gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine having new gameplay. [Solution] The slot machine 1 is capable of executing a process for progressing a game in one of a plurality of zones, including a point-specialized zone in which at least one set of set games consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a normal zone in which set games are not executed. In a set game, a point-granting process for determining whether to award points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether to execute the next set game of the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once. By determining to execute the next set game in the continuation determination process, the set game can be executed repeatedly in the point-specialized zone.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] The gaming machine is configured to be able to switch between a game (game) in a general gaming state and a game in a special gaming state (AT, ART, etc.) that is more advantageous to the player than the general gaming state (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-034063 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a gaming machine with novel gameplay. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The first aspect is a gaming machine that is capable of executing a process to progress a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set of set games consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set games are not executed, and in which, in the set games, a point awarding process that decides whether or not to award points, a continuation rate addition process that decides whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation decision process that decides whether or not to execute the next set game of the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once, and when it is decided in the continuation decision process not to execute the next set game, a process to transition from the first section to the second section can be executed, and when it is decided in the continuation decision process to execute the next set game, the set game can be executed repeatedly in the first section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present disclosure, a gaming machine with new gameplay can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a slot machine and a card unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of symbols on a rotating reel. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in the first gaming state. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in the second game state. [Figure 6] A diagram explaining the state transition of the game area. [Figure 7] A diagram explaining the connection / communication relationship between the main control board, the game value control board, and the sub-control board. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a part of the game flow of the slot machine of the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a point continuation rate addition table used in a point specialized zone. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation displayed on the LCD screen during a set game. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a point specialization zone process. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a point specialization zone process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] [Embodiment] A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "connection" includes cases where connection targets are directly connected to each other and cases where connection targets are indirectly connected to each other via other boards, devices, etc.

[0009] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is an example of a reel-type gaming machine that does not use physical medals but handles the quantity of gaming value (number of medals) as electronic data. Unlike conventional slot machines, the slot machine 1 does not require the insertion and payment of actual medals, and allows the game to proceed using electronically converted pseudo gaming media as gaming value data. Such slot machines 1 are called medal-less machines, Smart Slot (registered trademark), enclosed reel gaming machines, etc.

[0010] The pseudo game media, i.e., the game value, increases or decreases as the game progresses. Therefore, the player can play without holding actual medals, and while playing, the player can also check the amount of game value he or she has by looking at the credit display on the slot machine 1.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a front view of the above-mentioned slot machine 1. As shown in Fig. 2, this slot machine 1 is communicably connected to a card unit 9. Below, the card unit 9 will first be described.

[0012] The card unit 9 (corresponding to an external device) is a device capable of executing processes relating to lending of gaming value to the slot machine 1 and returning of gaming value from the slot machine 1.

[0013] Although not shown, the outer surface of the card unit 9 is provided with an opening for inserting cash, an opening for inserting / removing a card, a display panel capable of displaying instructions for inputting a PIN number and the loan balance, a gaming value loan button, and a card ejection button. Inside the card unit 9, in addition to an I / F for communication with the slot machine 1, a cash management mechanism 91, a card management mechanism 92, and a card unit side control unit 93 are provided, as shown in FIG.

[0014] The cash management mechanism 91 introduces and detects bills inserted through the cash insertion opening into the card unit 9, and accumulates them.

[0015] The card management mechanism 92 introduces and stores a card inserted through the card insertion / ejection opening, and ejects the card from the insertion / ejection opening when the card ejection button is operated.

[0016] The card unit side control unit 93 is composed of a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The card unit side control unit 93 controls the operation of the cash management mechanism 91 and the card management mechanism 92, performs processing such as lending gaming value, authenticating cards, and reading and writing data from and to cards.

[0017] The operation processing of the cash management mechanism 91 includes a process of operating the cash management mechanism 91 so that the inserted banknote is introduced into the card unit 9, a process of issuing an error notification if the inserted banknote becomes jammed inside the cash management mechanism 91, and a process of adding the gaming value corresponding to the inserted banknote to the current loan balance and temporarily storing the result in RAM.

[0018] The operation processing of the card management mechanism 92 includes processing for operating the card management mechanism 92 so that the inserted card is introduced into the card unit 9, processing for operating the card management mechanism 92 so that the card is ejected in response to operation of the card ejection button, and the like.

[0019] The process of lending the gaming value includes a process of transmitting data of the gaming value to be lent in response to the operation of the lending button to the slot machine 1. At the time of this transmission, a process of subtracting the gaming value to be lent from the gaming value data of the remaining loan balance temporarily stored in the RAM in the card unit 9 is also performed.

[0020] The card authentication process includes a process for determining whether or not a personal identification number (PIN) entered via the display panel matches the PIN number written on the card when the card is inserted into the insertion / ejection opening. If the card unit side control unit 93 determines that the PIN number matches, it allows the authenticated card to continue to be used, but if it determines that the PIN number does not match, it may not allow the authenticated card to continue to be used (restrict its use).

[0021] The process of reading data from the card includes a process of reading the gaming value data, if any, written on the card and temporarily storing it in RAM as the loan balance.

[0022] The writing process to the card includes a process of receiving the game value data transferred to the card unit 9 in response to the operation of the counting button 46 (described later) of the slot machine 1, temporarily storing the data in RAM, and then writing the data to the card in response to the operation of the card ejection button. When the card ejection button is operated and game value data has already been written to the card, the card unit side control unit 93 adds the game value received from the slot machine 1 to the data and writes it to the card (update process).

[0023] As a result, when the card ejection button is operated on the card unit 9, a card on which at least one of the data of the game value and loan balance owned by the player is written is ejected from the card insertion / ejection opening.

[0024] The card unit 9 is also connected to be able to communicate with devices other than the slot machine 1, such as a hall computer and a unit management computer (not shown). Various information related to the slot machine 1, such as information on advantageous game states including the number of games played in advantageous game states (AT, CZ, special role (bonus) implementation state, etc.), changes in the quantity of game value, the number of games played, and the ratio of special roles, is sent from the card unit 9 to the hall computer and the unit management computer.

[0025] <Slot machine configuration> As shown in Fig. 1, a medal-less slot machine 1 has a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front of the cabinet 10.

[0026] A keyhole is provided near the right end of the front door 100 when viewed from the front. A key can be inserted into the keyhole to lock or unlock the front door 100 and the cabinet 10. The front door 100 and the cabinet 10 remain locked during play, preventing players from accessing the inside of the cabinet 10. Furthermore, because the slot machine 1 is a medal-less machine, there is no need for a selector or hopper device inside the cabinet 10, eliminating the need for store staff to replenish medals during play. Therefore, during play, store staff generally do not unlock the front door 100 and the cabinet 10, except when an error occurs in the slot machine 1. When store staff perform settings changes, setting value confirmations, maintenance, or other operations, the front door 100 and the cabinet 10 are unlocked, allowing the front door 100 to rotate relative to the cabinet 10. This allows store staff to access the inside of the cabinet 10.

[0027] A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, a player can see multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of multiple rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, which will be described later.

[0028] Above the reel window 200, there are provided a liquid crystal display 3, a speaker 102, and an illumination unit 103 for performing various effects during a game. The liquid crystal display 3, the speaker 102, and the illumination unit 103 correspond to a notification unit.

[0029] The LCD screen 3 displays various effect videos (effect screens) while the player is playing. A sub-LCD screen 30 capable of displaying various effects related to the game is provided to the side of the reel window 200. The sub-LCD screen 30 is a touch panel and also serves as an operation unit that can be operated by touching it.

[0030] The speaker 102 outputs predetermined background music (BGM), sound effects (SE), and audio.

[0031] The illumination unit 103 lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0032] An operation unit 4 is provided below the reel window 200. The operation unit 4 is provided in a position where it can be seen and touched by the player. The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, a bet switch 41, a lever 42, a medium display unit 43, a game information display unit 44, a cancel button 45, a count button 46, and an effect button 47.

[0033] The stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are provided corresponding to the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively. The stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c accept operations to stop the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c while the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating.

[0034] A lamp may be provided inside each of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c. The lamp may, for example, emit a color to indicate that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an inoperative state from the time the lever 42 is operated until the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state. Furthermore, the lamp may emit a color different from the above to indicate that the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are in an operable state from the time the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c reach a steady rotation state until the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are operated.

[0035] The bet switch 41 is used when betting a gaming value. In this embodiment, a case is exemplified in which a predetermined number of gaming values ​​(for example, three coins) that can be played once is automatically bet by pressing the bet switch 41 once.

[0036] The lever 42 functions as a start switch that accepts an operation to rotate each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. For the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c to start, a "wait condition" must be met, which requires that there must be at least a minimum play time (approximately 4.1 seconds) between the start of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in the previous game and the start of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c in the next game. Therefore, when the lever 42 is operated, each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c will start after this wait condition is met.

