Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing increase in types of small winning combinations.SOLUTION: A token acquisition expected value is higher in playing a game in an irregular shooting order where a second reel or a third reel is stopped first than in a recommended shooting order where a first reel is stopped first. Winning modes of a small winning combination comprises a shooting order bell D1 where the token acquisition expected value in the recommended shooting order is higher than a one-token small winning combination 1 and the one-token small winning combination 1 capable of winning while overlapping with a big bonus. A one-token small winning combination capable of winning in irregular orders (shooting orders 3 to 6) is made common between the shooting order bell D1 and the one-token small winning combination 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 25

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 have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to obtain such gaming media. Also, in this type of gaming machine, when a player inserts gaming media into a predetermined insertion slot and a specified number of gaming media are bet, a game start operation becomes possible. Triggered by the player's rotation start operation, an internal lottery is conducted and the rotation of a plurality of reels is started. Triggered by the player's stop operation, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the effective 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 recent years, gaming machines that conduct assist time games capable of executing a winning assist effect for assisting the winning of a combination in a bonus establishment state that transitions due to the winning of a bonus have received favorable reviews (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] In this type of gaming machine, by overlapping the winning of a bonus with a minor combination, it is sometimes attempted to increase the expected value of the payout rate by preventing a loss (non-winning) from occurring in the bonus establishment state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a gaming machine with the above specifications, since the types of winning modes of minor winning combinations tend to increase, it is desired to suppress the increase in the types of minor winning combinations.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing an increase in the types of minor winning combinations.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] (1) The present invention includes a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface, internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a plurality of types of winning combinations including a bonus and minor winning combinations, and reel control means for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels and performing control to stop the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon a stop operation. In a first case where a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first and a second case where a reel different from the specific reel is stopped first, in a gaming machine where the expected value of obtaining a gaming value is higher in the second case than in the first case while the bonus is not in operation, as the winning modes of the minor winning combinations, a first winning mode and a second winning mode in which a specific minor winning combination commonly wins are provided. In the first winning mode, the expected value of obtaining a gaming value in the first case is higher than that in the second winning mode. In the second winning mode, there is a case where it wins overlappingly with the bonus in the internal lottery. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which the reel control means can execute stop control so that the specific minor winning combination can win in the second case when either the first winning mode or the second winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery.

[0009] In the present invention, as winning modes of minor winning combinations, there are a second winning mode that can win overlapping with a bonus in an internal lottery, and a first winning mode in which the expected value of obtaining a game value when a specific reel is stopped first (the first case) is higher than that of the second winning mode. And in the present invention, when a reel different from the specific reel is stopped first in the first winning mode and the second winning mode (the second case), since the specific minor winning combinations that can be won are common, an increase in the types of minor winning combinations can be suppressed.

[0010] (2) In the gaming machine of the present invention, during non - activation of the bonus, the internal lottery means conducts an internal lottery such that there are a plurality of specific winning modes in which a plurality of types of correct minor winning combinations win without overlapping with each other. During activation of the bonus, there is another winning mode in which the correct minor winning combinations win overlappingly, and the internal lottery is conducted such that the probability of obtaining the other winning mode is lower than the probability of obtaining any one of the plurality of specific winning modes during non - activation of the bonus. The first winning mode may be included in the plurality of specific winning modes.

[0011] In this way, during activation of the bonus, the opportunity to win the correct minor winning combination can be reduced compared to during non - activation of the bonus, so that the expected value of obtaining a game value can be lowered.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0012]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0014] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The gaming machine of the present embodiment is a so-called slot machine or rotary drum gaming machine, and is a type of gaming machine that plays a game using medals as gaming media (gaming values).

[0016] The gaming machine of this embodiment includes a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine main body), an upper front door UD (an example of the front door), and a lower front door DD (an example of the front door). A reel unit 310 composed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 (a plurality of reels) is housed in a box-shaped housing. Further, below the reel unit 310 in the housing, a power unit incorporating a power supply device and provided with various switches such as a power switch and a reset switch, and a hopper unit 320 as a medal payout device are housed. Also, in the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, a control board equipped with a CPU (an example of an arithmetic means), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc., for controlling the operation of the gaming machine is housed. In this embodiment, a plurality of types of electronic circuit boards including a main board for controlling the progress of the game as the control board and a sub-board for receiving signals transmitted from the main board and performing control for executing a game effect according to the progress of the game are provided.

[0017] The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have their outer peripheral surfaces partitioned into 20 regions (each region is referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and any of a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each frame. Also, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown), and are each rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and the pulse width of the drive pulses of the stepping motor, etc., they are provided so as to be stoppable in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units). That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are rotationally driven in response to the drive pulses supplied from the control board to the stepping motor. When drive pulses for full-phase excitation are supplied from the control board, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop as the rotation of the stepping motor stops.

[0018] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD that closably block the front of the storage box BX (an example of the front surface) are provided so as to be individually openable and closable, and a display window DW is provided in the upper front door UD to enable observation of the rotational states and stop states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. In the stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, among the plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel 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 gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0019] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, upper, middle, and lower stages are provided for each reel as display positions for observing symbols through the display window DW, and valid lines are set according to combinations of the display positions of the reels. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, so-called the specified insertion number, is set to 3. When medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are inserted (bet), the valid line L1 composed of the upper stage of the first reel R1, the middle stage of the second reel R2, and the lower stage of the third reel R3 is activated.

[0020] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the valid line in the display window DW. When the symbol combination on the valid line is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined winning combination, medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320 as if that winning combination has won.

[0021] In addition, a game information display unit DS is provided on the upper front door UD. The game information display unit DS is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and various game information such as the credit number of medals, the payout number or winning number of medals in one game (the difference between the payout number and the insertion number of medals), the total payout number or total winning number of medals in the bonus game is displayed.

[0022] In addition, on the upper front door UD, a liquid crystal display LCD and a pedestal frame lamp AL for performing game effects are provided. On this liquid crystal display LCD, various videos (or images) for assisting the game or livening up the game are displayed, and in the pedestal frame lamp AL, lighting operations and blinking operations for livening up the game are performed.

[0023] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of speakers (not shown) for performing game effects are provided for the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD. From these speakers, various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output.

[0024] In addition, various operating means are provided on the lower front door DD. As the operating means, a bet button (insertion operating means, gaming operating means) B0 for performing an operation of inserting medals credited (internally stored), a start lever (game start operating means, gaming operating means) SL for performing an operation that triggers the start of the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, stop buttons (stop operating means, gaming operating means) B1 to B3 for performing an operation that triggers the stopping of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a settlement button (predetermined operating means, settlement operating means, gaming operating means) B4 for performing an operation of settling the medals credited (internally stored), an effect button (effect operating means) B5 for performing an operation that triggers a change in the effects performed by the gaming machine, a menu button (first effect operating means) B6 for performing an operation of starting or ending the display of the menu screen (operation related to the transition between the display of the game screen and the display of the menu screen), and a cross key (second effect operating means) B7 for performing an operation of changing the settings of the effects performed by the gaming machine (predetermined change operation), an operation of checking the game history, or an operation of changing the settings of the volume or light amount (predetermined change operation), etc. are provided. The cross key B7 is composed of an up button B7A, a down button B7B, a left button B7C, and a right button B7D.

[0025] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a player inserts medals into the medal insertion port MI or performs an operation of pressing the bet button B0, the gaming machine is set to a ready state in which the rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and the pressing operation of the start lever is permitted (enabled). Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving a stepping motor, and an internal lottery using a random value is performed. The pressing operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (enabled) on the condition that the rotation speeds of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have increased to a predetermined speed.

[0026] Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at an arbitrary timing, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, photo sensors, conduction sensors, pressure sensors, etc.) built in each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an on-operation, and change the reel stop signal input to the control board from an off state to an on state.

[0027] Also, when the player releases the stop buttons B1 to B3 in a pressed state at an arbitrary timing, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 perform an off-operation, and change the reel stop signal input to the control board from an on state to an off state.

[0028] Then, based on the change of the reel stop signal whose signal state changes from an off state to an on state according to the pressing timing and release timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the control board stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery.

[0029] Also, at the lower part of the lower front door DD, a medal payout opening 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 opening MO to the medal tray MP. When medals are paid out according to the result of the game, if medal credit (internal storage) is permitted, a part or all of the payout number of medals is credited up to the credit upper limit number (50 medals in this embodiment), and an operation is performed to change the display value of the credit display composed of the 7-segment display of the game information display unit DS as the credit number of medals changes. Thus, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, an operation on a predetermined operation means is enabled according to the progress of the game, and the game is advanced based on a valid operation on the operation means.

[0030] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a door sensor (detection means) 260 for detecting the open / closed state of the upper front door UD and a door sensor (detection means) 260 for detecting the open / closed state of the lower front door DD are provided, and based on the input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor 260 to the control board (main board), the opening and closing of each of the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD can be detected.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0032] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 10 and a sub-board 20. The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a settlement switch 250, a door sensor 260, a passing detection sensor 356, and a coin insertion detection sensor 357, performs various calculations for executing a game, and controls the operations of output means such as a reel unit 310 and a hopper unit 320 based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 receives input signals from input means such as an effect button switch 270, a menu button switch 280, an up button switch 290A, a down button switch 290B, a left button switch 290C, and a right button switch 290D, as well as signals sent from the main board 10, performs various calculations for executing an effect according to the progress of the game, and controls the operations of output means such as an effect display device 330, an audio device 340, and a reel backlight BL based on the calculation results. The functions of each board such as the main board 10 and the sub-board 20 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program stored in advance in the ROM, etc.

[0033] The main board 10 includes an input reception means 105 (reception control means), 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 control means 170, an AT control means 175 (assistant game control means), a communication control means 179, and a main memory 190M.

[0034] The coin insertion accepting means 105 accepts coin insertions for each game, and based on the insertion of coins corresponding to the specified number of insertions (3 coins), performs control to enable a game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the insertion of coins corresponding to the specified number of insertions is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and also serves as an opportunity to execute an internal lottery. Further, in a state where the game start operation on the start lever SL is enabled, when an operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation on the start lever SL is disabled.

[0035] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot MI (predetermined insertion slot), along with the operation of the passage detection sensor 356 in the coin selector 350 shown in FIG. 2, the coin insertion accepting means 105 performs a coin insertion process of setting the inserted coin to an inserted state (bet state) within the limit of the specified number of insertions (range of a predetermined number). In this embodiment, information indicating the number of coins set in the inserted state (the number of coin bets) is stored in the bet number storage area provided in the bet number storage means 192 (game value storage means) of the main memory 190M. Thus, the bet number storage means 192 stores the received coins within the limit of the specified number of insertions.

[0036] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store coins in credit (reservation storage) in the credit storage area provided in the credit storage means 191 (game value storage means) of the main memory 190M within the limit of the credit upper limit number of coins (range of a predetermined number: 50 coins in this embodiment). When a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot MI in a state where the specified number of coins is set to the inserted state, along with the operation of the passage detection sensor 356, a credit addition process of storing the inserted coin in credit is performed. Thus, the credit storage means 191 stores the received coins within the limit of the credit upper limit number of coins.

[0037] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the medals inserted through the medal insertion port MI pass through the medal selector 350 shown in FIG. 2 and are sent to the hopper unit 320. However, under predetermined conditions such as after the start of the game, the flow path leading to the hopper unit 320 is controlled to a closed state by a blocker 355 (insertion restriction means) built into the medal selector 350, and the medal flow path is switched so that the inserted medals are returned from the medal payout port MO. The blocker 355 is displaced between a permission position (insertion permission position) that enables acceptance of medal insertion and a non - permission position (insertion non - permission position) that does not accept medal insertion.

[0038] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the medal selector 350 is provided with an insertion detection sensor 357 and a passage detection sensor 356. The insertion detection sensor 357 is provided near the medal insertion port MI and on the upstream side of the blocker 355. When it detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10. If the on - state of the insertion detection sensor 357 continues for a certain period (e.g., 0.6 seconds) or more, since there may be a possibility of medal jamming or foreign object insertion, error processing is performed on the main board 10. The passage detection sensor 356 is provided on the downstream side of the blocker 355. When it detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a detection signal to the main board 10. Based on the detection signal from the passage detection sensor 356, the main board 10 determines that a medal has been inserted and performs medal insertion processing and credit addition processing. In this embodiment, when the blocker 355 is in the permission position, the medal inserted through the medal insertion port MI is guided by the blocker 355 to the passage detection sensor 356 and the insertion of the medal is detected. However, when the blocker 355 is in the non - permission position, the medal is guided by the blocker 355 to the medal payout port MO. At this time, since the inserted medal does not pass through the passage detection sensor 356, the medal is returned from the medal payout port MO without the insertion of the medal being detected by the passage detection sensor 356.

[0039] Also, when all the processes related to one game are completed, the input reception means 105 performs control to enable the operation of the bet button B0 on the condition that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine. When the bet button B0 is pressed in the state where the operation of the bet button B0 is enabled, along with the activation of the bet switch 220, the input reception means 105 performs a process (medal input process and credit subtraction process) of setting the medals credit-stored in the credit storage area to the input state within the limit of the specified input number. Also, when the number of medals credit-stored in the gaming machine becomes 0 or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operation of the bet button B0 is disabled.

[0040] Also, when all the processes related to one game are completed, the input reception means 105 performs control to start receiving medals (control to permit receiving medals), specifically, control to position the blocker 355 of the medal selector 350 at the permitted position and control to permit (activate) the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356. When the number of medals credit-stored in the gaming machine reaches the credit upper limit number or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the input reception means 105 performs control to end receiving medals (control not to permit receiving medals), specifically, control to position the blocker 355 at the non-permitted position and control not to permit (deactivate) the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356. When a medal is inserted from the medal insertion port MI in the state where medals are not being received, the inserted medal is returned from the medal payout port MO without being received. Also, even if the passage detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal, the medal input process and the credit addition process are not performed in the state where the passage detection sensor 356 is deactivated.

[0041] In addition, when all the processes related to one game are completed, the input reception means 105 performs control to enable the operation on the settlement button B4 on the condition that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine. When a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is performed, along with the activation of the settlement switch 250, a process of paying out the medals credit-stored in the credit storage area and the medals set in the input state by the payout control means 150 (settlement means) (a settlement process of settling the medals) is performed. When all the credit-stored medals and the medals set in the input state are paid out, the number of medals set in the input state is initialized to 0 and the operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled. Also, when a game start operation on the start lever SL is performed, the operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled.

[0042] Also, in the present embodiment, when an operation on the settlement button B4 is performed in an active settlement operation state (settlement permission state) where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled because medals are credit-stored or bet (set in the input state), if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a long-press operation that continues (maintains) the pressed state for a predetermined reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) (if the on state of the settlement switch 250 continues for the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it is determined as an operation valid for medal settlement. If the operation on the settlement button B4 is a short-press operation with an operation time shorter than the long-press operation (if the on state of the settlement switch 250 is less than the reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it is determined as an operation invalid for medal settlement. Therefore, even in the active settlement operation state where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a short-press operation, it is an invalid operation and the settlement process is not performed. Also, even if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a long-press operation, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is disabled, it is an invalid operation and the settlement process is not performed.

[0043] In this embodiment, when an operation on the settlement button B4 is performed, control is carried out to prevent the acceptance of medal insertion. Therefore, an "invalid operation" means that the original function (for example, medal settlement) is not executed. Even if it is an "invalid operation", a process different from the original function (for example, control to prevent the acceptance of medal insertion) may be carried out.

[0044] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number value for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the "random number value" includes not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function substantially as random numbers because their acquisition timing or the like is irregular even though their generation itself is regular.

[0045] 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 from a start switch 230 that is activated by a game start operation (the first pressing operation on the enabled start lever SL) on the start lever SL, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0046] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table among a plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage area provided in the main table storage means 198 of the main memory 190M is used for the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, three types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3) as shown in FIG. 3 are stored in the internal lottery table storage area. And in each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, minor winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as losses (non-winning) are associated with each of a plurality of random number values (for example, 65,536 random number values from 0 to 65,535).

[0047] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as minor winning combinations, minor winning combination 1 to minor winning combination 45 are prepared. As the winning modes of the minor winning combinations, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, batting order bells A1 to A8, batting order bells C1 to C8, batting order bells D1 to D4, watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, common 1 card A, common 1 card B, 1 - card winning combination 1 to 1 - card winning combination 4, and JAC1 to JAC3 are set.

