AU2009201591B2 - Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming device of the present invention comprising a plurality of gaming machines including a controller and a control device including a processor, wherein the processor is programmed to execute the processing of (a) cumulatively counting a part of a number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number of game media information received from the gaming machine, and (b) transmitting a common game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. Illumination of connecting cables to the cumulative display shows which gaming machines are currently involved. m cn cor -- ~ U- 0 {DJ LOIca

Description

A ustralian Patents Act 1990 - Regulation 3.2 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: P/00/0II 5 [00011 [ DEL TED] TECHNICAL FIELD 10 [ 0 02 The -oresent invention relates to a gaming system having Plurality of gaming machines linked by a network and a control me tho thereof. 15 BACKGROUND Conventionally, there exists a gaming system having a pliuiral ity of gaming machines linked by network. In this kind of a gaming system, a game medium inserted into each gaming 20 machine is pooled in one pl ace and the pooled game media are paid out to the gaming machine having won a progressive jackpot. [00) 04] A player playing a game in the aforementioned gaming system is playing the game for the sake of acquiriing pooled game 25 media. However, gaming systems as described above are monotonous, since payout of pooled game media is conducted to a gaming machine, for example, determined through a lottery, and the method itself for paying out the pooled game mediia lacks an interesting aspect . There fore, there has been a problem that 30 the player easily gets tired of the came. [0 [ DELETED] [0006 t is desired to address or ameliorate one or more 35 disadvantages or limitations associated with the prior art, or to at least Provide a useful alternative. S TjIMARY [000'7] 5 In at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, an exemplary gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enabling communication between 10 the plurality or gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine, wherein the controller is 15 programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmit ting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the pQrocessing (a) to the control device, the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) 20 cumulatively count ing a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined 25 value, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) after receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device, and (d) transmitting common-game result informant ion determined based on a result of the common game executed in the 30 processing (c) to the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (C) lighting the pluralityof _illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information, based on the common-came 35 result information transmitted in the processing (d), in an 2 order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (D) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminates having been lighted in the processing (C) is present, and (E) paying 5 out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that tne coupling illuminated line with all oF the illuminants having been lighted is present in the processing (D) , to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [00081 10 According to the above gaming system, the control device cu-mulatively count a part of the numberI of game media betted in e ch of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a Predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common 15 game s executed, the control device icfhts the illuminanIs included in the coupling illuminted line provided for each of t.he gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all 20 the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself tor paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, t player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize 25 how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewincf the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause tee player to play the common game while hav ng a sense of expectation. 30 F further, payout of the predeter mined number of game media is conducted when all the illumin nts included in the coupling illinated line nave been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allow ng even a beginner to play the game wiLtout having uncomfortable feeling. Accordi ngly, it is 35 possible to have the p1 ayer concentrated on the game, thereby having the player absorbed in the came. [00091 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the followinq configuration. 5 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of slot machines each including a symbol display capable of variably displaying a symbol and a cont roller; a control device including a processor; a network enabli n communication between the plurality of slot machines and the control vicec; a reach. 10 portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the slot machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the slot machine, wherein the controller is programmed to execute processing or ( acpting a bet of a 15 game medium, and (b) transmitting number-o f-game-imeda information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media 20 as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the slot machine, and (B) transmitting a common-cfame execution signal to the slot machine, wI-en the cumuative value has reached a predetermined value, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of 25 (c) repeatedly executing processing of variably displaying the symbol and stop-displaying the symbol to the symbol display, without accpting the bet of the came medium in the processing a) , after receiving the common-game execiit ion signal transmitted from the control device, and the processor is 30 further programmed to execute processing of (C) determining a number of points to be offered to each of the slot machines based on a number or a combination of the symbol stop-displayed to the symbol display in each of the slot machines after executing the processing (B) , (D) lighting the plurality of illuminates 35 included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the slot

A

machine based on the number of points determined in the processing (C) , the number of points being to be offered to the slot machine, in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the slot machine, (E) determining 5 whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the processing (D) is present, and (F) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupling il luminated line with all of the iilluminants having been lighted is present in the processing 10 (E) , to the slot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0010] According to the above gaming system, the control devic cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted 15 in each of the slot machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the slot machine. in the common game, the slot machine repeatedly executes the processing of variably displaying the symbol and stop-displaying the symbo] to the 20 symbol display, without accepting the bet of the game media. Upon execution of the common game, the control dev ce deter mines the number of points to be offered to each slot machine based on the number or the combination of symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display, and lights the illuminant included in the 25 coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine based on the determined number of poi nts. Then, the control device pays out the predetermined number of game media to the slot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By 30 executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumul ated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition 35 of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the 5 illuminants included i the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the slot machines. This can cause the player to play the common game w' l e having a sense or exoectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of carre media is 5 conducted when all the I uminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. Further, since the player can play the game without betting the game media during 10 the execution of the comon game, the player can play the game without caring a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, thereby having the player absorbed in tne game. [00111 15 it is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the controller is further programmed to execute pro ce s sing of (c-1) transmitting specific- state information at least indicative of a type of a specific state, when the number 20 or the combination of the symbol stop-displayed to the symbol display is in the specific state out of a plurality of speci fi states, and the processing (C) executed by the processor is a processing of determining the number of points based on the specific-state information received from each of the slot 25 machines, the number r of points being varied in accordance with a type of the spec fic state indicated by the specific-state information. According to the gaming system, in the case that the 30 number or the combination of the symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display is in the specific state out of a plural ity of specific states, the number of points which varies in accordance with a type of the specific state is offered. Namely, since th number of points to be offered is different in accordance 35 with the number or the combination of the symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display, an interesting aspect of the game is broadened. Consequently, it is possible to have the player play the game while being entertained. [00131 5 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the number of 'the symbols is equal to or more than 1. [0014] 10 It is a target of offering of the points even the number of symbols is one. Accordingly, an occasion of the offering of the points is increased, thereby having the player excited and absorbed more in the game. [00151 15 in at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality ofT slot machines each including a symbol display capable of variably displaying a symbol and a controller; a control device including 20 a processor; a network enabling communication between the plurality of slot machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the slot machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach 25 portion to the slot machine, wtreri n the controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmit ting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the 30 processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counti-ng a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the slot machine, and (B) transmittinc a common-game execution signal to the Slot machine, 35 when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) repeatedly executing processing of variably displaving the symbol and stop-displaying the symbol to the symbol display, without accepting the bet of the game medium in the processing 5 (a) , after receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (C) determining a number of points to be offered to each of the slot machines based on a number or a combination of the symbol stop-displayed to the symbol display 10 in each of the slot machines after executing the processing (B) (D) cumulatively counting the number of points determined in t'h processing (C) for each slot machine as a number of accumulated points, (E) lighting a plurality of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the slot 15 machine based on the number of accumulated points counted n the processing (D) , the slot machine being associated with the number of accumulated points, in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the slot machine, (F) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated line 20 with all of the illuminates having been lighted in the processing (E) is present, and (G) paying out a predetermined number of oame media, when determining that the coupling illuminated ine with all ofthe illuminants having been lighted is present the processing F), to the slot machine provided 25 with the coupling illuminated line. [0 016 According to the above gami ng system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in eacn of the slot machines as a cumulative value. Further, 30 when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game Is executed in the slot machine In the common game, the sIot machine repeatedly executes the prossIng of variably displaying the symbol and stop-displaying the symbol to the symbol display, without accepting the bet of the game media. 35 Upon execution of the common game, the control device determines 8 the number of Points to be offered to each slot machine based on the number or the combination of symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display, and counts the number of points cumulatively as a number or accumulated points. The control device lights 5 the iluminant included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine based on the counted number of accumulated points . Then, the control device pays out the predetermined number of game media to the slot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants 10 included therein having been li ghed. By executing the common game different from a normal came, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of 15 the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the couping illuminated line provided for each of the slot machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of 20 the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line nave been lighted. Th s makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable f Fr other, s nce the player can play the 25 game without betting the game media during the execution of the common game, the pla-ele can play the game without carinc a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, thereby having the Player absorbed in the game. 30 [00171 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the fol lowing configuration. Namely, the number of the symbols is equal to or more than 1. 35 [00181 9 It is a target of offering of the points even the number of symbols is one. Accordingly, an occasion of the offering of the points is increased, thereby having the player excited and absorbed more in the game. 5 [00191 In at least some embodiments the present invention further provides a game control method having the foll owing configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) 10 accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-came-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting a -part of the number of betted game media in the control 15 device as a cumulative vaIue based on the number-of-game-media information received from the slot machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine from the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (c) executing a common game in the gaming 20 mac ine without accept ing the bet of the game medium in the step (a) after receiving te common-came execution signal transmitted from the control device; (d) transmitting common-came result information determined based on a result of te common game exected i n the step (c) to the control device 25 from the gaming machine; (C) lighting by using the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gamine machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information based on the common-game result information transmitted in the step 30 (d), in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the plurality of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming 35 machine; (D) determining in the control device whether or not 10 the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the step (C) is present; and (E) paying out a Predetermined number of game media, when determiningf that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having 5 been lighted is present in the step (D) from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0020] According to the above game control method, the control 10 device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the 15 illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been 1igted. By 20 executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the p ayer hardly gets tired of the game. The -player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition 25 of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the pl aver to play the common game while having a sense of: expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is 30 conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated ine nave been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. Further, since the player can play the game without be tting the game media during 35 the execution of the common game, the player can pl ay the game 11 wit Lhout caring a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, thereby having the player absorbed in the game. [00211 5 The present invention further provides a game control method vi ng the following configuration. Namely, the came control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a slot machine; (b) transmittingnumber-of-game-medi a information indicative of a 10 number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device from the slot machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the slot 15 machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the slot machine from the control device, when the cu mulative value has reached a predetermined value; (c) repeatedly executing processing of variable y displaying a symbol and stop-displaying the symbol to a symbol display capable of variable y displaying 20 the symbol in the slot machine, without accepting the bet of the game medium in the step (a) , after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted from the control device; (C) determining a number of points to be offered to each of the slot machines by using the control device based on a number or a 25 combination of the symbol stop-displayed to the symbol display in each of the slot machines after executing the step (B); (D) i ght i ng by using the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the slot machine based on the number of points determined in the step 30 (C), thenumberof points beingtobe of fered to the slot machine, in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the slot machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the slot machines and including the plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the 35 slot machine; (E) determining in the control device whether or 12 not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been i ghted in the step (D) is present, and (F) paying out a predetermined nu-mber of game media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having 5 been lighted is present in the step (E) , from the control device to the slot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0022] According to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of Lthe number of game media 10 betted in each of the slot machines as a cuImulative vaiue. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a cormon game is executed in the slot machine. In the common game, the sl ot machine repeatedly executes tbe processing of variably displaying the symbol and 15 stop-disp laying the symbol to the symbol display, without accepting the bet of the game media. Upon execution of the comon game, the control device determines the number of points to be offered to each slot machine based on the number or the combination of symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display, 20 and lights the illuminant included in the coupl ing illuminated line provided for each slot machine based on the determined number of points. Then, the control device pays out the predetermined number of game media to the slot machine provided with the cooling illuminated l ine with all the illuminants 25 included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a norma game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of 30 the players nas come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of came media by viewing the illuminants included in the couple ng illuminated line provided f or each of the slot machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, pavout of 35 the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all 13 the ill uminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable fee ing. Further, since the player can play the 5 game without betting the game media during the execution of the common game, the player can play the game without caring a loss of the game media. Accord nly, it is -possible to have the player concentrated on the game, thereby having the player absorbed in the game. 10 [00231 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method compr:i ses steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a slot machine; (b) 15 transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device f-rom the slot machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the 20 number-of- game-media information received from the slot machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the slot machine from the control device, when the cumula ive value has reached a predetermined value; (c) repeatedly executing processing of variably displaying a symbol and stop- isplaying 25 the symbol to a symbol display capable of variably displaying the symbol in the slot machine, without accepting the bet of the game medium in the step (a) , after receiving the commo n-game execution signal transmitted from the control device; (C) determining a number of points to be offered to each of the slot 30 machines by using the control device based on a number or a combination of the symbol stop-displayed to the symbol display in each of the slot machines after executing the step (B) ; (D) cumulatively counting n 'the control device the number of points determined in the step (C) for each slot machine as a number 35 of accumulated points; (E) lighting by using the control device a plurality of illuminates included in a coupling ilumin ated line Provided for the slot machine based on the number of accumulated points counted in the step (D) , the slot machine being associated with the number of accumulated points, in an 5 order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the slot machine, the cou.pling illuminated line being provided for each of the slot machines and including the plural ity of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the slot machine; 10 (F) determi ning in the controlI device w-ether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the step (E) is present; and (G) paying out a predetermined number of came media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having 15 bee l lighted is present in the step (F) , from the control device to the slot machine provided with the coupling ii luminated line. [0024] According to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media 20 betted in each of the slot machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the slot machine. In the common game, the slot machine repeatedly executes the proc essing of variably displaying the symbol and 25 stop-displaying the symbol to the symbol display, without accepting the bet of the game media. Upon execution of the common game, the control device determines the number of points to be offered to each slot machine based on the number or the combination of symbols stop-displayed to the symbol display, 30 and counts the number of points cumulatively as a number of accumulated points. The control device lights the illuminant included in the coul ing illuminated line provided for each slot machine based on the counted number of accumulated points. Then, th control device pays out the predetermined number of came 35 media to the slot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been ligred. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and 5 as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the came. The player can recognize how much each of the players ha- come close to the acquisition of the Predetermined number of game media by viewing the iliuminants included in the coupi ng i lminated line provided for each of: the slot machines. Ths can cause 10 the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number oF game media is conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been, lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner 15 to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. Further, since the player can play the game without betting the came media during the execut ion of the common game, the player can play the game without caring a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, 20 thereby having the player absorbed in the game. [00251 In at least some embodiments the Present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 25 gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device, wnerein the controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting 30 number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted came media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the Processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the 35 number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, (C) executing a common game to be played concurrently in the 5 gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is equal to or more than a specific number, (D) identifying the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, 10 when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is less than the specific number, the number-of-game-media information being a basis of counting of the game media in the oning when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value _n the processing (A) , and (E) paying out 15 a fixed number of game media to the gaming machine identified in the processing (D). [0026] According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the numberI of game media betted 20 in eacn of the gaming machines as a cumu a tive value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a Predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When t-e number of the gaming machines joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common game which is executed 25 concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fxed number of game media is conducted to the gaming machine as a transmission source or number-of-game-media information, 30 which is a basis of counting of the game media in the counting wnen said cumulative value has reached the predete-rmined value. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated came media is different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the 35 predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of 17 the pavout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired oF the game Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game Is executed, which is a came 5 concurrently executed in the gaming machines owning the game Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines owning the came is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining 10 the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing hs or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the fixed number of game media are paid out to the player who has placed the bet triggering the cumulative 15 value to reach the predetermined value, it is possible to make each player place every bet while having a sense of expectation. [00271 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. 20 Namely, the control device further comprises a storage device capable of storing data, the processing (b) is processing of transmitting the number-o f-game-media information indicative of the number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) and gaming-machine identification 25 information indicative of identification information of the gaming machine to the control device, the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (F) storing in the storage device the gaming-machine identi fication information received from the gaming machine, after deleting the gaming machine 30 identification n information previousl-y stored in the storage device, when receiving the gaming machine identification inJormation from the gaming machine, and the process ing (D) is processing of identifying the gaming machine corresponding to the gaming-machine identification information, based on the 35 gaming-machine identification information stored in the 18 storage device when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is less than the specific value. [0028] 5 According to the above gaming system, the gaming machine transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted game media and gaming-machine identification information indicative of identification information of the gaming machine to the control device. Then, when receiving the 10 gaming-machine identification information, the control device updates the gaming-machine identification information stored in the storage device. When the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than the specific number, the control device identifies the gaming machine _n which the bet triggering 15 __h cumulative vTlue to reach the predetermined value has been placed, based on the gaming-machine identification information stored in the storage device when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to easily identify the gaming 20 machine in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been placed. [0) 291 in at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 25 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enabli ng communication between the plurality of amin machines and control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling 30 illuminated line provided for each of cfaming machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine, wherein the controller is programmed to execute processing or (a accepting a bet of a gaine medium, and (b) transmitting number-of-game-media 35 information indicative of a number of betted game media as the 1 Q bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 5 information received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal at least to the gaming machines 10 joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is equal to or more than a specific number, (D) identifying the gaming machine as a transmission source of tne number-of-game-media information, when the number of the 15 gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is less than the specific number, the numbe-r-of-game-media information being a basis of: counting of the game media in the counting when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value in the processing (A) , (E) pavinga out a fixed nu-mber of game media to 20 the gaming machine identified in the processing (D) , the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted from the control device, and (d) transmittino common- game result information determined based 25 on a result of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (F) lighting the plurality of 11 luminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the 30 common-game result information, based on the common-game resul information transmitted in the processing (d) , in an order starting fIrom the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (C) determine ing whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been 1 ighted 35 in the processing (F) is present, and (H) paying out a 20 predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupli ng ill uminated l ine wi th al of the illuminants having been ighted is present in the processing (G), to the gaming marine provided with the coupling illuminated line. 5 [0030] According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betEed in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, 10 a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of 'te gaming machine joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common game which is executed concurrently in the naming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machine joining 15 te game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed number of game media is conducted to the gaming machine as a transmission source of number-of-name-media information, which is a basis of counting of the game media in the counting wnen said cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. 