Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine which can observe fairness of games.SOLUTION: A right reel comprises, in a drawing range of a replay A pattern "RPA" and a replay B pattern "RPB", a white 7 pattern "white 7", a red BAR pattern "red BAR", a blue BAR pattern "blue BAR", and a green BAR pattern "green BAR". When a winning area "striking order bell 4" and a winning area "striking order bell 8" are won and multiple stop buttons are operated in a striking order 6, a first kind of a role for which a distribution is set to 9 pieces, is won, and when the multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the striking order 6 and when the right reel is stopped, the replay A pattern "RPA" and the replay B pattern "RPB" are stop displayed on an effective line, and a second kind of a role for which a distribution is set to one piece, can be won. When a winning area "specific small role 1" and a winning area "specific small role 2" are won, a third kind of a role for which a distribution is set to one piece, can be won.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, regarding a specific winning mode in which a plurality of winning combinations overlap, a configuration is known in which the ease of obtaining a gaming value changes due to a change in the winning combination that becomes winning when the gaming state transitions (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a gaming machine configured such that, like the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, for a specific winning mode in which a plurality of winning combinations overlap, the winning combination that becomes a winning combination by changing the gaming state is changed, the small winning combination with the first payout and the small winning combination with the second payout less than the first payout overlap and win, and in order to make the small winning combination with the second payout win preferentially over the small winning combination with the first payout, the number of symbol combinations that can be stopped and displayed on the effective lines for the small winning combination with the second payout is configured to be larger than that for the small winning combination with the first payout. In a gaming machine having such a configuration, if, although it is set as a winning small winning combination that can be selected in order to increase the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective lines, it is configured such that the small winning combination cannot win, there is a concern that, although the gaming machine has it as a small winning combination, it becomes a small winning combination that cannot win, and the result of the game is determined by the intention of someone other than the player, compromising the fairness of the game.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can comply with the fairness of the game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a plurality of reels, a plurality of stop buttons, internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery, and reel control means for controlling the rotation mode and stop mode of the reels, the plurality of reels include a specific reel, The plurality of stop buttons includes a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel, the targets of the internal lottery include a first winning mode and a second winning mode, the first winning mode includes a first type of winning combination, a second type of winning combination, and a third type of winning combination, the second winning mode includes the second type of winning combination and the third type of winning combination, the first type of winning combination is set to a payout larger than the number of game values required to start the game, the second type of winning combination is set to a payout less than the number of game values required to start the game, The role of the third category is set to a payout that is less than the number of game values required when starting the game, The symbol of the specific reel that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the second category is the first symbol, The symbol of the specific reel that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the third category is the second symbol, The reel control means stops the symbols within the drawing range corresponding to the position of the reel at the time when the stop button is pressed on the active line, In the specific reel, the second symbol is arranged within the drawing range of the first symbol, When winning the first winning mode and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in a specific operation mode, the role of the first category wins, When winning the first winning mode and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the specific operation mode, when the specific reel stops, the first symbol stops and is displayed on the active line, and it is possible to win the role of the second category, when the first winning mode is won, the third type of role does not win regardless of the operation mode in which the plurality of stop buttons are operated, Winning the second winning mode and when the specific stop button is operated at a timing when the second symbol reaches the effective line before the first symbol, It is possible to win the role of the third category, which is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can comply with the fairness of the game.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is a so-called rotary drum type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine that conducts a game using medals as gaming media.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment includes a reel unit 310 (see FIG. 2) composed of left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels in a box-shaped housing composed of a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. Further, a hopper unit 320 (see FIG. 2) as a medal payout device is housed below the reel unit 310 in the housing. Also, a control board that mounts a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc. and controls the operation of the slot machine 1 is housed in the housing of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment.

[0013] The left reels R1 to right reels R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have an outer peripheral surface partitioned into 20 regions (hereinafter, each region is referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 330 as a display means for performing an effect composed of various videos and images for assisting the game and enlivening the game. Further, in the display device 330, a specific region 330b facing the left reels R1 to right reels R3 in the display region 330a for displaying an image is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the rotation state and the stop state of the left reels R1 to right reels R3 can be observed through the display device 330. In the stopped state of the left reels R1 to right reels R3, among the plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reels R1 to right reels R3, three symbols (upper-stage symbol, middle-stage symbol, lower-stage symbol) arranged continuously on the outer peripheral surface can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 330.

[0015] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 330, upper, middle, and lower stages are provided for each reel, and an effective line L1 is set for the effective lines formed by combinations of the display positions of the reels. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, so-called specified insertion number (specified number), is set to 3 in any game state. When medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are inserted, the effective line L1 composed of the upper stage of the left reel R1, the middle stage of the middle reel R2, and the lower stage of the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] Then, the game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 (on the effective line). When the symbol combination on the effective line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined winning combination, medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320 as if the winning combination has won.

[0017] A game information display unit DS is provided on the front upper door UD. The game information display unit DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the credit number of medals, the payout number or the winning number of medals in one game, the total payout number or the total winning number of medals in the bonus state, the information of the winning combination selected in this game, and the information indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to the medal payout.

[0018] The 7-segment display of the game information display unit DS displays a notification display, which is a display corresponding to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning information, which is the information of the winning combination selected in this game, when the specified number of medals is inserted and the start lever SL is operated. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop after the notification display is displayed, the notification display ends and the medal payout number or the winning number is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, a notification display in which each segment of the game information display unit DS lights up and goes out in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination command is executed.

[0019] Also, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, a plurality of acoustic devices 340 for performing effects using sound are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from the acoustic devices 340.

[0020] The front lower door DD is provided with various operating means. As the operating means, as an insertion operation means for performing an operation of inserting medals (stored), there is a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals, and as a game start operation means for causing the player to execute a start operation that serves as an opportunity to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, there is a start lever SL. Also provided are stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that serves as an opportunity to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, and a pay - out button BS for settling the credited medals.

[0021] Also, at the lower part of the front lower door DD, a medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided, and the number of medals corresponding to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. Also, when the pay - out button BS is pressed while medals are stored in the gaming machine, a pay - out process is executed to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the credit number (the number of credited medals) from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is controlled by a game control means 10 as a control board. The game control means 10 receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change switch 250, and a reset switch 260 as a plurality of operation detection means, performs various calculations for executing a game, and based on the calculation results, controls the operations of output means such as an effect device 300, a reel unit 310, a hopper unit 320, and a game information display unit DS.

[0023] Further, the game control means 10 includes a setting change means 100, an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, an effect control means 180, a storage means 190, and an assist time control means (AT control means) 200. Each means constituting the game control means 10 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) for changing the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the storage means 190. The setting change means 100, in a state where the setting change switch 250 is in the ON state and setting change is permitted, each time it receives an input signal output from a reset switch 260 provided in the power supply device, variably changes the setting value in a cyclic order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output from the start switch 230 when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be initialized. The game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 200 executed before the setting change, it is also configured to be initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is restarted, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 200 executed before the power failure, it is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0026] During the input reception period in which the input reception means 105 receives the insertion of medals, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion port MI (see FIG. 1) and the medal insertion switch 210 is activated, the inserted medal is set to the inserted state. When the bet switch 220 for executing a bet operation in which the max bet button MB is pressed in the state where the medal is credited is activated, based on setting the credited medal to the inserted state with the specified number of insertions (3 medals) as the limit, a process of enabling the game start operation for the start lever SL is performed based on the fact that the medals corresponding to the specified number of insertions are set to the inserted state.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the specified number of insertions is accepted as the game start operation by the player. It serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute the internal lottery.

[0028] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In the first embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function as random numbers in essence because, although their generation itself is regular, their acquisition timing or the like is irregular.

[0029] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal output when a player executes a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 230 detects the start operation, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0030] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which internal lottery table among the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 is used for the internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, minor combination, and bonus, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0031] In the following description, "bonus" means a combination that activates a special device or a continuous special device activation device when winning. "The bonus is activated" means that the bonus wins and activates a special device or a continuous special device activation device. "The bonus state" means a state in which a special device or a continuous special device activation device is activated.

[0032] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, the random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not the combination has won based on the comparison result.

[0033] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlapping winning combinations are set to the established state. Note that in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry over the established state to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to the non-established state without carrying over the established state to subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. Also, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

[0034] Based on the start signal being output from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, the reel control means 130 starts the rotational drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and executes reel rotation control to control the rotation mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Also, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to the respective reels are pressed. Then, when a reel stop signal is output from the stop switch 240 that has detected a stop operation, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop the respective reels of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that has detected the stop operation.

[0035] In the following description, regarding the start of the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by the reel control means 130 and the player pressing the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first press is also described as the first stop operation, the second press as the second stop operation, and the third press as the third stop operation.

[0036] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 ms, which is a predetermined period, elapses from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed (the time when the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation). Here, when the rotating reel is stopped within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop positions of the rotating reels are configured to be rotatable up to a maximum of 4 frames from the time of pressing the stop button until the reels stop, based on the diameters and rotation speeds of the respective reels.

[0037] Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the effective line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to rotating 4 frames are within the range (drawing-in range) where the symbols can be drawn on the effective line L1.

[0038] The reel control means 130 performs, at the time of executing the reel stop control, a drawing-in process for stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the established state can be won as much as possible, and a kicking process for stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the non-established state cannot be won, and obtains the stop position of the rotating reel based on a preset priority order by a logic operation including these, and determines the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190, and stops the rotating reel to display the symbols on the effective line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by the reel stop control and displaying the symbols on the effective line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are selected in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the stop position candidates: a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control). However, when performing the number of medals priority control, if the same minor winning combination with the same payout is selected repeatedly, the priorities of the stop position candidates that can award each minor winning combination are treated as the same.

[0040] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the storage means 190, it is determined whether the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is in the form of a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination. And a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, replay, or minor winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as the "winning symbol combination".

[0041] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a minor winning combination wins, a process of determining the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150 is performed; when a replay wins, a process of causing the replay processing means 160 to execute without consuming medals in the next game is performed; and when a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, a process of causing the game state transition control means 170 to transition the game state is performed.

[0042] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor winning combination is achieved, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout preset for each winning combination, and control is performed to cause the hopper unit 320 as the payout device to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout number.

[0043] The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is provided with a payout medal detection switch 325 that operates each time one medal is paid out. The payout control means 150 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325. When medal credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means 190 to virtually pay out medals.

[0044] When the replay processing means 160 determines, based on the winning determination means 140, that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay winning combinations described below has stopped being displayed on the valid line L1, and the replay has won, a replay process (re - game process) is performed to set the state to a preparatory state where the game can be executed without requiring the insertion of medals for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert the specified number of medals without using the medals held by the player (including credit medals), and in a state where the same valid line L1 as the previous game is set, it waits for a start operation for the next start lever SL.

[0045] The game state transition control means 170 performs processing for transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states, and processing related to the activation and termination of the bonus. Here, for the transition conditions of each game state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predefined conditions, or the establishment of all of the plurality of predefined conditions, the game state can be transitioned to another game state.

