquid crystal display 32 or the like. If it is determined in the second special symbol lottery that the main character will win 3000 balls, the main character will ultimately win. On the other hand, if it is determined in the second special symbol lottery that the main character will not win 3000 balls, the main character will ultimately lose. The main character's winning rate, that is, the probability of winning 3000 balls, is approximately 60%.

[0175] (Condition for easily placing in the top 10: Condition 10) The 10th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 10th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 10th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 10th time-saving round "10000".

[0176] When the 10th prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0177] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "10th prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10th easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 3rd time), and (based on the game state being the 10th easy-to-win state) transitions to the 6th easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 6th time reduction count to "100" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 6th easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when the "C time-saving symbol 2" is displayed as the stop of the second special symbol lottery in the 10th easy-to-win state (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2"), transitions to the 5th easy-to-win state (based on the fact that the game state is the 10th easy-to-win state) (see Figure 13). Based on the display of the "C time-saving symbol 2" that the stop of the 5th time-saving rounds is set to "10000", and transitions to the 5th easy-to-win state (a 1G consecutive win state where you are waiting for a win, a 1G consecutive win state where you can always win 1500 balls). The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the 10th prize-winning easy state results in the display of "C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 3" (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 10th prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 13). Based on the display of "C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 3", the game state control means 250 sets the number of 6th time-saving rounds to "100" and transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state.

[0178] If a "win" is obtained in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the 10th easy-to-win state, or if "C time reduction" is won in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the 10th easy-to-win state and some C time reduction symbols (stop display of C time reduction symbol 2) are obtained, 1500 balls (1500 prize balls) are won and the game transitions to the 6th easy-to-win state. The probability of "C time reduction symbol 2" being determined when "C time reduction" (50%) is won in the 2nd special symbol lottery is 3900 / 10000 (see Figure 10(c)). Therefore, the probability of obtaining 1500 balls is approximately 70%. On the other hand, the probability of not obtaining 1500 balls and (simply) transitioning to (falling from) the 6th easy-to-win state is approximately 30%.

[0179] In the 10th easy-to-win state, the performance control means 300 can execute a performance (battle performance, judgment performance) in which the main character battles character C using the liquid crystal display 32 or the like. If it is determined in the second special symbol lottery that the main character will win 1500 balls, the main character will ultimately win. On the other hand, if it is determined in the second special symbol lottery that the main character will not win 1500 balls, the main character will ultimately lose. The main character's winning rate, that is, the probability of winning 1500 balls, is approximately 70%.

[0180] (Role of the C time reduction symbol) As shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the role of the C time-saving symbol differs depending on the easy-to-win state. In the first easy-to-win state (and the sixth easy-to-win state), the C time-saving symbol plays the role of determining the transition to the waiting state. In the second, fourth, fifth, and seventh easy-to-win states, the C time-saving symbol plays the role of determining the loop of the waiting state (maintaining the same state). In the third, eighth, ninth, and tenth easy-to-win states, in the judgment (decision process) for transitioning to a favorable state, the C time-saving symbol (some C time-saving symbols) plays the role of determining defeat (not transitioning to a favorable state). In the 8th easy-to-win state, regardless of which C time-saving symbol is obtained in the 2nd special symbol lottery, it is considered a loss (not treated as a win). However, in the 9th easy-to-win state, if some C time-saving symbols (C time-saving symbol 1, win-waiting transition symbol) are obtained in the 2nd special symbol lottery, it is treated as a win rather than a loss, and the player transitions to the 4th easy-to-win state (win-waiting 1G consecutive state). Also, in the 10th easy-to-win state, if some C time-saving symbols (C time-saving symbol 2, win-waiting transition symbol) are obtained in the 2nd special symbol lottery, it is treated as a win rather than a loss, and the player transitions to the 5th easy-to-win state (win-waiting 1G consecutive state). Focusing on C time-saving symbol 2, in the 9th easy-to-win state it is treated as a loss (trigger for transition to the 6th easy-to-win state), but in the 10th easy-to-win state it is treated as a win (trigger for transition to the 5th easy-to-win state). This configuration allows for gameplay where the probability of winning a reward (winning rate) differs in each easy-to-win state (8th easy-to-win state, 9th easy-to-win state, and 10th easy-to-win state). Furthermore, as mentioned above, the payout (reward) that can be obtained differs in the 8th easy-to-win state, 9th easy-to-win state, and 10th easy-to-win state. The 8th easy-to-win state, 9th easy-to-win state, and 10th easy-to-win state can be described as zones (payout-focused zones) where the payout is relatively large (the expected value of the payout is relatively high).

[0181] In this embodiment, the C-time reduction symbols that transition to the 1G consecutive win state (treated as a win) are different in the 9th easy win state and the 10th easy win state. Here, "different" means that they may be completely different (C-time reduction symbol 1 and C-time reduction symbol 2) as in this embodiment, but there may be some overlapping C-time reduction symbols as long as they are different overall (not identical overall). For example, even if "C-time reduction symbol 1" is the C-time reduction symbol that transitions to the 1G consecutive win state (treated as a win) in the 9th easy win state, and "C-time reduction symbol 1" and "C-time reduction symbol 2" are the C-time reduction symbols that transition to the 1G consecutive win state (treated as a win) in the 10th easy win state, the two can still be said to be "different". In this case, it can also be said that the number of C-time reduction symbols that transition to the 1G consecutive win state (treated as a win) is greater in the 10th easy win state than in the 9th easy win state. Furthermore, if "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" and "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" are treated as wins in the state where the 10th prize is easily awarded, the protagonist character's win rate (the probability of winning 1500 balls) will be approximately 80%.

[0182] (Special easy ball entry conditions and specific easy ball entry conditions) The multiple easy-to-win states (easy-to-enter ball states) according to this embodiment include an easy-to-enter ball state (A time-saving state: special easy-to-enter ball state) that is entered (set) after the end of a special game state based on obtaining a "win" (a predetermined result) in the second special symbol lottery, and an easy-to-enter ball state (C time-saving state: specific easy-to-enter ball state) that is entered (set) without going through a special game state (special game) based on obtaining a "C time-saving" (a specific result) in the second special symbol lottery.

[0183] In this embodiment, for example, the sixth easy-to-win state can be set by a winning trigger (based on winning "Win") (A time-saving state) or by a C time-saving trigger (based on winning "C time-saving") (C time-saving state). In this embodiment, even if the transition triggers are different, they are treated and managed as one single easy-to-win state in order to simplify the control processing. For example, the sixth easy-to-win state (or the first easy-to-win state, the fourth easy-to-win state, or the fifth easy-to-win state) can be set to the A time-saving state by a winning trigger or to the C time-saving state by a C time-saving trigger, but the two are not distinguished and are managed as one easy-to-win state.

[0184] However, instead of internally maintaining the same easy-to-enter state as described above, separate easy-to-enter states may be managed based on different transition triggers. For example, one easy-to-enter state (let's call it the 6th easy-to-enter state) may be managed as the "1st special easy-to-enter state" when triggered by a win, and as the "1st specific easy-to-enter state" when triggered by a C time-saving mode. In this case, the 1st special easy-to-enter state and the 1st specific easy-to-enter state have roughly equivalent performance. Roughly equivalent performance means that, for example, the probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (the probability of winning a long opening) is the same, but only the termination conditions of the easy-to-enter state are different (from the player's perspective, it is the same state, but the internal control of the game machine is slightly different). In other words, the termination conditions of the easy-to-enter state may be different depending on whether the trigger is a win or a C time-saving mode.