20 According y, a payout method of the accumulated name media is different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joining the name when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequent lv, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated name media is 25 enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the naming machines oinino the game. Th-erefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the 30 other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming mach i nes joining the game is small, the common name is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common 35 game not heated up due to the small number of participants. 21 Fur other, since the fixed number of game media are Paid out to he pIayer who has placed the bet trigger ng the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, it is possible to make each player place every bet while having a sense of expectation. 5 [ 031 When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of came 10 media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminates included therein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has Come close to the acquisition ot predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants 15 included in the coupling illuminated ine provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common came while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermi ned number of game media is conducted wnen all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated 20 line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. It is desirable that the gaming system further has the 25 following configuration. Namely, the reach portion is a common display controlled by the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (I) counting the number of the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines 30 connected by the -network, and (J) displaying the cumulative value counted in the processing (A) to the common display, when the number of~~ the gaming machines counted in the processing (1) is equal to or more than the specific number. [0033] 35 According to the gaming system, when the number of the 22 gaming machines -ioininq the game is equai to or more than the specific number, the cumulative value is displayed to the common display. By displaying the cumulative value to a common display, it is possible to have the pa aver recognize how much t'he 5 remaining value is before the cumulative value reaches the Predetermined value. Consequ-en y, it is possible to have tne player play the game for a ong ti me. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than te specific number and the cumulative value is not displayed 10 to the common display, it cn mt ivate the player not playing the game to start playing the game for the purpose of displaying the cumulative value to he common display. As a result, it is possible to raise the operation rate of the gaming system. [00341 15 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-came-media information indicative of a 20 number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulativ counting a part of the number of betted game median the control device as a cumulative value based on the number-of -game-media information received from the gaming mac (B) counting in 25 the control device a number of the gaming mach is -ini g a game among all of the gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a plurality of the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (C) executing by using the 30 control device a common game to be played concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is equal to or more than a specific number; (D) identifying the gaming machine as a 35 transmission source of the number-of-game-media information by 2 3 using the control device, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is less than the specific number, the number-of-game-media information being a basis of counting- of the game media in the counting when the cumulative value has reached the r:'edeterined value in the step (A) ; (E) paying out a fixed number of game media from the control device to the gaming machine identified in Lne step (D) [0035] According to tne above game control method, the control 10 device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines zoning a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machine joining the games is equal 15 to or more than a specific number, a common game which is executed concurrently in the gaming machines joining t-h game is executed. On the otber hand, when the number of the gaming machine j owning the game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed number of came media is conducted to the gaming machine as a 20 transmission source or number-of-game-media information, which is a basis of counting of the game media in the counting wnen said cumulative value has reached the prede ermined value. Accordingl y, a payout method of the accumu a ted game media is different in accordance with the number of the ga ming machines 25 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a pl aver hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the 30 game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which 35 is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining A.l the game. The for, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for th e game because o the common game not heated up due to tte small number of participants. Further, since the fixed number of game media are paid out to 5 theplayer who has placed the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, it is possible to make each player place every bet while having a sense of expectation. [0036] The present invention further provides a game control 10 method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmit ting number-o f-game-media informal ion ndi captive of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) 15 to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine; (B) counting in the control device a number of the 20 gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a plurality of the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined vaiue; (C) ransmitting from the control device a common-game execution 25 signal at least to the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is equal to or more than a specific number; (D) identifying the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media 30 information by using the control device, when the number of the gamingmachines counted in the step (B) is less than the specific number, the number-of-game-media information being a basis of, counting of the game media in the counting when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value in the step (A) ; (E) 35 paying out a fixed number of game media from the control device to the gaming machine identified in the step (D) ; (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (d) transmitting common-came result information determined based 5 on a result of the common game executed in the step (c) to the control device from the gaming machine; (F) l fighting by using the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated l ine provided for the gaming machine as a ransmi ssion source of the common-game result information 10 based on the common-game resuir information transmitted in the step (d) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the plurality of i luminants arranged from a reach 15 portion indicative of a target pos-tin to reach to the gaming machine; (G) determining in the cont device whether or not the coupling illuminated line with al o te illuminants having been lighted in the step (F) is present, and (H) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that the 20 coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is present in the step (G) , from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. 25 According to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the nuimber1 of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. 30 When the number of the gaming machines joining the cames is egual to or more than a specific number, a common came which is executed concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machines joining te game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed 35 number of game media is conducted to the gaming machine as a transmission source of number-of-game-media information, which is a basis of counting of the game media in the counting wnen said cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Accord ing y, a payout method of the accumulated came media is 5 different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated came media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, 10 in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines 15 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to te small number of participants. 20 Further, since the fixed number of game media are paid out to the player who has placed the bet triggerrg the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, it is possible to make each player place every bet while having a sense of expectation. [00381 25 When the common game is executed, the control device ligh the iliuminants included in the coupliing illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling 30 illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has Come close to the acquisition ofPthe predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated ine provided for each of 35 the gaming machines. Thi s can cause the player to play the 27 common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermi ned number of game media is conducted wnen all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, 5 thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0039] in at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 10 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a conLrol device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device, wherein the controller is programmed to execute processing of 15 (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting nu11mber-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to te Control device, tne processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number 20 of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connectedby the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, 25 (C) executing a common game to be played concurrently in the gamIng machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number oF the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is equal to or more than a specific number, (D) determining a single or a pIuraiitv of 30 the gaming machines out of the gaming machines joining the game among al 1 of the gaming machines connected by the network, when ite number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is less than the specific number, and (E) paying out a fixed number of game media to the single or the plurality of the gaming 35 machines determined in the processing (D). 28 [00401 According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the numberI of game media betted in eacn of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, 5 when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines Joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common game which ics executed concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. 10 On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than the speci fic - number, a payout of a fixed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game 15 media is di fferent in accordance with the number of th- gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative vaiue nas reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, 20 in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines 25 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the came because of: the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. 30 [00411 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the fol lowing configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device 35 including a processor; a network enabling communication between C2 the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the cfaming machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach 5 portion to the gaming machine, wherein the controller is programmed to execute processing or () accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-o f-game-imeda information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the 10 processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the 15 gaming machines connected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal at least to the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in 20 the processing (B) is equal to or more than a specific number, (D) determining a single or a plurali ty of the gaming machines out of th-e gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) is less than 25 the specific number, and (E) paying out a fixed number of game media to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in the processing (D) , the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted 30 from the control device, and (d) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (F )1 ghting the plurality of illuminants included in the 35 coupling illuminated l ine provided for the gaming machine as 30 a transmission source of the common-game result information, based on thEe common-game result information transmitted in the processing (d) , in an order starting- from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (G) 5 determining whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the processing (F) is present, and (H) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been l ighted is present in 10 the processing (G) , to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0042] According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted 15 in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, wnen the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines Joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common ,ame which is executed 20 concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, wben the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than the spec -fI number, a payout of a xed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality of gaming machines determined out of the gamingmachines joining 25 the game. Accordingly, a pavout method of the accumulated game media is di fferent in accordance with the number of the naming machines joining the game when the cumulative vaIue nas reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is 30 enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the 35 other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines 31 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common 5 game not heated up due to the small number of participants. [00431 When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result 10 of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisi tiJo-n of the 15 predetermi ned number of came media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted 20 when all the i luminants i ncuded in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [00441 25 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Name y, the processor is further programmed to execute proceOssino (I) lighting only a part of the il lmJiants among plurality of illuminants included in the coupling 30 illuminated line provided for the gaming machine, in an order starting from the il uminant provided at a position closest to the reach portion, after executing the processing (D) , and (J) lighting all of the illuminants not lighted in the processing (I) among the plurality of the illuminants included in the 35 illuminated line provided for a single or a plurality of the 32 gaming machines determined in the processing (D) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the reach portion. [0045] 5 According to the gaming system, only a part of- Jilluminants are lighted among the plurality of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated lines provided for all the gaming machines, in an order starting from the illuminants provided at a position closest- to the reach portion. Then, all the illuminants 10 included in the coupling illuminated lines provided for a single or a plurality of gaming machines to which the payout of the fixed number of game media is determined to be conducted are lighted. Namely, it is possible to make all the players nave senses of expectation by lighting parts of illuminants included 15 in all the coupling illuminated lines. Further, since only the coupling illuminated lines provided for a single or a plurality of gaming machines, to which the payout of the fixed number of gaming media is determined to be conducted, have all the illuminants be lighted, the players around recognize that the 20 fixed number of game media are paid out to the gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to have the player playing on the gaming machine have a sense of superiority. [0046] The present invention further provides a game control 25 method having the following configuration. Namely, the came control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-came-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) 30 to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in the control device as a cumulative value based on the number-of-came-media information received from the gaming machine; (B) counting in 'te control device a number of the gaming machines joining a 35 game among all of the gaming machines connected by a network 33 enabling communication between a plurality of the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a -redetermined value; (C) executing by using the control device a common game to be paved concurrently in the 5 gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is equal to or more than a specific number; (D) determining in the control device a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of the gaming machines 10 joi i ng the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is less than the specific number; and (E) paying out a fixed number of game media from the control device to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in 15 the step (D) [0047] According to tne above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. 20 Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a gamie s counted. When the number of the gaming machines joining the Cames is equal to or more than a specific number, a common game which is executed concurrently in the gaming machines joinng the game is executed. 25 On the other hand, when the number of the gami ng machines joining th game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game 30 media is different in accordance wi th the number of the gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itseIf of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, 35 in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the 34 game is large, a cOmIn-tiQ game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines 5 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. 10 [00481 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) 15 transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the 20 number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine; (B) counting in the control device a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machi nes connected by a network enabling communication between a plurality of the gaming machines and the control device, when 25 the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (C) transmitting from the control device a common-came execution signal at least to the gaming machines joining the game among all of: the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is equal 30 to or more than a specific number; (D) determining in the control device a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of the gaming marines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is less than the specific 35 nu m ber; (E) paying out a fixed number of game media from the control device to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in the step (D) ; (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving the connon- game execution signal from the control device; (d) transmit tting common- ame 5 result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (c) to the control device from the gam ing machine; (F) lighting by using te control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line Provided for the gaming machine as a transmit ssion source 10 of the comuon-game result information, based on the common-game result information transmitted in the step (d) , in an order starting from the ill uminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the 15 plurality of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming ma chine; (G) determining in the control device whether or not the coupling i1 uminated l ie wi a ll of the illuminants having been lighted in the step (F) is present; and (H) paying out a 20 predetermined number of came media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is present in the step (G) , from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. 25 [00491 According to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulat ive value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined 30 value, a number of the gaming machines joining a qame iS counted. When the number of the gamingmachines joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common game whi i executed concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machines joining 35 the game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plu r a ity of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the gamin g 5 machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the pavout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the 10 game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of- the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which 15 is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for thoe came because of: the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. [0 50] 20 When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling 25 illuminated l ne with all the illuminates included therein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acguis ition of the Predetermined number of came media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of 30 the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted wnen all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line have beenlighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, 35 thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having 37 uncomfortable feeling. [00511 In at least some embodiments the Present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 5 Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device, wherein the controller is programmed to execute processing of 10 (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmit-ting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted came media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the Processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number 15 of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the nimber-of-qame-media information received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, 20 (C) executing a common game to be played concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processin (B) is equal to or more than specific number, (D) ext rat ing a random number from a 25 Predetermined numerical range, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the proce s n (B) is less than the speci fI nu mber, (E) determining a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by tne network, based on the 30 random number extracted in the processing (D) , and (F) paying out a fixed number of came media to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in the processing (E) [00521 According to the above gaming system, the control device 35 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted 38 in e-ac o-0f the camin ine, aming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines joining the games is equal 5 to or more than a specific number, a common game which is executed concurrently in the gaming machine joining the game is executed. On the otherhand, when the number of the gamingmachines joining the game is less than the spec I ic number, a payout of a xed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality 10 of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game, based on the extracted random number. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined 15 value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the -payout method itself of the accumulated game media -s enhanced and a plaver hadlyr gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines Joining the game is large, a common game s executed, which is a game concurrently executed 20 in the gaming machines joining the came. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the came concurrently executed in the gam machines oning he gaie. 25 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of te common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the gaming machine to which the fixed number of game media are paid out is determined based on the extracted random number, 30 it is possible to eliminate inequality amon- g the players. [0053] It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the gaming machine further includes an input 35 device with which a game input signal is inputted in accordance with an operation by a player, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) determining whether or not the game input signal has been inputted by the input device within a predetermined time after the previous input, and (d) 5 transmitting a game dormant signal to the control device, when determining that the game input signal has not been inputted within the predetermined time in the processing (c) , and the processing (B) is processing of counting the number of the gaming macnes joining the game among all of the gaming 10 machines connected by the network, based on the game dormant signal received from the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. [00541 According to the above gaming system, the gaming machine 15 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device when determining that the game input signal has not been inputted by the input device within a predetermined time after the previous input. Then, the gaming machine having transmitted the game dormant signal is regarded not to be joining the game. 20 Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player waiting for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value without playing the game. [0055] is d.esirable that the gaming system further has the 25 following configuration. Namely, the gamingmachine furtherincludes anumber-of-credits storage device for storing a number of credits corresponding to the number of game media, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) determining whether or 30 not the number of credits stored in te number-of-credits storage device is less than the number of credits required for playing one game, and (d) transmitting a game dormant signal to the control device, when determining that the number of credits stored in the number-of-credits storage device is less 35 than the number of credits requi red for playing one game in the 40 processing (c) and the processing is processing of counting the number of the gaming machines joining the game among all of the cfaming machines connected by the network, based on the game dormant signal received from the gaming machine, when the 5 cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. [00561 According to the above gaming system, the gaming machine transmits the game dormant signal to the control device when determining that the number of credits is less than the number 10 of credits required for pl aying one game. Then, the gaming machine having transmitted the game dormant signal is rewarded not to be joining the game. Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player waiting for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value without playing the game. Further, it 15 is also possible to prompt the played to place the bet so that the number of credits becomes equal to or more than the number of credits required for playing one game. [00571 It is desirable that the gami n system further has the 20 following configuration. Namely, the gaming machine further includes a sensor for d e acting a presence of a player, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (e) determining whether or have detected the presence of- the player by the sensor, 25 and the processing (d) is processing of transmitting the game dormant signal to 'te control device, when determining that the number of credits stored in the number-of-credits storage device is less than the number of credits required for playing one game in said processing (c) or when determining not to nave 30 detected the presence of the player in the processing (e) [00581 According to the gaming system, the gaming machine transmits the game dormant signal to the control device, when determining that the number of credits is less than the number 35 of credits required for playing one game or when determining 41 not to have detected a presence of the player. Then, the gaming machine having transmitted the game dormant gal is regarded not to be joining the game. Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player saving a seat without pl aying the game, in 5 such a manner as leaving the seat until th iuulative value reaches the predetermined value while keepi ng the credits in number equal to or more than the number of credits required for playing one game. [0059] 10 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the gaming machine further includes a display capable of displaying an image, the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (e) displaying an image indicating that 15 the game is not played to the display, when determining that the game input signal has not been inputted within the predetermined time in the processing (c) [00601 According to the gaming system, the gaming machine 20 displays the image indicating that the game isnot played to the display when determine that the game input signal has not been inputted within the predetermined time. Accordingly, it is possible for a clerk in a casino and the like, in which the gaming system is installed, to easily find the player pretending 25 to play the game on the gaming machine without actually p laying 'te game. By excludingf such a player, it is possible to raise an operation rate of the gaming system. [0061] It is desirable that the gaming system further has the 30 following configuration. Namely, the gaming machine further includes an ornametal illuminant capable of emitting light, and the processing (e) is processing of (e-I) displaying the image idicating that the game is not played to the display, when determining that the 35 game input signal as not been inputted within the predetermined 42 time in the processing (c) , and (e-2) lowering an amount of light of the ornamental illuminant, when determining that the game input signal has not been. inputted within the predetermined time in the processing (c) 5 [0062] According to the gaming system, the gaming machine displays the image indicating that the game is not played and lowers the amount of light of the ornamental illuminant, when determining that the game input signal has not been inputted 10 within the predetermined time. Accordingly, it is possible for a clerk in a casino and the like, in which the gaming system is installed, to easily find the player pretending to play the game on the gaming machine without actually playing the game. By excluding such a player, it is possible to raise an operation 15 rate of the gaming system. Further, it is also possible to lower the power consumption by lowering an amount of light of the ornamental illuminant. [00631 In at least some embodiments the present invention 20 provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system compri ses: a plurality ofT gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach 25 portion indicate ve of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine, wherein the controller iS programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a 30 game medium, and (b) transmitting number-of-came-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device, the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media 35 as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 43 informal ion received from the gaming machine, (B) counting a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines con-nected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, (C) transmitting a 5 common-game execution signal at least to t -he gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the orocessinc (B I s equal to or more than a specific number, (D) extracting a random number from a predetermined numerical 10 range, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the process ng (B) is less than the specific number, (E) determining a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of the gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, based on the random number extracted 15 in the processing (D) , and (F) paying out a fixed number of came media to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in thze processing (E) , the controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-qgame execution signal transmitted 20 from the control device, and (d) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device, and the processor is further programmed to execute processing of (G) lighting the plurality of illuminants included in 25 coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-came result information, based on the common-came result information transmitted in the pr0essing (d) in aoer tarting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (H) 30 determining wether or not 'h coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminates having been lighted in the processing (G) is present, and (I) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that the couple ing illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is present in 35 the processing (H) , to the gaming machine provided with the 44 coupling illuminated line. [00641 According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted 5 in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines joining the games is equal to or more than a specific number, a common came which is executed 10 concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the n-umber of the gaming machi nes joining t-he game is less than the specific number, a payout of a fixed number of came media is conducted to a single or a plurality of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining 15 the game, based on the extracted random number. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joinin the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout 20 method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joinincf the game is large, a common game is executed, which is a game concurrenti y execu ted in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is 25 possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines oinino the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his 30 or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the gaming machine to which the fixed number of game media are paid out is determined based on the extracted random number, it is possible to eliminate inequality among the players. 35 [00651 4511 When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illui,-inated line -rovided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game 5 media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included t nerein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come c-ose to the acqui sition of the predetermined number of game media by viewifng the illuminants 10 included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to pla-yr the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted wnen all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated 15 line have beenligohted. This makes the rule esy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [00661 The present invention further provides a game control 20 method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) 25 to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in the control device as a cumulative vaiue based on the number-of-game-mediJa information received from the gaming machine; (B) counting in the control device a number of the gaming machines joining a 30 game among all of the gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a piura i vf the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (C) executing by using the control device a common game to be played concurrentl-, in the 35 gaming machines joining the game among all of the gaming 46 machines connected by the network, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is equal to or more than a specific number; (D) extracting a random number from a predetermined numerical range by using the control device, when 5 the number of the gaming machines counted in the step (B) is less than the specific number; (E) determining in the control device a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of the gaming machines joI n ng the game among all of the gaming machines connected by the network, based on the random number 10 extracted in the step (D) , and (F) paying out a fixed number of game media from the control device to the single or the plurality of the gaming machines determined in the step (E). [0067] According to tne above game control method, the control 15 device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines oining the games is egual 20 to or more than a specific number, a common giame which is executed concurrently in the gaming machines ji n g the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of toe gaming machi nes joining the game is less than the specific numb er, a payout of a ixed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality 25 of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game, based on the extracted random number. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the gaming machines owning te game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined 30 value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that tne number of the gaming machines joining the game is large, a common game i s ex cuted, which is a game concurrently executed 35 in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is 47 possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. 5 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the gaming machine to which the fIxed number of game media are paid out is determined based on the extracted random number, 10 it is possible to eliminate inequality among the players. [0 68] The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) 15 accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step a) to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted 20 game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media informati on received from the gaming machine; (B) counting in the control device a number of the gaming machines joining a game among all of the gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a 25 plural ity of the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value h reached a predetermined value; (C) transmitting from the control device a common-game execution signal at least to the gaming machines joining the game among al 1 of the gaming machines connected by the network, when the 30 number of te gaming machines counted in the tep (B) is equal to or more than a specific number; (D) extractinga randomnumber from a predetermined numerical range by using the control device, when the number of the gaming machi nes counted in the step (B) is less than the specific number; (E) determining in the control 35 device a single or a plurality of the gaming machines out of 48 the gaming machines joini the game among all of: the gaming machines connected by the network, based on the random number extracted in the stepo (D) ; (F) paving out a fixed number of g-ame media from the control device to the single or the plurality 5 of the gaming machines determined in the step (E) ; (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving tne common-game execution signal from t-e control device; (d) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (c) to the 10 control device from the gaming machine; (G) lighting by using the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information based on the common-game result information transmitted in the 15 step (d), in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the plurality of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming 20 machine; (H) determining in the control device whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of theil luminants having been lighted in the step (G) is present, and (i) paying out a predetermined number of came media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having 25 been lighted is present in the step (H) , from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [00691 According to the above game control method, the control 30 device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, a number of the gaming machines joining a game is counted. When the number of the gaming machines joining the games is equal 35 to or more than a specific number, a common game which i s executed 49 concurrently in the gaming machines joining the game is executed. On the other hand, when the number of the gaming machines joining the game is less than the speci fic - number, a -ayout of a fi xed number of game media is conducted to a single or a plurality 5 of gaming machines determined out of the gaming machines joining the game, based on the extracted random number. Accordingly, a payout method of the accumulated game media is di fferent in accordance with the number of the gaming machines joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined 10 value. Consequently, an interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media Is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game Fu rther, in the case that ite number of the gaming machines oinino the game is large, a common game is executed, whicn is a game concurrently executed 15 in the gaming machines joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the gaming machines joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is the game concurrently executed in the gaming machines joining the game. 20 Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation 'For the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the gaming machine to which the fixed number of game media are paid out is determined based on the extracted random number, 25 it is possible to eliminate inequality among the players. [0070]) When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result 30 of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the 35 predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants 50 included in the coupling luminateo line orovideo for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common came while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted 5 when all the illuminates included in the coupling illuminated line have been l ighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feel ing. [0071] 10 In at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each inducing a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enabling communication between 15 the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a couple ing illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine. The controller is programmed 20 to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-o'f-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting 25 a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. The controller is further 30 programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-came execution signal transmitted in the processing (B) from the control device, and (d) transmitting comunon-game result information determined based on a result of the common came executed in the processing (c) 35 Lo the control device. The processor is further programmed to 51 execute Process rig of (C) lighting the plurality of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information, based on the common-came result information 5 transmitted in the processing (d) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (D) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of th illuminants having been lighted in the processing (C) is present, and (E) paying out a 10 predetermi ned number of game media, when determining that the coupling i lluminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is present in the processing (D) , to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [00721 15 According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumuiauive value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common 20 game is executed, the control device igihts the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common came and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupolin illuminated line with all 25 the illuminants included therein havi ng been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize 30 how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machi nes. This can cause the player to play the common game wbile having a sense of expectation. 35 Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is 52 conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line nave been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a begi.nner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. 5 [00731 it is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the processing (d) is processing of transmitting the common-ogame result information indicative of the result of 10 the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device. The control device further includes a storage device capable of storing numober-of-lighting determination table data indicative of a number-of-lighting determination table in which a number oF i luminants to be li ghed and a common-game related 15 value determined based on the common-game result information are associated with each other. Further, the processing (C) includes processing of (C-i) determining the common-game related value for each of the gam ng machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted in the processing 20 (d) , (C-2) determining the number of illuminants to be lighted, based on the common-game related value determined in the processing (C-1) and the number-of-lighting determination table data stored in the storage device, and (C-3) lighting the illuminates in number determined in the processing (C-2) 25 [00741 According to the above gaming system, the storage device included in the control device stores the number-of-lighting determination table data indicative of the -inmber-of-lighting determination table. in the number-of-lighting determination 30 table, the number of illuminants to be iohted and the common-came related value determined based on the common-game result information indicative of the result of the common game are associated with each other. in determining the number of illuminants to be lighted, the number-of-lighting 35 determination table data is referred. 53 By properly designing the number of illuminants to be associated with the common-game related value, it is possible to easily create a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination table data. Therefore, it becomes possible to 5 easily develop the game in which the numbers of illuminants to be lighted are different according to the coupling illuminated lines, even when the common-game related values are the same. [0075] Itis desirable that the gamino system further has the 10 following configuration. Namely, the processor is further p rogrammed to execute processing of (F) cumulatively calculating a balance of game media indicative of the difference between the number of betted game media and a number of paid-out game media in a normal game 15 executed in the gaming machine, in association with each of the gaming machines, and the processing (C) includes processing of lighting the illuminants in number determined based on the balance of the game media, out of the plurality of illuminates included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the 20 gaming machine corresponding to the bal dance of the game media cumulatively calculated in the processing (F) [0 0 76] According to the above gaming system, tne number of illuminants to be lighted is determined based on the balance 25 of game media in the normal game. For example, by configuring the gaming system so as to licht relatively Creater number of illuminants in lighting the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated lines provided for the gaming machine in which the balance of game media in the normal game is largely y 30 negative, it is possible to relieve the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game. Further, by configuring the gaming system so as to l ight relatively greater number of illuminants in lighting the illuminants included in te coupling illuminated lines provided for the 35 gaming machine in which the balance of game media in the normal 54 game largely positive, it is possible to cause the player having acquired a large profit in the normal game to further have a feeling of superiority. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a feeling of satisfaction to such a pl aver. 5 [00771 The present invention further provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, a gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a contr oIler; a control device 10 including a processor; a network enable ng cormunication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines, including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach 15 portion to the gaming machine, and formed by a straI gt portion extending from the reach portion to a predetermined position and a bent portion in a remaining portion, the strain ght prtions provided for all the gaming machines having substantially the same length, the bent portions provided for at least two gaming 20 machi nes, out of all the gaming machines, having lengths different from each other, the straight portions provided for all he gaming machines including substantially same numbers of i llminants arranged in the straight portion, and the bent portions provided for at least two gaming machines, cut of all 25 the gaming machines, including dif ferent numbers of illuminants arranged in Lne bent portion. Te controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the 30 processinga (a) to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of: the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution 35 signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has 55 reached a predetermined value. The controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted in the processing (B) from the control device, and (d) transmitting common-game resuIt information determined based on a result t of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of (C) lighting the plurality of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line Provided for the 10 gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result in formation, based on the common-game result information transmitted in the processing (d), in an order starting from tiheilluminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (D) determining whether or not the coupling 15 illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the processing (C) is present, and (E) paying out a Predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupling ill urinated l ine wi th al of the illuminants having been lighted is present in the processing (D) , to the gaming 20 machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0078] According to the above gaming system, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, 25 when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in tee coupling iluminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and 30 pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all tiheilluminants included trn hai ng been lighted.. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself 35 for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the 56 player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acq-uisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided 5 for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, pavout of the predetermined number of came media is conducted when all the i luminants Included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy 10 to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [007 9] Further, according to the above gaming system, the coupling illuminated line is formed by a straight portion 15 extending from the reach portion to a predetermined position, and a bent portion in the remaining portion. The straight portions provided for all the gaming machines have substantially the same length, and include substantially the same number of illuminants arranged therein. Accordingly, it 20 is possible to impress the player a state of the lighted ilI luminants gradually approaching the reaching portion as a last spurt toward the acuis ition of the predetermined number of game media, thereby enhancing the player's sense of expect ation for the acqui sition of the Predetermined number of 25 game media. Further, the bent portions provided for at least two gaming machines, out of all the gaming machines, have lengths different from each other, and include the illuminants arranged in the bent portions in number different from each other. 30 This can make an impression on the player that it seems to be more advantageous to play the game on the gaming machine provided with the coupliing illuminated line including the smaller number of illuminants. Consequently, when the player playing the game on the gaming machine provided with the 35 coupling illuminated line including the smaller number of 57 illuminants acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that the acquisition of game media is because of his or her playing the game on the gaming machine. This can have the player desire to pl ay the game on the gaming machine 5 again next time. On the contrary, when the player playing the game on the gaming machine provided with the coupling iuminated line including the greater number of iliuminants acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that he or she has acquired 10 game media even playing the game on the disadvantageous gaming machine. This can have the player have a sense of superiority. [0080] It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. 15 Namely, the processing (d) is processing of transm t ing the common-game result information indicative of the result of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device. The control device further includes a storage device ca-pable of storing number-of-lighting determination table data 20 indicative of a number-of-lighting determination table inwhich a number of illuminants to be lighted and a common -ame related value determined based on the common-game result information are associated with each other. The number-of-lighting determination table data includes a single straightportion 25 tabe data for determining the numbers of illuminants to be l1 ghed in the straight portions, and a plurality of bent-portion table data associated w th the respective gaming marines for determining the numbers of illuminants to be i ghted in the bent portions . The bent-portion table data 30 d fferent from one another are associated with gaming machi nes provided with bent portions with di fferent lengths and gaming machines provided with bent portions including different numbers of i lluminants arranged in the bent portion. The processing (C) includes processing of (C-I) determining the 35 cormmon-game related value for each of the gaming machines, based 58 on the common-game result information transmitted in the processing (d) , (C-2) determining the number of illuminants to be lighted, based on the common-game related value determined in the processing (C-1) and the straight-portion table data 5 and/or the bent-portion table data associated with the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game resul t information, out of the number-of-illuminants table data stored in the storage device, and (C-3) lighting the illuminants in number determined in the processing (C-2) 10 [00811 According to the above gaming system, the number-of-lighting determination table data includes a of bent-portion table data fordeterminin numbers of illuminants to be lighted in the bent portions. 15 Further, bent-portion table data d fferent from each other are associated with gaming machines provided with bent portions with different lengths and gaming machines provided with bent portions including different numbers of illuminants arranged therein. 20 Accordingly, by properly designing a correspondence relationship between the number of illuminates to be lighted and the coamon-game related value in accordance with the number of illuminants arranged in the bent portion, it is possible to off er the common game which has no ineqiuality among the gaming 25 machines. [0 082] The present invention further provides a game control method hav ig the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) 30 accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmit ting number-o f-game-media information indicative of a number of better game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulative counting a part of the number of betted game media in the control 35 device as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 59 information received from the gaming machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gami ng machine from the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a -predetermined value; (c) executing a common game in the gaming 5 machine after receive ng the common-game execution signal transmitted in the step (B) from the control device; (d) transmitting common-came result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (c) to the control dei ce from the gaming machine; (C) lighting by using 10 the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gamine machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information based on the common-came result information transmitted in the step (d) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at 15 a -position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated lire being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the plurality of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming machine; (D) determining in the control devi ce whether or not 20 the coupi ng illuminated line with al o the -i uminants having been 1ighted in the step (C) is present; and (E) paying out a Predetermined number of game media, when determining in the control device that the coup ling il 1umi nated ine with all of the illumJinants having been lighted is present in the step (D) 25 from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [0083] Acrcording to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media 30 betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common came is executed in the gaming machine. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided 35 for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common 60 game and Pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, t s 5 possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itsel for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of he predetermined number of game media by viewing the 10 illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to p lay the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling 15 illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby al lowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [00841 The present invention further provides a game control 20 method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) 25 to a control device from the gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of batted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the 30 gaming machine from the control device, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted in the step (B) from the control device; (d) transmitting common-game result information 35 determined based on a result of the common game executed in the 61 step (a) to the control device front the gaming machine; (C) light ng by using the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated iine provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result 5 information based on the common-game result t information t ransmitted in the step (d) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines, including the plurality of illumi nants 10 arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming machine, and formed by a straight portion extending from the reach portion to a predetermined position and a bent portion in a remaining portion; (D) determining in the control device whether or not the coupling illuminated line 15 with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the step (C) is present, and (E) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining in the control device that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is present in the step (D) , from the control device to the gaming 20 machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. The straight portions provided for all the gaming machines have substantially tE Same length, the ben port ons prove ded for at least two gaming machines, out of al the gaming machines, have lengths different from each o their, he straight pSrtions 25 provided for all the gaming machines include substantial ly same numbers of illuminates arranged in straight ortion, and the bent portions provided for at least two gaming machines, out of all the gaming machines, include different numbers of illuminants arranged in the bent portion. 30 [00851 According to the above game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of: the number of game media betted in each of the gaming machines as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined 35 value, a common came is executed in the gaming machine. When 62 the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the 5 gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the 10 player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for eac oF th e gaming mchi nes. This can cause the player to 15 play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line nave been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beg inner to play the game 20 without having uncomfortable feeling. [0086] Furher, according to the above game control method, the coupling illuminated line is formed by a straight portion extending from the reach portion to a predetermined position, 25 and a bent portion in the remaining portion. The straight portions provided for all the gaming machines have substantially the same length, and include substantially the same number of illuminants arranged therein. Accordingly, it is possible to impress the player a state of the lighted 30 illuminants gradually approaching the reaching portion as a last spurt toward the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media, thereby enhancing the player's sense of an expectation for the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media. 35 Further, the bent portions provided for at least two 63 gaming machines, out of all the gaming machines, have lengths different from each other, and include the illuminants arranged in the bent portions in number different from each other. This can make an impression on the player that it seems 5 to be more advantageous to play the game on the gaming machine Provided with the couplin g illuminated line including tne smaller number of illuminants. Consequentlv, when the olaver playing the game on the gaming machine provided wih t e coupling illuminated line including the smaller number of 10 illuminants acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that the acquisition of came media is because of his or her playing the game on the gaming machine. This can have the player desire to play the game on the gaming machine again next time. 15 On the contrary, when the player playing the game on the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated iine including the greater number of ilt acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that he or she has acquired game media even playing the game on the disadvantageouis gaming 20 machine. This can have the player have a sense of superiority. In at least some embodiments the Present invention provi des a gaming system having the f blowing configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 25 gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enable n communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines and 30 including a plurality of illuminates arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-o f-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted 35 in the processing (a) to the control device. The processor is 64 program-med to execute processing of (A) lighting the plurality of illumninants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, based on 5 number-of-game-media information transmit ted in the processing (b) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (B) cumulatively counting a part of the nuirber of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 10 information transmitted in the processing (b) , and (C) paying out a predetermined number of game media to any of the gaming machines, wnen the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. [00881 15 According to the above gamin system, the illuminants included in the coupling illumi nated line provided for each slot machine are lighted. S is conducted to the illuminants in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine. Accordingly, it 20 is possible to provide a player with an imression that the line of the Ilight ed i luminants extends toward the reach port ion. Then, is possible to have the c ayer think that he or sne can acquire a prede term ned number of game media when the line of the ilinants reaches the reach port ion and that he or sne 25 has a higher possibility to acquire the predetermined number of game media when the comparatively larger number of illuminants are lighted. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have an interest in lighting of the illuminates and enhance the sense of expectation of the player for the 30 acquisition of the predetermined number of game media. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets bored. Further, lighting of the illuminant is conducted based on the number of betted game media. Namely, more illuminates 35 are to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for 6.5 the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have been betted. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player think that the possibility for acquiring the predetermined number of came media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger 5 number of game media. Then, it is possible to prompt the player to bet the larger number of the game media. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, so that the occasion for the player to acquire the predetermined number of game media 10 is increased. [00C)891 in at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration Namely, the gaming system compr is es: a plurality of 15 gaming machines each including a contrler; a control device including a processor; a network enabli ng communication between the plurality of gaming machines and control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the cfaming machines and 20 including a plurality of illuminants arranged from the reach portion to the gamin machine. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) ransmit ting number-o f-game-media information indica tve o a number of betted game media as the bet accepted 25 in the proc ess (a) to the control device The processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulat ively counting the number of batted game media as an accumulated number of bets for eacn gaming machine, based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in the processing (b) , (B) lighting the 30 plurality of illuminants included in te coupling illuminated line Provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, based on e number-of-game-media information transmitted in tne processing (b) , in an order starting from the illuminant 35 provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (C) 66 cumulatively counting a part of the number of belted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in the processing (b), and (D) transmitti ng a common-game execution s- gna to the gaming 5 machine, when the cumulative value has reace d a predetermined value. The controller is further programied to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device, and (d) transmitting common-game result informal ion indicative of a 10 result of the common game executed in the process ng (c) to the control device. The processor is further crogrammed to execute processing of (E) lighting the cplura]ity of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the comunon-came 15 result information in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, based on the common-game result information transmitted in the processing (d) and the accumulated number of bets in the gaming machine, (F) determining whether or not the coupling 20 illuminatedin e with all of the illuminants having been lighted in the pr-ocessing (E) is present, and (G) paying out a Predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminants having been lighted is Present in the pr-ocessing (F), to the gaming 25 machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. According to the above gaming system, the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line cr-ovided for each gaming machine are lighted before the generation of the common 30 game. Such lighting is conducted to the iliuminants in an order starting from the il ruminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine. Accordingly, it is possib-le to provide a piaver with an impression that the line of the lighted illuminants extends toward the reach portion. Then, it is 35 possible to have the player hInk that he or she can acquire 67 a predetermined number of game media when the line of such illuminants reaches the reach portion and that he or she has a higher possibility to acquire the predetermined number of game media when the comparatively larger number of illuminants are 5 lighted. Accordingly, i is possible to have the player have an interest in i ghti ng of the illuminants and enhance the sense of expectation of the player for the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media. As a result, itis possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets bored. 10 Further, lighting of the illuminant is conducted based on the number of betted game media. Namely, more illuminants are to be lighted in the coupiinq illuminated line provided for the gaming machine in which h the larger number of game media have been betted. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player 15 think that the possi bili ty for acquiring the predetermined number of game media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger number of game media. Then, it is possible to prompt the player to bet the larger number of the game media. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the cumulative 20 value to reach the predetermined value, so that the occasion for the player to acquire the predetermined number of game media is increased. [0091] According to the above gaming system, the control device 25 lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated 1 ne provided for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game redia to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein 30 having been lighted. By executing the common game iIfferent from a normal came, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players ha.s come 35 close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game 68 medi b viewing the lluminants included n th couple ing il mi naLed ine Provided for each o f the gaming machi ne Th is can cause the player to p ay 'te common game wh ile havi no a sense of expectat on. Further, paVout of the predetermined number 5 of g came m edi is conducted when a-LI the i mnncluded in the cou pling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes t rues easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0092] 10 Further, according to the gaming system, lighting of the illuminants during the common game is conducted based on the accumulated number of bets (a total number of betted game media) Namely, comparatively larger number of illuminants may be lighted included in the couple ing illuminated line provided for 15 the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have been betted. Accordingly, since a return in the common game may be conducted to the player who has betted the large number of game media, it is -possible to provide a satisfaction to such a player. In particular, in the case that th predetermined 20 number of game media is acquired by the player who has betted the larce number of game media believing the possibility for acquiring the predetermined number of game media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger number of game media, it is possible to provide a great satisfaction to such player. 25 [00931 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the control device includes a storage device capable of storing ap lurality of types of number-of-lighting 30 determination table data indicative of a number-of-lighting determination table in which a number of the illuminants to be lighted and a common-came related value determined based on the conmnon-game result information are associated with each other. The processing (E) is processing of lighting the plurality of 35 illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided 69 for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, based on the common-game resuIt information transmitted in the 5 processing (d) and the numr-of-liging d etermina.ton table data of the type specified based on the accumulated number of bets in the gaming machine. [0094] According to the gaming system, the storage device 10 included in the control device stores the number-of-lighting determination table data indicatve of a plurality of types of t-e number-of-lighting determina tion table. Further, the number of illuminants to be Lighted is determined based on the type of tne number-of-lgig determination table data 15 specified based on the accumulated number of bets. Further, according to the above gaming system, it is Possible to have the player think about a strategy on how large number of game media to bet. For example, number-of-lighting determinat ion table data 20 I and number-of-lighting determination table data II are assumed to be provided as the number-of-lighting determination table data. Then, in the case that the accumulated number of bets is equal to or more than 1000 and less than 10000, the number-of-lighting determination table data is assumed Eo be 25 specified. Further, in the case that the accumulated number of bets is equal to or more than 10000, the number-of-lighting determination table data IIis assumed to be specified. In this case, it ssible to have the layer thnk about the strategy on which action to take, having an advant-age in the common game 30 by making the number of bets equa to or more than 10000 or reducing an expense of the game media even if the common came becomes disadvantageous. Accordingly, it is possible to have tne player absorbed in the game. [0095] 35 The present invention further provides a game control 70 method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a 5 number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) from the gaming machine to a control device; (A) l ighting by '-te control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated l ine provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, 10 based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in the step (b) , in an order starting from the illuminant -rovided at a position closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and including the plurality of i lluminants arranged from a reach 15 portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming machine; (B) cumulatively counting by the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in the step (b) , and (C) paying out a predetermined number of game media 20 from the control device to any of the gaming machines, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. [0 0 961 According to the above game control method, the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated l-ine provided 25 for each slot machine are lighted. Such lighting is conducted to the illuminants in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine. Acordingly, it is possible to provide a player with. an impression that the line of the lighted illuminants extends 30 toward the reach portion. Then, it is possible to have the player think that he or she can acquire a predetermined number of game media when the line of the illuminants reaches the reach portion and that he or she has a higher possibility to acquire the predetermined number of came media when the comparatively 35 larger number of illuminants are lighted. Accordingly, it is 71 Possible to have the player have an interest in lighting of the illuminants and enhance the sense of expectation of the player for the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that the player 5 hardly gets bored. Further, lighting of the illuminant is conducted based on the number of betted game media. Namely, more illuminants are to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have 10 been betted. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player think that the possibility for acquiring the predetermined number of came media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger number of game media. Then, it is possible to prompt the player to bet the larger number of the game media. As a result, it 15 is possible to shorten the time required for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, so that the occasion for the player to acquire the predetermined number of game media is increased. [00C)971 20 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following config ura on Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine, (b) transmitting number-of-game-media informal tion indicative of a 25 number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) from the gaming machine to a control device, (A) cumulatively counting by the control device the number of betted game media as an accumulated number of bets for each gaming machine, based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in the step 30 (b) , (B) lighting by the control device a plurality of illuminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in 'he step (b), 35 in an order starrtin from the illuminant provided at a position 72 closest to the gaming machine, the coupling illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines and incl uding the pluralitv of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach to the gaming machine; 5 (C) cumulatively counting by the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in 'E step (b), (D) tr ansmitting a common-game execution signal from the control device to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value 10 has reached a predetermined value, (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device, (d) transmitting common-came result information indicative of a result of the common game executed in the step (c) from the gaming machine to the control 15 device, (E) lighting the pluralitv of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the Caming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, based on the common-game result 20 information transmitted in the step (d) and the accumulated number of bets in the gaming machine, (F) determining by the control device whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuiats having been lighted in the step (E) is present, and (G) paying out a predetermined number of game media, 25 when determine ng that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminantS having been lighted is present in the step (F) , from the control device to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. [00981 30 According to the above game control method, the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each gaming machine are lighted before the generation ofT the common game. Such lighting is conducted to the illuminants in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position 35 closest to the gaming machine. Accordingly, it is possible to 73 provide a player with an impression that the line of the lighted illuminants extends toward the reach portion. Then, it is possible to have the lawyer think that he or she can acquire a predetermined number of game media when the line of such 5 illuminates reaches the r .eachption and that he or she has a higher possibility to acquire the predetermined number of game media when the comparatively larger number of illuminants are lighted. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have an interest in lighting of the illuminants and enhance the sense 10 of expectation of the player for the acquisition of the Predetermined number of game media. As a result, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets bored. Further, lighting of the illuminant is conducted based on the number of betted game media. Namely, more illuminants 15 are to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have been better. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player think that the poss ability for acquiring the predetermined number of game media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger 20 number of game media. Then, it is possible to prompt the player to bet the larger number of the game media. As a result, it is possible to shorten the time required for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, so that the occasion for the player to acquire the predetermined number of game media 25 is increased. [0099] According to the above game control method, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines based 30 on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By executing the coimon game different Irom a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting 35 aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The payer can recognize ze how much each of the players has come close to the acq-uisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling 5 illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game whi le having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media Is conducted when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes 10 the rules easy to understand, thereby allow ng even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0100] Further, according to the above game control method, lighting of the illuminants during the common game conducted 15 based on the accumulated number of bets (a total number ofbetted game media). Namely, comparatively larger number of illuminants may be i ghted included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine in which the larger number of game media have been betted. Accordingly, since a return 20 in the common game may be conducted to the player who has betted large number of game media, it is possible to provide a satisfaction to such a player. In particular, in the case that the predetermined number of game media is acquired by the player who has betted the large number of came media believing the 25 possibility for acqu iring the predetermined number of game media becomes higher if he or she bets the larger number of came media, it is possible to provide a great satisfaction to such [01011 30 In at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a memory device and a processor; a network enabling 35 cormunication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. Further, the memory device is capable of storing a plurality of types of winning-machine determination programs for determining the gamingp machine to which pavout of a game medium is conducted, out of the plurality of gaming 5 machines, the winning-machine determination programs respectively determining the gaming machine by methods different from each other. Furthermore, the controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-o f-game-media 10 information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the proce sing (a) to the control device. Moreover, the processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 15 information received from the gaming machine, and (B) counting number of the gaming machines joining the game among the gaming machines connected by the network, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, (C) determining the gaming machine to which the payout of the game medium is conducted, 20 by reading the winning-machine determination program of the type specified based on the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) from the memory device and executing the winning-machine determination program, and (D) paying out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming 25 machine determined in the processing (C) According to the gaming system, the gaming machine to which the payout of the game medium is conducted is determined by an execution of the winning-machine determination program 30 of the type specific ed based on the number of the gaming machi nes joining the game. Namely, a method for determining the gaming machine as a target ofi the payout of the game medium (hereinafter, aiso referred to as a winning machine) may be different in accordance with the number of players joining the game. 35 Accordingly, it is possible to have the player interested in the determination method. Further, it is also possible to have the pl ayer always become conscious of the number of players joining the game at the present. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. 5 [01031 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the plurality of types of the winning-macnine determination program includes a special winning-machine 10 determination program for determining the gaming machine to which the payout of the game medium is conducted, based on the number-of-game-media information. Further, the processing (C) includes processing of determining the gaming machine to which the payout of the game medium is conducted, based on the 15 number-of-game-media information transmitted in the processing (b), by reading the special winning-machine determination program from the memory device and executing the special wi-nning-machine determination program, when the number of gaming machines counted in rue processincf (B) satisfies a 20 predetermined condition. [0104] According to the gaming system, the wi inning machine is determined based on the number of betted caemedia (e.g. a total number of bett ed game media, a balance of game media, and the 25 like) , when the number of gaming machines joining the game satisfies a predetermined condition. Accordingly, there may be a case where the method for determining the winning machine based on the toal number of betted game media is advantageous for a player whi le the method for determining the winning 30 machine based on the balance of the game media is disadvantageous for the player. Further, an opposite case may alsobe generated. Accordingly, it is posi ble to hav-e the player always conscious of the present number of participants so as to know if the present number is advantageous or 35 disadvantageous for the player in the relation with a situation 77 of the game. As a result, it is possible to have the player absorbed in the game. [01051 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the 5 following configuration. Namely, the special winning-machine determination program includes a particular program for determining the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-o f:-game-media inf ormation having triggered the 10 cumulative value to reach the predetermined value in the count as the gaming machine to which the pavout of the game medium is conducted. Further, the processing (C) includes processing of determining the gaming machine as a transmission source of the number-c f-game-media information having triggered the 15 cumulative value to reach the predetermined value in the count among the counts in the processing (A) , by reading the particular program from the memory device and executing the particular program, when the number of the gaming machines counted in the processing (B) satisfies a specific condition. 20 [0106] According to the gaming system, the gaming machine in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been betted is determined as the w inning machine, when the number of the gaming machines joining the game 25 satisfies the specific condition. Accordingly, it is pos b e to cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the cumulative value reaching the predetermined value every time he or she places a bet, especially in a case where th c umulative value is approaching the predetermined value. Consequently, 30 it becomes possible to cause the player to have a stronger enthusiasm for each bet, thereby having the player absorbed in the game. Further, it is possible to give a great joy to the plaver in a case were the bet placed by the player causes the cumulative value to reach the Predetermined value. - 78 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, a game control method comprises: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine, (b) transmitting 5 number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) toa control device from the gaming machine, (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media 10 information received from the gaming machine, and (B) counting in the control device a number of the gaming machines joining the game among the gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a plurality of the gaming machines and the control device, when the cumulative value has 15 reached a predetermined value, (C) determining in the control device the gaming machine to which payout of the game medium is conducted, by reading a winning-machine determination program of a type specified based on the number of the gaming machines counted in te S-ep (B) out of a plurality of t-yrpes 20 of the winning-machine de termin-at ion programs for determining the gaming machines by methods different from each other, to which the payout of the game medium is conducted, out of the plurality of the gaming machines from the memory device and executing the winning-machine determination program, and (D) 25 paying out a predetermined number of game media to the gaming machine determined in the step (C) [0108] According to the game control method, the gaming machine to which the payout or the game medium is conducted is determined 30 by an execution of the winning-machine determination program of the type specified based on the number of the gamingmachines joining the game. Namely, a method for determining the gaming machine as a target of the payout of the game medium (hereinafter, also referred to as a winning machine) may be different in 35 accordance with the number of players joining the game.