[0037] The medium display unit 43 displays the amount of gaming value (hereinafter also referred to as the number of credits) managed by the medium management unit 620 of the slot machine 1, the amount of gaming value paid out, etc., and is composed of, for example, multiple seven segments.

[0038] In this embodiment, the "number of payouts of game value" does not mean that actual medals are paid out to the outside of the slot machine 1, but means that the game value increases based on the winning combination established by the internal lottery. In other words, the number of payouts of game value means that the numerical value of the pseudo game medium converted into electronic data increases.

[0039] In this embodiment, the number of credits is set to an upper limit. This upper limit is not related to the activation process of the complete function, which will be described later, and is used in a notification process to prompt the player to transfer the game value to the card unit 9 when the amount of game value being managed is relatively large. This notification process will be described later in "-Medium Management Unit-".

[0040] The game information display unit 44 displays information about the game other than the information displayed on the medium display unit 43, and is composed of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc. The information displayed by the game information display unit 44 includes the number of bets of game value in one game, whether or not a special role is being implemented, whether a replay (replay) has been won, and if an operation mode role is won during AT or ART, a code corresponding to the correct operation mode of the operation mode role.

[0041] The cancel button 45 can accept an operation to change a betted game value to a non-betted state. For example, when the cancel button 45 is operated when the betted game value is 1 or more, the media management unit 620 (described later) updates the betted game value to "0" and adds the betted game value immediately before it became "0" to the managed game value. As a result, the number of credits displayed by the media display unit 43 increases by the amount of the betted game value. In other words, the cancel button 45 can be said to be a button for causing the media management unit 620 to execute a bet cancellation process that transitions the bet state to a non-bet state and returns the betted game value to the number of credits.

[0042] The bet cancellation process based on the operation of the cancel button 45 is valid when a bet has been placed but the lever 42 has not yet been operated, and is invalid from the time the lever 42 is operated until the end of the game based on the operation of the lever 42. In this embodiment, the cancel button 45 is located near the bet switch 41.

[0043] The counting button 46 can accept an operation to transfer the game value data managed by the media management unit 620 of the slot machine 1 from the media management unit 620 to the card unit 9. For example, when the counting button 46 is operated when the managed game value is 1 or more, the media management unit 620 subtracts the managed game value toward 0. The data of the subtracted game value is sent to the card unit 9.

[0044] The amount of subtraction from the managed game value when the count button 46 is operated once may be predetermined, such as "1" or "50." Also, the managed game value may continue to be subtracted while the count button 46 is continuously operated.

[0045] In this embodiment, the counting button 46 is located on the side of the operation unit 4 that is closer to the card unit 9 when viewed from the front of the slot machine 1. This makes it easier for the player to understand that the counting button 46 is a button related to the card unit 9, and also makes the flow of operations from pressing the counting button 46 until the card is ejected from the card unit 9 smoother.

[0046] Furthermore, the counting button 46 may be provided with a lamp inside or around the button 46 that changes the color of light emitted before and after operation.

[0047] The effect button 47 is a button used by the player when playing a game to set the volume, check game data, and set various other menu settings related to the game. The effect button 47 may also be pressed by the player during play depending on the effect. When the effect button 47 is pressed during play, a change occurs in the effect.

[0048] Furthermore, a lamp capable of emitting light in various colors and patterns may be provided inside the effect button 47. The lamp lights up when the effect button 47 is in an operable state, and is not lit when the effect button 47 is in an inoperable state. Furthermore, when operation of the effect button 47 triggers the output of a winning notification effect for a favorable game state such as a special combination or AT, the lamp can also flash at high speed in a color different from when it is normally lit, such as red or rainbow colors.

[0049] Near each switch of the operation unit 4, a sensor is provided that detects the operation by the player and outputs an operation signal to the control unit 6.

[0050] 2, the slot machine 1 includes a spinning reel unit 2, a control unit 6, a reset button 71, and a setting change button 72. The spinning reel unit 2, the control unit 6, the reset button 71, and the setting change button 72 are arranged inside the cabinet 10 together with a power supply device (not shown) that turns the main power of the slot machine 1 on and off.

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the reel unit 2 includes three reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, and three stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c. The reel unit 2 is disposed inside the casing 10, corresponding to the position of the reel window 200. As shown in Figure 3, each of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c has a plurality of symbols arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the reel 20a, 20b, and 20c. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, respectively, and drive the corresponding reels 20a, 20b, and 20c.

[0052] The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c stop the rotation of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c within 190 milliseconds after the stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated while the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c are rotating. The stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c complete one rotation in 504 steps. As a result, the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c rotate at a speed of 80 rotations per minute. In other words, the number of steps that can be advanced within 190 milliseconds is 127.

[0053] The rotation and stopping of these reels 20a, 20b, and 20c and stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c are controlled by a reel control unit 611 (described later) in the control unit 6.

[0054] The reset button 71 is operated to clear various errors and initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the reset button 71 is pressed, the quantity of game value managed by the media management unit 620 of the slot machine 1 is cleared to "0," and the second game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the "general game state," and the game zone is set to the "normal zone."

[0055] The setting change button 72 is a button that is pressed by a store staff member when setting one of a plurality of setting values ​​to the slot machine 1. For example, when the power of the slot machine 1 is switched from off to on while the slot machine 1 is set to the setting change mode, the setting change button 72 becomes operable, and the setting value can be set by operating the setting change button 72 in this state.

[0056] During game play or game standby, the cabinet 10 and the front door 100 are locked, and therefore, only those authorized to unlock them (for example, store staff who possess the key) can touch the reset button 71 and the setting change button 72. In principle, the only time they are unlocked is when an error occurs in the slot machine 1. Therefore, players cannot touch the reset button 71 and the setting change button 72.

[0057] The set value is a value that represents the payout rate, which indicates the ratio of the total number of paid-out game values ​​to the total number of game values ​​inserted into the slot machine 1. The set set value affects the internal lottery. This is because the probability of winning at least some of the winning combinations differs depending on the set value. The set value is set by store staff before the store opens.

[0058] <The flow of play by players> The player presses the effect button 47 to adjust the volume output from the speaker 102 and the brightness of the liquid crystal screen 3 as needed.

[0059] The player operates the lending button on the card unit 9 to transfer the game value data to the slot machine 1, and then operates the bet switch 41 to use the game value managed by the media management unit 620 to bet game value on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined amount of game value is bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 42 can be operated, i.e., game play can begin.

[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates an example in which the active line L is composed of a single line sloping upward to the right. The active line L is a virtual line for determining winning combinations. In this embodiment, the active line L is activated when a MAX BET (maximum bet) of three coins is placed.

[0061] In the following, "winning" is not only when a symbol that pays out medals, such as a bell or watermelon, aligns on the valid line L, but also when a symbol corresponding to a specific symbol, such as a special replay, chance symbol, or special symbol (bonus), aligns on the valid line L.

[0062] In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which a player operates the bet switch 41, lever 42 and stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c to obtain the results of the game, including internal lottery, winning determination processing, and processing to increase or decrease the play value.

[0063] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated (lever on) in a state where a game can be started, an internal lottery is conducted to determine a winning flag, and the rotation of each of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c begins. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is operated, the rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c stops. When all the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c stop, a payout process of a predetermined amount of game value is performed according to the combination of symbols (winning combination) that has aligned (won) on the pay line L. This completes one game.

[0064] The player repeatedly plays the above game. As the game progresses, the display on the liquid crystal screen 3 and the sub-liquid crystal screen 30, the sound output from the speaker 102, and the light emitted by the illumination unit 103 change in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0065] <About game status> During play, various types of game zones and game states are set, and an internal lottery is performed based on the set game zones and game state types. The game states include a first game state and a second game state, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that the first game state and the second game state are not exclusively established game states, but are merely classified states for the purpose of distinction for the sake of convenience of explanation.

[0066] The first game state includes a special role non-carryover state (non-bonus internal state), a special role carryover state (inside the bonus), and a special role implementation state (during the bonus), as shown in Figure 4. The special role non-carryover state, the special role carryover state, and the special role implementation state are in an exclusively established relationship.

[0067] The special role non-carryover state refers to a state in which the special role (Type 1 BB and Type 2 BB) has not been won by the internal lottery and the winning of the special role has not been carried over. The special role non-carryover state is set when condition A is met, such as when the setting value is changed, the RAM is initialized, or the payout of the game value exceeds a predetermined number after transitioning to the special role implementation state.

[0068] The special role carryover state refers to a state in which a special role has been won by internal lottery, but the winning of the special role has been carried over. In other words, the special role carryover state refers to a state in which the special role flag has been won by internal lottery, but the symbols indicating the special role have not been aligned on the valid line L, and therefore the special role has not yet been won.