[0185] In this embodiment, the first easy-to-win state or the sixth easy-to-win state set when a win occurs may be referred to as the "first special easy-to-win state." Also, the eighth easy-to-win state, the ninth easy-to-win state, or the tenth easy-to-win state set when a win occurs may be referred to as the "second special easy-to-win state." Note that the "second special easy-to-win state" may be a collective term for the eighth easy-to-win state, the ninth easy-to-win state, and the tenth easy-to-win state.

[0186] The second special ball entry easy state is more advantageous to the player than the first special ball entry easy state. This "advantageous to the player" may mean that the expected value of the payout obtained when a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery is greater in the second special ball entry easy state than in the first special ball entry easy state, or it may mean that the first special ball entry easy state is not a 1G consecutive state (it is a normal symbol ST), whereas the second special ball entry easy state is a 1G consecutive state (a state in which a long opening pattern can be obtained based on one normal symbol lottery). As mentioned above, if a "C time reduction" (some C time reduction symbols) is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second special ball entry easy state (i.e., if the player loses), the game will transition to the first special ball entry easy state (sixth prize entry easy state).

[0187] The 4th Easy-to-Win State can be entered when a "win" is obtained in the 2nd Special Symbol Lottery in the 2nd Special Easy-to-Win State (referred to as the 8th Easy-to-Win State). Here, the 4th Easy-to-Win State will be referred to as the "3rd Special Easy-to-Win State". If "C Time Reduction" is obtained in the 2nd Special Symbol Lottery in the 3rd Special Easy-to-Win State (4th Easy-to-Win State), as described above, the player will transition back to the 3rd Special Easy-to-Win State (4th Easy-to-Win State) (continuing the 4th Easy-to-Win State). Note that the 3rd Special Easy-to-Win State (4th Easy-to-Win State) can be entered in either the A Time Reduction State when a win is triggered or the C Time Reduction State when a C Time Reduction is triggered. Therefore, the case when a win is triggered may be referred to as the "3rd Special Easy-to-Win State", and the case when a C Time Reduction is triggered may be referred to as the "2nd Specific Easy-to-Win State". The 3rd Special Easy-to-Win State and the 2nd Specific Easy-to-Win State have roughly equivalent performance.

[0188] In the second special easy ball entry state (eighth easy prize entry state), if "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the player will transition to (fall from) the first special easy ball entry state (sixth easy prize entry state) (there is a judgment for falling from C time reduction). On the other hand, in the third special easy ball entry state (fourth easy prize entry state), even if "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the player will not transition to (fall from) the first special easy ball entry state (sixth easy prize entry state), and the third special easy ball entry state (fourth easy prize entry state) will continue (a 1G consecutive state waiting for a win). The third special easy ball entry state can be said to be a 1G consecutive state where the reward (winning the reward) is guaranteed, allowing the player to collect all of the reward (payout). Therefore, the third special easy ball entry state is more advantageous to the player than the second special easy ball entry state.

[0189] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area (for example, game area 4), A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening (for example, a passage gate 48 or an operating prize opening) that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern lottery to displace the movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is triggered by a ball entering the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result (for example, "winning"), and a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) is made easier for the ball to enter. The game includes a game state setting means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple conditions that facilitate ball entry include: After the execution of the aforementioned special game, there are several types of special ball-entry easy states to transition to, There are several types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result (for example, "C time reduction") is obtained in the special symbol lottery, In the aforementioned special conditions that make it easy to score, There is a first special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 6th prize is easily won), a second special easy ball entry state that is more advantageous to the player than the first special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 8th prize is easily won), and a third special easy ball entry state (for example, a state where the 4th prize is easily won) which can be entered when the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the third special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state.

[0190] In the second special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. However, in the third special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state. Even if the same specific result is obtained, the transition to which easy ball entry state occurs depends on the current easy ball entry state. In other words, the role of the "specific result" in the special symbol lottery differs depending on the easy ball entry state. By configuring the transition of easy ball entry states to have different control content (transition destination) depending on the current easy ball entry state, a diverse and highly engaging gameplay experience can be achieved.

[0191] In this embodiment, in a predetermined easy ball entry state (easy prize entry state), the second special symbol lottery, which is executed when a game ball enters the second start opening 49 during the long opening of the normal mechanism 54, is configured to perform different controls (controls that cause different game states to be transitioned to) depending on whether a "win" or a "C time reduction" is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to perform a presentation (judgment presentation) that draws attention to whether a "win" or a "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery.

[0192] Furthermore, in a situation where it has been decided that the player will transition to a special game state multiple times (i.e., the player has acquired the right to win multiple times), if a "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, which is executed when a game ball enters the second start opening 49 during the long opening of the normal mechanism 54, this result is used in the control to repeat (maintain, continue) the said easy ball entry state. Since the player does not transition to other easy ball entry states based on the acquisition of "C time reduction", the transition to the special game state is repeated, making it possible to achieve a gameplay experience in which the player can acquire (collect) a large amount of balls.

[0193] (Variation 1) Next, a modified example of the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described using Figures 14 to 20. As shown in Figure 14, in this modified example, the symbol lottery table C is set up so that each symbol and the symbol determination random value are matched such that "C Time-Saving Symbol 1" is won with a predetermined probability (2000 / 10000), "C Time-Saving Symbol 2" is won with a predetermined probability (3000 / 10000), "C Time-Saving Symbol 3" is won with a predetermined probability (1000 / 10000), and "C Time-Saving Symbol 4" is won with a predetermined probability (4000 / 10000). In this modified example, four C Time-Saving Symbols are available.

[0194] As shown in Figure 15, in this modified version, the C-time reduction symbol that triggers the transition to the "waiting for a win 1G consecutive state" is designated as the winning C-time reduction symbol (waiting for a win transition symbol). Also, the C-time reduction symbol that triggers the transition to the "easy 6th prize entry state (2nd normal symbol ST state)" is designated as the losing C-time reduction symbol. In this modified version, a C-time reduction symbol for changing opponents (C-time reduction symbol for changing characters) is provided as a C-time reduction symbol different from the winning C-time reduction symbol and the losing C-time reduction symbol. The winning C-time reduction symbol and the losing C-time reduction symbol can also be called the C-time reduction symbols for determining the outcome of the match.

[0195] In the 8th prize easy state, "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", and "C time reduction symbol 3" become defeat C time reduction symbols, and "C time reduction symbol 4" becomes a C time reduction symbol for changing opponents. In the 9th prize easy state, "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" is the victory C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" and "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" are the defeat C Time Reduction Symbols, and "C Time Reduction Symbol 4" is the C Time Reduction Symbol for changing opponents. In the state where it is easy to win the 10th prize, "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" and "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" are defeat C Time Reduction symbols, "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" is a victory C Time Reduction symbol, and "C Time Reduction Symbol 4" is a C Time Reduction symbol for changing opponents. In this modified example, the C time reduction symbol 4 is used as the opponent change C time reduction symbol in all states, but the C time reduction symbol used as the opponent change C time reduction symbol may be different for each state. Also, multiple opponent change C time reduction symbols may be provided for a single state.