Accordingly, it is possible to have the player interested in the determination method. Further, it is also possible to have the player always become conscious of the number of players joining the game at the present. Consequently, it is possible 5 to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. [01091 In at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of 10 gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a common display capable of displaying an image and a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller s programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting 15 a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting num-,ber-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number 20 of betted game media as a cumulative vaiue based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to any of the gaming machines, as well as displaying a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative 25 value to the common display, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. [0110] According to the gaming system, a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common 30 display when thme cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, that is, on condition that cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Namely, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is not displayed until the cumulative value has reached the predetermined vaiue. 35 Accordingly, since a player does not know how large the current 80 cumulative value is, it is possible that the player does not know what number of game media would be paid out. Further, it is also possible that the player has no idea about how soon the cumulative value will reach the predetermined value. 5 Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play a game while being interested in a timing of a payout of the game media in number based on the cumulative value and the number of game media to be paid out. Further, it is possible to provide a player wi th a great delight as well as providing a player with a surprise 10 when the pavout of the game media is conducted, since the player cannot predict the payout of the game media in number based on the cumulative value. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that tIe dly gets tired. [01111 15 in at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a common display capable of displaying an image and 20 a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of 25 betted game media as the bet accepted in the processing (a) to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming 30 machine, and (B) displaying a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to the common display at a predetermined timing for a predetermined time, and (C) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to any of the gaming machines when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined 35 value. 81 According to the gaming system, a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common display at a predetermined timing for a predetermined time. 5 Namely, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is occasionally displayed. The value of the current cumulative value is important information for the player, as well as being of great concern for the player, to predict what number of game media would be paid out as the payout of thle game media in number 10 based on the cumulative value or to predict how soon the cumulative value will reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have a sense of expectation for the timinnrg of: the display of the numeral image co r responding to the cumulative value. Further, it is possible 15 to have the player always concern about whether or not the numeral imace correspondI nc to the cumulative value is displayed to the common display, and therefore, the player can be absorbed in the game. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. 20 [01131 It is desirable that the gaming system further has the following configuration. Namely, the processing (C) is processing of (C-1) specifying tie gaming machine as a transmission source of the 25 number-o f-game-media information having triggered the cumulative v alue to reach the predetermined value in the count among the counts in the processing (A) , when the cumulaive value has reachedtihe predetermined value, and (C-2) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to the 30 gaming machine specified in the processing (C-1). [0114] According to the gaming system, the payout of the game media in number based on the cumulative value is conducted to the player who has placed the bet triggering the cumulative 35 value to reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, when the 82 cumf.tulative value is approaching the predetermined value, each player' s interest can be concentrated on the issue that which player' s bet would cause the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, it is possible to heat the 5 game up, and to have the -player have a sense of tension while playing the game under a circumstance that the cumulative value could reach the predetermined value at any moment. Further, it is possible to have the player plot a strategy about when to bet and how much to bet, in such a manner that 10 he or she bets the smaller number of game media while the value of the cumulative value is small and e or she bets the larger number of game media when the cumulative value approaches the predetermined value. In this regard, the value of the current cumulative value 15 is of great importance for the player, and therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the player's interest in whether or not the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common display. Accordingly, the player can be further absorbed in the game. 20 [01151 In at least some embodiments the present invention provides a gaming system having the fo lowing configuration. Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device 25 including a common display capable of displaying an image and a processor; a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines and 30 including a plurality of illuminates arranged from the reach portion to the gaming machine. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game me di.um, and (b) transmitting number-o f-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted 35 in the processing (a) to the control device. The processor is 83 programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution 5 signal to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. The controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted in the processing (B) from the control device, and (d) 10 transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of Lhe common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of (C) lighting the plurality of illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for the 15 gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-came result information in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, based on the common-game result information transmitted in the processing (d) , (D) determining whether or not the coupling 20 illuminatedi ne with al ofthe illuminants having been lighted in the processing (C i-s present, and (E) paying out the came media in number based on the cumulative value, when determining that the coup ing illuminated line with all of the i lluminants having been lighted is present in the processing (D) , to the 25 gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line, as well as dispi saying a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to the common display. [0 11 61i According to the gaming system, tne control device 30 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each gaming machine as the cumulative value. Then, the control device executes the common game in the gaming machines when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the 35 iliuminants included in the couring illuminated line provided 84 or each of: the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated 1ine with all the illuminants included therein 5 having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tiredof the game. The layer can recognize how much each of the players has come 10 close to the acquisition of the game media in number based on the cumul active value by viewing the illuminants included in th e coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, the payout of 15 game media in number based on the cumulative value is conducted wnen all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allow ng even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. 20 [01171 Further, according to the gaming system, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common display on condition that the coupling illuminated iine with all the illuminates included therein having been lighted 25 is present. Namely, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is not displayed to the common display until the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted is present . Accordingly, since the player does not know how large the current cumulative value is, 30 it is possible that the player does not know what number of game media would be paid out. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play the common game wile having a sense of expectation for what number of game media can be acquired. Consequently, it is possible 35 to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. 85 Further, even 4rin a case where the predetermined value is set to be a small value, it is possible to prevent the game from being not heated uc due to the player' s knowledge about the number of game media that can be acquired in the common game 5 being small. [01181 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) 10 accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-of-came-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) from the gaming machine to a control device; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted 15 game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming marine; and (B) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value from the control device to any of the gaming machines, as well as displaying a numeral image corresponding 20 to the cumulative value to the common display, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value. According to the game control method, a numeral image correspond ing to the cumulative value is displayed to the common 25 display when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, that is, on condition that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Namely, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is not displayed until the cumulative value has reached the predetermined vaiue. 30 Accordingly, since a player does not know how large the current cumulative value is, it is possible e that the player does not know what number of game media would be paid out Further, it is aiso possible that the player has no idea about how soon the cumulative value will reach the predetermined vaiue. 35 Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play a game while being interested in a timing of a payout of the game media in number based on the cumul ative value and the number of game media to be paid out. Further, t is possible to provide a player with a great delight as well as providing a player with a surprise 5 when the oavout of the game media is conducted, since the player cannot predi ct the payout of the game media in number based on te cumulative value. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. [0120] 10 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Namely, the came control method comprises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of game medium in a gaming machine; (b) transmitting number-o f-game-media information idi c ative o f a 15 number of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) from the gaming machine to the control device; (A) cumulatively counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the number-of-game-media information received from the gaming 20 machine; (B) dIsplaying by the control device a numeral image corresponding to he cumulative value to a common display at a predetermined tmi ng for a predetermined time; and (C) paying out game media in number based on the cumulative value from the control device to any of the gaming machines when the cumulative 25 value has reached a Predetermined value. [0121] According to the game control method, a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common display at a predetermined timing for a predetermined time. 30 Namely, the numeralimage corresponding to !the cumulative value is occasionally displayed. The value of the current cumulative value is importat information for the player, as well as being of great concern for the player, to predict what number of game media would be paid out as the payout of the game media in number 35 based on the cumulative value or to predict how soon the 87 cum.ula tive value Will reach the predetermined vaiue. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have a sense of expectation for the timing, of the display of the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value. Further, it is possible 5 to have the player always concern about whether or not the numeral image corresponding to tne cumulative value is displayed to the common display, and therefore, the player can be absorbed in the game. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the pl ayer -hardly gets t red. 10 [01221 The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. Name Ly, the game control method compr ises steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; (b) 15 transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a numbe-r of betted game media as the bet accepted in the step (a) from the gaming machine to a control device; (A) cumulative ly counting in the control device a part of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on the 20 number-of--game-media information received from the gaming machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal from the control device to the gaming machine, when the cumulative value has reached a predetermined value; (c) executing a common game in the gaming machine after receiving t e common-ogame 25 execution signal transmitted in the step (B) from the control device; (d) transmittingf common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (c) to the control device, (C) lighting by the control device a pilur ality of illuminants included in a coupling 30 illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result t information, based on the common-game result t information transmitted in the step (d) , in an order starting from the illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, 'he coupling 35 illuminated line being provided for each of the gaming machines 88 and including the plurali ty of il ants arranged from a reach portion indic ative of a target position to reach to the gaming machine, (D) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated ine with all of the illuminants having been lighted 5 in the step (C) is present, and (E) paying out the game media in number based on the cumulative value, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of the illuminates having been lighted is present in the step (D) , from the control device to the gaming machine provided withi the coupling illuminated 10 line, as well as displaying a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to a common disp lay. [0123] According to the game control method, the control device cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted 15 in each gaming machine as the cumulative value. Then, the control device executes the common game in the gaming machines when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. When the common game is executed, the control device lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line -rovid ed 20 for each of the gaming machines based on a result of the common game and pays out the game media in number based on the cumulative value to the gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different 25 from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of tne method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tiredof the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the game media in number based on 30 the cumul active value by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the gaming machines. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, the payout of game media in number based on the cumulative value is conducted 35 when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated 89 line have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allow ng even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0124] 5 F according to the game control method, e numeral image corresponding to tne cumulative value is displayed to the common display on condition that the coupling illuminated line with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted is present. Namely, the numeral image 10 corresponding to the cumulative value is not displayed to the common display until the coupling, illuminated l ne with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted is present. Accordingly, since the player does not know how large the current cumulative val e i s, it is possible that the player does 15 not know what number of game medi a would be paid out. Accordingly, i is possible to have the player play the common came wile having sense of expectation for what number of game media can be acquired. onseuently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly y gets tired. 20 Further, even in a case where the predetermined value is set to be a small value, it is possible to prevent the game from being not heated up due to the player' s knowledge about the number of game media that can be acquired in the common game being small. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention are hereinafter further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in wich: 30 Fig. lis a front view schematically i lstratinga gaming system according to one embodiment of a present invention. Fig. 2A is a view Illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of 35 the present invention. 90 Fig. 2B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 5 Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an external view 91 of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 3. 5 Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine. 10 Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 9 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship 15 among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing. Fig. 11 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 20 rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. 25 Fig. 14 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. Fig. 15A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 15B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 30 determination table. Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing according to another embodiment. Fig. 17A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 35 determination table. 92 Fig. 17B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 18A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a 5 number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 18B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another 10 embodiment. Fig. 18C is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. 15 Fig. 19 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing according to another embodiment. Fig. 21 is a view illustrating a number-of-points 20 determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 22A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 22B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 25 Fig. 22C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 23 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to one embodiment of a present invention. 30 Fig. 24A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 24B is a view illustrating an exemplary image 35 displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot 93 machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a 5 present embodiment. Fig. 26 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine. Fig. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. 15 Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 31 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. 20 Fig. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dormant stand-by processing. Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing. Fig. 34 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 25 rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 30 Fig. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. Fig. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of winning-slot-machine determination processing. Fig. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 35 illuminants emission processing. 94 Fig. 40 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. Fig. 41A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. 5 Fig. 41B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of image display processing. Fig. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal 10 game execution processing according to another embodiment. Fig. 44A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another embodiment. 15 Fig. 44B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 44C is a view illustrating a relationship between 20 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 45 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 25 Fig. 46 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 47A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 47B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 30 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 47C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 48 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to one embodiment of a present 35 invention. 95 Fig. 49A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 5 Fig. 49B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 50 is a perspective view illustrating an external 10 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 51 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 50. Fig. 52 is a block diagram illustrating an internal 15 configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 53 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine. Fig. 54 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 20 setting processing. Fig. 55 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 56 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal 25 symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dormant stand-by processing. Fig. 58 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing. 30 Fig. 59 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 60 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. Fig. 61 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 35 number-of-game-media information reception processing. 96 Fig. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. Fig. 63 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of winning-slot-machine determination processing. 5 Fig. 64 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. Fig. 65 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. Fig. 66A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 10 determination table. Fig. 66B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 67 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of on-winning illuminants emission processing. 15 Fig. 68 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing according to another embodiment. Fig. 69A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another 20 embodiment. Fig. 69B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. 25 Fig. 69C is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 70 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 30 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 71 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 72A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 35 Fig. 72B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 97 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 72C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 73 is a front view schematically illustrating a 5 gaming system according to one embodiment of a present invention. Fig. 74A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of 10 the present invention. Fig. 74B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 15 Fig. 75 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 76 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 75. 20 Fig. 77 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 78 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine. 25 Fig. 79 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. Fig. 80 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 81 is a view illustrating correspondence 30 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 82 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dormant stand-by processing. Fig. 83 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common 35 game execution processing. 98 Fig. 84 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 85 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. 5 Fig. 86 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 87 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. Fig. 88 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 10 winning-slot-machine determination processing. Fig. 89 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. Fig. 90 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. 15 Fig. 91A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 91B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 92 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal 20 game execution processing according to another embodiment. Fig. 93A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another embodiment. 25 Fig. 93B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 93C is a view illustrating a relationship between 30 a combination of symbols rearranged on a .winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 94 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 35 Fig. 95 is a view illustrating a number-of-points 99 determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 96A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 96B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 5 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 96C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 97 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to one embodiment of a present 10 invention. Fig. 98A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 15 Fig. 98B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 99 is a perspective view illustrating an external 20 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 100 is a block diagram illustrating an. internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 99. Fig. 101 is a block diagram illustrating an internal 25 configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 102 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine 4010. Fig. 103 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 30 setting processing. Fig. 104 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 105 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal 35 symbols and an amount of payouts. 100 Fig. 106 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing. Fig. 107 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks during a common game. 5 Fig. 108 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 109 is a view illustrating an identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 110 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 10 number-of-payouts information reception processing. Fig. 111 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. Fig. 112 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. 15 Fig. 113A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 113B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 113C is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 20 determination table. Fig. 113D is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 113E is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. 25 Fig. 113F is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 114A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another 30 embodiment. Fig. 114B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. 35 Fig. 114C is a view illustrating a relationship between 101 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 115 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 5 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 116 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 117A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 10 Fig. 117B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 117C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 118 is a front view schematically illustrating a 15 gaming system according to one embodiment of a present invention. Fig. 119A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of 20 the present invention. Fig. 119B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 25 Fig. 120 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 121 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 120. 30 Fig. 122 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 123 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine 5010. 