[0069] Here, Type 1 BB is a device for continuously operating a type 1 special feature, and Type 2 BB is a device for continuously operating a type 2 special feature. For example, Type 1 BB is a candidate for winning when the number of bets is the maximum number "3," and Type 2 BB is a candidate for winning when the number of bets is less than the maximum number, so that Type 1 BB and Type 2 BB may have different numbers of bets on game value when they become candidates for winning. Also, Type 1 BB may be the only special feature. Also, Type 1 BB cannot be won while Type 1 BB is carried over.

[0070] When a special role is won while the first gaming state is a special role non-carryover state, the first gaming state transitions from the special role non-carryover state to a state in which the winning of the special role that has been won is carried over (special role carryover state).

[0071] When a winning special role is won (condition B), the first gaming state transitions from the special role carryover state to the special role implementation state. The special role implementation state refers to a state in which a special role (bonus) won by internal lottery is won, and the payout of game value exceeding a predetermined number has not been completed. For example, when the first gaming state transitions to the special role implementation state due to the winning of a Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB, the special role implementation state is maintained until the number of payout game value due to the Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB exceeds the predetermined number.

[0072] In more detail, the special role implementation state includes a Type 1 BB implementation state, a Type 2 BB implementation state, and an RB implementation state. If an RB is won by an internal lottery during a Type 1 BB implementation state in which a Type 1 BB is being implemented, the special role implementation state will transition from the Type 1 BB implementation state to the RB implementation state. If 12 games are played or a specific role is won eight times in the RB implementation state, the special role implementation state will transition to the Type 1 BB implementation state.

[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the second gaming state includes a normal gaming state, a chance zone (hereinafter sometimes referred to as CZ), and an AT state as a special gaming state. The special gaming state includes an AT state and a special role implementation state. The normal gaming state, CZ, and AT state (special gaming state) are mutually exclusive.

[0074] The general gaming state is a state that is not a special gaming state such as an AT state or a special role implementation state, and is not a CZ state, that is, a state in which the assist function (instruction function) does not occur (or is unlikely to occur). For example, after the RAM is cleared or the AT ends, the second gaming state is set to the general gaming state until the AT lottery is won. As an example, when the gaming zone is a favorable zone, the AT lottery is conducted according to the winning role (rare role, etc.) by the internal lottery.

[0075] The AT state is a state in which the assist function (AT function) is active, informing the player of the correct operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c for roles other than the special role won by the internal lottery via the LCD screen 3, speaker 102, and illumination unit 103. If the AT is won in the AT lottery while the gaming zone is in the advantageous zone, the second gaming state transitions from the general gaming state to the AT state. The second gaming state transitions from the AT state to the general gaming state in the following cases: a predetermined number of games have elapsed since the start of gaming in the AT state; the total number of payouts of gaming value since the start of gaming in the AT state reaches a predetermined number; a decision not to continue the AT is made in the AT state continuation lottery; or a decision to transition to the general gaming state is made in the drop-out lottery from the AT state to the general gaming state. This ends the AT state.

[0076] The CZ is a second gaming state in which the probability of transitioning to the AT state (special gaming state) is higher than in the base gaming state. A high probability of transitioning to the AT state can be directly attributed to a higher probability of transitioning from the CZ to the AT state, or indirectly attributed to an increased probability of transitioning to the AT state. Therefore, the CZ can be considered a state in which the player enjoys a greater advantage in gaming than the base gaming state. While the CZ and the AT state are similar in that they are more advantageous to the player than the base gaming state, the AT state can be considered even more advantageous than the CZ. The CZ can be entered when certain conditions are met, such as when a CZ lottery based on a winning combination in an internal lottery is won, when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, or when the points accumulated as the game progresses reach a predetermined value.

[0077] <About the gaming area> The above-mentioned game interval is an interval for determining whether or not processing related to the instruction function is performed. As shown in Figure 6, the game interval has a normal interval and an advantageous interval. The normal interval and the advantageous interval are in an exclusive relationship, and the game interval can be either the normal interval or the advantageous interval.

[0078] Here, processing related to the instruction function includes processing to exercise the instruction function (provide assistance), lottery processing for a mode in which the AT winning probability is determined, processing to transition to that mode, CZ lottery processing, CZ processing, AT lottery processing, AT continuation processing, AT addition processing (including adding the number of AT continuation games, adding the difference in sheets, and adding the number of sets), processing to fall from the AT state to the general game state, AT processing, processing to transition from the advantageous zone to the normal zone, etc.

[0079] The normal zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function cannot be executed, but zone transition processing to the advantageous zone is performed. When some condition for transitioning to the advantageous zone is met in the normal zone, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. Note that while the second game state is the general game state, the game zone can adopt the normal zone.

[0080] The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function can be executed. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in a normal gaming state, an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in a CZ, and an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state progresses in an AT state. The gaming zone remains an advantageous zone from the time it transitions to an advantageous zone until it meets a specified termination condition. The specified termination condition will be described later in "- Zone Control Unit - ".

[0081] As a summary of the above, possible combination patterns of the gaming section and the second gaming state in the slot machine 1 will now be listed. Pattern 1: The game zone is the normal zone, and the second game state is the normal game state. Pattern 2: The game zone is a favorable zone, and the second game state is a general game state. Pattern 3: The game zone is a favorable zone, and the second game state is a CZ Pattern 4: The game zone is a favorable zone, and the second game state is an AT state. As mentioned above, when the game zone is a normal zone, no processing related to the instruction function can be performed, so it can be said that there is little advantage for the player. On the other hand, when the game zone is a favorable zone, processing related to the instruction function can be performed, so the range of game progress is wider, and it can be said that there is an advantage for the player compared to a normal zone.

[0082] <Configuration of each control unit> As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 6 mainly includes a main control unit 61, a game value number control unit 62, and a sub-control unit 63. The main control unit 61 performs control for progressing the game, such as interrupt processing such as timer interrupts, and control of internal lotteries and the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The game value number control unit 62 manages and processes game values ​​and controls communication with the card unit 9. The sub-control unit 63 controls effects based on signals sent from the main control unit 61 and when the effect button 47 is pressed.

[0083] The main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 each comprise a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The ROM of the main control unit 61 stores programs and the like necessary for game progress, and the RAM of the main control unit 61 stores game data necessary for game progress. The game data includes the current number of games, as well as data indicating which game state and game section each state or section is in, and setting values. The ROM of the game value number control unit 62 stores programs and the like necessary for managing game values ​​and communicating with the card unit 9, and the RAM of the game value number control unit 62 stores the total number of game values ​​being managed, etc. The ROM of the sub-control unit 63 stores programs and the like necessary for controlling presentations, and the RAM of the sub-control unit 63 stores various data and the like related to presentation control.

[0084] Here, the connection relationship and communication processing of the main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. In this embodiment, the main control unit 61, the game value number control unit 62, and the sub-control unit 63 are each mounted on a different board.

[0085] The main control board P1, on which the main control unit 61 is mounted, and the game value control board P2, on which the game value number control unit 62 is mounted, are electrically connected by a harness, enabling bidirectional serial communication. Information and commands transmitted from the main control board P1 to the game value control board P2 include: outer terminal information; whether or not settings are being changed; commands related to various errors; a signal requesting a bet of game value when the bet switch 41 is operated; a signal requesting the payout of game value corresponding to a winning combination; a signal requesting a bet cancellation process when the cancel button 45 is operated; and a request for the transfer of game value when the count button 46 is operated. Information and commands transmitted from the game value control board P2 to the main control board P1 include information that the complete function has been activated; information that the number of credits has reached the upper limit; information regarding the presence or absence of a communication abnormality between the card unit 9 and the slot machine 1; and various responses to requests from the main control board 61.

[0086] The main control board P1 and the sub-control board P3 on which the sub-control unit 63 is mounted are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication is carried out from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3. The information and commands sent from the main control board P1 to the sub-control board P3 include information related to game value (for example, game value bet / payout information, total game value acquired during AT), information about the start / end of game, information about the start / end of device operation, information related to various errors, information related to the game status, etc.

[0087] The game value control board P2 and the sub-control board P3 are electrically connected by a harness, but only one-way serial communication takes place from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3. The information and commands sent from the game value control board P2 to the sub-control board P3 include the MY value (described below), information indicating the operation of the complete function, commands related to advance notification before the complete function is activated, information related to the transfer of game value (for example, that transfer has started, that transfer is in progress, that transfer is complete, etc.), information indicating the number of credits and the number of coins won, information indicating that the number of credits has reached the upper limit, and, if a credit backup error has occurred, information about that error.