[0046] The effect control means 180 performs control related to effects for the game, such as image and video effects using the display device 330 and sound effects using the audio device 340, based on the effect data stored in the effect control data storage means 196 of the storage means 190. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as inserting medals, pressing the max bet button MB, start lever SL, and stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, effects such as lighting or flashing of lamps and LEDs and output of sounds from the audio device 340 are executed to perform control for exciting the game and executing effects for assisting the game. Further, the effect control means 180 causes each component constituting the effect device 300 to execute effects based on each effect state.

[0047] The AT control means 200 performs control related to the transition between a favorable section (favorable period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including an auxiliary game for displaying, on the game information display section DS, a notification for assisting the winning of a specific combination, can be executed, and a normal section (non-favorable period, non-favorable section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to the instruction function) based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 197, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means for performing control related to the normal section, favorable section, and auxiliary game.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 197 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of effect states including the normal state and the AT state executed within the advantageous section.

[0049] The AT control means 200 sets the effect state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions within the advantageous section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable a specific winning combination selected by the game information display unit DS having a 7-segment display to win, thereby performing operation notification for assisting the winning of the specific winning combination. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 200 is executed, a navigation effect for displaying an index corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 330 by the effect control means 180 described later is executed. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation effect, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player.

[0050] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, which will be described later, is satisfied, the AT control means 200 executes a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set within the advantageous section and information related to the advantageous section.

[0051] In the game in which the advantageous section is started, each time one game is executed, the AT control means 200 adds the value "1", which is a value corresponding to one game, to the value (stored value) stored in the first advantageous section counter 197a, and executes a game number update process for incrementally updating the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a cumulatively. Further, the AT control means 200 executes a difference number update process for cumulatively recording the difference value (difference number of medals) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the number of medals inserted since the game in which the advantageous section was started in the second advantageous section counter 197b.

[0052] When the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is controlling in the advantageous section, regardless of the game state, every time one game is executed, a game number update process of cumulatively adding (updating) by a value "1", which is a value corresponding to one game, to the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a, and a difference number update process of cumulatively updating a value corresponding to the difference number of medals to the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b are executed.

[0053] Further, in the difference number update process for updating the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is subtracted due to the number of medals paid out in the game being less than the specified input number, and the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes less than the value "0", the result of the subtraction is also set in the second advantageous section counter 197b. In other words, the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the second advantageous section counter 197b.

[0054] When 4000 games are executed, that is, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a becomes the value "4000", the AT control means 200 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0055] Also, when more than 2400 medals are won in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 200 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is the negative value "-900" until it shifts to a production state where medals can be won, in the production state where medals can be won, a total of 3301 medals can be won, which is the sum of 900 medals until the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0056] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 200 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and values set in the advantageous section. Note that the AT control means 200 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) set in advance other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process even when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 200 in the first embodiment will be described later.

[0057] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in the first embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 13, details of each configuration included in the slot machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0058] <Winning area subject to internal lottery> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area.

[0059] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as a bonus, it has a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus is also referred to as "RBB") as a special effect continuous operation device related to the first type of special effect.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as winning areas for internal lottery, there are winning area "Replay A", winning area "Replay B", winning area "All small winning combinations", winning area "All single - card winning combinations", winning area "Batting order bell 1" to winning area "Batting order bell 8", winning area "Special small winning combination 1" to winning area "Special small winning combination 5", winning area "Rare winning combination 1" to winning area "Rare winning combination 5", winning area "Missed winning combination", winning area "RBB & single - card winning combination", winning area "RBB", and numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 25 are respectively associated with them. Also, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non - winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0061] Winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", winning areas "Special small winning combination 1" to "Special small winning combination 5", and winning area "RBB & single - card winning combination" are configured such that depending on the game state, small winning combinations corresponding to the batting order among the operation modes of stop buttons B1 to B3 can be won. In the following description, winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", winning areas "Special small winning combination 1" to "Special small winning combination 5", and winning area "RBB & single - card winning combination" are also collectively referred to as "batting - order small - winning - combination winning mode".

[0062] Here, "batting order" means the order in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. Also, in the following description, the timing when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as "operation timing".

[0063] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the batting order, which is the order of pressing the three stop buttons B1 to B3, is composed of six types of batting orders from batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order called normal pressing, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Batting order 2 is a batting order called scissors hitting, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Batting order 3 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order called reverse pressing, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0064] In the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, the winning or losing of each winning area is determined in the order from the winning area of the winning number with the largest number among the winning areas associated with the number of lottery values, towards the non-winning of winning number 0.

[0065] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as winning small roles that can be won in the internal lottery, there are small roles 1 to 33, and as replays that can be won in the internal lottery, there are replay 1 and replay 2. Each small role and each replay are associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3.

[0066] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as a role to which the carry-over possible flag is associated, there is an RBB, and small roles and replay are associated with the carry-over impossible flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when winning an area including the RBB in the internal lottery, the process of carrying over the establishment state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB wins is performed. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the success or failure of small roles and replay even in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of the RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of the RBB is carried over, when a small role or replay wins, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of roles including the lottery flag of the already winning RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay winning in the internal lottery are set to the established state.

[0067] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment stores, in the internal lottery table storage means 192, an internal lottery table A used in the non-RT state, an internal lottery table B used in the bonus established state, and an internal lottery table C used in the bonus state, as the internal lottery table used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C of the internal lottery table, the number of lottery values is associated with each winning area to be the subject of the lottery.

[0068] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of the first embodiment sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. When the result of the subtraction becomes a negative value, it is determined that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted number of lottery values has been won. Also, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value when all the lottery values stored in the internal lottery table have been subtracted, the internal lottery means 120 determines that it is a non-win in which none of the roles have won.

[0069] <Symbol Arrangement> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing each symbol arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, on the outer circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, there are arranged a red 7 symbol "Red 7", a white 7 symbol "White 7", a BAR symbol "BAR", a replay symbol "RP", a bell symbol "BL", a cherry A symbol "CHA", a cherry B symbol "CHB", a watermelon symbol "WM", a blank A symbol "BKA", and a blank B symbol "BKB". Also, on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, 20 frames of symbols are arranged respectively.

[0070] <Reel Control Means> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in any gaming state, the priority order for stopping on the effective line L1 in the reel stop control is determined in the order of "Replay > Small Winning > Bonus". That is, when a bonus and a small winning or a bonus and a replay overlap and win, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that gives priority to the small winning or the replay over the bonus to win.

[0071] Also, as described above, since the reel control means 130 is configured to be rotatable by up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the symbols arranged at intervals within 4 frames are configured to be able to stop and be displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0072] Specifically, for the watermelon symbol "WM", the bell symbol "BL", the replay symbol "RP" of the left reel R1, the bell symbol "BL", the replay symbol "RP" of the middle reel R2, the watermelon symbol "WM", the bell symbol "BL", the replay symbol "RP", and the cherry A symbol "CHA" of the right reel R3, if they can stop on the effective line L1, they are configured to be able to stop regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0073] In addition, the reel control means 130 can stop even if the symbols are not the same as long as they are arranged within an interval of 4 frames. For example, when it is possible to stop either the cherry A symbol "CHA" arranged at the stop numbers 1, 6, and 11 of the middle reel R2 or the cherry B symbol "CHB" arranged at the stop number 16 on the valid line L1, the cherry A symbol "CHA" or the cherry B symbol "CHB" is configured to be stoppable regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B1.

[0074] <Payout for small winning combinations> In the first embodiment, the payouts for small winning combinations 1 to 4 are set to the number of payouts (9) that is more than the specified number of inserted coins (3). Also, the payout for small winning combination 5 is set to the same number of payouts (3) as the specified number of inserted coins. Further, the payouts for small winning combinations 6 to 33 are set to the number of payouts (1) that is less than the specified number of inserted coins.

[0075] <Winning symbol combinations for small winning combinations> Figs. 5 to 7 are diagrams showing the winning symbol combinations for small winning combinations 1 to 33 and the payouts for small winning combinations 1 to 33.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 5, the symbols constituting the winning symbol combinations for small winning combinations 1 to 4, 10 to 23, and 33, which are set to a payout of 9, are arranged at intervals within 4 frames on each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Therefore, each of small winning combinations 1 to 4 is configured to be stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the reel stop control for enabling stop display on the valid line L1 is executed.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, for the winning symbol combination "WM-WM-WM" of the small combination 5, regarding the watermelon symbol "WM" on the middle reel R2, when the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when the symbols within the drawing range of the watermelon symbol "WM" from the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 3 to the watermelon symbol "WM" of the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 17 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, it becomes a winning combination. When it is at the timing when the symbols outside the drawing range of the watermelon symbol "WM" are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, it is configured such that the small combination 5 cannot be won.

[0078] Also, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the symbols constituting the winning symbol combinations of the small combinations 6 to 9 and the small combinations 24 to 32 are configured such that a miss may occur depending on the operation timing of the stop button corresponding to the reel in at least one of the symbols on the left reel R1 to the symbols on the right reel R3. Specifically, for example, for the small combination 6, regarding the red 7 symbol "red 7" or the BAR symbol "BAR" on the left reel R1 that constitutes the winning symbol combination "red 7 (BAR)-red 7 (BAR)-BL", when the stop button B1 is operated at the timing when the BAR symbol "BAR" at stop number 4 to the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 13 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, it is stopped and displayed on the effective line L1. Regarding the red 7 symbol "red 7" or the BAR symbol "BAR" on the middle reel R2, when the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when the BAR symbol "BAR" at stop number 2 to the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 11 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, it is stopped and displayed on the effective line L1. When the stop buttons B1 and B2 are operated at a timing when the red 7 symbol "red 7" or the BAR symbol "BAR" cannot be stopped and displayed on the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2, it is configured such that the small combination 6 cannot be won.

[0079] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 8(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 of the first embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and it is a non-bonus state in which the bonus is not activated and established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0081] The bonus established state is a game state that transitions when winning in either the winning area "RBB" or the winning area "RBB & 1 winning combination" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB is set to the established state. In the bonus established state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0082] The bonus state is a game state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB is activated. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the end condition of the activated RBB is satisfied according to the total number of medals paid out, and when more than a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 medals) are paid out, the bonus state is ended by ending the activation of the RBB, and the game state is transitioned to the non-RT state which is a non-bonus state. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0083] In the internal lottery table C, a random number is associated with the winning area "all small winning combinations" that wins all small winning combinations from small winning combination 1 to small winning combination 33, and the winning area "all 1 winning combination" that wins all small winning combinations in which the payouts of small winning combinations 6 to 33 are set to 1 medal.

[0084] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, during the operation of the RBB, the probability of winning in the winning area "all small winning combinations" or the winning area "all single-card winning combinations" is higher than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas including small winning combinations in the gaming state where the RBB is not operating. And when the RBB is operating, the probability of winning in the winning area "all small winning combinations" is set to the same probability as the sum of the probabilities of winning in any two of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" in the gaming state where the RBB is not operating.

[0085] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the gaming state where the RBB is operating, the winning probability of all small winning combinations increases compared to the gaming state where the RBB is not operating, and the probability of winning any small winning combination is also configured to be the same or increase.

[0086] Also, the slot machine 1 is configured such that during the operation of the RBB, the probability of winning in the winning area "all small winning combinations" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" (the winning probability obtained by summing the respective winning probabilities of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8").