[0048] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as replays, replay 1 to replay 4 are prepared. As the winning modes of the replays, as shown in FIG. 5, normal replay 1 and normal replay 2 are set.

[0049] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the winning probabilities and winning modes of the minor winning combinations are the same. In internal lottery table 2, the winning probability of the replay is higher than that in internal lottery table 1. In internal lottery table 3, the replay is not a lottery target, and in internal lottery table 3, the lottery mode of the minor winning combinations is different from that in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the winning probability of the minor winning combinations is higher than that in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0050] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as a bonus, a big bonus (BB) is prepared. The big bonus (BB) is a lottery target in internal lottery table 1. In internal lottery table 1, the lottery mode of the big bonus (BB) is set such that there are cases where it wins overlapping with each of common 1 card A, common 1 card B, and 1 - card winning combination 1 to 1 - card winning combination 4, and cases where it wins alone.

[0051] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as gaming states, a normal state, a BB establishment state, and a BB state can be set. In the lottery table selection process, according to the gaming state, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery.

[0052] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and it is determined whether or not the acquired random number value wins a role by referring to the internal lottery table.

[0053] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the role determined to have won is set from the non-winning state (the first flag state, off state) to the winning state (the second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when two or more types of roles win overlappingly, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlappingly winning roles are set to the winning state. Note that the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 200 of the main memory 190M.

[0054] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, there are prepared a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next and subsequent games until winning, and a lottery flag (carry-over impossible flag) that is reset to the non-winning state without carrying over the winning state to the next and subsequent games regardless of winning. As the role associated with the former carry-over possible flag, there is a big bonus (BB), and small roles and replays are associated with the latter carry-over impossible flag. In the lottery flag setting process, for example, when winning the big bonus (BB) in the internal lottery, the process of carrying over the winning state of the lottery flag of the big bonus (BB) until the big bonus (BB) wins is performed. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the winning or losing of small roles and replays even in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag of the big bonus (BB) is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag of the bonus associated with the carry-over possible flag is carried over, when a small role or replay wins, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of roles including the lottery flag of the already winning bonus and the lottery flags of the small roles and replays winning in the internal lottery are set to the winning state.

[0055] Based on the start signal from the start switch 230 that is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL, the reel control means 130 starts the rotational drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by a stepping motor, and enables the stop operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating at a steady speed (about 80 rpm: a rotational speed of about 80 rotations per minute). At the same time, the reel control means 130 performs control to stop the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor in a manner corresponding to the set state of the lottery flag (the result of internal lottery).

[0056] Then, when the stop switch 240 is activated by the player pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 in a state where the stop operation on the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130 invalidates the operation on the operated stop button, and based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, supplies a drive pulse of full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 to perform control to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0057] That is, each time a button among the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and performs control to stop the reel at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, pressing the stop button B1 corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel R1, pressing the stop button B2 corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel R2, and pressing the stop button B3 corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel R3. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the pressing order of the stop buttons B1 to B3 changes, the stop order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 changes. In the present embodiment, among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the stop operation corresponding to the reel that stops first is referred to as the first stop operation, the stop operation corresponding to the reel that stops second is referred to as the second stop operation, and the stop operation corresponding to the reel that stops last is referred to as the third stop operation. There are cases where the stop of the reel corresponding to the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop, the stop of the reel corresponding to the second stop operation is referred to as the second stop, and the stop of the reel corresponding to the third stop operation is referred to as the third stop. Also, in the present embodiment, the operation order of the stop operation for first stopping the first reel R1 (an example of a specific reel) is referred to as the recommended batting order (an example of a specific operation order), and the operation order of the stop operation for first stopping the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 may be referred to as an irregular batting order (an example of a non-specific operation order).

[0058] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, within 190 ms from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops. When stopping the rotating reel within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop position of each rotating reel is determined within the range of 0 frames to 4 frames (predetermined retraction range) of the number of frames required from the time of pressing the stop button until the reel stops. And the reel control means 130 is such that, on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the stop button among the stop buttons B1 to B3 for which a pressing operation has been performed, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination selected by the internal lottery is located within the range of 0 frames to 4 frames with respect to the display position on the effective line at the time when the pressing operation on the stop button is performed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state is displayed at the display position on the effective line, and controls to stop the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button.

[0059] And in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 constituting the reel unit 310, there are arranged a red 7 symbol "Red 7", a BAR symbol 1 "BAR1", a BAR symbol 2 "BAR2", a replay symbol "RP", a bell symbol a "BLa", a bell symbol b "BLb", a watermelon symbol "WM", a cherry symbol "CH", a dummy symbol 1 "DUM1", and a dummy symbol 2 "DUM2". When pulling in the symbol existing within 4 frames from the pressing detection position onto the effective line, for the symbols arranged at intervals within 4 frames on the outer peripheral surface of each reel, regardless of the pressing detection position which is the position of the reel at the time of operation of the stop switch 240 (the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected), it can be displayed on the effective line. In the present embodiment, the pressing detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0060] In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the reel unit 310 includes a reel index composed of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130, based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index every time the reel makes one rotation, determines the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 315), so that the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored. That is, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is actuated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

[0061] Further, the reel control means 130 determines the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to a stop control table stored in a stop control table storage area provided in the main table storage means 198 of the main memory 190M.

[0062] Here, in the stop control table, according to the setting state of the lottery flag, the correspondence relationship between the pressing detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time of actuation of the stop switch 240 (the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected), and the actual stop position is set. Note that in the stop control table, according to the setting state of the lottery flag, the correspondence relationship between the pressing detection position and the number of sliding frames indicating the rotation amount from the pressing detection position to the actual stop position may be set.

[0063] In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, regarding minor winning combinations, replay, and bonus, the priority order is determined in the order of "replay > bonus" and "minor winning combination > bonus", and the stop control table is set so that the stop position including the symbols constituting the winning form of the higher-priority winning combination is selected according to the priority order associated with each winning combination.

[0064] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the stop control table referred to when lottery flags related to a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are set to the winning state in the internal lottery, when the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines (number priority control: an example of the first control), and when the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (payout number priority control: an example of the second control), when the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, the stop position is set with respect to the push detection position so that the stop positions where the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines is larger are given higher priority. When the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, the stop position is set with respect to the push detection position so that the stop positions where the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the minor winning combination corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line is larger (the stop positions where a minor winning combination with a large payout can be won) are given higher priority. However, when the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, for a plurality of stop positions with the same number of medals paid out, the priority levels of the respective stop positions are treated as the same and the stop position with respect to the push detection position is set. When the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, for a plurality of stop positions with the same number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, the priority levels of the respective stop positions are treated as the same and the stop position with respect to the push detection position is set.

[0065] Also, in the present embodiment, for example, for the sake of convenience of explanation, minor winning combinations with a payout of 15 medals (minor winning combinations 1 to 8, minor winning combinations 13 to 16) are collectively referred to as 15 - medal minor winning combinations, minor winning combinations with a payout of 3 medals (minor winning combinations 9 to 12, minor winning combination 39) are collectively referred to as 3 - medal minor winning combinations, minor winning combinations with a payout of 10 medals (minor winning combinations 17 to 20) are collectively referred to as 10 - medal minor winning combinations, minor winning combinations with a payout of 1 medal (minor winning combinations 21 to 38, minor winning combinations 40, 41, 43, 45) are collectively referred to as 1 - medal minor winning combinations, minor winning combinations with a payout of 8 medals (minor winning combinations 42, 44) are collectively referred to as 8 - medal minor winning combinations, etc., and the minor winning combinations may be classified and collectively referred to according to the payout.

[0066] In the stop control table that is referred to when any batting order bell is selected by an internal lottery, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the correct batting order is set for each batting order bell, and an operation order different from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. In this embodiment, if necessary, a stop operation mode that enables a 15-tile minor winning or a 10-tile minor winning may be referred to as a correct operation mode, and a stop operation mode different from the correct operation mode may be referred to as a failure operation mode.

[0067] First, in the stop control table that is referred to when any one of batting order bells A1 to A8 is selected, as shown in FIG. 7, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that a 15-tile minor winning (correct minor winning) or a 3-tile minor winning (incorrect minor winning) wins. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that a 3-tile minor winning (incorrect minor winning) or a 1-tile minor winning (incorrect minor winning) wins (there may be a miss when batting orders 3 to 6 are incorrect batting orders).

[0068] Note that "1-tile minor winning (1 / 4)" in FIGS. 7 and 8 means that in a situation where only a 1-tile minor winning is possible, a 1-tile minor winning wins with a probability of 1 / 4, and a miss occurs where no winning occurs with a probability of 3 / 4.

[0069] Also, in the present embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in the correct batting order when any one of the batting order bells A1 to A8 is selected, whether or not a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded is determined by the pressing detection position of the first stop operation in the correct batting order, and whether or not a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded is determined by whether the pressing detection position of the first stop operation is either the first pressing position or the second pressing position shown in FIG. 6. In the present embodiment, the pressing detection position of the first stop operation that enables a 15 - tile minor winning combination for the batting order bells A1 to A8 is set as the correct position. And, as shown in FIG. 7, for the batting order bells A1 to A4, when the correct batting order and the first stop operation is at the first pressing position, a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded, and when the correct batting order and the first stop operation is at the second pressing position, no 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded and a 3 - tile minor winning combination is awarded. For the batting order bells A5 to A8, when the correct batting order and the first stop operation is at the second pressing position, a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded, and when the correct batting order and the first stop operation is at the first pressing position, no 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded and a 3 - tile minor winning combination is awarded.

[0070] Also, in the stop control table referred to when any one of the batting order bells C1 to C8 is selected by the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 8, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that a 10 - tile minor winning combination (correct winning combination) is awarded, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that a 1 - tile minor winning combination is awarded (there may be a miss when batting orders 3 to 6 are incorrect batting orders).

[0071] Also, in the stop control table referred to when any one of the batting order bells D1 to D4 is selected by the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 8, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1 - tile minor winning combination is awarded and cases where no winning combination is awarded (miss of winning combination).

[0072] Regarding the batting order bells C1 to C8, in the normal state, the order of all stop operations is treated as an incorrect batting order, and only when it is in the BB established state, there are stop operation orders that are treated as the correct batting order and stop operation orders that are treated as incorrect batting orders. That is, for the batting order bells C1 to C8, if selected in the normal state, any operation mode will be a failure operation mode. For this reason, in the normal state, even if a stop operation is performed in an operation mode where a 10-card minor winning is possible in the BB established state, only a 1-card minor winning will occur. Regarding the batting order bells A1 to A8 and the batting order bells D1 to D4, stop control is performed in the manner shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 in both the normal state and the BB established state. If a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode in either the normal state or the BB established state, a 15-card minor winning will occur.

[0073] Also, when a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode at the time of selection of each batting order bell, the symbols that constitute the winning forms of 15-card minor winnings or 10-card minor winnings are preferentially displayed on the effective line by payout number priority control. When a stop operation is performed in the failure operation mode, the symbols that constitute the winning forms of 3-card minor winnings or 1-card minor winnings are preferentially displayed on the effective line by number priority control. In each stop control table, the stop position with respect to the press detection position is set.

[0074] Also, in this embodiment, when a 15-card minor winning (minor winnings 1 to 8, minor winnings 13 to 16), a 10-card minor winning (minor winnings 17 to 20), or a 3-card minor winning (minor winnings 9 to 12) occurs at the time of selection of each batting order bell, a bell alignment symbol combination (specific symbol combination) is displayed on the effective line L1 or the invalid line (a line not used for winning determination). Here, the bell alignment symbol combination means a symbol combination composed of at least one of the bell symbols a "BLa" and the bell symbol b "BLb". Since the bell symbol a "BLa" and the bell symbol b "BLb" in this embodiment are similar to each other, when minor winnings 1 to 20 are won, similar bell alignment symbol combinations are displayed.

[0075] For example, when winning small roles 1 to 4, as shown in FIGS. 9(A) to 9(D), a bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the middle invalid line formed by the middle section of each reel. Small role 1 is included in batting order bell A1, small role 2 is included in batting order bell A5, small role 3 is included in batting order bell A2, small role 4 is included in batting order bell A6. Although different correct operation modes are set for these four types of batting order bells, when the stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, similar bell alignment combinations are displayed on the same line.

[0076] Also, when winning small roles 5 to 8, as shown in FIGS. 9(E) to 9(H), a bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the valid line L1. Small role 5 is included in batting order bell A3, small role 6 is included in batting order bell A7, small role 7 is included in batting order bell A4, small role 8 is included in batting order bell A8. Although different correct operation modes are set for these four types of batting order bells, when the stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, similar bell alignment combinations are displayed on the same line.

[0077] Also, when winning small roles 9 to 10, as shown in FIGS. 9(I) to 9(J), a bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the upper right invalid line formed by the lower section of the first reel R1, the middle section of the second reel R2, and the upper section of the third reel R3. Small role 9 is included in batting order bell A1 and batting order bell A2, small role 10 is included in batting order bell A5 and batting order bell A6. Although different correct operation modes are set for these four types of batting order bells, when the stop operation is performed in a failure operation mode where the first stop operation is the same as the correct batting order, similar bell alignment combinations are displayed on the same line.

[0078] Also, when winning in Minor Prize 11 to Minor Prize 12, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) to 10(B), a combination of symbols for bell alignment is displayed on the lower invalid line formed by the lower part of each reel. Minor Prize 11 is included in Batting Order Bell A3 and Batting Order Bell A4, and Minor Prize 12 is included in Batting Order Bell A7 and Batting Order Bell A8. Different correct operation modes are set for these four types of batting order bells. However, when a stop operation is performed in a failure operation mode where the first stop operation is the same as the correct batting order, combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line.

[0079] Also, when winning in Minor Prize 13 to Minor Prize 16, as shown in FIGS. 10(C) to 10(F), a combination of symbols for bell alignment is displayed on the upper invalid line formed by the upper part of each reel. Minor Prize 13 is included in Batting Order Bell D1, Minor Prize 14 is included in Batting Order Bell D2, Minor Prize 15 is included in Batting Order Bell D3, and Minor Prize 16 is included in Batting Order Bell D4. The same correct operation mode is set for these four types of batting order bells. When a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line.

[0080] Also, when winning in Minor Prize 17 to Minor Prize 18, as shown in FIGS. 10(G) to 10(H), a combination of symbols for bell alignment is displayed on the upper right invalid line. Minor Prize 17 is included in Batting Order Bell C1 and Batting Order Bell C6, and Minor Prize 18 is included in Batting Order Bell C2 and Batting Order Bell C5. The same correct operation mode is set for Batting Order Bell C1 and Batting Order Bell C5, and the same correct operation mode is also set for Batting Order Bell C2 and Batting Order Bell C6. When a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line.

[0081] Also, when winning in minor roles 19 to 20, as shown in FIGS. 10(I) to 10(J), the bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the lower invalid line. Minor role 19 is included in batting order bell C3 and batting order bell C8, minor role 20 is included in batting order bell C4 and batting order bell C7, the same correct operation mode is set for batting order bell C3 and batting order bell C7, and the same correct operation mode is also set for batting order bell C4 and batting order bell C8. When a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, bell alignment combinations that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line.

[0082] Also, when winning in minor roles 9, 10, 17, and 18, as shown in FIGS. 9(I), 9(J), 10(G), and 10(H), the bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the same line (upper right invalid line). When winning in minor roles 11, 12, 19, and 20, as shown in FIGS. 10(A), 10(B), 10(I), and 10(J), the bell alignment symbol combination is displayed on the same line (lower invalid line).

[0083] Thus, in this embodiment, when batting order bell A1 (an example of the first winning mode) or batting order bell C1 (an example of the second winning mode) wins, in the first specific operation mode (an example of the specific operation mode) where the batting order is 3 and the first stop operation is at the second pressing position, different minor roles (minor roles 9, 17) win, while as shown in FIGS. 9(I) and 10(G), bell alignment combinations that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line (upper right invalid line). And in the first specific operation mode, when batting order bell A1 wins, 3 - coin minor roles (minor role 9) always win, and when batting order bell C1 wins, 10 - coin minor roles (minor role 17) always win. Therefore, the expected medal acquisition values in the first specific operation mode are different between batting order bell A1 and batting order bell C1.