[0196] (Transition of game state) Figure 16 will be used to explain the transitions in the game state. (Easy to win 6th place) When the sixth prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1" or "Regular Winning Symbol 2" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1" or "Regular Winning Symbol 2". The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "sixth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the sixth easy-to-win state) transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. In this modified example, regardless of which winning symbol is obtained, the game transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends.

[0197] (Easy to win 10th prize) The performance control means 300 can execute the character selection performance shown in Figure 17(a) via the liquid crystal display 32 or the like when the 10th prize is easily won state. When the 10th prize is easily won state, the character C corresponding to the 10th prize is selected (the cursor is on character C). This indicates that it is possible to win 1500 balls.

[0198] Return to Figure 16. In the 10th easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3". The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "10th prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10th easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 3rd time), and (based on the game state being the 10th easy-to-win state) transitions to the 6th easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the 10th prize-winning easy state results in the display of a losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 10th prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 15). The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the 10th prize-winning easy state results in the display of the winning C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 2") (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2"), transitions to the 5th prize-winning easy state (a 1G consecutive win state where you are waiting for a win, a 1G consecutive win state where you are guaranteed to win 1500 balls) (see Figure 15). The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the 10th prize-winning easy state results in the display of the opponent-changing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 4") stopping (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 4"), transitions to the 9th prize-winning easy state (corresponding to character B) (see Figure 15).

[0199] (Easy to win 9th place) As shown in Figure 17(b), the performance control means 300 can execute (continue) the character selection performance even in the 9th prize easy state. In the 9th prize easy state, character B corresponding to the 9th prize easy state is selected (the cursor is on character B). This suggests that the acquisition of 3000 balls is possible.

[0200] Return to Figure 16. In the ninth easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3". The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "Ninth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 9th prize-winning easy state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 2nd time), and (based on the game state being the 9th prize-winning easy state) transitions to the 5th prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when the 9th prize-winning easy state is in the 2nd special symbol lottery, displays a stop of a losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 2" or "C time-saving symbol 3") (if the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2" or "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the 6th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 9th prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 15). The game state control means 250, when the ninth prize-winning state is in the second special symbol lottery and the stop display of the winning C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1") is obtained (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 1"), transitions to the fourth prize-winning state (a 1G consecutive win state where you are waiting for a win, a 1G consecutive win state where you can always win 3000 balls) (see Figure 15). The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the ninth prize-winning easy state results in the display of the opponent-changing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 4") stopping (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 4"), transitions to the eighth prize-winning easy state (corresponding to character A) (see Figure 15).

[0201] (Easy to win 8th place) As shown in Figure 17(c), the performance control means 300 can execute (continue) the character selection performance even in the state where the 8th prize is easily won. In the state where the 8th prize is easily won, character A corresponding to the state where the 8th prize is easily won is selected (the cursor is on character A). This suggests that it is possible to win 4500 balls.

[0202] Return to Figure 16. In the state where the 8th prize is easily won, a regular symbol lottery is performed and if "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "regular winning symbol 1", "regular winning symbol 2", or "regular winning symbol 3". The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "easily win the 8th prize state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the eighth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls: 1st time), and (based on the game state being the eighth easy-to-win state) transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the eighth prize-winning easy state results in the display of a losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1", "C time-saving symbol 2", or "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the sixth prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the eighth prize-winning easy state) (see Figure 15). The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the eighth easy-to-win state results in the display of the opponent change C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 4") stopping (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 4"), transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state (corresponding to character C) (returning to the tenth easy-to-win state) (see Figure 15).

[0203] Although not shown in the diagram, as long as the opponent-changing C time-saving symbol is won in the second special symbol lottery, the easy-to-win state will transition (cycle) between the 8th easy-to-win state, the 9th easy-to-win state, and the 10th easy-to-win state, and the selected character on the liquid crystal display 32 will switch in order. When a win or victory C time-saving symbol is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the selected character (i.e., the acquisition of a predetermined reward) is determined (this is called a victory). It is also possible to configure the system so that the performance related to the character is executed (started) in the state to which the player transitions after this determination. Furthermore, if a defeat C time-saving symbol is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the acquisition of a reward is not determined (this is called a defeat), and the player transitions (falls) to the 6th easy-to-win state.

[0204] By the way, for example, the 10th prize easy state can be set in two ways: when triggered by a win (based on winning "Win") (A time-saving state) and when triggered by a C time-saving state (based on winning "C time-saving") (C time-saving state). For example, the 10th prize easy state may be designated as one of the "special easy ball entry states" when triggered by a win, and as one of the "specific easy ball entry states" when triggered by a C time-saving state. The special easy ball entry state and the specific easy ball entry state have roughly equivalent performance.

[0205] The 8th, 9th, and 10th easy-to-win states have different probabilities (winning rates) for determining whether a reward will be won. This means that the conditions for a player to win a special game are different. Specifically, the condition for the 8th easy-to-win state is to get a win, the condition for the 9th easy-to-win state is to get a win or to get C-Short Time Symbol 1, and the condition for the 10th easy-to-win state is to get a win or to get C-Short Time Symbol 2.

[0206] The 8th, 9th, and 10th easy-to-win states are zones (payout-focused zones) where the rewards that can be obtained are relatively high (the expected value of payouts is relatively high). Furthermore, the payouts (rewards) that can be obtained differ in the 8th, 9th, and 10th easy-to-win states. Comparing the 8th, 9th, and 10th easy-to-win states, the 8th easy-to-win state offers the largest reward, while the 10th easy-to-win state offers the smallest reward.

[0207] In this modified version, the collective term for the 8th, 9th, and 10th easy-to-win states is "2nd Special Easy-to-Win State," and the 2nd Special Easy-to-Win State includes the 2A Easy-to-Win State (10th Easy-to-Win State), the 2B Easy-to-Win State (9th Easy-to-Win State), and the 2C Easy-to-Win State (8th Easy-to-Win State).

[0208] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 14, a new C-time reduction symbol 4 is provided as a C-time reduction symbol for changing opponents. However, the invention is not limited to this, and for example, in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, a part of the defeat C-time reduction symbols (C-time reduction symbol 3) may be used as a C-time reduction symbol for changing opponents. In other words, as shown in Figure 18, in the 8th easy-to-win state, "C time-saving symbol 1" and "C time-saving symbol 2" may be set as defeat C time-saving symbols, and "C time-saving symbol 3" as the opponent change C time-saving symbol; in the 9th easy-to-win state, "C time-saving symbol 1" may be set as victory C time-saving symbol, "C time-saving symbol 2" as defeat C time-saving symbol, and "C time-saving symbol 3" as the opponent change C time-saving symbol; and in the 10th easy-to-win state, "C time-saving symbol 1" may be set as defeat C time-saving symbol, "C time-saving symbol 2" as victory C time-saving symbol, and "C time-saving symbol 3" as the opponent change C time-saving symbol.

