Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that can prevent a decline in merchantability of the game machine.SOLUTION: When winning areas "hitting order bell 1" to "hitting order bell 4" are won in an internal lottery in an AT preparation state, AT control means can execute a suggestion lottery to determine whether to execute a correct hitting order notification that suggests a correct operation mode or a first stop operation suggestion that suggests the operation mode of multiple stop buttons which includes the correct operation mode. In the suggestion lottery, the probability that is determined for execution of the correct hitting order notification is a first probability, and the probability that is determined for execution of the first stop operation suggestion is a second probability that is higher than the first probability. The first probability is set so that the putout of game value exceeds one-third of the total amount of game value when a predetermined number of games are executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , , , ,

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

Background Art

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

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, as a production state for executing a winning assistance production for assisting the winning of a combination, by shifting to an assist time state, the winning probability of a specific combination can be varied, making it easier to obtain a gaming value. Also, in a state where the winning assistance production is not being executed, when a plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation order with a high winning probability for the specific combination, a control process that is disadvantageous to the player over a plurality of games is known to be performed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines to enhance gameplay by executing a variety of control processes related to instruction functions, including prize-winning assistance control during the assist time state. However, in cases where the gaming machine is configured to execute control processes that are detrimental to the player, such as the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the execution of control processes related to instruction functions, which are performed to enhance gameplay, will be suppressed by these detrimental control processes, potentially leading to a decrease in gameplay and a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention relates to a plurality of reels, Multiple stop buttons, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, It comprises control means for performing control related to the instruction function, The aforementioned plurality of reels include a first reel, a second reel, a third reel, The targets of the lottery in the aforementioned internal lottery include specific winning patterns (for example, winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4", paragraph

[0076] , Figure 3), The aforementioned specific winning pattern includes a first payout small win (for example, small win 1, paragraphs

[0080] ,

[0100] ) and a second payout small win (for example, small wins 3 to 8, paragraphs

[0080] ,

[0100] ), The aforementioned first dividend is set at a higher dividend than the aforementioned second dividend. For each of the multiple types of specified winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set as the operation pattern of the multiple stop buttons. The operation mode for stopping the first reel is not set as the correct operation mode in any of the specified winning modes. When the internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning combination, if the multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation combination, the first payout combination can be awarded, and if the multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation combination different from the correct operation combination, in which the first reel is stopped first, the second payout combination can be awarded. If, among the operation modes different from the correct operation mode described above, the multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation mode in which the second reel or the third reel is stopped first, and the second payout small win is awarded with a predetermined probability, and if the second payout small win is not awarded, then no win is awarded. The control means can control the following states as states related to the instruction function: a first state (e.g., normal state, CZ state, paragraph

[0115] ,

[0118] ,

[0302] ), a second state (e.g., first AT state, paragraph

[0129] ,

[0302] ), and a third state (e.g., AT preparation state, paragraph

[0302] ). 、 before When the internal lottery in the third state results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, a suggestion lottery can be performed to determine whether to execute a first suggestion that suggests the correct operation pattern (e.g., notification of correct button press order, paragraphs

[0124] ,

[0303] ,

[0304] ) or a second suggestion that suggests operation patterns of the multiple stop buttons including the correct operation pattern (e.g., suggestion of first stop operation, paragraphs

[0124] ,

[0303] ,

[0304] ). If, in the third state, the internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, and the second suggestion is executed, the multiple stop buttons are operated in a manner that first stops the second reel or the third reel, then it becomes possible to transition from the third state to the second state. In the aforementioned suggestion lottery, the probability of being determined to perform the first suggestion is the first probability, In the aforementioned suggestion lottery, the probability of being determined to perform the second suggestion is the second probability, The second probability is higher than the first probability. The first probability is characterized in that it is set such that the payout of game value exceeds one-third of the total amount of game value invested when a predetermined number of games are played. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the winning areas in an internal lottery that can be won in an embodiment of the present invention, the winning combinations included in each winning area, and the winning combination groups that include each winning area. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means, and the performance state during the advantageous section. [Figure 5] This figure shows the game results for each turn when a winning area containing a minor role is hit in a non-RT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows the game results for each turn when a winning area containing a small win is hit during the internal RBB (Real Big Bonus) state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure shows the game results for each turn when a winning area containing a small win is hit in the RBB state of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the process for setting the upper limit of the number of payouts in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a table summarizing the winning combinations for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]This is a flowchart showing the process related to the update of the AT high-probability counter executed by the AT control means in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the process related to the transmission of information indicating the winning combination group executed by the main control CPU in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a sub-flowchart showing the process related to the transmission of the winning assistance command executed by the AT control means in the process of step S24 in the process related to the transmission of the winning combination group shown in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating a case where a replay navigation effect is executed when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter is the value "0" in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] (A) is a diagram illustrating a case where a first stop operation suggestion is executed when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter is the value "0" in the AT standby state in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram illustrating a case where a correct batting order notification is executed when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter is the value "0" in the AT standby state.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention. In the following description, the side of the player (front) is described as "front", and the opposite side is described as "rear".

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called reel-type gaming machine, and is a so-called medalless gaming machine that records the gaming value that can be used by the player by an electromagnetic method based on a lending signal output from an external device provided outside the slot machine 1 and a dedicated unit SU (see Figure 2) which is a specific unit, and the gaming value that can be used by the player by an electromagnetic method. The slot machine 1 stores information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals, and is configured to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and dispensing it.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a box-shaped casing consisting of a cabinet BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD, within which a reel unit RU consisting of multiple reels, from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is housed. The casing of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the slot machine 1, which is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are each divided into 20 regions (hereinafter referred to as "frames") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is equipped with a display device 410, which serves as a display means for displaying various videos and images to assist or enhance the gameplay. The display device 410 has a display area 410a for displaying images, and a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is made of a transparent liquid crystal display, allowing the rotation and stopping states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to be observed through the display device 410. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions on each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of electronic tokens required for one game, the so-called specified number (specified number), is set to 3 tokens (first specified number) or 2 tokens (second specified number), and when the specified number of electronic tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that combination is considered to have been won, and control corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB, which is an insertion operation means for setting the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the insertion state; a start lever SL, which is a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3; stop buttons B1 to B3, which are stop operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to stop the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors; a counting button KB, which is a counting operation means for transmitting the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to a dedicated unit SU; and a settlement button AB, which is a settlement operation for releasing the insertion state and returning the electronic medals set to the insertion state to the medal counter 311 (see Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see Figure 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display and other components, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (notification display) indicating how to press stop buttons B1, B2, and B3, which are related to the payout of electronic tokens. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D corresponds to the winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning combination information in the current game when a specified number of electronic tokens are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0019] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a game token count display device MD controlled by the token count control CPU 31 (see Figure 2). The game token count display device MD consists of a 7-segment display and functions as a conceptual container by displaying the number of game tokens stored in the slot machine 1.

[0020] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with multiple sound devices 420 for sound-based effects. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0021] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30 as control boards. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game played using game value. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and is configured to communicate with a dedicated unit SU to perform control related to the number of game medals.

[0022] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads and executes the respective control program pre-stored in the main memory means 190 when executing each control process.

[0023] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main memory means 190. The setting change means 100 operates when a setting key is inserted into the setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10 and the setting key is turned, causing the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC to turn ON. When the setting change switch SS is ON and the power is turned on, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permission state, which allows setting changes. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to the setting change permission state if the setting change switch SS is ON while the power is on.

[0024] The setting change means 100, in the setting change permission state, receives an input signal output when the setting change button BS on the power supply is operated, and cyclically changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ..., and confirms the setting value based on the reception of a start signal output when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when setting change control is performed by the setting change means 100, the control related to the game state performed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section performed by the AT control means 170 are initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to the instruction function that the AT control means 170 was performing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, the control related to the game state performed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section performed by the AT control means 170 are resumed from the state before the power outage, and the control related to the instruction function that the AT control means 170 was performing before the power outage is also maintained at the state before the power outage.

[0026] The input receiving means 105, during the input receiving period for accepting the insertion of electronic tokens, receives an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311 (described later) is greater than or equal to a predetermined number. Based on this, it sets the electronic tokens stored in the token counter 311 to the insertion state, up to a predetermined number set for each game state, and activates the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the electronic tokens corresponding to the predetermined number have been set to the insertion state.

[0027] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the initial press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a predetermined number of electronic tokens, is accepted as the player's operation to start playing, triggering the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to perform an internal lottery. Details of the predetermined numbers set for each game state will be described later.

[0028] Furthermore, the input receiving means 105, during the period between when the electronic tokens are set to the input state and when the start lever SL is started, receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby releasing the input state and adding the same number of electronic tokens that were set to the input state to the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311, thereby settling the electronic tokens that were set to the input state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In this embodiment, "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal output when a player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main memory means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is started. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0034] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are lottery flags that can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags that are reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main memory means 190.

[0035] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the player performing a start operation on the start lever SL and outputting a start signal. Furthermore, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stopped stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0036] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and the player operates the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 will also be referred to as the operation. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, when the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 and then releasing the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is performed.

[0038] In this case, if the spinning reels are to be stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, it is possible for the reels to rotate a maximum of 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0039] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main memory means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of electronic medals dispensed based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0041] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the main memory means 190, it determines whether the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped correspond to predetermined winning combinations. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combinations that indicate the winning combination will also be referred to as "prize symbol combinations".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for each process executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small prize is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of game tokens to be dispensed as electronic tokens; if a replay is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to execute a process that will allow the next game to be played without consuming electronic tokens; and if a prize that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is won, the game state transition control means 160 is instructed to transition to a game state.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of electronic tokens according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, it determines the number of electronic tokens to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and virtually controls the payout by adding the number of game tokens corresponding to the determined payout number to the token counter 311.

[0044] Furthermore, the payout control means 150, when it is determined by the winning determination means 140 that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay process (re-play process) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of electronic tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted without using the electronic tokens held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] In slot machine 1, the system is configured so that even if the settlement buttons A and B are operated during the period from when a replay is awarded until the start of the next game, that is, during the period when a predetermined number of electronic tokens are automatically inserted due to the replay process and the game has not yet started, the same number of game tokens as the predetermined number will not be added to the token counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 is an auxiliary game control means (control means that performs control related to the instruction function) that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function, including an auxiliary game that displays a notification assisting in winning a specific role on the main control display device 10D, can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to the instruction function) based on the results of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, thereby constituting an auxiliary game control means (control means that performs control related to the instruction function) that performs control related to the normal section, the advantageous section, and the auxiliary game.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data used in various controls related to multiple types of performance states, including the normal state and the AT state, which are executed within the advantageous period (various flags, counters, etc., which are set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process).

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and provides operation notification to assist in winning specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 10D, which consists of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the performance control means 200, described later, executes a navigation performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct sequence of hits on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified through operation notification and navigation performance assistance, thereby executing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 170, when a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous period, as will be described in more detail later, is met, executes a predetermined termination process that ends the advantageous period and starts the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period.

[0051] The AT control means 170 performs an update process (advantageous section difference in tokens update process) that cumulatively records the difference (difference in tokens, number of tokens acquired) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens dispensed from the game in which the advantageous section started by the number of electronic tokens inserted into the advantageous section counter 196a. When the AT control means 170 is in an advantageous section, it performs an advantageous section difference in tokens update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a to a value equivalent to the difference in electronic tokens, regardless of the game state.

[0052] Furthermore, in the process of updating the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 subtracts the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a when the number of electronic tokens dispensed in the game is less than a specified number, and if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than "0", the AT control means 170 also sets the result of the subtraction to the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value to the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] The AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired during the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game. For example, in slot machine 1, if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a was a negative value of "-900" before transitioning to a performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be acquired: 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "0", and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "2401" or more.

[0054] The AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes during the advantageous period, such as each flag set to the ON state during the advantageous period and values ​​set during the advantageous period, during a predetermined initialization process. The AT control means 170 can also terminate the advantageous period if a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination conditions set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0055] The complete control means 180 controls the slot machine 1 to activate a complete function, which stops the game when the cumulative number of electronic tokens acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 tokens). The complete control means 180 performs an update process (complete acquired number update process) in which the difference (difference in tokens, acquired number) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic tokens dispensed in each game from the number of electronic tokens inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on is cumulatively recorded in the token acquired counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. However, the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the token acquired counter 197a when a replay is awarded.

[0056] In the complete medal acquisition update process, which updates the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a, the complete control means 180 subtracts the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a when the number of electronic medals dispensed in the game is less than a predetermined number, and if the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a becomes less than "0", the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a to "0". As a result, the complete control means 180 can fix the value of the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a to "0" when it reaches its lowest point, eliminating the need to change the threshold value for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point in the control process using the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a, thereby reducing the load on the control process using the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a.

[0057] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function have been met when the number of medals acquired from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is powered on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a reaches the value "19,000".