[0084] Also, when the batting order bell A2 (an example of the first winning mode) or the batting order bell C2 (an example of the second winning mode) is selected, in the second specific operation mode (an example of a specific operation mode) where the batting order is 4 and the first stop operation is at the second pressing position, different minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 9, minor winning combination 18) win, while, as shown in FIGS. 9(I) and 10(H), combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line (the upper-right invalid line). And in the second specific operation mode, when the batting order bell A2 is selected, 3-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 9) always win, and when the batting order bell C2 is selected, 10-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 18) always win. Therefore, for the batting order bell A2 and the batting order bell C2, the expected value of medal acquisition in the second specific operation mode is different.

[0085] Also, when the batting order bell A5 (an example of the first winning mode) or the batting order bell C5 (an example of the second winning mode) is selected, in the third specific operation mode (an example of a specific operation mode) where the batting order is 3 and the first stop operation is at the first pressing position, different minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 10, minor winning combination 18) win, while, as shown in FIGS. 9(J) and 10(H), combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line (the upper-right invalid line). And in the third specific operation mode, when the batting order bell A5 is selected, 3-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 10) always win, and when the batting order bell C5 is selected, 10-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 18) always win. Therefore, for the batting order bell A5 and the batting order bell C5, the expected value of medal acquisition in the third specific operation mode is different.

[0086] Also, when the batting order bell A6 (an example of the first winning mode) or the batting order bell C6 (an example of the second winning mode) is selected, in the fourth specific operation mode (an example of a specific operation mode) where the batting order is 4 and the first stop operation is at the first pressing position, different minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 10, minor winning combination 17) win, while, as shown in FIGS. 9(J) and 10(G), combinations of bells that are similar to each other are displayed on the same line (the upper-right invalid line). And in the fourth specific operation mode, when the batting order bell A6 is selected, 3-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 10) always win, and when the batting order bell C6 is selected, 10-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combination 17) always win. Therefore, for the batting order bell A6 and the batting order bell C6, the expected value of medal acquisition in the fourth specific operation mode is different.

[0087] Also, in the stop control table referred to when any one of the single - tile winning combinations from winning combination 1 to winning combination 4 is selected by the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 8, in the operation order of pressing the stop button B1 first (batting order 1 to batting order 2), the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a single - tile minor winning combination wins. In the operation order of pressing the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 first (batting order 3 to batting order 6), the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that there are cases where a single - tile minor winning combination wins and cases where no winning combination wins (missing a winning combination). In batting order 3 to batting order 6, a single - tile minor winning combination wins with a probability of 1 / 4, and a missing - winning combination occurs with a probability of 3 / 4.

[0088] Also, in the stop control table referred to when watermelon is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that there are cases where an eight - tile minor winning combination wins and cases where no winning combination wins (missing a winning combination).

[0089] Also, in the stop control table referred to when a weak cherry is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a three - tile minor winning combination wins. In the stop control table referred to when a strong cherry is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a single - tile minor winning combination wins.

[0090] Also, in the stop control table referred to when common single - tile A or common single - tile B is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a single - tile minor winning combination wins.

[0091] Also, in the stop control table referred to when JAC1 is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a fifteen - tile minor winning combination wins. In the stop control table referred to when JAC2 is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a three - tile minor winning combination wins. In the stop control table referred to when JAC3 is selected by the internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the detection position of the press is set so that a single - tile minor winning combination wins.

[0092] In addition, in the stop control table referred to when normal replay 1 or normal replay 2 is selected by internal lottery, the stop position with respect to the press detection position is set so that either replay wins.

[0093] Regarding the big bonus (BB), it can only win when the big bonus (BB) is selected alone in the normal state. In the BB established state, there is no loss, and the stop position with respect to the press detection position is set in the stop control table so that the big bonus (BB) does not win due to the overlapping selection of a small combination or replay with a higher priority than the big bonus (BB).

[0094] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop modes of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage area provided in the main table storage means 198 of the main memory 190M, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is in a predetermined winning form of a winning combination. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11 to 15, a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of the big bonus (BB), replay 1 to replay 4, and small winning combinations 1 to 45 can be determined based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line in the state where each reel has stopped. Note that the winning determination means 140 is not limited to performing the winning determination process based on the stop mode of each reel (information on the actual stop position of each reel). For example, the winning determination process may be performed based on the stop position of each reel determined by the reel control means 130 (the predicted stop position at the time of the stop operation of each reel), or the winning determination process may be performed based on the actual stop position of the already stopped reel and the predicted stop position (scheduled stop position) of the reel for the third stop operation. In this example, the winning determination process can be performed before all the reels stop (when the stop position of the reel corresponding to the third stop operation is determined). Then, when a symbol combination indicating a predetermined winning form for each winning combination is displayed on the active line, the winning combination wins.

[0095] And in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140, when a winning combination wins, a winning-time process is executed. As the winning-time process, for example, when a small winning combination wins, medal payout processing is performed by the payout control means 150, when a replay wins, replay processing is performed by the replay processing means 160, and when a bonus wins, a game state transition process for transitioning the game state is performed by the game state control means 170.

[0096] The payout control means 150 performs payout control processing regarding the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor winning combination is achieved, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the payout determined in advance for each combination, and performs control to cause the hopper unit 320 (payout device) to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout number.

[0097] 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, and 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.

[0098] When medal credit storage (reservation storage) is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process of adding (granting) the payout number to the credit number (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area of the main memory 190M is performed to virtually pay out medals.

[0099] Also, when a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, the payout control means 150 (settlement means) performs control (control regarding medal settlement) to cause the hopper unit 320 (payout device) to pay out the medals credit stored in the credit storage area and the medals set in the inserted state. Specifically, when an operation is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, it determines the number of medals to be settled based on the medals credit stored in the credit storage area and the medals set in the inserted state, and performs control to cause the hopper unit 320 (payout device) to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined number.

[0100] When the replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re - game process) of setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert the medals owned by the player for the next game. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert the same number of medals as in the previous game without using the medals held by the player (including credit medals), and the game start operation for the next start lever SL is awaited in a state where the effective lines corresponding to the specified insertion number are set.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 16, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process of transitioning the game state among the normal state, the BB establishment state, and the BB state. In this embodiment, the information indicating the staying game state is stored in the game state storage area provided in the state storage means 201 of the main memory 190M. The game state transition conditions may be defined by one condition or a plurality of conditions. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the plurality of predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0102] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB establishment state or the BB state. Specifically, when the big bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the big bonus (BB) does not win, it transitions to the BB establishment state, and when the big bonus (BB) is won and the big bonus (BB) wins in the normal state, it transitions to the BB state. Also, in the normal state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 3, the internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 1 in which the winning probability of the replay is set to about 1 / 7.3 or more and the big bonus (BB) is set as the lottery target.

[0103] The BB established state is a gaming state that transitions when the big bonus (BB) is won in an internal lottery in the normal state but fails to win the big bonus (BB). Among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 3, the winning probability of replay is higher than that of internal lottery table 1, so no loss (non-winning) occurs, and an internal lottery is conducted with reference to internal lottery table 2 in which the big bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery target.

[0104] Also, in the BB established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus (BB) is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus (BB) wins. When the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (BB) is displayed on the effective line, the game state control means 170 shifts the game state from the BB established state to the BB state.

[0105] The BB state is a gaming state that transitions when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (BB) is displayed on the effective line. Among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 3, an internal lottery is conducted with reference to internal lottery table 3, which has a different small winning lottery mode from internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0106] Also, in the BB state, it is determined whether the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the game in the BB state. When it is determined that more than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 18 medals) have been paid out, the game state control means 170 ends the BB state and controls to return the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information on the payout number in the BB state is stored in the game state storage area.

[0107] Also, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the normal state (an example during non-activation of the bonus) and the BB established state (an example during non-activation of the bonus), internal lottery is conducted such that there are multiple types of specific winning modes (batting order bells A1 to A8 and batting order bells D1 to D4) in which multiple types of 15-card minor winning combinations (an example of the correct minor winning combinations: minor winning combinations 1 to 8 and minor winning combinations 13 to 16) are selected without overlapping each other. In the BB state (an example during activation of the bonus), there is another winning mode (JAC1) in which multiple types of 15-card minor winning combinations (minor winning combinations 1 to 8 and minor winning combinations 13 to 16) are selected with overlap. The probability of becoming another winning mode in the internal lottery in the BB state is lower than the probability of becoming any of the multiple types of specific winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal state and the BB established state. Internal lottery is conducted such that the winning probability of each minor winning combination is equal to or higher than the winning probability in the normal state and the BB established state, and the overall winning probability of the minor winning combinations is higher than that in the normal state and the BB established state. That is, in the BB state of this embodiment, the winning probability of at least one type of minor winning combination is increased compared to the normal state and the BB established state, and the overall winning probability of the minor winning combinations is also increased compared to the normal state and the BB established state. However, since the probability of obtaining the second winning mode (JAC1) including minor winning combinations 1 to 8 and minor winning combinations 13 to 16 with a higher payout than the specified input number (3 cards) is lower than the probability of obtaining any of the specific winning modes including any of minor winning combinations 1 to 8 and minor winning combinations 13 to 16 in the normal state and the BB established state, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate (payout number / input number) in the BB state can be made less than 100%.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 17, the AT control means 175 changes the production state among a plurality of types of production states including an initial production state, a normal production state, a first AT state (an example of a special production state, an auxiliary game, a favorable game, a privilege game), and a second AT state (an example of a special production state, an auxiliary game, a favorable game, a privilege game). The production state is set to the first AT state under predetermined conditions, and based on the value of the first AT game number counter 193 in the main memory 190M, it is determined whether the end condition (the end condition of the auxiliary game) of the first AT state is satisfied, and control is performed to end the first AT state when the end condition of the first AT state is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the information indicating the production state in which the player is staying is stored in the production state storage area provided in the state storage means 201 of the main memory 190M. Further, in the present embodiment, when staying in the first AT state or the second AT state, a winning assist production for assisting the winning of a role is performed by the production control means 180, and an assist time game (an example of an auxiliary game, a favorable game, a privilege game) in which medals can be more easily obtained than in a game staying in the initial production state or the normal production state can be performed. In the present embodiment, the function of executing the assist time game in the favorable section is defined as an instruction function, and the process that affects the execution of the assist time game becomes the process related to the instruction function.

[0109] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, the AT control means 175 can set a normal section (non-favorable section) and a favorable section. In the normal section, the production state is fixed to the initial production state which is the initial state, and a favorable section transition lottery is performed. When winning the favorable section transition lottery, the favorable section is started, and the production state can be set to the AT state (the first AT state and the second AT state) on the condition that it is the favorable section.

[0110] Then, the AT control means 175 performs a favorable section transition lottery when it is in the normal state or the BB establishment state in the normal section. In the normal state, a favorable section transition lottery is performed when a winning mode other than the normal replay 1 is won in the internal lottery. In the BB establishment state, a favorable section transition lottery is performed when a common 1 card A, a common 1 card B, 1 card role 1 to 1 card role 4, and a winning mode other than the normal replay 1 are won.

[0111] When the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, advantageous zone transition processing is performed based on the fact that the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won, the advantageous zone is started from the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won, and the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, the normal mode and the chance mode can be set as the selection mode of the AT lottery in the normal presentation state, and in the normal presentation state, the player stays in either of the selection modes, and the selection mode is determined in the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won or in the game in which the first AT state has ended and the advantageous zone has continued. In the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won, for example, the selection mode is determined by the game start operation on the start lever SL, and in this case, it is set to the chance mode. For this reason, for example, when the advantageous zone ends with the end of the first AT state and the game transitions to the advantageous zone again via the normal zone (when the advantageous zone is reset), it is set to the chance mode. On the other hand, in a game in which the first AT state has ended and the advantageous zone has continued, the lottery mode is determined as part of the process of returning the presentation state to the normal presentation state. In this case, a chance mode lottery is performed, and if the chance mode lottery is won, the chance mode is set, and if the result of the chance mode lottery is a miss (no win), the normal mode is set. In the chance mode lottery of this embodiment, the probability of a miss (no win) is set higher than the probability of a win, and for example, the probability of a win is set to 5%.

[0112] In addition, when the presentation state is the normal presentation state in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 175 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning pattern (for example, a winning pattern with high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) has been won in the internal lottery. In the AT lottery, the probability of winning the AT varies depending on the lottery mode of the AT lottery, and the probability of winning the AT is set higher in the order of "normal mode < chance mode".

[0113] Also, when the AT control means 175 determines the lottery mode of the AT lottery in the advantageous section, it sets the ceiling number of gaming times. In the present embodiment, the ceiling number of gaming times is set based on the lottery mode. When the lottery mode is determined to be the normal mode, a value "500" corresponding to the number of gaming times for 500 times is set in the ceiling counter 194 of the main memory 190M. When the lottery mode is determined to be the chance mode, a value "100" corresponding to the number of gaming times for 100 times is set in the ceiling counter 194. In the normal presentation state, every time one game is played, a fixed value "1" corresponding to one game is subtracted from the value of the ceiling counter 194 (an example of the process related to the instruction function). When a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order in the normal presentation state, the process of subtracting a fixed value "1" from the value of the ceiling counter 194 is not performed. That is, the recommended batting order for first stopping the first reel R1 is more favorably handled regarding the update of the ceiling counter 1924 than the irregular batting order for first stopping the second reel R2 or the third reel R3.

[0114] Then, the AT control means 175 performs control to shift the presentation state to the first AT state based on the fact that the result of the AT lottery is an AT win or the value of the ceiling counter 194 has reached the initial value "0" in the normal presentation state. Also, when shifting the presentation state to the first AT state, the AT control means 175 sets a value "50" corresponding to 50 times, which is the initial number of gaming times of the assist time game in the first AT state, in the first AT game number counter 193.

[0115] Then, the AT control means 175 causes the assist time game to be played based on the fact that the presentation state is the first AT state. Every time one game is played in the assist time game, a fixed value "1" corresponding to one game is subtracted from the value of the first AT game number counter 193. When the value of the first AT game number counter 193 reaches the initial value "0", it is determined that the end condition of the first AT state is satisfied, and the presentation state is restored to the normal presentation state.

[0116] Also, in the first AT state, the AT control means 175 performs a bonus lottery (an example of the process related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning mode (for example, a winning mode with a high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is selected by internal lottery, and when winning the bonus lottery, a given value is added to the first AT game number counter 193.

[0117] Also, when the production state is in the first AT state in the advantageous section, the AT control means 175 performs a second AT lottery (an example of the process related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning mode (for example, a winning mode with a high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is selected by internal lottery. When winning the second AT lottery, the first AT state is interrupted and the production state is shifted to the second AT state. At this time, the value of the first AT game number counter 193 is held, and a value "30" corresponding to 30 times, which is the initial number of game plays of the assist time game in the second AT state, is set in the second AT game number counter 197.

[0118] Then, the AT control means 175 causes the assist time game to be performed based on the fact that the production state is in the second AT state, and every time one game is performed in the assist time game in the second AT state, a fixed value "1" corresponding to one game play is subtracted from the value of the second AT game number counter 197. When the value of the second AT game number counter 197 reaches the initial value "0", it is determined that the end condition of the second AT state is satisfied, and the production state is restored to the first AT state.

[0119] Also, in the second AT state, the AT control means 175 performs a bonus lottery (an example of the process related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning mode (for example, a winning mode with a high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is selected by internal lottery, and when winning the bonus lottery, a given value is added to the second AT game number counter 197.

[0120] Also, in the present embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the first clear counter 195 in the main memory 190M to a predetermined value "1" in the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, an incremental update is performed to add a fixed value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game to the value of the first clear counter 195 every time one game is played. When the value of the first clear counter 195 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 4000) (when the value of the first clear counter 195 reaches "4001"), it is determined that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the update of the first clear counter 195 is performed after all the reels in rotation in each game have stopped. However, if it is predetermined in each game, the update of the first clear counter 195 may be performed at any timing. For example, the update opportunity may be set to the game start operation on the start lever SL.