[0209] Furthermore, in this modified example, the victory C time-saving symbol, the defeat C time-saving symbol, and the opponent change C time-saving symbol are set to the 8th easy-to-win state, the 9th easy-to-win state, and the 10th easy-to-win state, respectively. However, a next-confirmation C time-saving symbol may be prepared as the opponent change C time-saving symbol (in place of a part of the opponent change C time-saving symbol), and if the next-confirmation C time-saving symbol is won in the 8th easy-to-win state, the 9th easy-to-win state, and the 10th easy-to-win state, the reward remains the same (the opponent remains the same), and the game may be controlled to transition to the victory-confirmation 8th easy-to-win state, victory-confirmation 9th easy-to-win state, and victory-confirmation 10th easy-to-win state, respectively, where victory is guaranteed regardless of which C time-saving symbol is won. In this case, for example, if the next-confirmation C time-saving symbol is won, instead of the next opponent being changed, the player character on the player's side may be changed to a stronger character (or a stronger character may join the battle).

[0210] Furthermore, even when a guaranteed next C-time reduction is provided as described above, a function to change the opponent may also be set, and the system may be configured to have both the functions of a C-time reduction symbol for changing the opponent and a C-time reduction symbol for guaranteeing the next win. For example, if a C-time reduction symbol that has the functions of both a C-time reduction symbol for changing the opponent and a C-time reduction symbol for guaranteeing the next win is won while the 10th win is easy state is in a state where the system changes (transitions) from the 10th win is easy state to a win-guaranteed 9th win easy state. However, if both functions are provided, transitioning from the 8th win is easy state to a win-guaranteed 10th win easy state would guarantee a win but reduce the reward. Therefore, in the 8th win is easy state, which offers the maximum reward, it is preferable to transition to a win-guaranteed 8th win easy state, and only guarantee the next win.

[0211] The gaming machine in this modified example is, A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area (for example, game area 4), A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening (for example, a passage gate 48 or an operating prize opening) that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern lottery to displace the movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is triggered by a ball entering the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result (for example, "winning"), and a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) is made easier for the ball to enter. The game includes a game state setting means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple ball entry easy states include multiple types of special ball entry easy states that are entered after the execution of the special game, and multiple types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result (for example, "C time reduction") is obtained in the special symbol lottery. The aforementioned specific results include a first result (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 1" in Figure 18) (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 1" and "C Time-Saving Symbol 3" in Figure 15), a second result (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 2" in Figure 18) (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 2" and "C Time-Saving Symbol 3" in Figure 15), and a third result (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 3" in Figure 18) (e.g., "C Time-Saving Symbol 4" in Figure 15), The aforementioned special ball entry easy state includes a first special ball entry easy state (for example, a sixth prize easy state) and a second special ball entry easy state that is more advantageous to the player than the first special ball entry easy state (for example, an eighth prize easy state, a ninth prize easy state, and a tenth prize easy state). The second special ball entry easy state includes at least two different ball entry easy states: a second A ball entry easy state (e.g., a 10th prize entry easy state) and a second B ball entry easy state (e.g., a 9th prize entry easy state), each having different conditions for which the player can win the special game. If the first result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the 2A easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. If the second result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while the ball is in the second B easy-to-enter state, it is possible to transition to the first specific easy-to-enter state. If the third result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the second A easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the second B easy ball entry state.

[0212] The conditions (winning percentage) under which the player can win the special game differ between the 2A easy ball entry state and the 2B easy ball entry state. Furthermore, the results that trigger the transition (decrease) to the 1 specific easy ball entry state differ between the 2A easy ball entry state and the 2B easy ball entry state. In addition, if the 3 result is obtained in the 2A easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the 2B easy ball entry state. By differentiating the control content (transition destination) for the specific result depending on which easy ball entry state the result is obtained in, it is possible to realize a highly engaging gameplay experience.

[0213] By using the C-Time Reduction (C-Time Reduction symbol) and creating a zone (Second Special Easy Ball Entry State) where characters with different win rates and / or rewards (payouts when winning) can be changed, the enjoyment of the game can be enhanced.

[0214] In this modified example of a gaming machine, In the special symbol lottery in the 2A easy ball entry state, if a result is obtained that is included in the specific result and is different from the first result and the third result (for example, "C time reduction symbol 2" in Figure 18) (for example, "C time reduction symbol 2" in Figure 15), the player can transition to a predetermined specific easy ball entry state (a specific easy ball entry state having substantially the same performance as the 5th easy prize entry state), which allows the player to stay until the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. In the special symbol lottery in the second B easy ball entry state, if a result that is included in the specific result but is different from the second result (for example, "C time reduction symbol 1" in Figure 18) (for example, "C time reduction symbol 1" in Figure 15) is obtained, the player can transition to a predetermined specific easy ball entry state (a specific easy ball entry state having substantially the same performance as the fourth easy prize entry state), which allows the player to stay until the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery.

[0215] By the way, the configuration may also be as shown in Figure 19. In the example shown in Figure 19, multiple C time-saving symbols are used as opponent-changing C time-saving symbols in a predetermined state. In the state where it is easy to win the 8th prize, "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" (35%) is designated as the winning C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" (15%) is designated as the losing C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" (25%) is designated as the opponent change C Time Reduction Symbol, and "C Time Reduction Symbol 4" (25%) is designated as the opponent change C Time Reduction Symbol. In the 8th place easy-to-win state, there is a 50% chance that the match will be decided (whether it's a win or a loss will be determined), and there is a 50% chance that the opponent will be changed.

[0216] In the 9th prize easy state, "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" (35%) is designated as the defeat C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" (15%) is designated as the opponent change C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" (25%) is designated as the victory C Time Reduction Symbol, and "C Time Reduction Symbol 4" (25%) is designated as the opponent change C Time Reduction Symbol. In the 9th place easy-to-win state, there is a 60% probability that the match will be decided (whether it's a win or a loss will be determined), and a 40% probability that the opponent will be changed.

[0217] In the state where it is easy to win the 10th prize, "C Time Reduction Symbol 1" (35%) is used as the C Time Reduction Symbol for changing opponents, "C Time Reduction Symbol 2" (15%) is used as the victory C Time Reduction Symbol, "C Time Reduction Symbol 3" (25%) is used as the defeat C Time Reduction Symbol, and "C Time Reduction Symbol 4" (25%) is used as the defeat C Time Reduction Symbol. In the 10th place easy-to-win state, there is a 65% probability that the match will be decided (whether it's a win or a loss will be determined), and a 35% probability that the opponent will be changed.

[0218] As shown in the example in Figure 19, in the easiest winning state (the 8th easiest winning state) where the potential reward is highest, the game is decided with a 50% probability, while in the easiest winning state (the 10th easiest winning state) where the potential reward is lowest, the game is decided with a lower probability of 35%.

[0219] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the probability of obtaining a "win" in the second special symbol lottery was set to 50%, and the probability of obtaining a "C time reduction" was set to 50% (1:1). However, it is not limited to this, and may be configured as follows. For example, the probability of obtaining a "win" in the second special symbol lottery may be set to 25%, and the probability of obtaining a "C time reduction" may be set to 75% (1:3). Also, in the symbol determination process when a "C time reduction" is obtained in this case, the probability of determining a C time reduction symbol for deciding the match (winning C time reduction symbol or losing C time reduction symbol) may be set to 1 / 3, and the probability of determining a C time reduction symbol for changing the opponent may be set to 2 / 3 (1:2). In this case, the probability of obtaining a "C time reduction" and determining a C time reduction symbol for changing the opponent in the second special symbol lottery is 50%. In other words, the probability of the game being decided in the second special symbol draw can be set to approximately 50%, and the probability of the selected character changing can also be set to 50%.