[0087] With such a configuration, in the first embodiment, after lowering the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the state where the RBB is operating to less than 100%, the medal acquisition performance regarding the state where the RBB is not operating can be designed, so that the design freedom of the slot machine 1 can be significantly improved.

[0088] <AT control means> FIG. 8(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0089] As described above, the normal period is a period during which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 200 executes an advantageous period lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal period and start an advantageous period based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 in the game within the normal period.

[0090] In the advantageous period lottery, the AT control means 200 first acquires, from the AT control data storage means 197, an advantageous period transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous period" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers. Then, the AT control means 200 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the advantageous period transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the advantageous period based on the comparison result.

[0091] The AT control means 200 executes the advantageous period lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery by the winning probability of "start of advantageous period" in the advantageous period lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0092] The AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to execute the advantageous period lottery when winning in the winning areas "batter's bell 1" to "batter's bell 8", winning areas "special minor combination 1" to "special minor combination 5", winning areas "rare combination 1" to "rare combination 5", and winning area "replay A" in the internal lottery, and not to execute the advantageous period lottery when winning in other winning areas. Also, the AT control means 200 executes the advantageous period lottery with a high probability of about 1 / 1.5 of winning "start of advantageous period".

[0093] When the AT control means 200 wins the "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery, it refers to the game state at the start of the game that has won the "start of the advantageous section" and sets the production state. Specifically, when the game state at the time of execution of the advantageous section lottery is a non-RT state or a bonus state, the AT control means 200 sets the production state at the start of the advantageous section to the normal state, and when the game state at the time of execution of the advantageous section lottery is a bonus establishment state, the AT control means 200 sets the production state at the start of the advantageous section to the AT preparation state.

[0094] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the game state is a bonus establishment state, by winning the "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery, it is possible to shift to the AT preparation state where it is possible to shift to the AT state. Therefore, the probability of shifting to the AT state is higher than when the game state is a non-RT state and a bonus state.

[0095] In the advantageous section, the AT control means 200 has a normal state, a CZ state, an AT preparation state, and an AT state as states related to the instruction function (production state). In the normal state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance of minor roles 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8". In the CZ state, the AT preparation state, and the AT state, it is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance of minor roles 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8". Further, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the staying ratio of the advantageous section in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0096] In addition, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to control a plurality of modes including a first mode and a second mode in an advantageous section. The first mode is a mode corresponding to a normal mode set when it is not the second mode. The second mode is a mode set when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5", and when the minor roles 11 to 15 win. At the start of the second mode, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of game plays (for example, 5 games) is set in a second mode game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197, and each time the game is executed, the stored value of the second mode game number counter is decremented and updated by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game.

[0097] When the AT control means 200 is set to the second mode and wins in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5", it executes control processing related to an instruction function based on the internal lottery result executed when winning in the winning areas "Rare Role 1" to "Rare Role 5". Details of the control processing related to the instruction function based on the internal lottery result in each production state in the second mode will be described later.

[0098] In addition, in the first embodiment, when the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is first stopped in the first mode and the winning assistance is not being executed, the AT control means 200 is configured to cancel the execution of a predetermined control process related to the instruction function in the game. The predetermined control process includes, for example, a control process related to an instruction function based on the internal lottery result and an update of a normal game number counter (not shown) described later, and is a process that may be advantageous to the player when the control process is executed. Note that when the AT control means 200 is in the second mode, even when the winning assistance is not being executed, if it wins in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" and the stop button B3 is first stopped, it is configured to execute a control process related to an instruction function based on the internal lottery result.

[0099] The normal state is a performance state (normal performance state) corresponding to the normal state among multiple types of performance states, which is set when not transitioning to other performance states. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 200 executes an increment update to add a value "1" corresponding to 1 game to the memory value of a normal game count counter (not shown) that counts the number of games in the normal state each time a game is executed. When the memory value of the normal game count counter reaches the value "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) is satisfied and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0100] The AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the CZ state in a game that wins in a winning area that does not include the RBB in the internal lottery in the normal state. When in the first mode, the AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ lottery that makes it more likely to win the "transition to the CZ state" when winning in the winning areas "rare combination 1" to "rare combination 5" in the internal lottery than when winning in other winning areas, resulting in a higher probability of a favorable outcome for the player. Also, when in the second mode, the AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ lottery that makes it more likely to win the "transition to the CZ state" when winning in the winning areas "special minor combination 1" to "special minor combination 5" and the winning areas "rare combination 1" to "rare combination 5" in the internal lottery than when winning in other winning areas, resulting in a higher probability of a favorable outcome for the player. When winning the "transition to the CZ state" in the CZ lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0101] Also, when winning in the winning area "replay 2" in the internal lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a normal in-AT lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT state. When winning the "transition to the AT state", the AT control means 200 determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is satisfied and transitions from the normal state to the AT preparation state.

[0102] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control for determining whether to transition the production state to the AT state is executed as control related to the auxiliary game, and it is a production state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state. The AT control means 200 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the CZ state, and executes a decrement update that subtracts the stored value of the CZ game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time the game is executed.

[0103] The AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ in-AT lottery for lottery to determine whether to determine the transition to the AT state in each game in the CZ state. When winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ in-AT lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the production state from the CZ state to the AT preparation state after 10 games of the game have been executed since the start of the CZ state.

[0104] The AT control means 200 executes a CZ in-set number carry-over lottery for determining whether to add (carry over) the number of times to execute one set of the AT state for the AT state that is transitioned through the AT transition state from the CZ state in the game until the CZ state ends when winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ in-AT lottery.

[0105] On the other hand, when 10 games of the game are executed in the CZ state without winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ in-AT lottery, the AT control means 200 ends the CZ state and transitions the production state to the normal state.

[0106] The AT control means 200 is configured to execute the lottery related to the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state (the AT lottery during CZ and the lottery for increasing the set number during CZ) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. When in the first mode, for the lottery related to the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state, if the internal lottery wins in the winning areas "Rare combination 1" to "Rare combination 5", the probability of "losing (non-winning)" is lower than when winning in other winning areas, and it is configured so that the probability of a favorable result for the player (in the case of the AT lottery during CZ, the probability of transitioning to the AT state increases). Further, when in the second mode, for the lottery related to the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state, if the internal lottery wins in the winning areas "Special small combination 1" to "Special small combination 5" and the winning areas "Rare combination 1" to "Rare combination 5", the probability of "losing (non-winning)" is lower than when winning in other winning areas, and it is configured so that the probability of a favorable result for the player (in the case of the AT lottery during CZ, the probability of transitioning to the AT state increases).

[0107] The AT ready state is an effect state that can transition to the case where the transition to the AT state is determined in the normal state or the CZ state, and the case where the game state is the bonus establishment state and the "start of the advantageous section" is won in the advantageous section lottery. The AT control means 200 sets the value "30" as the initial value in the AT ready game number counter, which is a counter that counts the number of games in which the AT ready state continues, in the AT ready state, and executes a decrement update that subtracts by the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. Further, in the game in which the winning area "RBB & single combination" is won, when the winning symbol combination "RP - red 7 - CHA" of the small combination 32 is displayed on the valid line L1, since it is possible to stop and display the red 7 symbol "red 7" in the middle stage of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the bonus symbol suggestion effect, which is an effect that aims for the symbol combination of "red 7 - red 7 - red 7" in the middle stage of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is executed. When the small combination 32 wins, the AT ready state ends regardless of the stored value of the AT ready game number counter, and the effect state transitions to the AT state. Details of the bonus symbol suggestion effect will be described later.

[0108] When the AT control means 200 wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the AT preparation state before the bonus symbol suggestion performance is executed, it executes a winning assistance that notifies the correct batting order that enables winning of minor winning combinations 1 to 4. After the bonus symbol suggestion performance is executed and the minor winning combination 32 has not won, when the AT control means 200 wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery in the game where the AT preparation state continues, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance for minor winning combinations 1 to 4.

[0109] With such a configuration, when the bonus symbol suggestion performance is executed in the AT preparation state of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment and the winning of the minor winning combination 32 is avoided and the AT preparation state is intentionally continued, no winning assistance is executed when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", making it difficult to obtain medals, thus preventing the emergence of a strategy to avoid the winning of the minor winning combination 32 and the decline in the commercial value of the gaming machine.

[0110] Also, the slot machine 1 is configured to shift the production state from the AT preparation state to the AT state when 30 games of play are executed without the minor winning combination 32 winning in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation game count counter becomes the value "0".

[0111] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can shift from the AT preparation state to the AT state by executing 30 games of play as a predetermined number of game plays even when not winning in the winning area "RBB & 1-card combination", can start the AT state regardless of the skill of the player, and can prevent the decline in the commercial value of the gaming machine.

[0112] The AT state is a production state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state by executing the winning assistance for minor winning combinations 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8".

[0113] When the AT control means 200 starts the AT state, it sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games to the AT game count counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197, and each time a game is executed, it performs a decrement update that subtracts the stored value of the AT game count counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game.

[0114] When in the first mode, the AT control means 200 executes a bonus draw to determine whether to add a value determined by the draw to the stored value of the AT game count counter when winning in the winning areas "Rare Combination 1" to "Rare Combination 5" in the internal draw by the internal draw means 120, thereby determining whether to add (overlay) the period during which the AT state continues. When the value determined by the bonus draw is 1 or more, it is configured to execute an overlay process of adding the determined value to the AT game count counter. Also, when in the second mode, the AT control means 200 executes a bonus draw when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Combination 1" to "Special Minor Combination 5" and the winning areas "Rare Combination 1" to "Rare Combination 5" in the internal draw by the internal draw means 120, and when the value determined by the bonus draw is 1 or more, it is configured to execute an overlay process of adding the determined value to the AT game count counter.

[0115] When the stored value of the AT game count counter becomes the value "0" by the decrement update that the AT control means 200 executes each time a game in the AT state is executed, it determines that the end condition (AT end condition) of the AT state is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0116] Further, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a reaches the value "4000" in the AT state, and when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 200 also determines that the AT end condition is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process that ends the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0117] 3. Reel Stop Control in Each Game State Next, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the details of the reel stop control executed in each game state will be described.

[0118] <Game Results at the Time of Winning in the Winning Mode of the Batting Order Minor Role> FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the batting order minor role winning mode in the non-RT state.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8", the winning areas "special minor role 1" to "special minor role 5", and the winning area "RBB & 1-card role" in the non-RT state, the minor role 10 set for a single payout wins with a probability of 1 / 1 regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, and the minor roles 1 to 4, minor roles 11 to 16, minor roles 18 to 21, and minor role 32 set for nine payouts are configured to be non-winning.

[0120] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the batting order minor role winning mode in the bonus established state.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus winning state, the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable winning of the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 set for 9 payouts with a probability of 1 / 1 is set. Also, as shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus winning state and the stop button B1 is first stopped, the minor winning combination 10 set for 1 payout is configured to win with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0122] Further, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" to "Special Minor Winning Combination 5" in the bonus winning state and the stop button B1 or the stop button B2 is first stopped, the minor winning combinations 11 to 15 win with a probability of 1 / 1. When winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" to "Special Minor Winning Combination 5" in the bonus winning state and the stop button B3 is first stopped, the winning minor winning combination among the minor winning combinations 16, 18 to 21 wins with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0123] And, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "RBB & 1-Payout Combination" in the bonus winning state and the stop button B1 or the stop button B3 is first stopped, the minor winning combination 10 wins with a probability of 1 / 1. When winning in the winning area "RBB & 1-Payout Combination" in the bonus winning state and the stop button B2 is first stopped, the minor winning combination 32 wins with a probability of 1 / 4, and the minor winning combination 10 wins with a probability of 3 / 4.