[0121] Also, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the second clear counter 196 in the main memory 190M to the initial value "0" in the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, the value of the second clear counter 196 is updated according to the difference in the number of medals in each game, and the value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, when 10 medals are paid out, it is "10", and when there is no payout without winning any combination, it is "0") is subtracted by the value "3" corresponding to the number of medals inserted for the game (3 medals) to obtain the calculation result of the difference in the number of medals in the game, and this calculation result is added to the value of the second clear counter 196 for the update process. When the value of the second clear counter 196 exceeds the threshold value (for example, 2400: a predetermined number), it is determined that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied. Regarding the difference in the number of medals in the advantageous section counted by the second clear counter 196, the counting starts from 0 medals when the advantageous section starts (after the advantageous section transition process), and even if the value of the second clear counter 196 falls below the initial value "0", the counting of the difference in the number of medals continues and the negative part is also counted as it is. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to obtain more than 2400 medals exceeding the predetermined amount from the lowest point of the difference in the number of medals in one advantageous section. For example, when the lowest point is -600 medals, it is possible to obtain 3000 medals (= 600 medals + 2400 medals) + α (for example, when a small winning combination of 10 medals wins in the next game after the game where the difference in the number of medals reaches +2400 medals, 8 medals (= 10 medals - 3 medals) are obtained, etc.). Also, when there is a replay win in the game, it is handled as if there is a payout of medals corresponding to the specified number of inserted medals in the game where the replay wins to calculate the difference in the number of medals, and for the next game provided free of charge due to the replay win, even if no actual medals are inserted, it is handled as if the medals corresponding to the specified number of inserted medals in the game are inserted to calculate the difference in the number of medals.

[0122] Also, when the first AT state ends, in other words, when the game ends and the value of the first AT game number counter 193 becomes the initial value "0", the AT control means 175 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied even if the arbitrary end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied. In the present embodiment, when the number of games in which the result of the AT lottery is an AT win in the normal effect state or the number of games in which the value of the ceiling counter 194 reaches the initial value "0" is equal to or more than a predetermined number of games (for example, 2001 games) after the start of the advantageous section, it is determined that the arbitrary end condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the result of the AT lottery is an AT win in the normal effect state or the value of the ceiling counter 194 reaches the initial value "0", the value of the first clear counter 195 is checked. When the value of the first clear counter 195 is equal to or more than a predetermined value (for example, 2001), the advantageous section reset flag in the main memory 190M is set to the ON state. When the value of the first clear counter 195 is less than the predetermined value (for example, 2001), the advantageous section reset flag is set to the OFF state. And in the present embodiment, when the advantageous section reset flag is set to the ON state at the end of the first AT state, it is determined that the arbitrary end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied.

[0123] Also, in the advantageous section, as long as the end condition of the advantageous section is not satisfied, the first clear counter 195 and the second clear counter 196 are updated even if the game state or the effect state changes.

[0124] Also, the AT control means 175 performs an initialization process for initializing the information stored in a predetermined storage area of the main memory 190M based on the end of the advantageous section. Specifically, information related to AT such as the first AT game number counter 193, the ceiling counter 194, the first clear counter 195, the second clear counter 196, the second AT game number counter 197, the effect state, and the advantageous section reset flag is initialized by the initialization process accompanying the end of the advantageous section. Note that the information stored in the game state storage areas of the credit storage means 191, the bet number storage means 192, the main table storage means 198, the lottery flag storage means 200, and the state storage means 201 is not initialized by the initialization process accompanying the end of the advantageous section.

[0125] When the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous section is performed, the production state is initialized to the initial production state and returns to the normal section. Therefore, when the advantageous section reset flag is set to the off state at the end of the first AT state, the production state shifts to the normal production state and the advantageous section continues, while when the advantageous section reset flag is set to the on state, the advantageous section ends and the production state shifts to the initial production state.

[0126] Also, in the present embodiment, since the initialization process is executed with the end of the advantageous section and returns to the normal section, when the value of the first clear counter 195 or the second clear counter 196 exceeds the threshold value in the situation of staying in the first AT state, the first AT state is forcibly ended by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous section and the production state is initialized to the initial production state. Also, when the value of the first clear counter 195 or the second clear counter 196 exceeds the threshold value in the situation of staying in other production states, the currently staying production state is forcibly ended by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous section and the production state is initialized to the initial production state.

[0127] The communication control means 179 performs control to transmit a signal to the sub-board 20. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, only one-way communication from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 is possible between the main board 10 and the sub-board 20, and they are communicatively connected so that the sub-board 20 cannot transmit a signal to the main board 10.

[0128] When the input acceptance means 105 sets the medal to the inserted state, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 that the medal has been set to the inserted state every time one medal is set to the inserted state. When the input acceptance means 105 or the payout control means 150 stores the medal in credit, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 that the medal has been stored in credit every time one medal is stored in credit. When the internal lottery means 120 conducts an internal lottery, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 of the result of the internal lottery. When the winning determination means 140 conducts a winning determination process, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 of the result of the winning determination. Also, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out medals due to a win in a minor combination, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the start of the payout. Every time one medal is paid out, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 that the medal has been paid out. When the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when the payout is completed), the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 of the end of the payout. Also, when the hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out medals due to an operation (long press operation) on the settlement button B4, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the start of the payout (settlement process). Every time one medal is paid out, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 that the medal has been paid out. When the hopper unit 320 pays out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150 (when the settlement is completed), the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 of the end of the payout (settlement process). Also, when all the processes related to one game are completed, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the sub-board 20 of the end of one game.

[0129] Also, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the bet button B0 is pressed to insert a medal, the pressed bet button B0 is released, the start lever SL is pressed, the pressed start lever SL is released, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, or the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 are released, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal to the sub-board 20 notifying the operations performed by the player, such as that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the bet button B0 has been pressed, the pressed bet button B0 has been released, the start lever SL has been pressed, the pressed start lever SL has been released, the type of the pressed stop button, and the type of the released stop button. Also, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened or the opened upper front door UD or lower front door DD is closed, the communication control means 179 outputs a signal notifying the opening and closing of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, such as that the upper front door UD has been opened, the lower front door DD has been opened, the opened upper front door UD has been closed, and the opened lower front door DD has been closed.

[0130] Thus, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the effect control means 180 of the sub-board 20 can execute effects corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, the result of the winning determination, the operations performed by the player, the opening and closing of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, etc. on the effect display device 330, the audio device 340, etc. In this embodiment, regarding the start lever SL, the bet button B0, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, signals notifying that they have been pressed and signals notifying that the pressed state has been released are output to the sub-board 20 only when valid operations are performed, and no signals are output to the sub-board 20 when invalid operations are performed. Also, regarding the settlement button B4, a signal notifying that an operation has been performed is output to the sub-board 20 only when a valid operation (long press operation) is performed. For example, a signal notifying that an operation has been performed is output to the sub-board 20 at the timing determined to be a valid operation, and no signals are output to the sub-board 20 when invalid operations are performed. Also, regarding the insertion of medals, a signal notifying that a medal has been inserted is output to the sub-board 20 only when the passing detection sensor 356 detects the insertion of a medal in a state where medals are being accepted, and no signals are output to the sub-board 20 in a state where medals are not being accepted.

[0131] Next, the sub-board 20 will be described. The sub-board 20 includes an effect control means 180 and a sub-memory 190S.

[0132] The performance control means 180 performs control to cause the performance device to execute a performance according to the progress of the game in response to a signal from the main board 10. Specifically, based on the performance data stored in the performance data storage area provided in the performance data storage means 202 of the sub-memory 190S, the pedestal frame lamp AL (performance display device 330, performance device) is turned on or blinked, the reel backlight BL is turned on or blinked, a display performance such as displaying a performance image on the liquid crystal display LCD (performance display device 330, performance device), or an acoustic performance such as outputting a performance sound from the speaker (performance device, acoustic device 340) is controlled. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as the insertion of medals, operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and fluctuations in the game state, the pedestal frame lamp AL and the reel backlight BL are turned on or blinked, the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD is changed, or sound is output from the speaker, thereby performing execution control of a performance for enlivening or assisting the game according to the progress of the game. The content of the performance executed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the performance lottery table storage area provided in the sub-table storage means 203 of the sub-memory 190S according to the game state, performance state, result of internal lottery, and the like.

[0133] When a specific winning mode (for example, a highly rare winning mode such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is won in the internal lottery, the performance control means 180 performs control to enable the operation on the performance button B5, and also displays a button image instructing or prompting the operation on the performance button B5 on the liquid crystal display LCD. Then, when the performance button switch 270 is activated by the player pressing the performance button B5 in a state where the operation on the performance button B5 is enabled, the performance control means 180 performs control to disable the operation on the performance button B5 and causes the performance device to execute a chance performance suggesting the winning of the specific winning mode. In the chance performance, a chance image suggesting the winning of the specific winning mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

[0134] In addition, when the game has not continued for a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation, the presentation control means 180 causes the presentation display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a standby presentation (demo presentation). In the present embodiment, the time during which the game has not continued is measured by the monitoring timer 199 (time measuring means) of the sub-memory 190S. The presentation control means 180 always operates the monitoring timer 199 while the power of the gaming machine is on, and every time a signal from the main board 10, the presentation button switch 270, or the menu button switch 280 is input, the measured value of the operating monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" and the time measurement is restarted. When the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), it is determined that the game has not continued for the predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds). Regarding the presentation button B5 and the menu button B6, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized only when a valid operation is performed, and the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized when an invalid operation is performed. Regarding the cross key B7, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized whether a valid operation or an invalid operation is performed. In such a present embodiment, when a medal is inserted in a state where medal insertion is accepted or a valid operation is performed on various operation means, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset, and when a medal is inserted in a state where medal insertion is not accepted or an invalid operation is performed on various operation means, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset.

[0135] In the standby presentation, a demo image (demonstration video, demo screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, the pedestal frame lamp AL is turned on or blinked in a demo presentation pattern, and the volume of the speaker is controlled to be muted.

[0136] In addition, when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), the presentation control means 180 performs control to enable the operation on the presentation button B5, and when the standby presentation ends, the presentation control means 180 performs control to disable the operation on the presentation button B5.

[0137] In addition, when a valid operation is performed on various operation means during the execution of the standby effect, the effect control means 180 ends the standby effect and returns to the game effect. However, when an operation is performed on the menu button B6 or the cross key B7 during the execution of the standby effect, the standby effect is ended and the process proceeds to a menu effect for performing a menu display described later. Thus, in the present embodiment, not only operations for advancing the game such as inserting medals, operating the bet button B0, and operating the start lever SL, but also operations on the effect button B5, the menu button B6, and the cross key B7 that are not related to the game progress can end the standby effect. In the present embodiment, the standby effect also ends when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened or closed.

[0138] Also in the present embodiment, the effect control means 180 enables operations on the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 based on a signal notifying the end of one game from the main board 10. When a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the operations on the menu button B6 and the cross key B7 are disabled. When a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 or the cross key B7, as shown in FIG. 19, a menu display for displaying the menu screen 400 (a predetermined menu screen) on the liquid crystal display LCD is performed. When the menu screen 400 is entered, the image that was being displayed until then becomes invisible.

[0139] Then, on the menu screen 400, as shown in FIG. 19, items such as "Volume", "Light Quantity", "Effect Customization", "Game History", and "End" are displayed as options. The cursor is moved by operating the cross key B7 to select one of the items, and when the menu button B6 is pressed to confirm, the process proceeds to the screen corresponding to the selected item.

[0140] When "Volume" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, as shown in Fig. 20(A), the process proceeds to the volume setting screen 410 for setting the volume of the sound output from the speaker. When "Light Quantity" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, as shown in Fig. 20(B), the process proceeds to the light quantity setting screen 430 for setting the light quantity of the outer peripheral lamp AL and the liquid crystal display LCD. When "Effect Customization" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, the process proceeds to an effect customization screen (not shown) for setting the effect mode. When "Game History" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, the process proceeds to a game history screen (not shown) for checking the game history such as the number of winning times of the bonus. In this embodiment, the volume can be set in five levels from "1" to "5". On the volume setting screen 410, as shown in Fig. 20(A), a volume bar image 420 corresponding to the five-level volume is displayed, and the volume is changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the volume bar by operating the left button B7C or the right button B7D, and the volume is determined by operating the menu button B6. Regarding the light quantity, it can also be set in five levels from "1" to "5". On the light quantity setting screen 430, as shown in Fig. 20(B), a light quantity bar image 440 corresponding to the five-level light quantity is displayed, and the light quantity is changed by increasing or decreasing the scale of the light quantity bar by operating the left button B7C or the right button B7D, and the light quantity is determined by operating the menu button B6. Also, on the effect customization screen, it is possible to select an effect mode corresponding to a specific character and the like.

[0141] When the menu button B6 is operated on the volume setting screen 410, the light quantity setting screen 430, the effect customization screen, or the game history screen, the process returns to the menu screen 400. When "End" is selected and determined on the menu screen 400, the menu screen 400 is terminated and the process returns to the game effect (game screen) (the menu display is terminated).

[0142] Also, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot MI, a valid operation is performed on the bet button B0, a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, or a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL in the menu screen 400, the volume setting screen 410, the light amount setting screen 430, the effect customization screen, or the game history screen, these displays are terminated and the game effect returns.

[0143] Also, in the present embodiment, when any one of the batting order bells A1 to A8 is selected in the first AT state, the effect control means 180 notifies only the first stop operation of the correct batting order according to the type of the batting order bell and controls the effect display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a winning assistance effect that assists the winning of a 15 - card minor combination or a 3 - card minor combination. For example, when the batting order bell A1 is selected, it is notified that the first stop operation of the correct batting order is the stop button B2.

[0144] Also, when any one of the batting order bells A1 to A8 is selected in the second AT state, the effect control means 180 notifies the correct batting order according to the type of the batting order bell and the pressing position related to the first stop operation, and controls the effect display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a winning assistance effect that assists the winning of a 15 - card minor combination.

[0145] As described above, in the second AT state, a 15 - card minor combination can be surely obtained when any one of the batting order bells A1 to A8 is selected. On the other hand, in the first AT state, a 15 - card minor combination can be obtained only when the pressing position of the first stop operation and the operation order of the second stop operation are correct. Therefore, in the second AT state, the net increase in the number of medals is higher than that in the first AT state, and it is a game state more advantageous to the player than the first AT state.

[0146] Also, when any one of the batting order bells C1 to C8 is selected in the first AT state or the second AT state, the effect control means 180 notifies the correct batting order according to the type of the batting order bell and controls the effect display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a winning assistance effect that assists the winning of a 10 - card minor combination.

[0147] In addition, when any of the batting order bells D1 to D4 is selected in the first AT state or the second AT state, the performance control means 180 controls the performance display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a winning assistance performance that notifies the player of the correct batting order according to the type of batting order bell and assists in the winning of the 15-coin minor prize.

[0148] In addition, when any of 1 coin role 1 to 1 coin role 4 is won in the first AT state or the second AT state, the performance control means 180 controls the performance display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a winning assistance performance that assists in the winning of the 1 coin minor role by announcing the operation order (batting order 1 to batting order 2) in which the stop button B1 is to be pressed first.

[0149] The effect control means 180 also controls to execute a specific effect that notifies the player that a stop operation should be performed in the recommended batting order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first. In particular, in this embodiment, the effect control means 180 executes a specific effect when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first in the normal section, and executes a specific effect when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first in the advantageous section while the player is in the normal performance state. As a specific effect, for example, a warning including a message "left push recommended" can be displayed on the effect display device 330 such as a liquid crystal display LCD. The specific effect may be executed in response to a first stop operation in an irregular batting order, a second stop operation in an irregular batting order, or a third stop operation in an irregular batting order. The specific effect may be executed in response to an irregular batting order after all reels have stopped. In addition, the trigger for determining whether the order of stop operations is an irregular batting order or not may be different from the trigger for executing a specific effect. For example, the determination of whether the batting order is an irregular batting order may be triggered by a first stop operation, and if it is determined that the batting order is an irregular batting order, the trigger for executing a specific effect may be a third stop operation.

[0150] The functions of the present embodiment can be virtually realized by a computer system (including a game system). In these systems, a program that causes a computer to function as the main board 10 or the sub-board 20 of the present embodiment is downloaded from an information storage medium such as a CD or a DVD, or a Web server on the Internet via a network, thereby realizing the functions. In the computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, etc. can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), or a controller. In the computer system, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, etc. are not essential components, and the functions of these device units can be virtually realized by controlling the images displayed on a display (display device).