[0220] (Modification 2) In the above modified example 1, when a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth easy-to-win state, the game transitions to the tenth easy-to-win state via a special game state, and the character selection animation begins. However, the game is not limited to this, and may be configured as follows. As shown in Figure 20, the game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (first win) based on the fact that a "win" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") has been obtained in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state. Furthermore, if the type of win is "winning symbol 1", the game state control means 250 sets the 10' time reduction count to "10000" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 10' easy-to-win state (1G consecutive state).

[0221] (Easy to win a prize in the 10th place) The performance control means 300 can execute a character selection performance via the liquid crystal display 32 or the like when the 10' easy winning state is reached. When the 10' easy winning state is reached, the character C corresponding to the 10' easy winning state is selected (the cursor is positioned over character C).

[0222] In the 10' Easy Prize Winning State (1G Consecutive Win State), when a regular symbol lottery is performed and "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "Regular Winning Symbol 1", "Regular Winning Symbol 2", or "Regular Winning Symbol 3".

[0223] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "10' Easy Prize Entry State". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10' easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500: 3rd time), and (based on the game state being the 10' easy-to-win state) transitions to the 6th easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when the second special symbol lottery in the 10' easy-to-win state results in the display of a losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1"), transitions to the normal state (based on the fact that the game state is the 10' easy-to-win state). The game state control means 250, when the winning C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 2") is displayed as a stop in the second special symbol lottery in the 10' easy-to-win state (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2"), transitions to the 5th easy-to-win state (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win) (based on the fact that the game state is the 10' easy-to-win state). The game state control means 250, when the stop display of the opponent change C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10' easy-to-win state (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 3"), transitions to the 9' easy-to-win state (1G consecutive state) (based on the fact that the game state is the 10' easy-to-win state).

[0224] (Easy to win a prize in the 9th round) The performance control means 300 can execute (continue) the character selection performance even in the 9' easy winning state. In the 9' easy winning state, character B corresponding to the 9' easy winning state is selected (the cursor is positioned over character B).

[0225] In the 9' easy-to-win state (1G consecutive win state), when a regular symbol lottery is performed and "regular win symbol 1", "regular win symbol 2", or "regular win symbol 3" is displayed as the stop (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of "regular win symbol 1", "regular win symbol 2", or "regular win symbol 3".

[0226] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "9' easy to win state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 9' easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500: 2nd time), and (based on the game state being the 9' easy-to-win state) transitions to the 5th easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when the 9' easy-to-win state is in the second special symbol lottery, will display a stop of the losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 2") (when the type of C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 2"), and will transition to the normal state (based on the fact that the game state is the 9' easy-to-win state). The game state control means 250 shifts the game state to the fourth prize-easy state (1G continuous state waiting for a win) when a stop display of the win C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 9th' prize-easy state (when the type of the C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 1") (based on the game state being the 9th' prize-easy state). The game state control means 250 shifts the game state to the 8th' prize-easy state (1G continuous state) when a stop display of the opponent-changing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 9th' prize-easy state (when the type of the C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 3") (based on the game state being the 9th' prize-easy state).

[0227] (8th' prize-easy state) The effect control means 300 can execute (continue) the character determination effect even in the 8th' prize-easy state. In the 8th' prize-easy state, the state is such that the character A corresponding to the 8th' prize-easy state is selected (the state where the cursor is positioned on character A).

[0228] In the 8th' prize-easy state (1G continuous state), a normal symbol lottery is executed, and when "normal win symbol 1", "normal win symbol 2" or "normal win symbol 3" is stop-displayed (that is, when a long opening is determined), the normal accessory control means 224 opens (activates) the normal accessory 54 in a long opening pattern based on the stop display of "normal win symbol 1", "normal win symbol 2" or "normal win symbol 3".

[0229] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on a game ball entering the second starting port 49 during the long opening of the normal accessory 54. The game state at the point in time (timing) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed is the "8th' prize-easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4" or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 8th'easy winning state, shifts to a special game state (1500: 1st time), and (based on the fact that the game state is the 8th' easy winning state) shifts to the 4th easy winning state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250, when a stop display of a losing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 2") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 8th' easy winning state (when the type of the C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 1" or "C time-saving symbol 2"), (based on the fact that the game state is the 8th' easy winning state) shifts to the normal state. The game state control means 250, when a stop display of an opponent-changing C time-saving symbol ("C time-saving symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 8th' easy winning state (when the type of the C time-saving symbol is "C time-saving symbol 3"), (based on the fact that the game state is the 8th' easy winning state) returns to the 10th' easy winning state (1G consecutive state).

[0230] Although illustration is omitted, thereafter, as long as the winning of the opponent-changing C time-saving symbol in the second special symbol lottery continues, the easy winning state transitions (cycles) among the 8th' easy winning state, the 9th' easy winning state and the 10th' easy winning state, and the currently selected character on the liquid crystal display 32 is sequentially switched. Then, when a win or a winning C time-saving symbol is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, acquisition of a predetermined reward and transition to the 6th easy winning state are determined. On the other hand, when a losing C time-saving symbol is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, acquisition of a reward is not determined, and the state shifts (falls) to the normal state. This modified example realizes a game property that can change the transition probability (entry rate) to the upper RUSH (the 6th easy winning state) in the chance zone after the initial win.

[0231] (6th Easy Winning State) The 6th easy-to-win state (1st special easy-to-win state) is the normal symbol ST state (for example, the 2nd normal symbol ST state). The 6th easy-to-win state ends when the number of normal symbol lotteries performed in the 6th easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 6th time reduction count (for example, "100"), and the game returns to the normal state.

[0232] When the sixth prize is in an easy-to-win state, a regular symbol lottery is performed, and if a predetermined regular winning symbol (for example, "regular winning symbol 1" or "regular winning symbol 2") is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the regular mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the regular mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0233] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "sixth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", or "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth prize-winning easy state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the sixth prize-winning easy state) transitions (returns) to the sixth prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time-saving round count to "100" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth prize-winning easy state, transitions to the seventh prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the sixth prize-winning easy state). The seventh prize-winning easy state is a 1G consecutive win state where the player is waiting for a win.