[0058] The complete control means 180 activates the complete function when none of the following are activated: the regular bonus (RB) as a first-class special feature, the regular big bonus (RBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the first-class special feature, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the second-class special feature. Based on the fulfillment of the conditions for activating the complete function, the complete function is activated in the game in which the conditions are met, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, if RB, RBB, or CBB is active, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in a game where the active RB, RBB, or CBB has finished.

[0060] The complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state when activating the complete function. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a stop state, and no further play can be performed until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag, which is set to the ON state, is reset to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS located inside is operated to initialize it. Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the complete function is activated, the complete function cannot be deactivated by the player's operation.

[0061] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as a performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads and executes the control program pre-stored in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0062] The performance control means 200 controls game-related effects based on performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210, such as image and video effects using the display device 410 and sound effects using the sound device 420. Specifically, when a player operates various components of the slot machine 1, such as the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and counting button KB, or when a game event occurs, such as a change in the game state, the performance control means 200 controls the execution of effects that enhance the game, assist the game, or notify the player that an operation has been performed, by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, outputting sound from the sound device 420, etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 200 causes each component of the performance device 400 to execute effects based on each performance state.

[0063] Furthermore, when the performance control means 200 performs control related to images and video, it draws to the corresponding layer among the multiple layers provided in the sub-storage means 210. The performance control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the multiple layers onto the frame buffer 213 provided in the sub-storage means 210 to create a single image, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When the performance control means 200 draws images to the frame buffer 213, it draws the images drawn on the lower layers first, so that the images drawn on the higher layers are displayed in the display area 410a with priority over the images drawn on the lower layers.

[0064] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as a medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads and executes the control program pre-stored in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0065] The medal count control means 300 is configured to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the total number of electronic medals that can be used for playing games in the slot machine 1, which is the number of game medals, using the medal count counter 311, and displays the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 on the game medal count display device MD.

[0066] The medal count control means 300 primarily updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 10, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or operations on the counting button KB which has a built-in counting switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the updated number of game medals on the game medal count display device MD.

[0067] Specifically, the medal count control means 300, when the counting button KB is operated while the game is playable, transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means that the game machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, power is supplied to both the game machine and the dedicated unit SU, neither the game machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no error has occurred that would prevent the game from being played. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is controlled so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by operation of the counting button KB when it is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, thereby preventing a situation in which the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted but no signal is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU.

[0068] If the counting button KB is pressed for less than 500ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "1" equivalent to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value of "1". If the counting button KB is pressed for 500ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the counting timing after 500ms have elapsed, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value of "50". Thereafter, every 300ms that elapse while the counting button KB is pressed, a value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted by the value of "50". Furthermore, when 500ms or more have elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, if the stored value of the medal counter 311 is less than "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal counter 311 by the value corresponding to that stored value, thereby setting the stored value of the medal counter 311 to "0".

[0069] The medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred when the stored value of the medal count counter 311 exceeds the value "16369", which is set as the limit of 16368 medals to be stored in the slot machine 1. Based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, the slot machine 1 issues a medal overflow error, and when the counting button KB is operated and the stored number of medals in the medal count counter 311 is counted, the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16368" or less, the medal overflow error is cleared.

[0070] When the coin count control means 300 is powered on while the coin count clear button CL, which is located inside the gaming machine, is pressed, it initializes the coin count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the coin count, setting the stored value of the coin count counter 311 to "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of coins that remained in the coin count counter 311 before the power was turned off when the power is turned on.

[0071] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 2 to 14, the details of each component of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0072] <Control related to the specified number via input acceptance means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, during the insertion acceptance period in which the insertion acceptance means 105 accepts the insertion of electronic tokens, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while the number of game tokens stored in the token counter 311 is equal to or greater than a predetermined number, the same number of input signals as the predetermined number set for each game state are output. Each time an input signal is received, the insertion acceptance means 105 adds a value of "1" corresponding to one electronic token to the insertion count storage means 198 of the main storage means 190, and continues to add values ​​to the insertion count storage means 198 up to the predetermined number set for each game state.

[0073] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of specified coins is set to 3 (first specified number) for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and the number of specified coins is set to 2 (second specified number) for the RBB state.

[0074] In other words, when the game state is not RT state or RBB internal state, the coin insertion receiving means 105 stores the value "3" in the coin insertion count storage means 198 based on the fact that the input signal is received three times when the Max Bet button MB is operated with three or more game tokens stored in the medal count counter 311. Also, when the game state is RBB state, the coin insertion receiving means 105 stores the value "2" in the coin insertion count storage means 198 based on the fact that the input signal is received twice when the Max Bet button MB is operated with two or more game tokens stored in the medal count counter 311.

[0075] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> Figure 3 shows the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers, winning roles, and winning role groups associated with each winning area. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a continuous action device for a special role of type 1.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery include the winning area "All Small Wins", the winning area "All Single Wins", the winning area "Replay 1" to the winning area "Replay 4", the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Wins", the winning area "RBB & Single Win 1" to the winning area "RBB & Single Win 3", and the winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 15 are associated with each of these areas. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with the result of the internal lottery when the result is a loss.

[0077] Here, "batting order" refers to the sequence in which operations are performed on stop buttons B1 through B3. Furthermore, in the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 through B3 are operated will also be referred to as "operation timing."

[0078] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated consists of six types of stop orders, from stop order 1 to stop order 6. Stop order 1 is a stop order called "sequential pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Stop order 2 is a stop order called "scissors pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Stop order 3 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Stop order 4 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Stop order 5 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Furthermore, batting order 6 is a so-called reverse batting order, where the stopping operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0079] The internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is correct or incorrect in the random number determination process, starting from the winning area associated with winning number 15 and moving towards the losing area associated with winning number 0.

[0080] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are small wins 1 to 8 that can be won when selected in the internal lottery, and there are replays 1 to 3 that can be won in the internal lottery. Each small win and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3. Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1, there are winning areas "RBB&1-coin win 1" to "RBB&1-coin win 3" that include both bonuses and small wins, and there is a winning area "RBB" that includes only bonuses.

[0081] In slot machine 1, the winning probability for the "Replay 2" area is set lower than that for the "Replay 1" area. Also, in slot machine 1, the winning probability for the "Rare Role" area is set lower than that for each of the winning areas including the small roles in the "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" areas, and the "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Role 3" areas.

[0082] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the carry-over flag is associated with the RBB, while the minor role and replay are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, if the internal lottery hits a winning area including the RBB, the state in which the RBB lottery flag is established is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the minor role and replay are won, even in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won RBB lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery, are set to the established state.

[0083] The winning combination groups shown in Figure 3 are groups of multiple winning areas that have the same probability of being awarded the type of winning combination (replay, small win, bonus), the function in the progression of the game, and the game benefits (transition to advantageous section, transition to CZ state, transition to AT state, etc.). For example, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", to which winning numbers 4 to 7 correspond, and the winning areas "RBB & 1-Coin Win 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Win 3", are grouped as Winning Combination Group 1 because, as will be explained in more detail later, they are winning areas with the same function in the progression of the game.

[0084] For example, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" is selected, the main control CPU 11 transmits information indicating the winning role group 1 to the sub-control board 20, rather than information that the sub-control CPU 21 can understand regarding the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 that make it possible to win small role 1 (information indicating that the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" out of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" has been selected).

[0085] Furthermore, when the main control CPU 11 notifies or suggests the operation method of stop buttons B1 to B3 that will result in winning the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" and enabling the winning of small role 1, it is configured to send a prize-winning assistance command to the sub-control board 20 that includes information that the sub-control CPU 21 can understand regarding the operation method of stop buttons B1 to B3 that will enable the winning of small role 1, in addition to the information indicating the winning role group 1.

[0086] Thus, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 can control whether or not prize-winning assistance is performed when winning in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" by controlling whether or not the main control CPU 11 sends prize-winning assistance commands. Furthermore, when winning in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", the information indicating the winning role group 1 that the main control CPU 11 sends to the sub-control board 20 does not allow for the determination of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the winning of small role 1.

[0087] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the slot machine 1 wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" and the main control CPU 11 does not send a prize-winning assistance command, and fraudulent activity such as so-called cheating is performed, and information sent from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20 can be fraudulently obtained, and information indicating that it is a winning role group 1 is obtained, the operation pattern of stop buttons B1 to B3 that would allow the winning of minor role 1 cannot be determined, thereby preventing minor role 1 from being fraudulently obtained.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the winning area, and the main control CPU 11 does not send a prize-winning assistance command, the slot machine 1 sends information indicating a common winning role group 1 for the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4". Therefore, when the sub-control board 20 does not need information to specify which of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" it is, it is sufficient to prepare information indicating a winning role group 1 grouped by the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" as information sent from the main control CPU 11, thereby reducing the amount of data required for the information to be sent from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20.

[0089] <Internal Lottery Table> In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 stores in the internal lottery table storage means 192 three internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120: an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal mode (internal mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C). In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value is associated with each winning area that is the target of the lottery.

[0090] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery table A has 65,536 lottery values, each corresponding to one of the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", "Rare Role", "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Role 3", and "RBB", and is configured so that in the internal lottery, the player will win either a small role, a replay, or a bonus.

[0091] Furthermore, the internal lottery table B has 65,536 lottery values ​​that correspond to one of the following winning areas: "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", "Rare Role", "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", and "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Role 3". The internal lottery is configured to result in winning either a small role, a replay, or a bonus.

[0092] Internal draw table A and internal draw table B are such that the number of draw values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in internal draw table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in internal draw table B. The probability of winning for each winning area other than "Replay 2" and "RBB" in internal draw table A is the same as the probability of winning for each winning area other than "Replay 2" in internal draw table B. Specifically, for example, the probability of winning for winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in internal draw table A is the same as the probability of winning for winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in internal draw table B.

[0093] Internal lottery table C has 65,536 lottery values, each associated with either the winning area "all minor roles" or the winning area "all single roles," and is configured to result in winning minor roles in the internal lottery. Furthermore, in the internal lottery using internal lottery table C, the probability of winning each of minor roles 1 to 8 is higher than the probability of winning each of minor roles 1 to 8 in the internal lottery using internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B.

[0094] Given this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that it will not result in a loss (failure) in any of the internal lotteries during the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, or the RBB state.

[0095] <Random number generation process> In this embodiment, the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values ​​associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. If the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it is determined that the player has won in the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values ​​that was subtracted. Furthermore, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting by all the number of lottery values ​​stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that the player has not won any role and is therefore unsuccessful.

[0096] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of the game state, the priority order for the winning combinations to be stopped on the active line L1 in the reel stop control is set to "Replay > Small Win > Bonus". In other words, when a bonus and a small win or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that prioritizes the small win or replay over the bonus.

[0097] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to rotate up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. Therefore, it is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 for symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0098] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 is configured to receive a start signal output from the start switch built into the start lever SL when the start lever SL detects a start operation, and to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to start one game, and then set a waiting time (approximately 4.1 seconds), generally called a wait (or wait time), in the wait timer (not shown) of the main memory means 190 based on the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Then, if the reel control means 130 receives a start signal from the start switch within the period from the setting of the waiting time until the waiting time has elapsed, it is configured to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 after the waiting time has elapsed. With this configuration, the reel control means 130 can start a game after a minimum game time (approximately 4.1 seconds) has elapsed between the start of one game and the start of the next game.

[0099] <Payouts for minor roles> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the payouts for minor wins 1 to 8 are set for both cases: when the game is started with 3 electronic tokens as the first predetermined number (3-token bet), and when the game is started with 2 electronic tokens as the first predetermined number (2-token bet).

[0100] Small win 1 has the same payout when betting 3 coins as when betting 2 coins, and is set at 14 coins, which is more than the first specified number. Small win 2 has the same payout when betting 3 coins as when betting 2 coins, and is set at 3 coins, which is the same as the first specified number. Small wins 3 to 8 have the same payout when betting 3 coins as when betting 2 coins, and is set at 1 coin, which is less than the first specified number.

[0101] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment sets the same payout for all minor roles 1 to 8 when a 3-coin bet is played and when a 2-coin bet is played. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to set a predetermined number of parameters for the data related to setting the payouts, and it also becomes unnecessary to set the payouts for 3-coin bets and 2-coin bets separately. Therefore, the data capacity of the data related to minor roles in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various data can be reduced.

[0102] <Setting the number of payouts> In the payout process for dispensing electronic tokens according to the game result, the payout control means 150, when a minor win is achieved, stores a value corresponding to a predetermined payout for each win in the payout number storage means 199 (see Figure 2) of the main storage means 190.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a game with two bets is played, the payout control means 150 compares the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out with the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 during the payout process. If the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 is greater than the upper limit, the payout for that game is set to the upper limit to determine the number of electronic tokens to be paid out in that game, and the number of game tokens corresponding to the determined payout is added to the token counter 311 to virtually pay out the tokens. Details of the process that references the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out when a game with two bets is played will be described later.