[0151] 2. Method of the present embodiment Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 21 to 22, the control method employed in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be specifically described. FIGS. 21 to 22 are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the settlement button and the blocker in the gaming machine of the present embodiment.

[0152] First, in the present embodiment, the input reception means 105 controls the reception of medals with respect to the input permission state (first state) and the input non-permission state (second state). The input permission state is a state in which medals can be received by permitting the reception of medals. The input reception means 105 positions the blocker 355 at the permission position, enables the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, and enables the operation of the bet button B0 on the condition that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine, so that medals can be received in the input permission state.

[0153] The non-acceptance permission state is a state in which medals are not accepted by not permitting the acceptance of medals. The insertion acceptance means 105 positions the blocker 355 at the non-permission position, invalidates the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, and invalidates the operation on the bet button B0, so that medals are not accepted in the non-acceptance permission state.

[0154] In the present embodiment, during the medal acceptance period, which is the period for accepting medals, it is generally controlled to the acceptance permission state except when the number of medal credits is the credit upper limit number and the medals of the specified insertion number are bet (set to the insertion state). However, even during the medal acceptance period, it is controlled to the non-acceptance permission state under a predetermined situation.

[0155] For example, as shown in Fig. 21(A), when a short press operation (e.g., 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation enabled state (settlement permission state where game values are stored in the game value storage means) and the input permission state where the medal is credit stored or bet, during the short press operation, it is controlled to the input non-permission state, and when the short press operation ends, it is controlled to the input permission state. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 21(A), when a pressing operation is performed on the settlement button B4, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permission position to the non-permission position, and when the pressed settlement button B4 is released, the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permission position to the permission position. In this case, during the short press operation on the settlement button B4, the detection of the medal by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation on the start lever SL, and the operation on the bet button B0 are also set to an invalid state according to the behavior of the blocker 355 and are enabled when the short press operation ends. For example, when a short press operation (e.g., 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the operation on the start lever SL is enabled because a specified number of medals are bet, the operation on the start lever SL is set to an invalid state during the short press operation. When a short press operation (e.g., 0.25 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the operation on the bet button B0 is enabled because the credit stored medal can be bet, the operation on the bet button B0 is set to an invalid state during the short press operation. In this example, although the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, since the short press operation is an invalid operation, the settlement process is not performed.

[0156] Also, as shown in FIG. 21(B), when in a non-payout operation enabled state (a non-payout permission state where no game value is stored in the game value storage means) and an input permission state in which the operation on the payout button B4 is disabled because no medal is credit stored or bet, if a short press operation (for example, 0.25 seconds) is performed on the payout button B4, during the short press operation, it is controlled to an input non-permission state, and when the short press operation ends, it is controlled to an input permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21(B), during the short press operation on the payout button B4, the blocker 355 is positioned at the non-permission position, and when the short press operation ends, it is displaced to the permission position. Regarding the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, it is also set to an invalid state in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355 and is enabled when the short press operation ends. In this example, since the operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0 are disabled because no medal is credit stored or bet, the invalid state continues even during the short press operation and is maintained even after the short press operation ends. Also, in this example, since the operation on the payout button B4 is disabled and the short press operation is an invalid operation, no payout process is performed.

[0157] Also, as shown in FIG. 21(C), when a long-press operation (e.g., 0.5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation disabled state and the input permission state, during the long-press operation, it is controlled to the input non-permission state, and when the long-press operation ends, it is controlled to the input permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21(C), while the long-press operation on the settlement button B4 is being performed, the blocker 355 is positioned at the non-permission position, and when the long-press operation ends, it is displaced to the permission position. Regarding the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, it is also set to an invalid state in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355 and is enabled when the long-press operation ends. In this example, since the medal is neither credit-stored nor bet, the operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0 are invalidated. Therefore, the invalid state continues even during the long-press operation and is maintained even after the long-press operation ends. Also, in this example, since the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated, no settlement process is performed even when the long-press operation is performed.

[0158] Also, as shown in Fig. 22(A), when a long-press operation (e.g., 0.5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation valid state and the insertion permission state, the system controls to the insertion non-permission state from the start of the long-press operation until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, it controls to the insertion permission state. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 22(A), when a pressing operation is performed on the settlement button B4, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permission position to the non-permission position. When the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 reaches the reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), it is determined that the operation is valid and the settlement process is started. During the execution of the settlement process, the blocker 355 is maintained at the non-permission position. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permission position to the permission position. In this case, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the non-permission position, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, the operation on the start lever SL, and the operation on the bet button B0 are also set to an invalid state in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is enabled. Regarding the operation on the start lever SL and the operation on the bet button B0, since all the medals have been settled by the settlement process, the invalid state is maintained.For example, when a long press operation (e.g., 0.5 seconds) on the settlement button B4 is performed in a state where the operation on the start lever SL is enabled by betting a specified number of medals, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the non-permissible position, the operation on the start lever SL is made invalid, and even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permissible position to the permissible position, the invalidation of the operation on the start lever SL is maintained. When a long press operation (e.g., 0.5 seconds) on the settlement button B4 is performed in a state where the operation on the bet button B0 is enabled because the medals stored in credit can be bet, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the non-permissible position, the operation on the bet button B0 is made invalid, and even if the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permissible position to the permissible position, the invalid state of the operation on the bet button B0 is maintained. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 22(A), it is controlled to be in a non-input-permissible state from when the long press operation starts until at least the settlement process ends, and when the settlement process ends, it is controlled to be in an input-permissible state.

[0159] Also, as shown in FIG. 22(B), when a specific long-press operation (specific operation), which is an operation of continuously pressing the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation valid state and input permission state for a time longer than the reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) (e.g., 5 seconds), is performed, control is made to the input non-permission state from the start of the specific long-press operation until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses after the end of the settlement process. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses after the end of the settlement process, control is made to the input permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22(B), when a pressing operation on the settlement button B4 is performed, the blocker 355 is displaced from the permission position to the non-permission position. When the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 reaches the reference time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), it is determined that the operation is valid and the settlement process is started. The blocker 355 is maintained at the non-permission position during the execution of the settlement process. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses after the end of the settlement process, the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permission position to the permission position even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state. In this case, similar to the example shown in FIG. 22(A), while the blocker 355 is displaced to the non-permission position, detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356, operations on the start lever SL, and operations on the bet button B0 are also made invalid in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses after the end of the settlement process, detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is enabled. For operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0, since all medals have been settled by the settlement process, the invalid state is maintained. Thus, in the example shown in FIG. 22(B), control is made to the input non-permission state from the start of the specific long-press operation until at least the end of the settlement process. When the settlement process ends, control is made to the input permission state even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state.

[0160] Also, as shown in FIG. 22(C), when a specific long-press operation (e.g., 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation invalid state and the insertion permission state, control is performed to the insertion non-permission state from when the specific long-press operation is started until the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 elapses for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds). When the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 elapses for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds), control is performed to the insertion permission state. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22(C), until the pressing time (operation time) of the settlement button B4 elapses for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) from when the specific long-press operation is started, the blocker 355 is positioned at the non-permission position. When a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses, the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permission position to the permission position even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state. The predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) in this case is the reference time until it is determined that the operation on the settlement button B4 is valid (the reference time for starting the settlement of game values: e.g., 0.5 seconds). Also, while the blocker 355 is displaced to the non-permission position in this case, the detection of medals by the passage detection sensor 356 is also made invalid in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355 and is made valid when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses from when the specific long-press operation is started. In this example, since the operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0 are invalidated because no medals are credit-stored or bet, the invalid state continues until a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses from when the specific long-press operation is started, and the invalid state is maintained even when a predetermined time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) elapses. Also, in this example, since the operation on the settlement button B4 is invalidated, no settlement process is performed even when a specific long-press operation is performed.

[0161] As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21(A) to 21(C) and FIGS. 22(A) to 22(C), when an operation on the settlement button B4 is started, control is performed to the insertion non-permission state to prevent fraudulent acts related to the insertion of medals.

[0162] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B), when a short press operation is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the settlement operation is valid or invalid and the insertion permission state is enabled, while the short press operation is being performed, control is performed to the insertion non-permission state to prevent fraud related to medal insertion. When the short press operation on the settlement button B4 ends (when the operation on the settlement button B4 ends before the reference time for starting medal settlement has elapsed since the operation on the settlement button B4 was started), control is performed to the insertion permission state, so that medal insertion can be made possible promptly by not accepting medal insertion for only the minimum necessary time, and the operability related to medal insertion can be improved.

[0163] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21(C), when a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the settlement operation is invalid and the insertion permission state is enabled, while the long press operation is being performed, control is performed to the insertion non-permission state to prevent fraud related to medal insertion. When the long press operation on the settlement button B4 ends, control is performed to the insertion permission state, so that medal insertion can be made possible promptly by not accepting medal insertion for only the minimum necessary time, and the operability related to medal insertion can be improved.

[0164] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22(A), when a long press operation (for example, 0.5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in a state where the settlement operation is valid and the insertion permission state is enabled, control is performed to the insertion non-permission state to prevent fraud related to medal insertion while the time from the start of the long press operation to the elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) after the end of the settlement process has elapsed. When a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process (when medal settlement is completed), control is performed to the insertion permission state, so that medal insertion can be made possible promptly, and the operability related to medal insertion can be improved.

[0165] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22(B), when a specific long press operation (for example, 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation valid state and the insertion permission state, from the start of the specific long press operation until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, by controlling to the insertion non-permission state, while preventing fraud related to medal insertion, when a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) has elapsed after the end of the settlement process (when the medal settlement is completed), even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state (during the operation on the settlement button B4), since it is controlled to the insertion permission state, medal insertion can be enabled even before releasing the pressed settlement button B4, and the operability related to medal insertion can be improved.

[0166] Also, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22(C), when a specific long press operation (for example, 5 seconds) is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation invalid state and the insertion permission state, from the start of the specific operation until a reference time (for example, 0.5 seconds) for starting medal settlement has elapsed, by controlling to the insertion non-permission state, while preventing fraud related to medal insertion, when the reference time has elapsed, even if the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state (during the operation on the settlement button B4), since it is controlled to the insertion permission state, medal insertion can be enabled even before releasing the pressed settlement button B4, and the operability related to medal insertion can be improved. As a result, the game can be started as soon as possible.

[0167] Also, in the present embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), when controlling to the insertion permission state at the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, since the time required for the settlement process varies depending on the number of medals to be settled, the timing of shifting from the insertion non-permission state to the insertion permission state can be made uncontrollable by the player, and fraud related to medal insertion can be prevented as much as possible.

[0168] Also, in the present embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 21(A) and 21(B), in order to control to the input permission state at the same timing (when the settlement button B4 in the pressed state is released), it is possible to achieve commonality in processing regarding medal reception control, and it is possible to improve design efficiency.

[0169] Also, in the present embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), whether an operation on the settlement button B4 is executed or not when a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the settlement process, it is possible to achieve commonality in processing regarding medal reception control, and it is possible to improve design efficiency.

[0170] Also, in the present embodiment, in the examples shown in FIGS. 21(A), 21(B), 21(C), and 22(C), since the operation on the settlement button B4 is an invalid operation, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" by the press operation and the release operation of the pressed state on the settlement button B4. However, in the examples shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), at the timing when a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is performed (the timing determined to be valid and the timing when the settlement process starts) and at the timing when the settlement process ends, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". In the examples shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) only at one of the timing when a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is performed and the timing when the settlement process ends.

[0171] Also, in the present embodiment, when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". For example, when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed during the execution of a game effect or a standby effect to shift to a menu display (start a menu display), or when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed during a menu display to return to a game effect (end the menu display), the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

[0172] For example, when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed to determine the volume on the volume setting screen 410, or when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed to determine the volume on the light amount setting screen 430, or when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed to determine the effect mode on the effect customization screen, or when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed to return to the menu screen 400 on the volume setting screen 410, the light amount setting screen 430, the effect customization screen, or the game history screen, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0". Note that in these cases, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may not be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

[0173] Also, in the present embodiment, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" depending on a valid operation on the cross key B7. For this reason, for example, when a valid operation (predetermined change operation) on the cross key B7 is performed to select an option such as "volume" on the menu screen 400, or when a valid operation (predetermined change operation) on the cross key B7 is performed to change the volume on the volume setting screen 410, or when a valid operation (predetermined change operation) on the cross key B7 is performed to change the light amount on the light amount setting screen 430, or when a valid operation (predetermined change operation) on the cross key B7 is performed to change the effect mode on the effect customization screen, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0".

[0174] As described above, according to the present embodiment, as in the examples shown in FIGS. 21(A), 21(B), 21(C), and 22(C), the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" depending on an invalid operation on the settlement button B4, so that it is possible not to give a wasteful waiting time to a player who wants to view the demo screen.

[0175] Also, in this embodiment, when a valid operation is performed on the menu button B6 during menu display in order to return to the game presentation, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" to restart the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199. Thus, it is possible to prevent showing the demo screen unnecessarily to a player who tries to end the menu display and start the game, and to minimize the loss of the player's gaming motivation.

[0176] Also, in this embodiment, when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (e.g., 60 seconds) during menu display, the display shifts from the menu to the demo screen. Since the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is not initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" (not restarted) depending on a valid operation on the cross key B7, it is possible to prevent giving an unnecessary waiting time to a player who wants to view the demo screen, and to minimize the loss of the player's gaming motivation.

[0177] Also, in this embodiment, when a medal is inserted in the input permission state or a valid operation is performed on operation means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, and settlement button B4, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is reset. When a medal is inserted in the input non - permission state or an invalid operation is performed on operation means such as the bet button B0, start lever SL, and settlement button B4, the time measurement by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset. Thus, it is possible to appropriately measure the time during which the game is not continuously played.

[0178] The invention of the present embodiment also relates to a gaming machine including: a settlement means for performing control related to the settlement of gaming value based on an operation on a predetermined operation means; a first effect operation means for performing an operation to end the display of a predetermined menu screen; a second effect operation means for performing a predetermined change operation; a timekeeping means for timing the time during which the game is not continuously played; and an effect control means for performing control to execute a standby effect when the timekeeping means has timed a predetermined time, wherein the effect control means restarts the timing by the timekeeping means when an operation on the first effect operation means is performed, and does not restart the timing by the timekeeping means when an operation on the second effect operation means is performed.

[0179] Also, in the present embodiment, a method is adopted that can increase the types of batting-order minor winning combinations (batting-order bells) while suppressing an increase in the types of minor winning combinations. Hereinafter, the method of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 24. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram comparing the medal acquisition performance (here, the expected value of the payout rate) in each gaming state in the present embodiment, and FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the winning mode of a single minor winning combination in the present embodiment.

[0180] First, in the present embodiment, by setting the winning probability of the entire batting order bells A1 to A8 to be higher than the winning probability of the entire batting order bells D1 to D4, the recommended batting order (an example of the first case) that first stops the first reel R1 (an example of a specific reel) is changed to a batting order (an example of the second case) that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3. Playing the game in this way results in a higher expected value of obtaining 15 small winning combinations. As a result, the medal acquisition performance (an example of the expected value of medal acquisition), as shown in FIG. 23, in the normal state (an example of when the bonus is not activated), the relationship is batting order 1, 2 < batting order 3 to 6, and even in the BB establishment state (an example of when the bonus is not activated), the relationship is batting order 1, 2 < batting order 3 to 6. That is, in the normal state and the BB establishment state, from the perspective of the expected value of the ball payout rate, the irregular batting order that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is more advantageous than the recommended batting order that first stops the first reel R1. Regarding the BB state (an example of when the bonus is activated), there is no bias in the expected value of the ball payout rate depending on the order of the stop operation.

[0181] Also, as shown in FIG. 23, when comparing the differences in the expected values of the ball payout rates between game states, regarding batting order 3 to 6, the relationship is normal state < BB state < BB establishment state. In the game method where the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is first stopped, it can be seen that the expected value of the ball payout rate in the BB state is higher than that in the normal state, and furthermore, the expected value of the ball payout rate in the BB establishment state is higher than that in the BB state.