[0234] The gaming machine relating to this specimen is A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area (for example, game area 4), A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening (for example, a passage gate 48 or an operating prize opening) that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern lottery to displace the movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is triggered by a ball entering the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result (for example, "winning"), and a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) is made easier for the ball to enter. The game includes a game state setting means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple ball entry easy states include multiple types of special ball entry easy states that are entered after the execution of the special game, and multiple types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result (for example, "C time reduction") is obtained in the special symbol lottery. The aforementioned specific results include a first result (for example, "C time-saving pattern 1" in Figure 20), a second result (for example, "C time-saving pattern 2" in Figure 20), and a third result (for example, "C time-saving pattern 3" in Figure 20), The aforementioned special ball-scoring conditions include a first special ball-scoring condition (e.g., a sixth prize-scoring condition) and a second special ball-scoring condition (e.g., an eighth' prize-scoring condition, a ninth' prize-scoring condition, and a tenth' prize-scoring condition), The second special ball entry easy state includes at least two different conditions for the player to win the special game: a second A ball entry easy state (e.g., a 10' easy prize entry state) and a second B ball entry easy state (e.g., a 9' easy prize entry state), When the ball entry state 2A is easy and the special symbol lottery results in the first result, the game can transition to the normal game state. When the second result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second B easy ball entry state, the game can transition to the normal game state. If the third result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the second A easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the second B easy ball entry state.

[0235] The conditions (winning percentage) under which the player can win the special game differ between the 2A easy ball entry state and the 2B easy ball entry state. Furthermore, the results that trigger a transition (decrease) to the normal game state differ between the 2A easy ball entry state and the 2B easy ball entry state. In addition, if the third result is obtained in the 2A easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to the 2B easy ball entry state. By differentiating the control content (transition destination) depending on which result is obtained in which easy ball entry state for the aforementioned specific result, a highly engaging gameplay experience can be achieved.

[0236] In the gaming machine of this modified example, In the special symbol lottery in the 2A easy ball entry state (for example, the 10' easy prize entry state), if a result is obtained that is included in the specific result and is different from the first result and the third result (for example, "C time-saving symbol 2" in Figure 20), the player can transition to a predetermined specific easy ball entry state (a specific easy ball entry state having substantially the same performance as the 5th easy prize entry state), which allows the player to stay until the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery. In the special symbol lottery in the 2B easy ball entry state (for example, the 9' easy prize entry state), if a result that is included in the specific result but is different from the second result (for example, "C time-saving symbol 1" in Figure 20) is obtained, the player can transition to a predetermined specific easy ball entry state (a specific easy ball entry state having substantially the same performance as the 4th easy prize entry state), which allows the player to stay until the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery.

[0237] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the gaming machine of this embodiment has basically the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the explanation of the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0238] The symbol lottery table B shown in Figure 21 is selected in this embodiment when a "win" is achieved and one of the read symbol determination random values ​​is stored as the second special random value. The correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random value is set so that "winning symbol 3" is won with a predetermined probability, "winning symbol 4" is won with a predetermined probability, "winning symbol 5" is won with a predetermined probability, and "winning symbol 6" is won with a predetermined probability. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table B and determines which of the multiple types of winning symbols is associated with one of the read symbol determination random values, thereby determining which of the multiple types of winning symbols has been won.

[0239] (Transition of game state) The transitions in the game state of the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be explained using Figure 22. In this embodiment, each easy-to-win state has a different probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (a different probability of winning a long opening). Note that "different" does not mean that all easy-to-win states must be different; there may be easy-to-win states with the same probability. For example, the first easy-to-win state, which is a regular symbol ST state, has a relatively low probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (long opening winning probability). The third, fourth, and sixth easy-to-win states, which are also regular symbol ST states, have a moderate probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (long opening winning probability). The ninth easy-to-win state, which is also a regular symbol ST state, has a relatively high probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (long opening winning probability). Furthermore, in the 1G consecutive win states, the 2nd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th easy win states have a probability of winning a regular win in the regular symbol lottery (long opening win probability) of 1 / 1.

[0240] The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (including via a minor win game state, hereinafter the same) based on the fact that a "win" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") has been won in the first special symbol lottery in the normal state. Furthermore, if the type of win is "winning symbol 1", the game state control means 250 sets the first time reduction round (for example, "70") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first easy-to-win state. Furthermore, if the type of win is "winning symbol 2", the game state control means 250 sets the time reduction round to 0 at the end of the special game state and transitions to the normal state.

[0241] (Condition where first prize is easily won: Condition 1) The first prize-easy state is the normal symbol ST state. The first prize-easy state ends when the number of executions of the normal symbol lottery in the first prize-easy state (the number of variable displays of the normal symbol or the number of operations of the normal accessory 54) reaches the first time-saving count (for example, "70"), and shifts to the normal state. When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first prize-easy state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is stopped and displayed (that is, when long opening is determined), the normal accessory control means 224 opens (operates) the normal accessory 54 in a long opening pattern based on the stop display of the symbol.

[0242] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on a game ball entering the second starting port 49 during the long opening of the normal accessory 54. The game state at the time (timing) when the second special symbol lottery based on the ball entry is executed is the "first prize-easy state". When a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first prize-easy state, the game state control means 250 shifts to the special game state (1500 shots), and (based on the game state being the first prize-easy state) shifts to the third prize-easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets a third time-saving count (for example, "80") at the end of the special game state, and shifts to the third prize-easy state. When "winning symbol 3" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first prize-easy state, the game shifts to the third prize-easy state via the special game state (1500 shots). The probability that the "winning symbol 3" is obtained is about 40%. As will be described later, the third prize-easy state is a "state where 1500 shots can be obtained if a win is achieved".

[0243] When a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 4") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first prize-easy state, the game state control means 250 shifts to the special game state (1500 shots), and (based on the game state being the first prize-easy state) shifts to the fourth prize-easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets a fourth time-saving count (for example, "90") at the end of the special game state, and shifts to the fourth prize-easy state. If "Winning Symbol 4" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the first easy-to-win state, the game transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state via a special game state (1500 balls). The probability of obtaining "Winning Symbol 4" is approximately 40%. As will be explained later, the fourth easy-to-win state is a state where "if you win, you can get 3000 balls."

[0244] The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the first easy-to-win state) transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time reduction round (for example, "100") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state. If "Winning Symbol 5" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the first easy-to-win state, the game transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state via a special game state (1500 balls). The probability of obtaining "Winning Symbol 5" is approximately 10%. As will be explained later, the sixth easy-to-win state is a state where "if you win, you can get 4500 balls."

[0245] The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the first easy-to-win state) transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the ninth time reduction round (for example, "110") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state. If the "winning symbol 6" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the first easy-to-win state, the game will transition to the ninth easy-to-win state via a special game state (1500 balls). The probability of obtaining the "winning symbol 6" is approximately 10%. As will be explained later, the ninth easy-to-win state is a state where "if you win, you can get 6000 balls."

[0246] The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the first easy-to-win state, transitions to the second easy-to-win state (based on the fact that the game state is the first easy-to-win state). The game state control means 250 sets the second time reduction count to "10000" based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the second easy-to-win state.