[0104] <Game state transition control means> Figure 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of game states performed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0105] As shown in Figure 4(A), the non-RT state is the initial state among several types of game states (initial game state, normal game state), and is a non-bonus state in which no bonus is activated or established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In slot machine 1, when the game state is the non-RT state, the game can be started by setting a first predetermined number (3) of electronic tokens to the insertion state.

[0106] The internal RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when winning in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and winning in either the winning area "RBB & 1 medal" or the winning area "RBB", and the RBB is set to the established state, and it is the bonus established state where the bonus is established. In the internal RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the internal RBB state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 medals) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0107] The RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB operates. In the RBB state, when the number of electronically paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined predetermined payout number (for example, 12 medals), the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied, ends the operation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, the game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 medals) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0108] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0109] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the instruction function based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 in the game during the normal section.

[0110] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 170 first obtains an advantageous section transition lottery table from the AT control data storage means 196, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous section" and "miss (failure)" are associated with each of several random numbers. Then, the AT control means 170 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and decides whether or not to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

[0111] The AT control means 170 performs a favorable section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the probability of winning a winning area in the internal lottery and the probability of winning "start of favorable section" in the favorable section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0112] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to perform a favorable section lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", "Rare Role", "Replay 1", "Replay 3", and "Replay 4" are selected in the internal lottery during the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, and when the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Role 3" and "RBB" are selected in the internal lottery during the non-RT state, and when the favorable section lottery is performed when any other winning area is selected.

[0113] In the advantageous period, the AT control means 170 has states (performance states) related to the instruction function, namely a normal state, a CZ state, a first AT state, a second AT state, and an AT standby state. In the normal state, it is configured not to perform assistance for winning small role 1 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", and in the AT state, it is configured to perform assistance for winning small role 1 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4". Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous period during the overall gameplay can be 70% or more.

[0114] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to have a processing related to an instruction function that is executed by referring to the AT high probability counter 196b (see Figure 2) of the AT control data storage means 196 in each performance state during the advantageous period. The AT high probability counter 196b is initially set to the value "0". The AT control means 170 is configured to execute processing that is more advantageous to the player in the processing related to the instruction function that is executed by referring to the AT high probability counter 196b when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1" than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value of "0". Details of the AT high probability counter 196b and the processing related to the instruction function that refers to the AT high probability counter 196b will be described later.

[0115] The normal state is the performance state that corresponds to the normal state among several types of performance states (normal performance state), which is set when the performance state has not transitioned to any other performance state. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 performs an incremental update to the normal game counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. When the value of the normal game counter reaches the value of "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the CZ state (CZ transition conditions) have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0116] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state when the game is played in a winning area that does not include RBB in the internal lottery during the normal state. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state when the winning area "Rare Role" is selected in the internal lottery.

[0117] The AT control means 170 performs an AT lottery during normal operation, and if it wins the "transition to AT state", it determines that the conditions for transitioning to the AT state (AT transition conditions) have been met, and transitions from the normal state to the first AT state.

[0118] The CZ state is configured such that, as a control related to the instruction function, when a control is executed to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, it is possible to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state. The AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the CZ state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the CZ game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to 1 game.

[0119] The AT control means 170 performs an AT lottery during each game in the CZ state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state. If it wins the "transition to AT state" lottery, it transitions the performance state from the CZ state to the first AT state after 10 games have been played from the start of the CZ state.

[0120] The AT control means 170, in the gameplay from the end of the CZ until the "transition to AT state" is won in the AT lottery during the CZ, executes a lottery during the CZ to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of times one set of AT state is executed for the AT state to which the transition is made from the CZ state.

[0121] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT state" lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 terminates the CZ state and transitions the performance state back to the normal state.

[0122] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute lotteries related to instruction functions executed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for increasing the number of sets during CZ) regardless of the results of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured such that, with respect to lotteries related to instruction functions executed in the CZ state, if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (miss)" decreases compared to when other winning areas are won, and the probability of a favorable result for the player (in the case of AT lottery during CZ, "transition to AT state") increases.

[0123] The AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state because it enables assistance in winning small role 1 when winning in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4". The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to set the performance state to the first AT state when the AT state is started. The AT control means 170 is also configured to initialize the stored value of the AT transition game count counter to the value "0" when the AT state is started.

[0124] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to perform the following actions as an aid to winning small prize 1 when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT state: correct batting order notification, which notifies the stop buttons (correct batting order) to be used for the first to third stop operations; correct batting order suggestion, which notifies the stop button to be used for the first stop operation in the correct batting order, but does not notify which stop buttons are used for the second and third stop operations; and first stop operation suggestion, which notifies that the stop button not used for the first stop operation in the correct batting order is stop button B1, thereby suggesting that the stop button used for the first stop operation in the correct batting order is either stop button B2 or stop button B3. The main control CPU 11 transmits a prize-winning aid command corresponding to the prize-winning aid performed by the AT control means 170 to the sub-control board 20.

[0125] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform a correct button press suggestion, which notifies the player that the stop button to be pressed for the first stop operation is stop button B2, as an awarding assistance to enable the player to win Replay 3 when the internal lottery in the AT state selects the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4". The main control CPU 11 transmits an awarding assistance command corresponding to the awarding assistance performed by the AT control means 170 to the sub-control board 20.

[0126] The AT control means 170 determines that the AT termination condition has been met when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and also determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0127] As shown in Figure 4(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to set the performance state at the start of the advantageous period to the CZ state when it wins the "start of advantageous period" lottery in the advantageous period during the normal period and starts the advantageous period. Furthermore, as described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the advantageous period and start the normal period when the AT state ends.

[0128] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when the AT state ends and the player transitions from the normal section to the advantageous section, the CZ state is started, and the probability of transitioning back to the AT state is higher than when the normal section is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, once the AT state is started, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can start the AT state again via the normal section and the CZ state, allowing the player to acquire electronic tokens through multiple AT states, thereby increasing the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0129] The first AT state is a performance state whose duration is managed by the number of games played. The AT control means 170 sets an initial value (for example, 50 games) corresponding to the number of games that can continue one set of the first AT state in the first AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of one set of the first AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the first AT game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to one game. In this embodiment, one set of the first AT state is configured from the time the initial value is set in the first AT game counter until the stored value of the first AT game counter becomes "0".

[0130] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a first AT prize-winning assistance lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the first AT state, and to determine whether or not to perform prize-winning assistance. If the first AT prize-winning assistance lottery selects "Performance of Correct Batting Order Notification", the correct batting order is notified, and if the selection selects "Performance of Correct Batting Order Suggestion", the stop button to be used for the first stop operation in the correct batting order is notified. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured not to perform prize-winning assistance if the first AT prize-winning assistance lottery selects "Loss (Not Selected)".

[0131] The AT control means 170 executes a lottery to determine whether to add (add) the number of times the first AT state is executed in an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, which determines whether to add (add) the number of times the first AT state is executed in an internal lottery. If the AT control means 170 decides to add the number of sets in the lottery to add the number of sets, it adds the value "1" to the first AT set counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196. The AT control means 170 is also configured to execute a lottery to determine whether to perform prize-winning assistance if the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4" is won in the first AT state, and if the "execution of correct button-mashing sequence indication" is won in the lottery to determine whether to perform prize-mashing assistance, it notifies that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation in the correct button-mashing sequence is stop button B2. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured not to perform prize-winning assistance if the replay prize-winning assistance lottery during the first AT is determined to be a "miss (not won)".

[0132] Furthermore, if the AT control means 170 wins the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120, it executes a second AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition the performance state to the second AT state after the end of one set of the first AT state. If the AT control means 170 wins the "transition to the second AT state" in the second AT lottery, it transitions the performance state to the second AT state after the end of one set of the first AT state.

[0133] The AT control means 170, when 50 games have been played in one set of the first AT state and the stored value of the first AT game counter becomes "0", and one set of the first AT state has ended and a transition to the second AT state has not been decided, refers to the stored value of the first AT set counter. If the stored value of the first AT set counter is "1" or greater, it subtracts "1" from the stored value of the first AT set counter and transitions the performance state to the second AT state.

[0134] Furthermore, if one set of the first AT state has ended, the stored value of the first AT set counter is "0", and a transition to the second AT state has not been decided, the AT control means 170 performs a first AT continuation lottery to determine by lottery whether or not to start a new set of the first AT state.

[0135] The AT control means 170 transitions the performance state to the second AT state when it is determined in the first AT continuation lottery to "execute one set of the first AT state". On the other hand, if the AT control means 170 determines in the first AT continuation lottery to "end the AT state", it terminates the first AT state and transitions the performance state to the normal state.

[0136] The second AT state is a performance state whose duration is managed by the number of games played. The AT control means 170 sets an initial value (for example, 60 games) corresponding to the number of games that can sustain one set of the second AT state in the second AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the second AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the second AT game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to one game. In this embodiment, one set of the second AT state is configured from the time the initial value is set in the second AT game counter until the stored value of the second AT game counter becomes "0".

[0137] The AT control means 170 is configured to provide a correct batting order notification as an aid to winning when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" is selected in the second AT state. When the game is played in accordance with the aid to winning, it is easier to win small win 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" is selected compared to the first AT state. In other words, the second AT state is configured to be more advantageous for the player because the probability of winning small win 1, which is set to pay out more than the specified number, is higher than in the first AT state.

[0138] The AT control means 170 performs a lottery to add (add) the number of times the first AT state, which starts after the end of the second AT state via the AT standby state, is executed, in cases where the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 has won the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4" and Replay 3 has been awarded, or when the winning area "Rare Role" has been won. If the AT control means 170 decides to add the number of sets in the second AT set number addition lottery, it adds the value "1" to the first AT set counter. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform a second AT replay prize-winning assistance lottery to determine whether or not to perform prize-winning assistance when the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4" is selected in the first AT state. If the second AT replay prize-winning assistance lottery selects "Performance of correct button-pressing order indication", it notifies that the stop button to be pressed first in the correct button-pressing order is stop button B2. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured not to perform prize-winning assistance if the second AT replay prize-winning assistance lottery selects "Miss (Not Selected)".

[0139] The AT control means 170 is configured to transition the performance state to the AT standby state when the stored value of the second AT game counter becomes "0". When the second AT state is terminated based on the stored value of the second AT game counter becoming "0", the AT state is not terminated and the system does not transition to the normal state.

[0140] The AT standby state is a performance state that continues until the transition to the 1st AT state. The AT control means 170 is configured to perform an AT standby prize-winning assistance lottery to determine whether or not to perform prize-winning assistance when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the AT standby prize-winning assistance lottery. If the "Performance of Correct Batting Order Notification" is selected in the AT standby prize-winning assistance lottery, the correct batting order notification is performed, and if the "Performance of First Stop Operation Suggestion" is selected, the first stop operation suggestion is performed.

[0141] The AT control means 170 is configured to determine that the conditions for ending the AT standby state have been met when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected and a game is played in accordance with the correct bat order notification or the first stop operation suggestion, that is, when a game is played in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, and the performance state transitions to the first AT state. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the AT standby state and transition to the first AT state when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery in the AT standby state, the correct bat order notification or the first stop operation suggestion is executed, and a game is played in accordance with the executed correct bat order notification or the first stop operation suggestion, regardless of whether or not a small win 1 is achieved.

[0142] 3. Gameplay in each game state Next, the gameplay characteristics of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment in each game state will be described.

[0143] <Game results in each game state> Figure 5 shows the game results for each operation method of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the non-RT state, Figure 6 shows the game results for each operation method of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the RBB internal state, and Figure 7 shows the game results for each operation method of stop buttons B1 to B3 in the RBB state.

[0144] As shown in Figure 5, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected during a non-RT state, it is possible to win one of the small wins 3 to 8, which are set to pay out 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game, regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0145] In other words, in slot machine 1, when not in RT mode, even if you win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which are winning areas that include small win 1 with a payout of 14 coins in a 3-coin bet game, small win 1 cannot be won.

[0146] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, in slot machine 1, when the player wins in the winning area "Beat Order Bell 1" to "Beat Order Bell 4" during the RBB internal state, the stop buttons B1 to B3 are set in a batting order (correct batting order) that allows the player to win small prize 1, which has a payout of 14 coins in a 3-coin bet game, with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0147] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when a player wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" during a non-RT state or RBB internal state, minor prizes 3 and 4 are awarded with a probability of 1 / 1 when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for winning, and minor prizes 5 to 8 are awarded with a probability of 1 / 2 when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for winning.

[0148] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning area "Rare Role" is selected in a non-RT state or RBB internal state, the stop button B3 is stopped at the timing when small role 2 can be awarded, and small role 2, which is set to pay 3 coins in a 3-coin bet game, is awarded, with an award probability of approximately 1 / 1.3. In slot machine 1, if the winning area "Rare Role" is selected but small role 2 is not awarded, it is considered a missed win (non-award).

