gaming machines

Abstract

Prevents the assumption that a setting has been changed. [Solution] The presentation state control means ensures that even if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone, a specific benefit corresponding to the game result of the next game will be awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in a favorable zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, and the presentation control means executes a first presentation related to the specific benefit if a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first presentation if a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first presentation if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and non-internal game state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] In a slot machine, multiple presentation states are provided that vary the player's gaming profit as the game progresses. For example, in an AT (assist time) presentation state among the multiple presentation states, when a winning combination that results in a large gaming profit overlaps with another winning combination, the operation mode of the stop switch that is the winning condition for the large gaming profit is notified. In such a slot machine, one setting value is internally set from multiple setting values ​​that vary in the degree of advantage. For example, a low setting value reduces the probability of a bonus being awarded, and a high setting value increases the probability of a bonus being awarded (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-176392 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the slot machine described above, when the setting values ​​are changed, the game state is reset to the initial state. Depending on the progress of the game and the operation mode of the slot machine, the player may be able to recognize that the game state has returned to the initial state. Once the player recognizes that the game state has returned to the initial state, the player may be able to estimate whether the setting values ​​of the slot machine have been changed, and ultimately estimate the setting values ​​of the slot machine.

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent the setting value from being assumed to have been changed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a reel control means for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels, each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon, based on the operation of a start switch, and for controlling the stop of each of the reels corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel; a game state control means for transitioning to one of a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and an internal game state to which transition is made based on the winning of a bonus role in the non-internal game state; a performance state control means for determining a game zone, which is either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance can be performed to assist the winning of a specific winning role, or a non-advantageous zone other than the advantageous zone in which the auxiliary performance is not performed; and a performance control means for controlling the performance, and the operation mode of the stop switch includes a mode in which a specific reel of the plurality of reels is selected to be stopped. There are a first operation mode in which the reels are stopped first, and a second operation mode in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, and the presentation state control means is configured so that even if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, a specific benefit corresponding to the game result of the next game is awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit is not awarded in the next game, and the presentation control means executes a first presentation related to the specific benefit if the specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first presentation if the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first presentation if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone and non-internal game state, and the specific benefit is awarded in the next game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the assumption that a setting value has been changed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining the general mechanical configuration of a slot machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door open, illustrating the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels and the pay lines. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine and the dedicated unit. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing sub-processing of the sub-control board. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing medal processing of the medal number control board. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a winning type lottery table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the game state. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the presentation state. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the chance zone transition processing of the presentation state control means. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between layers in a liquid crystal display unit. [Figure 19]FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between layers in a liquid crystal display unit. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the performance by the performance control means. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining over-notification. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining over-notification. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining over-notification. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display mode of an overlay image. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a display mode of an overlay image. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention and, unless otherwise specified, do not limit the present invention. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0010] (Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100) There are two types of slot machines 100 as gaming machines: one in which real medals are used to play the game, and one in which the game is played without the use of real medals. The latter is sometimes called a smart pachislot. Here, the slot machine 100 will be described using a smart pachislot as an example. In a smart pachislot, electronic medals are used as electronic game value for playing the game, instead of real medals.

[0011] Fig. 1 is an external view for explaining the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100. Fig. 2 is an external view with the front door open for explaining the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100, in which Fig. 2(a) shows the front door as seen from the back side, and Fig. 2(b) shows the cabinet as seen from the player's side.

[0012] 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 is provided with a cabinet 102 having an open front, and an upper front door 104 and a lower front door 106 which are rotatably arranged one above the other at one end of the front of the cabinet 102. A colorless and transparent symbol display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided in the approximate center of the lower part of the upper front door 104, and a left reel 110a, a center reel 110b, and a right reel 110c are provided in the cabinet 102 at positions corresponding to the symbol display window 108 so that they can rotate independently. As shown in the symbol arrangement in Figure 3(a), the outer periphery of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c is divided into 20 equal areas, each of which has a plurality of types of symbols arranged in each area, and the player can see a total of nine symbols, three consecutive symbols each located in the upper, middle, and lower rows of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, through the symbol display window 108. The left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c are sometimes collectively referred to simply as reels 110.

[0013] An operation unit installation stand 112 is formed at the top of the front lower door 106, and the operation unit installation stand 112 is provided with a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, a settlement switch 122, a performance switch 124, a counting switch 126, a game medal number display device 128, a main segment display unit 130, etc.

[0014] The bet switch 116 is a push switch that detects an operation to insert (bet) electronic medals that are electronically held in the slot machine 100 and available for use in a game (to subtract from the number of game medals). The bet switch 116 includes a max bet switch that inserts (bet) a specified number of electronic medals required for one game, and a 1 bet switch that inserts one additional electronic medal within the specified number. Here, the number of electronic medals inserted (bet) by the bet switch 116 is sometimes referred to as the number of bets, and the memory area that holds the number of bets is sometimes referred to as the "bet number holding means." Furthermore, the number of electronic medals that are electronically held in the slot machine 100 and available for use in a game is sometimes referred to as the "number of game medals," and the memory area that holds the number of game medals is sometimes referred to as the "medal holding means." Note that the number of game medals does not include the number of bets. The bet includes both cases where a predetermined number of electronic medals are inserted from the number of game medals held in the medal holding means by operating the bet switch 116, and cases where electronic medals are automatically inserted based on the display of a replay combination, which will be described in detail later, on an active line. The entity that places such a bet may also be called a betting means.

[0015] The start switch 118 is configured, for example, by a lever that can detect tilting operation, and detects the start operation of a game by the player.

[0016] Stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are push-button switches provided at positions corresponding to left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect the player's stop operation. Note that stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are sometimes collectively referred to as stop switches 120. Here, when the stop switch 120 is in a state where it can be stopped, the player's first stop operation of one of stop switches 120a, 120b, or 120c is referred to as a first stop operation. After the first stop operation, the player's second stop operation of one of the two remaining stop switches 120 is referred to as a second stop operation. After the second stop operation, the player's third stop operation of the remaining stop switch 120 is referred to as a third stop operation.

[0017] The settlement switch 122 detects an operation to return all electronic medals bet by operating the bet switch 116 to the medal holding means (adding them to the number of game medals).

[0018] The effect switch 124 is configured, for example, as a push switch or a cross switch, and detects the pressing operation or rotation operation by the player.

[0019] The counting switch 126 is a push switch that detects an operation to transfer some or all of the gaming medal count electronically held in the slot machine 100 to the dedicated unit 300 (described later) (to subtract it from the gaming medal count). The counting switch 126 can be operated in three ways: a "short press" where the counting time is less than 500 msec; a "long press" where the counting time is 500 msec or more; and a "full count" where the counting time is 4000 msec or more, allowing counting to continue even after the counting switch 126 operation is released. When the counting switch 126 is short pressed, only one electronic medal is counted (transferred) from the gaming medal count per operation. When the counting switch 126 is long pressed or in full count mode, 50 electronic medals are counted from the gaming medal count at the timing of the count notification every 300 msec after the press time of 500 msec. Note that if the gaming medal count is less than 50 when the counting switch 126 is long pressed or in full count mode, all remaining gaming medals are counted. If the counting switch 126 is operated while play is possible, the counting process is always executed regardless of the game status at that time. Here, "while play is possible" refers to a state in which the slot machine 100 and the dedicated unit 300 are connected and both are powered on (a state in which a player can borrow electronic medals, play games on the slot machine 100, and perform a series of operations to count the results of the game). If the slot machine 100 is powered on but the dedicated unit 300 is not, or if the slot machine 100 and the dedicated unit 300 are not connected, the slot machine 100 may accept the operation of the counting switch 126 but the counted medal count may be lost. Therefore, the operation of the counting switch 126 is invalid, and this period is not included in the "while play is possible." In addition, the "period during which play is possible" does not include the periods during which the slot machine 100 is not (cannot be) played on its own, such as during initialization processing after power-on, while settings are being changed or confirmed, and while in an error state that requires recovery processing such as resetting.

[0020] The medal count display 128 includes a 5-digit or 6-digit 7-segment LED and displays the total number of digitized medals held in the medal holding means, i.e., the number of medals held. However, the number of medals bet is not included in the medal count. Therefore, the medal count display 128 displays the number of digitized medals acquired by the player minus the number of digitized medals bet. The medal count range is expressed as 0 to 16,382 (16,368 medals + maximum payout number per game (15 medals) - minimum bet number (1 medal)), taking into account the maximum difference in medal count per day. If the most significant digit is 0, that number is displayed as blank (off). If the number exceeds a predetermined warning value, for example, 15,000, a medal count warning is issued to prompt the player to count the medals held. The medal lending process (described later) is restricted, and a test count signal is output for approximately 3,500 msec. The warning value is not limited to 15,000 and can be set to various values. However, even if the medal count warning is issued, the player can continue playing. Therefore, the medal count may increase. If the medal count exceeds a predetermined upper limit, e.g., 16,369, an error notification (medal over error notification) is issued and the so-called complete function is activated to limit the progress of the game. Specifically, the bet switch 116, start switch 118, and settlement switch 122 are prohibited from being operated. When the complete function is activated (a play-stop error (error code "Ey") occurs), complete activation information indicating that the complete function is activated is displayed on the LCD display 132 (described later), and a complete activation sound indicating that the complete function is activated is output from the speaker 134 (described later). The medal count display device 128 reflects the updated medal count and displays it within approximately 300 msec after the number of medals held in the slot machine 100 is updated.

[0021] The main segment display unit 130 is composed of two 7-segment displays arranged side by side, and displays an error code indicating the type of error managed by the main control board 200. For example, when various errors occur, such as a door open error (error code "E8") that occurs when it is detected that at least one of the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is open and that automatically recovers when both the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are closed, an error code is displayed on the main segment display unit 130, error information is displayed on the LCD display unit 132 (described later), and an error sound is output from the speaker 134 (described later).

[0022] A liquid crystal display unit 132 that displays various images associated with the performance is provided approximately at the center of the top of the upper front door 104. Speakers 134 that provide auditory performances using sound effects, musical sounds, etc. are provided at left and right positions on the back surface of the lower front door 106. Also, performance lamps 136 formed, for example, by high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a performance prop device 138 that drives performance props by a motor are provided at the top and left and right of the upper front door 104.

[0023] Additionally, within the cabinet 102, a main control board 200 (described later) is provided with a setting key and a setting change switch (not shown) (collectively referred to as a setting value setting means). When a predetermined key (operation key) is inserted into the setting key and rotated from the OFF position to the ON position, the slot machine 100 transitions to a setting change mode, enabling the setting value to be changed (also simply referred to as a setting change) by turning on the power via the power switch 144a of the power supply 144. The setting value indicates the player's advantage (machine payout ratio) in stages, expressed on six levels, for example, from 1 to 6. Generally, the higher the setting value, the higher the overall advantage (higher the expected number of coins won). When the setting change switch is pressed in a setting changeable state, the setting value is incremented by one. For example, the setting value is changed to one of the six levels. Operating the start switch 118 fixes the setting value, and returning the setting key to its original position (OFF position) ends the setting change mode, enabling play. The setting can be changed only for a certain period of time after the power switch 144a is operated to turn on the power.

[0024] Such a slot machine 100 eliminates the need for actual medals, making it possible to prevent cheating by inserting fake medals or using illegally brought medals. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a mechanism for inserting and dispensing gaming media within the gaming machine, design and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of gaming media to players and the counting of acquired gaming media, it is possible to prevent fraud. Furthermore, centralized data management can curb gambling and ultimately strengthen measures against addiction.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100 and the dedicated unit 300. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 and the dedicated unit 300 are electrically connected via a game ball dispenser connection terminal board 280. The slot machine 100 is provided with multiple control boards, including a main control board 200 that controls the progress of the game, a sub-control board 240 that controls the presentation according to the progress of the game, and a medal count control board 260 that controls the number of electronic medals (number of game medals) held in the medal holding means. Note that transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 240 is limited to one direction only, from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 240, to prevent fraud, etc. However, transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the medal count control board 260 is bidirectional.

[0026] (Main control board 200) The main control board 200 has semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a, which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b in which programs and the like are stored, and a main RAM 200c, which functions as a work area, and controls the entire slot machine 100. Even if the power is turned off, the main RAM 200c retains data without erasing it unless a setting change is made and the RAM is cleared.

[0027] The main control board 200 also has functional units such as an initialization means 210, a betting means 212, a winning type lottery means 214, a reel control means 216, a determination means 218, a payout control means 220, a game status control means 222, a presentation status control means 224, and a command transmission / reception means 226, which function when the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b.

[0028] The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the bet switch 116, start switch 118, stop switch 120, and settlement switch 122, and the main CPU 200a executes various processes based on the received detection signals.

[0029] The initialization means 210 executes initialization processing on the main control board 200. The betting means 212 bets electronic medals to be used in games. The win type lottery means 214, based on the operation of the start switch 118, performs a win type lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, more specifically, whether a winning type including the winning combination has been achieved, as will be described in detail later.

[0030] The reel control means 216 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and controls the stopping of the corresponding left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively.

[0031] Furthermore, in response to the operation of the start switch 118, the reel control means 216 may extend the time from when the operation of the stop switch 120 was enabled in the previous game until the operation of the stop switch 120 by the player to display the lottery result of the win type lottery (which was disabled upon completion of the operation of the stop switch 120 in the previous game) beyond a specified time, and during that time, perform a reel effect (freeze effect) that controls the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in various ways. The reel effect can be realized by not enabling any switch that should normally be enabled for a predetermined time, suspending processing that should normally be executed for a predetermined time, or not transmitting or receiving any switch signal that should normally be transmitted and received for a predetermined time.

[0032] In this embodiment, as a reel effect, the basic game is interrupted in response to operation of the start switch 118 in the basic game, and the progress of the basic game is delayed. During this time, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are controlled to rotate, and the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c corresponding to the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are temporarily stopped in response to operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, respectively, to perform a pseudo game (simulated game) that resembles the basic game. Here, the basic game refers to a game in which a winning type lottery is executed and a one-time payout is received upon the winning combination. The pseudo game ends when the start switch 118 is operated again or a predetermined time has passed since the temporary stop control, and then the rotation control of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c in the basic game is resumed. As an example of a pseudo game, the reel control means 216 can automatically temporarily stop predetermined symbols (e.g., symbols constituting a bonus role) on each of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Such a pseudo game can enhance the excitement of the game by implementing effects using rotation control and stop patterns similar to or different from those used in the basic game. Although the temporary stop appears to be stopped at first glance, the phase signals of the stepping motors 152 of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are continuously changed within 500 msec to indicate that the reels are not completely stopped. The temporary stop control temporarily stops the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. However, unless otherwise specified, both stop and temporary stop are treated simply as stop in the sense that they do not rotate in one direction but maintain their position, and both stop control and temporary stop control are treated simply as stop control in the sense that the rotation of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c is controlled in accordance with the operation of the start switch 118, and the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c are stopped in accordance with the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively.

[0033] A reel drive control unit 150 is also connected to the main control board 200. This reel drive control unit 150 drives a stepping motor 152 based on rotation start signals for the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c sent from the reel control means 216 in response to an operation signal from the start switch 118. The reel drive control unit 150 also stops driving the stepping motor 152 based on stop signals for the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c sent from the reel control means 216 in response to an operation signal from the stop switch 120 and a detection signal from the rotation position detection circuit 154.

[0034] The determining means 218 determines whether a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on the pay line A. Here, the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination on the pay line A may be simply referred to as a win. Here, the pay line A is a line for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved, and in this embodiment, there is only one pay line A. As shown in FIG. 3(b), of the nine symbols (three reels × three rows: top, middle, and bottom) appearing in the symbol display window 108, the pay line A is a line (one line extending upward to the right) connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped on the bottom row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the center reel 110b, and the top row of the right reel 110c. The inactive lines are lines other than the pay line A that are not used to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, and display other symbol combinations that make it easier to determine the winning combination when it is difficult to determine the winning combination based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line A alone. In this embodiment, four inactive lines B1, B2, B3, and C shown in FIG. 3(b) are assumed. The payout control means 220 pays out the number (value amount) of electronic medals corresponding to the winning role to the medal holding means (adds them to the number of game medals) based on the fact that a pattern combination corresponding to the winning role is displayed on the active line A (a prize is won).

[0035] The gaming state control means 222 refers to the result of the lottery for determining the winning type and the determination result of the determination means 218, and transitions the gaming state to one of a plurality of gaming states. As will be described later, the gaming states include a non-internal gaming state, an internal gaming state to which a game is transitioned by winning a bonus combination in a non-internal gaming state, and a bonus gaming state to which a game is transitioned by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus combination on an active line in the internal gaming state.

[0036] The presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to one of several presentation states based on the results of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 218, and the game state transition information. The presentation states include an AT (assist time) presentation state, which executes an auxiliary presentation (assisting the winning of a specific role) when a specific role (correct role) overlaps with another winning role (incorrect role) (selection winning type), to notify the player of the operation mode (correct operation mode) that constitutes the winning condition for the specific role (to assist the winning of the specific role), and a non-AT presentation state, in which no auxiliary presentation is executed. In addition, a so-called ART game state may be executed in which the AT presentation state and the RT (replay time) game state, which has a high probability of winning a replay role, proceed in parallel. The specific role that is the target of the auxiliary presentation is a winning role that is more advantageous than other winning roles, not only in terms of the payout of electronic medals resulting from the winning of the winning role, but also in terms of all game benefits that can be obtained by winning the winning role. Furthermore, the auxiliary effects are not limited to those that assist in the winning of a specific combination, and it is sufficient if they notify the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player.

[0037] The command transmission / reception means 226 sequentially transmits commands determined in accordance with the operation of the betting means 212, winning type lottery means 214, reel control means 216, judgment means 218, payout control means 220, game status control means 222, presentation status control means 224, etc. to the sub-control board 240 and medal count control board 260.

[0038] The main control board 200 is also provided with a random number generator 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments a count value and resets it after counting a predetermined number of times (changing the number sequence to set an initial value), thereby looping the count value within a predetermined numerical range. The main control board 200 obtains a random number by extracting a count value from the random number generator 200d at a predetermined time point. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as a win type lottery random number) is used to determine the gaming benefit to be awarded to the player, for example, the win type determined by the win type lottery means 214. Specific processing in the main control board 200 will be described below with reference to a flowchart.

[0039] (Main processing of the main control board 200) 5 is a flowchart showing the main processing (main loop processing) of the main control board 200. First, an outline of one game after initialization will be described in accordance with the main processing of the main control board 200. Processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and configurations unrelated to the features of this embodiment will not be described. Although detailed description will be omitted, when each process is performed, the switches used in each process (bet switch 116, start switch 118, stop switch 120) are enabled at the start of the process and disabled at the end of the process.

[0040] (Step S100) When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 144a and enters a powered state, the initialization means 210 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of a game. The initialization means 210 can also change settings. Setting changes involve changing a setting value that indicates a level of advantageousness (e.g., six levels). Setting changes also include replaying to the same setting value (a process of changing (overwriting or maintaining) the current setting value to the same setting value). The initialization means 210 generates backup data as needed while the power is on and stores the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power outage occurs, the initialization process can restore the state before the power outage using the backup data stored before the power outage. For example, even if an unexpected power outage occurs while the reels 110 are spinning, the game will start again with each reel 110 spinning after a recovery operation. Therefore, the initialization process does not generally involve initializing the main RAM 200c (RAM clearing). Furthermore, the initialization means 210 generates an initialization command when the power is turned on, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated initialization command to the sub-control board 240. Furthermore, the initialization means 210 generates a startup command including transmission information required at startup, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated startup command to the medal count control board 260.

[0041] (Step S110) Next, in response to the player's operation of the bet switch 116, the betting means 212 bets electronic medals. The betting means 212 also generates an insertion command indicating that the operation has been performed, and the command transmitting / receiving means 226 transmits the generated insertion command to the sub-control board 240. The betting means 212 also generates a game medal insertion command including transmission information indicating the requested number of medals to be inserted, and the command transmitting / receiving means 226 transmits the generated medal insertion command to the medal count control board 260.