[0124] <Reel Stop Control at the Time of Winning of Minor Winning Combination 10> Next, in the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment, the reel stop control executed by the reel control means 130 when the minor winning combination 10 is winnable will be described. As described above, the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 10 is composed of "BL-CHA(CHB)-RP(CHA)" (see Fig. 6). When the minor winning combination 10 overlaps and wins with the minor winning combinations 1 to 4, in order to be able to stop and display preferentially over the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 by the number priority control, the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning symbol combination are configured to include a plurality of symbols. Also, in order to avoid overlapping of the winning symbol combinations with the winning symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-red 7 (white 7, BAR, CHB)" of the minor winning combination 22 and the winning symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-WM(BKB)" of the minor winning combination 33, and to be winnable regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3, it is configured to include the replay symbol "RP" and the cherry A symbol "CHA".

[0125] As shown in Fig. 4, on the right reel R3, the replay symbols "RP" are arranged at stop numbers 3, 8, 13, and 18, and are arranged so as to be able to stop and display at the lower stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the effective line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3.

[0126] Here, in the slot machine 1, since the replay symbol "RP" can be stopped and displayed on the right reel R3 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3, if the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" in the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 10 is not configured to stop and display on the effective line L1, although the cherry A symbol "CHA" is defined as the symbol on the right reel R3 that makes up the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 10, the player may not be able to display the symbol, which may cause the result of the game to be determined by the intention of someone other than the player and may damage the fairness of the game.

[0127] Therefore, when the small winning combination 10 is winnable, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to stop and display the cherry A symbol "CHA" on the active line L1 prior to the replay symbol "RP" when the operation timing of the stop button B3 is a specific timing.

[0128] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation timing of the stop button B3 that enables the cherry A symbol "CHA" to be stopped and displayed at the lower stage of the right reel R3 constituting the active line L1 in a game where the small winning combination 10 is winnable.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 11, the reel control means 130 of the first embodiment is configured to stop and display the cherry A symbol "CHA" on the active line L1 prior to the replay symbol "RP" when the stop button B3 is operated at the timing when the symbols arranged at stop numbers 1, 2, 6, 7, 11, 12, 16, and 17 are rotationally displayed on the active line L1.

[0130] Here, the timing when the symbols are rotationally displayed on the active line L1 means, for example, when the symbols at stop numbers 1 and 2 are rotationally displayed on the active line L1, it is from the state where the upper half of the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 3 overlaps with the active line L1 to the state where the lower half of the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 1 overlaps with the active line L1. When the stop button B3 is operated, it is the timing from the timing when the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 3 cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 to the timing when the cherry A symbol "CHA" at stop number 1 can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1.

[0131] In this way, in a game where the small winning combination 10 can be won, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the cherry A symbol "CHA" reaches the lower stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the effective line L1 earlier than the replay symbol "RP", by preferentially stopping and displaying the cherry A symbol "CHA" on the effective line L1 over the replay symbol "RP", it is configured to be able to stop and display the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" among the winning symbol combinations of the small winning combination 10 on the effective line L1.

[0132] Also, in a game where the small winning combination 10 can be won, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the replay symbol "RP" reaches the lower stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the effective line L1 earlier than the cherry A symbol "CHA", by preferentially stopping and displaying the replay symbol "RP" on the effective line L1 over the cherry A symbol "CHA", it is configured to be able to stop and display the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-RP" among the winning symbol combinations of the small winning combination 10 on the effective line L1.

[0133] With such a configuration, for the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-RP(CHA)" of the small winning combination 10 in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, both the replay symbol "RP" arranged to be stoppably displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3 and the cherry A symbol "CHA" arranged within the draw range of the replay symbol "RP" can be stoppably displayed. Therefore, the symbols defined as the winning symbol combinations of the small winning combination 10 can be displayed by the player's operation, and the fairness of the game can be observed.

[0134] 4. Gameplay of the Slot Machine of the First Embodiment Next, the details of the gameplay of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0135] <Control by the AT Control Means> FIG. 12(A) is a flowchart showing control processing at the start of a favorable section, which is executed when winning the "start of the favorable section" in the favorable section lottery in the normal section. In the control processing at the start of the favorable section, first, the AT control means 200 determines whether the game state is a bonus established state (S1). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the game state controlled by the game state transition control means 170 is a bonus established state.

[0136] In the process of step S1, if it is determined that the game state is a non-RT state or a bonus state (NO), the AT control means 200 sets the effect state to the normal state (S2) and ends the control processing at the start of the favorable section. On the other hand, in the process of step S1, if it is determined that the game state is a bonus established state (YES), the AT control means 200 sets the effect state to the AT preparation state (S3) and ends the control processing at the start of the favorable section.

[0137] By executing the control processing at the start of the favorable section, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the game state is a bonus established state, by winning the "start of the favorable section" in the favorable section lottery, it is possible to shift to the AT preparation state where it is possible to shift to the AT state. Therefore, the probability of shifting to the AT state is higher than when the game state is a non-RT state and a bonus state.

[0138] FIG. 12(B) is a flowchart showing control processing executed by the AT control means 200 and the effect control means 180 when winning the winning areas "special minor winning combination 1" to "special minor winning combination 5" in the state controlled by the favorable section (when a special minor winning combination is won).

[0139] When winning the winning areas "special minor winning combination 1" to "special minor winning combination 5", the AT control means 200 first determines whether the game state is a bonus established state (S11). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the game state controlled by the game state transition control means 170 is a bonus established state.

[0140] In the process of step S11, if it is determined that the gaming state is a non-RT state (NO), since the AT control means 200 is controlled by the reel control means 130 so that the small winning combination 10 wins regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 (see FIG. 9), the control process in the case of winning the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" to "Special Small Winning Combination 5" is terminated without executing the processes after step S12.

[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined that the gaming state is a bonus established state (YES), the AT control means 200 determines whether it is the second mode (S12). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether it has won the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" to "Special Small Winning Combination 5" in the state where the second mode has been started, or whether it has won the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" to "Special Small Winning Combination 5" in the state of the first mode.

[0142] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that it is the second mode (YES), the effect control means 180 executes a right-push notification effect (S13). In this process, the effect control means 180 executes a right-push notification effect, which is an effect for notifying that the stop button B3 is operated for the first stop operation.

[0143] Next, the AT control means 200 executes a control process substantially the same as the control process related to the instruction function executed when winning the winning areas "Rare Winning Combination 1" to "Rare Winning Combination 5" as the control process related to the instruction function based on the internal lottery result (S14), and terminates the control process in the case of winning the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" to "Special Small Winning Combination 5".

[0144] As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" in the bonus established state and the stop button B3 is first stopped, the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 are configured to win. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Rare Role 1" to "Rare Role 5", the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 that win alone regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are configured to win.

[0145] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" and the stop button B3 is first stopped, in order for the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 that win when winning in the winning areas "Rare Role 1" to "Rare Role 5" to win, the game is set to the second mode and executed according to the right-push notification effect, so that the winning probability of the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 in which advantageous control processing for the player is executed in the winning game can be increased. Further, the AT control means 200 is configured to execute control processing related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player in substantially the same manner as when winning in the winning areas "Rare Role 1" to "Rare Role 5" in the second mode and when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5".

[0146] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can change the winning probability of the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 without changing the winning probability of each winning area including the minor roles by shifting from the first mode to the second mode, and can also execute control processing similar to the control processing related to the instruction function that is advantageous to the player in the game in which winning in the winning areas "Rare Role 1" to "Rare Role 5" and the minor roles 16, 18 to 21 win when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5". Therefore, by shifting to the second mode, a game property that is advantageous to the player can be realized, and the player's interest in the game can be improved.

[0147] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that it is in the first mode (NO), the AT control means 200 determines whether the stop button B1 has been subjected to the first stop operation (S15). As described above, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to cancel the execution of a predetermined control process related to the instruction function in the game when the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is subjected to the first stop operation in the first mode and the prize assistance is not being executed. Therefore, in the process of step S15, if the AT control means 200 determines that the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 has been subjected to the first stop operation (NO), it ends the control process when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" without executing the process of step S16.

[0148] On the other hand, in the process of step S15, if it is determined that the stop button B1 has been subjected to the first stop operation (YES), it sets to the second mode (S16) and ends the control process when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5". As shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" and the stop button B1 has been subjected to the first stop operation, it is configured such that the winning minor role among the minor roles 11 to 15 wins.

[0149] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in a game in which the minor roles 11 to 15 win, it is possible to realize the game property set in the second mode, and it is possible to suggest to the player that a favorable mode is set by the winning of the minor roles 11 to 15, and it is possible to improve the player's interest in the game.

[0150] <Game properties in each game state> As shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is a non-RT state and the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5", and the winning area "RBB & 1-card combination" are won, the minor role 10 wins regardless of the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is a non-RT state or a bonus state and the "Start of Advantageous Period" is won in the advantageous period lottery in the normal period, the production state is configured to be set to the normal state.

[0151] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is a non-RT state, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the minor roles 1 to 4 set to a payout of 9 medals, which is more than the specified number of inserted medals, do not win. Therefore, even when the AT state is entered, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the winning assistance by the AT control means 200 is not executed, and even if the advantageous period is started, the normal state is started instead of the AT standby state.

[0152] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is a bonus established state and the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the minor roles 1 to 4 can win when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, and the player can acquire medals. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is a bonus established state and the "Start of Advantageous Period" is won in the advantageous period lottery in the normal period, the production state is configured to be set to the AT standby state.

[0153] As described above, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has a higher probability of shifting to the AT state when the game state is the bonus establishment state than when the game state is the non-RT state or the bonus state, and small winning combinations 1 to 4, which are set to payoffs greater than the specified number of bets when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8", have a high probability of winning.

[0154] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 can suppress the expected value of medal acquisition when the game state is the non-RT state and increase the expected value of medal acquisition in the bonus establishment state, realizing a design that enhances the game playability in the bonus establishment state and improves the player's interest in the game.

[0155] Also, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that when the game state is the bonus establishment state and a win occurs in the winning areas "special winning combination 1" to "special winning combination 5", the stop button B1 is operated for the first stop and small winning combinations 11 to 15 win, thereby setting the second mode. In the slot machine 1, when the second mode is set, control processing related to the instruction function based on substantially the same internal lottery result as when winning in the winning areas "rare winning combination 1" to "rare winning combination 5" is executed when winning in the winning areas "special winning combination 1" to "special winning combination 5", and it is configured to have a higher probability of being advantageous to the player than when winning in other winning areas.

[0156] On the other hand, when the game state is the non-RT state and a win occurs in the winning areas "special winning combination 1" to "special winning combination 5", the slot machine 1 awards small winning combination 10 regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0157] In the slot machine 1, when shifting to the bonus established state, in each game, a minor winning combination or replay is configured to overlap and be won with the RBB. In the reel stop control by the reel control means 130, reel stop control is executed to enable winning of a minor winning combination or replay prior to the bonus. Further, in the slot machine 1, when winning a winning mode including a minor winning combination and being unable to win the minor winning combination, it is configured to result in a miss (non-winning), and when missing a minor winning combination, the RBB is configured not to win.