[0088] <Main control unit> Returning to Figure 2, the CPU reads and executes the programs in the ROM, causing the main control unit 61 to function as an internal lottery unit 610, a reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a game progress control unit 614, a section control unit 615, a game status control unit 616, and an error determination unit 617.

[0089] -Internal lottery section- The internal lottery unit 610 conducts an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 42, and sets one flag out of multiple winning combination flags as a winning flag to be a winning combination. Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated, the internal lottery unit 610 conducts an internal lottery in accordance with an internal lottery table (not shown) and a random number obtained when the lever 42 is operated. The internal lottery unit 610 generates an internal lottery result signal based on the result of the internal lottery. The internal lottery result signal can be used by the spinning reel control unit 611, the game progress control unit 614, etc.

[0090] The internal lottery table shows information on winning combinations that may be obtained by an internal lottery. Based on the internal lottery table, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery according to the RT state (not shown) when the lever 42 is operated, and the type of special combination and setting value if the specific combination is in a bonus state. The information on the combinations shown in the internal lottery table includes one or more symbol combinations and the combinations corresponding to those combinations, which are associated with each other. The winning combinations include losing combinations that do not result in the payout of game value, operation mode combinations that result in the payout of game value when the operation mode of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c is the correct operation mode, rare combinations, and the like.

[0091] The operation mode roles include a push order role in which the correct operation mode is determined only by the order in which the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed, a push order role in which a predetermined timing for stopping a predetermined symbol is determined in addition to the push order, and a push order role in which the correct operation mode is determined only by the timing for stopping a predetermined symbol.

[0092] For example, if a push order role is won and the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are pressed in the correct order, the push order role will win and multiple game values ​​(e.g., 8 coins) according to the role will be paid out. If the push order role is won but the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c are not pressed in the correct order, the push order role will not win, or another role (such as a 1-coin role) will win.

[0093] Note that operation mode roles such as push order roles are awarded not only in the AT state, but also in the general gaming state and CZ. If an operation mode role is achieved in the general gaming state, the correct operation mode is not notified, so the operation mode role may be missed or only one coin may be paid out. During the AT state, the correct operation mode is often notified, and multiple (e.g., eight) game values ​​are paid out by operating the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c according to the correct operation mode.

[0094] - Rotating reel control unit - The rotating reel control unit 611 controls the driving of the stepping motors 21a, 21b, and 21c based on the operation of the lever 42 or each stop switch 40a, 40b, and 40c, and performs rotation start control to start the rotation of each rotating reel 20a, 20b, and 20c, or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

[0095] Specifically, when the lever 42 is operated while all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c have stopped spinning, the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of all of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. When a stop switch 40a, 40b, or 40c corresponding to one of the reels 20a, 20b, or 20c is operated while at least one of the reels 20a, 20b, or 20c is spinning, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the reel 20a, 20b, or 20c corresponding to the operated stop switch 40a, 40b, or 40c.

[0096] In the rotation stop control, the rotating reel control unit 611 can stop the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c based on the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the role indicated by the winning flag is placed on the pay line L of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c, thereby winning the role.

[0097] In addition, in the rotation stop control, the rotation reel control unit 611 performs pull-in control or kick-out control according to the winning combination and the position of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c when each stop switch 40a, 40b, 40c is operated. Pull-in control is control that stops the rotation of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the activated line L. Kick-out control is control that stops the rotation of the rotation reels 20a, 20b, 20c so that the symbols corresponding to the non-winning combination do not line up on the activated line L.

[0098] In addition, while the special role is being carried over (during the bonus), the rotating reel control unit 611 stops the rotating reels 20a, 20b, 20c based on the operation of the stop switches 40a, 40b, 40c, but if the conditions for allowing the special role to be won are not met, it is possible to control the winning special role (bonus) so that it does not win.

[0099] -Game result determination section- The game result determination unit 612 determines the game result based on the results of the internal lottery and the spin stop control of the reels 20a, 20b, and 20c. The game result means the result of determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbols that have lined up on the pay line L. Specifically, when the combination of symbols that have stopped on the pay line L matches a predetermined combination of symbols, the game result determination unit 612 determines that the winning combination has been achieved.

[0100] -Game progress control unit- The game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress based on the player's operation. At that time, the game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress by the player based on the setting values ​​set by the store staff.

[0101] Furthermore, when the reset button 71 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 clears game data such as the first and second game states and game zones by initializing the RAM of the main control unit 61. When the setting change button 72 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 changes the current setting value to another setting value.

[0102] -Section control unit- The zone control unit 615 sets one of a plurality of game zones (normal zone and advantageous zone) when the player plays.

[0103] Specifically, when the gaming zone is a normal zone, if the transition condition for the advantageous zone is satisfied, the zone control unit 615 sets (transitions) the gaming zone from the normal zone to the advantageous zone.

[0104] Furthermore, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether to maintain the advantageous zone state or transition to a normal zone. For example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, if a predetermined condition is met, such as the second gaming state transitioning from an AT state to a normal gaming state, the zone control unit 615 transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone even if the forced termination condition described later is not met.

[0105] In addition, the zone control unit 615 forcibly transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when a forced termination condition is met, including when the difference in the gaming value during the advantageous zone based on the quantity of gaming value at the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches, for example, 2,400 coins.

[0106] In this embodiment, a limit is set on the difference in game value that can be obtained in the advantageous zone. The difference is the cumulative value of the number of game values ​​paid out minus the number of bets. As an example of the condition for forcibly terminating the advantageous zone described above, the limit on the difference in game value that can be obtained in the advantageous zone is when the difference in game value during the advantageous zone, based on the amount of game value at the time of entering the advantageous zone, reaches, for example, 2,400 coins (a predetermined limit value). Because the amount of game value at the time of entering the advantageous zone is used as the standard (for example, the difference is expressed as "0"), the predetermined limit value (2,400 coins) can also be said to be the limit on the increase in game value that will result in a positive gain for a player who has been playing continuously since entering the advantageous zone. As specific examples, the first and second examples will be explained. In the first example, suppose a losing state (a state in which the number of game value bets is greater than the number of payouts) continues from the time of entering the advantageous zone, the difference becomes a negative value, and the bottom price (for example, -1000 coins) is reached. Thereafter, suppose a winning state (a state in which the number of game value bets is less than the number of payouts) continues, and the difference in game value from the time of entering the advantageous zone returns to 0. Furthermore, if the winning state continues, the point at which the difference in game value from the time of entering the advantageous zone reaches the predetermined limit of 2400 coins and the advantageous zone is forced to end is the point at which the difference in game value from the time the bottom price reached 3400 coins. The player's remaining game value will initially be -1000 coins, then +3400 coins, for a total of +2400 coins, at which point the condition for the forced end of the advantageous zone is met. On the other hand, in the second example, if the winning state continues from the time of entering the advantageous zone, the difference in game value from the time of entering the advantageous zone will reach 2400 coins and the advantageous zone will be forced to end. The condition for the forced end of the advantageous zone will be met when the player's game value balance reaches +2400 coins without ever becoming negative.

[0107] In this specification, the quantity of gaming value (for example, the number of medals) may be referred to as "number of coins," and the difference between the quantity of gaming value bet and the quantity of gaming value obtained as a result of playing may be referred to as "difference in number of coins." However, these notations are not limited to gaming machines that use gaming media such as medals; for ease of explanation, the term "number of coins" is also used in gaming machines that use the quantity of pseudo gaming media converted into electronic data as the quantity of gaming value.

[0108] In addition, when the set value is changed or the game data is cleared, the interval control unit 615 sets the game interval to the normal interval regardless of the game interval immediately before the reset.

[0109] -Game status control unit- The gaming state control unit 616 sets the first gaming state and the second gaming state.

[0110] Specifically, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to any one of a special role non-carryover state, a special role carryover state, and a special role implementation state, and sets the second game state to any one of a general game state, a CZ state, and an AT state.

[0111] 4, when predetermined conditions such as clearing the RAM of the main control unit 61 or changing settings are met, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role non-carryover state. Immediately after a special role is won by an internal lottery, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role carryover state. When the special role is won, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role implementation state.

[0112] Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the gaming state control unit 616 determines whether or not to set the second gaming state to the AT state (i.e., whether or not the AT has been won) based on the result of the AT lottery. If the AT lottery is won during the advantageous zone, the gaming state control unit 616 sets the second gaming state to the AT state. Conversely, if the AT lottery is not won, the gaming state control unit 616 can set the second gaming state to the general gaming state or CZ. Furthermore, when the AT ends, the gaming state control unit 616 can transition the second gaming state from the AT state to the general gaming state or CZ.