[0042] (Step S120) Next, when a predetermined number of electronic medals are bet, the win type lottery means 214 enables a game start operation on the start switch 118 and transitions to a state waiting for operation of the start switch 118. Here, in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118, the win type lottery means 214 obtains one win type lottery random number at the time the start switch 118 is operated from the win type lottery random numbers updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200. Then, the win type lottery means 214 determines one win type lottery table corresponding to the currently set game state from the win type lottery table, determines which winning area in the determined win type lottery table the obtained win type lottery random number corresponds to, and determines the win type or no win for the determined winning area as the lottery result. In addition, when a win type including the winning combination "RBB" is determined in the win type lottery, the game state control means 222 transitions the game state from the non-internal game state to the RBB internal game state. In addition, after the lottery result is determined in response to the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 214 generates a winning type command including the lottery result of the winning type lottery (winning type or no winning) and information about the game status, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated winning type command to the sub-control board 240.

[0043] (Step S130) When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 216 drives the stepping motor 152 to rotate the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (e.g., 4.1 seconds) has elapsed (wait) from the start of rotation of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c in the previous game, the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c in that game begin to rotate, and when all of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c have reached a steady rotation, the process proceeds to step S140.

[0044] (Step S140) Next, the reel control means 216 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and upon receiving a player's operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, or 120c, controls the reel to stop one of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, or right reel 110c corresponding to the operation. Furthermore, upon operation of one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, or 120c, the reel control means 216 generates a stop command (first stop operation command, second stop operation command, or third stop operation command) indicating information about the operated stop switch 120a, 120b, or 120c, and the command transmission / reception means 226 sequentially transmits the generated stop commands to the sub-control board 240. The reel control means 216 continues this reel stop process until all of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c have been operated.

[0045] (Step S150) Next, the determination means 218 determines which of the predetermined combinations corresponds to the symbol combination displayed on the pay line A shown in FIG. 3(b), and executes various processes required for changing the game state or replaying the game depending on the symbol combination. For example, the determination means 218 updates the net increase counter if the game is in a favorable zone and a small winning combination has been achieved. Here, the favorable zone is a game zone that is advantageous to the player, including a game zone that has the capability related to the instruction function, i.e., a game zone that executes an auxiliary effect (instruction function). A game zone that is exclusive to the favorable zone and in which the auxiliary effect cannot be executed is called a non-favorable zone. The favorable zone is a game zone in which, when an auxiliary effect is activated as a result of a lottery or the like related to the activation of the auxiliary effect on the main control board 200, information indicating the content of the instruction may be transmitted to a peripheral board such as the sub-control board 240 only when the main control board 200 displays the content of the instruction on the notification means so that it can be identified. Furthermore, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state from the RBB internal gaming state to the RBB operating gaming state if the symbol combination displayed on the active line A in the RBB internal gaming state is a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB." Furthermore, the determination means 218 generates a winning command including the number of electronic medals to be paid out when the symbol combination displayed on the active line A or the symbol combination corresponding to the minor winning combination is displayed on the active line A, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated winning command to the sub-control board 240.

[0046] (Step S160) Furthermore, the payout control means 220 executes a payout process of electronic medals corresponding to the minor winning combination based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line A (stopping state of the reels 110). For example, when a symbol combination corresponding to a minor winning combination is displayed on the active line A, the payout control means 220 executes a process for automatically placing a bet for the next game when a symbol combination corresponding to a replay winning combination is displayed on the active line A. Furthermore, when the payout process of electronic medals is executed, the payout control means 220 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been executed, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 240. Furthermore, the payout control means 220 generates a payout end command including transmission information indicating the number of medals to be paid out, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated payout end command to the medal count control board 260.

[0047] (Step S170) When a predetermined number of electronic medals are paid out in the RBB-operated gaming state, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state from the RBB-operated gaming state to a non-internal gaming state. Furthermore, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state and switches between advantageous and non-advantageous zones. Furthermore, when the gaming state or presentation state is changed, a gaming transition command including the changed gaming state or presentation state is generated, and the command transmission / reception means 226 transmits the generated gaming transition command to the sub-control board 240. In this way, the completion of the gaming transition process S170 ends the relevant game.

[0048] One game is executed through a series of processes from step S110 to step S170. Thereafter, steps S110 to S170 are repeated. In this way, one game refers to the game from when a portion of the number of game medals held in the medal holding means is inserted through operation of the bet switch 116, or when electronic medals are automatically inserted based on the display of a replay role on the active line A, until the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to rotate and a winning type lottery is executed in response to operation of the start switch 118 by the player, and the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c corresponding to the operated stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c are controlled to stop, respectively, in response to the result of the winning type lottery and the operation of the multiple stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player, and if a winning role that allows for the payout of electronic medals is achieved, the payout of the electronic medals is executed. Furthermore, if a player does not win a prize type that can be awarded with a digital medal, or if a player wins but does not win, one game ends when the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop. However, the start of one game may be interpreted as the player operating the start switch 118 instead of inserting a digital medal or winning a replay. The number of times one game is repeated is defined as the number of games. Here, whether a basic game, which is a single game in which a prize type lottery is executed and a single payout can be awarded, is played alone, or whether the basic game is played in combination with a pseudo game, the completion of the basic game is considered to be the completion of one game. Therefore, the completion of a pseudo game does not affect the counting of the number of games in the slot machine 100. However, the number of games managed by the hall computer (not shown) may or may not be counted as the number of games, depending on the specifications.

[0049] (Sub-control board 240) Like the main control board 200, the sub-control board 240 has various semiconductor integrated circuits, including a sub-CPU 240a, which is a central processing unit; a sub-ROM 240b storing programs and the like; and a sub-RAM 240c, which functions as a work area. Based on commands from the main control board 200, the sub-control board 240 controls the effects according to the progress of the game, generating, for example, effect patterns that indicate a series of effects. Like the main RAM 200c, the sub-RAM 240c is also connected to a backup power supply (not shown), so data is retained even if the power is cut off. Like the main control board 200, the sub-control board 240 is also equipped with a random number generator 240d. The random number values ​​generated by the random number generator 240d (hereinafter referred to as effect lottery random numbers) are primarily used to determine the type of effect. The sub-control board 240 also has an image circuit 240e, an audio circuit 240f, and an effect circuit 240g to realize the effects.

[0050] The image circuit 240e includes an image IC, an image ROM, and an image RAM (VRAM). The image IC, also called a VDP (Video Display Processor), receives an image command that can specify image data based on a presentation pattern (data corresponding to an image to be displayed on the LCD display unit 132 among the presentation patterns indicated by the presentation pattern). Upon receiving the image command, the image IC reads the image data specified by the image command from the image ROM to the image RAM and sequentially outputs the image data to the LCD display unit 132. The image RAM has multiple different layers, each of which can store different image data. The image IC then superimposes the image data stored in the multiple layers and outputs the superimposed image data to the LCD display unit 132. Each layer has a priority order. When an image in a higher-priority layer overlaps with an image in a lower-priority layer, the image in the higher-priority layer is superimposed closer to the player than the image in the lower-priority layer and is visible to the player.

[0051] The audio circuit 240f includes an audio IC and an audio ROM. When the audio IC receives a voice command that can identify audio data based on an effect pattern (data corresponding to sounds, including audio, to be output to the speaker 134 from the effects indicated by the effect pattern), it reads the audio data identified by the voice command from the audio ROM and sequentially outputs sounds based on the audio data to the speaker 134. The audio IC has multiple different layers (sometimes called tracks or channels), and can store different audio data in each layer. The audio IC then superimposes the audio data stored in the multiple layers and outputs sounds based on the superimposed audio data to the speaker 134. The player can hear each of the superimposed audio data at the same time.

[0052] When the performance circuit 240g receives a command indicating an illumination pattern (content indicating a series of lighting modes of the performance lamps 136 in the performance indicated by the performance pattern) and a drive pattern (content indicating a series of drive modes of the performance prop devices 138 in the performance indicated by the performance pattern) based on the performance pattern, it generates information regarding light emission (light emission information) and information regarding motor drive (drive information) in accordance with the command, and transmits the generated light emission information and drive information to the performance lamps 136 and the performance prop devices 138 via serial communication. Serial communication is used here to reduce the number of harnesses and simplify handling. In this way, the lighting of each of the multiple performance lamps 136 is independently controlled, and the drive of each of the multiple performance prop devices 138 is independently controlled. Furthermore, the performance circuit 240g acquires input information (whether or not an operation is performed, the timing of operation, the number of operations, the length of operation, etc.) from the performance switches 124 and the like via serial communication.

[0053] Here, a series of functional units such as a sub-CPU 240a, a sub-RAM 240c, a random number generator 240d, an image circuit 240e, an audio circuit 240f, and a performance circuit 240g are integrated into a single integrated circuit as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip). However, it is possible to arbitrarily set which functional units are integrated into the SoC.

[0054] In addition, the sub-control board 240 has functional units such as an initialization means 250, a command receiving means 252, and a performance control means 254, which function in cooperation with the sub-RAM 240c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 240b.

[0055] The initialization means 250 executes initialization processing on the sub-control board 240. The command receiving means 252 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and processes the commands. The performance control means 254 receives a detection signal from the performance switch 124 and determines a performance pattern for the game performance performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 132, speaker 134, performance lamp 136, and performance prop device 138 based on the received command.

[0056] Specifically, the performance control means 254 performs image display control to display an image on the liquid crystal display unit 132. In addition, the performance control means 254 performs sound output control through the speaker 134, controls the lighting of the performance lamp 136, and controls the driving of the performance prop device 138.

[0057] The effects executed by the effect control means 254 also include the auxiliary effects described above. Hereinafter, the notification means for executing the auxiliary effects, such as the LCD display unit 132, the speaker 134, and the effect lamp 136, may be referred to as the auxiliary effect execution means (instruction monitor). The effect state control means 224 causes the auxiliary effect execution means to execute the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state.

[0058] (Sub-processing of the sub-control board 240) 6 is a flowchart showing the sub-processing of the sub-control board 240. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and a description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

[0059] (Step S200) When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 144a and enters a powered state, the initialization means 250 executes initialization processing in preparation for the start of a game. While the power is on, the initialization means 250 generates backup data as needed and stores the backup data in the sub-RAM 240c.

[0060] (Step S210) The command receiving means 252 determines whether or not a submission command has been received. If a submission command has been received, the process proceeds to step S212, and if a submission command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0061] (Step S212) If it is determined in step S210 that a throw-in command has been received, the presentation control means 254 determines a presentation pattern based on the throw-in command, assuming that preparations for starting the next game have been completed.

[0062] (Step S220) Next, the command receiving means 252 determines whether or not a win type command has been received. As a result, if a win type command has been received, the process proceeds to step S222, and if a win type command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S240.

[0063] (Step S222) If it is determined in step S220 that a win type command has been received, the effect control means 254 determines an effect pattern based on the win type command. Also, if the effect state is the AT effect state and the win type indicated in the win type command is the selection win type, the effect control means 254 determines an auxiliary effect that notifies the correct operation mode.

[0064] (Step S240) Next, the command receiving means 252 determines whether or not a stop command has been received. As a result, if a stop command has been received, the process proceeds to step S242, and if a stop command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S250.

[0065] (Step S242) If it is determined in step S240 that a stop command has been received, the presentation control means 254 determines the presentation pattern based on whether the stop command indicates the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation, and whether the stop operation indicates a stop operation for one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, or 120c, and the rotational positions of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, or right reel 110c at which the stop operation was performed.

[0066] (Step S250) Next, the command receiving means 252 determines whether or not a winning command has been received. If a winning command has been received, the process proceeds to step S252, and if a winning command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S260.

[0067] (Step S252) If it is determined in step S250 that a winning command has been received, the effect control means 254 determines an effect pattern based on the winning command.

[0068] (Step S260) Next, the command receiving means 252 determines whether or not a dispense command has been received. If a dispense command has been received, the process proceeds to step S262, and if a dispense command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210, and the process from step S210 is repeated.

[0069] (Step S262) If it is determined in step S260 that a payout command has been received, the performance control means 254 determines a performance pattern based on the payout command, and repeats the process from step S210.

[0070] (Medal count control board 260) The medal count control board 260 is connected to the main control board 200 and includes various semiconductor integrated circuits, including a medal CPU 260a (central processing unit), a medal ROM 260b (storing programs, etc.), and a medal RAM 260c (functioning as a work area), and manages the electronic medals used in games. Like the main RAM 200c, the medal RAM 260c is also connected to a backup power supply (not shown), allowing data to be retained without being erased even if the power is cut off. A portion of the memory area of ​​the medal RAM 260c serves as medal holding means. The medal count control board 260 is also integrally formed with a medal segment display unit 140. The medal segment display unit 140 is composed of a single seven-segment display and displays, for example, an error code indicating the type of error managed by the medal count control board 260. The medal count control board 260 is also connected to the dedicated unit 300 via a gaming ball dispenser connection terminal board 280. Here, the gaming ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 280 is a connection terminal board for connecting the slot machine 100 and the dedicated unit 300, and receives signals related to the dispensing of electronic medals, transmits the results of the dispensing of electronic medals, transmits signals related to the counting of electronic medals, and transmits various information about the slot machine 100. For example, the gaming ball etc. dispensing device connection terminal board 280 receives a supply of power (VL) from the dedicated unit 300, uses the power as input to an insulating element such as a photocoupler, generates a VL connection signal indicating the connection status with the dedicated unit 300, and outputs it to the medal count control board 260. The medal count control board 260 can determine whether power is being supplied from the dedicated unit 300, in other words, whether the dedicated unit 300 is powered on and properly connected to the dedicated unit 300, based on the ON / OFF state of the VL connection signal.

[0071] In addition, the medal count control board 260 has functional units such as an initialization means 270, a command transmission / reception means 272, and a medal count update means 274, which function in cooperation with the medal RAM 260c based on the program stored in the medal ROM 260b.

[0072] The initialization means 270 executes initialization processing on the medal count control board 260. The command transmission / reception means 272 receives commands from the main control board 200 and performs reply processing in response to those commands. In addition, the command transmission / reception means 272 repeatedly transmits and receives gaming machine information notices, counting notices, loan notices, and loan receipt result responses to the dedicated unit 300 at 300 msec intervals after startup is complete. Specifically, the command transmission / reception means 272 transmits a gaming machine information notice to the dedicated unit 300, including gaming machine performance information, gaming machine installation information, and hall control / fraud monitoring information as gaming machine information, and 100 msec after transmitting the gaming machine information notice, transmits a counting notice including the number of counted medals to be counted (the number of electronic medals to be transferred to the dedicated unit 300 at one time). The command transmission / reception means 272 receives a loan notification from the dedicated unit 300 170 msec after sending the counting notification, which includes the number of loan medals to be processed for loan (the number of electronic medals transferred at one time from the dedicated unit 300), and then replies to the dedicated unit 300 with the loan receipt result.

[0073] The medal count updating means 274 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals held in the medal holding means in response to commands received from the main control board 200, notifications received from the dedicated unit 300, or operation of the counting switch 126. The medal count updating means 274 also displays the game medal number updated in this manner on the game medal number display device 128.

[0074] 7 is a flowchart showing the medal processing (main loop processing) of the medal count control board 260. Here, processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and a description of configurations unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

[0075] (Step S300) When the slot machine 100 is powered on via the power switch 144a and the medal count control board 260 enters a powered state, the initialization means 270 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of a game. The initialization means 270 generates backup data as needed while the power is on and stores the backup data in the medal RAM 260c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power outage occurs, the initialization process can restore the state before the power outage using the backup data stored before the power outage. For example, even if an unexpected power outage occurs while the medal holding means is holding the number of game medals, the game will start from a state where the electronic medals are held after the restoration operation. Therefore, the initialization process does not generally involve initialization of the medal RAM 260c (RAM clearing).

[0076] (Step S310) When the initialization process is completed, the medal count update means 274 determines whether an update event for the number of game medals held in the medal holding means has occurred, and if an update event for the number of game medals has occurred, executes update processing to update the number of game medals in accordance with the update event. First, the medal count update means 274 determines whether a game medal insertion command has been received from the main CPU 200a, and if a game medal insertion command has been received, proceeds to step S312, and if a game medal insertion command has not been received, proceeds to step S320.

[0077] (Step S312) When a medal insertion command is received from the main CPU 200a, the medal count update means 274 determines whether the medal insertion command indicates the insertion of electronic medals, and if so, executes insertion processing to subtract the number of medals from the number of medals. Furthermore, if the medal insertion command indicates the settlement of electronic medals rather than the insertion of electronic medals, the medal count update means 274 executes settlement processing to add the number of inserted electronic medals to the number of medals. Note that although the player's operations differ between the settlement processing and the insertion processing, the processing corresponding to the operations is the same. Therefore, in the following, where the insertion processing is used, it is also possible to replace the explanation with the settlement processing, assuming that negative electronic medals are inserted.

[0078] (Step S320) Next, the medal count update means 274 determines whether or not a payout end command has been received from the main CPU 200a, and if a payout end command has been received, it transfers processing to step S322, and if a payout end command has not been received, it transfers processing to step S330.

[0079] (Step S322) When the payout end command is received from the main CPU 200a, the medal number update means 274 executes a payout process of adding the electronic medals paid out based on the payout end command to the number of game medals.

[0080] (Step S330) Next, the medal count update means 274 determines whether or not a notification of loan of an electronic medal has been received from the dedicated unit 300, and if a notification of loan has been received, the process proceeds to step S332, and if a notification of loan has not been received, the process proceeds to step S340.

[0081] (Step S332) When receiving a loan notification from the dedicated unit 300, the medal count update means 274 determines whether loan processing is possible, and if loan processing is possible, executes loan processing to add the loaned electronic medals to the number of gaming medals, and generates a loan receipt result response including "normal." On the other hand, if loan processing is not possible, i.e., if the message length and command value in the loan notification are normal but other information is abnormal, if the gaming machine information notification is abnormal, if the counted medal number in the counting notification is "1" or more, if the number of gaming medals displayed on the gaming medal number display device 128 is 15,000 or more, if the checksum of the received loan notification is abnormal, if the loan serial numbers in the received loan notification are not consecutive, if the loaned medal number in the received loan notification is "51" or more, or if the gaming machine information notification sent from the medal CPU 260a to the dedicated unit 300 notifies information other than hall control or fraud monitoring information, the medal count update means 274 generates a loan receipt result response including "abnormal."

[0082] (Step S340) Next, the command transmission / reception means 272 determines whether the counting switch 126 has been operated by the player, and if the counting switch 126 has been operated, proceeds to step S342, and if the counting switch 126 has not been operated, repeats the processing from step S310.

[0083] (Step S342) When the player operates the counting switch 126, the medal count update means 274 notifies the dedicated unit 300 of the count and executes a counting process to subtract the counted electronic medals from the number of game medals, and then repeats the process from step S310.

[0084] When a loan notification is received or the count switch 126 is operated, the medal count update means 274 executes the loan process or count process for the electronic medals, and the command transmission / reception means 272 transmits a command to that effect to the main CPU 200a. The main CPU 200a, upon receiving the command, transmits the command to the sub-CPU 240a. Then, as the electronic medals are actually loaned or counted during the loan process or count process, the sub-CPU 240a outputs a predetermined loan sound or count sound from the speaker 134, indicating the movement of the electronic medals. In this way, the player can auditorily confirm that the loan process or count process is being performed appropriately. The sub-CPU 240a may also notify the player that the loan process or count process is being performed not only through the speaker 134 but also through other devices, such as the LCD display 132 or the performance lamp 136.