[0149] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, if the winning area "Replay 1" or "Replay 2" is selected in a non-RT state or RBB internal state, Replay 1 will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 1, regardless of the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0150] Furthermore, if the winning area "Replay 3" is selected while in a non-RT state or RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during batting order 1, 2, 4 to 6, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning Replay 1, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during batting order 3, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning Replay 3.

[0151] Furthermore, if the winning area "Replay 4" is selected while in a non-RT state or RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during batting order 1 to 3, 5, or 6, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning Replay 1, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during batting order 4, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning Replay 3.

[0152] Furthermore, if the winning area "RBB&1-coin payout 1" is selected while in a non-RT state or RBB internal state, regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning the small payout 3, which is set to pay 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game.

[0153] Furthermore, if you win in the non-RT state or RBB internal state and you hit the winning area "RBB & 1-coin win 2" or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin win 3", you will win with a 1 / 1 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the order in which you are able to win, and you will win with a 1 / 2 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the order in which you are able to win.

[0154] Furthermore, if the winning area "RBB" is selected in a non-RT state, the machine is configured to award the RBB when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped at the timing when the RBB can be awarded, with an award probability of 1 / 64. In slot machine 1, if the winning area "RBB" is selected but the RBB is not awarded, it is considered a missed win (non-award).

[0155] As shown in Figure 7, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "All Small Wins" is hit in RBB state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 and turn 2, either small win 2, which has a payout of 3 coins in a 2-coin bet game, or small win 3, which has a payout of 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 1. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, small win 1, which has a payout of 14 coins in a 2-coin bet game, will be awarded with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0156] The winning symbol combinations for minor role 2 and minor role 3 both include a common symbol in the symbols on the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2. Furthermore, the winning symbol combinations for minor role 2 and minor role 3 differ in the symbols on the right reel R3. The symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination for minor role 2 have a pull-in range of 15 out of 20 frames on the right reel R3, while the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination for minor role 3 are arranged to stop on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of the stop button B3 operation.

[0157] Given this configuration, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "All Small Wins" is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 and turn 2, if stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination for small win 2 can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, then small win 2 is awarded. If stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination for small win 2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, then small win 3 is awarded.

[0158] In slot machine 1, if you win the "All 1-coin payout" area while in RBB state, regardless of the order in which you press stop buttons B1 to B3, there is a 1 / 1 probability that you will win the small payout 3, which is set to pay 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game.

[0159] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set an upper limit on the number of electronic tokens that can be paid out when a game is played with a two-coin bet. When a winning combination with a payout equal to or greater than this upper limit is achieved, the number of payouts is set to this upper limit, and electronic tokens are paid out. Specifically, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit on the number of electronic tokens that can be paid out to one when a game is played with a two-coin bet.

[0160] <Processing to set the upper limit of the number of payouts> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the process by which the slot machine 1 sets an upper limit on the number of payouts. The process shown in Figure 8 is executed in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is performed when a winning combination is achieved, after the payout value set for the winning combination has been stored in the payout storage means 199.

[0161] As shown in Figure 8, the payout control means 150 first obtains the payout amount stored in the payout amount storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 obtains the stored value of the payout amount storage means 199, which stores the payout values ​​set for the winning combinations in the current game.

[0162] Next, the payout control means 150 confirms the number of electronic tokens set to be inserted for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 can determine whether the current game is a 2-coin bet game or a 3-coin bet game by checking the value stored in the number of tokens inserted storage means 198.

[0163] Next, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of electronic tokens set to be inserted in the current game was 2 (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the stored value of the inserted number storage means 198, which was confirmed in step S2, was the value "2". By executing the process in step S3, the payout control means 150 can determine whether the current game was played in an RBB state with a second predetermined number (2 tokens) set.

[0164] In step S3, if it is determined that the number of electronic tokens set to be inserted for this game is 2 (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of tokens to be paid out for this game is 2 or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of tokens to be paid out stored in the payout number storage means 199 obtained in step S1 is 2 or more.

[0165] In step S4, if it is determined that the number of payouts for this game is 2 or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the number of payouts to 1 (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 sets the number of payouts for this game to 1 by changing the value of 2 or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1".

[0166] This process in step S5 constitutes a process that sets the upper limit of the number of electronic tokens that can be dispensed to a specific number (1 token) less than the second specified number (3 tokens) when the game starts with a second specified number (2 tokens) of electronic tokens inserted.

[0167] After executing the process in step S5, if in the process of step S3 it is determined that the number of electronic tokens set to be inserted in this game is 3 (NO), or if in the process of step S4 it is determined that the number of tokens to be paid out in this game is 1 (NO), the payout control means 150 executes the process of paying out electronic tokens (S6) and terminates the payout process. In this process, the payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of electronic tokens to be paid out in the game, and adds the number of electronic tokens corresponding to the determined payout number to the token counter 311.

[0168] <Dispensing of electronic tokens in each game state> As shown in Figure 5, slot machine 1 is configured so that, in the non-RT state, no payout is awarded based on the winning of small role 1, which is set to have a payout greater than the first specified number. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated.

[0169] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of electronic tokens paid out during a predetermined number of games (e.g., 17,500 games) to the total number of electronic tokens inserted during that predetermined number of games, assuming that the effects of temporary probability biases are sufficiently ignored.

[0170] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, in slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2 during the RBB internal state, small win 1, which is set to have a payout greater than the first specified number, will not be awarded. However, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, small win 1 becomes possible to win. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 or turn 2, and more than 50% when they are operated in any of turn 3 to turn 6. Also, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random turn order during the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0171] As shown in Figure 8, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6 when a game with a 3-coin bet is played. The payout control means 150 determines the value stored in the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the winning combination in the game, as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal counter 311.

[0172] Due to this configuration, slot machine 1 is set up so that in non-RT state and RBB internal state, the same number of electronic tokens as the payout set for the winning combination are dispensed. In other words, in slot machine 1, in non-RT state and RBB internal state where the specified number is set to the first specified number (3 tokens), if the winning combination 1 is achieved, a payout exceeding the first specified number is executed.

[0173] On the other hand, the payout control means 150 is configured to proceed to step S6 after executing the process in step S5 if a game with a 2-coin bet is played and a small win with a payout of 2 or more coins is awarded in the game with a 2-coin bet. Regardless of the value set as the payout for the small win awarded in the game, the value stored in the payout number storage means 199, which is set to the value "1", is determined as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and the number of electronic medals (1) corresponding to the determined payout is added to the medal counter 311.

[0174] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state which is set to a predetermined number of 2 coins, if the winning area "All Small Wins" is won in the internal lottery, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 1 and turn 2, small win 2, which has a payout of 3 coins in a 2-coin bet game, can be won, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 to turn 6, small win 1, which has a payout of 14 coins in a 2-coin bet game, can be won. However, the payout control means 150 shown in Figure 8 performs an upper limit setting process for the number of payouts, so that the number of electronic tokens paid out in a game in which small win 1 is won is set to 1.

[0175] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game is played with a 3-coin bet and a game is played with a 2-coin bet, if a minor role 1 or minor role 2, which has the same payout and a payout of more than 1 coin, is won, a payout of 1 coin will be made, which is less than the set payout and less than the prescribed number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0176] Furthermore, as mentioned above, when a game is played with two bets, the payout for minor wins 3 through 8 is set to one coin.

[0177] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the game transitions to an RBB state where the number of specified coins is set to 2, and a winning area including a minor role is hit, a payout of 1 coin is executed regardless of which minor role is hit. To put it another way, in the slot machine 1, when the number of specified coins is set to the second specified number (2 coins) in an RBB state, if minor role 1 is hit, a payout of less than the second specified number is executed.

[0178] Furthermore, as mentioned above, in slot machine 1, during the internal lottery in the RBB state where the internal lottery table C is used, the machine is configured to win either the "all small wins" area or the "all single wins" area.

[0179] In other words, in this embodiment, when a game is started with a first predetermined number of game values ​​inserted into the slot machine 1, it is possible to pay out game values ​​exceeding the first predetermined number. When a game is started with a second predetermined number of game values, which is less than the first predetermined number, the upper limit of the number of game values ​​that can be paid out is set to a specific number less than the second predetermined number.

[0180] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when in the RBB state, two electronic tokens are set to be inserted and one electronic token is dispensed. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value when the RBB is not active can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0181] Furthermore, as mentioned above, slot machine 1 is configured such that, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the payout rate when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is lower than the payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0182] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment does not have a lower payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state where RBB is not operating or in the RBB internal state, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, thus ensuring sufficient performance of the gaming machine.

[0183] <Winning combinations available in each game state> Next, using Figure 9, we have a table summarizing the small wins that are awarded based on winning in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment: non-RT state, RBB internal state, and RBB state.

[0184] As shown in Figure 9, the small win 1, which has a payout of 14 coins for both the 3-coin bet and the 2-coin bet, is configured not to award a prize if won in a non-RT state, but to award a prize based on whether it was won in the RBB internal state or in the RBB state.

[0185] Furthermore, the small win 2, which is set to pay out 3 coins for both 3-coin bets and 2-coin bets, is configured to award based on whether it is won in a non-RT state, an RBB internal state, or an RBB state.

[0186] Furthermore, regarding the payouts for both the 3-coin bet and the 2-coin bet, among the 8 minor roles, minor role 3 is awarded based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state, while minor roles 4 to 8 are not awarded if won in the RBB state, but are awarded based on winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0187] As described above, in slot machine 1, in the RBB state where the game starts with the second specified number (2) of electronic tokens inserted, even if a small win with a payout of 2 or more tokens is achieved, the payout limit setting process shown in Figure 8 is executed, resulting in a payout of 1 token.

[0188] In other words, in slot machine 1, when small wins 1 and 2 are set to pay out more than 1 coin each, both when 3 electronic coins are inserted and the game starts, the payout will be different from when 3 electronic coins are inserted and the game starts.

[0189] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when each of the minor role 1 and minor role 2 is won in the RBB state, which is set to insert two electronic tokens and the game starts, the payout amount is different from when the game starts with three electronic tokens inserted. Furthermore, both minor role 1 and minor role 2 are configured to be awarded when the game state is the RBB state, based on whether they have been won.

[0190] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery determines whether multiple types of winning combinations are achieved, and these multiple types of winning combinations include minor winning combinations that belong to a predetermined group. The predetermined group consists of minor winning combinations for which the amount of game value paid out differs depending on whether the game is started with a first predetermined number of game value or with a second predetermined number of game value, which is less than the first predetermined number. Each minor winning combination in the predetermined group is awarded based on being won in the internal lottery, regardless of whether the game is started with a first predetermined number of game value or with a second predetermined number of game value.

[0191] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the minor roles included in a predetermined group include a first minor role (minor role 1) and a second minor role (minor role 2). The first minor role can be won by operating multiple stop buttons in a first operation pattern (batting order 3 to batting order 6) when it is won in an internal lottery during a game started with a second predetermined number of game values ​​inserted. The second minor role can be won by operating multiple stop buttons in a second operation pattern (batting order 1, batting order 2) different from the first operation pattern when it is won in an internal lottery during a game started with a second predetermined number of game values ​​inserted.

[0192] With this configuration, in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number set to a first specified number in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of electronic medals paid out when small win 1 and small win 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when they are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, because the machine is awarded based on the fact that both small win 1 and small win 2 are won in the RBB state, it is possible to prevent the performance of small win 1 and small win 2 from being excessively reduced and to sufficiently guarantee the performance of the gaming machine.

[0193] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic tokens are inserted and the game starts is set to 1 token, and the payout when two electronic tokens are inserted and the game starts is also set to 1 token. For small wins 3 to 8, which pay out the same amount when a win occurs in the RBB state when two electronic tokens are inserted and the game starts when three electronic tokens are inserted, the machine is configured to award a win based on whether it is won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, in the RBB state, while small win 3 is awarded based on whether it is won, small wins 4 to 8 are configured not to award a win regardless of how stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated when they are won.

[0194] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery determines whether multiple types of winning combinations are achieved. These multiple types of winning combinations include minor winning combinations in a first group and minor winning combinations in a second group. The first group consists of minor winning combinations for which the amount of game value paid out is the same whether the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value or with a second predetermined amount of game value (which is less than the first predetermined amount). The second group consists of minor winning combinations for which the amount of game value paid out is different whether the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value or with a second predetermined amount of game value. The minor winning combinations in the first group include those for which no win is achieved when the game is started with a second predetermined amount of game value, regardless of the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons.

[0195] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the RBB state, where the number of electronic medals paid out does not change when a win occurs in the RBB state compared to when a win occurs in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of wins for minor roles 4 to 8 does not occur in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to pre-store stop control data related to reel stop control that enables wins for minor roles 4 to 8 in the reel control data storage means 194, thereby reducing the data capacity related to stop control data in the RBB state.

[0196] These minor roles 1 and 2 constitute a second group of minor roles and a predetermined group of minor roles, each having a different payout amount based on winning when the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value invested and when the game is started with a second predetermined amount of game value invested. Minor roles 3 to 8 constitute a first group of minor roles, each having the same payout when the game is started with a first predetermined amount of game value invested and when the game is started with a second predetermined amount of game value, which is less than the first predetermined amount.