[0182] In a specification where the medal acquisition performance is higher for batting order 3 to 6 (the game method where the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is first stopped) than for batting order 1, 2 (the game method where the first reel R1 is first stopped) as in the present embodiment, it is necessary to design the expected value of the ball payout rate at a high level for batting order 3 to 6 so as not to fall below the lower limit of the range of the ball payout rate defined by the rules.

[0183] In this embodiment, by designing the expected value of the payout rate in the BB state to be low, the expected value of the payout rate in the BB establishment state is increased without exceeding the upper limit of the payout rate range defined by the rules. Thus, the degree of design freedom can be ensured by the amount by which the expected value of the payout rate in the BB state is decreased. Regarding the BB state, since it is required that the medal acquisition performance in the BB state exceeds the medal acquisition performance in the normal state, in order to decrease the expected value of the payout rate in the BB state, it is necessary to design the expected value of the payout rate in the normal state to be low.

[0184] However, since the comparison of the medal acquisition performance between the normal state and the BB state is a comparison with the gaming method having the highest expected value of the payout rate in the normal state, it is a comparison in batting orders 3 to 6 where the expected value of the payout rate is high, which becomes an obstacle to designing the medal acquisition performance in the BB state to be low.

[0185] Therefore, in order to decrease the medal acquisition performance in the normal state, which is an index for designing the medal acquisition performance in the BB state, by making the control rules of the stop control different at the time of the BB establishment state and the winning of the batting order bell in the normal state, the desired effect can be obtained by restricting the winning of small roles with high payouts. However, in the specification where the gaming method of first stopping the first reel R1 in the situation of performing the game in the normal production state in the advantageous section as in this embodiment, in order to disadvantageously handle the gaming method of first stopping the second reel R2 or the third reel R3, it may be required to maintain the magnitude relationship of the expected values of the payout rates in the respective orders of the stop operations in the normal state and the BB establishment state.

[0186] Therefore, in this embodiment, batting order small roles C1 to C8 with different control rules in the normal state and the BB established state are provided, and batting order small roles A1 to A8 and batting order small roles D1 to D4 with common control rules in the normal state and the BB established state are provided. For batting order small roles C1 to C8, by making it impossible to win a 10 - coin small role in the normal state, while maintaining the magnitude relationship of the expected value of the appearance rate of pachinko balls during the order of stop operations, the expected value of the appearance rate in the normal state is decreased. As a result, the effect of securing the reduction width of the expected value of the appearance rate in the BB state can be obtained.

[0187] In such a specification, since it is necessary to increase the types of batting order small roles (batting order bells), there is a concern that the types of incorrect answer small roles (small roles that can win in the failed operation mode: 1 - coin small roles in this embodiment) that make up the batting order small roles will increase.

[0188] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, in the batting order bell A1 (an example of the first winning mode) and the batting order bell C1 (an example of the second winning mode), a single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 25 and 38) that can be won with an operation order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode: batting orders 1-2, 5-6) that first stops the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 among the failure operation modes is made common. In the batting order bell A2 (an example of the first winning mode) and the batting order bell C2 (an example of the second winning mode), a single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 26 and 38) that can be won with an operation order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode: batting orders 1-2, 5-6) that first stops the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 among the failure operation modes is made common. In the batting order bell A5 (an example of the first winning mode) and the batting order bell C5 (an example of the second winning mode), a single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 27 and 38) that can be won with an operation order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode: batting orders 1-2, 5-6) that first stops the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 among the failure operation modes is made common. In the batting order bell A6 (an example of the first winning mode) and the batting order bell C6 (an example of the second winning mode), a single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 28 and 38) that can be won with an operation order (an example of an operation mode different from the specific operation mode: batting orders 1-2, 5-6) that first stops the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 among the failure operation modes is made common. According to the present embodiment, by making the incorrect minor combinations for batting orders 1-2 (minor combination 38) and the incorrect minor combinations for batting orders 5-6 (minor combinations 25-28) common, an increase in the types of single-win minor combinations can be suppressed when increasing the types of batting order minor combinations (batting order bells).

[0189] In this embodiment, in the batting order bells A1 and C1, the minor winning combination 38 commonly wins in batting orders 1 to 2, and the minor winning combination 25 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. Therefore, in each of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation in the operation sequences of batting orders 1 to 2 and 5 to 6, a common stop mode can be displayed, making it difficult to determine the result of the internal lottery. Similarly, in the batting order bells A2 and C2, the minor winning combination 38 commonly wins in batting orders 1 to 2, and the minor winning combination 26 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. In the batting order bells A5 and C5, the minor winning combination 38 commonly wins in batting orders 1 to 2, and the minor winning combination 27 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. In the batting order bells A6 and C6, the minor winning combination 38 commonly wins in batting orders 1 to 2, and the minor winning combination 27 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. Therefore, in each of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation in the operation sequences of batting orders 1 to 2 and 5 to 6, a common stop mode can be displayed, making it difficult to determine the result of the internal lottery.

[0190] Also, in this embodiment, a method for suppressing an increase in the types of single minor winning combinations is adopted. Hereinafter, the method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25. FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining the winning mode of single minor winning combinations in this embodiment.

[0191] First, in this embodiment, when any of the batting order bells A1 to A8 and the batting order bells C1 to C8 wins, if a stop operation is performed in the operation sequence (batting orders 1, 2) that first stops the first reel R1, a single minor winning combination can always be made to win. However, since the lower limit of the range of the medal payout rate in a so-called short-time test is that the number of medals paid out exceeds "1 / 3" of the number of medals inserted, in the gaming method where a stop operation is performed in the operation sequence (batting orders 1, 2) that first stops the first reel R1, it is desirable that there is a payout of almost one medal per game except when a replay wins.

[0192] Therefore, in this embodiment, as a winning mode of a small combination that overlaps with the big bonus (BB), small combination 1 to small combination 4 with one small combination each are provided to prevent a loss (non-winning) from occurring. In a gaming method in which the stop operation is performed in the operation order (bats 1 and 2) of first stopping the first reel R1, except when a replay wins, a payout of almost one coin per game can occur, and the expected value of the payout rate can be increased.

[0193] Specifically, in the recommended batting order of first stopping the first reel R1 when the batting bells D1 to D4 win, 15 small combinations (small combination 13 to small combination 16) always win, so the expected value of medal acquisition in the recommended batting order is 15 coins. In the recommended batting order of first stopping the first reel R1 when small combination 1 to small combination 4 win, one small combination (small combination 37) always wins, so the expected value of medal acquisition in the recommended batting order is 1 coin. Therefore, the batting bells D1 to D4 have a higher expected value of medal acquisition in the recommended batting order of first stopping the first reel R1 than small combination 1 to small combination 4. And in this embodiment, by providing small combination 1 to small combination 4 and the batting bells D1 to D4 with a higher expected value of medal acquisition than small combination 1 to small combination 4, it is possible to design a game that exceeds the lower limit of the payout rate range in a so-called short-time test.

[0194] With such a specification, there is a concern that the types of one small combination will increase.

[0195] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25, the single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 21 and 25), which can be won by the operation order (batting orders 3 to 6) that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 in the batting bell D1 (an example of the first winning mode) and the single-win minor combination 1 (an example of the second winning mode), is made common. The single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 22 and 26), which can be won by the operation order (batting orders 3 to 6) that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 in the batting bell D2 (an example of the first winning mode) and the single-win minor combination 2 (an example of the second winning mode), is made common. The single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 23 and 27), which can be won by the operation order (batting orders 3 to 6) that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 in the batting bell D3 (an example of the first winning mode) and the single-win minor combination 3 (an example of the second winning mode), is made common. The single-win minor combination (an example of a specific minor combination: minor combinations 24 and 28), which can be won by the operation order that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 in the batting bell D4 (an example of the first winning mode) and the single-win minor combination 4 (an example of the second winning mode), is made common. Thus, according to the present embodiment, by making the single-win minor combinations for batting orders 3 to 4 (minor combinations 21 to 24) and the single-win minor combinations for batting orders 5 to 6 (minor combinations 25 to 28) common, an increase in the types of single-win minor combinations can be suppressed.

[0196] Also, in the present embodiment, since the batting order bell D1 and the single small winning combination 1 commonly win the small winning combination 21 in batting orders 3 to 4 and commonly win the small winning combination 25 in batting orders 5 to 6, a common stop mode can be displayed at each of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation in each operation order of batting orders 3 to 6, making it difficult to determine the result of the internal lottery. Similarly, for the batting order bell D2 and the single small winning combination 2, the small winning combination 22 commonly wins in batting orders 3 to 4 and the small winning combination 26 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. For the batting order bell D3 and the single small winning combination 3, the small winning combination 23 commonly wins in batting orders 3 to 4 and the small winning combination 27 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. For the batting order bell D4 and the single small winning combination 4, the small winning combination 24 commonly wins in batting orders 3 to 4 and the small winning combination 28 commonly wins in batting orders 5 to 6. Therefore, a common stop mode can be displayed at each of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation in each operation order of batting orders 3 to 6, making it difficult to determine the result of the internal lottery.

[0197] Also, in the present embodiment, with respect to the batting order bells A1 to A8, the batting order bells C1 to C8, and the batting order bells D1 to D4, the stop control is configured such that the single small winning combination may not win in the failed operation mode. This is because, in designing the high-purity increase specification, the correct batting order is biased towards batting orders 3 to 6 where the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first. This is to suppress the increase in the payout rate of games that are not in the AT state (hereinafter referred to as non-AT games) in these operation orders. In particular, in the present embodiment, even if a stop operation is performed along batting orders 3 to 6 when the batting order bell wins in the normal effect state, there will be no disadvantage in subsequent games. Considering that if the deviation in the payout rate of non-AT games between batting orders 1, 2 and batting orders 3 to 6 is large and the value of the ceiling counter 1924 is not updated, it becomes difficult to eliminate the strategy element that it is better to play the game in batting orders 3 to 6. Therefore, when the first stop operation stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 and is a failed operation mode, the winning rate of the single small winning combination can be lowered to 1 / 4 to suppress the increase in the payout rate of non-AT games in batting orders 3 to 6.

[0198] Similarly, for Minor Prize 1 to Minor Prize 4, by reducing the winning rate of the minor prize to 1 / 4 in Batting Orders 3 to 6, it is possible to suppress the increase in the payout rate of non-AT middle games in Batting Orders 3 to 6.

[0199] Also, similarly for Batting Bell A1 to Batting Bell A8, when the first stop operation stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 and it is the correct batting order, by reducing the winning rate of the 15 - coin minor prize to 1 / 2, it is possible to suppress the increase in the payout rate of non-AT middle games in Batting Orders 3 to 6.

[0200] Also, in the present embodiment, 12 types of correct minor prizes (minor prizes that can be won in the correct batting order: in the present embodiment, 15 - coin minor prizes) included in Batting Bell A1 to Batting Bell A8 and Batting Bell D1 to Batting Bell D4 are provided (Minor Prize 1 to Minor Prize 8 and Minor Prize 13 to Minor Prize 16). In each batting bell, Minor Prize 1 to Minor Prize 8 and Minor Prize 13 to Minor Prize 16 do not win repeatedly. In the BB state, by having Minor Prize 1 to Minor Prize 8 and Minor Prize 13 to Minor Prize 16 win repeatedly in JAC1, the method of reducing the expected value of the payout rate in the BB state by reducing the chance of winning the correct minor prize in the BB state compared to the BB establishment state is adopted. And when adopting the method of reducing the expected value of the payout rate in the BB state as in the present embodiment, the effect of further reducing the expected value of the payout rate can be obtained by increasing the types of correct minor prizes that win without repetition in the normal state and the BB establishment state.

[0201] Also, in this embodiment, in the recommended batting order where the first reel R1 is stopped first when any one of the batting order bells A1 to A8, the batting order bells C1 to C8, the common one A, the common one B, and the one-card hand 1 to the one-card hand 4 is selected, a minor winning combination 37 or a minor winning combination 38 wins. When any one of the batting order bells D1 to D4 is selected, in the recommended batting order where the first reel R1 is stopped first, any one of the minor winning combinations 13 to 16 wins. And in this embodiment, in the minor winning combinations 13 to 16, the minor winning combination 37, and the minor winning combination 38, the same symbol (the bell symbol a "BLa") is assigned to the symbol of the first reel R1 that constitutes the winning pattern. Therefore, a common stop mode can be displayed at the time of the first stop operation in the recommended batting order, making it difficult to determine the result of the internal lottery.

[0202] Also, in this embodiment, when the advantageous section transition lottery is performed in the normal section, it is preferable to always obtain the lottery result of winning and transition to the advantageous section. By doing so, the stay period in the normal section can be reduced by increasing the transition rate from the normal section to the advantageous section. In this embodiment, when the first reel R1 is stopped first in the BB established state and when the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first, the expected value of medal acquisition is higher when the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is stopped first. The processing related to the transition to the advantageous section and the like in the normal section is executed in association with the result of the internal lottery, and there is no difference in the degree of advantage regardless of which reel is stopped first. For this reason, a strategy element occurs that a gaming method of stopping the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first becomes advantageous when staying in the normal section for a long time. Therefore, by making the advantageous section transition probability extremely high, the situation where it is advantageous to stop the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first can be reduced as much as possible.

[0203] In this embodiment, when staying in the advantageous section in the BB established state, a ceiling function is installed so as to shift to the AT state at least once before the end of the advantageous section. This can avoid the situation where the assist time game is not performed and the advantageous section ends by reaching the end condition of the advantageous section without shifting to the AT state during a series of advantageous sections. By ensuring that the AT state is entered at least once during a series of advantageous sections in this way, it is possible to minimize the possibility of falling below the lower limit of the payout rate range in the so-called new medium-term test (1600G).

[0204] Also, in this embodiment, it is preferable that the winning information of the batting order bell is not notified to the sub-board side at least during non-AT games. During AT games, the winning information of the batting order bell may be notified to the sub-board side, or the winning information of the batting order bell may not be notified to the sub-board side at all regardless of whether it is a non-AT game or an AT game. Even if the winning information of the batting order bell is not notified to the sub-board side, if the instruction information corresponding to the correct operation mode is notified to the sub-board side, the sub-board side can execute the winning assistance effect, and it is possible to perform the assist time game smoothly without notifying the winning information of the batting order bell itself. Thus, if the winning information of the batting order bell is not notified to the sub-board side at least during non-AT games, it is possible to prevent the illegal act of modifying the sub-board to illegally grasp the winning of the batting order bell during non-AT games and suppressing the consumption of medals during non-AT games.

[0205] Also, in the present embodiment, as described above, there is a difference in the expected medal acquisition value between the recommended batting order that first stops the first reel R1 and the irregular batting order that first stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3. Since the expected medal acquisition value of the irregular batting order is higher than that of the recommended batting order, if the difference between the normal section and the advantageous section can be easily grasped by the player, it is difficult to suppress a gaming method in which a stop operation is performed in the irregular batting order in the normal section where it does not affect the degree of advantage of the processing related to the instruction function to suppress medal consumption. And in the present embodiment, when staying in the normal effect state in the advantageous section, if the game is played in the irregular batting order, the value of the ceiling counter 1924 is not updated (the processing related to the instruction function becomes disadvantageous). Therefore, it is desirable to notify the player that the game should be played in the recommended batting order to arouse attention.

[0206] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26, when the game is played in the irregular batting order, a specific effect is executed to prompt the player to perform a stop operation in the recommended batting order by a warning display including a message "It is recommended to press the left button" on the liquid crystal display LCD.

[0207] By the way, in the present embodiment, since the disadvantage is incurred when playing the game in the irregular batting order and staying in the advantageous section and the normal effect state, if the specific effect can be executed only in the advantageous section, there will be a disadvantage that the normal section can be discriminated by the presence or absence of the occurrence of the specific effect. For example, intentionally playing the game in the irregular batting order after the end of the AT state in the advantageous section and discriminating whether the advantageous section continues or returns to the normal section by the presence or absence of the occurrence of the specific effect, or when the player changes, the player who newly starts the game plays the game in the irregular batting order first and discriminates whether it is the normal section or the advantageous section by the presence or absence of the occurrence of the specific effect, etc.

[0208] Therefore, in this embodiment, a specific effect can be executed in both the normal section and the advantageous section. In the normal section, the specific effect is executed based on the stop operation in the irregular batting order. In the advantageous section, the specific effect is executed based on the stop operation in the irregular batting order in the situation of staying in the normal effect state, so that it is impossible to distinguish between the normal section and the advantageous section according to the occurrence situation of the specific effect for the game in the irregular batting order.