[0085] (300 dedicated units) The dedicated unit 300 is installed near the slot machine 100 and can lend electronic medals to players and count the electronic medals that players have won. The dedicated unit 300 is provided with a dedicated unit control board 310 that sends and receives electronic medals to and from the slot machine 100. A cash insertion unit 312, a card insertion unit 314, a lending switch 316, a return switch 318, a game switch 320, a point display unit 322, and an acquired medal count display unit 324 are connected to the dedicated unit control board 310.

[0086] The cash insertion unit 312 functions as an insertion slot for inserting cash. The card insertion unit 314 allows the insertion and withdrawal of card media capable of accumulating electronic medals. The lending switch 316 is a push switch that detects an operation to transfer electronic medals corresponding to the number of points of cash held in the dedicated unit 300 to the slot machine 100. In response to the operation of the lending switch 316, the medal count control board 260 executes a lending process. The return switch 318 is a push switch that detects an operation to transfer electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 300 to a card medium and withdraw the card medium from the dedicated unit 300 through the card insertion unit 314. The game switch 320 is a push switch that detects an operation to transfer electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 300 to the slot machine 100. The point display unit 322 displays the number of points held in the dedicated unit 300, i.e., the number of points corresponding to the cash inserted through the cash insertion unit. The acquired medal count display device 324 displays the acquired medal count, which is the total number of electronic medals held in the dedicated unit 300.

[0087] (Table used in main control board 200) FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning type lottery table.

[0088] As will be described in detail later, the slot machine 100 is provided with a plurality of game states and presentation states, and the game states and presentation states are shifted as the game progresses. The main control board 200 stores a plurality of win type lottery tables and the like corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 222 in the main ROM 200b. The win type lottery means 214 extracts a corresponding win type lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current setting values ​​stored in the main RAM 200c and the current game state, and determines, based on the extracted win type lottery table, which win type in the win type lottery table the win type lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to.

[0089] Here, the winning combinations constituting the winning types extracted in the winning type lottery table include a bonus combination, a replay combination, and a small combination. A bonus combination is a combination that can transition the gaming state managed by the gaming state control means 222 to a bonus gaming state (a gaming state during RBB operation, described later) when a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination is displayed on the active line A. A replay combination is a combination that allows a player to play again without placing a new bet of electronic medals when a symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line A. A small combination is a combination that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of electronic medals according to the symbol combination when a symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line A.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 8, the winning combination in this embodiment is a bonus combination of "RBB." In addition, the replay combinations are "REPLAY 1" to "REPLAY 23." In addition, the small combinations are "SMALL BEAM 1" to "SMALL BEAM 20." In FIG. 8, one or more symbols constituting each winning combination are associated with the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. In the following, the winning combinations "SMALL BEAM 1" to "SMALL BEAM 4" may be abbreviated as "8-coin combination," the winning combinations "SMALL BEAM 5" and "SMALL BEAM 6" as "3-coin combination," and the winning combinations "SMALL BEAM 7" to "SMALL BEAM 20" as "1-coin combination."

[0091] In this embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to a possible winning combination are on the activated line A, the reel control means 216 performs stop control so that the symbols stop on the activated line A. Also, when the stop switch 120 is operated, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to a possible winning combination are not on the activated line A but are within a range equivalent to four symbols in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110 (pull-in range), the reel control means 216 performs stop control so that the number of separated symbols becomes the number of sliding frames, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the activated line A and then stopped after maintaining rotation for the number of sliding frames. Furthermore, when there are multiple symbols on the reels 110 corresponding to a winning combination that can be won and all of them are within the reel-in range of the reels 110, a predetermined priority is set to determine which symbol to reel onto the pay line A, and stop control is performed so that the prioritized symbol is kept rotating for a number of sliding frames so as to reel onto the pay line A and then stopped. Note that when the stop switch 120 is pressed, if symbols constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winning combination that can be won are on the pay line A, the reel control means 216 also executes a so-called kick-off process in parallel to prevent the symbols from stopping on the pay line A. Furthermore, as will be described later, when an operation mode (operation order or operation timing) is set as a winning condition for a winning combination included in a win type, the reel control means 216 controls the reels to stop the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination so as to be displayed on the pay line A according to the player's operation mode.

[0092] For example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning roles "Replay 1" to "Replay 3," "Replay 11" to "Replay 13," "Replay 16," "Replay 18," "Replay 21" to "Replay 23," and the winning roles "Small Role 1" to "Small Role 4," "Small Role 6" to "Small Role 10," and "Small Role 17" are arranged on each reel 110 by the above-mentioned stop control so that they can always be displayed on the activated line A. Such a winning role may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations "RBB", "Replay 4" to "Replay 10", "Replay 14", "Replay 15", "Replay 17", "Replay 19", "Replay 20", and the winning combinations "Small combination 5", "Small combination 11" to "Small combination 16", and "Small combination 18" to "Small combination 20" are not necessarily arranged so as to be displayed on the pay line A by the above-mentioned stop control on each reel 110, so that so-called misses may occur. Such winning combinations may be expressed as PB≠1.

[0093] As shown in Figure 9, the win type lottery table divides multiple win areas, and the win types that are the subject of the lottery vary depending on the gaming state, and the presence or absence of non-wins (misses) also varies. In Figure 9, the win areas (win types) assigned to each gaming state (non-internal gaming state (non-internal), RBB internal gaming state (internal RBB), RBB operating gaming state (operating RBB)) are represented by "◎" or "○", but in reality, win type lottery tables corresponding to each of the multiple gaming states are stored in the main ROM 200b. Note that "◎" indicates a win type that allows the lottery to be drawn for a favorable zone and allows the lottery for auxiliary effects (instruction functions) (for example, determining the number of auxiliary effects, adding (adding) the number of auxiliary effects, continuing the AT performance state, and ending the favorable zone), and "○" indicates a win type that does not allow the lottery to be drawn for a favorable zone, but allows the lottery for auxiliary effects.

[0094] In the win type lottery table, each partitioned win area is associated with a predetermined number of winning positions (win range value), which is a numerical value indicating the win range, and a win type. The sum of the numbers of positions in all win areas assigned to each game state equals the total number of win type lottery random numbers (65,536). Therefore, the probability of each win type being determined is the value obtained by dividing the number of positions associated with the win area by the total number of win type lottery random numbers. The win type lottery means 214 obtains the number of positions from the multiple win areas in the win type lottery table, starting with the highest number, based on the game state at that time, and subtracts that number from the win type lottery random number. If the value after subtraction is less than 0, the win type associated with the win area at that time is determined as the lottery result for the win type lottery. Furthermore, if the number of positions in all win areas from win area 1 onwards is subtracted from the win type lottery random number and the value after subtraction is equal to or greater than 0, the win type "losing" for win area 0 is determined as the lottery result for the win type lottery.

[0095] Here, we will provide additional information about the winning combination "RBB." A predetermined first-class special device (RB) is a device that increases the number of symbol combinations related to winning per specified number or increases the probability of activating a conditional device related to winning per specified number. It activates in a predetermined case and can continue to operate until a game result not exceeding 12 times is obtained. Here, a conditional device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for displaying a symbol combination related to winning, replay, activation of a device, or activation of a device continuous activation device, and is activated when a winning type lottery (a computer-generated lottery held within the gaming machine) is won, i.e., a winning flag.

[0096] According to the winning type lottery table in Figure 9, for example, winning area 0 is associated with the winning type "miss", and if such a winning type is won, the pattern combination corresponding to any of the winning roles shown in Figure 8 will not be displayed on the valid line A, and no electronic medals will be paid out, etc.

[0097] 9 is associated with a winning type that includes multiple overlapping winning combinations. When a winning type that includes multiple overlapping winning combinations is won, the winning conditions for which winning combination is to be preferentially displayed on the pay line A are set, such as the order in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated and the operation timing of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c (operation position of the reel 110).

[0098] In the following description, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stops the reels in the order of left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c will be referred to as "batting order 1", the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120c, 120b that stops the reels in the order of left reel 110a, right reel 110c, and center reel 110b will be referred to as "batting order 2", and the operation of the stop switches 120b, 120a, 120c that stops the reels in the order of center reel 110b, left reel 110a, and right reel 110c will be referred to as "batting order 3". The operation of stop switches 120b, 120c, 120a that stop the reels in the order of center reel 110b, right reel 110c, and left reel 110a is designated as "batting order 4," the operation of stop switches 120c, 120a, 120b that stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, left reel 110a, and center reel 110b is designated as "batting order 5," and the operation of stop switches 120c, 120b, 120a that stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, center reel 110b, and left reel 110a is designated as "batting order 6."

[0099] For example, if the winning type "batting order bell A1" in winning area 5, which is a selected winning type, is won and an operation is performed in the correct operation mode (batting order 3), the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "small role 1" (winning role "8-piece role"), which is a correct role with a payout of 8 coins (as a result, the symbols "bell", "bell", and "bell" line up in a straight line on the invalid line B1), is stopped by what is called number priority control so that it is preferentially displayed on the valid line A. Also, if an operation is performed in the batting order 1, 2, 4 to 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "1-piece role", which is an incorrect role with a payout of 1 coin, is stopped by what is called number priority control so that it is preferentially displayed on the valid line A.

[0100] The winning probability (number of places) of the selected winning types in winning areas 5 to 8 (winning types "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4") and the winning probability of the selected winning types in winning areas 9 to 12 (winning types "batting order bell B1" to "batting order bell B4") are set to be equal. Since a player usually does not know which winning type he / she has won, providing the above winning areas makes it difficult to win with a correct combination. Also, as described above, even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an operation mode that prioritizes the display of incorrect combinations, the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect combination is not necessarily displayed on the pay line A, so that a miss may occur depending on the operation mode (PB≠1). In the following, the eight winning types in winning areas 5 to 12 may be simply referred to as the winning type "batting order bell."

[0101] When any of the above-mentioned winning types is won, the internal win flag corresponding to the winning type is set (ON), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the set status of this internal win flag. At this time, if a winning type including a small win is won but the symbol combination corresponding to this winning role is not displayed on the pay line A during that game, the internal win flag is set (OFF) after the end of that game. In other words, the right to win a small win is limited to the game in which the winning type including the small win was won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, when a winning type including the winning role "RBB" is won, the RBB internal win flag is set (ON), and the RBB internal win flag is carried over across games until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" is displayed on the pay line A. When an internal winning flag corresponding to a winning type including a replay role is established, a symbol combination corresponding to one of the replay roles included in that winning type is always displayed on the valid line A, and after the processing required to play the next game without needing an electronic medal is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off.

[0102] (Game state transition) Here, the transition of the game state will be explained using FIG. 10. Here, multiple game states are prepared, such as a non-internal game state, an RBB internal game state, and an RBB operating game state. As will be described later, each game state transitions according to the winning of a bonus role, winning (activation), and ending of the game. The types of wins that can be won in each game state are represented by "◎" or "○" in FIG. 9.

[0103] The non-internal gaming state is a gaming state corresponding to the initial state among multiple gaming states. In such a non-internal gaming state, the probability of winning a replay role is set to approximately 1 / 7.3. Also, in the non-internal gaming state, the winning role "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 1 / 30). The gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state in response to the winning role "RBB." For example, in a game in which the winning role "RBB" is won, when a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" is displayed on the pay line A, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to an RBB operating gaming state (1).

[0104] In the RBB operating gaming state, the probability of winning a replay role is set to 0. In this RBB operating gaming state, the possible winning types are set as "small role ALL" in winning area 1 and "1 coin ALL" in winning area 2. When the winning type "small role ALL" is won, the symbols corresponding to any of the winning roles "small role 1" to "small role 20" are stopped and controlled to be displayed on the active line A. When the winning type "1 coin ALL" is won, the symbols corresponding to any of the winning roles "small role 7" to "small role 20" are stopped and controlled to be displayed on the active line A. Here, the expected number of coins won per unit of play in the RBB operating gaming state is reduced by the configuration of such small roles.

[0105] When the termination condition of the RBB operation gaming state is met, that is, when the number of acquired coins exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 22 coins), the gaming state control means 222 shifts the gaming state to a non-internal gaming state (2).

[0106] On the other hand, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A, the game state control means 222 shifts the game state to the RBB internal game state (3).

[0107] In the RBB internal game state, the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.3. Furthermore, in the RBB internal game state, the "miss" win type cannot be won. In other words, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A during a game in which the winning role "RBB" is played, minor symbols and replay symbols will be prioritized over the winning role "RBB" and stopped on the active line A, preventing the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" from being displayed on the active line A. Therefore, once the game state transitions to the RBB internal game state, the RBB internal game state is maintained without any subsequent transitions. Here, while maintaining the RBB internal game state, an AT presentation state is realized in the RBB internal game state.

[0108] Here, in the RBB internal game state, multiple types of correct combinations are won without overlapping with each other, increasing the chances of winning the correct combination. As a result, for example, auxiliary effects are performed in the AT performance state in the RBB internal game state, making it easier to win electronic medals. On the other hand, in the RBB operation game state, multiple types of correct combinations are won overlappingly, reducing the chances of winning the correct combination. This reduces the chances of winning the correct combination compared to the AT performance state in other game states, making it more difficult for the player to increase their electronic medal holdings. Therefore, while having the function of the RBB operation game state in which the probability of winning a winning combination related to a win is higher than in the RBB internal game state, it is possible to realize a specification (acceleration RBB) in which the RBB operation game state is inferior to the RBB internal game state in terms of electronic medal winning performance.

[0109] (Transition of performance state) FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining transitions in presentation states. The following describes in detail the presentation states transitioned by the presentation state control means 224 in the main control board 200. Note that multiple presentation states belong to either advantageous or non-advantageous sections, which are game sections. In this embodiment, almost all presentation states belong to advantageous sections, and non-advantageous sections are realized in some presentation states (non-advantageous presentation states in this case). Note that while staying in an advantageous section, a section indicator (not shown) may be turned on to notify the player of this.

[0110] In addition, in the non-advantageous zone, it is possible to vary the winning probability of each winning type for each setting value, but the probability of deciding to transition to a presentation state with auxiliary effects (AT presentation state) for the same winning type must not be varied for each setting value. On the other hand, in the advantageous zone, it is possible to vary both the winning probability of each winning type and the probability of deciding to transition to (or add to) a presentation state with auxiliary effects (AT presentation state) for the same winning type for each setting value.

[0111] Therefore, the presentation state control means 224 manages transitions between non-advantageous zones and advantageous zones in addition to managing transitions between presentation states. Regardless of this management, advantageous zones are forcibly terminated when the following termination conditions are met. For example, in the slot machine 100, advantageous zones are forcibly terminated when the value counted in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined value (e.g., when the number of games played while staying in a game reaches 4,000 or when MY exceeds 2,400). MY indicates the difference in the number of medals since the advantageous zone began. Therefore, if 1,000 electronic medals are inserted (consumed) after the advantageous zone begins, it is possible to acquire 3,400 electronic medals during the advantageous zone. Since the smart pachislot of this embodiment does not require a limit on the number of games played while staying in a game, there is no need to terminate the advantageous zone even when the number of games played while staying in a game reaches 4,000. Instead, the advantageous zone is forcibly terminated when MY exceeds 2,400 during the advantageous zone. In either case, the presentation state control means 224 resets all information updated in the advantageous zone (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) by transitioning the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone.

[0112] (Non-advantageous section, advantageous section) In the non-advantageous zone, the auxiliary effect is not executed, and therefore the number of electronic medals that can be acquired is limited. Here, a non-advantageous effect state is provided as the effect state of the non-advantageous zone.

[0113] In the advantageous zone, by having the auxiliary effect execution means execute an auxiliary effect when a selected winning type is won, it becomes possible to acquire many electronic medals while suppressing the consumption of electronic medals. Therefore, by transitioning to the advantageous zone, the player can progress through the game more advantageously than in the non-advantageous zone. Here, the advantageous zone has the following effect states, each with different gameplay characteristics: normal effect state, premonition effect state, normal AT effect state, allocation effect state, special premonition effect state, and special effect state. Note that, as shown below, the normal AT effect state and the special effect state can be considered AT effect states in that auxiliary effects are executed. Furthermore, the other effect states, namely, the non-advantageous effect state, normal effect state, premonition effect state, allocation effect state, and special premonition effect state, can be considered non-AT effect states in that auxiliary effects are not executed. Each effect state will be explained individually below.

[0114] (Normal performance state) The normal presentation state belongs to the advantageous zone and is the presentation state that is most likely to be in at the start of play among multiple presentation states. The presentation state control means 224 performs an AT lottery in the normal presentation state. The AT lottery determines whether to transition to the normal AT presentation state, and the presentation state control means 224 performs the AT lottery with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. When the AT lottery is won, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to a premonition presentation state (1), which corresponds to the stage preceding the normal AT presentation state, and causes the presentation control means 254 to execute a premonition presentation that increases the expectation that a transition to the normal AT presentation state has been determined. Furthermore, even if the AT lottery is not won, the presentation state control means 224 may maintain the normal presentation state and cause the presentation control means 254 to execute a premonition presentation, which can make the player anticipate that a transition to the normal AT presentation state has been determined. In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 may execute a so-called chance zone (CZ), which increases the probability of winning the AT lottery, over multiple games. Even when the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the premonition presentation state (1).

[0115] (Premonition effect state) The premonition effect state belongs to the advantageous zone and is a presentation state in which a premonition effect is executed for a predetermined number of games (here, for example, a predetermined number of games of 32 or less). The premonition effect executed in the premonition effect state (real premonition effect) and the premonition effect executed in the normal presentation state (false premonition effect) are similar in display mode and number of continuous games. Therefore, a player cannot tell which presentation state he / she is in just by watching the premonition effect. However, the premonition effect executed in the premonition effect state differs from the premonition effect executed in the normal presentation state in that the result that a transition to the normal AT presentation state has been decided is finally announced. Therefore, a player will hope for a premonition effect state in which the result that a transition to the normal AT presentation state has been decided is announced in the premonition effect. Then, when the premonition effect state ends, the presentation state control means 224 always transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state (2). In other words, when the premonition effect is being executed in the premonition effect state, the game will always transition to the normal AT effect state. In this respect, the premonition effect state is more advantageous to the player than the normal effect state. Furthermore, the decision to transition to the premonition effect state is synonymous with the decision to transition to the normal AT effect state thereafter.

[0116] (Normal AT performance state) The normal AT presentation state belongs to the advantageous zone and is a presentation state in which an auxiliary presentation is executed. When the normal AT presentation state starts, the presentation state control means 224 first transitions to a duration determination presentation state, and in the duration determination presentation state, determines the duration of the normal AT presentation state (here, the number of continued plays). The presentation state control means 224 continues the auxiliary presentation until a predetermined termination condition is met, for example, until the number of plays remaining in the normal AT presentation state reaches the determined number of continued plays (e.g., 50 plays). Furthermore, in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 performs a lottery to add the number of continued plays with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. If the additional lottery is won, the presentation state control means 224 adds the number of games won to the number of continued plays, which is the termination condition. In this way, the termination condition of the normal AT presentation state changes. Then, when the predetermined termination condition is met, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (3).

[0117] In this embodiment, the player stays in the normal presentation state and hopes for a transition to the normal AT presentation state, and when the premonition presentation starts, the player hopes that the premonition presentation is the real premonition, that is, the premonition presentation in the premonition presentation state. Here, if the transition to the normal AT presentation state is not announced in the premonition presentation, the normal presentation state continues, and if the transition to the normal AT presentation state is announced in the premonition presentation, the normal AT presentation state is executed after the premonition presentation state ends.

[0118] When the normal AT presentation state ends, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (3), but may transition the presentation state to a non-advantageous presentation state (4) and reset the advantageous zone in order to realize gameplay such as continuing the normal AT presentation state. When the advantageous zone is reset, as described above, the information updated in the advantageous zone (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) is cleared. However, depending on the presentation mode at the time of transition, it is possible to make it impossible for the player to know whether the presentation state has transitioned to the normal presentation state or the non-advantageous presentation state.