[0113] Although not shown, the game state control unit 616 can control the transition of the RT state. The RT state is an internal game state in which the probability of winning the replay flag is predetermined. The slot machine 1 is provided with multiple RT states with different winning probabilities for the replay flag, and when the RT transition condition is met in any RT state, the RT state is transitioned to another RT state. For example, during a special role carryover state in which an AT may be executed, the RT state is not transitioned, and one RT state is maintained. The RT state can be transitioned in states other than the special role carryover state.

[0114] -Error detection section- The error determination unit 617 determines whether or not various errors have occurred. Examples of such errors include a backup abnormality, a communication abnormality between the main control board P1 and the game value control board P2, a connection abnormality between the slot machine 1 and the card unit 9, and reaching the upper limit of the number of credits.

[0115] When the error determination unit 617 determines that at least one of these errors has occurred, a command indicating the error that has occurred is transmitted as information about the error from the main control unit 61 to each of the game value number control unit 62 and the sub-control unit 63. This allows the game value number control unit 62 to perform processing according to the content of the error, such as backing up the game value being managed, and the sub-control unit 63 to perform processing to notify the content of the error that has occurred via the liquid crystal screen 3, the sub-liquid crystal screen 30, the speaker 102, etc.

[0116] <Game value number control unit> The CPU reads and executes the program in the ROM, whereby the gaming value number control unit 62 functions as a medium management unit 620 and a complete operation control unit 621.

[0117] -Media Management Department- The media management unit 620 performs processing for increasing / decreasing the gaming value (number of credits) and management processing. For example, the media management unit 620 increases the game value under management in response to the transfer of the game value from the card unit 9. When a bet request for game value is received from the main control unit 61, the media management unit 620 determines whether or not betting is possible based on the game value under management and the bet request. If the game value under management is equal to or greater than the number of bets, the media management unit 620 determines that "betting is possible" and subtracts the amount of the bet from the game value under management. If the game value under management is less than the number of bets, the media management unit 620 determines that "betting is not possible" and performs processing to transmit this information to the main control unit 61. If betting is not possible, the amount of game value under management is maintained.

[0118] When a combination with a payout is won by the internal lottery and the combination wins, the media management unit 620 performs processing to increase the game value being managed by an amount corresponding to the type of winning combination.

[0119] Furthermore, when the cancel button 45 is operated, the media management unit 620 increases the gaming value being managed by the amount that has been bet. When the count button 46 is operated, the media management unit 620 transfers the data of the gaming value being managed to the card unit 9.

[0120] Furthermore, the media management unit 620 calculates the difference number of the gaming value, which is the cumulative value of the number obtained by subtracting the number of bets from the number of payouts of the gaming value. Using this difference number, the media management unit 620 calculates the following. (A) Difference in gaming value during each advantageous zone (B) A range (hereinafter referred to as the MY value) that is the difference between the maximum and minimum values ​​of the difference number after the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on.

[0121] The above (A) is used to determine whether the conditions for the forced termination of the advantageous zone are met. The above (A) is calculated continuously from the time the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone until it transitions back to the normal zone. Therefore, the above (A) is cleared when the game zone transitions to the normal zone, and calculation starts again when the game zone transitions back to the advantageous zone.

[0122] The above (B) is used to control the operation of the complete function described below. The above (B) continues to be calculated as long as the power of the slot machine 1 is on, regardless of the game section or various game states. The above (B) is cleared when the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, and calculation starts again when the power is turned on again.

[0123] The media management unit 620 also determines whether the gaming value being managed, i.e., the number of credits, has reached the credit upper limit. When the number of credits has reached the credit upper limit, a notification to that effect is output to the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 63. As a result, the sub-control unit 63 performs a notification process using the LCD screen 3, speaker 102, and illumination unit 103 to prompt the user to operate the counting button 46 and transfer credit number data to the card unit 9. While this notification process is being performed, the main control unit 61 performs a game stop process to stop the progress of the game, such as by invalidating the operation of the bet switch 41 or lever 42. The state in which this notification process and game stop process are being performed can be canceled when the number of credits falls below the credit upper limit by operating the counting button 46 to transfer credit number data.

[0124] In addition, when the number of credits reaches a value that is lower than the credit upper limit and is close to the credit upper limit, a notification process for prompting the player to operate the count button 46 may be performed without performing the game progress stop process.

[0125] -Complete operation control unit- The complete operation control unit 621 controls the operation of the complete function when the above-mentioned MY value becomes equal to or greater than the MY upper limit value (for example, 19000 or greater).

[0126] The complete function is a function that stops play and puts the slot machine 1 into a state where play is not possible. When the complete function is activated, the operation parts necessary to complete play, such as the bet switch 41, lever 42, and stop switches 40a, 40b, and 40c, are in a state where they cannot accept any operation. Therefore, for example, no matter how many times the bet switch 41 is operated in the slot machine 1 while the complete function is activated, no bet processing will be performed. The activation of this complete function will be maintained unless the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on and then off by a store staff member. After the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on again, the activation of the complete function is deactivated (the complete function is in an inactive state).

[0127] In addition, when the MY value is lower than the MY upper limit value but is equal to or greater than a value close to the MY upper limit value (for example, 18,500 or greater), the complete operation control unit 621 performs processing to send to the sub-control unit 63 a pre-notification command indicating that the complete function is about to be activated.

[0128] <Sub-controller> The CPU reads and executes the program in the ROM, causing the sub-control unit 63 to function as a performance control unit 630 (corresponding to a notification control unit).

[0129] -Direction Control Department- The effect control unit 630 displays an effect image selected from a plurality of types of effect images on the liquid crystal screen 3 or the sub-liquid crystal screen 30 based on the progress of the game, outputs sound effects and background music corresponding to the effect image from the speaker 102, and causes the illumination unit 103 to emit a light pattern corresponding to the effect image. For example, when an AT or bonus is won, the effect control unit 630 selects an effect pattern for displaying that fact on the liquid crystal screen 3 or the sub-liquid crystal screen 30, and controls the display on the liquid crystal screen 3 or the sub-liquid crystal screen 30, controls the sound output from the speaker 102, and controls the light emission of the illumination unit 103 according to the effect pattern.

[0130] During the AT, the performance control unit 630 causes at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the correct operation mode of the operation mode combination that is successively won (assist function, that is, instruction function).

[0131] Furthermore, when the notification conditions for the effect suggesting the setting value are met during play, the effect control unit 630 causes at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3, the speaker 102, and the illumination unit 103 to notify the effect. This effect can be used by the player to understand the setting value of the slot machine 1 currently being played. Notification conditions include when a rare combination is won, when the special combination (bonus) implementation state ends, when the AT ends, etc.

[0132] -Game flow- 8 is a diagram showing a part of the game flow of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to play in the general game state in the normal zone, the general game state in the advantageous zone, the chance zone (CZ) in the advantageous zone, and the AT state in the advantageous zone.

[0133] As shown in Figure 8, if the transition condition to the advantageous zone is met in the general gaming state in the normal zone, the gaming zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. If the CZ transition condition is met in the general gaming state in the advantageous zone, the gaming zone transitions to the CZ (corresponding to the third zone). When the transition to the CZ occurs, an AT transition determination process (not shown) is executed. The AT transition determination process determines whether the AT transition condition is met and determines whether to transition from the CZ to the AT state (special gaming state). If the AT transition determination process determines to transition to the AT state, the game transitions from the CZ to the AT state. When the AT state ends, the game transitions to the general gaming state in the normal zone or the general gaming state in the advantageous zone. On the other hand, if the AT transition determination process in the CZ determines not to transition to the AT state, the game transitions from the CZ to the general gaming state in the advantageous zone. Note that there are cases where the game transitions from the general gaming state in the advantageous zone to the AT state without passing through the CZ (this is called a direct hit). For example, when the number of times that AT has not been won in CZ reaches a predetermined value, the game may go directly from the normal game state to the AT state. In addition, as will be described in detail later, when the number of times that set games continue reaches a predetermined value, the game may go directly from the normal game state to the AT state.

[0134] <Point Specialized Zone (Section 1)> In this embodiment, a point-granting process can be executed in the general gaming state in the advantageous zone to determine whether or not to award points. Points are a type of benefit expressed numerically and can be accumulated. The point-granting process determines the amount of points to award if it is determined that points should be awarded. When points are awarded by the point-granting process, the newly awarded points are added to the points already awarded, and the awarded points are accumulated. One of the conditions for transitioning to the CZ in this embodiment is that the amount of points accumulated in the general gaming state reaches a predetermined value. That is, the transition from the general gaming state to the CZ occurs when the amount of points reaches a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the general gaming state in the advantageous zone includes a normal zone (corresponding to the second zone) and a point-specialized zone (corresponding to the first zone). While the point-granting process can be executed in both the normal zone and the point-specialized zone, the point-specialized zone can award more points than the general zone. Specifically, the average number of points awarded per unit of play in the point-specialized zone by the point-awarding process is greater than the average number of points awarded per unit of play in the point-awarding process in the normal zone. As an example, the range of points that can be awarded per game in the normal zone may be 1 to 10 points, while the range of points that can be awarded per game in the point-specialized zone may be 5 to 300 points. In the normal zone of this embodiment, the point-awarding process is executed for each game. By setting up a point-specialized zone in this way, it is possible to speed up the timing at which the CZ transition conditions are met compared to when there is no point-specialized zone.