[0197] <Summary of gameplay in each game state> As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of specified coins is fixed to the first specified number (3 coins) in the first game state, which is the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, when the RBB is not operating, and in the second game state, which is the RBB state, when the RBB is operating, the number of specified coins is fixed to the second specified number (2 coins). Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout rate in the RBB state is higher than the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the probability of winning each small win is higher in the RBB state than in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0198] Furthermore, slot machine 1 is configured such that when a win occurs in the RBB state, which is set to insert a second predetermined number of electronic tokens and the game starts, the payout for small wins 1 and 2 will be different from when the game starts with inserting a first predetermined number of electronic tokens. The slot machine is configured to award prizes based on the win when the game state is RBB.

[0199] Then, in the RBB state, when slot machine 1 is set to insert the second specified number of electronic tokens and gameplay begins, the payout limit setting process is executed, so that the maximum number of electronic tokens that can be paid out in that game is set to a specific number (1 token) which is less than the second specified number. Therefore, even if small win 1 or small win 2 is achieved, 1 token will be paid out.

[0200] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in this embodiment), and the performance in the RBB state can be designed to acquire game value in the state when the RBB is not operating while adhering to the performance required for a gaming machine, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0201] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the machine transitions to the RBB state with a predetermined number of 2 coins, and a winning area including a minor role is hit, the payout limit setting process (see Figure 8) is executed, so that 1 coin is paid out regardless of which minor role is hit. As a result, the payout rate in the RBB state is reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value in the state when the RBB is not activated can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0202] Furthermore, in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number set to a first specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of electronic medals paid out when small win 1 and small win 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when they are won in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, because the machine is awarded based on the fact that both small win 1 and small win 2 are won in the RBB state, it is possible to prevent the performance of small win 1 and small win 2 from being excessively reduced and to sufficiently guarantee the performance of the gaming machine.

[0203] Furthermore, in the RBB state, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the RBB state, where the number of electronic medals paid out does not change when a win occurs in the RBB state compared to when a win occurs in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, the number of wins for minor roles 4 to 8 does not occur in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to pre-store stop control data related to reel stop control that enables wins for minor roles 4 to 8 in the reel control data storage means 194, thereby reducing the data capacity related to stop control data in the RBB state.

[0204] Furthermore, as mentioned above, slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout rate becomes 50% when the RBB state is set to a second specified number (2 coins) which is different from the first specified number (3 coins) as the specified number, by executing a process to set the upper limit of the number of payouts.

[0205] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in the bonus state and allows medals to be won by executing AT game in a game state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state where the bonus is not activated, such as a bonus-established state), conventionally, there is a system in which multiple types of first specific small roles, each set to pay out more than the number of game value inputs required to start the game, are awarded in multiple types of first winning patterns in which they do not overlap with each other but are awarded in conjunction with a second specific small role different from the first specific small role, and a third winning pattern in which multiple types of first specific small roles are awarded in conjunction, and the internal lottery means is used in the normal game state, bonus state It is known that a machine is configured such that, in the standing state, an internal lottery is conducted so that there are multiple types of first winning patterns, and in the bonus state, an internal lottery is conducted so that there is a third winning pattern, and the probability of winning the third winning pattern in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the multiple types of first winning patterns in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus state, and the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state is higher than or equal to the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus state.

[0206] In a gaming machine configured as described above, while compressing the probability of winning the first specific minor winning combination in the bonus state to the reciprocal of the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination (for example, if there are four types of the first specific minor winning combination, it is 1 / 4), ensuring that the performance in the bonus state is sufficient performance required for the gaming machine, and in the non-bonus state, by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor winning combination, the winning probability of the first specific minor winning combination is increased compared to the case where winning assistance is not executed, and medals can be obtained in AT games. However, it is necessary to have a plurality of types of the first specific minor winning combination.

[0207] In a gaming machine, for a minor winning combination that can obtain medals by winning, it is common to stop and display a specific symbol (for example, a bell symbol) in a visible form for the player. However, when each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is configured to be visible in three frames in a specific area where the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be seen, the patterns for displaying a specific symbol in a row are limited to five patterns. Therefore, when the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination exceeds five, it is necessary to display it in the specific area in a display mode different from the display mode for displaying in a row.

[0208] Also, in a gaming machine, there are a method of determining the priority of stop position candidates when a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are won in an internal lottery (number priority control), which determines the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1, and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control).

[0209] Therefore, in a gaming machine, when setting the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the first specific minor winning combination to win and the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that disable the first specific minor winning combination and enable the second specific minor winning combination to win, in order to enable the second specific minor winning combination to win, it is necessary to enable the second specific minor winning combination by number priority control.

[0210] Because of these limitations, in gaming machines, the more you try to increase the number of types of the first specific small win and compress the payout rate in the bonus state, the more types of the second specific small win also need to be increased. Furthermore, the arrangement of symbols required to make the second specific small win possible also needs to be increased. As a result, compressing the payout rate in the bonus state increases the amount of data related to the small wins, and the difficulty of design tends to increase.

[0211] In contrast, in a slot machine 1 configured such that the payout rate becomes 50% when the payout limit setting process is executed in an RBB state where the number of specified tokens is set to a second specified number (2 tokens) different from the first specified number (3 tokens), even if the machine is configured to have one small win with a payout greater than the first specified number when the first specified number of tokens are inserted and the game starts, the performance of the RBB state can be guaranteed to be sufficient for the performance required of a gaming machine, while the payout rate in the RBB state can be sufficiently reduced.

[0212] With this configuration, slot machine 1 can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state and prevent an increase in the data capacity related to small wins when designing the medal acquisition performance when the RBB is not activated. This reduces the data capacity related to small wins and improves the design freedom related to the arrangement of symbols. Furthermore, by reducing the data capacity related to small wins, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0213] 4. Details of control using the AT high probability counter Next, we will describe in detail the AT high probability counter 196b controlled by the AT control means 170 of this embodiment, and the control related to the instruction function executed using the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0214] <Details of the winning areas grouped as Winning Role Group 1> As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" and the winning areas "RBB & One-card Hand 1" to "RBB & One-card Hand 3" are grouped as winning combination group 1.

[0215] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" and the winning areas "RBB & One-card Hand 1" to "RBB & One-card Hand 3", and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the minor winning combination 3 is configured to win. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2 and the minor winning combination 3 wins, in the game, it is impossible to determine which of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" and the winning areas "RBB & One-card Hand 1" to "RBB & One-card Hand 3" the player has won.

[0216] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a function in the progress of the game, since the function that the minor winning combination that wins when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 and batting order 2 is the same minor winning combination 3, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" and the winning areas "RBB & One-card Hand 1" to "RBB & One-card Hand 3" are grouped as winning combination group 1.

[0217] <Control related to update of AT high-probability counter> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing control related to the update of the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b executed by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment.

[0218] As shown in Figure 10, the AT control means 170 first determines whether all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (S11). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, which started rotating when the start lever SL was started, have stopped due to the stop operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3. If it is determined that at least one of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is still rotating (NO), the process in step S11 is repeated until all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped.

[0219] In step S11, if it is determined that all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not it has performed any of the following prize-winning assistance in this game: notification of the correct spinning order, suggestion of the correct spinning order, or suggestion of the first stop operation (S12). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether or not it has performed any of the following prize-winning assistance in this game: notification of the correct spinning order, suggestion of the correct spinning order, or suggestion of the first stop operation.

[0220] Therefore, if the AT control means 170 determines, for example, to "execute correct hit order notification" or "execute correct hit order suggestion" in the first AT prize-winning assistance lottery executed in the first AT state, it determines that prize-winning assistance has been executed and proceeds to steps S12 to S15. On the other hand, if the AT control means 170 determines that "miss (not won)" in the first AT prize-winning assistance lottery executed in the first AT state, it determines that although the first AT prize-winning assistance lottery is being executed as a control related to prize-winning assistance, prize-winning assistance has not been executed, and proceeds to steps S12 to S13.

[0221] In step S12, if it is determined that no control related to prize-winning assistance has been performed in this game (NO), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not a winning area included in the winning role group 1 was won in this game (S13). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether or not a winning area included in the winning role group 1 was won in this game, specifically in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", or "RBB & 1-Coin Win 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Win 3".

[0222] In step S13, if it is determined that the current game resulted in a win in a winning area included in winning role group 1 (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the stop button B1 was pressed for the first stop operation (S14). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether the stop button pressed for the first stop operation was stop button B1, stop button B2, or stop button B3.

[0223] In step S12, if it is determined that control related to prize assistance is being executed in this game (YES), in step S13, if it is determined that the player has not won in a winning area included in winning role group 1 in this game (NO), or in step S14, if it is determined that the stop button B1 has been pressed for the first stop operation (YES), the AT control means 170 executes control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S15). In this process, the AT control means 170 executes control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b according to the current performance state.

[0224] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute a lottery related to the transition of the performance state, such as a CZ lottery and a normal AT lottery, as a control related to an instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the performance state is the normal state. When the AT control means 170 executes a lottery related to the transition of the performance state in the normal state, it refers to the AT high probability counter 196b and executes the lottery related to the transition of the performance state such that the probability of winning a transition from the normal state to another performance state is higher when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1" than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "0".

[0225] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a lottery related to the instruction function in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for adding sets during CZ) as control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the performance state is the CZ state. The AT control means 170 is configured to refer to the AT high probability counter 196b in the lottery related to the instruction function in the CZ state, and to reduce the probability of "not winning (losing)" when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the value "1" compared to when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is the initial value "0", and to increase the probability of a favorable result for the player (in the case of an AT lottery during CZ, "transition to AT state")

[0226] After executing the process in step S15, the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S16). Then, the AT control means 170 adds the value "1" to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S17) and terminates the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b. By executing these processes, the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and then adds the value "1" to terminate the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, thereby making the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b the value "1" when the next game starts and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is referenced.

[0227] On the other hand, if in step S14 it is determined that the stop button B2 or stop button B3 has been pressed for a first stop operation (NO), the AT control means 170 initializes the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b (S18) and terminates the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0228] Thus, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 does not perform prize assistance, and in a game in which the player wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4", if the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, the process proceeds from step S14 to step S18 without executing steps S15 to S17, and the process ends with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b set to "0". This makes it possible to set the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to "0" when the next game starts and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is referenced.

[0229] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 1 and turn 2, small win 1, which is set to pay more than the first predetermined number, will not be awarded, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 to turn 6, small win 1 will be awarded. Thus, the payout rate when the game is played by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in turn 1 and turn 2 is less than 50%, and the payout rate when the game is played by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in turn 3 to turn 6 is more than 50%.

[0230] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the AT control means 170 does not perform prize-winning assistance and the instruction functions that do not perform correct spinning order notification, correct spinning order suggestion, and first stop operation suggestion are not activated, the expected value of electronic medal acquisition when the game is played by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in spinning order 1 and spinning order 2 is lower than the expected value of electronic medal acquisition when the game is played by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in spinning order 3 to 6.

[0231] Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the machine is in a normal state or a CZ state where no prize-winning assistance is performed, the configuration is such that it is more likely to win electronic tokens in the game when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 to turn 6 than when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 1 to turn 2.

[0232] However, in the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, which is performed after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 shown in Figure 10, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment performs control related to an instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when a prize-winning assistance is performed, or when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 when a prize is won in the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", thereby performing control that is advantageous to the player, such as enabling the performance state to transition to an AT state that is advantageous to the player.

[0233] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured such that, in the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, it does not perform prize-winning assistance, and in a game in which the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4", or the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 1" to "RBB & 1-Coin Payout 3", if the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, it does not perform control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0234] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is able to execute control related to an instruction function that is more advantageous to the player than when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 1 and turn 2, when no prize-winning assistance is performed, by referring to the AT high probability counter 196b. As a result, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 to turn 6, control that is disadvantageous to the player is executed, thus preventing the development of a strategy to aim for winning small prize 1, which is set to pay more than the first specified number, by stopping the stop buttons B1 to B3 in turn 3 to turn 6.

[0235] Furthermore, in the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment controls the process so that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "1" when the player performs an assist in winning an award, when the player wins in a winning area that is not included in the winning role group 1, and when the player operates stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 or batting order 2, even if the player does not perform an assist in winning an award, but the player wins in a winning area that is included in the winning role group 1.

[0236] On the other hand, in the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, the AT control means 170 updates the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" and terminates the process of updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, thereby controlling the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b to the value "0" when the next game starts.

[0237] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, in such a way that when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "1", the control is more advantageous to the player than when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0".