[0119] (Non-advantageous performance state) The non-advantageous presentation state belongs to the non-advantageous section and is the initial presentation state. In the non-advantageous presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 determines a transition to the advantageous section with a probability of about 1 / 2 for each play, and when a transition to the advantageous section is determined, the presentation state is always transitioned to the distribution presentation state (5). Therefore, the number of plays in the non-advantageous presentation state is often short-term (a few plays).

[0120] (Distribution performance status) The allocation presentation state belongs to the advantageous zone and is always passed through when transitioning from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone, remaining in this state for, for example, only one game. In the allocation presentation state, the presentation state is allocated to either the normal presentation state or the premonition presentation state. Specifically, the presentation state control means 224 determines a transition to the premonition presentation state with a probability of 7 / 10 and transitions the presentation state to the premonition presentation state (6), or determines a transition to the normal presentation state with a probability of 3 / 10 and transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (7). By using such allocation ratios, the following gameplay can be realized. That is, if the advantageous zone is reset before MY reaches 2,400 coins in the advantageous zone (forcibly resetting), the normal AT presentation state can continue with a probability of 7 / 10. This effectively eliminates the upper limit on MY. However, the allocation ratio is not limited to the premonition presentation state:normal presentation state = 7:3 and can be determined arbitrarily. For example, a transition to the premonition presentation state may occur with a 100% probability.

[0121] If a premonition presentation state is determined in the allocation presentation state, the presentation state will always transition to the normal AT presentation state via the premonition presentation state that continues for a predetermined number of games (via the premonition presentation). Also, if a premonition presentation state is not determined in the allocation presentation state, the presentation state will become the normal presentation state. However, in the normal presentation state, the winning probability of the AT lottery varies depending on the path to the normal presentation state. For example, as described above, if the presentation state transitions directly from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state (3), the presentation state control means 224 will conduct an AT lottery with a low probability (e.g., 1 / 4000) in the normal presentation state that transitioned from the normal AT presentation state (not transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state).

[0122] On the other hand, when the presentation state transitions from the non-advantageous presentation state and the distribution presentation state to the normal presentation state (7) as a result of transitioning from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the presentation state control means 224 performs an AT lottery with a high probability (for example, 1 / 8) in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous section. Therefore, in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state (via the non-advantageous section), the AT lottery will eventually be won. Note that here, two patterns of winning probability for the AT lottery have been described: a low probability (for example, 1 / 4000) and a high probability (for example, 1 / 8), but it is also possible to provide three or more patterns for the winning probability, and perform an AT lottery with a relatively high winning probability in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state. Furthermore, the winning probability is not limited to 1 / 8 or 1 / 4000, etc., and it is sufficient if the normal presentation state transitioned from a non-advantageous presentation state is easier to determine as a transition to the normal AT presentation state than the normal presentation state not transitioned from a non-advantageous presentation state. For example, if the winning probability of the AT lottery in the normal presentation state transitioned from a non-advantageous presentation state is set higher than the winning probability of the AT lottery in the normal presentation state not transitioned from a non-advantageous presentation state, then the winning probability can be set arbitrarily.

[0123] However, even if the AT lottery is won in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 does not immediately transition to the premonition presentation state. Instead, it remains in the normal presentation state for, for example, a block period of 96 plays after the allocation presentation state ends, and prohibits transition to the normal AT presentation state. Specifically, the presentation state control means 224 turns on the premonition permission flag when the AT lottery is won in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state. The premonition permission flag indicates whether or not transition to the premonition presentation state is possible, and turning on permits transition to the premonition presentation state. Once the premonition permission flag is turned on, it remains on until transition to the premonition presentation state. Therefore, even if the AT lottery is subsequently won, the premonition permission flag remains on. Note that, when transitioning from the allocation presentation state to the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 determines the number of plays within 96 plays by lottery, and sets this as the block period. However, the block period is set so that 96 plays are often selected.

[0124] The presentation state control means 224 counts the number of plays since the allocation presentation state ended, and does not transition the presentation state to the premonition presentation state during the block period, regardless of whether the premonition permission flag is ON. Then, when the block period has elapsed (a predetermined number of plays corresponding to the block period has been reached) and the premonition permission flag is ON, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the premonition presentation state (8) and resets the premonition permission flag. Therefore, in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state, even if the AT lottery is won early, the presentation state will not transition to the premonition presentation state until at least 96 plays corresponding to the block period have been played.

[0125] In this way, by passing through the non-advantageous presentation state (non-advantageous section), the player can obtain the following benefits. That is, with a 7 / 10 probability, the game immediately transitions to the premonition presentation state, then transitions to the normal AT presentation state via the premonition presentation state, or with a 3 / 10 probability, the game transitions to the normal presentation state, and after the block period has elapsed, the premonition presentation is executed, then transitions to the premonition presentation state, and then transitions to the normal AT presentation state. Then, after the non-advantageous presentation state and the allocation presentation state end, for example, after 0 to 96 plays, the premonition presentation begins. After the premonition presentation ends, i.e., after the non-advantageous presentation state and the allocation presentation state end, for example, after 32 to 128 plays, the game transitions to the normal AT presentation state. Winning the AT lottery with a high probability over a predetermined number of plays is sometimes referred to as "heaven" or "heaven mode." Therefore, players will desire a transition to the non-advantageous presentation state (non-advantageous section), i.e., a reset of the advantageous section.

[0126] Here, when a non-advantageous presentation state is passed, that is, when a non-advantageous section is shifted to an advantageous section, a normal presentation state is adopted, which has a high probability of transitioning to the normal AT presentation state, and by providing a block period, the start trigger is biased to 128 games after the non-advantageous presentation state and the allocation presentation state end. In other words, even if the normal AT presentation state ends and the state is demoted to the normal presentation state, there is a high possibility that the normal AT presentation state will be executed again (returned) until 128 games have elapsed. Therefore, the player will continue playing in the hope of returning to the normal AT presentation state after the end of the normal AT presentation state, and the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

[0127] Furthermore, in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 executes a chance zone, which increases the probability of winning the AT lottery, across multiple games if certain conditions are met, just as in the normal presentation state transitioned from the normal AT presentation state. If the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the premonition presentation state, regardless of whether the block period is in effect. Note that in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state, transition to the premonition presentation state should normally be possible after the block period has elapsed. In this case, by independently deciding to transition to the normal AT presentation state, the normal AT presentation state that would have been achieved is lost, which may reduce the player's motivation to play. Therefore, if the player independently wins the AT lottery in the chance zone in the normal presentation state transitioned from the non-advantageous presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 again transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous presentation state after the normal AT presentation state ends (4). In this way, the player can fully receive the gaming profits that come from going through the non-advantageous presentation state. Also, since the chance zone starts before the 96 game, which is likely to be selected as a block period, the player can expect to win the AT lottery in the chance zone, that is, the normal AT presentation state to be executed at least twice.

[0128] In this embodiment, as described above, when the normal AT presentation state ends, the presentation state control means 224 may directly transition the presentation state to the normal presentation state (3) or transition the presentation state to a non-advantageous presentation state (4). Here, a condition for transitioning the presentation state to a non-advantageous presentation state is winning the AT lottery to transition to a normal AT presentation state with a predetermined gaming profit. For example, the normal AT presentation state includes multiple types of normal AT presentation states with different probabilities of adding the number of continued plays and the difference in the number of coins. When a specific normal AT presentation state is selected, the presentation state control means 224 always transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous presentation state after the normal AT presentation state ends (4). Furthermore, even if a specific normal AT presentation state is not selected, the presentation state control means 224 may transition the presentation state to a non-advantageous presentation state with a predetermined probability after the normal AT presentation state ends (4).

[0129] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, after the normal AT presentation state ends, if the AT lottery is won in the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to an indication presentation state (1). However, if the number of games played in the normal presentation state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 1000 games) without transitioning to the normal AT presentation state, and the AT lottery is won in the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 ultimately decides to transition to a non-advantageous presentation state, and, without transitioning the presentation state to an indication presentation state, performs an indication presentation (false indication presentation) to notify that the presentation state has not been directly transitioned to the normal AT presentation state, and then first transitions to a special indication presentation state (9). Here, the predetermined transition condition for determining a transition to a non-advantageous presentation state (non-advantageous zone) has been described as winning the AT lottery in the normal presentation state after the number of games played while in the normal presentation state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 1000 games), but this is not limited to this case. The predetermined transition condition may also be winning the AT lottery in the normal presentation state after the number of games played while in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number of games. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the above, the predetermined transition condition may also be winning the AT lottery again after the number of games played while in the normal presentation state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 1500 games) (so-called ceiling function), or winning the AT lottery again after not winning the AT lottery in the chance zone (CZ).

[0130] (Special premonition effect state) The special premonition effect state belongs to a favorable zone and is an effect state that lasts for a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 10 plays). A special effect state lottery is conducted, and premonition effects indicating the expected probability of transition to the special effect state are executed. Here, the special effect state lottery is a lottery for adding the number of continued plays, and transition to the special effect state is determined when the number of plays is added one or more times. The effect state control means 224 conducts the special effect state lottery with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Here, the special effect state lottery is designed so that the gaming profit varies steadily and gradually depending on the setting value. For example, among two arbitrarily selected setting values, the higher setting value is designed to have a higher probability of adding the number of plays through the special effect state lottery than the lower setting value. Therefore, for example, the number of added plays is 30 plays at setting 1 and 60 plays at setting 6, creating a gameplay in which the higher setting value makes it easier to obtain gaming profits. When the special effect state lottery is won, the effect state control means 224 sets the cumulative number of added plays (number of continued plays) as the condition for ending the special effect state, and transitions the effect state to the special effect state (10). Furthermore, if the special effect state lottery is not won, the effect state control means 224 transitions the effect state directly to the non-advantageous effect state (11). While an example has been described here in which the number of continued plays is added by the special effect state lottery, it is not limited to this case. A predetermined number of continued plays may be added, or the number of continued plays may be added by a lottery when a so-called rare combination, such as a "reach eye" or a "cherry" win, is won. Furthermore, while an example has been described here in which the number of continued plays is added in the special effect state, it is not limited to this case. Alternatively, the number of acquired coins (number of paid-out coins) or the difference between the number of electronic medals bet and the number of paid-out coins may be added.

[0131] (Special performance state) The special effect state belongs to the advantageous zone, and auxiliary effects are executed until a predetermined termination condition is met. Such a termination condition is, for example, that the awarding of the game profit determined before the start of the special effect state is completed during the special effect state, such as the number of games remaining in the special effect state reaching the number of continued games. For example, at the end of the special premonition effect state (the start of the special effect state), the number of continued games is determined by a special effect state lottery in the special premonition effect state. Then, when the number of games remaining in the special effect state reaches the number of continued games in the special effect state, the termination condition is satisfied, and the special effect state ends. Here, the termination condition is not changed in the special effect state, and no additional lottery is executed. Then, when the predetermined termination condition is met, the effect state control means 224 transitions the effect state to a non-advantageous effect state (12).

[0132] If the player wins the AT lottery after the number of plays during the normal presentation state exceeds a predetermined number of plays (for example, 1000 plays), the player will always transition to a non-advantageous presentation state via a special precursor presentation state (11), (12), and as a result, the player can transition to the normal AT presentation state.

[0133] In addition, in the normal presentation state that has passed through the special presentation state, non-advantageous presentation state, and distribution presentation state, the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than in the normal presentation state that has been transitioned to directly from the normal AT presentation state, so that the player can understand this, a predetermined display is made on the liquid crystal display unit 132 to indicate that there is a high possibility of transitioning to the normal AT presentation state.

[0134] However, even though the advantageous zone is reset, the gaming profit is not significantly different between winning the AT lottery after the number of games played in the normal presentation state exceeds a predetermined number of games (e.g., 1,000 games) and winning the AT lottery before the predetermined number of games, given that the normal AT presentation state can be executed once. Furthermore, in the latter case, the normal AT presentation state begins after the end of the premonition presentation state, i.e., within 32 games, while in the former case, the normal AT presentation state may begin after a further block period has elapsed. In this case, it can be said that the gaming profit is smaller in the former case, since electronic medals are consumed in the normal presentation state until the transition to the normal AT presentation state. Therefore, if the AT lottery is won after the number of games played in the normal presentation state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the game transitions to a special premonition presentation state, and a special presentation state lottery is executed. If the special presentation state is won, additional gaming profits are awarded through the special presentation state. In this way, if the player wins the AT lottery after the number of stay-time games in the normal presentation state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the gaming profit will be larger than if the player wins the AT lottery before the number of stay-time games reaches the predetermined number of games, and the player will feel satisfied. Therefore, if the number of stay-time games in the normal presentation state increases, the player can expect the gaming profit to increase and will continue playing. In this way, the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

[0135] In the special effect state executed here, as mentioned above, the higher the set value, the easier it is to obtain stable gaming profits. Also, only the gaming profit determined before the special effect state is started is awarded in the special effect state, and gaming profits are not added (topped up) during the special effect state. Therefore, in the special effect state, the fluctuation range of the expected number of coins to be won can be suppressed according to the set value. This makes it possible to increase the design value of the expected number of coins to be won in the normal AT effect state.

[0136] In addition, since the special effect state is entered after the number of games played in the normal effect state exceeds a predetermined number of games, the number of times is less likely to fluctuate compared to the normal AT effect state, and it is executed at a stable frequency. In this way, even if the fluctuation range of the expected number of coins in the normal AT effect state becomes large, the special effect state can absorb the fluctuation, and the fluctuation range of the expected number of coins in the normal AT effect state can be further suppressed according to the set value, while the design value of the expected number of coins in the normal AT effect state can be increased.

[0137] Furthermore, after the normal AT presentation state ends, the game transitions directly to the normal presentation state (3). If the number of plays remaining in the normal presentation state reaches a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 1,500 plays) without transitioning to the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 224 resets the advantageous zone and transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous presentation state (13). As described above, after the non-advantageous presentation state and the allocation presentation state end, for example, after 0 to 96 plays, the premonition presentation begins. After the premonition presentation ends, i.e., after the non-advantageous presentation state and the allocation presentation state end, for example, after 32 to 128 plays, the game can transition to the normal AT presentation state. Therefore, if play continues in the normal presentation state without transitioning to the normal AT presentation state, the game will transition to the normal AT presentation state within a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 1,628 plays). This ceiling function allows players to feel secure knowing that they can receive relief measures even if they are unlucky enough to consume a large number of electronic medals. In addition, once the normal presentation state has been exhausted to a certain extent, the number of coins that can be expected to be won if the game is continued increases, and the game will continue up to the ceiling (for example, 1628 games), thereby improving the operating rate of the slot machine 100.

[0138] The predetermined number of plays (e.g., 96 to 1628 plays) for such a ceiling function is determined at the following timing. For example, when a normal AT presentation state is directly transitioned to a normal presentation state (3), the presentation state control means 224 determines the predetermined number of plays (e.g., 96 to 1628 plays) for the ceiling function in the normal presentation state when transitioning from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state. Also, when transitioning to the normal presentation state via a non-advantageous presentation state and a distribution presentation state (7), the presentation state control means 224 determines the predetermined number of plays (e.g., 96 to 1628 plays) for the ceiling function in the normal presentation state when transitioning from the distribution presentation state to the normal presentation state. However, unlike when transitioning from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state, when transitioning to the normal presentation state via a non-advantageous presentation state and a distribution presentation state, there is a high probability of winning the AT lottery, so the transition to the premonition presentation state often occurs after the block period has elapsed, and the ceiling function is rarely executed.

[0139] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the probability of winning the AT lottery in the normal presentation state is high (for example, 1 / 8) when transitioning from a non-advantageous presentation state to a normal presentation state, and low (for example, 1 / 4000) when transitioning directly from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state, but this is not the only case. For example, when transitioning directly from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state, the probability of winning the AT lottery at the start of the normal presentation state is low, but it may change to a high probability through a promotion lottery, or it may change to a low probability through a demotion lottery. Furthermore, when transitioning directly from the normal AT presentation state to the normal presentation state, the probability of winning the AT lottery may become high from the start of the normal presentation state by satisfying a predetermined condition, such as winning the lottery.

[0140] (Details of normal performance) As described above, the presentation state control means 224 may execute a so-called chance zone when a predetermined condition is met in the normal presentation state. For example, the predetermined condition may be when a predetermined winning combination is won a predetermined number of times or more and the CZ lottery is won. For example, the predetermined winning combination may be the "8-coin combination." The presentation state control means 224 executes the chance zone when the predetermined condition is met, i.e., when a predetermined winning combination is won a predetermined number of times or more and the CZ lottery is won. The symbol combination corresponding to the "8-coin combination" is a straight line of "bell" symbols aligned on any of the active line A, inactive line B1, active line B2, active line B3, and active line C, allowing the player to recognize the winning combination of the "8-coin combination." Therefore, every time the "bell" symbol is aligned in a straight line on any of the valid lines A, invalid lines B1, B2, B3, and C, the player's anticipation of moving to the chance zone increases.

[0141] In the following, an example will be described in which the presentation state control means 224 counts the number of times the winning combination "8-piece combination" has been won, and when the number of times it has been won reaches 7 or more, performs a CZ lottery to determine whether to move to the chance zone. For example, the presentation state control means 224 has a bell counter that counts the number of times the winning combination "8-piece combination" has been won. The initial value of the bell counter is, for example, 0. When the winning combination "8-piece combination" is won, the presentation state control means 224 adds 1 to the count value of the bell counter. When the count value of the bell counter reaches 7 or more, the presentation state control means 224 performs a CZ lottery, and if the lottery is won, the chance zone is executed across multiple games.

[0142] (Processing of the performance state control means 224) 12 is a flowchart showing the chance zone transition processing of the presentation state control means 224. The presentation state control means 224 executes the chance zone transition processing shown in FIG. 12 in each game in the non-advantageous presentation state, the allocation presentation state, and the normal presentation state. In the chance zone transition processing, the presentation state control means 224 determines whether or not a predetermined condition is met, and if the predetermined condition is met, decides to transition to the chance zone. Here, the processing related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and a description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

[0143] (Step S400) First, when the reel 110 is controlled to stop in response to the third stop operation of the stop switch 120 by the player, the presentation state control means 224 determines whether or not the winning combination "8 coins" has been achieved. For example, the presentation state control means 224 determines whether or not the winning combination "8 coins" has been achieved by referring to the determination result of the determination means 218, which determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the activated line A. As a result, if it is determined that the winning combination "8 coins" has been achieved, the processing proceeds to step S410, and if it is determined that the winning combination "8 coins" has not been achieved, the chance zone transition processing ends.

[0144] (Step S410) When it is determined in step S400 that the winning combination "8 coin combination" has been achieved, the effect state control means 224 increments the count value of the bell counter by one.

[0145] (Step S420) The performance state control means 224 determines whether the count value of the bell counter after incrementing in step S410 is equal to or greater than 7. As a result, if it is determined that the count value of the bell counter after incrementing is equal to or greater than 7, the process proceeds to step S430, and if it is determined that the count value of the bell counter after incrementing is not equal to or greater than 7, the chance zone transition process is terminated.

[0146] (Step S430) In step S420, when it is determined that the count value of the bell counter after increment is 7 or more, the presentation state control means 224 performs a CZ lottery to determine a transition to the chance zone. For example, the presentation state control means 224 performs a CZ lottery with a probability corresponding to the type of win determined by the win type lottery means.

[0147] (Step S440) The performance state control means 224 determines whether or not the CZ lottery performed in step S430 was won. If the CZ lottery was won, the process proceeds to step S450, and if the CZ lottery was not won, the process proceeds to step S460.

[0148] (Step S450) When the CZ lottery is won, the presentation state control means 224 determines whether to transition to the chance zone. When the presentation state control means 224 determines whether to transition to the chance zone, it executes the chance zone from the next game over multiple games (for example, 10 games).