[0158] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" to "Special Minor Winning Combination 5" and the minor winning combination 10 wins, it is not set to the second mode and is not configured to be set to the second mode in the game.

[0159] In other words, the second mode can be granted when minor winning combinations 11 to 15 can win, and is not granted when minor winning combination 10 wins.

[0160] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", in the non-RT state where it is impossible to win minor winning combinations 1 to 4 with a payout set higher than the specified number of inserted coins, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" to "Special Minor Winning Combination 5", if minor winning combination 10 wins, minor winning combinations 11 to 15 will not win and the second mode will not be set. Even if the second mode is started in the non-RT state and the game shifts to the AT state, it is possible to suppress the situation where it becomes difficult for the player to obtain medals and the player feels a sense of loss.

[0161] In addition, when the slot machine 1 wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the stop button B1 is operated for the first stop, the minor winning combination 10 wins with a probability of 1 / 1, and since the game is not set to the second mode in this game, it is possible for the player to infer that when the minor winning combination 10 wins, it does not transition to an advantageous mode. Also, even when the game state is a bonus established state, in the game where the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the minor winning combination 10 can win, making it difficult for the player to infer the current game state and preventing the occurrence of a playability that is discriminated by the player and not intended by the designer.

[0162] In addition, when the slot machine 1 wins in the winning area "RBB & Single Winning Combination" and the stop button B1 is operated for the first stop, the minor winning combination 10 wins with a probability of 1 / 1, and since the game is not set to the second mode in this game, it is possible for the player to infer that when the minor winning combination 10 wins, it does not transition to an advantageous mode. Also, in the game where the winning area "RBB & Single Winning Combination" including RBB is won and the game state transitions to the bonus established state, it becomes difficult for the player to infer that the game state has changed in this game, preventing the occurrence of a playability that is discriminated by the player and not intended by the designer.

[0163] These winning areas, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", constitute the first winning pattern in the first embodiment. The winning areas, "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5", constitute the second winning pattern in the first embodiment. The winning area, "RBB & 1 Card Role", constitutes the third winning pattern in the first embodiment. Also, Minor Roles 1 to 4 constitute the first role in the first embodiment, Minor Role 10 constitutes the second role in the first embodiment, and Minor Roles 11 to 15 constitute the third role in the first embodiment. Further, when winning in the winning areas, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus established state, Minor Roles 1 to 4 can be made to win. When winning in the winning areas, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the non-RT state, Minor Roles 1 to 4 cannot be made to win. That is, the correct batting order that enables Minor Roles 1 to 4 to win when winning in the winning areas, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", constitutes the first operation mode in the first embodiment.

[0164] Also, the control process (steps S1, S3 in Fig. 12(A)) by the AT control means 200 that sets the AT preparation state based on winning "Start of Advantageous Section" in the winning assistance of Minor Roles 1 to 4 and the advantageous section lottery when winning in the winning areas, "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", constitutes the first privilege in the first embodiment. The setting of the second mode (steps S11, S12, S15, S16 in Fig. 12(B)) given when winning in the winning areas, "Special Minor Role 1" to "Special Minor Role 5" and Minor Roles 11 to 15 are winable, constitutes the second privilege in the first embodiment. The AT control means 200 constitutes the privilege control means in the first embodiment.

[0165] <Bonus Symbol Suggestion Performance in AT Preparation State> Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the performance mode that changes over time regarding the bonus symbol suggestion performance of Minor Role 32 executed when winning in the winning area, "RBB & 1 Card Role" in the AT preparation state.

[0166] FIG. 13(A) is a diagram showing a state in which an effect suggesting that the AT state is started if the AT start condition is satisfied in the AT preparation state is being executed; FIG. 13(B) is a diagram showing a state in which a bonus symbol suggestion effect for assisting the winning of the minor role 32 is started and an image for notifying the batting order that enables the minor role 32 to win is started to be displayed; FIG. 13(C) is a diagram showing a state in which the display of an image suggesting the operation timing of the first stop operation that enables the minor role 32 to win is completed and the winning assistance for the minor role 32 is completed.

[0167] In the slot machine 1, from the state shown in FIG. 13(A) to the state shown in FIG. 13(C), it is configured to be completed until about 10 frames (about 333.3 ms) elapse. To the player, an image for notifying the batting order that enables the minor role 32 to win and an image for suggesting the operation timing of the first stop operation that enables the minor role 32 to win are visually recognized as being displayed substantially simultaneously.

[0168] As shown in FIG. 13(A), in the slot machine 1, in the AT preparation state, in order to suggest that the AT state is being prepared, an AT preparation image 331a composed of the characters "AT!" is displayed at a position near the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the display area 330a of the display device 330.

[0169] As shown in FIG. 13(B), in the slot machine 1, among the batting orders that enable the minor role 32 to win, a first navigation image 332a suggesting the stop button for executing the first stop operation, a second navigation image 332b suggesting the stop button for executing the second stop operation, and a third navigation image 332c suggesting the stop button for executing the third stop operation are displayed. In the slot machine 1, since the minor role 32 is configured to be able to win in either the batting order 3 or the batting order 4, for the second navigation image 332b and the third navigation image 332c, it is configured to determine by lottery whether to display one of the images near the left reel R1 and the other image near the right reel R3.

[0170] The performance control means 180 executes an effect of changing the display mode by gradually enlarging the character "!" of the first guidance image 332a, the number "2" of the second guidance image 332b, and the number "3" of the third guidance image 332c from the size of the first display mode shown in FIG. 13(B) to the size of the second display mode shown in FIG. 13(C).

[0171] In the slot machine 1, at the time shown in FIG. 13(C), the display of the first guidance image 332a to the third guidance image 332c is completed, that is, the enlargement and change of the display of the first guidance image 332a to the third guidance image 332c are finished. After the display shown in FIG. 13(C), the display of the first guidance image 332a to the third guidance image 332c in the display device 330 does not change significantly (it remains in a minor video expression that does not affect visibility, such as the numbers not changing in size and the effects around the numbers circulating) until a stop operation by the player is executed.

[0172] In this way, in the slot machine 1, for the first guidance image 332a to the third guidance image 332c, the second display mode in the state where the display shown in FIG. 13(C) is completed has a larger size of the displayed image and higher visibility for the player than the first display mode in the state where the display shown in FIG. 13(B) is started and the displayed size is small.

[0173] As shown in FIG. 13(C), in the slot machine 1, after the display of the first guidance image 332a to the third guidance image 332c is completed, the red 7 guidance image 333 is displayed as an image suggesting the operation timing of the first stop operation to make the small winning combination 32 winnable. As shown in FIG. 13(C), in the slot machine 1, by displaying the red 7 guidance image 333 as an image suggesting the operation timing of the first stop operation to make the small winning combination 32 winnable, it is suggested that the operation timing of the first stop operation for the stop button B2 is the timing when the symbols of 5 out of 20 frames of the red 7 symbol "red 7" of stop number 7 to the cherry A symbol "CHA" of stop number 11 are rotated and displayed on the effective line L1.

[0174] The performance control means 180 executes an effect of changing the display mode by gradually reducing the display of the red 7 navigation image 333 from the size of the third display mode that is larger than the size shown in FIG. 13(C) and larger than the display area 330a to the size of the fourth display mode shown in FIG. 13(C). In a state where the display mode is changing, the red 7 navigation image 333 partially overlaps with the first to third navigation images 332a to 332c in terms of display.

[0175] In the slot machine 1, at the time shown in FIG. 13(C), the display of the red 7 navigation image 333 is completed, that is, the enlargement and change of the display of the red 7 navigation image 333 are finished. After the display shown in FIG. 13(C), the display of the red 7 navigation image 333 in the display device 330 does not change significantly (it remains in a minor video expression that does not affect visibility, such as not changing the size of the numbers and having the effects around the numbers circulate) until a stop operation by the player is executed.

[0176] In this way, in the slot machine 1, for the red 7 navigation image 333, the fourth display mode in the state where the display shown in FIG. 13(C) is completed and the image fits within the display area 330a is a display mode with higher visibility for the player because the entire image can be visually recognized, compared to the third display mode at the start of display with a size larger than the display area 330a of the display device 330.

[0177] Also, in the state shown in FIG. 13(C), the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment outputs a voice of "aiming at red 7" that suggests the operation timing of the stop button B2 where the first stop operation is performed from the sound device 340.

[0178] <Game playability in the <AT preparation state> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, a game along with prize assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, that is, when the game is executed in an operation mode in which a bonus symbol suggestion effect that assists the winning of the minor winning combination 32 is executed and the minor winning combination 32 is made to win, it is configured to be able to shift to the AT state within several games to several tens of games. Further, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout rate in the AT state when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is about 200%, and even in the AT preparation state, until the bonus symbol suggestion effect that assists the winning of the minor winning combination 32 is executed, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", prize assistance for the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 is executed, so that it is configured to have a payout rate similar to that in the AT state.

[0179] In a game in which the AT control means 200 wins in the winning area "RBB & Single Winning Combination" and the winning of the minor winning combination 32 is assisted, when the first stop operation is performed on the stop button at the batting order and operation timing along with the bonus symbol suggestion effect, and the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination of the minor winning combination 32 are stopped and displayed on the valid line L1, it is determined that the condition for starting the AT state (AT start condition) is satisfied, and the effect state is shifted from the AT preparation state to the AT state. On the other hand, in a game in which the AT control means 200 wins in the winning area "RBB & Single Winning Combination" and the winning of the minor winning combination 32 is assisted, when a game not following the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 suggested by the bonus symbol suggestion effect is executed and the minor winning combination 32 does not win, the AT preparation state is continued.

[0180] In other words, the gaming machine includes auxiliary game control means for performing control related to the auxiliary game, in the internal lottery, the winning or losing of a plurality of types of winning modes is determined, the plurality of types of winning modes include a specific winning mode, in the specific winning mode, overlapping winning of the fourth winning combination and the fifth winning combination is associated, in the specific winning mode, a predetermined operation mode is set as the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons that enable the fourth winning combination to win. The plurality of reels includes a specific reel, the plurality of stop buttons includes a specific stop button, the specific stop button corresponds to the specific reel, the predetermined operation mode is an operation mode of operating the plurality of stop buttons in a specific order and operating the specific stop button at a specific timing, when winning the specific winning mode, if the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an order different from the specific order, and if the plurality of stop buttons are operated in the specific order and the specific stop button is operated at a timing different from the specific timing, the fourth role does not win a prize, the auxiliary game control means can control, as states related to the auxiliary game, a first state and a second state, the second state is a state more advantageous than the first state, when winning the specific winning mode in a state where the bonus is established and in the first state, if the fourth role wins a prize, control related to the privilege based on the winning of the fourth role can be executed, if the fourth role does not win a prize, the first state is continued.

[0181] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the winning of the minor role 32 is assisted in the AT preparation state, a game is executed ignoring the notified operation mode, and even if the minor role 32 does not win a prize, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of exploitability by deliberately continuing the AT preparation state, which is not advantageous for the player compared to the AT state, and to prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the gaming machine. Also, since the AT preparation state can be continued even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode different from the erroneously notified operation mode, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the player's interest in the game.