[0209] Thus, in this embodiment, since the expected value of medal acquisition in the recommended batting order is lower than that in the irregular batting order, there is a strategy element that can suppress medal consumption by performing a stop operation in the irregular batting order in the normal section. However, depending on the presence or absence of the occurrence of the specific effect, it is impossible to determine whether it is the normal section or the advantageous section. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the game method using the strategy element and ensure the fairness of the game.

[0210] In this embodiment, the case of displaying a warning on the liquid crystal display (LCD) as a specific effect has been described. However, a warning sound may be output in the specific effect. Also, in the specific effect, instead of displaying a message or the like, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) may be darkened, as long as the change in the effect due to the game being played in the irregular batting order can be transmitted to the player.

[0211] 3. Modification Example The present invention is not limited to what has been described in the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. Modification examples are introduced below. Note that the above embodiment and various methods described as modification examples below can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods for realizing the present invention.

[0212] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the winning single small combinations (small combination 25, small combination 38) that become winning in the operation order of first stopping the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 in the batting order bells A1 and C1 were made common. However, at least one type (small combination 25 or small combination 38) of single small combination may be made common, and the remaining single small combination does not have to be common. That is, at least one of the four operation orders of batting orders 1 to 2 and 5 to 6 may have a common single small combination that becomes winning, and the single small combination that becomes winning in the remaining operation orders does not have to be common. For example, when configured such that different single small combinations win in each of the four operation orders of batting orders 1 to 2 and 5 to 6, at least one of the four operation orders of batting orders 1 to 2 and 5 to 6 may have a common single small combination that becomes winning, and the single small combination that becomes winning in the remaining operation orders does not have to be common. Also, for the common combination and the different combination between the batting order bell A1 and the batting order bell C1, the common combination may be more, less, or the same as the different combination. The same applies to the batting order bells A2 and C2, the batting order bells A5 and C5, and the batting order bells A6 and C6, and at least one type of single small combination may be made common, and the remaining single small combination does not have to be common.

[0213] Also, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which different small combinations win in batting order 4 between the batting order bell A1 and the batting order bell C1. However, the small combinations (3 - card small combination or single - card small combination) that can win in batting order 4 may be made common. Similarly, for the batting order bells A5 and C5, the small combinations (3 - card small combination or single - card small combination) that can win in batting order 4 may be made common. Also, for the batting order bells A2 and C2 and the batting order bells A6 and C6, the small combinations (3 - card small combination or single - card small combination) that can win in batting order 3 may be made common.

[0214] In the above-described embodiment, the case where symbol combinations of bell arrangements that are similar to each other are displayed when winning in minor roles 1 to 20 has been described as an example. However, the same symbol combinations of bell arrangements may be displayed. For example, the same symbol combinations of bell arrangements may be displayed on the same line when winning in minor role 9 (3 - card minor role) and minor role 17 (10 - card minor role). Also, the same or similar symbol combinations of bell arrangements may be displayed on different lines when winning in minor role 9 (3 - card minor role) and minor role 17 (10 - card minor role).

[0215] In the above - described embodiment, the case where a 3 - card minor role wins in a failure operation mode where the first stop operation is the same as the correct batting order when winning in batting - order bells A1 to A8 has been described as an example. However, in a failure operation mode where the first stop operation is the same as the correct batting order, the minor role that can win may be any role with a payout of 2 or more cards, and may be a role with a higher payout than the correct minor role that can win in the correct operation mode.

[0216] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given and explained where, in the irregular batting order in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 is first stopped in the batting order bell D1 and the single-win combination 1, the single-win combinations (single-win combination 21, single-win combination 25) that can result in a win are made common. However, at least one type (single-win combination 21 or single-win combination 25) of single-win combination may be made common, and the remaining single-win combination does not have to be common. That is, at least one of the four irregular batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6 in which a single-win combination that can result in a win is made common, and the single-win combination that can result in a win in the remaining irregular batting orders does not have to be common. For example, when configured such that different single-win combinations win in each of the four irregular batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6, at least one of the four irregular batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6 in which a single-win combination that can result in a win is made common, and the single-win combination that can result in a win in the remaining irregular batting orders does not have to be common. Also, between the common combination and the different combination in the batting order bell D1 and the single-win combination 1, the common combination may be more, less, or the same as the different combination. The same applies to the batting order bell D2 and the single-win combination 2, the batting order bell D3 and the single-win combination 3, and the batting order bell D4 and the single-win combination 4, that is, at least one type of single-win combination may be made common, and the remaining single-win combination does not have to be common.

[0217] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given and explained where, when the batting order bells D1 to D4 are won, a 15-win combination wins in the correct operation mode. However, the combination that can result in a win in the correct operation mode may be any combination with a payout of two or more.

[0218] Also, in the above-described embodiment, regarding the gaming method in which a reel other than the first reel R1 is first stopped, an example was given and explained where it was designed such that the expected value of the payout rate is the same in each of the normal state and the BB established state. However, as long as the difference is only a slight difference, it does not have to be exactly the same.

[0219] In the above-described embodiment, batting order bells C1 to C8 are provided as batting order minor roles with different control rules in the normal state and the BB established state, and batting order bells A1 to A8 and batting order bells D1 to D4 are provided as batting order minor roles with common control rules in the normal state and the BB established state. However, the control rules for stop control of batting order bells A1 to A8 and batting order bells D1 to D4 are made different between the normal state and the BB established state. In the normal state, even if a stop operation is performed in an operation mode in which a 15-card minor role can be won, a 1-card minor role is won, or a 1-card minor role is won with a probability of 1 / 4. Also, the control rules for stop control of batting order bells C1 to C8 may be made common in the normal state and the BB established state. Even in this case, while maintaining the magnitude relationship of the expected value of the out-drawing rate regarding the order of the stop operations, the expected value of the out-drawing rate in the normal state can be decreased, and as a result, the effect of securing the decrease width of the expected value of the out-drawing rate in the BB state can be obtained.

[0220] Also, in the above-described embodiment, when any of the batting order bells A1 to A8 is won, the case where a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded when the order of the stop operations is the correct batting order and the first stop operation is performed at the correct position was taken as an example for explanation. However, it may also be configured such that a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded when the order of the stop operations is the correct batting order and the second stop operation or the third stop operation is performed at the correct position. In this case, it is only necessary that the stop operation be performed at the correct position for at least one of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation. It may depend on the order of the stop operations, such as only the first stop operation, only the second stop operation, or only the third stop operation being required to be performed at the correct position. Or, it may be such that the stop operation at the correct position is required only for a predetermined reel (the predetermined reel may be one or two or more) among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. And in the above - described embodiment, the fact that a 15 - tile minor winning combination can be awarded in the correct operation mode means that there may be cases where a 15 - tile minor winning combination is awarded even in the correct batting order and cases where a 15 - tile minor winning combination is not awarded. Also, in the above - described embodiment, the correct operation mode includes an operation mode in which there is a specification for the order of the stop operations but no specification for the push - detection position, and an operation mode in which there are specifications for both the order of the stop operations and the push - detection position.

[0221] Also, in the above - described embodiment, in the failure operation mode where no winning combination is awarded when any of the batting order bells is won, the case where a 1 - tile minor winning combination is awarded with the same probability (probability of 1 / 4) was taken as an example for explanation. However, it may be configured such that the 1 - tile winning combination is awarded with different probabilities for the batting order bells A1 to A8, the batting order bells C1 to C8, and the batting order bells D1 to D4. For example, a 1 - tile minor winning combination may be awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 for the batting order bells A1 to A8 and the batting order bells D1 to D4, and with a probability of 1 / 2 for the batting order bells C1 to C8. Or, a 1 - tile minor winning combination may be awarded with a probability of 1 / 4 for the batting order bells A1 to A8, with a probability of 1 / 2 for the batting order bells C1 to C8, and with a probability of 3 / 4 for the batting order bells D1 to D4.

[0222] In the case of the operation order where none of the single-win patterns 1 to 4 win, the probability of a single small win can be set to be different from that of the batting order bell. For example, in the case of single-win patterns 1 to 4, the probability of a single small win can be set to 1 / 2.

[0223] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in the recommended batting order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first when any of the batting order bells A1 to A8 and the batting order bells C1 to C8 are won, and a single small win always occurs. However, it is also possible that there are cases where a single small win occurs and cases where none of the patterns win when any of the batting order bells are won. For example, in the case of the batting order bells A1 to A8, the probability of a single small win can be set to 1 / 2, and in the case of the batting order bells C1 to C8, a single small win can always occur. Or, in the case of the batting order bells A1 to A8 and the batting order bells C1 to C8, the probability of a single small win can be set to 1 / 2. Or, in the case of the batting order bells A1 to A8, the probability of a single small win can be set to 1 / 2, and in the case of the batting order bells C1 to C8, the probability of a single small win can be set to 1 / 4. In this case, in the recommended batting order, the probability of a single small win can be set to be higher or lower than that of the irregular batting order, or the same as that of the irregular batting order.

[0224] Similarly, in the case of the single-win patterns 1 to 4, in the recommended batting order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first, there may be cases where a single small win occurs and cases where none of the patterns win. In this case, in the single-win patterns 1 to 4, the probability of a single small win can be set to be higher or lower than that of the batting order bell, or the same as that of the batting order bell. In this case, in the recommended batting order, the probability of a single small win can be set to be higher or lower than that of the irregular batting order, or the same as that of the irregular batting order.

[0225] In the above-described embodiment, in the recommended batting order in which the first reel R1 is first stopped when any one of the batting order bells D1 to D4 is selected, the case where the 15-card minor winning combination always wins has been described as an example. However, the 15-card minor winning combination may win when the first stop operation is performed at the correct position, and the 15-card minor winning combination may win with a probability of 1 / 2 by avoiding the winning of the 15-card minor winning combination at a position different from the correct position. In this case, at a position different from the correct position, the 3-card minor winning combination may win, or the 1-card minor winning combination may win, or there may be a case where the 1-card minor winning combination wins and a case where none of the winning combinations win.

[0226] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the prize-winning assistance effect can be executed in the AT state in the advantageous section and the prize-winning assistance effect is not executed in the normal effect state has been described as an example. However, the prize-winning assistance effect may be executed even in the normal effect state. Also, the effect states that can be set in the advantageous section are not limited to the normal effect state and the AT state. For example, a configuration in which a precursor state (an example of the first state) that stays between the time when the right to transition to the AT state is determined and the time when the transition to the AT state is made in the normal effect state is provided, a configuration in which the right to transition to the AT state is granted under conditions different from the normal effect state, and a CZ state (an example of the first state) in which it is easier to obtain the right to transition to the AT state than in the normal effect state is provided, a configuration in which when the end condition of the AT state is satisfied, it stays in the end standby state (an example of the first state), and when the condition for returning to the AT state is satisfied in the end standby state, it returns to the AT state, and when the condition for returning to the AT state is not satisfied, it transitions to the normal effect state, a configuration in which after the end of the AT state, the success or failure of an arbitrary end condition in the advantageous section is determined in the end standby state, and there are a case where it transitions from the end standby state to the normal effect state and the advantageous section continues and a case where the advantageous section ends in the end standby state and it transitions to the normal section. Various configurations such as these can be adopted.

[0227] Also, in the present embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order when it is in the normal effect state in the advantageous section, it has been more favorably handled in various processes related to the instruction function than when the stop operation is performed in the irregular batting order regarding the game. However, the following aspects can also be adopted.

[0228] For example, when a stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order in a situation where the game is in the advantageous section and the normal performance state, one specific game is awarded based on the first stop operation, and this fact is recorded in the specific game counter. Specifically, with the initial value of the specific game counter being set to 0, when the first stop operation is an operation on the stop button B1, 1 is added to the value of the specific game counter. The value of the specific game counter is subtracted when the game start operation of a game staying in the advantageous section and the normal performance state is performed, and 1 is subtracted from the value of the specific game counter after the process related to the instruction function such as the AT lottery is performed. That is, at least one or more processes related to the instruction function are executed by referring to the value of the specific game counter before the subtraction of the value of the specific game counter. When the value of the specific game counter is 1, more advantageous processing is performed than when the value of the specific game counter is 0. For example, when the value of the specific game counter is 1, the AT lottery can be executed so as to win with a higher probability than when the value of the specific game counter is 0. Also, for example, when the value of the specific game counter is 1, the execution of the AT lottery can be permitted, and when the value of the specific game counter is 0, the execution of the AT lottery can be prohibited. According to these examples, in a game in the advantageous section and the normal performance state, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order, the degree of advantage can be adjusted in the next game of the said game. Therefore, by combining with the method of the above embodiment, in a game in which a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order, it is disadvantageously treated in the process related to the instruction function as a penalty for performing the stop operation in the irregular batting order, and in the next game, a specification can be realized in which it is disadvantageously treated in the process related to the instruction function as a penalty for the value of the specific counter being 0. That is, by carrying over the information recording that the stop operation was performed in the recommended batting order to the next game and referring to the said information to perform advantageous processing in the next game, the influence of the adjustment of the degree of advantage can be generated in a plurality of games. Note that the game for determining whether to add the value of the specific game counter may be only a game that has obtained some winning modes such as a batting order bell, or may be a game that has obtained all winning modes including the batting order bell.

[0229] Also, in a situation where the game is in the normal performance state in the advantageous section, when a stop operation is performed in a non-standard batting order in a game in which the batting order bell has been selected, until a predetermined release condition is satisfied in subsequent games, control may be performed so that a specific effect is less likely to appear, or a control may be performed so that a specific effect does not appear.

[0230] Examples of the specific effect include an effect that suggests the result of an internal lottery. Specifically, when a highly rare winning pattern such as a watermelon, a weak cherry, or a strong cherry is obtained, an image indicating that a highly rare winning pattern has been won is displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD), or an effect such as lighting the base frame lamp (AL) in a color corresponding to the highly rare winning pattern is equivalent. Also, the control for making a specific effect less likely to appear or the control for not making a specific effect appear can be realized by changing the table for selecting the effect. Also, as the release condition, it can be arbitrarily set, such as the number of game times, obtaining the result of a predetermined internal lottery, performing a release lottery and winning the release lottery, and so on.

[0231] Here, assume a case where, when a highly rare winning pattern is obtained in an internal lottery in the advantageous section, in a specification that is advantageously handled in the process related to the instruction function, a specific effect that can grasp the fact that a highly rare winning pattern has been obtained is executed between the detection of the game start operation and the detection of the first stop operation. In this case, if the specific effect does not occur, since the possibility of a highly rare winning pattern is low, a stop operation is performed in a non-standard batting order with a high expected value of medal acquisition. If the specific effect occurs, there is a strategy element that a stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order because the possibility of a highly rare winning pattern is high.

[0232] On the other hand, when a stop operation is performed with an irregular batting order with a high expected value of medal acquisition, by adopting control to limit the appearance of a specific effect until a predetermined release condition is satisfied (control to reduce the appearance frequency or control not to appear), a highly strategic game procedure can be suppressed. Note that the determination of whether to perform control to limit the appearance of a specific effect may be made only when the batting bell wins, or may be made when the batting bell and other winning events occur. That is, the determination of whether to perform control to limit the execution of a specific effect may be made only when a winning mode is obtained in which the degree of advantage is adjusted regarding the process related to the instruction function when a stop operation is performed with an irregular batting order, or the determination of whether to perform control to limit the execution of a specific effect may also be made when a winning mode is obtained in which a stop operation is performed with an irregular batting order and there is no influence on the degree of advantage regarding the process related to the instruction function.

[0233] Also, although not particularly mentioned in the above embodiment, it is possible to select a set value from among six levels of set values from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery may be varied so that the expected value of the ball output rate increases in order from setting 1 toward setting 6. In this example, various switches such as a setting change key cylinder and a setting change button are provided in the power supply unit, and a setting change means for performing control to change the set value among a plurality of levels of set values is provided on the main board 10. Depending on the state of the setting change permission switch at power-on, it is switched between the case of starting in the game mode and the case of starting in the setting change mode. When a setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key is rotated clockwise from the initial position, the signal state of the setting change permission switch becomes the on state. When the power switch is operated in this state and power is supplied from the power supply unit, the setting change means starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode.