[0149] (Step S460) When a CZ lottery is performed, the presentation state control means 224 updates the count value of the bell counter to the count value at the start of counting, regardless of the lottery result. The presentation state control means 224 updates the count value of the bell counter to a value obtained by subtracting 7 from the count value. For example, if the count value of the bell counter reaches 7 and a CZ lottery is performed, the count value of the bell counter is updated to its initial value of 0. When the presentation state control means 224 updates the count value of the bell counter, it ends the chance zone transition process.

[0150] (Production 1 on LCD display 132) FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effects produced by the effect control means 254. Specifically, FIG. 13 shows the specific content of the effects produced by the effect control means 254 when the stop switch 120 is operated and a chance zone transition process is executed. The lower right area of ​​the LCD display 132 displays a bell counter display value 400 to inform the player of the game progress. For example, the bell counter display value 400 displays the count value of the bell counter. This allows the player to understand the game progress, such as how many more times the "8-coin" winning combination is required before the CZ lottery is held. However, for the sake of presentation, the bell counter display value 400 is not necessarily equal to the count value of the bell counter. Here, it is assumed that the count value of the bell counter was 3 before the start of the game. In the timing chart shown at the top of FIG. 13, unit games are represented by squares, and the schematic diagram shown at the bottom of FIG. 13 shows the display state at points a and b of the upper timing chart.

[0151] As shown in Figure 13, at time a when the player operates the start switch 118, the presentation control means 254 displays the bell counter's count value, "3", as shown in Figure 13(a) on the bell counter display value 400.

[0152] Next, at time b when the player operates the stop switch 120 to the third stop, the presentation state control means 224 executes the chance zone transition process described above. When the winning combination "8 coins" is won and the count value of the bell counter is incremented by 1 to "4", the presentation control means 254 displays the count value of the bell counter, "4", on the display value 400 of the bell counter, as shown in Figure 13(b). Note that if the winning combination "8 coins" is not won and the count value of the bell counter is not incremented, the presentation control means 254 does not update the display value 400 of the bell counter and continues to display "3".

[0153] In the following, when the presentation state control means 224 executes the chance zone transition process, the presentation control means 254 displays a value indicating the progress of the game (for example, a number representing the count value of the bell counter) on the display value 400 of the bell counter in accordance with the maintenance or update of the count value of the bell counter, which will be referred to as the "first presentation."

[0154] (Operation of the stop switch 120) As described above, in the slot machine 100, the stop switch 120 is operated in the order of 1 to 6 according to the order in which the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are stopped. Here, of the batting orders 1 to 6, the batting orders 1 and 2 in which the stop switch 120a is operated first are referred to as regular operation modes, and the batting orders 3 to 6 in which the stop switches 120b and 120c are operated first are referred to as irregular operation modes.

[0155] In the slot machine 100, as shown in the win type "batting order bell" in the win type lottery table in FIG. 9, the stop control is set so that the expected number of coins to be won when operated in a regular operation mode is lower than the expected number of coins to be won when operated in an irregular operation mode. Specifically, when the win type "batting order bell" is won, if the stop switch 120 is operated in a regular operation mode (batting order 1, 2), only a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role with a payout of one coin, "1 coin role," is preferentially displayed on the activated line A. On the other hand, if the stop switch 120 is operated in one of the irregular operation modes (batting order 3 to 6) and the operation is the correct operation mode, a winning role with a large payout number (for example, a winning role with a payout of 8 coins) is displayed. If the stop switch 120 is operated in the correct operation mode, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role, "8 coin role," is always displayed on the activated line A (PB=1). Therefore, when the winning type "batting order bell" is won, if the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode, there is a 1 / 4 probability that the winning role "8-coin role" will be won and 8 medals will be paid out. When the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode, depending on the winning type, there is a possibility that the winning role "1-coin role" will be missed and 0 medals will be paid out, but the probability of a miss occurring is low (for example, 1 / 8). Therefore, even taking into account the possibility of a miss, the expected number of medals to be won when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode is higher than the expected number of medals to be won when it is operated in the regular operation mode.

[0156] In the slot machine 100, the non-AT presentation state is a state in which the player's electronic medals are likely to decrease. On the other hand, the AT presentation state is a state in which the player's electronic medals are likely to increase by executing auxiliary effects. In the non-AT presentation state, operation of the stop switch 120 is limited to regular operation modes, thereby reducing the expected number of medals won per unit game, thereby realizing a state in which the player's electronic medals are likely to decrease. In the AT presentation state, operation of the stop switch 120 in irregular operation modes is permitted, and auxiliary effects are executed, thereby realizing a state in which the player's electronic medals are likely to increase. However, without any restrictions on operation modes, players will attempt to operate the stop switch 120 in irregular operation modes even in the non-AT presentation state, thereby failing to achieve the gameplay intended by the designer. Therefore, in the slot machine 100, when the stop switch 120 is operated in a regular operation mode in the non-AT presentation state, the player's gaming profits are greater than when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode. This allows the player to desire higher gaming profits and operate the stop switch 120 in a regular operation manner in non-AT presentation states.

[0157] For example, in the slot machine 100, when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in a non-AT presentation state, it is more difficult to determine whether or not the player will transition to the AT presentation state than when the stop switch 120 is operated in a regular operation mode. More specifically, the slot machine 100 restricts the execution of the chance zone transition process when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode. If the chance zone transition process is not executed, the bell counter is not incremented even if the winning combination "8-coin combination" is achieved. This delays the opportunity to transition to the chance zone through the CZ lottery, which is performed when the bell counter count reaches 7 or more. As a result, it becomes more difficult to determine whether or not the player will transition to the AT presentation state, and the player's gaming profit decreases when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in a non-AT presentation state. This realizes a gameplay in which the gaming profit increases when the stop switch 120 is operated in a regular operation mode in a non-AT presentation state compared to when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode.

[0158] (Production 2 on LCD display 132) As described above, when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular manner in a non-AT presentation state, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted.

[0159] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the presentation by the presentation control means 254. Specifically, Fig. 14 shows the specific content of the presentation by the presentation control means 254 when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode and the chance zone transition process is restricted. Here, it is assumed that the count value of the bell counter was 4 before the start of the game in question, which is in a presentation state belonging to the advantageous zone. In the timing chart shown in the upper part of Fig. 14, unit games are indicated by squares, and the schematic diagram shown in the lower part of Fig. 14 shows the display mode at times a to d of the upper timing chart.

[0160] As shown in Figure 14, at time a when the player operates the start switch 118, the presentation control means 254 displays the bell counter's count value, "4", as shown in Figure 14(a) on the bell counter display value 400.

[0161] Subsequently, when the player operates the stop switch 120 in the irregular operation mode during the game, a chance zone transition process is executed at time b when the third stop operation is performed. If the winning combination "8-piece combination" is achieved during the game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented by 1 to "5." When the chance zone transition process is executed, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect, and as shown in FIG. 14(b), the incremented count value of the bell counter, "5," is displayed as it is on the bell counter display value 400. In addition, when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "Left-handed play recommended" on the LCD display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in the regular operation mode.

[0162] Furthermore, if the chance zone transition process is executed at time b, but the winning role "8-piece role" is not achieved and the count value of the bell counter is not incremented, the presentation control means 254 will not update the display value 400 of the bell counter and will continue to display "4".

[0163] Next, at time c when the player operates the start switch 118 to start the next game, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "5" on the bell counter display value 400, as shown in Figure 14(c).

[0164] Next, when the player operates the stop switch 120, at the time d when the third stop operation is performed, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted because the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode in the previous game (the game in question). Therefore, even if the winning combination "8 coins" is won in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented. Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect, and the bell counter display value 400 continues to display "5" as shown in FIG. 14(d).

[0165] 13 and 14, if the player operates the stop switch 120 in a regular operation mode during the game, the chance zone transition process is executed in the next game. On the other hand, if the player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during the game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in the next game.

[0166] (Estimation of setting values ​​in the slot machine 100) In the slot machine 100, setting values ​​are set using setting keys and setting change switches. The setting values ​​indicate the degree of advantage to the player in stages, and generally, the higher the setting value, the higher the degree of advantage in the overall game (the higher the expected number of coins won). Therefore, players desire a high setting value for the slot machine 100 they are playing. However, while players may be able to estimate the setting value by playing for a long period of time, it is difficult to determine the setting value from the appearance immediately after the opening of the hall. Therefore, players may try to estimate the setting value immediately after the opening of the hall based on the estimated setting value from the previous day's play and whether the setting value has been carried over to the next day (whether the setting has been changed).

[0167] As described above, in the slot machine 100, when a predetermined key (operation key) is inserted into the setting key and turned from the OFF position to the ON position, and the power is turned on via the power switch 144a of the power supply 144, the slot machine 100 transitions to setting change mode and a setting change is made. When a setting change is made, the main RAM 200c is initialized (RAM cleared), and the game state and presentation state are initialized. Furthermore, regardless of whether a setting change is made, when the power is turned on again, the presentation is also initialized. Therefore, the game state becomes a non-internal game state, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous presentation state (non-advantageous section). Furthermore, the displayed value 400 of the bell counter displays "0."

[0168] In the slot machine 100, the execution of a lottery (for example, an AT lottery) for the auxiliary effect in the non-advantageous zone is restricted, and the transition to the AT effect state is not determined. Therefore, even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the execution of the chance zone transition process in the next game is not restricted.

[0169] Therefore, the player operates the stop switch 120 in the irregular operation mode during the first game after the opening of the parlor. When the winning combination "8-coin combination" is achieved during the next game, and the displayed value of the bell counter (400) is incremented from 0 to 1, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in the irregular operation mode during the first game after the opening of the parlor. In other words, it can be inferred that the presentation state during the first game after the opening of the parlor was a non-advantageous presentation state. If the player infers that the non-advantageous presentation state during the first game after the opening of the parlor was due to a setting change in the slot machine 100, the player can refer to the estimation result of the setting value on the previous day and infer that the setting value is likely to have been changed to a higher value or a lower value than the previous day.

[0170] In this embodiment, the setting value of the slot machine 100 is estimated by operating the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during the first game after the opening of the hall. However, the game in which the player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode is not limited to the first game after the opening of the hall. If a transition to the advantageous zone is not determined during the first game after the opening of the hall when a setting change is made, the game remains in a non-advantageous presentation state. In this case, even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode during the second game or later after the opening of the hall, the setting value can be estimated similarly depending on whether or not the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted during the next game.

[0171] As described above, when a setting change has occurred and the presentation state is in a non-advantageous presentation state, if the player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular manner and the winning role of "8 coins" is won in the next play, the chance zone transition process will be executed and the display value 400 of the bell counter will be incremented, which may lead to the fact that a setting change has occurred and ultimately the setting value being inferred.

[0172] Therefore, in the slot machine 100 according to this embodiment, even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation manner, but the chance zone transition process is not restricted because the non-advantageous presentation state is established (the chance zone transition process is executed), the presentation control means 254 is configured not to execute the first presentation.

[0173] (Production 3 on LCD display 132) FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effects by the effect control means 254. Specifically, FIG. 15 shows the specific content of the effects by the effect control means 254 when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in a non-advantageous effect state, and the chance zone transition process is not restricted. Here, it is assumed that the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall when the setting is changed, and the winning combination "8 coins combination" is won in the next game. In the timing chart shown in the upper part of FIG. 15, unit games are indicated by squares, and the schematic diagram shown in the lower part of FIG. 15 shows the display modes at times a to d of the upper timing chart.

[0174] When the settings are changed in the slot machine 100, the main RAM 200c is initialized (RAM is cleared) and the effects are initialized. As a result, the effect state becomes a non-advantageous effect state before the start of the game, and the count value of the bell counter becomes 0 before the start of the game.

[0175] As shown in Figure 15, at time a when the player operates the start switch 118 in the game, the presentation control means 254 displays "0" in the display value 400 of the bell counter, as shown in Figure 15(a). Here, the reason why "0" is displayed in the display value 400 of the bell counter is because the presentation state is initialized when the power is turned back on.

[0176] Subsequently, when the player operates the stop switch 120 in the irregular operation mode during that game, a chance zone transition process is executed at time b when the third stop operation is performed. If the winning combination "8-coin combination" is not achieved during that game, the count value of the bell counter is not updated and remains at 0. In this case, the presentation control means 254 executes a presentation in which the displayed value 400 of the bell counter is maintained without being updated, as shown in FIG. 15(b). Therefore, the displayed value 400 of the bell counter continues to display "0." In addition, when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode, the presentation control means 254 displays the character string "Left-Hit Recommended" on the LCD display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in the regular operation mode.

[0177] Next, at time c when the player operates the start switch 118 to start the next game, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" on the bell counter display value 400, as shown in Figure 15(c).

[0178] As shown in FIG. 15, in the game in which the stop switch 120 was operated in the irregular operation mode, the presentation state was a non-advantageous presentation state. Therefore, execution of the chance zone transition process in the next game is not restricted. Therefore, the chance zone transition process is executed at time d when the third stop operation is performed in the next game. If the winning combination "8-piece combination" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1." In this case, the presentation control means 254 normally executes a presentation (first presentation) in which the displayed value 400 of the bell counter is updated to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, in this case, as shown in FIG. 15(d), the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Instead, it executes a presentation in which the displayed value 400 of the bell counter is maintained without being updated. Therefore, the displayed value 400 of the bell counter continues to display "0." This causes a discrepancy between the displayed value of the bell counter ("1") and the displayed value 400 of the bell counter ("0"). In the following, an effect in which the display value 400 of the bell counter is not updated in response to an update of the count value of the bell counter, i.e., an effect in which the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted, will be referred to as an "alternative effect."

[0179] As described above, if the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect but executes an alternative effect (does not increment the bell counter display value 400), the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the irregular operation of the stop switch 120 in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and the setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0180] FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effects by the effect control means 254. Specifically, FIG. 16 shows the specific content of the effects by the effect control means 254 when no setting change is made. Here, for comparison with the case when the setting change shown in FIG. 15 is made, it is assumed that in the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, and in the next game, the winning combination "8-piece combination" is won. In the timing chart shown in the upper part of FIG. 16, unit games are indicated by squares, and the schematic diagram shown in the lower part of FIG. 16 shows the display modes at times a to d of the upper timing chart.

[0181] In the slot machine 100, if no setting change is made, the main RAM 200c is not initialized (RAM cleared). Therefore, the previous day's presentation state, bell counter count value, etc. are carried over to the first game after the opening of the hall. Meanwhile, the bell counter display value 400 is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed. That is, a discrepancy may occur between the bell counter count value and the bell counter display value 400. In FIG. 16, as an example of a case where a discrepancy occurs between the bell counter count value and the bell counter display value 400, assume that the presentation state is in the normal presentation state and the bell counter count value is 3 before the start of the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall.

[0182] Therefore, at the time point a when the player operates the start switch 118 in the game, the presentation control means 254 displays "0" on the display value 400 of the bell counter, as shown in FIG. 16(a).

[0183] Subsequently, if the player operates the stop switch 120 in the irregular operation mode during that game, a chance zone transition process is executed at time b when the third stop operation is performed. If the winning combination "8-coin combination" is not achieved during that game, the count value of the bell counter is not updated and remains at "3." The effect control means 254 executes a first effect in which the bell counter display value 400 is maintained, as shown in FIG. 16(b). Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 displays "0." In addition, when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "Left-Hit Recommended" on the LCD display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in the regular operation mode.

[0184] Next, at time c when the player operates the start switch 118 to start the next game, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" on the bell counter display value 400, as shown in Figure 16(c).

[0185] As shown in FIG. 16, in the game in which the stop switch 120 was operated in the irregular operation mode, the presentation state was the normal presentation state. Therefore, in the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in the irregular operation mode in that game. Therefore, at time d when the third stop operation is performed in the next game, the chance zone transition process is not executed. Therefore, even if the winning combination "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented. Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation, but as shown in FIG. 16(d), the displayed value 400 of the bell counter continues to display "0."

[0186] As described above, if no setting change is made, the bell counter count value will be carried over from the previous day during the first game after the hall opens. On the other hand, because the effects are initialized when the power is turned back on, the bell counter display value 400 will not be carried over from the previous day. In other words, a discrepancy may occur between the bell counter count value and the bell counter display value 400. In this case, if the bell counter count value reaches 7 or more, a CZ lottery will be held even if the bell counter display value 400 is not 7 or more, and if the player wins, a chance zone will be executed. In other words, the first CZ lottery after the hall opens may be held even if the bell counter display value 400 is less than 7, so the player does not know when the CZ lottery will be held.

[0187] As described above, if a setting change occurs, the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode during the first game after the opening of the parlor, and an alternative effect is executed during the next game, resulting in a discrepancy between the count value of the bell counter and the displayed value 400 of the bell counter. As a result, even if a CZ lottery is executed when the displayed value 400 of the bell counter is less than 7, the player cannot distinguish whether the discrepancy is due to the execution of an alternative effect by the effect control means 254 or the carryover of the count value of the bell counter from the previous day. Therefore, the player cannot infer from the discrepancy between the count value of the bell counter and the displayed value 400 whether the execution of the chance zone transition process has been restricted, and therefore cannot infer whether a setting change has occurred or the setting value.

[0188] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of the start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110; a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone, either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed; and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance. The operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the plurality of reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first. There is a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode), and the presentation state control means 224 is configured so that even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role of ``8 coins'') is awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a favorable zone, the specific benefit is not awarded in the next game, and the presentation control means 254 executes a first presentation related to the specific benefit if a specific benefit is awarded, and does not execute the first presentation if a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, but does not execute the first presentation if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game.

[0189] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being assumed to have been changed.

[0190] (Modification 1 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0191] That is, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an advantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an unadvantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Unlike the first effect that displays a value indicating the progress of the game, the display of such a recommendation image (second effect) is displayed large in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which is likely to be within the player's field of vision. Therefore, the player can immediately recognize that he or she is operating the stop switch 120 in an incorrect operation sequence.

[0192] As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect based on the fact that the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. Therefore, the player cannot determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. However, if a recommendation image is displayed or not depending on whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted, the player can ultimately determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted based on the display of the recommendation image. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommendation image in common when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. This prevents the player from determining whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being inferred.

[0193] In this way, the slot machine 100 is provided with a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of the start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone, which is either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed, and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance, and the operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the plurality of reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, and the performance state control means 224 controls the stop switch 120 to be in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone. Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role of "8 coins") will be awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, and the performance control means 254 executes a first performance related to the specific benefit if a specific benefit is awarded, and does not execute the first performance if a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, the first performance will not be executed, and if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the second performance (for example, display of a recommended image) may be executed, and if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the second performance may be executed, and the first performance and the second performance are different.

[0194] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the player from guessing that the setting value has been changed, while urging the player to operate the stop switch 120 in an appropriate manner.

[0195] (Modification 2 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0196] Fig. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254. Of these, Fig. 17(a) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when no setting change has been made, and Fig. 17(b) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when a setting change has been made. Here, a case will be described in which the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, and the winning combination "8-piece combination" is achieved in the next game.

[0197] As explained using Fig. 10, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to either a non-internal gaming state corresponding to the initial state, an RBB internal gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal gaming state, or an RBB operating gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role. Also, as explained using Fig. 11, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the gaming zone to either a non-advantageous zone corresponding to the initial state or an advantageous zone in which auxiliary presentations can be executed.

[0198] In the slot machine 100, simply turning the power off and then back on without changing the settings does not perform initialization processing (RAM clearing) of the main RAM 200c, and the game state and game interval do not change. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(a), the presentation state and game state are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, for example, the normal presentation state is maintained as the presentation state, and the RBB internal game state is maintained as the game state. In addition, the presentation state and bell counter count value from the previous day are carried over to the first game after the opening of the hall. Here, suppose the bell counter count value from the previous day was "3." Meanwhile, the displayed value of the bell counter, 400, is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0199] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in the normal presentation mode and RBB internal game mode. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted due to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, even if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3." Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" as the displayed value 400 of the bell counter.