[0182] Also, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment wins in the winning area "RBB & 1 - hand combination" in the AT ready state, and when the minor combination 32 does not win in a game where the bonus symbol suggestion effect is executed, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance for minor combinations 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8" in subsequent games in the AT ready state.

[0183] With such a configuration, when the bonus symbol suggestion effect is executed in the AT ready state of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment and the winning of the minor combination 32 is avoided and the AT ready state is intentionally continued, no winning assistance is executed when winning in the winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", making it difficult to obtain medals. Thus, it is possible to prevent the emergence of a strategy to avoid the winning of the minor combination 32 and the decline in the commercial value of the gaming machine.

[0184] 5. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, in the non - RT state where the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment cannot win minor combinations 1 to 4 set to a payout larger than the specified input number when winning in the winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", when winning in the winning areas "Special minor combination 1" to "Special minor combination 5", the minor combination 10 wins, so that the minor combinations 11 to 15 do not win and the second mode is not set. Even if the second mode is started in the non - RT state and the game transitions to the AT state, it is possible to suppress the situation where it becomes difficult for the player to obtain medals and gives the player a sense of loss.

[0185] In addition, when the slot machine 1 wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the stop button B1 is operated for the first stop, the minor winning combination 10 wins with a probability of 1 / 1. Since the game is not set to the second mode, the player can infer that when the minor winning combination 10 wins, it does not transition to an advantageous mode. Also, even when the game state is a bonus establishment state, the minor winning combination 10 can win in a game where the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won. This makes it difficult for the player to infer the current game state, and it is possible to prevent the game state from being discriminated by the player and the emergence of strategic play that is not intended by the designer.

[0186] [Second Embodiment] Next, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described. The slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that the positions of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that constitute the effective line L1, the configuration of the winning areas including the minor winning combinations that win in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the bonus establishment state, and the minor winning combinations that become winning when winning in the winning areas including the minor winning combinations are different. For other configurations, since they are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to the components common to the first embodiment and the description thereof is omitted.

[0187] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine In the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 330, upper, middle, and lower stages are provided for each reel. Regarding the effective lines formed by combinations of the display positions of each reel, the effective line L1 is set. In the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, so-called the specified insertion number (specified number), is set to 3 in any game state. When medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are inserted, the effective line L1 formed by the middle stages of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0188] 2. Configuration of the Gaming Machine in the Second Embodiment Next, the details of each component included in the slot machine 1 in the second embodiment will be described.

[0189] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment and the winning numbers associated with each winning area.

[0190] As shown in FIG. 14, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, as the winning areas subject to internal lottery, there are a winning area "Replay A", a winning area "Replay B", a winning area "All low hands", a winning area "All single - hand hands", a winning area "Batting order bell 1" to a winning area "Batting order bell 8", a winning area "Special low hand 1", a winning area "Special low hand 2", a winning area "Omitted winning hand", a winning area "RBB & single - hand hand", and a winning area "RBB", and the numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 17 are respectively associated with them. Also, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non - winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0191] The winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", the winning area "Special low hand 1", and the winning area "Special low hand 2" are configured such that, depending on the game state, a low hand corresponding to the batting order among the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 can be won. For example, when the game state is a bonus - established state, for the winning areas "Batting order bell 1" to "Batting order bell 8", the operation modes (correct batting orders) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable winning of a low hand set with a payout (9 hands) more than the specified number of inserted coins are set. Specifically, for the winning area "Batting order bell 1" and the winning area "Batting order bell 5", the correct batting order is set to batting order 3; for the winning area "Batting order bell 2" and the winning area "Batting order bell 6", the correct batting order is set to batting order 4; for the winning area "Batting order bell 3" and the winning area "Batting order bell 7", the correct batting order is set to batting order 5; and for the winning area "Batting order bell 4" and the winning area "Batting order bell 8", the correct batting order is set to batting order 6.

[0192] <Game results at the time of winning in the winning area including minor winning combinations in each gaming state> FIG. 15(A) is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4", "Batting Order Bell 8", "Special Minor Winning Combination 1", and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2" in the non-RT state.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 15(A), in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4", "Batting Order Bell 8", "Special Minor Winning Combination 1", and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2" in the non-RT state, regardless of the batting order of stop buttons B1 to B3, any one of the winning minor winning combinations among minor winning combinations 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 wins with a probability of 1 / 2, and there is a miss (non-winning) where none of the combinations win with a probability of 1 / 2. It is configured in this way.

[0194] FIG. 15(B) is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4", "Batting Order Bell 8", "Special Minor Winning Combination 1", and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2" in the bonus established state.

[0195] As shown in FIG. 15(B), in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus established state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 1 to 4, any of the winning minor roles among minor roles 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 wins with a probability of 1 / 2. If the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5, any of the winning minor roles among minor roles 17 and 18 wins with a probability of 1 / 2, and it is configured to miss (non-winning) with a probability of 1 / 2 that the minor role does not win. Also, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus established state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 6, minor role 19 is configured to win with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0196] Further, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 1 to 4, any of the winning minor roles among minor roles 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 wins with a probability of 1 / 2, and it is configured to miss (non-winning) with a probability of 1 / 2 that the minor role does not win.

[0197] In the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "Special Minor Role 1" in the bonus established state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, any of minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 wins with a probability of 1 / 5. When minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 do not win, any of minor roles 1, 7, 9, and 15 wins with a probability of 1 / 2, and it is configured to miss (non-winning) with a probability of 1 / 2 that the minor role does not win.

[0198] In addition, in the slot machine 1, when winning the winning area "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, any one of minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 wins with a probability of 1 / 10. When minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 do not win, any one of minor roles 3, 5, 11, and 13 wins with a probability of 1 / 2, and it is configured to miss (non-winning) with a probability of 1 / 2 when no minor role wins.

[0199] <Symbol arrangement> FIG. 16 is a diagram showing each symbol arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, on the outer circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, there are arranged a white 7 symbol "White 7", a red BAR symbol "Red BAR", a blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", a green BAR symbol "Green BAR", a replay A symbol "RPA", a replay B symbol "RPB", a bell symbol "BL", a cherry symbol "CH", a watermelon symbol "WM", and a blank symbol "BK". Also, on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, 20 frames of symbols are arranged respectively.

[0200] For the watermelon symbol "WM" and the bell symbol "BL" of the left reel R1, the watermelon symbol "WM" and the bell symbol "BL" of the middle reel R2, and the cherry symbol "CH" and the bell symbol "BL" of the right reel R3, the reel control means 130 is configured to be stoppable regardless of the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 as long as it can stop on the active line L1.

[0201] In addition, the reel control means 130 can stop even if the symbols are not the same as long as they are arranged within an interval of four frames. For example, when it is possible to stop either the replay A symbol "RPA" arranged at stop numbers 0 and 15 of the left reel R1 or the replay B symbol "RPB" arranged at stop numbers 5 and 10 on the valid line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B1, it is configured to be able to stop the replay A symbol "RPA" or the replay B symbol "RPB".

[0202] Also, as shown in FIG. 16, in the right reel R3, within the drawing range (symbols from stop number 3 to 12) of the replay A symbol "RPA" arranged at stop numbers 3 and 8, the white 7 symbol "white 7" arranged at stop number 6 and the red BAR symbol "red BAR" arranged at stop number 7 are arranged, and within the drawing range (symbols from stop number 0 to 2, 13 to 19) of the replay B symbol "RPB" arranged at stop numbers 13 and 18, the blue BAR symbol "blue BAR" arranged at stop number 16 and the green BAR symbol "green BAR" arranged at stop number 17 are arranged.

[0203] <Combination of winning symbols for minor prizes> FIGS. 17 and 18 are diagrams showing the combination of winning symbols for minor prizes 1 to 19 included in the winning areas "batter bell 4", "batter bell 8", "special minor prize 1", and "special minor prize 2", and the payouts for minor prizes 1 to 19.

[0204] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the symbols constituting the combination of winning symbols for minor prizes 1 to 16 set for one payout are such that the symbols on the left reel R1 are composed of the replay A symbol "RPA" or the replay B symbol "RPB", the symbols on the middle reel R2 are composed of a combination of the white 7 symbol "white 7" and the watermelon symbol "WM" or a combination of the green BAR symbol "green BAR" and the blank symbol "BK", and the symbols on the right reel R3 are composed of a combination of the replay A symbol "RPA", the replay B symbol "RPB", the white 7 symbol "white 7", and the red BAR symbol "red BAR" or a combination of the blue BAR symbol "blue BAR" and the green BAR symbol "green BAR".

[0205] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the winning symbol combination "BL-RPA (blue BAR)-WM (BK)" of the minor role 17 set for one payout and the winning symbol combination "BL-RPB (red BAR)-WM (BK)" of the minor role 18 set for one payout are composed of symbols that can win regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 and B3 for the symbols on the left reel R1 and the symbols on the right reel R3. The symbol on the middle reel R2 is within the drawing range consisting of 10 symbols out of 20 symbols and within the drawing range of the replay A symbol "RPA" or the blue BAR symbol "blue BAR", and the replay B symbol "RPB" or the red BAR symbol "red BAR". The drawing ranges are configured so as not to overlap with each other.

[0206] And, as shown in FIG. 18, the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination "RPA (RPB)-BL-WM (BK)" of the minor role 19 set for nine payouts are arranged at intervals within 4 symbols on each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Therefore, when the reel stop control for stopping and displaying on the effective line L1 is executed for the minor role 19, it is configured to be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0207] <Reel Stop Control Related to Winning of Minor Role in One Payout> Next, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, the reel stop control executed when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 4", "batter bell 8", "special minor role 1", and "special minor role 2" will be described. In the following description, the minor role 19 set for nine payouts, which is more than the specified number of insertions, is also described as the first type of role, and the minor roles 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 set for one payout, which are less than the specified number of insertions, are collectively described as the second type of role, and the minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 set for one payout, which are less than the specified number of insertions, are collectively described as the third type of role.

[0208] FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining symbols that can be stopped in the middle stage of the middle reel R2 constituting the effective line L1 according to the operation timing of the stop button B2 in a game in which a second type of winning combination wins in the winning areas of "Batting Order Bell 4", "Batting Order Bell 8", "Special Minor Winning Combination 1", and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2".

[0209] As shown in FIG. 19, when the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when symbols arranged at stop numbers 0, 1, 12 to 19 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 of the second embodiment stops and displays the blank symbol "BK" on the effective line L1, and when the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when symbols arranged at stop numbers 2 to 11 are rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, it is configured to stop and display the watermelon symbol "WM" on the effective line L1.

[0210] In other words, when a second type of winning combination wins at the time of winning in the winning areas of "Batting Order Bell 4", "Batting Order Bell 8", "Special Minor Winning Combination 1", and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2" shown in FIGS. 15(A) and 15(B), the reel control means 130 is configured to preferentially stop and display the blank symbol "BK" or the watermelon symbol "WM" on the effective line L1 over the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" arranged on the middle reel R2.

[0211] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining symbols that can be stopped in the middle stage of the middle reel R2 constituting the effective line L1 according to the operation timing of the stop button B2 in a game in which a third type of winning combination can win when winning in the winning areas of "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2".