35 Fig. 124 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 102 setting processing. Fig. 125 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 126 is a view illustrating correspondence 5 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 127 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing. Fig. 128 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 10 rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 129 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 130 is a view illustrating an identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. 15 Fig. 131 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. Fig. 132 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. Fig. 133A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 20 determination table. Fig. 133B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 133C is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. 25 Fig. 133D is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 133E is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 133F is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 30 determination table. Fig. 134A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another embodiment. 35 Fig. 134B is a view illustrating a relationship between 103 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 134C is a view illustrating a relationship between 5 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 135 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 10 Fig. 136 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 137A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 137B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 15 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 137C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 138 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to one embodiment of a present 20 invention. Fig. 139 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 25 Fig. 140 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a present embodiment. Fig. 141 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 140. 30 Fig. 142 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 143 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine 6010. 35 Fig. 144 is a view illustrating correspondence 104 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 145 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 5 Fig. 146 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-payouts information reception processing. Fig. 147 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. Fig. 148 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game 10 dormant signal reception processing. Fig. 149 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of winning-machine determination processing. Fig. 150 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot machine game execution processing according to another 15 embodiment. Fig. 151A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs according to another embodiment. Fig. 151B is a view illustrating a relationship between 20 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs according to another embodiment. Fig. 151C is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs according to another embodiment. 25 Fig. 152A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 152B is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 152C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 30 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 152D is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 153 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a first embodiment. 35 Fig. 154 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 155 is a perspective view illustrating an external 5 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 156 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 155. Fig. 157 is a block diagram illustrating an internal 10 configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 158 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine 7010. Fig. 159 is a view illustrating correspondence 15 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged symbols and an amount of payouts. Fig. 160 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 161 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 20 numeral-image momentary display processing. Fig. 162A is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel provided in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to a second embodiment. 25 Fig. 162B is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel provided in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to the second embodiment. Fig. 163 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game 30 execution processing executed in a slot machine 7010. Fig. 164 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. Fig. 165 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. 35 Fig. 166 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 106 common game execution processing. Fig. 167 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks during a common game. Fig. 168 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 5 number-of-game-media information reception processing. Fig. 169 is a view illustrating an identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 170 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-payouts information reception processing. 10 Fig. 171 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. Fig. 172 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table. Fig. 173A is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 15 determination table. Fig. 173B is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 173C is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. 20 Fig. 173D is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 173E is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table. Fig. 173F is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting 25 determination table. Fig. 174A is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in a normal game according to another embodiment. 30 Fig. 174B is a view illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 174C is a view illustrating a relationship between 35 a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a 107 number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 17 5 is a view ill ustratinga exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 5 Fig. 176 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Fig. 177A is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fig. 177B is a view illustratiLng exemplary symbols 10 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. Fic. 177C is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION 15 [0125] [First embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 1 and Figs. 2A to 2B, 20 there will be given a general description of the Present embodiment. Fic. lis a front view schematically i lustratinga gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2A to 2B are views each illustrating an exemplary 25 image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present Invention. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a gaming system 1 includes a plurality of slot machines 10 (a slot machine 10A, a slot machine 30 lIB, a slot machine 10Ca slot machine 10D, a slot machine ICE, a slot machine 10F, a slot machine lOG, a slot machine 10H, a slot machine 101, and a slot machine 10J) , a control device 200 (see Fig. 5) , a common large display 300, and a plurality of common compact displays 301 (a common compact display 301A and 35 a common compact display 301B) , which are interconnected 108 through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 10, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 310 (a coupling illuminated line 310A, a coupling illuminated line 310B, a coupling 5 illuminated line 310C, a coupling illuminated line 310D, a coupling illuminated line 310E, a coupling illuminated line 310F, a coupling illuminated line 310G, a coupling illuminated line 310H, a coupling illuminated line 3101, and a coupling illuminated line 310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 351 10 arranged from the common large display 300 to the respective slot machines 10. The coupling illuminated lines 310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 300 to one of boundary plates 302 (a boundary plate 302A and a boundary plate 302B), and a bent portion extending from 15 one of the boundary plates 302 to the slot machine 10. The slot machines 10 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. The LEDs 351 correspond to the illuminants of the present invention. 20 The common large display 300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. [0126] In the gaming system 1 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 10 are cumulatively 25 counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 300. In Fig. 1, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches a predetermined 30 value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 10. [0127] With reference to Fig. 2A to Fig. 2B, there is described a method for determining the slot machine 10 to which the payout 35 of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. 109 As illustrated in Fig. 2A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 33. A text image 601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) 5 is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. [0128] Fig. 2B illustrates EVENT TIME (a common game) in more detail. 10 In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel 33 is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in Fig. 2A to the text images illustrated in Fig. 2B triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the 15 upper image display panel 33. [0129] A text image 602 indicates that the LEDs 351 will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 10 during EVENT TIME (a common game). 20 During EVENT TIME (a common game) , common-game symbols (see Fig. 14) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 9) rearranged during a game (a normal game) played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type 25 and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [01301 A text image 603 indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 10 provided with the coupling 30 illuminated line 310 with all the LEDs 351 having been lighted. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 351 are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 10. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 351 appear to gradually extend 35 toward the common large display 300. 110 [0131] A text image 604 indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line 310 may be different among the coupling illuminated lines 310. 5 In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 310 listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): (I) the coupling illuminated line 310A and the coupling illuminated line 310J; 10 (II) the coupling illuminated line 310B and the coupling illuminated line 3101; (III) the coupling illuminated line 310C and the coupling illuminated line 310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 310D and the coupling 15 illuminated line 310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 310E and the coupling illuminated line 310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are 20 different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs 351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 310. 25 Further, Fig. 1 illustrates the gaming system 1 according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs 351 illustrated in Fig. 1 is not related to the number of LEDs 351 according to the present embodiment. (0132] 30 A text image 605 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illuminated line 310. More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired 35 points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted are different 1 11 among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Fig. 15A). [0133] As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 1 and Figs. 5 2A to 2B. Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more detail. [0134] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 10 is described. 10 Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. In the slot machine 10, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game 15 medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as 20 described later. [0135] The slot machine 10 comprises a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided at the front face of the cabinet 11. 25 [0136] On the main door 13, there is provided a lower image display panel 16 as a display. The lower image display panel 16 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 28 along five columns and three rows. 30 A single symbol is displayed in each display block 28. Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 16. The lower image display panel 16 corresponds to the symbol 35 display of the present invention. 112 [0137] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 31 and a number-of-payouts display portion 32 are provided on the lower image display panel 16. The number-of-credits display portion 5 31 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 32 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. [0138] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 69 is provided 10 at the front face of the lower image display panel 16. The player can operate the touch panel 69 to input a variety of commands. [0139] Below the lower image display panel 16, there are provided 15 a control panel 20 including a plurality of buttons 23 to 27 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 21 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 11, and a bill validator 22. 20 [0140] The control panel 20 is provided with a start button 23, a change button 24, a CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET button 26 and a maximum BET button 27. The start button 23 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 24 25 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 25 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 18. [0141] The 1-BET button 26 is used for inputting a command to 30 bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 27 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. [0142] 35 The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular 113 bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. It is to be noted that the bill validator 22 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 39 with a barcode. At the lower front 5 of the main door 13, namely, below the control panel 20, there is provided a belly glass 34 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 10 is drawn. [0143] On the front surface of the top box 12, there is provided 10 the upper image display panel 33. The upper image display panel 33 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B. 15 [0144] Further, a speaker 29 is provided in the top box 12. Under the upper image display panel 33, there are provided a ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a key pad 38. The ticket printer 35 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded 20 data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 39 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 39 with a barcode with a bill 25 or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). The identification number of the slot machine 10 corresponds to identification information of the gaming machine of the present invention. 30 [0145] The card reader 36 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are 35 stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit 11.4 may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 37 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 36 or data inputted 5 by the player via the key pad 38. The key pad 38 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. [0146] Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal 10 configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 3. A gaming board 50 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM 55, and a boot ROM 52 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53, and an IC socket 54S 15 corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54. [0147] The memory card 53 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The 20 symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 28. The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for a normal game and a symbol determination program for a common game. The symbols to be 25 determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game 30 symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). [0148] Further, the card slot 53S is configured so as to allow the memory card 53 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, 35 and is connected to the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, 11J*5 the memory card 53 can be removed from the card slot 53S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 53, and the memory card 53 can be inserted into the card slot 53S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot 5 machine 10. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. (0149] The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52 interconnected 10 to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 40 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50, but also supplies power from the mother board 40 to the gaming board 50. 15 [0150] The mother board 40 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 41, a ROM (Read Only 20 Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, and a communication interface 44. The motherboard 40 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. [0151] The ROM 42 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, 25 and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 41 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored 30 in the memory card 53 via the gaming board 50. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 42 may or may not be data rewritable one. (0152] The ROM 42 stores odds data indicative of a correspondence 35 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal 116 symbols and an amount of payouts (see Fig. 9), and the like. [01531 The RAM 43 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 41. Further, the RAM 43 is 5 capable of storing a game program. [0154] Moreover, the RAM 43 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. [0155] 10 Moreover, the mother board 40 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 80 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 40 is connected with a power supply unit 45 and the communication interface 44. 15 [0156] The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 41 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted 20 from the main CPU 41. The main CPU 41 executes the game program stored in the RAM 43 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 41, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 43, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device 25 as processing for controlling each equipment and device. (0157] The body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 30, a hopper 66, a coin detecting portion 67, a graphic board 68, the speaker 29, the touch panel 69, the bill validator 22, the ticket printer 30 35, the card reader 36, a key switch 38S and the data display 37. The lamp 30 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 41. [0158] The hopper 66 is installed inside the cabinet 11, and pays 35 out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal 117 outputted from the main CPU 41, from a coin payout exit 19 to the coin tray 18. The coin detecting portion 67 is provided inside the coin payout exit 19, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 in the case of detecting payout of the 5 predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 19. [0159] The graphic board 68 controls image display to the upper image display panel 33 and the lower image display panel 16 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. In the 10 respective display blocks 28 on the lower image display panel 16, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 31 of the lower image display panel 16. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed 15 to the number-of-payouts display portion 32 of the lower image display panel 16. The graphic board 68 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, a video RAM for temporarily 20 storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 53 and stored into the RAM 43. [0160] 25 The bill validator 22 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 11. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 41 stores in the 30 RAM 43 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0161] The ticket printer 35, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, prints on a ticket a barcode 35 as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, 118 a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 10, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 39 with a barcode. The card reader 36 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 41, and writes data onto 5 the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 41. The key switch 38S is provided on the keypad 38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 41 when the key pad 38 is operated by the player. The data display 37 displays data read by the card reader 36 and data inputted by the player 10 via the key pad 38, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. (0162] The door PCB 80 is connected with the control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C, and a cold cathode tube 81. 15 The control panel 20 is provided with a start switch 23S corresponding to the start button 23, a change switch 24S corresponding to the change button 24, a CASHOUT switch 25S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 25, a 1-BET switch 26S corresponding to the 1-BET button 26, and a maximum BET switch 20 27S corresponding to the maximum BET button 27. Each of the switches 23S to 27S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41 when each of the buttons 23 to 27 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. [0163] 25 The coin counter 21C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 21, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 19. Further, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal 30 to the main CPU 41 in detection of the regular coin. [0164] The reverter 21S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 21C as the regular coin into a 35 cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66, which are disposed in 119 the slot machine 10. Namely, when the hopper 66 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 21S. On the other hand, when the hopper 66 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the 5 hopper 66. The cold cathode tube 81 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 16 and the upper image display panel 33, and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 41. [0165] 10 Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 200 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a communication interface 204, a LED drive circuit 350 15 and a hard disk drive 205 as a memory. The communication interface 204 is connected, through communication lines 101, to the communication interfaces 44 in the respective slot machines 10 and also is connected to the common large display 300 and the common compact displays 301 through communication 20 lines 102. The ROM 202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. Further, the RAM 203 stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, number-of-lights data indicative of the number of LEDs 351 which have been lighted, out of the LEDs 25 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for each slot machine 10, data received from each slot machine 10, and the like. [0166] The hard disk drive 205 stores number-of-lighting 30 determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions). Further, the hard disk drive 205 stores number-of-points 35 determination table data to be referred to in determining the 120 number of points in the common game. Furthermore, the hard disk drive 205 stores data indicative of the predetermined value. [0167] 5 The plurality of LEDs 351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 350. The LEDs 351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 350 turns on and turns off the LEDs 351 based on a signal received from the CPU 201. 10 [0168] Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines. At first, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S200). 15 [0169] With reference to Fig. 7, the common-game flag is described. Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. 20 At first, the main CPU 41 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (see Fig. 12) (step S300). [0170] When determining not to have received the common-game 25 execution signal, the main CPU 41 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 41 sets the common-game flag (step S301) and completes the present 30 subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag indicating that a condition for executing the common game is satisfied. [0171] 35 When determining in step S200 in Fig. 6 that the 121 common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 41 executes normal game execution processing (step S201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawing. 5 [0172] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 41 executes common game execution processing (step S202) . The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the 10 drawing. After executing the processing of step S202, the main CPU 41 completes the present subroutine. [0173] Fig. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. 15 Fig. 9 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S11) . In this processing, the main CPU 20 41 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 26S when the 1-BET button 26 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 27S when the maximum BET button 27 is operated. When the main CPU 41 determines that the coin has not been betted, 25 the processing is returned to step S11. [0174] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S11, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the 30 RAM 43 according to the number of betted coins (step S12) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, the main CPU 41 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43, and the 35 processing is returned to step S11. Further, when the number 122 of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 41 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in 5 the RAM 43, and the processing is proceeded to step S13. (0175] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the start button 23 has been turned ON (step S13) . In this processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received an 10 input signal that is outputted from the start switch 23S when the start button 23 is pressed. When the main CPU 41 determines that the start button 23 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S11. It is to be noted that, when the start button 23 is not 15 turned ON (e.g. when the start button 23 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 41 cancels a subtraction result in step S12. [0176] On the other hand, when determining in step S13 that the 20 start button 23 has been turned on, the main CPU 41 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 200 (step S14) . The number-of-game-media information includes the identification number of the slot machine 10. 25 [0177] Next, the main CPU 41 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S15). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 41 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 28. 30 Then, the main CPU 41 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 28. The lower image display panel 16 to which the display 35 blocks 28 are displayed corresponds to the symbol display of 123 the present invention. [0178] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S16) . Here, the establishment of 5 a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more normal symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 28 (see Fig. 9) . In this processing, the main CPU 41 counts the number of normal symbols for each type 10 of the normal symbols rearranged in step S15. Then, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [01791 When determining that a prize has been established, the 15 main CPU 41 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S17) . In the processing, the main CPU 41 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the ROM 42. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence 20 relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged in the display blocks 28 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 9). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid 25 out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 41 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, in the case 30 of paying out coins, the main CPU 41 transmits a control signal to the hopper 66 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. (0180] When determining in step S16 that no prize has been 35 established or after executing the processing of step S17, the 124 main CPU 41 completes the present subroutine. (0181] Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 10. 