[0200] On the other hand, when a setting change is made in the slot machine 100, an initialization process (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is performed, and the game state and game zone are initialized. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state, and the game state is initialized to a non-internal game state. In addition to setting changes, the presentation state may be initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state and the game state may be initialized to a non-internal game state when the slot machine 100 is shipped from the factory or when a cold start occurs due to an abnormality in the main RAM 200c, etc. In this way, there may be a period in which the game zone is a non-advantageous presentation state (non-advantageous presentation state) and the game state is a non-internal game state. The count value of the bell counter is also initialized to "0" without carrying over the value from the previous day. The displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset when the power is turned on again, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0201] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in a non-advantageous presentation state and a non-internal game state. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted by the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved during the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1" at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed. In this case, the presentation control means 254 executes a first presentation that would normally update the displayed value 400 of the bell counter to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, regardless of the game state of the previous game, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation because the game was in a non-advantageous presentation state. Instead of the first presentation, the presentation control means 254 executes an alternative presentation that maintains the displayed value 400 of the bell counter without updating it. Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 continues to show "0".

[0202] In this way, regardless of whether the presentation state is advantageous or non-advantageous, the first presentation is not executed based on the fact that the stop switch 120 has been operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0203] As described above, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of the start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, a game state control means 222 that transitions to one of a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and an internal game state (for example, an RBB internal game state) to which transition is made based on winning a bonus role in the non-internal game state, a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone, which is either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning role can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed, and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance, and the operation mode of the stop switch 120 includes a first operation mode for turning on a specific reel out of the plurality of reels 110, a second operation mode for turning on a specific reel out of the plurality of reels 110, a third operation mode for turning on a specific reel out of the plurality of reels 110, and a fourth operation mode for turning on a specific reel out of the plurality of reels 110. There are a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which all reels are stopped, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which reels other than a specific reel are stopped first, and the presentation state control means 224 determines that even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role of "8-piece role") will be awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a favorable zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, and the presentation control means 254 executes the first presentation related to the specific benefit if a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first presentation if a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first presentation if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and in a non-internal game state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game.

[0204] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being assumed to have been changed.

[0205] (Modification 3 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0206] For example, as described above, the image RAM can have multiple different layers, with each layer holding different image data. The effect control means 254 performs an auxiliary effect on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132, displaying an operation mode of the stop switch 120 that is advantageous to the player. The effect control means 254 also performs a first effect on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132, displaying a value indicating the progress of the game on the display value 400 of the bell counter. Here, the first effect and the auxiliary effect are arranged on different layers.

[0207] Figure 18 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between layers in the liquid crystal display unit 132. As shown in Figure 18(a), the performance control means 254 places the display value 400 of the bell counter on the first layer and executes the first performance on the first layer. Also, as shown in Figure 18(b), the performance control means 254 places the operation mode of the stop switch 120 on the second layer and executes the auxiliary performance on the second layer. With this configuration, the performance control means 254 can independently control the first performance and the auxiliary performance, which have different display content, display mode, and update timing, on different layers, thereby making processing more efficient.

[0208] Note that the first effect merely displays the displayed value 400 of the bell counter that counts the winning combination of the "8-piece" role to transition to the chance zone, while the auxiliary effect is an effect that assists the winning combination of the "8-piece" role itself. Therefore, the effect control means 254 performs the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state, and performs the first effect in a normal effect state different from the AT effect state so that the auxiliary effect is not obstructed by the first effect. That is, the effect control means 254 differentiates the execution timing of the first effect from the execution timing of the auxiliary effect, so that the first effect and the auxiliary effect do not overlap. Furthermore, the effect control means 254 displays the auxiliary effect on a layer higher than the layer that displays the first effect so that the auxiliary effect is not obstructed by the first effect. In this way, the independence of the auxiliary effect and the first effect can be ensured, while preventing the auxiliary effect from being obstructed by the first effect.

[0209] Furthermore, as explained using Figures 14 and 15, the presentation control means 254 is configured not to execute the first presentation based on the stop switch 120 being operated in an irregular operation manner, regardless of whether the presentation state is an advantageous presentation state or an unadvantageous presentation state, so that the player cannot determine whether or not the granting of a specific benefit is restricted as a result of operating the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation manner in the game, and as a result, it becomes possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and the setting values ​​from being inferred.

[0210] In this way, the slot machine 100 is provided with a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of the start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone, either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists in the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed, and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance, and the operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the plurality of reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, and the performance state control means 224 controls the game zone when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone. Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role of "8-piece role") will be awarded in the next game, but if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, and the performance control means 254 executes a first performance related to the specific benefit if the specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first performance if the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first performance if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, does not execute the first performance, and performs performances through a plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer corresponding to a layer higher than the first layer, executes the first performance in the first layer, executes a second performance (for example, an auxiliary performance) different from the first performance in the second layer, and makes the execution timing of the first performance different from the execution timing of the second performance.

[0211] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being inferred to have been changed while ensuring the independence of the first and second effects.

[0212] (Modification 4 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0213] That is, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an advantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Also, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an unadvantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Unlike the first effect that displays a value indicating the progress of the game, the display of such a recommendation image (second effect) is displayed large in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which is likely to be within the player's field of vision. Therefore, the player can immediately recognize that he or she is operating the stop switch 120 in an incorrect operation sequence.

[0214] As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect based on the fact that the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. Therefore, the player cannot determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. However, if a recommendation image is displayed or not depending on whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted, the player can ultimately determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted based on the display of the recommendation image. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommendation image in common when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. This prevents the player from determining whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being inferred.

[0215] As described above, the image RAM has a plurality of different layers, and each layer can store different image data. The effect control means 254 performs a recommendation effect in which a recommendation image is displayed on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132. The effect control means 254 also performs a first effect in which a value indicating the progress of the game is displayed on the bell counter display value 400 on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132. Here, the first effect and the auxiliary effect are arranged on different layers.

[0216] Figure 19 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between layers in the liquid crystal display unit 132. As shown in Figure 19(a), the performance control means 254 places the display value 400 of the bell counter on the first layer and executes the first performance on the first layer. Also, as shown in Figure 19(b), the performance control means 254 places the recommended image on the second layer and executes the recommended performance on the second layer. With this configuration, the performance control means 254 can independently control the first performance and the recommended performance, which have different display content, display mode, and update timing, on different layers, thereby making processing more efficient.

[0217] The first effect merely displays the value 400 of the bell counter that counts the winning combination of "8 coins" to transition to the chance zone, while the recommended effect is an effect that alerts the player that an operation mode that is disadvantageous to the player has been performed. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommended effect on a layer higher than the layer that displays the first effect so that the first effect does not obscure the recommended effect. In this way, it is possible to avoid the recommended effect being obscured by the first effect while ensuring the independence of the recommended effect and the first effect.

[0218] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of a start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of a stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, and a game zone that can perform an auxiliary effect to assist in the winning of a specific winning combination, and a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and does not perform an auxiliary effect. The present invention is provided with a presentation state control means 224 that determines the interval, and a presentation control means 254 that controls the presentation, and the operation mode of the stop switch 120 includes a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel among the plurality of reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, and the presentation state control means 224 determines the game result of the next game (for example, a winning combination " In the advantageous zone, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the winning combination (winning an "8-piece role") is awarded, but when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, and the performance control means 254 executes a first performance related to the specific benefit if the specific benefit is awarded, and does not execute the first performance if the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, the first performance will not be executed, and when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, a second performance (for example, display of a recommended image) may be executed, and when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the second performance may be executed, and the performance is performed through a plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer different from the first layer, and the first performance and the second performance are different from each other and are executed on layers different from each other.

[0219] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being inferred to have been changed while ensuring the independence of the first and second effects.

[0220] (Modification 5 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0221] Fig. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254. Of these, Fig. 20(a) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when no setting change has been made, and Fig. 20(b) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when a setting change has been made. Here, a case will be described in which the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in the second game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, and the winning combination "8 coin combination" is achieved in the next game.

[0222] As explained using Fig. 10, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to either a non-internal gaming state corresponding to the initial state, an RBB internal gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal gaming state, or an RBB operating gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role. Also, as explained using Fig. 11, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the gaming zone to either a non-advantageous zone corresponding to the initial state or an advantageous zone in which auxiliary presentations can be executed.

[0223] In the slot machine 100, simply turning the power off and then back on without changing the settings does not perform initialization processing (RAM clearing) of the main RAM 200c, and the game state and game interval do not change. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20(a), the presentation state and game state are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, for example, the normal presentation state is maintained as the presentation state, and the RBB internal game state is maintained as the game state. In addition, the presentation state and bell counter count value from the previous day are carried over to the first game (previous game) after the opening of the hall. Here, suppose the bell counter count value from the previous day was "3." Meanwhile, the bell counter display value 400 is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0224] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the second game after the parlor opens) in a normal presentation mode and RBB internal game mode. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted due to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, even if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3." Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" as the displayed value 400 of the bell counter.

[0225] On the other hand, when a setting change is made in the slot machine 100, an initialization process (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is performed, and the game state and game section are initialized. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state, and the game state is initialized to a non-internal game state. In addition to setting changes, the presentation state may also be initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state and the game state to a non-internal game state when the slot machine 100 is shipped from the factory or when a cold start occurs due to an abnormality in the main RAM 200c. The count value of the bell counter is also initialized to "0" without carrying over the value from the previous day. The displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset to the initial value "0" when the power is turned back on. Here, suppose that a bonus combination is won in response to operation of the start switch 118 during the second game (the game in question) after the opening of the parlor, and the game state control means 222 transitions the game state to the RBB internal game state. In this way, a period may occur in which the gaming zone is a non-advantageous zone (non-advantageous presentation state) and the gaming state is a gaming state inside the RBB.

[0226] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the second game after the parlor opens) in a non-advantageous presentation state and in an RBB internal game state. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted by the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1" at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed. In this case, the presentation control means 254 executes a first presentation that would normally update the displayed value of the bell counter 400 to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, regardless of the game state of the previous game, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation because the game was in a non-advantageous presentation state. Instead of the first presentation, the presentation control means 254 executes an alternative presentation that maintains the displayed value of the bell counter 400 without updating it. Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 continues to show "0".

[0227] In this way, regardless of whether the presentation state is advantageous or non-advantageous, the first presentation is not executed based on the fact that the stop switch 120 has been operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0228] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an advantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an unadvantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Unlike the first effect that displays a value indicating the progress of the game, the display of such a recommendation image (second effect) is displayed large in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which is likely to be within the player's field of vision. Therefore, the player can immediately recognize that he or she is operating the stop switch 120 in an incorrect operation sequence.

[0229] As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect based on the fact that the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. Therefore, the player cannot determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. However, if a recommendation image is displayed or not depending on whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted, the player can ultimately determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted based on the display of the recommendation image. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommendation image in common when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. This prevents the player from determining whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being inferred.

[0230] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of a start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of a stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, and a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and an internal game state (for example, an RBB internal game state) to which a transition is made based on winning a bonus role in the non-internal game state. The game system includes a game state control means 222 that transitions the game state to either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary effect that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, and an effect state control means 224 that determines a game zone, either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary effect can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and does not perform an auxiliary effect, and an effect control means 254 that controls the effect. The operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the multiple reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first. Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 224 will grant a specific benefit (for example, an increment of the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role "8-piece role") in the next game. However, if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be granted in the next game. In the case where a specific benefit is granted, the presentation control means 254 will If an effect is executed and a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, the first effect is not executed, and if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and in an internal game state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, the first effect is not executed, and if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone, the second effect may be executed, and if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in a favorable zone, the second effect may be executed, and the first effect and the second effect are different.

[0231] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the player from guessing that the setting value has been changed, while urging the player to operate the stop switch 120 in an appropriate manner.

[0232] (Modification 6 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0233] Fig. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254. Of these, Fig. 21(a) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when no setting change has been made, and Fig. 21(b) shows the specific content of the effect by the effect control means 254 when a setting change has been made. Here, a case will be described in which the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in the second game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, and the winning combination "8 coin combination" is achieved in the next game.

[0234] As explained using Fig. 10, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to either a non-internal gaming state corresponding to the initial state, an RBB internal gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal gaming state, or an RBB operating gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role. Also, as explained using Fig. 11, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the gaming zone to either a non-advantageous zone corresponding to the initial state or an advantageous zone in which auxiliary presentations can be executed.

[0235] In the slot machine 100, simply turning the power off and then back on without changing the settings does not perform initialization processing (RAM clearing) of the main RAM 200c, and the game state and game interval do not change. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21(a), the presentation state and game state are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, for example, the normal presentation state is maintained as the presentation state, and the RBB internal game state is maintained as the game state. In addition, the presentation state and bell counter count value from the previous day are carried over to the first game (previous game) after the opening of the hall. Here, suppose the bell counter count value from the previous day was "3." Meanwhile, the displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0236] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the second game after the parlor opens) in a normal presentation mode and RBB internal game mode. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted due to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, even if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3." Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" as the displayed value 400 of the bell counter.

[0237] On the other hand, when a setting change is made in the slot machine 100, an initialization process (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is performed, and the game state and game section are initialized. Therefore, the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state, and the game state is initialized to a non-internal game state. In addition to setting changes, the presentation state may be initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state and the game state may be initialized to a non-internal game state when the slot machine 100 is shipped from the factory or when a cold start occurs due to an abnormality in the main RAM 200c. The count value of the bell counter is also initialized to "0" without carrying over the value from the previous day. The displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset to the initial value "0" when the power is turned back on. Here, as shown in FIG. 21(b), assume that a bonus combination is won in response to operation of the start switch 118 during the first game (previous game) after the opening of the parlor, and the game state control means 222 transitions the game state to the RBB internal game state. Then, in the same game, a bonus role is won in response to the player's operation of the stop switch 120, and the game state control means 222 shifts the game state to an RBB operating game state. In this way, a period may occur in which the game zone is a non-advantageous zone (non-advantageous presentation state) and the game state is an RBB operating game state.

[0238] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game in which the RBB is activated and a non-advantageous effect is in effect (the second game after the parlor opens). In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted by the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved during the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1" at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed. In this case, the effect control means 254 executes a first effect that would normally update the displayed value of the bell counter 400 to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, regardless of the game state of the previous game, the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect because the game was in a non-advantageous effect state. Instead of the first effect, the effect control means 254 executes an alternative effect that maintains the displayed value of the bell counter 400 without updating it. Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 continues to show "0".

[0239] In this way, regardless of whether the presentation state is advantageous or non-advantageous, the first presentation is not executed based on the fact that the stop switch 120 has been operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0240] As described above, the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in a non-advantageous effect state and the RBB-activated game state, and the count value of the bell counter is incremented in the next game. Also, as described with reference to FIG. 17 , the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect even if the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in a non-advantageous effect state and the non-internal game state, and the count value of the bell counter is incremented in the next game. That is, the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect even if the count value of the bell counter is incremented in the next game, regardless of whether the game state is the non-internal game state or the RBB-activated game state, as long as the game state is a non-advantageous effect state. Furthermore, the RBB-activated game state is not realized unless a winning type that includes only a bonus role is won and the bonus role is won in that game. On the other hand, as described above, the non-internal gaming state is realized by a setting change or the end of the RBB-activated gaming state. Therefore, as the game progresses, the probability of remaining in the non-internal gaming state as a gaming state is higher than the probability of remaining in the RBB-activated gaming state. As a result, the probability that the first effect will not be executed when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-internal gaming state and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game is higher than the probability that the first effect will not be executed when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the RBB-activated gaming state and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game.

[0241] In this way, in a non-internal gaming state where there is a high possibility that the player will be staying after the hall has opened, the first effect is not executed based on the stop switch 120 being operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the stop switch 120 being operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0242] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of a start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of a stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, and a non-internal game state, an internal game state (for example, an RBB internal game state) to which the slot machine 100 transitions based on the winning of a bonus role in the non-internal game state, and a bonus game state to which the slot machine 100 transitions based on the winning of a bonus role. The game system includes a game state control means 222 that transitions the game state to one of a plurality of game states including a game state during RBB operation (for example, a game state during RBB operation), a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone between an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, and a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed, and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance, and the operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) that stops a specific reel of the plurality of reels 110 first, and a second operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) that stops a reel other than the specific reel first. Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the performance state control means 224 will grant a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role "8-piece role") in the next game. However, if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be granted in the next game. If a specific benefit is granted, the performance control means 254 will execute the first performance related to the specific benefit, and If a specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, the first performance is not executed, and the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous section and in a non-internal game state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game; if the first performance is not executed, and the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous section and in a bonus game state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game; if the first performance is not executed, and the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, the probability that the first performance will not be executed isThe non-internal gaming state is higher than the bonus gaming state.

[0243] This configuration effectively prevents the setting value from being assumed to have been changed.

[0244] (Modification 7 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0245] For example, suppose that in the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, and the winning combination "8 coin combination" is achieved in the next game.

[0246] As explained using Fig. 10, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to either a non-internal gaming state corresponding to the initial state, an RBB internal gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal gaming state, or an RBB operating gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role. Also, as explained using Fig. 11, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the gaming zone to either a non-advantageous zone corresponding to the initial state or an advantageous zone in which auxiliary presentations can be executed.

[0247] In the slot machine 100, simply turning the power off and then back on without changing the settings does not perform initialization processing (RAM clearing) of the main RAM 200c, and the game state and game interval do not change. Therefore, as explained using FIG. 17(a), the presentation state and game state are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, for example, the normal presentation state is maintained as the presentation state, and the RBB internal game state is maintained as the game state. Furthermore, the presentation state, bell counter count, etc. from the previous day are carried over to the first game after the opening of the hall. Here, suppose the bell counter count from the previous day was "3." Meanwhile, the displayed value of the bell counter, 400, is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0248] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in the normal presentation mode and RBB internal game mode. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted due to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, even if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3." Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" as the displayed value 400 of the bell counter.

[0249] On the other hand, when a setting change is made in the slot machine 100, an initialization process (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is performed, and the game state and game zone are initialized. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 17(b), the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state, and the game state is initialized to a non-internal game state. In addition to setting changes, the presentation state may be initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state and the game state may be initialized to a non-internal game state when the slot machine 100 is shipped from the factory or when a cold start occurs due to an abnormality in the main RAM 200c, etc. In this way, a period may occur during which the game zone is a non-advantageous presentation zone (non-advantageous presentation state) and the game state is a non-internal game state. The count value of the bell counter is also initialized to "0" without carrying over the value from the previous day. The displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset when the power is turned on again, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0250] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in a non-advantageous presentation state and a non-internal game state. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted by the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved during the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1" at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed. In this case, the presentation control means 254 executes a first presentation that would normally update the displayed value 400 of the bell counter to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, regardless of the game state of the previous game, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation because the game was in a non-advantageous presentation state. Instead of the first presentation, the presentation control means 254 executes an alternative presentation that maintains the displayed value 400 of the bell counter without updating it. Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 continues to show "0".

[0251] In this way, regardless of whether the presentation state is advantageous or non-advantageous, the first presentation is not executed based on the fact that the stop switch 120 has been operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0252] As described above, the image RAM has a plurality of different layers, and each layer can store different image data. The effect control means 254 performs an auxiliary effect on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which displays an operation mode of the stop switch 120 that is advantageous to the player. The effect control means 254 also performs a first effect on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which displays a value indicating the progress of the game on the display value 400 of the bell counter. Here, the first effect and the auxiliary effect are arranged on different layers.

[0253] As explained using Fig. 18(a), the performance control means 254 places the display value 400 of the bell counter on the first layer and executes the first performance on the first layer. Also, as explained using Fig. 18(b), the performance control means 254 places the operation mode of the stop switch 120 on the second layer and executes the auxiliary performance on the second layer. With this configuration, the performance control means 254 can independently control the first performance and the auxiliary performance, which have different display content, display mode, and update timing, on different layers, thereby making it possible to improve processing efficiency.