[0135] The condition for transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone is that a winning combination or winning role in the normal zone is a transition role (such as a rare role) and the winning role is a winning role in the lottery process that is executed. The point-specialized zone can execute at least one set of set games, each consisting of one or more games. A set game may consist of one or more games, but in this embodiment, one set of set games consists of five games. The set game has a continuation rate. In one set of set games, the point awarding process, the continuation rate addition process, and the continuation determination process are each executed at least once. In this embodiment, the point awarding process and the continuation rate addition process are executed in the first to fourth games that constitute the set game, and the continuation determination process is not executed in the first to fourth games. In the fifth game that constitutes the set game, the point awarding process and the continuation rate addition process are not executed, and the continuation determination process is executed. That is, in this embodiment, in one set of set games, the point awarding process is executed four times, the continuation rate addition process is executed four times, and the continuation determination process is executed once. The continuation determination process may be executed after the continuation rate determination process.

[0136] [Continuation rate addition process and point award process (1st to 4th games of set play)] The continuation rate addition process determines whether to add the continuation rate of an ongoing set game. The continuation rate addition process determines the amount to add if it is determined to add the continuation rate. The continuation rate addition process may determine whether to add the continuation rate and the amount to add if added, depending on the internally won winning combination or winning role. The point awarding process in the point-specialized zone may determine whether to award points and the amount to award if awarded, depending on the internally won winning combination or winning role. The amount of awarded points can be accumulated beyond a predetermined value, which is one of the CZ transition conditions. In this embodiment, an example is shown where the predetermined value is 100%. The continuation rate can be added beyond 100%.

[0137] In this embodiment, the point awarding process and the continuation rate addition process in the point-specialized zone use the point continuation rate addition table shown in FIG. 9 . FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the point continuation rate addition table used in the point-specialized zone. As shown in FIG. 9 , in this embodiment, when the point awarding process is executed in the point-specialized zone, points are always awarded, and when the continuation rate addition process is executed, the continuation rate is always added. As shown in FIG. 9 , the point awarding process and the continuation rate addition process execute a lottery process with a probability according to the condition device shown in FIG. 9 , select one option from multiple options (point amount and continuation rate to be added), and determine to award the point amount corresponding to the option and add the continuation rate. As shown in FIG. 9 , when the condition device (winning combination or winning combination) is a losing combination, it is determined that there is only one option, the awarded points are 5 points, and the continuation rate to be added is 5%. When the condition device is a bell combination, one option is determined from five options by a lottery process using the probabilities specified in the table. When the condition device is a replay combination or a weak rare combination, one option is determined from four options by a lottery process using the probabilities specified in the table. When the condition device is a strong rare combination, one of three options is determined by a lottery process using the probabilities specified in the table. As shown in Figure 9, the highest points and highest continuation rates are awarded for the strong rare combination, weak rare combination, bell combination, replay combination, and miss combination, in that order.

[0138] [Continuation decision process (5th game of set play)] The continuation determination process shown in FIG. 8, which is executed in the fifth game, determines whether to execute the next set game of the ongoing set game (i.e., whether to continue the first section of the game) based on the continuation rate of the ongoing set game, which is added to the initial continuation rate in the first to fourth games. If the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is 100% or more, the continuation determination process determines to execute the next set game and sets the continuation rate of the next set game to a value based on the value obtained by subtracting a predetermined subtraction value (100% in this embodiment) from the continuation rate of the ongoing set game. For example, if the continuation rate of the Nth set game (N is a natural number equal to or greater than 1) is 150%, the continuation rate of the (N+1)th set game is set to a value based on 50%. On the other hand, if the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is less than 100%, the continuation determination process determines whether to execute the next set game by lottery processing using the continuation rate of the ongoing set game. If it is determined to execute the next set game, the continuation rate of the next set game is set to the initial value. On the other hand, if the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is less than 100% and the continuation decision process determines not to execute the next set game, the game transitions from the point-specialized zone (first section) to the normal zone (second section). If the amount of points held when transitioning from the point-specialized zone (first section) to the normal zone (second section) exceeds two or more times the predetermined value, which is one of the CZ transition conditions, the CZ (third section) is executed consecutively the number of times equal to the point amount / predetermined value. During the execution of a set game, even if the amount of points held exceeds the predetermined value, which is one of the CZ transition conditions, the set game will continue to be executed until the continuation decision process determines not to execute the next set game.

[0139] [Initial retention rate] The initial value of the continuation rate for the first set game immediately after transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone is a predetermined value, such as 30% or 50%. In other words, transitioning from the point-specialized zone to the normal zone resets the continuation rate for the set game in the continuation state in the point-specialized zone (the second or subsequent set games). The initial value of the continuation rate for the set game in the continuation state in the point-specialized zone corresponds to the winning combination or winning role in the game (fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed. For example, the continuation rate for the next set game when the winning combination or winning role in the game (fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed is the first combination (e.g., a losing combination) is different from the continuation rate for the next set when the winning combination or winning role in the game (fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed is the second combination (e.g., a bell combination, a replay combination, a rare combination). For example, 20% may be added to the continuation rate for the next set game when the winning combination is the first combination, and 30% may be added to the continuation rate for the next set game when the winning combination is the second combination.

[0140] [Point award multiplier, continuation rate multiplier] A first rate change process can be executed to change the rate of points awarded in the next set game and the rate of continuation rate to be added depending on the winning combination or winning role in the game (the fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed. For example, the rate of points awarded in the next set game and the rate of continuation rate to be added are set to be different when the winning combination or winning role in the game (the fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed is the third combination (missing combination, bell combination, replay combination, etc.) from the rate of points awarded in the next set game and the rate of continuation rate to be added are set to be different when the winning combination or winning role in the game (the fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed is the fourth combination (rare combination, etc.).

[0141] If a player remains in the point-specialized zone without transitioning from the point-specialized zone to the normal zone, a second rate change process can be executed to change the rate of points awarded in the next set game and the rate of continuation rate to be added, depending on the number of times the set game has been played (the number of continuations) in the point-specialized zone. For example, the rate change by the second rate change process is not executed for the rate used in set games with a continuation number of 1 to 5, but the rate change by the second rate change process is executed for the rate used in set games with a continuation number of (multiple of 5 + 1). For example, the rate used in set games with a continuation number of (multiple of 5 + 1) may be increased by 1. In this case, for example, when the rate is added (set games with a continuation number of a multiple of 5), an effect in which a benefit such as an icon is added may be displayed, and when the next set game (multiple of 5 + 1) starts, the benefit such as the icon may be consumed, and an exciting effect such as "Big win chance now!" or "x times!" may be displayed. The multiplier immediately after moving from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone is set to an initial value (for example, 1x). The multiplier for the second set and subsequent sets in the point-specialized zone is determined by the first multiplier change process in the previous set game and the second multiplier change process described below.

[0142] [AT direct hit processing based on the number of consecutive set games] If the player remains in the point-specialized zone without transitioning from the point-specialized zone to the normal zone, the set game will end and the game will transition to the AT state depending on the number of times the set game has been executed (number of times it has continued) in the point-specialized zone. Points accumulated in the normal game state can continue to be used in the normal game state after the AT state ends (points will remain accumulated) as long as the advantageous zone continues. However, when the advantageous zone ends, the points accumulated in the normal game state will be reset.

[0143] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the effects displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3 during the execution of a set game. As shown in Fig. 10, during a set game, at least one of the following can be displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3: the amount of points acquired in the normal game state in the advantageous zone (symbol S1), the number of continuations of the set game in the point-specialized zone (number of executed sets) (symbol S2), the continuation rate of the set game in progress (symbol S3), the multiplier (symbol S4) used in the point-granting process and the continuation rate addition process in the set game in progress, and the number of remaining games in the set game in progress (which may be a value indicating the number of games) (symbol S5). The example shown in Fig. 10 shows an effect screen for the first game in the third set of set game in the point-specialized zone, in which the amount of points is 900, the continuation rate of the set game in progress is 50%, and the multiplier (symbol S4) is 2. In this case, if the winning or prize winning role is a bell role, a replay role, or a weak rare role, the lottery process determines that 50 points will be awarded and a continuation rate of 50% will be added, and since the multiplier is 2x, 100 points and a continuation rate of 100% will be added, and the effect indicating the decision (symbol S5) is announced.