[0238] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the game following the first game (second game) in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the order of batting 3 to 6 while no prize assistance is being performed, the second game starts with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b. Therefore, even if control related to the instruction function that refers to the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is executed in the second game, the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is updated to the value "1". This prevents the development of a strategy where players attempt to win small wins (small win 1), which are set to pay more than the first specified number, by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in the 3rd to 6th batting order when no prize-winning assistance is performed. This is because the control related to the instruction function becomes relatively less favorable than when it is performed when the AT high probability counter 196b is executed in a state where no prize-winning assistance is performed, resulting in a situation where the control related to the instruction function is less favorable for two games.

[0239] In this embodiment, stop button B1 constitutes a specific stop button, left reel R1 constitutes a specific reel, batting order 1 and batting order 2, which perform the first stop operation on stop button B1, constitute the first operation mode in this embodiment, and batting orders 3 to 6, which perform the first stop operation on stop buttons B2 and B3, which are different stop buttons from stop button B1, constitute the second operation mode in this embodiment.

[0240] <Processing related to the transmission of information indicating the winning group> Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the process for transmitting information indicating the winning combination group, which is executed by the main control CPU 11. The process for transmitting information indicating the winning combination group shown in Figure 11 is executed when the start lever SL is started.

[0241] As shown in Figure 11, the main control CPU 11 first determines whether the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" (S21). In this process, the main control CPU 11 checks whether the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" to determine whether, in the previous game, no prize-winning assistance was performed and the player won in a winning area included in winning role group 1, and whether the stop button B2 or stop button B3 was pressed as the first stop operation.

[0242] In step S21, if it is determined that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" (YES), the main control CPU 11 determines whether the current performance state is one of the 1st AT state, 2nd AT state, or AT standby state, which are included in the AT state (S22). In this process, the main control CPU 11 determines whether it is in an AT state and decides on the information indicating the winning role group to transmit.

[0243] In step S21, if it is determined that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is not "0" (NO), or in step S22, if it is determined that the current performance state is one of the 1st AT state, 2nd AT state, or AT standby state included in the AT state (YES), the main control CPU 11 transmits information indicating the winning role group that includes the winning area won in the internal lottery to the sub-control board 20 (S23). In this process, the main control CPU 11 determines that the previous game has not ended because no prize-winning assistance has been performed, and when a winning area included in winning role group 1 is won, stop buttons B1 to B3 have been operated in batting order 3 to 6, and the performance state is the normal state or CZ state, so the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", and it transmits information indicating the winning role group that includes the winning area won in the internal lottery to the sub-control board 20.

[0244] Next, the AT control means 170 of the main control CPU 11 executes control related to the transmission of prize-winning assistance commands (S24), and terminates the process related to the transmission of information indicating the winning role group. In this process, the AT control means 170 decides whether or not to transmit prize-winning assistance commands to the sub-control board 20, and if it decides to transmit prize-winning assistance commands, it executes a process to determine which prize-winning assistance commands to transmit.

[0245] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the game is not in AT state (NO), the main control CPU 11 transmits information indicating winning role group 0 to the sub-control board 20, regardless of the result of the internal lottery (S25), and terminates the process related to transmitting information indicating the winning role group. In this process, the main control CPU 11 determines that the current game started with the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b initialized to the value "0" in the previous game, and that the game is not in AT state, so it transmits information indicating winning role group 0 to the sub-control board 20, regardless of the winning area won in the internal lottery, and terminates the process related to transmitting information indicating the winning role group.

[0246] By executing the process in step S25, in the case of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the performance state is the normal state or the CZ state, in the case of the game (first game) in which stop buttons B1 to B3 were stopped in order 3 to 6 in a state in which no prize assistance is performed, if the second game starts with the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b, information indicating winning role group 0 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20, regardless of the winning area won in the internal lottery, so that the sub-control CPU 21 cannot determine the winning area won in the internal lottery, Since the internal lottery, which includes animations that suggest possible winning roles, will not execute animations corresponding to the winning area, stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6 while no prize-winning assistance is being performed will result in a situation that is relatively disadvantageous to the player, as the animations corresponding to the results of the internal lottery, which would have been possible if stop buttons B1 to B3 had been stopped in batting order 1 or 2, will not be executed. This prevents the development of a strategy to aim for winning small role 1, which is set to have a payout greater than the first specified number, by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6 while no prize-winning assistance is being performed.

[0247] As shown in Figure 3, in slot machine 1, the winning area "RBB" is set as the winning area to which information indicating winning role group 0 is transmitted. However, as mentioned above, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the winning area "RBB" is not set as the target of the internal lottery. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, when a game is won in the winning area "RBB", either the RBB is awarded by displaying the winning symbol combination of RBB on the active line L1, or it is a miss (non-winning) where no role is awarded.

[0248] Therefore, the sub-control CPU 21 of this embodiment is configured to determine whether or not information indicating winning combination group 0 has been transmitted based on the fact that the winning area "RBB" has been won, when information indicating winning combination group 0 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11, based on the information related to game information and the information of the symbol combination that was stopped and displayed on the active line L1 when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stopped.

[0249] As a result, in this embodiment, when the slot machine 1 transmits common information regardless of the result of the internal lottery as information indicating a winning role group, based on the fact that the game has started with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b updated to the value "0", the information to be transmitted can be created by setting the initial value of "0" in each register without referring to the result of the internal lottery, thereby eliminating the need to separately prepare data capacity required to prevent the sub-control CPU 21 from knowing the winning area that has been won in the internal lottery based on the fact that the game has started with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b updated to the value "0", and thus reducing the data capacity of the main memory means 190.

[0250] <Processing related to sending award-winning assistance commands> Figure 12 is a subflowchart showing the process of sending a prize-winning assistance command, which is executed by the AT control means 170 in step S24 of the process related to sending a winning role group.

[0251] In the process of sending a prize-winning assistance command, the AT control means 170 first determines whether the current performance state is one of the first AT state, second AT state, or AT standby state, which are included in the AT state (S31). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether the current performance state is one of the first AT state, second AT state, or AT standby state, which are performance states that have the potential to execute prize-winning assistance. If it is determined that it is not an AT state (NO), the process of sending a prize-winning assistance command is terminated without sending the prize-winning assistance command.

[0252] In step S31, if it is determined that the game is in AT mode (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" (S32). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether, in the previous game, no prize-winning assistance was performed and the game won in a winning area included in winning role group 1, and whether the stop button B2 or stop button B3 was pressed for the first stop operation.

[0253] In step S32, if it is determined that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether the performance state is in AT standby state or not (S33). In this process, if it is determined that the performance state is not in AT standby state (NO), the AT control means 170 determines that in the previous game, no prize-winning assistance was performed, and the player won in a winning area included in winning role group 1, and that the stop button B2 or stop button B3 was pressed for the first stop operation. The AT control means 170 then terminates the process related to sending the prize-winning assistance command without sending the prize-winning assistance command.

[0254] In step S33, if it is determined that the performance state is in AT standby state (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has been won in the internal lottery (S34). In this process, if it is determined that the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has not been won (NO), the AT control means 170 decides not to perform prize-winning assistance in this game and terminates the process related to sending prize-winning assistance commands without sending prize-winning assistance commands.

[0255] In step S32, if it is determined that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "1" (NO), or in step S34, if it is determined that the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has been won (YES), the AT control means 170 executes a process related to prize-winning assistance according to the performance state (S35). In this process, if the performance state is the first AT state, the AT control means 170 executes a prize-winning assistance lottery during the first AT if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has been won in the internal lottery, and executes a replay prize-winning assistance lottery during the first AT if the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4" has been won. Furthermore, if the AT control means 170 is in the second AT state, and has won the internal lottery for the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4", it decides to announce the correct bat order, and if it has won the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4", it executes a lottery to assist in winning a replay during the second AT. Also, if the AT control means 170 is in the AT standby state, it executes a lottery to assist in winning during AT standby. If the result of the internal lottery is not a winning area that is eligible for prize assistance, the AT control means 170 skips the processing in steps 35 and S36 and terminates the processing related to sending the prize assistance command.

[0256] After executing the process of step S35, the AT control means 170 transmits a prize assistance command corresponding to the content of the prize assistance determined in the process of step S35 to the sub-control board 20 (S36), and ends the process related to the transmission of the prize assistance command. In this process, when it is determined in the process of step S35 to execute the correct batting order notification, the AT control means 170 transmits a prize assistance command including information that enables the sub-control CPU 21 to grasp the correct batting order set in the winning area that has been won. When it is determined to execute the correct batting order suggestion, the AT control means 170 transmits a prize assistance command including information that enables the sub-control CPU 21 to grasp which of the stop buttons to perform the first stop operation among the correct batting orders set in the winning area that has been won. When it is determined to execute the first stop operation suggestion, the AT control means 170 transmits a prize assistance command including information that enables the sub-control CPU 21 to grasp that the stop button for the first stop operation is not the stop button B1.

[0257] <Presentation executed by control using the AT high-probability counter> By executing the processes of steps S21 and S22 in the process related to the transmission of the information indicating the winning combination group shown in FIG. 11, when the production state is the normal state or the CZ state and the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0", the main control CPU 11 of the present embodiment is configured to transmit the information indicating the winning combination group 0 to the sub-control board 20 without executing the process of step S23 and by executing the process of step S25, regardless of the result of the internal lottery.

[0258] On the other hand, when the production state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the AT standby state, the main control CPU 11 is configured to transmit the information indicating the winning combination group according to the result of the internal lottery to the sub-control board 20 by executing the process of step S23 even when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0".

[0259] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the second game following a game (first game) in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 to turn 6 while no prize-winning assistance is being performed, the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b is updated to the value "0" by a process related to updating the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b, and the second game starts in this state, if the performance state is AT state, it is possible to perform a performance according to the result of the internal lottery.

[0260] Furthermore, when the performance state is the first AT state or the second AT state, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", the AT control means 170 executes the process of sending the prize-winning assistance command shown in Figure 12, step S33, and then terminates the process of sending the prize-winning assistance command without executing steps S34 to S36. Therefore, it is configured not to execute the prize-winning assistance process according to the performance state, nor to send the prize-winning assistance command to the sub-control board 20.

[0261] Here, as shown in Figure 3, in slot machine 1, the winning area "Replay 3" and the winning area "Replay 4" are grouped together as winning role group 5. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the winning areas "Replay 3" and "Replay 4" are configured such that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 1, turn 2, turn 5, and turn 6, Replay 1 is awarded, and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in turn 3 and turn 4, when stop button B2 is the first stop, Replay 3 can be awarded.

[0262] Given this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the same function in terms of game progression: when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1, batting order 2, batting order 5, and batting order 6, the winning replay is the same Replay 1; and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the batting order in which stop button B2 is first stopped in batting order 3 and batting order 4, Replay 3 can be won. Therefore, the winning area "Replay 3" and the winning area "Replay 4" are grouped together as winning role group 5.

[0263] Figure 13 shows an example of a performance that the performance control means 200 executes when the performance state is the first AT state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", and information indicating the winning role group 5 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20 because the winning area "Replay 3" was won in the internal lottery.

[0264] In the example shown in Figure 13, the performance control means 200, based on the fact that it has won the winning area "Replay 3" in the internal lottery in the first AT state and has received information indicating the winning role group 5, executes a replay navigation performance that notifies that the batting order that will allow Replay 3 to be awarded is batting order 3 or batting order 4. In the replay navigation performance, the performance control means 200 displays a first indicator index 411a above the middle reel R2 in the display area 410a of the display device 410 to notify that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is stop button B2, and displays a second indication index 411b above the left reel R1 and above the right reel R3 to suggest that the stop button to be used for the second stop operation is stop button B1 or stop button B3.

[0265] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13, the slot machine 1 is configured to keep the 7-segment display that constitutes the main control display device 10D in an off state because the AT control means 170 has not transmitted a prize-winning assistance command.

[0266] Thus, in this embodiment, when the performance state of the slot machine 1 is the normal state or the CZ state, and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", information indicating winning role group 0 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20 regardless of the result of the internal lottery. As a result, the performance control means 200 is unable to determine the result of the internal lottery, and is therefore configured to be unable to execute performances corresponding to the result of the internal lottery.

[0267] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, when the performance state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the AT standby state, even when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", information indicating the winning role group that includes the winning area won in the internal lottery is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20. Therefore, the performance control means 200 is configured to execute performances that determine the result of the internal lottery and execute based on the information indicating the winning role group 5 that is transmitted when the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4" is won.

[0268] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the machine is in AT state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the first game (first game) in the order of batting 3 to 6 while no prize-winning assistance is being performed, and the second game (second game) starts with the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, the main control CPU 11 sends information to the sub-control board 20 indicating that the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0". When the following information is transmitted, the sub-control CPU 21 can determine that the second game has started with the AT high probability counter 196b's memory value at "0", and that the winning area has been selected in the internal lottery. Therefore, even if the game starts in the AT state with the AT high probability counter 196b's memory value at "0", the CPU can execute the effects corresponding to the winning area selected in the internal lottery, preventing a decrease in the player's interest in the effects in the AT state.