[0254] Note that the first effect merely displays the displayed value 400 of the bell counter that counts the winning combination of the "8-piece" role to transition to the chance zone, while the auxiliary effect is an effect that assists the winning combination of the "8-piece" role itself. Therefore, the effect control means 254 performs the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state, and performs the first effect in a normal effect state different from the AT effect state so that the auxiliary effect is not obstructed by the first effect. That is, the effect control means 254 differentiates the execution timing of the first effect from the execution timing of the auxiliary effect, so that the first effect and the auxiliary effect do not overlap. Furthermore, the effect control means 254 displays the auxiliary effect on a layer higher than the layer that displays the first effect so that the auxiliary effect is not obstructed by the first effect. In this way, the independence of the auxiliary effect and the first effect can be ensured, while preventing the auxiliary effect from being obstructed by the first effect.

[0255] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of a start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of a stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, and that transitions to one of a plurality of game states, including a non-internal game state and an internal game state (for example, an RBB internal game state) that transitions based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal game state. the operation mode of the stop switch 120 includes a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the plurality of reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first; Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the performance state control means 224 grants a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role "8-piece role"), but if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be granted in the next game, and the performance control means 254 executes the first performance related to the specific benefit when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode. If a specific benefit is not awarded in accordance with the above, the first performance is not executed, and if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous section and in a non-internal play state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next play, the first performance is not executed, and performances are performed through a plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer corresponding to a layer higher than the first layer, the first performance is executed in the first layer, and a second performance (for example, an auxiliary performance) different from the first performance is executed in the second layer, and the execution timing of the first performance and the execution timing of the second performance are made different.

[0256] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being inferred to have been changed while ensuring the independence of the first and second effects.

[0257] (Variation 8 of effects 1 to 3 on the liquid crystal display unit 132) In addition, the effect control means 254 executes the first effect related to the specific benefit when a specific benefit is awarded, does not execute the first effect when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode, and does not execute the first effect when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in a non-advantageous zone and a specific benefit is awarded in the next game, and the playability can be improved by adding the following configuration to this configuration.

[0258] For example, suppose that in the first game (the game in question) after the opening of the hall, the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, and the winning combination "8 coin combination" is achieved in the next game.

[0259] As explained using Fig. 10, the gaming state control means 222 transitions the gaming state to either a non-internal gaming state corresponding to the initial state, an RBB internal gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in a non-internal gaming state, or an RBB operating gaming state transitioned to based on winning a bonus role. Also, as explained using Fig. 11, the presentation state control means 224 transitions the gaming zone to either a non-advantageous zone corresponding to the initial state or an advantageous zone in which auxiliary presentations can be executed.

[0260] In the slot machine 100, simply turning the power off and then back on without changing the settings does not perform initialization processing (RAM clearing) of the main RAM 200c, and the game state and game interval do not change. Therefore, as explained using FIG. 17(a), the presentation state and game state are maintained as they were before the power was turned off, for example, the normal presentation state is maintained as the presentation state, and the RBB internal game state is maintained as the game state. Furthermore, the presentation state, bell counter count, etc. from the previous day are carried over to the first game after the opening of the hall. Here, suppose the bell counter count from the previous day was "3." Meanwhile, the displayed value of the bell counter, 400, is reset when the power is turned back on, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0261] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in the normal presentation mode and RBB internal game mode. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted due to the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, even if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved in the next game, the count value of the bell counter is not incremented at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3." Because the chance zone transition process is not executed, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 continues to display "0" as the displayed value 400 of the bell counter.

[0262] On the other hand, when a setting change is made in the slot machine 100, an initialization process (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is performed, and the game state and game zone are initialized. Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 17(b), the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state, and the game state is initialized to a non-internal game state. In addition to setting changes, the presentation state may be initialized to a non-advantageous presentation state and the game state may be initialized to a non-internal game state when the slot machine 100 is shipped from the factory or when a cold start occurs due to an abnormality in the main RAM 200c, etc. In this way, a period may occur during which the game zone is a non-advantageous presentation zone (non-advantageous presentation state) and the game state is a non-internal game state. The count value of the bell counter is also initialized to "0" without carrying over the value from the previous day. The displayed value 400 of the bell counter is reset when the power is turned on again, and the initial value "0" is displayed.

[0263] Assume that a player operates the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode during a game (the first game after the opening of the parlor) in a non-advantageous presentation state and a non-internal game state. In the next game, the execution of the chance zone transition process is not restricted by the fact that the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode during that game. Therefore, if a winning combination of "8 coins" is achieved during the next game, the count value of the bell counter is incremented to "1" at the predetermined time when the third stop operation is performed. In this case, the presentation control means 254 executes a first presentation that would normally update the displayed value 400 of the bell counter to "1" to match the displayed value of the bell counter. However, regardless of the game state of the previous game, the presentation control means 254 does not execute the first presentation because the game was in a non-advantageous presentation state. Instead of the first presentation, the presentation control means 254 executes an alternative presentation that maintains the displayed value 400 of the bell counter without updating it. Therefore, the bell counter display value 400 continues to show "0".

[0264] In this way, regardless of whether the presentation state is advantageous or non-advantageous, the first presentation is not executed based on the fact that the stop switch 120 has been operated in an irregular operation mode, so the player cannot determine whether the execution of the chance zone transition process is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being guessed.

[0265] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an advantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode in an unadvantageous effect state, the effect control means 254 displays the character string "LEFT HIT RECOMMENDED" on the liquid crystal display unit 132 as a recommendation image recommending operation in a regular operation mode. Unlike the first effect that displays a value indicating the progress of the game, the display of such a recommendation image (second effect) is displayed large in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, which is likely to be within the player's field of vision. Therefore, the player can immediately recognize that he or she is operating the stop switch 120 in an incorrect operation sequence.

[0266] As described above with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 , the effect control means 254 does not execute the first effect based on the fact that the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. Therefore, the player cannot determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. However, if a recommendation image is displayed or not depending on whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted, the player can ultimately determine whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted based on the display of the recommendation image. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommendation image in common when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, regardless of whether the effect state is an advantageous effect state or a non-advantageous effect state. This prevents the player from determining whether the awarding of a specific benefit is restricted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 in an irregular operation mode in the game. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the presence or absence of setting changes and setting values ​​from being inferred.

[0267] As described above, the image RAM has a plurality of different layers, and each layer can store different image data. The effect control means 254 performs a recommendation effect in which a recommendation image is displayed on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132. The effect control means 254 also performs a first effect in which a value indicating the progress of the game is displayed on the bell counter display value 400 on a predetermined layer of the liquid crystal display unit 132. Here, the first effect and the auxiliary effect are arranged on different layers.

[0268] As explained using Fig. 19(a), the performance control means 254 places the bell counter display value 400 on the first layer and executes the first performance on the first layer. Also, as explained using Fig. 19(b), the performance control means 254 places the recommended image on the second layer and executes the recommended performance on the second layer. With this configuration, the performance control means 254 can independently control the first performance and the recommended performance, which have different display content, display mode, and update timing, on different layers, thereby making it possible to improve processing efficiency.

[0269] The first effect merely displays the value 400 of the bell counter that counts the winning combination of "8 coins" to transition to the chance zone, while the recommended effect is an effect that alerts the player that an operation mode that is disadvantageous to the player has been performed. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the recommended effect on a layer higher than the layer that displays the first effect so that the first effect does not obscure the recommended effect. In this way, it is possible to avoid the recommended effect being obscured by the first effect while ensuring the independence of the recommended effect and the first effect.

[0270] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a reel control means 216 that controls the rotation of a plurality of reels 110, on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, based on the operation of the start switch 118, and that controls the stop of each of the reels 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120 in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110, and a game state control means that transitions to one of a plurality of game states, including a non-internal game state and an internal game state (for example, an RBB internal game state) to which transition is made based on winning a bonus role in the non-internal game state. 222, a performance state control means 224 that determines a game zone, which is either a favorable zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, or a non-favorable zone that is a game zone other than the favorable zone and in which an auxiliary performance is not performed, and a performance control means 254 that controls the performance, and the operation modes of the stop switch 120 include a first operation mode (for example, a regular operation mode) in which a specific reel of the multiple reels 110 is stopped first, and a second operation mode (for example, an irregular operation mode) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, and the performance state control means 224 Even if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode, a specific benefit (for example, an increment in the count value of the bell counter) corresponding to the game result of the next game (for example, winning the winning role "8-piece role") is awarded in the next game. However, if the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the specific benefit is not awarded in the next game, and the performance control means 254 executes the first performance related to the specific benefit when the specific benefit is awarded, and does not execute the first performance when the specific benefit is not awarded in response to operation in the second operation mode. When the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone and in a non-internal play state, and a specific benefit is awarded in the next play, the first effect is not executed, and when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, the second effect (for example, display of a recommended image) may be executed, and when the stop switch 120 is operated in the second operation mode in the advantageous zone, the second effect may be executed, and the effect is executed through a plurality of layers including a first layer and a second layer different from the first layer, and is different from the first effect and the second effect, andThe first and second performances are executed on different layers.

[0271] This configuration makes it possible to prevent the setting value from being inferred to have been changed while ensuring the independence of the first and second effects.

[0272] (Over alarm) When the presentation state control means 224 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state, an auxiliary presentation is performed, making it easier for the player to win electronic medals. The presentation state control means 224 counts the difference between the number of electronic medals bet and the number of medals paid out during a series of presentation states in which it is easier to win electronic medals, for example, from the start of the normal AT presentation state until it ends (until transition to the normal presentation state). The presentation control means 254 displays the counted difference as the net increase in medals on the liquid crystal display unit 132. Specifically, after the start of the normal AT presentation state, the presentation control means 254 subtracts the number of electronic medals bet by the number of medals bet, and displays the updated net increase in medals on the liquid crystal display unit 132. Furthermore, the presentation control means 254 increases the net increase in medals by the number of medals paid out, and displays the updated net increase in medals on the liquid crystal display unit 132, in response to the payout of electronic medals.

[0273] In the normal AT performance state, the auxiliary performance makes it easier for the player to acquire electronic medals, so the net increase in number of medals tends to increase. Each time the net increase in number of medals reaches a predetermined over number (specific value), the performance control means 254 displays an over image on the liquid crystal display unit 132 to indicate that the over number has been reached. Here, "reaching the over number" means that the net increase in number of medals, which was less than the over number, becomes equal to or greater than the over number as a result of the payout of electronic medals.

[0274] The over number is set in multiple predetermined units (here, 500), such as 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, etc. Hereinafter, the over number set in predetermined units may be referred to as the interval over number. Note that the interval over number is not necessarily set at equal intervals, and may be set at wider intervals when the net increase is larger than when it is small, such as 100, 200, 500, 1000, or 2000. In this way, the interval over number can be set to any value taking into account the gameplay characteristics.

[0275] The notification that the over number has been reached not only involves displaying an over image on the liquid crystal display unit 132, but also includes emitting light in a light-emitting pattern (over light-emitting pattern) through the performance lamp 136 indicating that the over number has been reached, and outputting sound (over sound) indicating that the over number has been reached through the speaker 134. Such notifications that the over number has been reached, such as displaying an over image, emitting light in the over light-emitting pattern, and outputting over sound, are referred to as over notification. For ease of explanation, the following description will cite the display of an over image as an over notification, but in addition to or instead of this, light emission in the over light-emitting pattern or outputting over sound may also be used.

[0276] FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the over notification. For example, assume that the net increase in coins is 497 at the time of FIG. 22(a). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the net increase of "497 coins" is displayed in the coin number display area 410 in the upper right of the liquid crystal display unit 132. If three electronic medals are bet in the next game, three coins are subtracted from the net increase in coins, as shown in FIG. 22(b), and the net increase of coins "494 coins" is displayed in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132. If the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, the winning role "8 coins" is won, and the net increase in coins becomes 502 coins, reaching the over number of coins of 500 coins. 22(c), the presentation control means 254 displays the net increase in coins "502 coins" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, and also displays an over image "500 coins OVER" indicating that the over number has reached 500 coins in the over image display area 412 in the front center (front layer) of the liquid crystal display unit 132. By visually checking the over image "500 coins OVER", the player can easily understand that the net increase in coins has reached 500 coins.

[0277] If three electronic medals are bet in the next game, three are subtracted from the net increase, making the net increase temporarily less than 500, as shown in Figure 22(d), and the number display area 410 of the LCD display unit 132 displays the net increase of "499 medals." If the "batting order bell" wins in that game and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, the winning combination "8 medals" is achieved, and the net increase becomes 507 medals, once again reaching the over number of 500 medals. However, if an over notification is made once the same over number (here, 500 medals) is reached, the presentation control means 254 will not make another over notification even if the over number is reached again in the same normal AT presentation state. Therefore, the effect control means 254 displays the net increase in number of coins "507 coins" in the number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132 as shown in FIG. 22(e), but does not display the over image "500 coins OVER."

[0278] In addition to the interval over number, the presentation control means 254 may also issue an over notification when a specific over number is reached, which indicates an internal state of the game. This over number is referred to as the specific over number. The internal state of the game indicated here may be, for example, a set value or a specific state. For example, if a set value is used as the specific over number, the set values ​​1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may correspond to specific over numbers of 111, 222, 333, 444, 555, and 666, or the set values ​​100, 200, 300, 400, 555, and 600. Furthermore, the set values ​​2 or greater, 4 or greater, and 5 or greater may correspond to specific over numbers of 222, 444, and 555. In addition, when a specific state is selected as the specific over number, for example, when a normal AT performance state is selected, the net increase in the number of coins at the time of the win can be used as the specific over number. In addition, when a normal AT performance state is selected, the specific over number can be a number that is a mnemonic for a general word, such as 753 (shichigosan).

[0279] However, such a specific over number is not necessarily notified just because the net increase in coins reaches the specific over number. This is because, for example, if the set value could be determined without fail through the specific over number, the player might realize that the set value is low and immediately stop playing the slot machine 100, or realize that the set value is high and continue playing the slot machine 100, making it easier to obtain large gaming profits.

[0280] Therefore, when the net increase in number of coins reaches a specific over number, the presentation control means 254 will make an over presentation indicating that the specific over number has been reached only if a predetermined presentation condition is met. When a set value is used as the specific over number, the presentation condition is that the current net increase in number of coins reaches the specific over number corresponding to the set value and the suggestive presentation lottery is won with a predetermined probability. For example, when the set value 5 corresponds to the specific over number of coins, 555 coins, the presentation control means 254 will make an over presentation indicating that the set value is 5 when the presentation condition is met, that is, the net increase in number of coins reaches the specific over number of coins, 555 coins, and the suggestive presentation lottery is won with a predetermined probability (for example, 1 / 10).

[0281] In addition, when the specific over number is used as winning the normal AT presentation state, the notification condition is that the current net increase in number of coins reaches the specific over number corresponding to winning the normal AT presentation state, and the suggestive presentation lottery is won with a predetermined probability. For example, when the specific over number of coins, 753, corresponds to winning the normal AT presentation state, the presentation control means 254 will make an over notification suggesting that the normal AT presentation state has been won when the notification condition, that is, the net increase in number of coins reaches the specific over number of coins, 753, and the suggestive presentation lottery is won with a predetermined probability (for example, 1 / 2).

[0282] The effect control means 254 may execute a continuous effect (notification prohibited state) over multiple games. For example, the effect state control means 224 may transition during a normal AT effect state to a high probability state for a lottery to add the number of continued games or a pseudo bonus (AT effect state) that simulates a bonus. For example, the effect state control means 224 performs a lottery to add the number of continued games with a high probability from the start of a high probability state for a lottery to add the number of continued games until a termination condition is met. For example, the effect control means 254 continuously performs a battle effect from the start of such a high probability state until a termination condition is met, and performs an effect in which an ally character damages an enemy character in response to the effect state control means 224 deciding to add the number of continued games. However, continuous effects are not limited to such cases, and any effect that changes continuously over multiple games, such as a story-like effect, may also be used.

[0283] When continuous effects are executed during a normal AT performance, the net increase in coins is likely to increase because auxiliary effects are executed even during the continuous effects. Therefore, the interval over number of coins may be reached during the continuous effects (until the continuous effects end). However, as shown in FIG. 22(c), the over image is displayed in a relatively large area in the over image display area 412 in the front center of the LCD display unit 132, obscuring the continuous effects. This may interrupt the continuity of the continuous effects, making it difficult for the player to properly grasp the progress and results of the continuous effects.

[0284] Therefore, when the interval over number is reached during the continuous performance, the performance control means 254 does not display the over image during the continuous performance, but displays the over image after the continuous performance ends.

[0285] FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the over notification. For example, assume that the net increase in coins is 492 at the time of FIG. 23(a). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 23(a), the net increase of "492 coins" is displayed in the coin number display area 410 in the upper right corner of the LCD display unit 132. Then, assume that a continuous effect is started in response to operation of the start switch 118 for the next game. The effect control means 254 uses the entire LCD display unit 132 to perform the continuous effect. In such a continuous effect, an auxiliary effect is performed, making it easier for the net increase in coins to increase. Then, suppose that while the continuous effect is continuing, the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, resulting in the winning combination "8 coins" being won, and the net increase in coins becomes 502 coins, exceeding the interval over number of 500 coins. However, as shown in FIG. 23(b), the presentation control means 254 displays the net increase of "502 coins" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, but does not display the over image "500 coins over," indicating that the interval over number of coins has reached "500 coins," because the continuous presentation is in progress. Now, let's assume that the continuous presentation ends after 30 games, and the net increase of coins is 562 coins. After the game in which the continuous presentation ends, if the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode to win the winning combination "8 coins," the presentation control means 254 displays the net increase of "562 coins" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, and also displays the over image "500 coins over," indicating that the interval over number of coins has reached "500 coins," in the over image display area 412 in the center front (front layer) of the liquid crystal display unit 132.

[0286] Note that, here, an example has been described in which the effect control means 254 displays the over image "500 coins OVER" at the timing when, in a game after the game in which the continuous effect has ended, the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the number of electronic medals paid out is greater than the specified number, for example, when a winning role "8 coins" is won. However, without being limited to this example, the effect control means 254 may display the over image "500 coins OVER" at the start of the first stop operation, the second stop operation, or the third stop operation in the game in which the continuous effect has ended, or when the third stop operation is released, or may display the over image "500 coins OVER" in response to the operation of the bet switch 116 for the game next after the game in which the continuous effect has ended, or the operation of the start switch 118 for the game next after the game in which the continuous effect has ended.

[0287] Here, the over image "500 over" is displayed when the net increase reaches 562 coins, 62 more than 500 coins, but the net increase remains at 500 coins or more, so there is no contradiction in the displayed content. Furthermore, since the over image "500 over" is not displayed during the continuous performance, it is possible to avoid a situation where the over image "500 over" obscures the continuous performance and the player is unable to properly view the continuous performance. Furthermore, by viewing the over image "500 over" after the continuous performance has ended, the player can easily understand that the net increase has reached 500 coins.

[0288] As described above, the effect control means 254 may issue an over notification when the interval over number, which is set in units of a predetermined number (here, 500), is reached, as well as when the specific over number is reached. For example, assume that the setting value of the slot machine 100 is set to 5, and the specific over number is set to 555 for the setting value 5. The effect control means 254 issues an over notification suggesting that the setting value is 5 when the notification condition, that is, the net increase in the number of coins reaches the specific over number of 555, and the suggestive effect lottery is won with a predetermined probability.