[0234] Also, when the setting change switch is activated by pressing the setting change button in the setting change mode, the setting change means changes the set value in the order of set value 1 → set value 2 → ··· set value 6 → set value 1 → ··· each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch, and determines the set value based on the game start signal from the start switch 230 that is activated by pressing the start lever SL, and stores the determined set value in the set value storage area provided in the set value storage means (not shown) of the main memory 190M. And in this example, it is possible to change the signal state of the setting change permission switch to the off state by returning the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to the initial position, so that the game mode can be shifted from the setting change mode.

[0235] Also, in this example, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the gaming machine is started in the game mode based on the fact that the signal state of the setting change permission switch is off. And in this example, in the game mode, the game can be played, but the set value cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the set value can be changed, but the game cannot be played. Also, when the set value is changed (determined) in the setting change mode, the setting change means performs an initialization process of initializing the information stored in a predetermined storage area of the main memory 190M.

[0236] And in this example, an upper front door UD or a lower front door DD (an example of a front door), first to third reels R1 to R3 (an example of a plurality of reels) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface, a start lever SL used for an operation to start a game, a setting change key cylinder (an example of an operation means related to a set value), and a main board 10 (an example of a control means) for controlling the progress of the game are provided. The main board 10 includes an internal lottery means (an example of a game control means) for performing an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of a role based on the operation of the start lever SL, and a setting change means capable of executing a setting change process for changing a set value among a plurality of set values. When a specified number of medals (game values) required for starting the game are inserted, or when medals are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of the internal lottery, this state is defined as a specific state. In the specific state, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, the start lever SL is not operated, and the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state (the signal state of the setting change permission switch is in the OFF state), and the start lever SL is operated (the first case), the game starts (the game progresses). In the specific state, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, the start lever SL is not operated, and the setting change key cylinder is changed from OFF to ON (the signal state of the setting change permission switch is changed from the OFF state to the ON state), and when the start lever SL is operated while the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state, or when the setting change key cylinder is set to OFF while the start lever SL is being operated (the second case), the game may not start (the game may not progress).

[0237] In this example, in the first case, since the start lever SL is being operated with the setting change key cylinder in the OFF state, it is less likely that the operation of the start lever SL is an operation not intended to start the game (a misoperation). However, in the second case, the operation of the start lever SL is started with the setting change key cylinder in the ON state, and while the start lever is being operated, the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF (that is, the operation of the start lever SL is started before shifting to the game mode), so it is highly likely that the operation of the start lever SL is an operation not intended to start the game (a misoperation). And in the first case, the game is started, while in the second case, the game is not started. Therefore, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the game from starting based on unintended operations or incorrect operations. As a result, the marketability of the gaming machine can be enhanced. If the result of the internal lottery is a non-winning result in a game started based on an unintended operation, a predetermined number of medals will be consumed. However, according to this example, the risk of such medals being consumed can be reduced.

[0238] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the example shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), the case where control is performed to an input-disabled state from when the operation on the settlement button B4 is started until a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) elapses after the end of the settlement process has been described as an example. However, control may be performed to an input-disabled state from when the operation on the settlement button B4 is started until at least the settlement process ends, and control may be performed to an input-enabled state immediately after the settlement process ends.

[0239] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the example shown in FIG. 21(A), the case where the operations on the start lever SL and the bet button B0 are also invalidated in accordance with the behavior of the blocker 355 while a short-press operation on the settlement button B4 is being performed has been described as an example. However, it is not necessarily required to invalidate them, and one or both of the operations may be made valid.

[0240] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which no settlement process is performed when an invalid operation is performed on the settlement button B4. However, a settlement process for settling zero medals may be performed. In this case, when a long-press operation or a specific long-press operation is performed on the settlement button B4 in the settlement operation invalid state, the operation may be determined to be a valid operation regarding medal settlement, and a settlement process for settling zero medals may be performed.

[0241] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which, in the input permission state, the operation on the bet button B0 is made valid on the condition that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine. However, in the input permission state, the operation on the bet button B0 may be made valid regardless of whether medals are credit-stored or not. In this case, when an operation is performed on the bet button B0 in a state where medals are not credit-stored in the input permission state, the operation may be treated as an invalid operation based on the fact that medals are not credit-stored, or a process (medal input process and credit subtraction process) for setting zero medals that are credit-stored to the input state by treating the operation as a valid operation may be performed.

[0242] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which, when an operation on the settlement button B4 is started in the settlement operation invalid state and the input permission state, control is performed to the input non-permission state. However, even when an operation on the settlement button B4 is started in the settlement operation invalid state and the input permission state, control may not be performed to the input non-permission state (control for maintaining the input permission state may be performed). That is, in the settlement operation valid state (settlement permission state), when an operation on the settlement button B4 is started, control is performed to the input non-permission state (second state), and even when the settlement button B4 is in the pressed state (operation on the settlement button B4 is being executed) after medal settlement is completed, the input permission state (first state) is maintained. In the settlement operation invalid state (non-settlement permission state), even when an operation on the settlement button B4 is started, control may not be performed to the input non-permission state.

[0243] Even in this case, it has the same operational effects as the above-described embodiment, and in the state where the settlement operation is invalid, even if an operation on the settlement button B4 is started, it does not control to the input-prohibited state, so it is possible to enable the insertion of medals, and the operability regarding the insertion of medals can be improved.

[0244] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the example shown in FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B), the case where the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing of the start and end of the settlement process was taken as an example for explanation. However, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized (reset) to the initial value "0" at the timing when the blocker 355 is displaced from the non-permitted position to the permitted position. In this case, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 may or may not be initialized to the initial value "0" at the timing of one or both of the start and end of the settlement process. Also, in this case, a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the permitted position to the non-permitted position or a signal notifying that the blocker 355 has been displaced from the non-permitted position to the permitted position may be output from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20, and the monitoring timer 199 may be initialized based on the signal.

[0245] Also, in the above-described embodiment, in the settlement process, the case where the medals stored in credit and the medals set in the inserted state are settled was taken as an example for explanation. However, when the medals are set in the credit storage and inserted state, in the settlement process based on one valid operation on the settlement button B4, only the medals set in the inserted state are settled, and when there are no medals set in the inserted state, the medals stored in credit may be settled. Also in this case, the invention of the above-described embodiment can be applied.

[0246] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where operations on the menu button B6 and the cross keys B7 are enabled during non-gameplay and disabled during gameplay was taken as an example for explanation. However, the operations on the menu button B6 and the cross keys B7 may be enabled even during gameplay. By doing so, it becomes possible to change the volume, light intensity, etc. during gameplay. Also, in this example, simply performing an operation (operation on the cross keys B7) that is likely to be frequently performed, such as changing the volume or light intensity, does not initialize (reset) the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 to the initial value "0". Therefore, it is possible to avoid giving unnecessary waiting time to players who want to view the demo screen during the game and to minimize the impairment of the gaming motivation.

[0247] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the menu screen 400 is transitioned to the volume setting screen 410 or the light intensity setting screen 430 when changing the volume or light intensity was taken as an example for explanation. However, it may be possible to change the volume or light intensity without going through the menu screen 400. For example, even during gameplay, operations on the menu button B6 and the cross keys B7 are enabled. When an operation on the up button B7A or the down button B7B is performed during gameplay, the volume is changed and the volume bar image 420 is displayed to show the current volume. When an operation on the left button B7C or the right button B7D is performed during gameplay, the light intensity is changed and the light intensity bar image 440 is displayed to show the current light intensity. Similarly, when an operation on the up button B7A or the down button B7B is performed during the execution of a game effect (game screen) or a standby effect (demo screen) during non-gameplay, the volume is changed and the volume bar image 420 is displayed to show the current volume. When an operation on the left button B7C or the right button B7D is performed during the execution of a game effect (game screen) or a standby effect (demo screen) during non-gameplay, the light intensity is changed and the light intensity bar image 440 is displayed to show the current light intensity.

[0248] In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where a waiting display is displayed when play has not continued for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 60 seconds) under a predetermined situation. However, a waiting display (demo screen) may also be displayed when a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, or a waiting display (demo screen) may be displayed when the payout process (settlement process) associated with a valid operation on the settlement button B4 is completed.

[0249] In the above embodiment, the monitoring timer 199 is always operated while the power of the gaming machine is turned on. However, the monitoring timer 199 may be interrupted or stopped. For example, the monitoring timer 199 may be interrupted when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened, and the monitoring timer 199 may resume the interrupted timing when the door sensor 260 detects that the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD in the open state is closed. That is, the monitoring timer 199 may be temporarily stopped during a door opening error (during an error state) associated with the opening of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD. In this way, it is possible to prevent the standby performance from starting while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open. Here, if a standby effect is started while the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is open, different effects will be executed before and after the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened and closed, which may give a sense of discomfort. However, according to this modified example, it is possible to avoid the sense of discomfort caused by different effects being executed before and after the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened and closed.

[0250] Also, for example, the monitoring timer 199 may be operated when all processing related to one game is completed, and the monitoring timer 199 may be stopped when a medal is set to the inserted state. In this way, it is possible to transition to a standby presentation in a game situation where a medal is not set to the inserted state, and not to transition to a standby presentation in a game situation where a medal is set to the inserted state.

[0251] Also, for example, when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed during the execution of a game effect (game screen) or a standby effect (demo screen) to shift to the menu screen, the measured value of the monitoring timer 199 is initialized (reset) to the initial value "0", the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is temporarily stopped, and when a valid operation on the menu button B6 is performed during the menu display to return to the game effect, the timing by the initialized (reset) monitoring timer 199 may be restarted (redone).

[0252] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is reset every time a signal from the main board 10 is input has been described as an example. However, when the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD is opened or when the open upper front door UD or lower front door DD is closed, the timing by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset.

[0253] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is reset only when a valid operation on the effect button B5 is performed and the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset when an invalid operation is performed has been described as an example. However, the timing by the monitoring timer 199 may also be reset when an invalid operation on the effect button B5 is performed. That is, the timing by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset every time a signal from the effect button switch 270 is input.

[0254] Also, in the above embodiment, the case where the timing by the monitoring timer 199 is not reset whether a valid operation or an invalid operation on the cross key B7 is performed has been described as an example. However, the timing by the monitoring timer 199 may be reset only when a valid operation on the cross key B7 is performed, and the timing by the monitoring timer 199 may not be reset when an invalid operation is performed.

[0255] Also, in the above-described embodiment, when shifting to the standby effect, the case where the operation on the effect button B5 is enabled was taken as an example for explanation. However, the operation on the effect button B5 may not be enabled, and the standby effect may be canceled when a signal from the effect button switch 270 is input regardless of whether it is enabled or not.

[0256] Also, in the above-described embodiment, when the standby effect ends, the case of returning to the game effect was taken as an example for explanation. However, when shifting to the standby effect, the ongoing game effect may be interrupted, and when returning from the standby effect to the game effect, the interrupted game effect may be resumed.

[0257] Also, in the above-described embodiment, when the monitoring timer 199 measures a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds) in a situation where any of the reels is rotating, a reel stop warning effect may be executed instead of the standby effect. In this case, along with the execution of the reel stop warning effect, the volume of the speaker may be controlled to mute or the volume of the speaker may be decreased.

[0258] Also, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the effect button B5 is provided and the standby effect can be ended by operating the effect button B5 was taken as an example for explanation. However, the effect button B5 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0259] Also, the invention of the above-described embodiment is not limited to a slot machine that plays a game using medals (game values) as tangible objects, but can also be applied to a smart pachislo (also referred to as "smart sloth" or "medal-less gaming machine"), which is a gaming machine that plays a game using electronic medals (game values), which are electronic information, as a game medium without using medals as tangible objects.

[0260] In a smart pachislo, the main board 10 is connected to be capable of two-way communication with a medal lending machine (not shown) as an external unit, and electronically stores, in the credit storage area of the credit storage means 191, electronic medals which are electronically stored information lent from the medal lending machine. The electronically stored medals are bet by operating the bet button B0 to play a game, and all the medals paid out according to the result of the game are credit stored to give electronic medals. Therefore, in a smart pachislo, a medal insertion slot MI, a medal selector 350 (a blocker 355, a passage detection sensor 356, and an insertion detection sensor 357), a hopper unit HP, etc. are not required. Also, in a smart pachislo, for example, it is set to be capable of credit storing 16,383 electronic medals, and a game medal number display device capable of displaying a 5-digit number is provided, and the credit number of the electronic medals is displayed on the game medal number display device.

[0261] Also, in a smart pachislo, when an operation on the settlement button B4 is performed in a state where the operation on the settlement button B4 is enabled, in the settlement process, when the replay is not operating, a process of returning all the electronic medals set in the inserted state to credit is performed.

[0262] And in a smart pachislo, since the blocker 355 and the passage detection sensor 356 do not exist, in the insertion permission state, the operation on the bet button B0 can be set to an effective state, and in the insertion non-permission state, the operation on the bet button B0 can be set to an ineffective state.

Explanation of Signs

[0263] BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window, L1 effective line, DS game information display unit, LCD liquid crystal display, AL base frame lamp, R1 first reel, R2 second reel, R3 third reel, SL start lever, B0 bet button, B1 to B3 stop buttons, B4 Actuarial Button, B5 Performance Button, B6 Menu Button, B7 Cross Keys, B7A Up Button, B7B Down Button, B7C Left Button, B7D Right Button, MI Medal Insertion Slot, MO Medal Payout Slot, MP Medal Tray, 10 Main Board, 20 Sub-board, 105 Input Reception Means, 110 Random Number Generation Means, 120 Internal Lottery Means, 130 Reel Control Means, 140 Winning Judgment Means, 150 Payout Control Means, 160 Replay Processing Means, 179 Communication Control Means, 180 Performance Control Means, 190M Main Memory, 190S Sub-memory, 191 Credit Storage Means, 192 Bet Number Storage Means, 193 First AT Game Number Counter, 194 Ceiling Counter, 195 First Clear Counter, 196 Second Clear Counter, 197 Second AT Game Number Counter, 198 Main Table Storage Means, 199 Monitoring Timer, 200 Lottery Flag Storage Means, 201 Status Storage Means, 202 Performance Data Storage Means, 203 Sub-table Storage Means, 220 Bet Switch, 230 Start Switch, 240 Stop Switch, 250 Actuarial Switch, 260 Door Sensor, 270 Performance Button Switch, 280 Menu Button Switch, 290A Up Button Switch, 290B Down Button Switch, 290C Left Button Switch, 290D Right Button Switch, 310 Reel Unit, 320 Hopper Unit, 325 Payout Medal Detection Switch, 330 Performance Display Device, 340 Audio Device, 350 Medal Selector, 355 Blocker, 356 Passage Detection Sensor, 357 Insertion Detection Sensor, 400 Menu screen, 410 Volume setting screen, 420 Volume bar image, 430 Light quantity setting screen, 440 Light quantity bar image, BL Reel-backlight,

Claims

【Claim 1】 A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on their outer circumferential surfaces; Internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a plurality of types of roles including bonuses and minor roles; Reel control means for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels and, upon a stop operation, performing control to stop the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery; State control means for setting a non-favorable section and a favorable section and performing control to shift the performance state among a plurality of types of performance states including a normal performance state and a special performance state capable of executing a winning assistance performance for assisting the winning of a role; Performance control means for performing control to execute a specific performance for notifying that a stop operation should be performed in a specific operation order in which a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first; and In the case of a gaming machine in which, during non-operation of the bonus, the expected value of obtaining a gaming value is higher in the non-specific operation order than in the specific operation order, where the specific operation order and the non-specific operation order in which a reel different from the specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first are concerned; As the winning modes of the minor roles, a first winning mode and a second winning mode in which specific minor roles commonly win are provided; In the first winning mode, the expected value of obtaining a gaming value in the specific operation order is higher than that in the second winning mode; In the second winning mode, there is a case where it wins overlapping with the bonus in the internal lottery; The reel control means is When obtaining either the first winning mode or the second winning mode in the internal lottery, capable of performing stop control so that the specific minor role can win in the non-specific operation order; The performance control means is In the non-favorable section, when a stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation order, the specific performance is executed, and in the favorable section, when a stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation order in the normal performance state, the specific performance can be executed. A gaming machine characterized by this.

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