[0269] In addition, when in the AT state and when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0", the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to execute an effect according to the result of internal lottery, such as a replay navigation effect when winning the winning area "Replay 3" or the winning area "Replay 4", based on the information indicating the winning role group transmitted from the main control CPU 11. Also, when winning the winning area "rare role", since the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0" and the possibility of being advantageous to the player in the process related to the instruction function referring to the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is reduced, control such as not notifying the player of winning the winning area "rare role" can be performed. Therefore, an effect according to the progress of the game can be selectively executed, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest in the effect from decreasing.

[0270] This normal state and CZ state constitute the first state in the present embodiment, and the AT state constitutes the second state in the present embodiment. Also, the main control CPU 11 that sets the information indicating the winning role group to be transmitted to the sub-control board 20 constitutes the information setting means in the present embodiment. The information indicating the winning role group 0 constitutes the first information that makes the result of the internal lottery in the present embodiment indistinguishable, and the information indicating the winning role group including the winning area selected by the internal lottery constitutes the second information that makes the result of the internal lottery in the present embodiment distinguishable.

[0271] Further, when the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment is in the AT standby state and the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0", after executing the process of step S33 of the process related to the transmission of the winning auxiliary command shown in FIG. 12, it is configured to proceed to step S34. When winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" in the internal lottery in the game, the processes of steps S35 and S36 are executed to end the process related to the transmission of the winning auxiliary command. Therefore, a winning auxiliary command including information that the sub-control CPU 21 can grasp the correct batting order or information that the stop button for the first stop operation is not the stop button B1 is transmitted to the sub-control board 20.

[0272] As described above, when the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment wins in the winning area included in the winning combination group 1 and the winning auxiliary is not executed, when the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is operated for the first stop, the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is configured to be initialized to the value "0". Further, the AT standby state is configured to shift from the second AT state. Also, as described above, in the second AT state, when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" in the internal lottery, the correct batting order notification is always executed.

[0273] Due to such a configuration, the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, in the last game in the second AT state or in the game executed until winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" in the AT standby state, when winning in the winning areas "RBB & 1-card combination 1" to "RBB & 1-card combination 3" among the winning areas included in the winning combination group 1 and the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is operated for the first stop, the next game of the game is configured to start in a state where the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is initialized to the value "0".

[0274] Figure 14(A) shows an example of a performance that the performance control means 200 executes when the performance state is in AT standby state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", and information indicating winning role group 1 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20 because the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" was won in the internal lottery, and an entry assistance command including information that allows the sub-control CPU 21 to understand that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is not stop button B1 is transmitted from the AT control means 170 to the sub-control board 20.

[0275] In the example shown in Figure 14(A), the performance control means 200 displays a status indicator 415a indicating that the system is in AT standby mode by displaying "AT standby" approximately in the center of the display area 410a of the display device 410 in the left-right direction and at the position of the information in the up-down direction. Furthermore, based on the fact that the internal lottery in the AT standby state has resulted in winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" and that information indicating winning role group 1 has been received, and that the sub-control CPU 21 has received an entry assistance command which includes information that allows it to understand that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is not stop button B1, the performance control means 200 executes a first stop operation suggestion performance that notifies that the batting order that makes it possible to win small role 1 is batting order 3 to batting order 6 and that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is not stop button B1. In the first stop operation suggestion performance, the performance control means 200 displays a first suggestion indicator 412a in the display area 410a of the display device 410, above the middle reel R2 and above the right reel R3, indicating that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is either stop button B2 or stop button B3, and displays a non-operation instruction indicator 412b above the left reel R1, indicating that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is not stop button B1.

[0276] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 14(A), the slot machine 1 is configured such that, since the AT control means 170 transmits a prize-winning assistance command, the 7-segment display that constitutes the main control display device 10D lights up in a way that indicates that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is not the stop button B1 (in the example shown in Figure 14(A), this is "07").

[0277] Figure 14(B) shows an example of a performance that the performance control means 200 executes when the performance state is in AT standby state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", and information indicating winning role group 1 is transmitted from the main control CPU 11 to the sub-control board 20 because the winning area "batting order bell 1" was won in the internal lottery, and an award assistance command including information that allows the sub-control CPU 21 to understand that the correct batting order is batting order 3 is transmitted from the AT control means 170 to the sub-control board 20.

[0278] In the example shown in Figure 14(B), the performance control means 200 displays the status display 415a approximately in the center of the display area 410a of the display device 410 in the left-right direction and at the position of the information in the up-down direction. Furthermore, based on the fact that the internal lottery in the AT standby state has resulted in winning in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" and that it has received information indicating the winning role group 1, and that it has received an entry assistance command which includes information that the sub-control CPU 21 can understand that the correct batting order is batting order 3, the performance control means 200 executes a correct batting order navigation performance that notifies that the batting order that makes it possible to win small role 1 is batting order 3. In the correct answer sequence navigation performance, the performance control means 200 displays a first indicator 413a above the middle reel R2 in the display area 410a of the display device 410 to indicate that the stop button to be used for the first stop operation is stop button B2, a second indicator 413b above the left reel R1 to indicate that the stop button to be used for the second stop operation is stop button B1, and a third indicator 413c above the right reel R3 to indicate that the stop button to be used for the third stop operation is stop button B3.

[0279] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 14(B), the slot machine 1 is configured such that, since the AT control means 170 transmits a prize-winning assistance command, the 7-segment display that constitutes the main control display device 10D lights up in a way that indicates the correct batting order is batting order 3 (in the example shown in Figure 14(B), this is represented as "01").

[0280] Thus, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to perform a first stop operation suggestion or correct batting order notification when the performance state is in AT standby state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0", if the internal lottery results in a win in the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4".

[0281] As described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute a first AT standby prize-winning assistance lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, and to decide whether to execute a first stop operation suggestion or a correct batting order notification. In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, either a first stop operation suggestion or a correct batting order notification is always executed.

[0282] Given this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery, either a first stop operation suggestion or a correct bat order notification will always be performed as an assist in winning. In the AT standby state where no assist in winning is performed and there is no strategy to aim for winning small role 1 which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in bat order 3 to bat order 6, the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b is updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b. Even if the game is started in a newly modified state, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" is selected, either a first stop operation suggestion or a correct batting order notification will always be executed as a prize-winning assistance. This prevents the situation where, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, no prize-winning assistance is executed, and the AT standby state continues without transitioning to the first AT state when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during batting order 1 or batting order 2, thus preventing a decrease in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0283] In this embodiment, the first control state is a normal state, CZ state, 1st AT state, and 2nd AT state in which, when the next game after a game in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the 3rd batting order, the player wins in the winning area "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4", and the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the next game after a game in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the 3rd batting order, the player wins in the winning area "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4", and the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the next game after a game in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in the 3rd batting order, the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the player wins in the winning area "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4", and the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the player does receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the player does not win in the winning area "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4", and the player does not receive an indication or notification of how to operate stop buttons B1 to B3 to enable the winning of small role 1, and the player does not

[0284] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery, either a first stop operation suggestion or a correct bat order notification will always be performed as an assist in winning. In the AT standby state where no assist in winning is performed and there is no strategy to aim for winning small role 1 which is set to pay more than the first specified number by stopping stop buttons B1 to B3 in bat order 3 to bat order 6, the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b is updated to the value "0" by the process related to updating the memory value of the AT high probability counter 196b. Even if the game starts in this state, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected, either a first stop operation suggestion or a correct batting order notification will always be executed as a prize-winning assistance. This prevents the situation where, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, no prize-winning assistance is executed, and the AT standby state continues without transitioning to the first AT state when stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped in batting order 1 or batting order 2, thus preventing a decrease in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0285] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to determine whether the stop button B1 was pressed for the first stop operation after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped, and to execute the processes of steps S15 to S18 related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b, as shown in Figure 10, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 170 may be configured, for example, to determine whether the stop button B1 was pressed for the first stop operation at the time the first stop operation is performed, and to execute the processes of steps S15 to S18 related to updating the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b.

[0286] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to initialize the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed as a first stop operation while the winning area included in the winning role group 1 is selected in the internal lottery and no prize-winning assistance is being performed. However, it is not limited to this configuration. The AT control means 170 may also be configured to initialize the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b when the stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed as a first stop operation while no prize-winning assistance is being performed, regardless of the result of the internal lottery.

[0287] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a process related to prize assistance based on the fact that the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has been won, even when the performance state is in the AT standby state and the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0". However, it is not limited to this. The AT control means 170 may also be configured to execute a process related to prize assistance based on the fact that the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" has been won, even in the second AT state in which correct batting order notification is always executed when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" is won, even when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0". When configured in this way, the second AT state constitutes the second control state.

[0288] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the main control CPU 11 is configured to transmit information indicating winning role group 0, which includes the winning area "RBB", to the sub-control board 20 as information indicating a winning role group regardless of the result of the internal lottery, when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" and the machine is not in AT mode, but is not limited to this. The main control CPU 11 may also be configured to transmit unique information that does not include any winning area as information indicating a winning role group regardless of the result of the internal lottery, when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" and the machine is not in AT mode. Specifically, in the case of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, since each winning area is included in one of winning role groups 0 to 7, the main control CPU 11 may be configured to transmit information indicating winning role group 8 as information indicating a winning role group regardless of the result of the internal lottery, when the stored value of the AT high probability counter 196b is "0" and the machine is not in AT mode.

[0289] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that, when the instruction function is not activated, the expected value of electronic tokens to be acquired when stop button B1 is first stopped is lower than the expected value of electronic tokens to be acquired when stop buttons B2 and B3 are first stopped. However, the machine is not limited to this configuration. The slot machine 1 may also be configured such that, when one specific stop button among stop buttons B1 to B3 is first stopped, the expected value of electronic tokens to be acquired is lower than the expected value of electronic tokens to be acquired when a stop button other than the specific stop button is first stopped.

[0290] That is, in the slot machine 1, any one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 constitutes a specific stop button, the reel corresponding to the specific stop button among the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 constitutes a specific reel, the operation mode in which the specific stop button is first operated constitutes a first operation mode, and the operation mode in which a stop button different from the specific stop button is first operated constitutes a second operation mode.

[0291] Also, in the present embodiment, the main control CPU 11 is in the normal state or the CZ state, and when the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0", information indicating the winning combination group 0 is transmitted to the sub-control board 20 regardless of the result of the internal lottery. When it is in the AT state and the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0", information indicating the winning combination group including the winning area selected by the internal lottery is transmitted to the sub-control board 20, but it is not limited to this. The main control CPU 11 may be configured to transmit information indicating the winning combination group 0 to the sub-control board 20 regardless of the result of the internal lottery based on the fact that the stored value of the AT high-probability counter 196b is the value "0" when, for example, it is in the first AT state in which the execution of the winning assistance is determined according to the result of the first AT winning assistance lottery when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" in the AT state. When configured in this way, the normal state, the CZ state, and the first AT state constitute the first state, and the second AT state and the AT standby state constitute the second state.

[0292] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170, when it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, executes an AT standby prize-winning assistance lottery and decides to either "execute correct bat order notification" or "execute first stop operation suggestion," and the game is executed according to the determined prize-winning assistance. In other words, when stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation, it is determined that the conditions for ending the AT standby state have been met, and the performance state is transitioned to the first AT state, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The AT control means 170 may be configured to determine whether to continue the AT standby state and to perform a lottery to determine whether to add (increase) the number of times the first AT state is executed, for example, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, and to determine whether to perform either "execute correct bat order notification" or "execute first stop operation suggestion". If it is decided to "execute first stop operation suggestion" and the player operates stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct batting order, the AT standby state will be continued, and a lottery will be performed to determine whether to add (increase) the number of times the first AT state of one set is executed.

[0293] In this configuration, the AT control means 170 is configured to continue the AT standby state if it wins a winning area "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" in the internal lottery during the AT standby state. For example, it may be configured to transition from the AT standby state to the first AT state if it wins a winning area including a replay in the internal lottery.

[0294] In other words, in a gaming machine, the success or failure of multiple types of winning patterns is determined by internal lottery, and these multiple types of winning patterns include a first winning pattern (winning area "Beat Order Bell 1" to winning area "Beat Order Bell 4") and a second winning pattern (winning area "Replay 1" to winning area "Replay 4"), and the first winning pattern includes a first small win (small win 1) and a second small win (small win 3 to small win 8), and the first small win is set to have a higher payout than the second small win, and each of the multiple types of first winning patterns has multiple correct stop button operation patterns set to enable the winning of the first small win, and the control means is in a third control state ( The control means may be configured such that it is possible to control the first AT state, and when the first winning pattern is selected in the internal lottery in the second control state, it is possible to execute a specific operation pattern suggestion (first stop operation suggestion) that suggests an operation pattern including the correct operation pattern, and when the first winning pattern is selected in the internal lottery in the second control state, and the specific operation pattern suggestion is executed, and multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation pattern, it is possible to grant a bonus related to the instruction function, and when the second winning pattern is selected in the internal lottery in the second control state, it is possible to transition from the second control state to the third control state.