[0144] [Point Specialization Zone Flowchart] Next, the processing flow of the point-specialized zone will be explained using Figures 11 and 12. Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing the point-specialized zone processing. It is assumed that the multiplier (initial value) immediately after transition to the point-specialized zone is 1x and the continuation rate (initial value) is 50%. As shown in Figure 11, when a game starts in the point-specialized zone, as shown in step ST1, the main control unit 61 executes processing to count the number of games that make up the set game in progress. As an example of the counting processing, the initial value of the number of remaining games may be set to 5 and the number of remaining games may be subtracted by 1, or the initial value of the number of executed games may be set to 0 and the number of executed games may be added by 1.

[0145] Next, if the ongoing game is not the last game (fifth game) of the ongoing set game (step ST2: NO), the main control unit 61 executes point granting processing in step ST3. In the next step ST4, the main control unit 61 executes continuation rate addition processing, and one game in the set game ends. The point granting processing and continuation rate addition processing can be performed in any order. In the point granting processing and continuation rate addition processing, the amount of points determined based on the value determined according to the winning combination or winning combination and the above-mentioned multiplier using the point continuation rate addition table shown in Figure 9 is awarded, and the continuation rate is added.

[0146] If, in step ST2, the ongoing game is the last game (fifth game) of the ongoing set game (step ST2: YES), in step ST5 the main control unit 61 determines whether the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is 100% or more. If the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is 100% or more (step ST5: YES), in step ST6 the main control unit 61 decides to execute the next set game (continuation determination process). In the next step ST7, the main control unit 61 sets the continuation rate of the next set game to a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined subtraction value (100% in this embodiment) from the continuation rate of the ongoing set game.

[0147] If the continuation rate of the set game in progress is not 100% or more in step ST5 (step ST5: NO), the main control unit 61 determines in step ST8 whether the condition device (winning role or winning role) of the game in progress is a rare role (specific role). If the condition device (winning role or winning role) of the game in progress is a rare role (specific role) (step ST8: YES), in the next step ST9, the main control unit 61 decides to execute the next set game (continuation decision processing). In the next step ST10, the main control unit 61 sets the continuation rate of the next set game to an initial continuation value (for example, 0%).

[0148] In step ST8, if the condition device (winning combination or prize combination) of the ongoing game is not a rare combination (specific combination) (step ST8: NO), in the next step ST11, the main control unit 61 determines by lottery processing whether or not to execute the next set game using the continuation rate of the ongoing set game. If it is determined in step ST11 that the next set game will be executed (step ST12: YES), the main control unit 61 proceeds to step ST10. If it is determined in step ST11 that the next set game will not be executed (step ST12: NO), in step ST13, the main control unit 61 determines a transition from the point-specialized zone (first section) to the normal zone (second section).

[0149] As shown in Figure 12, in step ST14, which is the next step after step ST7 or step ST10 shown in Figure 11, the main control unit 61 adds a value corresponding to the condition device (winning role or prize role) of the ongoing game (5th game) to the multiplier and continuation rate of the next set game. For example, if the condition device of the ongoing game (fifth game) is the first role (losing role) and the process goes through step ST7, 20% may be added to the subtracted continuation rate set in step ST7. If the condition device of the ongoing game is the first role (losing role) and the process goes through step ST10, 20% may be added to the initial value (0%) set in step ST10. For example, if the condition device for the ongoing game (5th game) is the third role (miss role, bell role, replay role, etc.), the multiplier for the next set game may be set to 1x, and if the condition device for the ongoing game (5th game) is the fourth role (rare role), the multiplier for the next set game may be set to 2x (first multiplier change process).

[0150] In step ST15, the main control unit 61 executes a process of counting the number of continuations of the set game. The number of continuations of the set game is the number of times that it has been determined that the next set game will be executed in the point-specialized zone by the continuation determination process, and is reset when the point-specialized zone is shifted to the normal zone. In step ST16, the main control unit 61 determines whether the number of continuations of the set game is a predetermined value. If the number of continuations of the set game is a predetermined value (e.g., 20) in step ST16 (step ST16: YES), in step ST17, the main control unit 61 determines to shift to the AT state (AT direct hit). If the number of continuations of the set game is not the predetermined value in step ST16 (step ST16: NO), in step ST18, the main control unit 61 changes the multiplier used in the next set game according to the number of continuations of the set game (second multiplier change process).

[0151] [1] As in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 (gaming machine) is capable of executing a process to progress a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section (point-specialized zone) in which at least one set of set games consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section (normal zone) in which set games are not executed, and in the set games, a point awarding process to decide whether to award points, a continuation rate addition process to decide whether to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation decision process to decide whether to execute the next set game of the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once, and when it is decided not to execute the next set game in the continuation decision process, a process to transition from the first section (point-specialized zone) to the second section (normal zone) can be executed, and when it is decided to execute the next set game in the continuation decision process, the set game can be executed repeatedly in the first section (point-specialized zone).

[0152] <Effects of the Invention> According to this embodiment, a set game can be provided in which a point awarding process, a continuation rate addition process that adds up the continuation rate of an ongoing set game, and a continuation decision process that uses the continuation rate of an ongoing set game to decide whether or not to execute the next set game can be executed at least once, thereby providing a gaming machine with new gameplay properties.

[0153] [2] In the gaming machine described in [1] above, the continuation rate addition process may be executed multiple times in set play. In this way, the continuation rate addition process is executed multiple times, which gives the player a sense of anticipation as to whether the set game will be executed again and continued, compared to when the continuation rate of the set game is not changed or is changed only once, making it possible to provide an interesting game.

[0154] [3] In the gaming machine described in [1] or [2] above, the award multiplier for at least one of the amount of points awarded in the next set game of an ongoing set game and the amount of continuation rate addition may be changeable depending on the number of continuations determined in the continuation determination process for executing the next set game. This configuration makes it possible to motivate the player to increase the number of times that the set game is continued.

[0155] [4] In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [3] above, an internal lottery process can be executed to determine the winning combination among multiple combinations in the pattern change game, and when it is decided in the continuation determination process to execute a set game again, the award multiplier for at least one of the amount of points and the amount of continuation rate addition can be changed in the next set game of the ongoing set game depending on the winning combination or winning combination in the game when the continuation determination process is executed. According to this configuration, the amount of points awarded and the amount of continuation rate added can change depending on the game content, such as a winning combination or prize combination, making it possible to provide a game with a wide variety of features.

[0156] [5] A gaming machine as described in any of [1] to [4] above may be capable of executing a process in which, if the continuation rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined rate (e.g., 100%) in the continuation determination process, the continuation rate at the start of the next set game of the ongoing set game is set to a value based on the remaining value obtained by subtracting the continuation rate, and, if the continuation rate is less than a predetermined rate (e.g., 100%) in the continuation determination process, the continuation rate at the start of the next set game of the ongoing set game is set to a value based on a reset value (initial continuation value). According to this configuration, if the continuation rate exceeds a predetermined rate (for example, 100%) due to the continuation rate addition process, the value equivalent to the excess amount is carried over to the next set play, thereby providing a game that makes it easy to continue the set play repeatedly. In the above embodiment, the predetermined rate of the continuation rate that serves as a threshold for determining whether or not to carry over the continuation rate of the ongoing set game is 100%, but this value can be changed as appropriate.

[0157] [6] A gaming machine as described in any of [1] to [5] above may be configured such that a point awarding process for determining whether or not to award points is executable in the second section (normal zone), and the average value of points awarded by the point awarding process in the first section (point-specialized zone) per unit of play is greater than the average value of points awarded by the point awarding process in the second section (normal zone) per unit of play. This configuration makes it possible to provide a first zone (point-specialized zone) in which points are more likely to be awarded than in a second zone (normal zone).

[0158] [7] In the gaming machine described in any of [1] to [6] above, the continuation rate of the set game in the first section (point-specialized zone) may be reset when transitioning from the first section (point-specialized zone) to the second section (normal zone).

[0159] [8] A gaming machine described in any of [1] to [7] above may be capable of executing a process to progress a game in any one of a plurality of zones including a first zone (point-specialized zone), a second zone (normal zone), and a third zone (CZ) that is more advantageous to the player than the second zone (normal zone), and points may be used to transition to the third zone (CZ). According to this configuration, the new set game can be applied to a game configuration in which points are accumulated in order to move to the third section, which is more advantageous for the player.

[0160] [9] A gaming machine described in any of [1] to [8] above is capable of executing a process to transition from the second section (normal zone) to the third section (CZ) when the amount of points reaches a predetermined value in the second section (normal zone), and may be configured such that even if the amount of points reaches a predetermined value in the first section (point-specialized zone), the progress of the set game in the first section (point-specialized zone) continues. According to this configuration, the amount of points can be accumulated to a value greater than a predetermined value; for example, by accumulating the amount of points to a multiple of the predetermined value or more, it becomes possible to play the third zone (CZ) multiple times.