[0247] (Condition for easy second place: Condition 2) The second easy-to-win state is a 1G consecutive win state. The second easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the second easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is operated) reaches the second time reduction number (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the second easy-to-win state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0248] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes a second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "second prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the third easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the third time reduction number (for example, "80") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the third easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 4") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fourth time reduction round (for example, "90") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 5") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state after the end of the special game state. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time reduction round (for example, "100") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the second easy-to-win state) transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state after the end of the special game state. The game state control means 250 sets the ninth time reduction round (for example, "110") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery while in the second easy-to-win state, transitions to the second easy-to-win state (based on the fact that the game state is the second easy-to-win state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of second time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the second easy-to-win state again (continues the second easy-to-win state). The second easy-to-win state is designed to repeat (loop) if a "C time reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery. In other words, the second easy-to-win state continues until a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery. Therefore, the second easy-to-win state can be called a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0249] (Condition for easily winning third prize: Third condition) The third easy-to-win state is the normal symbol ST state. The third easy-to-win state ends when the number of normal symbol lotteries performed in the third easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols change or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the third time reduction (for example, "80") and the state returns to normal. If a normal symbol lottery is performed in the third easy-to-win state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0250] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is in the "third prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the third easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the third easy-to-win state) transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fourth time reduction round (for example, "90") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fourth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the third prize-easy state, transitions to the third prize-easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the third prize-easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of third time reduction rounds (for example, "80") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol, and transitions to the third prize-easy state.

[0251] The third prize-winning state continues until a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, and if a "win" is obtained, a payout of 1500 balls is awarded.

[0252] (Condition for easily winning 4th prize: 4th condition) The fourth easy-to-win state is the normal symbol ST state. The fourth easy-to-win state ends when the number of normal symbol lotteries performed in the fourth easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols change or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the fourth time reduction (for example, "90"), and the state returns to normal. If a normal symbol lottery is performed in the fourth easy-to-win state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0253] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "fourth prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fourth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the fourth easy-to-win state) transitions to the fifth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the fifth time reduction round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fifth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fourth easy prize winning state, transitions (decreases) to the third easy prize winning state (based on the fact that the game state is the fourth easy prize winning state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of third time reduction rounds (for example, "80") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the third easy prize winning state.

[0254] The "Easy to Win" state for the 4th prize is a state in which you can win a total of 3000 balls if you get a "win" in the 2nd special symbol lottery. On the other hand, if you get "C Short Time" in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the "Easy to Win" state for the 4th prize, you will drop back to the "Easy to Win" state for the 3rd prize.

[0255] (Easy to win 5th prize: 5th condition) The 5th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 5th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 5th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is operated) reaches the 5th time reduction count (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 5th prize-winning state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0256] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is long open. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "easy to win the fifth prize state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fifth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the fifth easy-to-win state) transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the sixth time reduction round to "100" at the end of the special game state and transitions to the sixth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the fifth prize easy state, transitions to the fifth prize easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the fifth prize easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of fifth time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the fifth prize easy state again (continuing the fifth prize easy state). The fifth prize easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0257] (Condition for easily placing in the 6th prize: 6th condition) The sixth easy-to-win state is the normal symbol ST state. The sixth easy-to-win state ends when the number of normal symbol lotteries performed in the sixth easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the sixth time reduction (for example, "100") and the state returns to normal. If a normal symbol lottery is performed in the sixth easy-to-win state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0258] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "sixth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" ("winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is displayed in the second special symbol lottery while in the sixth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the sixth easy-to-win state) transitions to the seventh easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the seventh time reduction round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the seventh easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the sixth prize-winning easy state, transitions (decreases) to the third prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the sixth prize-winning easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of third time reduction rounds (for example, "80") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the third prize-winning easy state.

[0259] The "Easy to Win" state for the 6th prize is a state in which you can win a total of 4500 balls if you get a "win" in the 2nd special symbol lottery. On the other hand, if you get "C Short Time" in the 2nd special symbol lottery while in the "Easy to Win" state for the 6th prize, you will drop back to the "Easy to Win" state for the 3rd prize.

[0260] (7th place easily attainable: 7th place) The 7th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 7th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 7th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 7th time-saving round (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 7th prize-winning state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0261] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "seventh prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the seventh easy-to-win state) transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the eighth time reduction round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the eighth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the seventh prize easy state, transitions to the seventh prize easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the seventh prize easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of seventh time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the seventh prize easy state again (continuing the seventh prize easy state). The seventh prize easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0262] (Easy to win 8th prize: 8th condition) The 8th easy-to-win state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 8th easy-to-win state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 8th easy-to-win state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is operated) reaches the 8th time reduction count (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 8th easy-to-win state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0263] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "easily win the 8th prize state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the eighth easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the eighth easy-to-win state) transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the ninth time reduction round (for example, "110") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the ninth easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 8th prize-winning easy state, transitions to the 8th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 8th prize-winning easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of 8th time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the 8th prize-winning easy state again (continuing the 8th prize-winning easy state). The 8th prize-winning easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0264] (Easy to win 9th prize: 9th condition) The 9th prize-winning easy state is the normal symbol ST state. The 9th prize-winning easy state ends when the number of normal symbol lottery executions in the 9th prize-winning easy state (number of times the normal symbols change or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 operates) reaches the 6th time reduction count (for example, "110"), and the system transitions to the normal state. If a normal symbol lottery is performed in the 9th prize-winning easy state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (operates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0265] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in a long open state. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "Ninth prize easy entry state". The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" ("winning symbol 3" or "winning symbol 4") is displayed in the second special symbol lottery while the 9th prize-winning easy state is active, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the 9th prize-winning easy state) transitions to the 10th prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 10th time-saving round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 10th prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" ("winning symbol 5" or "winning symbol 6") is displayed in the second special symbol lottery while the ninth prize-winning easy state is active, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the fact that the game state is the ninth prize-winning easy state) transitions to the third prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the third time-saving rounds (for example, "80") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the third prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the ninth prize-winning easy state, transitions to the eleventh prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the ninth prize-winning easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of eleventh time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the eleventh prize-winning easy state.

[0266] In the 9th prize-winning state, if you obtain the predetermined "winning" symbol in the 2nd special symbol lottery, you can win a total of 6,000 balls. If you obtain a different "winning" symbol, you can win 1,500 balls. In the former case, you will return to the 9th prize-winning state, but in the latter case, you will revert to the 3rd prize-winning state. Furthermore, even if "C Time Reduction" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the 9th easy-to-win state does not revert to the 3rd easy-to-win state, but transitions to the 11th easy-to-win state (a 1G consecutive win state). Therefore, when transitioning to the 9th easy-to-win state, you are guaranteed to win either a 6000-ball prize or a 1500-ball prize. In the second special symbol lottery in the 9th easy-to-win state, the ratio of the probability of winning a 6000-ball prize to the probability of winning a 1500-ball prize may be configured to be approximately 1:1.

[0267] (Condition for easily placing in the top 10: Condition 10) The 10th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 10th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 10th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 8th time reduction round (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 10th prize-winning state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0268] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "10th prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a "win" (stop display of "winning symbol 3", "winning symbol 4", "winning symbol 5", or "winning symbol 6") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10th easy-to-win state, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the 10th easy-to-win state) transitions to the 7th easy-to-win state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 7th time reduction round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 7th easy-to-win state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 10th prize easy state, transitions to the 10th prize easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 10th prize easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of 10 time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the 10th prize easy state again (continuing the 10th prize easy state). The 10th prize easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0269] (Condition for easy 11th place finish: Condition 11) The 11th prize-winning state is a 1G consecutive win state. The 11th prize-winning state ends when the number of times the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 11th prize-winning state (number of times the normal symbols are displayed or the number of times the normal mechanism 54 is activated) reaches the 11th time-saving round (for example, "10000"). If the normal symbol lottery is performed in the 11th prize-winning state and a predetermined normal winning symbol is displayed as stopped (i.e., a long opening is determined), the normal mechanism control means 224 opens (activates) the normal mechanism 54 in a long opening pattern based on the display of the stopped symbol.