[0295] With this configuration, if the slot machine 1 wins a winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, and the first stop operation suggestion is executed, and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, in addition to paying out electronic medals for winning small win 1, the player can also be granted a bonus related to the instruction function. This improves the playability in the AT standby state, where there is a possibility of not winning small win 1 even if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4" is won in the internal lottery, and prevents a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0296] Furthermore, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, the system is configured to notify the correct batting order or suggest the first stop operation, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order while the first stop operation suggestion is being performed, a bonus can be awarded. In the case where the system is configured to transition from the AT standby state to the first AT state when the winning area including a replay is selected in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, the AT control means 170 may be configured to transition from the AT standby state to the first AT state based on the fact that the winning area including a replay is selected in the internal lottery during a game after the game in which the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" was selected at least once in the internal lottery during a series of AT standby states.

[0297] In other words, the gaming machine may be configured such that, in a series of second control states, if the player wins the first winning pattern in an internal lottery and then wins the second winning pattern in an internal lottery after that game, the machine can transition from the second control state to the third control state.

[0298] With this configuration, slot machine 1 can continue in the AT standby state until it wins at least once in the internal lottery during the AT standby state, between the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4". This increases the possibility of receiving bonuses during the AT standby state, improves the gameplay during the AT standby state, and prevents a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0299] Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, in each of the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", a win is possible when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 or batting order 6, and a Replay 4 has a winning symbol combination that can display a specific symbol in a line on the active line L1. In this way, after winning the winning area "Battling Order Bell 1" to "Battling Order Bell 4" in at least one internal draw while in the AT standby state, if a winning area including a Replay is won, the machine may be configured to suggest the win of Replay 4. Also, in this configuration, the AT control means 170 may be configured to transition from the AT standby state to the first AT state, regardless of whether a Replay 4 is won, after winning the winning area "Battling Order Bell 1" to "Battling Order Bell 4" in at least one internal draw while in the AT standby state, if a winning area including a Replay is won, the machine may be configured to transition from the AT standby state to the first AT state, regardless of whether a Replay 4 is won.

[0300] In other words, the gaming machine may be configured such that the second winning pattern includes a specific role (Replay 4), and in a series of second control states, if the second winning pattern is won in an internal lottery after the first winning pattern is won in an internal lottery, it is possible to suggest that the specific role has been awarded.

[0301] With this configuration, when slot machine 1 transitions from the AT standby state to the first AT state, it can represent a transition in the performance state accompanied by the winning of Replay 4. By using Replay 4, the gameplay in the AT standby state can be improved, and a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine can be prevented.

[0302] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition from the normal state or the CZ state to the first AT state when a transition to the first AT state is determined in the normal state or the CZ state, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured, for example, to transition from the normal state or the CZ state to the AT preparation state as the third state when a transition to the first AT state as the second state is determined in the normal state or the CZ state as the first state, and to continue in the AT preparation state until a transition to the first AT state is achieved, and to transition from the AT preparation state to the first AT state when the conditions for transitioning to the first AT state are met in the AT preparation state.

[0303] In this configuration, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, as a transition condition for transitioning from the AT preparation state to the first AT state, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT preparation state, the machine executes an AT preparation state prize-adding assistance lottery as an indication lottery, with "Execution of correct bat order notification" and "Execution of first stop operation indication" as the targets of the lottery, and if "Execution of first stop operation indication" is selected in the AT preparation state prize-adding assistance lottery, and a game is executed in accordance with the first stop operation indication as a second indication, that is, a game is executed in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is performed as the first stop operation, the machine determines that the transition condition for transitioning from the AT preparation state to the first AT state has been met.

[0304] Furthermore, in this configuration, the slot machine 1 has a first probability of approximately 12.5% ​​for determining "execution of correct button sequence notification" in the AT preparation prize-winning assistance lottery, and a second probability of approximately 87.5% for determining "execution of first stop operation suggestion". The second probability is higher than the first probability, and the first probability is for games in which the stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop operation in games where the AT preparation prize-winning assistance lottery determines "execution of first stop operation suggestion". In a game where the execution of the AT preparation prize draw during the AT preparation state determines "execution of correct button press order notification," and under the condition that a game is executed in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct button press order, which is a game that follows the correct button press order notification as the first suggestion, the probability may be set such that when a predetermined number of games (for example, 400 games) are played during the AT preparation state, the payout of electronic tokens will exceed one-third of the total number of electronic tokens inserted.

[0305] In other words, in a gaming machine, the reels consist of a first reel (left reel R1), a second reel (middle reel R2), and a third reel (right reel R3), and the targets of the internal lottery include specific winning patterns (winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 4"), and the specific winning patterns include the first payout small win (small win 1) and the second payout small win (small win 3 to small win 8), the first payout is set to a higher payout than the second payout, and for each of the multiple types of specific winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set as the operation pattern of multiple stop buttons, The operation method in which the first reel is stopped is not set as the correct operation method in any of the specific winning patterns, and there are specific winning patterns in which the operation method in which the second reel is stopped first is the correct operation method, and there are specific winning patterns in which the operation method in which the third reel is stopped first is the correct operation method, and there are no specific winning patterns in which the operation method in which the first reel is stopped first is the correct operation method, and when a specific winning pattern is won in the internal lottery, if multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation method, the first payout small prize is awarded, and the operation method is different from the correct operation method. If multiple stop buttons are operated in a manner that stops the first reel first, the second payout prize can be awarded. If multiple stop buttons are operated in a manner different from the correct operation manner, in a manner that stops the second or third reel first, the second payout prize can be awarded with a predetermined probability. If the second payout prize is not awarded, no prize is awarded. The control means can control the following states related to the instruction function: first state (normal state, CZ state), second state (first AT state), and third state (AT preparation state). If a transition to the second state is decided in state 1, it is possible to transition to state 3, and if a specific winning pattern is won in the internal lottery in state 3, a suggestion lottery is performed to determine whether to execute a first suggestion (correct button press order notification) that suggests the correct operation pattern, or a second suggestion (first stop operation suggestion) that suggests operation patterns of multiple stop buttons including the correct operation pattern, and if a specific winning pattern is won in the internal lottery in state 3 and the second suggestion is executed, and multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation pattern that stops the second or third reel first,The system may be configured such that it is possible to transition from the third state to the second state, the probability of determining the first suggestion in the suggestion lottery is the first probability, and the probability of determining the second suggestion in the suggestion lottery is the second probability, with the second probability being higher than the first probability, and the first probability being set to be the probability that the payout of game value will exceed one-third of the total amount of game value invested when a predetermined number of games are played.

[0306] With this configuration, slot machine 1, while in the AT preparation state, can transition from the AT preparation state to the 1st AT state by aiming to win small role 1 through gameplay using the first stop operation suggestion, thereby improving gameplay and preventing a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine. Furthermore, even if the AT preparation state continues due to intentionally disregarding the first stop operation suggestion when it is executed in the AT preparation state, it is possible to prevent excessive suppression of the payout of electronic tokens, thereby preventing a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0307] In this configuration, the left reel R1 constitutes the first reel, the middle reel R2 constitutes the second reel, the right reel R3 constitutes the third reel, stop button B1 constitutes the first stop button, stop button B2 constitutes the second stop button, and stop button B3 constitutes the third stop button. In this configuration, the first reel may also constitute a specific reel, and the AT preparation state may constitute the second control state. In this configuration, when the slot machine 1 wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" and stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop, the probability of winning a small prize set to pay one coin is not limited to 1 / 1. At least one of stop buttons B2 and B3 may be configured such that when operated at a predetermined timing, a small prize set to pay one coin can be won, and when operated at a timing different from the predetermined timing, neither prize is won (no prize won).

[0308] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured not to perform assistance for winning small role 1 when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the CZ state, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to perform assistance for winning small role 1 by determining by lottery whether or not to perform assistance for winning small role 1 when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 4" is selected in the internal lottery during the CZ state.

[0309] In the CZ state, if the slot machine 1 is configured to perform a prize-winning assist for small win 1 when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" is selected by lottery, it is preferable that the payout rate in the performance state in which prize-winning assist is performed by the lottery does not exceed 100%.

[0310] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to manage the duration of each of the first AT state and the second AT state by the number of games played, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to manage the duration of each of the first AT state and the second AT state by the difference in the number of tokens won, or it may be configured to manage the duration by the number of times small win 1 is achieved.

[0311] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance control means 200 is configured to display the number of games played in the AT state and the number of electronic medals acquired in the result performance, but is not limited to this. The performance control means 200 may also be configured to display, for example, the number of sets in which the first AT state was executed, or it may be configured to display the number of sets in which the first AT state was executed instead of the number of games played in the AT state.

[0312] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the duration of the second AT state is managed by the number of games played, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured such that the number of games that can be played is managed using the number of sets, in substantially the same way as the first AT state.

[0313] In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured such that the probability of continuing one set of second AT states when no playable sets of second AT states are stocked is higher than the probability of continuing one set of first AT states when no playable sets of first AT states are stocked.

[0314] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a two-coin bet is played, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit of the payout to one coin, so that regardless of the number of coins paid out for the winning combination, one coin is paid out. However, it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, the payout for all combinations from combination 1 to combination 8 is set to one coin when a two-coin bet is played, so that one electronic token is paid out when a two-coin bet is played.

[0315] With this configuration, slot machine 1 does not need to perform a process to set an upper limit on the number of payouts (upper limit setting process) in order to pay out 1 coin when a small win occurs in the RBB state where the prescribed number is set to 2 coins. Therefore, the amount of data required for the program to perform the upper limit setting process for the number of payouts can be reduced.

[0316] In this configuration, the slot machine 1 must be configured such that, in the RBB state, the payout for a small win that differs between a 3-coin bet and a 2-coin bet, can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in a predetermined manner when a win occurs in a predetermined winning area.

[0317] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a medal count control means 300 of a medal count control CPU 31 as a management control means that manages electronic medals and can communicate with a dedicated unit SU, and a main control CPU 11 as a game control means that controls games played using electronic medals, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured without a medal count control board 30, and the various functions mounted on the medal count control board 30 may be realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, so that the main control CPU 11 functions as a management control means that manages electronic medals and can communicate with a dedicated unit SU.

[0318] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in a favorable period, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to notify whether or not it is in a favorable period when, for example, the expected value of acquiring electronic medals becomes 1 or more due to the assistance of winning small roles.

[0319] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has multiple reels, from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and multiple stop buttons, from stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3, corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. However, it is not limited to this, and may also have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0320] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of electronic tokens, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one electronic token in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0321] In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured to start playing regardless of whether the number of electronic tokens inserted is set to a first predetermined number or a second predetermined number, for a predetermined number of tokens in the non-RT state or RBB internal state. In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first predetermined number of electronic tokens inserted when the max bet button MB is operated, and to set the second predetermined number of electronic tokens inserted when the single bet button is operated twice, when the game state is the non-RT state or RBB internal state.

[0322] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set initial values ​​for the stored values ​​of each counter and storage means, and to perform decrement updates that subtract 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates that add 1 each time a game is played. However, the method for updating each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0323] 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 120 Internal drawing method 170 AT control means (control means) B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel (1st reel) R2 Middle reel (2nd reel) R3 Right reel (3rd reel)

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels, Multiple stop buttons, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, It comprises control means for performing control related to the instruction function, The aforementioned plurality of reels include a first reel, a second reel, and a third reel. The subject of the lottery in the aforementioned internal lottery includes specific winning patterns. The aforementioned specific winning pattern includes the first payout prize and the second payout prize, The aforementioned first dividend is set at a higher dividend than the aforementioned second dividend. For each of the multiple types of specified winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set as the operation pattern of the multiple stop buttons. The operation mode for stopping the first reel for the first time is not set as the correct operation mode in any of the specified winning modes. When the internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning combination, if the multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation combination, the first payout combination can be awarded, and if the multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation combination different from the correct operation combination, in which the first reel is stopped first, the second payout combination can be awarded. If, among the operation modes different from the correct operation mode described above, the multiple stop buttons are operated in an operation mode in which the second reel or the third reel is stopped first, and the second payout small win is awarded with a predetermined probability, and if the second payout small win is not awarded, then no win is awarded. The control means is capable of controlling a first state, a second state, and a third state as states related to the instruction function. In the third state, if the internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, a suggestion lottery can be performed to determine whether to execute a first suggestion that suggests the correct operation pattern, or a second suggestion that suggests operation patterns of the multiple stop buttons including the correct operation pattern. If, in the third state, the internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, and the second suggestion is executed, the multiple stop buttons are operated in a manner that first stops the second reel or the third reel, then it becomes possible to transition from the third state to the second state. In the aforementioned suggestion lottery, the probability of being determined to perform the first suggestion is the first probability, In the aforementioned suggestion lottery, the probability of being determined to perform the second suggestion is the second probability. The second probability is higher than the first probability. The first probability is set such that, when a predetermined number of games are played, the payout of game value exceeds one-third of the total amount of game value invested. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images