[0161] [Other embodiments] The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design within the scope that does not change the gist of the present invention.

[0162] (A) In the above embodiment, the first and second intervals are in the normal gaming state and the third interval is the CZ, but this is not limited to this. For example, the first and second intervals may be in the normal gaming state and the third interval may be in the AT state (special gaming state), or the first and second intervals may be in the CZ and the third interval may be in the AT state (special gaming state), or the first and second intervals may be in the AT state (special gaming state) and the third interval may be a period (add-on zone) that can extend the period of the AT state.

[0163] (B) In the above embodiment, the amount of points to be awarded is also determined in the point awarding process in the normal gaming state, but this is not limiting. For example, when it is determined that points should be awarded, a fixed amount of points may be awarded. In the above embodiment, the continuation rate addition process determines the amount to be added when it is determined that the continuation rate should be added, but is not limited to this. For example, when it is determined that the continuation rate should be added, a fixed amount of the continuation rate may be added.

[0164] (C) In the above embodiment, the condition for transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone is that a win is won in a lottery process executed when the winning combination or winning role in the normal zone is a transition combination (such as a rare combination), but this is not limited to this. For example, the condition for transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone may be that a transition to the point-specialized zone occurs when the winning combination or winning role in the normal zone is a transition combination (such as a rare combination). Also, for example, transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone may be determined every time a predetermined number of games are played, or a win may be won in a lottery process executed every time a predetermined number of games are played. The winning probability for transitioning to the point-specialized zone may differ depending on the setting value or the mode. For example, the probability used in the lottery process may be set so that the higher the setting value is for the expected value of ball payout (high setting), the easier it is to transition to the point-specialized zone. For example, the probability used in the lottery process may be set so that the higher the mode is, the easier it is to transition to the point-specialized zone.

[0165] (D) In ​​the above embodiment, one set game consists of five games, but the number of games is not limited to this, and one set game may consist of one or more games as long as the point awarding process, continuation rate addition process, and continuation determination process are each executed at least once. If a set game consists of one game, for example, the point awarding process and continuation rate addition process may be executed each time the first and second reels are stopped, and the continuation determination process may be executed when the third reel is stopped.

[0166] (E) In the above embodiment, in one set of set play, the point awarding process is executed four times, the continuation rate addition process is executed four times, and the continuation determination process is executed once, but the number of times each process is executed can be changed as desired as long as each process is executed at least once.

[0167] (F) In the above embodiment, points are always awarded when the point awarding process is executed in the point-specialized zone, and the continuation rate is always added when the continuation rate addition process is executed, but this is not limited to this. There may be cases where points are not awarded even when the point awarding process is executed in the point-specialized zone. There may also be cases where the continuation rate is not added even when the continuation rate addition process is executed.

[0168] (G) In the above embodiment, the initial value of the continuation rate for the first set game immediately after transitioning from the normal zone to the point-specialized zone is a fixed value, but this is not limited to this. For example, the initial value may be determined by a lottery process. Furthermore, the initial value may be determined to a value according to the mode in which the player is currently playing, rather than by a lottery process.

[0169] (H) In the above embodiment, the first rate change process is executed to change the rate of the points awarded in the next set game and the rate of the continuation rate to be added depending on the winning combination or the prize combination in the game (the fifth game) for which the continuation determination process is executed, but the first rate change process does not have to be executed. Also, only the rate of the points awarded or only the rate of the continuation rate to be added may be changed. Although a second rate change process is executed to change the rate of the amount of points awarded in the next set game and the rate of the continuation rate to be added in accordance with the number of times the set game has been executed (the number of times the set game has been continued), the second rate change process does not have to be executed. Also, only the rate of the amount of points may be changed, or only the rate of the continuation rate to be added may be changed.

[0170] (I) When a game (fifth game) for which continuation determination processing is to be executed is started by turning on the lever 42, and if the effect button 47 is operated before the first reel stops, an effect may be executed in which the illumination unit 103 lights up to indicate that continuation has been determined. For example, when it is determined that the next set game will be executed, the illumination unit 103 may light up with a probability of 50%, for example. For example, a white flash may indicate that continuation has been determined, and a red flash may indicate that continuation has been determined and the result of the first rate change processing (for example, a state in which the rate of the next set game has increased due to winning or winning a rare combination).

[0171] (J) The number of times the game has transitioned to CZ may be displayed on the LCD screen 3 at all times. One of the conditions for transitioning to the CZ is that the amount of points accumulated in the general game state reaches a predetermined value. The "predetermined value" does not have to be fixed, but may be variable. For example, it may be a predetermined value corresponding to the mode the player is staying in. For example, if the player is in heaven mode, which is more advantageous than normal mode, the predetermined value may be lower than the normal predetermined value, and if the player is in hell mode, which is less advantageous than normal mode, the predetermined value may be higher than the normal predetermined value. For example, the predetermined value may be determined by lottery processing depending on the stay mode. For example, the higher the set value is for the expected value of ball payout, the higher the possibility that a relatively small predetermined value will be selected.

[0172] The bet switch 41 may be provided with a MAX bet switch for automatically betting the above-mentioned predetermined number of game values ​​(for example, 3 coins), and a bet switch for betting a game value less than the above-mentioned predetermined number of game values ​​(for example, 1 or 2 coins).

[0173] In the above embodiment, the bet switch 41 and the lever 42 are provided separately, but the lever 42 may also function as the bet switch 41 .

[0174] In the above embodiment, AT and bonus are exemplified as advantageous gaming states, but advantageous gaming states may also include ART. CZ is a gaming state in which the probability of entering AT and the probability of replay are higher than in the non-CZ state. ART is a gaming state in which the replay probability is higher than in the normal gaming state and notifies the correct operation mode of the operation mode combination. The probability of entering at least one of AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value. The performance of AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value.

[0175] In addition to images, the effects suggesting the setting value may also include special patterns that can be seen through the reel window 200 when the rotation of the rotating reels 20a, 20b, and 20c is stopped.

[0176] In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is an AT type slot machine. However, the gaming machine may be an ART type slot machine or other type of gaming machine other than an AT machine. Furthermore, the gaming machine is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a pinball gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.

[0177] In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is a medal-less machine, but the gaming machine is not limited to a medal-less machine, and may be a conventional slot machine that is played using actual medals.

[0178] In the above embodiment, the card unit 9 and the slot machine 1 are separate from each other. However, at least a part of the functions of the card unit 9 may be installed in the slot machine 1.

[0179] The effects of this embodiment can be achieved even when these other embodiments are adopted. Furthermore, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1: Slot machine (gaming machine)

Claims

1. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, A gaming machine in which the awarding multiplier of at least one of the amount of points awarded in the set game following the ongoing set game and the amount of addition to the continuation rate can be changed depending on the number of continuations determined to be performed in the next set game in the continuation determination process.

2. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, An internal lottery process can be executed to determine a winning combination among a plurality of combinations in a symbol variation game; A gaming machine in which, when it is decided in the continuation decision process to execute the set game again, the award multiplier for at least one of the amount of points and the amount of addition to the continuation rate in the set game next to the set game in progress can be changed depending on the winning role or prize role in the game when the continuation decision process is executed.

3. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, In the gaming machine, a point awarding rate is set for the set game, and the point awarding rate is changeable.

4. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, A gaming machine in which a grant multiplier for the amount of addition of the continuation rate is set for the set game, and the grant multiplier is changeable.

5. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including the first section, the second section, and a third section that is more advantageous to the player than the second section is executable; A gaming machine capable of executing a process for determining whether to transition to the third section depending on the number of continuations determined by the continuation determination process to execute the next set game in the first section.

6. A process of progressing a game in any one of a plurality of sections including a first section in which at least one set game consisting of one or more games and having a continuation rate can be executed, and a second section in which the set game is not executed, is executable; In the set game, a point granting process for determining whether or not to grant points, a continuation rate addition process for determining whether or not to add the continuation rate of the set game in progress, and a continuation determination process for determining whether or not to execute the set game next to the set game in progress based on the continuation rate of the set game in progress are each executed at least once; When it is determined in the continuation determination process that the next set game will not be executed, a process of transitioning from the first section to the second section can be executed. By determining that the next set game is to be executed in the continuation determination process, the set game can be repeatedly executed in the first section, An internal lottery process can be executed to determine a winning combination among a plurality of combinations in a symbol variation game; A table is provided in which the amount of points to be awarded and the amount of continuation rate added are associated with a winning combination or a prize combination, The gaming machine is capable of executing the point awarding process and the continuation rate addition process based on a value determined according to a winning combination or a prize combination in the table.

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