[0270] The special symbol lottery means 230 executes the second special symbol lottery based on the fact that a game ball enters the second start opening 49 while the regular mechanism 54 is in long open position. At the time (period) when the second special symbol lottery based on the said ball entry is executed, the game state is "11th prize easy state". The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" ("winning symbol 3" or "winning symbol 4") is displayed in the second special symbol lottery while the 11th prize-winning easy state is active, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the game state being the 11th prize-winning easy state) transitions to the 10th prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 10th time reduction round (for example, "10000") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 10th prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when a predetermined "win" ("winning symbol 5" or "winning symbol 6") is displayed in the second special symbol lottery while the 11th prize-winning easy state is active, transitions to a special game state (1500 balls), and (based on the fact that the game state is the 11th prize-winning easy state) transitions to the 3rd prize-winning easy state after the special game state ends. The game state control means 250 sets the 3rd time-saving rounds (for example, "80") at the end of the special game state and transitions to the 3rd prize-winning easy state. The game state control means 250, when a "C time reduction" (stop display of "C time reduction symbol 1", "C time reduction symbol 2", or "C time reduction symbol 3") is obtained in the second special symbol lottery in the 11th prize-winning easy state, transitions to the 11th prize-winning easy state (based on the fact that the game state is the 11th prize-winning easy state). The game state control means 250 sets the number of 11th time reduction rounds (for example, "10000") based on the stop display of the C time reduction symbol and transitions to the 11th prize-winning easy state again (continuing the 11th prize-winning easy state). The 11th prize-winning easy state is a "waiting for a win state" (a 1G consecutive win state waiting for a win).

[0271] In this embodiment, the first easy-to-win state (lower RUSH) transitions to a higher RUSH (third easy-to-win state, fourth easy-to-win state, sixth easy-to-win state, or ninth easy-to-win state) if a "win" is achieved once. The third easy-to-win state is a state in which a player can win 1500 balls if a "win" is achieved. The fourth easy-to-win state is a state in which a player can win a total of 3000 balls (multiple wins) if a "win" is achieved. The sixth easy-to-win state is a state in which a player can win a total of 4500 balls (multiple wins) if a "win" is achieved. The ninth easy-to-win state is a state in which a player can win a total of 6000 balls (multiple wins) if a predetermined "win" is achieved. The fourth easy-to-win state, sixth easy-to-win state, and ninth easy-to-win state can be said to be more advantageous to the player than the third easy-to-win state. Furthermore, while the 4th and 6th easy-to-win states revert to the 3rd easy-to-win state if "C time reduction" is obtained, the 9th easy-to-win state does not revert to the 3rd easy-to-win state even if "C time reduction" is obtained. Therefore, the 9th easy-to-win state can be said to be more advantageous to the player than the 4th and 6th easy-to-win states.

[0272] In this embodiment, the probability of obtaining a "win" in the second special symbol lottery is set to 50%, and the probability of obtaining "C time reduction" is set to 50%. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the probability of obtaining a "win" in the second special symbol lottery may be set to 60%, and the probability of obtaining "C time reduction" may be set to 40%.

[0273] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A first start port (for example, a first start port 46) is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area (for example, game area 4), A second start port (for example, a second start port 49) located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece (for example, a standard mechanism 54) that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening (for example, a passage gate 48 or an operating prize opening) that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern lottery to displace the movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is triggered by a ball entering the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result (for example, "winning"), and a large prize opening (for example, a large prize opening 50) is made easier for the ball to enter. The game includes a game state setting means (for example, a game state control means 250) that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple conditions that facilitate ball entry include: After the execution of the aforementioned special game, there are several types of special ball-entry easy states to transition to, There are several types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result (for example, "C time reduction") is obtained in the special symbol lottery, In the aforementioned special conditions that make it easy to score, There is a first special easy ball entry state (for example, a third easy prize entry state), a second special easy ball entry state that is more advantageous to the player than the first special easy ball entry state (for example, a fourth easy prize entry state or a sixth easy prize entry state), and a third special easy ball entry state (for example, a fifth easy prize entry state or a seventh easy prize entry state) that can be entered when the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special ball entry easy state, it is possible to transition to the first specific ball entry easy state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the first special ball entry easy state (for example, the third prize entry easy state). If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the third special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to a second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state (for example, the fifth easy prize entry state or the seventh easy prize entry state).

[0274] In the second special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. However, in the third special easy ball entry state, if the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, the game transitions to the second specific easy ball entry state, which has performance approximately equivalent to the third special easy ball entry state. Even if the same specific result is obtained, the transition to which easy ball entry state occurs depends on the current easy ball entry state. In other words, the role of the "specific result" in the special symbol lottery differs depending on the easy ball entry state. By configuring the transition of easy ball entry states to have different control content (transition destination) depending on the current easy ball entry state, a diverse and highly engaging gameplay experience can be achieved.

[0275] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, If a specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery while in the first special easy ball entry state (for example, the third easy prize entry state), it is possible to transition to the first specific easy ball entry state, which has performance substantially equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state.

[0276] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any component can be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the configuration of the gaming machine is not limited to that of the embodiments described above. Also, within the scope of the invention, any combination of components of each embodiment is possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0277] 4. Gaming Area 46 First Starter Port 48 Passage Gate (Operation Gate) 49 Second Starter Port 50 Grand Prize Winners 54. Standard mechanism (movable piece) 250 Game state control means (game state setting means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A first start port is located in a predetermined area of ​​the game area, A second start port is located in another area of ​​the aforementioned game area, A movable piece that changes the ease with which the ball enters the second starting opening, An operating opening that serves as a trigger for a normal pattern drawing to displace the aforementioned movable piece in a manner that facilitates ball entry, A special game is played when the result of a special symbol lottery, which is performed when a ball enters the first or second starting opening, is a predetermined result, and a large prize opening is provided in which it is easy for the ball to enter. The game has a game state setting means that can set either a game state in which the movable piece is relatively easy to insert the ball as a result of the ordinary symbol lottery, or a normal game state in which the movable piece is relatively difficult to insert the ball. The aforementioned ball-entry-friendly state has multiple ball-entry-friendly states, The aforementioned multiple conditions that facilitate ball entry include: After the execution of the aforementioned special game, there are several types of special ball-entry easy states to transition to, There are several types of specific ball entry easy states that can be set without going through the special game when a specific result different from the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery, In the aforementioned special conditions that make it easy to score, There is a first special easy ball entry state, a second special easy ball entry state which is more advantageous to the player than the first special easy ball entry state, and a third special easy ball entry state which can be entered when the predetermined result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state. If the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the second special easy ball entry state, it is possible to transition to a first specific easy ball entry state which has performance substantially equivalent to the first special easy ball entry state. A gaming machine that, when the specific result is obtained in the special symbol lottery in the third special ball entry easy state, can transition to a second specific ball entry easy state which has performance substantially equivalent to the third special ball entry easy state.

Images