[0289] The effect control means 254 sets the display mode of the OVER image when the specific over number is reached to be the same as the display mode of the OVER image when the interval over number is reached. This is because the OVER notification is merely an effect suggesting that a set value or a specific state has been achieved, and is not an effect indicating that some kind of gaming profit has been obtained. Also, by deliberately not using a special display mode for the OVER image suggesting that a set value or a specific state has been achieved, only players who know the meaning of the OVER image can understand what it suggests, giving the player a sense of superiority. However, this is not a limitation, and the display mode of the OVER image when the interval over number is reached may be different from the display mode of the OVER image when the specific over number is reached.

[0290] In this way, the effect control means 254 matches the display mode of the OVER image when the specific over number is reached with the display mode of the OVER image when the interval over number is reached. Therefore, just like the interval over number, even if the current net increase in coins reaches the specific over number during a continuous effect, the effect control means 254 does not display the OVER image during the continuous effect, but displays the OVER image after the continuous effect ends.

[0291] However, depending on the number of plays of the continuous performance, the following event may occur. That is, if the difference in the number of plays between the interval over number and the specific over number is small and the continuous performance continues for more than that difference in the number of plays, there is a possibility that both the interval over number and the specific over number will be reached during the continuous performance. In this case, the performance control means 254 does not display an over image during the continuous performance, but displays an over image after the continuous performance ends. However, in this case, there are multiple options for what to display after the continuous performance ends, such as an over image indicating that the interval over number has been reached and an over image indicating that the specific over number has been reached. Here, the performance control means 254 displays an over image indicating that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number (the one that will be reached later) has been reached after the continuous performance ends.

[0292] This is for the following reason. That is, the net increase in coins at the time when the continuous performance ends is equal to or greater than the interval over number and the specific over number. In this case, the net increase in coins at the time when the continuous performance ends is close to the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number. Therefore, the performance control means 254 notifies the player that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number has been reached. In this way, the difference between the net increase in coins and the over number indicated in the over notification can be reduced, preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

[0293] FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the over notification. For example, assume that the net increase in coins is 492 at the time of FIG. 24(a). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the net increase of "492 coins" is displayed in the coin number display area 410 in the upper right corner of the LCD display unit 132. Then, assume that a continuous effect is started in response to operation of the start switch 118 for the next game. The effect control means 254 uses the entire LCD display unit 132 to perform the continuous effect. In such a continuous effect, auxiliary effects are performed, so the net increase in coins is likely to increase. Then, suppose that during the continuous effect, the "batting order bell" win type is won and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, resulting in the winning combination of "8 coins," resulting in the net increase in coins becoming 502 coins, exceeding the interval over number of 500 coins. However, as shown in Figure 24(b), the effect control means 254 displays the net increase of "502 coins" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, but does not display the over image "500 coins OVER" indicating that the interval over number of coins has reached "500 coins" because the continuous effect is in progress. Furthermore, suppose that while the continuous effect is continuing, if the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, the winning role "8 coins role" is won, and the net increase of coins becomes 557 coins, exceeding the specific over number of coins of 555. At this time, suppose that a suggestive effect lottery determines to issue an over notification indicating that the specific over number of coins of 555 has been reached. However, as shown in FIG. 24(c), the presentation control means 254 displays the net increase in coins "557" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, but does not display the over image "555 coins OVER," indicating that the specific over number of coins "555 coins" has been reached, because the continuous presentation is in progress. Then, suppose that the continuous presentation ends after 30 games, and in a subsequent game, the winning type "batting order bell" is won, and the player operates the stop switch 120 in the correct operation mode, resulting in the winning combination "8 coins" and the net increase in coins becoming 562 coins. As shown in FIG. 24(d), the presentation control means 254 displays the net increase in coins "562 coins" in the coin number display area 410 of the liquid crystal display unit 132. Furthermore, the specific over number of coins "555 coins" is greater than the interval over number of coins "500 coins."Therefore, the performance control means 254 displays the over image "555 OVER" indicating that the specific over number "555" has been reached in the over image display area 412 in the front center (front layer) of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in Figure 24 (d).

[0294] By viewing the over image "555 OVER", the player can understand that the over number has been reached. The over image "555 OVER" is a specific over number that suggests the set value of 5. Therefore, the player can understand that the set value is at least 5 or more, and can use this as a reference for future play.

[0295] In the example of Figure 24, a winning combination "8-piece combination" is won, the net increase in number of coins is 557 coins, exceeding the specific over number of coins 555, and a suggestive effect lottery has been performed to determine whether an over notification indicating that the specific over number of coins 555 has been reached will be issued. However, even if a winning combination "8-piece combination" is won, the net increase in number of coins is 557 coins, exceeding the specific over number of coins 555, if a suggestive effect lottery has not determined whether an over notification indicating that the specific over number of coins 555 has been reached will not be issued. In this case, the over notification will only be issued for the interval over number of coins "500 coins." Therefore, after the game in which the continuous presentation has ended, the presentation control means 254 will display the net increase in the number of coins "562 coins" in the number display area 410 of the LCD display unit 132, as shown in Figure 24(e), and will display the over image "500 coins OVER" in the over image display area 412 in the front center (front layer) of the LCD display unit 132, indicating that the interval over number of coins has reached "500 coins".

[0296] Here, an example has been described in which the effect control means 254 displays an OVER image indicating that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is achieved later) has been reached after a game in which a continuous effect has ended. However, the example is not limited to this, and the effect control means 254 may also display an OVER image indicating that the smaller of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is achieved first) has been reached after a game in which a continuous effect has ended. With this configuration, the player can understand that the over number has already been reached when the smaller of the interval over number and the specific over number has been reached.

[0297] Furthermore, after the game in which the continuous performance ends, the performance control means 254 may display an over image indicating that the smaller of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is reached first) has been reached, maintain the display of the over image for a predetermined interval (e.g., 0.5 seconds), and then display an over image indicating that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is reached later) has been reached. This configuration allows the player to understand both that the over number had already been reached when the smaller of the interval over number and the specific over number was reached, and that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number has now been reached. Note that if three or more over numbers have been reached during the continuous performance, the performance control means 254 may display over images indicating that the over number has been reached in the order of the smaller of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is reached first) to the larger of the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number (whichever is reached later) after the continuous performance ends.

[0298] In the above, an example was given in which both the interval over number and the specific over number were reached during a continuous performance, and the performance control means 254 displayed an over image indicating that either of the over numbers had been reached. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example, and there are also cases in which multiple interval over numbers or multiple specific over numbers are reached during a continuous performance. Even in this case, the performance control means 254 may display an over image indicating that either of the multiple over numbers, for example, the largest number of multiple over numbers (the one that is reached last), has been reached after the continuous performance ends.

[0299] In the above example, the presentation control means 254 displays an over image indicating that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number (the later number) has been reached after the end of a continuous presentation. However, the presentation control means 254 is not limited to this example. It may also display an over image indicating that the larger of the interval over number and the specific over number, whichever is more valuable to the player (the larger game profit), has been reached. For example, the interval over number simply indicates an increase in the net increase in number of coins, while the specific over number can be used to estimate the setting value of the slot machine 100 currently being played and to understand the current winning AT presentation state, making it highly valuable to the player. This configuration prevents a situation in which a more valuable over notification is not provided due to the provision of an over notification that is not highly valuable to the player. In this way, the player can efficiently visually recognize the more valuable over notification.

[0300] Furthermore, in the above, continuous presentations have been described as an example of a notification prohibition state in which the execution of over-notification is prohibited, but this is not limited to such an example. Any state can be set as a notification prohibition state as long as a specified state continues over multiple games, such as a pseudo-bonus that simulates a bonus even though it is an AT presentation state.

[0301] FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display mode of the overlay image. The above description cites an example in which the performance control means 254 displays an overlay image in the overlay image display area 412 in the front center (front layer) of the liquid crystal display unit 132 when the net increase in number of coins reaches the overlay number. The performance control means 254 can display the overlay image in various display modes. For example, when the net increase in number of coins reaches the overlay number, the performance control means 254 displays an overlay image "OVER 500 coins" in the front center of the liquid crystal display unit 132 and removes it after a predetermined time has passed. In this case, the performance control means 254 displays the overlay image with a transparency of 100% as shown in FIG. 25(a), and gradually decreases the transparency from 100% to 0% as shown in FIG. 25(b). The performance control means 254 may then gradually increase the transparency from 0% to 100% and remove the overlay image after a predetermined time has passed.

[0302] Furthermore, when the net increase in the number of coins reaches the over number, the performance control means 254 makes the over image "OVER 500 coins" appear, moving from the right end of the liquid crystal display unit 132 to the left, as shown in Figure 25(c), and temporarily suspends the over image in the over image display area 412 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in Figure 25(d). Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the performance control means 254 moves the over image again to the left, as shown in Figure 25(e), and makes it disappear at the left end of the liquid crystal display unit 132. Note that although an example of moving the over image from right to left has been described here, the movement direction can be set arbitrarily, such as from left to right, from bottom to top, or from top to bottom.

[0303] Alternatively, the effect control means 254 may display an oversized image "OVER 500 coins" moving from the right end of the liquid crystal display unit 132 to the left, as shown in FIG. 25(c), and freeze the oversized image in the oversized image display area 412 of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 25(d). In this case, the player can move the oversized image by operating a predetermined switch, such as the bet switch 116 for the next game. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 25(f), in response to the player's operation of the bet switch 116, the effect control means 254 moves the frozen oversized image to the left and disappears at the left end of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 25(e). For example, if the number of oversized coins is the interval oversized coin number, the effect control means 254 may temporarily suspend the oversized image in the oversized image display area 412 and then automatically move it, or if the number of oversized coins is a specific oversized coin number, the effect control means 254 may freeze the oversized image in the oversized image display area 412 and move it in response to the player's operation of the bet switch 116. With this configuration, the player can be sure that the specific over-number has been reached, and can take an image of this with an imaging device, for example.

[0304] FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the display mode of the over image. To prevent excessive gambling, the slot machine 100 manages the difference between the number of medals inserted (value related to the use of gaming value) and the number of medals paid out (value related to the acquisition of gaming value) since power-on, regardless of the presentation state. When the difference reaches a predetermined number, e.g., 19,000, the presentation state control means 224 activates a so-called complete function, which limits the progress of the game. Here, limiting the progress of the game means, for example, disabling medal insertion and switch operation to prevent the game from continuing. Furthermore, when the complete function is activated, the presentation control means 254 displays a complete activation image, "Complete function activated," in the complete image display area 414 in the center of the LCD display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 26(a). In this way, players and hall staff can understand that the complete function has been activated.

[0305] This complete function is executed when the winning type "batting order bell" is won and the number of electronic medals paid out is greater than the specified number, for example, when the winning role "8 medals" is won. In this case, the complete function, which is executed in response to an increase in the difference in the number of medals, and the over notification can be executed simultaneously. At this time, if the presentation control means 254 were to display both the complete operation image "complete function in operation" and the over image "over 5000 medals" in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, it would be difficult to distinguish the displayed content. Therefore, the presentation control means 254 differentiates the display manner of the complete operation image and the over image.

[0306] For example, when the difference in number of coins reaches the specified difference and the net increase in number of coins reaches the over number, the effect control means 254 first displays a complete operation image "Complete function activated" in the complete image display area 414 in the center of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 26(a). Next, while maintaining the display of the complete operation image, the effect control means 254 makes an over image "Over 5000 coins" appear, moving leftward from the right edge of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 26(b). Then, as shown in FIG. 26(c), the effect control means 254 temporarily stops the over image in the over image display area 412 of the liquid crystal display unit 132. At this time, the over image is located in front (on the front layer) of the complete operation image. Then, after a predetermined time has passed, the effect control means 254 again moves the over image leftward and disappears at the left edge of the liquid crystal display unit 132, as shown in FIG. 26(d). Thus, only the complete operation image remains on the liquid crystal display unit 132. As shown in Figure 26(c), although there is a time when the complete activation image and the over image overlap, the over image moves relative to the complete activation image, so the player can easily distinguish between the complete activation image and the over image. Furthermore, as a result, the over image appears for a short period of time, making the complete activation image at least easy to see. This configuration allows players and hall staff to know that the complete function has been activated, and also allows at least the player to visually recognize that the net increase in coins has reached the over number.

[0307] In addition, in the above description, the net increase in gaming value is the net increase in number of coins (the difference in number of coins), and the over number is the target number of over coins, but various other indicators can be applied. For example, the net increase in gaming value may be the number of continued games or the number of continued sets in a series of AT performance states corresponding to the net increase in coins, and the over number may be the number of over games or the number of over sets.

[0308] In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a main control means (for example, the main CPU 200a) that controls the progress of the game, and a presentation control means 254 that controls presentation in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control means. The presentation control means 254 may execute an achievement notification (for example, an over notification) based on the fact that the net increase in the number of game values ​​(for example, electronic medals) (for example, the net increase in the number of medals) has reached a specific value (for example, the over number), and may execute an achievement notification (for example, an over notification) based on the fact that the net increase in the number of medals has reached a specific value (for example, the over number) in a notification permission state in which the achievement notification can be executed (for example, an AT presentation state other than a continuous presentation). When the net increase reaches a specific value, an arrival notification is issued, and when the net increase reaches a specific value in a notification prohibited state in which the execution of the arrival notification is prohibited (for example, continuous presentation during an AT presentation state), the notification is switched from the notification prohibited state to a notification permitted state and an arrival notification is issued, and when the net increase reaches both of a plurality of different specific values ​​(for example, 500 sheets of interval over number and 555 sheets of specific over number) in the notification prohibited state, the notification is switched from the notification prohibited state to the notification permitted state and an arrival notification is issued indicating that one of the specific values ​​(for example, 555 sheets of specific over number) has been reached.

[0309] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such modifications and alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0310] In the above-described embodiment, in order to realize a gameplay in which the gaming profit is greater when the stop switch 120 is operated in the regular operation mode than when it is operated in the irregular operation mode, a chance zone transition process is executed in which the bell counter counts up in response to the winning combination of "8-coin" in the next game when the stop switch 120 is operated in the regular operation mode during a game in the advantageous zone, and the chance zone transition process is not executed when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode. However, the present invention is not limited to the chance zone transition process, and any auxiliary effect process may be executed in the next game when the stop switch 120 is operated in the regular operation mode during a game in the advantageous zone, but is not executed in the next game when the stop switch 120 is operated in the irregular operation mode. Such a process is referred to as a "specific process," and the above-described chance zone transition process is an example of the specific process. If the slot machine 100 is designed to provide a bonus, such as an increased probability of winning the AT lottery, when the count values ​​of a play count counter, point counter, etc. reach a predetermined value, an example of the specific process is a process of updating the count values ​​of the play count counter, point counter, etc.

[0311] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given of a first effect for informing a player of the progress of a game, in which the bell counter display value 400 is maintained or updated in accordance with the maintenance or update of the bell counter count value. Also, in a game belonging to a non-advantageous zone, when the stop switch 120 is operated in an irregular operation mode, the first effect is not executed, and instead an alternative effect is executed in which the bell counter display value 400 is not updated even if the bell counter count value is updated. This is not limited to such a case, and the first effect may be any effect that allows a player to understand that a specific process, such as a chance zone transition process, has been executed. Furthermore, the alternative effect may be any effect that allows a player to determine that a specific process has not been executed.

[0312] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example of a first effect has been described in which a value indicating the progress of the game (for example, a number representing the count value of the bell counter) is displayed on the bell counter display value 400. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example of an alternative effect has been described in which the bell counter display value 400 is maintained without being updated. The first effect and the alternative effect are not limited to those that are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 132, but may also be those that are produced by audio output through the speaker 134, lighting of the effect lamp 136, or driving of the effect element device 138.

[0313] In the above-described embodiment, a case where a CZ lottery is held as an opportunity to transition to the chance zone when the winning combination "8-piece combination" is won seven or more times has been described as an example. This is not a limitation. For example, an opportunity to transition to the chance zone may be given when a winning combination other than the winning combination "8-piece combination" is won a predetermined number of times, or an opportunity to transition to the chance zone may be given when a predetermined number of games have been played. Furthermore, an arbitrarily determined number of points may be added or subtracted each time a predetermined number of games have been played, and an opportunity to transition to the chance zone may be given when the number of points reaches a predetermined value.

[0314] In the above-described embodiment, the restriction on the execution of the chance zone shift process due to the stop switch 120 being operated in an irregular operation mode is explained as an example in which the restriction is performed in the next game, not in the game in which the irregular operation mode was performed. However, the restriction on the execution of the chance zone shift process may be performed in either the game in which the stop switch 120 was operated in an irregular operation mode, or in the next game.

[0315] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which there are three stop switches 120 and three reels 110 (left reel 110a, center reel 110b, right reel 110c), but this is not limited to this case, and the present invention can also be applied to cases in which there are four stop switches 120 and four reels 110 (first reel, second reel, third reel, fourth reel) or five or more reels. In this case, the final stop operation is the fourth stop operation, and the processing corresponding to the start and release of the third stop operation in the above-described embodiment is performed in response to the start and release of the fourth stop operation.

[0316] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200, the sub-control board 240, and the medal count control board 260 are arranged to share the functional parts for progressing the game, but the functional parts of the main control board 200 may be arranged on the sub-control board 240 or the medal count control board 260, the functional parts of the sub-control board 240 may be arranged on the main control board 200 or the medal count control board 260, or the functions of the medal count control board 260 may be arranged on the main control board 200 or the sub-control board 240, or all the functional parts may be arranged together on a single control board.

[0317] Although the above-described embodiment has been described with reference to an example application to a slot machine 100, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine, so-called a smart pachinko, which includes a gaming board with a gaming area through which gaming balls flow, a special prize opening provided in the gaming area and through which the gaming balls can enter, an opening / closing member for opening and closing the special prize opening, and a special prize opening control means that controls the opening / closing member to open and close when a predetermined condition is met, thereby executing a special prize game consisting of multiple rounds in which the special prize opening is opened. In the smart pachinko, a frame control board, a counting switch, and a gaming ball count display device having the same functions as the medal count control board 260, the counting switch 126, and the medal count display device 128 in the smart pachislot slot machine 100 can be used to play the game without circulating gaming balls between the smart pachinko and the dedicated unit, just like the smart pachislot. The game ball count display device is a display device that displays the number of game balls, which is the total number of electronic game balls available for play. The number of game balls corresponds to the number of game values ​​available for play.

[0318] Furthermore, the processes performed by the main control board 200, sub-control board 240, and medal count control board 260 described above do not necessarily have to be processed chronologically in the order described in the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0319] 100 slot machines (gaming machines) 110 reels 116 Bet Switch 118 Start switch 120 Stop switch 132 LCD display section 200 Main control board 200a Main CPU 214 Winning Type Lottery Method 216 Reel control means 222 Game status control means 224 Production state control means 240 Sub-control board 240a Sub-CPU 224 Production state control means 254 Production Control Means 260 Medal count control board 260a Medal CPU 274 Medal count update method 300 dedicated unit

Claims

[Claim 1] a reel control means for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged based on the operation of a start switch, and for controlling the stop of each of the reels corresponding to the operated stop switch in response to the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel; A game state control means for transitioning to one of a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and an internal game state to which transition is made based on winning a bonus role in the non-internal game state; A performance state control means for determining a game zone that is either an advantageous zone in which an auxiliary performance that assists the winning of a specific winning combination can be performed, or a non-advantageous zone that is a game zone other than the advantageous zone and in which the auxiliary performance is not performed; a performance control means for controlling the performance; Equipped with The operation modes of the stop switch include a first operation mode in which a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first, and a second operation mode in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, The performance state control means Even if the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone, a specific benefit corresponding to the game result of the next game is awarded in the next game, If the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode during the advantageous zone, the specific benefit will not be awarded in the next game, The performance control means When the specific benefit is awarded, a first performance related to the specific benefit is executed; If the specific benefit is not granted in response to the operation in the second operation mode, the first performance is not executed, When the stop switch is operated in the second operation mode in the non-advantageous zone and the non-internal game state, and the specific benefit is awarded in the next game, the first performance is not executed. A gaming machine characterized by:

Images