[0212] As shown in FIG. 20, when the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when the symbols arranged at stop numbers 6 to 10, which are the drawing-in range of the white 7 symbol "White 7", are being rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 of the second embodiment stops and displays the white 7 symbol "White 7" on the effective line L1. When the stop button B2 is operated at the timing when the symbols arranged at stop numbers 0, 16 to 19, which are the drawing-in range of the green BAR symbol "Green BAR", are being rotationally displayed on the effective line L1, the reel control means 130 stops and displays the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" on the effective line L1.

[0213] Further, when the stop button B2 is operated at a timing when the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" cannot be stopped and displayed, the reel control means 130 stops and displays on the effective line L1 a symbol that can be stopped and displayed among the blank symbol "BK" and the watermelon symbol "WM".

[0214] In this way, in the reel stop control that enables winning of the second type of role, when the middle reel R2 is stopped, the reel control means 130 of the second embodiment preferentially stops and displays the blank symbol "BK" and the watermelon symbol "WM" on the effective line L1 over the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR". Also, in the reel stop control that enables winning of the third type of role, when the middle reel R2 is stopped, the reel control means 130 preferentially stops and displays the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" on the effective line L1 over the blank symbol "BK" and the watermelon symbol "WM".

[0215] FIG. 21(A) is a diagram for explaining the symbols that can be stopped at the middle stage of the right reel R3 constituting the effective line L1 according to the operation timing of the stop button B3 when winning in the winning area "Special Minor Role 1" in the bonus established state and the stop button B3 is first stopped.

[0216] As shown in FIG. 21(A), when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the stop numbers 6 and 7, at which the symbols are rotating and displayed, are reached at the middle stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the valid line L1 by the white 7 symbol "White 7" before the replay A symbol "RPA", the white 7 symbol "White 7" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 over the replay A symbol "RPA".

[0217] Further, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the stop numbers 16 and 17, at which the symbols are rotating and displayed, are reached at the middle stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the valid line L1 by the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" before the replay B symbol "RPB", the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 over the replay B symbol "RPB".

[0218] Then, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the stop numbers 0 to 5, 8 to 15, 18, and 19, at which the symbols are rotating and displayed, are reached at the middle stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the valid line L1 by the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB" before the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB" are preferentially stopped and displayed on the valid line L1 over the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR".

[0219] FIG. 21(B) is a diagram for explaining the symbols that can be stopped at the middle stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the valid line L1 according to the operation timing of the stop button B3 when winning in the winning area "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state and the stop button B3 is first stopped.

[0220] As shown in FIG. 21(B), when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the symbol of stop number 7, which is the timing when the red BAR symbol "red BAR" reaches the middle stage of the right reel R3 constituting the effective line L1 earlier than the replay A symbol "RPA", is being rotationally displayed, the red BAR symbol "red BAR" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 over the replay A symbol "RPA".

[0221] Also, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the symbol of stop number 17, which is the timing when the green BAR symbol "green BAR" reaches the middle stage of the right reel R3 constituting the effective line L1 earlier than the replay B symbol "RPB", is being rotationally displayed, the green BAR symbol "green BAR" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 over the replay B symbol "RPB".

[0222] Then, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the symbols of stop numbers 0 to 6, 8 to 16, 18, and 19, which are the timings when the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB" reach the middle stage of the right reel R3 constituting the effective line L1 earlier than the red BAR symbol "red BAR" and the green BAR symbol "green BAR", are being rotationally displayed, the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB" are preferentially stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 over the red BAR symbol "red BAR" and the green BAR symbol "green BAR".

[0223] <Relationship between winning of the first type of role to the third type of role and game playability> Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 1 to 4, for the right reel R3, the replay A symbol "RPA" or the replay B symbol "RPB" is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the right reel R3, and the second type of winning combination is configured to be winnable. Also, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2" and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 1 to 4, and when the stop button B3 is operated at timings when the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and green BAR symbol "Green BAR" are not stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the right reel R3 in batting orders 5 and 6, the second type of winning combination is configured to be winnable.

[0224] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, in either the game where winning occurs in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" or the game where winning occurs in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2", since the second type of winning combination is winnable, it becomes difficult for the player to guess which winning combination was won in the current game, and it is possible to prevent the result of the internal lottery from being discriminated by the player and the emergence of strategic play unintended by the designer.

[0225] Also, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Winning Combination 1" and "Special Minor Winning Combination 2", the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment executes reel stop control that enables the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" to be stopped in the middle stage of the middle reel R2, and when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", it is configured to execute reel stop control that disables the white 7 symbol "White 7" and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" from being stopped in the middle stage of the middle reel R2.

[0226] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, among the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination of the second type of combination, for the symbols on the middle reel R2, any of the watermelon symbol "WM", the white 7 symbol "White 7" arranged within the drawing range of the watermelon symbol "WM", the blank symbol "BK", and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" arranged within the drawing range of the blank symbol "BK" can be stopped and displayed. Therefore, the symbols defined as the winning symbol combination of the second type of combination can be displayed by the player's operation, and the fairness of the game can be observed.

[0227] Also, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", in addition to the first type of combination and the second type of combination, the third type of combination also wins repeatedly. However, regardless of the game state and the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the third type of combination is configured not to win.

[0228] And the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Combination 1" and "Special Minor Combination 2", and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, and the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the white 7 symbol "White 7", the red BAR symbol "Red BAR", the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" can be stopped and displayed in the middle section of the right reel R3, the third type of combination can win.

[0229] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment has a third type of combination that wins but does not win when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", and can win when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Combination 1" and "Special Minor Combination 2". Therefore, the third type of combination can be displayed by the player's operation, and the fairness of the game can be observed.

[0230] Also, as shown in Fig. 15(A), the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured such that when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" in the non-RT state, the minor winning combination 19 set for 9 pays does not win regardless of the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3. For the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 3" and "Batting Order Bell 5" to "Batting Order Bell 7" of the slot machine 1, when winning in the non-RT state, the minor winning combination set for 9 pays does not win, and when winning in the bonus established state, the minor winning combination set for 9 pays can win by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct batting order.

[0231] In other words, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment has a higher probability of winning the minor winning combination set for 9 pays, which is more than the specified number of insertions, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the bonus established state than in the non-RT state.

[0232] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 can suppress the expected value of medal acquisition in the non-RT state of the game state and realize a design that increases the expected value of medal acquisition in the bonus established state, enhancing the game performance in the bonus established state and improving the player's interest in the game.

[0233] The winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" constitute the first winning mode in the second embodiment, and the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" constitute the second winning mode in the second embodiment. Also, the right reel R3 constitutes the specific reel and the first reel in the second embodiment, and the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB", which are the symbols of the right reel R3 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 of the second type of role, constitute the first symbol in the second embodiment, and the white 7 symbol "White 7", the red BAR symbol "Red BAR", the blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR", which are the symbols of the right reel R3 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 of the third type of role, constitute the second symbol in the second embodiment. And the batting order 6, which is the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the minor role 19, which is the first type of role, to win when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", constitutes the specific operation mode in the second embodiment.

[0234] Also, the left reel R1 constitutes the second reel in the second embodiment, and the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB", which are the symbols of the left reel R1 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, constitute the third symbol in the second embodiment. The middle reel R2 constitutes the third reel in the second embodiment, and the white 7 symbol "White 7" among the symbols of the middle reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 1 to 8 and the green BAR symbol "Green BAR" among the symbols of the middle reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 9 to 16 constitute the fourth symbol in the second embodiment. The watermelon symbol "WM" among the symbols of the middle reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 1 to 8 and the blank symbol "BK" among the symbols of the middle reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combinations of the minor roles 9 to 16 constitute the fifth symbol in the second embodiment.

[0235] <Gameplay in the AT Ready State> The AT preparation state in the second embodiment can transition to two cases: when the transition to the AT state is determined in the normal state or the CZ state, and when the game state is the bonus establishment state and "start of the advantageous section" is won in the advantageous section lottery. It is an effect state that can transition to these two cases. The AT control means 200 sets the value "30" as the initial value in the AT preparation game count counter, which is a counter that counts the number of games in which the AT preparation state continues in the AT preparation state, and executes a decrement update that subtracts the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. Also, in the game in which the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" are won, since the white 7 symbol "White 7" can be stopped and displayed in the lower part of the left reel R1, the middle part of the middle reel R2, the upper part or the middle part of the right reel R3 when a third type of role wins, the AT control means 200 executes a bonus symbol suggestion effect, which is an effect that aims for the symbol combination of "White 7 - White 7 - White 7" in the lower part of the left reel R1, the middle part of the middle reel R2, and the upper part of the right reel R3. When a third type of role wins, regardless of the stored value in the AT preparation game count counter, the AT preparation state ends and the effect state transitions to the AT state. Details of the bonus symbol suggestion effect will be described later.

[0236] In the AT preparation state before the bonus symbol suggestion effect is executed, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, the AT control means 200 executes a winning assistance that notifies the correct batting order that enables winning of the minor roles set for the nine-payout. After the bonus symbol suggestion effect is executed and the minor roles set for the nine-payout do not win, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the game in which the AT preparation state continues, the AT control means 200 is configured not to execute the winning assistance for the minor roles set for the nine-payout.

[0237] With such a configuration, in the AT preparation state, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment executes a bonus symbol suggestion effect. When the winning of small winning combinations set for 9 payouts is avoided and the AT preparation state is intentionally continued, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", no winning assistance is executed, making it difficult to obtain medals. This can prevent the emergence of a strategy to avoid winning small winning combinations set for 9 payouts and the deterioration of the commercial value of the gaming machine.

[0238] Also, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when 30 games of play are executed without a small winning combination set for 9 payouts winning in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation game number counter becomes the value "0", the effect state is shifted from the AT preparation state to the AT state.

[0239] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment can shift from the AT preparation state to the AT state by executing 30 games of play as a predetermined number of games even when not winning in the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" and "Special Small Winning Combination 2" in the AT preparation state. It can start the AT state regardless of the player's skill level and prevent the deterioration of the commercial value of the gaming machine.

[0240] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the effect mode in the bonus symbol suggestion effect that assists in winning of the third type of winning combination executed when winning in the winning areas "Special Small Winning Combination 1" and "Special Small Winning Combination 2" in the AT preparation state.

[0241] As shown in FIG. 22, since the production control means 180 enables a third type of role to be won when the batting order is batting order 5 or batting order 6 and is the batting order for the first stop operation of the stop button B3, it suggests that it is batting order 6 and also displays an operation suggestion image 335a that suggests the position aiming for the stop of the white 7 symbol "White 7" and a white 7 navigation image 335b as an image that suggests the operation timing of the first stop operation to enable a third type of role to be won. As shown in FIG. 22, unlike an image that notifies the batting order to be operated by numbers, the operation suggestion image 335a is an image that only suggests the batting order and the stop position by an arrow.

[0242] Further, by displaying the white 7 navigation image 335b, the production control means 180 suggests that the operation timing of the first stop operation for the stop button B3 is the timing when the white 7 symbol "White 7" of stop number 6 is rotationally displayed on the effective line L1. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 22, the production control means 180 of the second embodiment outputs a voice of "aiming" from the audio device 340 to suggest that it is batting order 6.

[0243] <Game playability when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2"> As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 and batting order 6, a third type of role becomes winning possible.

[0244] As shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, in the slot machine 1, when a winning combination of the third type is achieved, the replay B symbol "RPB" arranged at stop number 5 in the middle row of the left reel R1 stops and is displayed, causing the white 7 symbol "white 7" to stop and be displayed in the lower row of the left reel R1. When the replay A symbol "RPA" arranged at stop number 15 in the middle row of the left reel R1 stops and is displayed, the green BAR symbol "green BAR" stops and is displayed. Also, in the slot machine 1, when a winning combination of the third type is achieved, the white 7 symbol "white 7" or the green BAR symbol "green BAR" that constitutes the winning symbol combination can stop and be displayed in the middle row of the middle reel R2. And in the slot machine 1, when a winning combination of the third type is achieved, when the red BAR symbol "red BAR" stops and is displayed in the middle row of the right reel R3, the white 7 symbol "white 7" stops and is displayed in the upper row of the right reel R3. When the green BAR symbol "green BAR" stops and is displayed in the middle row of the right reel R3, the blue BAR symbol "blue BAR" stops and is displayed in the upper row of the right reel R3.

[0245] Also, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, in the AT preparation state which is controlled when it is determined that a predetermined privilege of shifting to the AT state, which is a production state advantageous to the player, is given, when winning in the winning area "special minor winning combination 1" and the winning area "special minor winning combination 2", a bonus symbol suggestion production is executed and it is suggested to operate the stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting orders 5 and 6. In a state where it is not determined that a predetermined privilege is given, the bonus symbol suggestion production is not executed.

[0246] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment can give the player an expectation for the privilege before the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the game by executing the bonus symbol suggestion production in the game where a winning combination of the third type is achievable, and can improve the player's interest in the game by giving a privilege along with the winning of the winning combination of the third type and meeting the player's expectation.

[0247] Also, as described above, when the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment wins in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the non-RT state, regardless of the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the third type of role does not win. When winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state, the third type of role can win when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6.

[0248] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", it cannot win a minor role set with a payout more than the specified number of insertions. When winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the non-RT state, when the second type of role wins, the third type of role that triggers the start of the AT state by winning when in the AT preparation state does not win, and the AT state starts in the non-RT state, making it difficult for the player to obtain medals, and it is possible to suppress giving the player a sense of loss.

[0249] 3. Summary of the Second Embodiment As described above, for the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, the third type of role that wins but does not win when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8" can win when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2". Therefore, the third type of role can be displayed by the player's operation, and the fairness of the game can be observed.

[0250] [Other Embodiments] Note that in the first and second embodiments, although the AT control means 200 is configured to set the effect state to the AT preparation state when the game state in the game in which "start of advantageous section" is selected in the advantageous section extraction is the bonus establishment state, it is not limited thereto. The AT control means 200 may be configured to determine, by lottery, which of the normal state, the CZ state, and the AT preparation state is to be set as the effect state to be set at the start of the advantageous section when the game state in the game in which "start of advantageous section" is selected in the advantageous section extraction is the bonus establishment state.

[0251] Also, in the first embodiment, although the AT control means 200 is configured to set to the second mode when winning in the winning areas "special minor winning combination 1" to "special minor winning combination 5" in the bonus establishment state and the minor winning combinations 11 to 15 win, it is not limited thereto. The AT control means 200 may be configured to determine, by lottery, whether or not to set the second mode when winning in the winning areas "special minor winning combination 1" to "special minor winning combination 5" in the bonus establishment state and the minor winning combinations 11 to 15 win.

[0252] Also, in the first embodiment, in a game in which the small combination 10 can be won, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the cherry A symbol "CHA" reaches the lower stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the effective line L1 before the replay symbol "RP", the cherry A symbol "CHA" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 over the replay symbol "RP", so that the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" among the winning symbol combinations of the small combination 10 can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when winning in the winning area "all single-symbol combinations" in the bonus state, the reel control means 130 may be configured to be able to stop and display the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" among the winning symbol combinations of the small combination 10 on the effective line L1. Also, for example, when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, the reel control means 130 may be configured to be able to stop and display the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" among the winning symbol combinations of the small combination 10 on the effective line L1. Further, when winning in the winning area "RBB&single-symbol combination" in the internal lottery in the bonus established state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated at batting order 5 and batting order 6, the reel control means 130 may be configured to be able to stop and display the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-CHA" among the winning symbol combinations of the small combination 10 on the effective line L1.

[0253] Also, in a game in which the small combination 10 can be won, when the timing at which the stop button B3 is operated is the timing at which the replay symbol "RP" reaches the lower stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the effective line L1 before the cherry A symbol "CHA", the replay symbol "RP" is preferentially stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 over the cherry A symbol "CHA", so that the symbol combination "BL-CHA(CHB)-RP" among the winning symbol combinations of the small combination 10 can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1.

[0254] Also, in the first embodiment, for the minor winning combination 10, the winning symbol combination is composed of symbols that can be won regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that for the minor winning combination 10, the winning symbol combination is composed of symbols that can be won when the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is appropriate, and in the case where the minor winning combination 10 can be won, a miss (non-winning) may occur where the minor winning combination 10 does not win depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0255] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has a non-RT state as the first game state and a bonus established state as the second game state, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured to have, for example, an RBB that wins a shift combination and activates an RB (regular bonus) as a first special winning combination when the winning shift combination wins, an RBB operation in-progress general state as the first game state where the RBB is activated and the RB has not been won and activated, and an RBB operation in-progress RB established state as the second game state where the RBB is activated, the RB has been won, and the RB has not been activated.

[0256] Also, in the second embodiment, when the reel control means 130 wins in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, as the operation timing of the stop button B3, when the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", or green BAR symbol "Green BAR" reaches the middle stage of the right reel R3 that constitutes the valid line L1 before the replay A symbol "RPA" or replay B symbol "RPB", it is configured to stop and display the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and green BAR symbol "Green BAR" preferentially over the replay A symbol "RPA" or replay B symbol "RPB", but it is not limited to this. The reel control means 130 is, for example, when winning in the winning areas "Special Minor Role 1" and "Special Minor Role 2" in the bonus established state, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 5 and 6, if the operation timing of the stop button B3 is the timing when the symbols within the drawing-in range of the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and green BAR symbol "Green BAR" are rotationally displayed on the valid line L1, it may be configured to stop and display the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and green BAR symbol "Green BAR" preferentially over the replay A symbol "RPA" or replay B symbol "RPB".

[0257] When configured in this way, the reel control means 130 determines that the operation timing of the stop button B3 is such that the symbols outside the drawing-in range of the white 7 symbol "White 7", red BAR symbol "Red BAR", blue BAR symbol "Blue BAR", and green BAR symbol "Green BAR" are rotating and displayed on the effective line L1. Specifically, when the cherry symbol "CH" at stop number 2 is rotating and displayed on the effective line L1, if the stop button B3 is operated at this operation timing, the symbol that can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 is the replay B symbol "RPB" at stop number 18. Therefore, the replay B symbol "RPB" is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the right reel R3. When the cherry symbol "CH" at stop number 12 is rotating and displayed on the effective line L1, if the stop button B3 is operated at this operation timing, the symbol that can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 is the replay A symbol "RPA" at stop number 8. Therefore, the replay A symbol "RPA" is stopped and displayed in the middle stage of the right reel R3.

[0258] Also, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5, which wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", and the first stop operation is common to the correct batting order but different from the correct batting order, a symbol different from the replay A symbol "RPA" and the replay B symbol "RPB" is stopped and displayed on the right reel R3, but it is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order after winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 8", a first type of winning combination with 9 payouts set to be winnable is formed, and the symbols on the right reel R3 of the second type of winning combination are composed of a common first symbol. When the first stop operation is performed on the stop button B3, the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the effective line L1, and by making the first type of winning combination and the second type of winning combination winnable, the second type of winning combination is made to win when operated in batting order 5, and the first type of winning combination is made to win when operated in batting order 6.

[0259] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether it is an advantageous section, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is an advantageous section when the expected value of obtaining medals becomes 1 or more by assisting the winning of small winning combinations.

[0260] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels, and stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3 corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a plurality of stop buttons, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0261] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a prescribed number of medals, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the max bet button MB, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one medal.

[0262] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to insert and pay out medals as game values, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be provided outside the slot machine 1, and based on an input signal output from a game value management device (dedicated unit) having a configuration capable of recording the total number of game values that can be used by the player for the game by an electromagnetic method, set the game value to an input state, and when paying out the game value, output a payout signal to the game value management device, and the game value management device may be configured to record the game value corresponding to the payout signal on a predetermined recording medium by an electromagnetic method. That is, the slot machine 1 may be configured as a so-called medal-less gaming machine.

[0263] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a credit number display means for displaying the number of credits corresponding to the amount of money input by the player into the game value management device, for example. Also, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to credit game values corresponding to a maximum of 16,368 medals. When game values exceeding 16,368 medals are credited, the game control means is set to an error state, and the game values are paid out by a method of being recorded on a predetermined recording medium by an electromagnetic method via the game value management device, and the game is made unplayable (a state where the game value is not set to the input state and the start operation to the start lever SL is not enabled) until the number of credits becomes 16,368 or less.

[0264] Also, when configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured not to set an upper limit on the number of playable game times in the advantageous section, and regarding the specific end condition of the advantageous section, only the upper limit of the difference in the number of medals may be set.

[0265] Also, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to set a value as an initial value in the stored values of each counter and storage means, and execute a decrement update that subtracts 1 each time a game is executed, or an increment update that adds 1 each time a game is executed. However, it is not limited to this, and the update method of each counter and storage means may be configured to execute multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

Explanation of Signs

[0266] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 120 Internal lottery means 130 Reel control means B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 Middle reel R3 Right reel

Claims

【Claim 1】 A plurality of reels, a plurality of stop buttons, internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery, reel control means for controlling the rotation mode and stop mode of the reels, and comprising: the plurality of reels includes a specific reel, the plurality of stop buttons includes a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel, the targets of the internal lottery include a first winning mode and a second winning mode, the first winning mode includes a first type of role, a second type of role, and a third type of role, the second winning mode includes the second type of role and the third type of role, the first type of role is set to a payout that is more than the number of game values required to start the game, the second type of role is set to a payout that is less than the number of game values required to start the game, the third type of role is set to a payout that is less than the number of game values required to start the game, the symbol of the specific reel constituting the winning symbol combination of the second type of role is the first symbol, the symbol of the specific reel constituting the winning symbol combination of the third type of role is the second symbol, the reel control means stops the symbols within the drawing range corresponding to the position of the reel at the time when the stop button is pressed on the active line, the second symbol is arranged within the drawing range of the first symbol on the specific reel, when winning the first winning mode and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in a specific operation mode, the first type of role wins, when winning the first winning mode and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the specific operation mode, when the specific reel stops, the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the active line, and the second type of role can win, when winning the first winning mode, regardless of the operation mode in which the plurality of stop buttons are operated, the third type of role does not win, when winning the second winning mode and the specific stop button is operated at a timing when the second symbol reaches the active line before the first symbol, the third type of role can win, A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images