5 Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. Fig. 11 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. [0182] 10 At first, the main CPU 41 executes processing of steps S21 to S24, and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S13 and steps S15 to S17 in Fig. 8. Here, only a part different from step S13 and steps S15 to S17 in Fig. 8 is described. 15 [0183] There has been described a case where the main CPU 41 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S15 in Fig. 8 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 20 28. On the contrary, in step S22 in Fig. 10, the main CPU 41 executes the common-game symbol determination program for determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 28. 25 [0184] As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols 30 including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". Fig. 11 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. [0185] When determining in step S23 that no prize has been 35 established or after executing the processing of step S24, the 125 main CPU 41 determines whether or not 2 or more common-game symbols of the same type are rearranged in step S22. When determining that 2 or more common-game symbols of the same type are not rearranged, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to 5 step S27. [0186] On the other hand, when determining that 2 or more common-game symbols of the same type are rearranged, the main CPU 41 transmits specific-state information to the control 10 device 200 (step S26) . The specific-state information is information indicative of the type and the number of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S22. The specific-state information corresponds to the common-game result information of the present invention. 15 [0187] In the example in Fig. 11, two symbols of "J", three symbols of "Q", and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols. In this case, the specific-state information includes information indicating that two symbols 20 of "J" and three symbols of "Q" are rearranged. [01881 Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S27) . The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 200 to 25 any of the slot machines 10 triggered by all the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 having been lighted (see Fig. 13). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 30 [0189] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 41 executes jackpot payout processing (step S28). In this processing, the main CPU 41 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on the 35 information indicative of the cumulative value which is 126 included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 41 in step S28 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 29, lighting of the lamp 30, print of the ticket 39 with a barcode indicative of the number of coins 5 to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0190] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S27 or after executing the processing of step S28, the main CPU 41 completes the present subroutine. 10 [0191] Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 200 is described. Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 15 At first, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 10 at a predetermined timing (step S101). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 201 completes the 20 present subroutine. [0192] On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 201 adds a part (10% in the present embodiment) of the number of coins indicated by 25 the received number-of-game-media information to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 203 and stores the numerical value obtained by the addition as the updated cumulative value in the cumulative-value data (step S102). It is to be noted that the 30 number of decimals is truncated. [0193] Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 203 (step S103) . When 35 determining that the cumulative value has not reached the 127 predetermined value, the CPU 201 completes the present subroutine. [0194) On the other hand, when determining that the cumulative 5 value has reached the predetermined value in step S103, the CPU 201 transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines 10 (step S104). [0195] Fig. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 10 illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 201 determines whether or not to have received the specific-state information (see Fig. 10) from the slot machine 10 at a predetermined timing (step S121). When determining not to have received the specific-state 15 information, the CPU 201 completes the present subroutine. [0196] On the other hand, when determining to have received the specific-state information, the CPU 201 determines the number of points, based on the specific-state information and the 20 number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 205 (step S122). [0197] Fig. 14 is a view illustrating the number-of-points determination table. 25 As illustrated in Fig. 14, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship between the types and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 11, when two symbols 30 of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 10, the slot machine 10 transmits to the control device the specific-state information including information indicating that two symbols of "J" and three symbols 35 of "Q" are rearranged. On receiving the specific-state 128 information, the CPU 201 determines 8 (= 2 + 6) as the number of points. As illustrated in Fig. 14, the number of points which varies in accordance with the type of the common-game symbol 5 is offered. Further, the number of points which varies in accordance with the number of the common-game symbols is offered. [0198] Next, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs 351 10 (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) basedon the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S123). [0199] Figs. 15A to 15B are views each illustrating the 15 number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the 20 correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 10. [0200] The number-of-lighting determination table includes the 25 number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see Fig. 15A) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see Fig. 15B). In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, correspondence relationships between the number of 30 points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines 10. In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted 35 are the same in all the slot machines 10. 129 [0201] In the processing of step S123, at first, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 203 in association with 5 the identification number of the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S121 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 310). 10 When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. On the other hand, when determining that the number of 15 lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. [0202] Next, the CPU 201 makes the determined number of LEDs 20 (illuminants) be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S121 (step S124). In this processing, the CPU 201 identifies the 25 identification numbers of the LEDs 351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 10. Further, the CPU 201 transmits to the LED drive 30 circuit 350 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 350 lights the LEDs 351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 201 adds 35 the number determined in step S123 to the number of lights 130 indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 10 and stores the obtained number in the RAM 203. [0203] 5 Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S125) . In the processing, the CPU 10 201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S123 has reached the number of LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310, based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 203. [0204] 15 When determining that all the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S121 have been lighted, the CPU 201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 10 (step S126). 20 [0205] When determining that not all the LEDs 351 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S126, the CPU 201 completes the present subroutine. [02061 25 As above, according to the gaming system 1 of the present embodiment, the control device 200 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each of the slot machines 10 as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the 30 slot machine 10. In the common game, the slot machine 10 repeatedly executes the processing of variably displaying the symbol and stop-displaying the symbol, without accepting the bet of the game media. Upon execution of the common game, the control device 200 determines the number of points to be offered 35 to each slot machine 10 based on the number or the combination 131 of the stop-displayed symbols, and lights the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine 10 based on the determined number of points. Then, the control device 200 pays out the predetermined number of game media to 5 the slot machine 10 provided with the coupling illuminated line 310 with all the LEDs 351 included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, 10 the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for each of the slot machines 10. This can cause the 15 player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner 20 to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. Further, since the player can play the game without betting the game media during the execution of the common game, the player can play the game without caring a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, 25 thereby having the player absorbed in the game. [0207] According to the gaming system 1, in the case that the number or the combination of the stop-displayed symbols is in the specific state out of a plurality of specific states, the 30 number of points which varies in accordance with a type of the specific state is offered. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 14, the number of points which varies in accordance with the type of the common-game symbols is offered. Further, the number of points which varies in accordance with the number of the 35 common-game symbols is offered. Namely, since the number of 132 points to be offered is different in accordance with the number or the combination of the stop-displayed symbols, an interesting aspect of the game is broadened. Consequently, it is possible to have the player play the game while being 5 entertained. [0208] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the symbols rearranged in the display blocks 28 are all scatter symbols. However, symbols in the present invention are 10 not limited to the scatter symbols. For example, in the configuration that a pay line is provided, a prize may be established or a point value may be offered when a plurality of symbols in a specific combination are rearranged on the pay line. Further, for example, the symbol to be rearranged on the 15 pay line so as to establish a prize and the scatter symbol may be used in combination. [0209] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single predetermined value is provided. 20 However, in the present invention, a plurality of predetermined values may be provided. In such a case, after the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, a single predetermined value to be used next may be determined out of the plurality of predetermined values. 25 [0210] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of points is determined in the control device 200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and 30 information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. [0211] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted is 35 determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table 1 3 3 data for bent portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 310), while the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted 5 is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 310) . In this case, it is 10 desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the 15 acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined number. [0212] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 20 described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such 25 as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common 30 game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a 35 common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine 134 transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling 5 illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [0213] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the slot machine 10 is 10. However, the number of the gaming machine is not particularly 10 limited, and it may be five, for example. [0214] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the common compact display 301 is two. However, the number of the common compact display 15 is not particularly limited, and it may be three, for example. (0215] Moreover, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine is the slot machine 10. However, in the present invention, the type of the gaming 20 machine is not particularly limited, and it may be a card game machine, for example. [0216] Fig. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing according to another 25 embodiment. First, the CPU 201 executes the processing of step S51 to step S52. The processing is the same as the processing of step S120 to step S122 in Fig. 13, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. 30 [0217] The CPU 201 stores in the RAM 203 the numerical value obtained by adding the number of points determined in step S52 to the number of accumulated points currently stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 35 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information 135 received in step S51 as the updated number of accumulated points, in the RAM 203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S51 (step S54). 5 [0218] Next, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light), based on the number of accumulated points stored in the RAM 203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 10 as a 10 transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S51 and the number-of-lighting determination table data. [0219] Figs. 17A to 17C are views each illustrating a 15 number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the number of accumulated points and the number of LEDs to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, a correspondence relationship between the number of accumulated 20 points and the number of LEDs to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 10. [0220] The number-of-lighting determination table includes a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (Fig. 25 17A) and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (Fig. 17B). In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of accumulated points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted 30 may be different in accordance with the slot machines 10. In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of accumulated points and the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted are the same in all the slot machines 10. 35 [0221] 136 In the processing of step S54, the CPU 201 first reads the number of accumulated points stored in the RAM 203. In the case that the read number of accumulated points is equal to or less than 100, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs 351 5 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. On the other hand, in the case that the read number of accumulated points is equal to or more than 101, the CPU 201 determines the number of LEDs 351 to be lighted based on the 10 number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. [0222] Next, the CPU 201 makes the determined number of LEDs (illuminants) be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 as a 15 transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S51 (step 355). In this processing, the CPU 201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S54 and the number of lights 20 indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 10. Further, the CPU 201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 350 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, 25 the LED drive circuit 350 lights the LEDs 351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Furthermore, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 201 adds the number determined in steps S54 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association 30 with the identification number of the slot machine 10 and stores the obtained number in the RAM 203. [0223] Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 310 35 provided for the slot machine 10 as a transmission source of 13,7 the specific-state information received in step S51 have been lighted (emit light) (step S56) . In the processing, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S54 has reached the 5 number of LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310, based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 203. [0224] When determining that all the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for the slot machine 10 10 as a transmission source of the specific-state information received in step S51 have been lighted, the CPU 201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 10 (step S57). [0225] When determining in step 356 that not all the LEDs 351 15 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S57, the CPU 201 completes the present subroutine. [0226] As above, according to the gaming system 1 of another embodiment, the control device 200 cumulatively counts a part 20 of the number of game media betted in each of the slot machines 10 as a cumulative value. Further, when the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a common game is executed in the slot machine 10. In the common game, the slot machine 10 repeatedly executes the processing of variably displaying the 25 symbol and stop-displaying the symbol, without accepting the bet of the game media. Upon execution of the common game, the control device 200 determines the number of points to be offered to each slot machine 10 based on the number or the combination of the stop-displayed symbols, and counts the number of points 30 cumulatively as a number of accumulated points. The control device 200 lights the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for each slot machine 10 based on the counted number of accumulated points. Then, the control device 200 pays out the predetermined number of game media to 35 the slot machine 10 provided with the coupling illuminated line 138 310 with all the LEDs 351 included therein having been lighted. By executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, 5 the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 provided for each of the slot machines 10. This can cause the 10 player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the LEDs 351 included in the coupling illuminated line 310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner 15 to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. Further, since the player can play the game without betting the game media during the execution of the common game, the player can play the game without caring a loss of the game media. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player concentrated on the game, 20 thereby having the player absorbed in the game. [0227] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 9) are rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see 25 Fig. 14), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 18Ato 18C, and Figs. 30 19 to 22, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided 35 with the same numerals. 139 Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. [0228] 5 At first, with reference to Figs. 18A to 18C and Fig. 19, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 18A to 18C are views each illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a 10 winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 19 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 19, nine symbols in total can be 15 rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 20 [0229] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 18A to 18C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 25 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. [0230] 30 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 19, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 22A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 19. Further, "anybar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 22C, 35 "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 22A, and "white7" 140 is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 19. [0231] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 5 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the ROM 42 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. 10 [0232] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 41 executes the following processing of step S16 in Fig. 8, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. 15 Namely, the main CPU 41 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN 20 x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0233] In step S17, the main CPU 41 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs 25 (see Figs. 18A to 18C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 19, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds 30 to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [0234] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with reference to Figs. 20 to 21, and Figs. 22A to 22C. 35 In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 141 described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. 5 On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the symbols of the same type are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. Further, in the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where the main CPU 41 transmits the 10 specific-state information to the control device 200 when two or more common-game symbols are displayed in the common game. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the main CPU 41 transmits the specific-state information to the control device 200 when a specific symbol ("blue7", "red7", "3bar", 15 "2bar", and "lbar") is rearranged on the winning line WL. [0235] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing according to another embodiment. The main CPU 41 executes the processing of step S221 to 20 step S222. The processing is the same as the processing of step S21 to step S22 in Fig. 10, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. [0236] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a prize 25 has been established (step S223). Namely, the main CPU 41 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART 30 x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0237] When determining in step S223 that the prize has not been established, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S225. 35 On the other hand, when determining in step S223 that the prize 142 has been established, the main CPU 41 executes processing regarding the payout of the coin (step S224). In the processing, the main CPU 41 pays out the coins in number determined based on the data (see Figs. 18A to 18C) indicative of the relationship 5 between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. [0238] Next, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a specific symbol is rearranged (step S225) . In the processing, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not any of the specific symbols 10 including "blue7", "red7", "3bar", "2bar", and "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL. [0239] When determining in step S225 that the specific symbol is not rearranged, the main CPU 41 shifts the processing to step 15 S227. On the other hand, when determining in step S225 that the specific symbol is rearranged, the main CPU 41 transmits the specific-state information to the control device 200 (step S226). The specific-state information is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged 20 on the winning line WL in step S222. The specific-state information corresponds to the common-game result information of the present invention. [0240] Next, the main CPU 41 executes the processing of step S227 25 to step S228. The processing is the same as the processing of step S27 to step S28 in Fig. 10, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. [0241] Fig. 21 is a view illustrating a number-of-points 30 determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 22A to 22C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. [0242] As illustrated in Fig. 21, in the number-of-points 35 determination table, symbols or the combination of symbols 1.3 rearranged on the winning line WL and the numbers of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 21) is stored in the hard disk 5 drive 205 included in the control device 200. [0243] In the present embodiment, the CPU 201 executes the following processing of step S122 in Fig. 13. Namely, the CPU 201 determines the number of points based 10 on the specific-state information received from the slot machine 10 in step S121 and the number-of-points determination table data (see Fig. 21) stored in the hard disk drive 205. Further, in the present embodiment, the specific-state information received by the CPU 201 in step S121 is information 15 indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged on the winning line WL in step S222 in Fig. 10. [0244] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 201 in step S122 are listed. 20 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 22A, when a single "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 201 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 22B, when a single "Ibar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the 25 winning line WL, the CPU 201 determines the number of points to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). Further, as illustrated in Fig. 22C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) 30 [0245] [Second embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 23 and Figs. 24A to 24B, 35 there will be given a general description of the present 144 embodiment. Fig. 23 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 Figs. 24A to 24B are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 23, a gaming system 1001 includes 10 a plurality of slot machines 1010 (a slot machine 1010A, a slot machine 1010B, a slot machine 1010C,a slot machine 1010D, a slot machine 1010E, a slot machine 1010F, a slot machine 1010G, a slot machine 1010H, a slot machine 1010I, and a slot machine 1010J), a control device 1200 (see Fig. 27), a common large 15 display 1300, and a plurality of common compact displays 1301 (a common compact display 1301A and a common compact display 1301B), which are interconnected through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 1010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 1310 (a coupling 20 illuminated line 1310A, a coupling illuminated line 1310B, a coupling illuminated line 1310C, a coupling illuminated line 1310D, a coupling illuminated line 1310E, a coupling illuminated line 1310F, a coupling illuminated line 1310G, a coupling illuminated line 1310H, a coupling illuminated line 25 13101, and a coupling illuminated line 1310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 1351 arranged from the common large display 1300 to the respective slot machines 1010. The coupling illuminated lines 1310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 1300 to one of boundary 30 plates 1302 (a boundary plate 1302A and a boundary plate 1302B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 1302 to one of the slot machines 1010. The slot machines 1010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. 35 The LEDs 1351 correspond to the illuminants of the present 145 invention. The common large display 1300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. [0246] 5 In the gaming system 1001 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 1010 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 1300. In Fig. 23, "123456" is 10 displayed to the common large display 1300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 1010. [0247] 15 With reference to Fig. 24A to Fig. 24B, there is described a method for determining the slot machine 1010 to which the payout of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. As illustrated in Fig. 24A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to 20 an upper image display panel 1033. A text image 1601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) or a bonus is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. [0248] 25 A text image 1602 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) is generated when five or more players are joining the game. A text image 1603 indicates that the bonus is offered to the slot machine 1010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been 30 placed, instead of generating EVENMT TIME (a common game), when less than five players are joining the game. In the gaming system 1001 according to the present embodiment, the control device 1200 counts the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game when the cumulative value 35 has reached the predetermined value. Then, when the number of 146 the counted slot machines 1010 is equal to or more than five, EVENT TIME as the common game executed concurrently in the slot machines 1010 joining the game is generated. On the other hand, when the number of the counted slot machines 1010 is less than 5 five, the fixed number of coins are paid out to the slot machine 1010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been placed. [0249] In Fig. 24B, EVENT TIME (a common game) is further 10 described. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that the displayed text image is switched from the text image illustrated in Fig. 24A to the text image illustrated in Fig. 24B, triggered by a touch on a predetermined place in a touch panel (not shown) 15 provided on the upper image display panel. [0250] A text image 1604 indicates that the LEDs 1351 will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 1010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). 20 During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 40) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 31) rearranged during a game (a normal game) played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type 25 and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [0251] A text image 1605 indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 1010 provided with the coupling 30 illuminated line 1310 with all the LEDs 1351 having been lighted. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 1351 are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 1010. Accordingly, 35 the lines of the lighted LEDs 1351 appear to gradually extend 147 toward the common large display 1300. [0252] A text image 1606 indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line 1310 may be different among 5 the coupling illuminated lines 1310. In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 1351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 1310 listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): (I) the coupling illuminated line 1310A and the coupling 10 illuminated line 1310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 1310B and the coupling illuminated line 13101; (III) the coupling illuminated line 1310C and the coupling illuminated line 1310H; 15 (IV) the coupling illuminated line 1310D and the coupling illuminated line 1310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 1310E and the coupling illuminated line 1310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 1351 included in the coupling 20 illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs 1351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 1351 in the straight portions are same 25 in all the coupling illuminated lines 1310. Further, Fig. 23 schematically illustrates the gaming system 1001 according to the present embodiment, and the number of LEDs 1351 illustrated in Fig. 23 is not related to the number of LEDs 1351 according to the present embodiment. 30 [0253] A text image 1607 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illuminated line 1310. More specifically, 35 the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired 148 points and the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Fig. 41A). (0254] As above, there has been given the general description 5 of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 23 and Figs. 24A to 24B. Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more detail. [0255] 10 Next, a configuration of the slot machine 1010 is described. Fig. 25 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. 15 In the slot machine 1010, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It 20 is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. [0256) The slot machine 1010 comprises a cabinet 1011, a top box 25 1012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 1011, and a main door 1013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 1011. [0257] On the main door 1013, there is provided a lower image display panel 1016 as a display. The lower image display panel 30 1016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 1028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 1028. Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, 35 are displayed to the lower image display panel 1016. 149 [0258] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 1031 and a number-of-payouts display portion 1032 are provided on the lower image display panel 1016. The number-of-credits display 5 portion 1031 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 1032 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. [0259] 10 Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 1069 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 1016. The player can operate the touch panel 1069 to input a variety of commands. [0260] 15 Below the lower image display panel 1016, there are provided a control panel 1020 including a plurality of buttons 1023 to 1027 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 1021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 1011, and a 20 bill validator 1022. [0261] The control panel 1020 is provided with a start button 1023, a change button 1024, a CASHOUT button 1025, a 1-BET button 1026 and a maximum BET button 1027. The start button 1023 is 25 for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 1024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 1025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 1018. 30 [0262) The 1-BET button 1026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 1027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the 35 present embodiment) out of credited coins. 150 [0263] The bill validator 1022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 1011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 5 1022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 1039 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 1013, namely, below the control panel 1020, there is provided a belly glass 1034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 1010 is drawn. 10 [0264] On the front surface of the top box 1012, there is provided the upper image display panel 1033. The upper image display panel 1033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of 15 games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in Fig. 24A and Fig. 24B. [0265] Further, a speaker 1029 is provided in the top box 1012. Under the upper image display panel 1033, there are provided 20 a ticket printer 1035, a card reader 1036, a data display 1037, and a key pad 1038. The ticket printer 1035 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 1010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 1039 with a barcode. The 25 player can make another slot machine read the ticket 1039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 1039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). The identification number of the slot machine 1010 30 corresponds to the identification information of the gaming machine in the present invention. [0266] The card reader 1036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned 35 by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player 151 and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 5 1037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 1036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 1038. The key pad 1038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. 10 [0267] Fig. 26 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 25. A gaming board 1050 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1051, a ROM 1055, and a boot ROM 1052 which 15 are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 1053S corresponding to a memory card 1053, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 1054. [0268] The memory card 1053 includes a nonvolatile memory such 20 as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 1028. The symbol determination program includes a symbol 25 determination program for a normal game and a symbol determination program for a common game. The symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, 30 the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). [0269] 35 Further, the card slot 1053S is configured so as to allow 152 the memory card 1053 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 1040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 1053 can be removed from the card slot 1053S, and then another game program is written into 5 the memory card 1053, and the memory card 1053 can be inserted into the card slot 1053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 1010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be 10 outputted during the game. [0270] The CPU 1051, the ROM 1055 and the boot ROM 1052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 1040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not 15 only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 1040 and the gaming board 1050, but also supplies power from the mother board 1040 to the gaming board 1050. [0271] The mother board 1040 is configured using a commercially 20 available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 1041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1043, and a communication interface 1044. The mother board 1040 25 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. [0272] The ROM 1042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 1041 and permanent data. When 30 the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 1041, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 1053 via the gaming board 1050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 1042 35 may or may not be data rewritable one. 153 [0273] The ROM 1042 stores data indicative of a predetermined time T, odds data indicative of a correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged normal symbols and 5 an amount of payouts (see Fig. 31), image data indicative of the state that the game is not played, and the like. [0274] The RAM 1043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 1041. Further, the RAM 1043 10 is capable of storing a game program. [0275] Moreover, the RAM 1043 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. 15 [0276] Moreover, the mother board 1040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 1060 and a door PCB 1080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 1040 is connected with a power supply unit 1045 and the 20 communication interface 1044. [0277] The body PCB 1060 and the door PCB 1080 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 1041 and an equipment and a device 25 operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041. The main CPU 1041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 1043 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 1041, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 30 1043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. [0278] The body PCB 1060 is connected with a lamp 1030, a hopper 1066, a coin detecting portion 1067, a graphic board 1068, the 35 speaker 1029, the touch panel 1069, the bill validator 1022, 154 the ticket printer 1035, the card reader 1036, a key switch 1038S, the data display 1037, a timer 1061, and aproximity sensor 1062. The lamp 1030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 1041. 5 [0279] The hopper 1066 is installed inside the cabinet 1011, and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041, from a coin payout exit 1019 to the coin tray 1018. The coin detecting portion 1067 10 is provided inside the coin payout exit 1019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 1019. [0280] 15 The timer 1061 is used for measuring the time. (0281] The proximity sensor 1062 is provided at the front face of the slot machine 1010 (not illustrated). The proximity sensor 1062 detects the presence of the player by emitting 20 infrared rays and detecting a reflection of the emitted infrared rays. In the case of detecting the presence of the player, the proximity sensor 1062 transmits a detection signal to the main CPU 1041. [0282] 25 The graphic board 1068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 1033 and the lower image display panel 1016 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041. In the respective display blocks 1028 on the lower image display panel 1016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in 30 a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 1031 of the lower image display panel 1016. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 1032 of the lower image display panel 1016. 35 The graphic board 1068 comprises a VDP (Video Display 155 Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data 5 by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 1053 and stored into the RAM 1043. [0283] The bill validator 1022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into 10 the cabinet 1011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 1022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 1041 stores in the RAM 1043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 15 [0284] The ticket printer 1035, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041, prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 1010, 20 and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 1039 with a barcode. The card reader 1036 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 1041, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 1041. The key switch 1038S is provided on the key pad 25 1038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 1041 when the key pad 1038 is operated by the player. The data display 1037 displays data read by the card reader 1036 and data inputted by the player via the key pad 1038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041. 30 [0285] The door PCB 1080 is connected with the control panel 1020, a reverter 1021S, a coin counter 1021C, and a cold cathode tube 1081. The control panel 1020 is provided with a start switch 1023S corresponding to the start button 1023, a change switch 35 1024S corresponding to the change button 1024, a CASHOUT switch 1 6 1025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 1025, a 1-BET switch 1026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 1026, and a maximum BET switch 1027S corresponding to the maximum BET button 1027. Each of the switches 1023S to 1027S outputs an input signal to the 5 main CPU 1041 when each of the buttons 1023 to 1027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. [0286] The coin counter 1021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 1021, and discriminates a regular coin from a 10 false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 1021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 1019. Further, the coin counter 1021C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 in detection of the regular coin. 15 [0287] The reverter 1021S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 1021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 1066, which are disposed 20 in the slotmachine 1010. Namely, when the hopper 1066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 1021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 1066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 1066. The cold cathode tube 1081 functions as a back 25 light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 1016 and the upper image display panel 1033, and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041. [0288] Fig. 27 is a block diagram illustrating an internal 30 configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 1200 includes a CPU 1201, a ROM 1202, a RAM 1203, a communication interface 1204, a LED drive circuit 1350 and a hard disk drive 1205 as a memory. The communication 35 interface 1204 is connected, through communication lines 1101, 157 to the communication interfaces 1044 in the respective slot machines 1010 and also is connected to the common large display 1300 and the common compact displays 1301 through communication lines 1102. The ROM 1202 stores a system program for 5 controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. Further, the RAM 1203 temporarily stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, number-of-lights data indicative of the number of the LEDs 1351 having been lighted among the LEDs 1351 included in the coupling 10 illuminated line 1310 provided for each of the slot machines 1010, data received from each of the slot machines 1010, and the like. [0289] In the hard disk drive 1205, number-of-lighting 15 determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions) is stored. Further, in the hard disk drive 1205, number-of-points 20 determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game is stored. Furthermore, in the hard disk drive 1205, data indicative of the predetermined value and data indicative of the specific number are stored. 25 [0290] The plurality of LEDs 1351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 1350. The LEDs 1351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 1350 turns on and turns off the LEDs 1351 based on a signal received from 30 the CPU 1201. [02911 Fig. 28 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines. At first, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a 35 common-game flag is set (step S1200). 158 (0292] With reference to Fig. 29, the common-game flag is described. Fig. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 5 setting processing. At first, the main CPU 1041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (see Fig. 36) (step S1300). [0293] 10 When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 1041 sets the 15 common-game flag (step S1301) and completes the present subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag indicative of a satisfaction of a condition for executing the common game. 20 [0294] When determining in step S1200 in Fig. 28 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 1041 executes normal game execution processing (step S1201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with 25 reference to the drawing. [0295] The main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received a bonus payout signal (see Fig. 36) (step S1203). [0296] 30 When determining not to have received the bonus payout signal, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the bonus payout signal, the main CPU 1041 pays out the fixed number of coins (step S1204). 35 After executing the processing of step S1204, the main 159 CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. [0297] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 1041 executes common game execution 5 processing (step S1202) . The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawing. After executing the processing of step S1202, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. [0298] 10 Fig. 30 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 31 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. 15 First, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 1061 is equal to or more than the predetermined time T (step S1010). [0299] When determining that the measured time is not equal to 20 or more than the predetermined time T in step S1010, the main CPU 1041 shifts the processing to step S1013. On the other hand, when determining that the measured time is equal to or more than the predetermined time T, the main CPU 1041 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device 1200 (step S1011). The 25 game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 1010. Further, the main CPU 1041 sets a dormant flag (step S1012). [0300] The main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a coin has 30 been betted (step S1013) . In this processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 1026S when the 1-BET button 1026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 1027S when the maximum BET button 1027 is 35 operated. When the main CPU 1041 determines that the coin has 160 not been betted, the processing is returned to step S1010. [0301] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S1013, the main CPU 1041 conducts processing for 5 making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 according to the number of betted coins (step S1014) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043, the main CPU 1041 does not conduct the processing for making 10 a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043, and the processing is returned to step S1010. Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 1041 does not conduct the 15 processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043, and the processing is proceeded to step S1015. [0302] Next, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the 20 start button 1023 has been turned ON (step S1015). In this processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 1023S when the start button 1023 is pressed. When the main CPU 1041 determines that the start button 25 1023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S1010. It is to be noted that, when the start button 1023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 1023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 1041 cancels 30 a subtraction result in step S1014. [0303] On the other hand, when determining in step S1015 that the start button 1023 is turned ON, the main CPU 1041 clears the time measured by the timer 1061 (step S1016) and starts 35 measurement of the time by the timer 1061 (step S1017). 161 [0304] The main CPU 1041 transmits the number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins and the gaming-machine identification information indicative of the 5 identification number of the slot machine 1010 to the control device 1200. [0305] Next, the main CPU 1041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S1019). 10 In this processing, at first, the main CPU 1041 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 1028. Then, the main CPU 1041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols 15 in the display blocks 1028. [0306] Next, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S1020). Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination 20 of three or more normal symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 1028 (see Fig. 31) . In this processing, the main CPU 1041 counts the number of normal symbols for each type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S1019. Then, the 25 main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [0307] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 1041 executes processing relating to the payout of 30 coins (step 31021). In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the ROM 1042. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence 35 relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged 162 in the display blocks 1028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 31) . For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid 5 out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 1041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043. On the other hand, in the 10 case of paying out coins, the main CPU 1041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 1066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. [0308] When determining in step S1020 that no prize has been 15 established or after executing the processing of step S1021, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. [0309] Fig. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dormant stand-by processing. 20 The main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the dormant flag is set (step S1030). When determining that the dormant flag is not set, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the dormant flag is set, the main 25 CPU 1041 displays an image indicative of a state that the game is not played (not illustrated) to the lower image display panel 1016 (step S1031). Further, the main CPU 1041 lowers the power supplied to the lamp 1030 (step S1032). [0310] 30 Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 33. Fig. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. Fig. 34 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 35 rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. 163 [0311] At first, the main CPU 1041 executes processing of steps S1040 to S1043, and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S1015 and steps S1019 to S1021 in Fig. 5 30. Here, only a part different from step S1015 and steps S1019 to S1021 in Fig. 30 is described. [0312] There has been described a case where the main CPU 1041 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step 10 S1019 in Fig. 30 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 1028. On the contrary, in step S1041 in Fig. 33, the main CPU 1041 executes the common-game symbol determination program for determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be 15 rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 1028. [0313] As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", 20 "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". Fig. 34 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. 25 [0314] When determining in step S1042 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S1043, the main CPU 1041 transmits symbol information to the control device 1200 (step S1044) . The symbol information is 30 information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S1041. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. [0315] 35 Next, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have 164 received a jackpot payout signal (step S1045). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 1200 to any of the slot machines 1010 triggered by all the LEDs 1351 included in the coupling illuminated line 1310 provided 5 for the slot machine 1010 having been lighted (see Fig. 39) The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. [0316] When determining to have received the jackpot payout 10 signal, the main CPU 1041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S1046). In this processing, the main CPU 1041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed 15 by the main CPU 1041 in step S1046 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 1029, lighting of the lamp 1030, print of the ticket 1039 with a barcode indicative of the number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0317] 20 When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S1045 or after executing the processing of step S1046, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. [0318] Next, there is described processing performed in the 25 control device 1200. Fig. 35 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. First, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not to have received the game dormant signal (see Fig. 30) at a 30 predetermined timing from the slot machine 1010 (step S1050) . When determining not to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 1201 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 1201 sets a dormant flag in association with 35 the identification number of the slot machine 1010 included in 155 the received game dormant signal (step S1051). [0319] Fig. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 5 At first, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 1010 at a predetermined timing (step S1101). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 1201 completes the 10 present subroutine. [0320] On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not to have received the gaming-machine 15 identification information from the slot machine 1010 (step S1102). When determining not to have received the gaming-machine identification information, the CPU 1201 returns the processing to step S1102. On the other hand, when determining to have 20 received the gaming-machine identification information, the CPU 1201 clears the gaming-machine identification information currently stored in the RAM 1203 (step S1103) . Further, the CPU 1201 stores the received gaming-machine identification information in the RAM 1203 (step S1104). 25 (0321] The CPU 1201 adds a part (10% in the present embodiment) of the number of coins indicated by the received number-of-game-media information to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 1203 30 and stores the numerical value obtained by the addition as the updated cumulative value in the cumulative-value data (step S1105) . It is to be noted that the number of decimals is truncated. [0322] 35 Next, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the 166cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 1203 (step S1106) (0323] When determining that the cumulative value has reached 5 the predetermined value, the CPU 1201 executes slot-machine counting processing (step S1107). In the slot-machine counting processing, the number of slot machines 1010 joining the game is counted. The slot-machine counting processing will be described later by using the drawing. 10 [0324] The CPU 1201 determines whether or not the number of slot machines counted in step S1107 is equal to ormore than a specific number (step S1108) . When determining that the number of the counted slot machines is equal to or more than the specific 15 number, the CPU 1201 transmits a common-game execution signal (step S1109). [0325] On the other hand, when determining in step S1108 that the number of the counted slot machines is not equal to or more 20 than the specific number, the CPU 1201 executes winning-slot-machine determination processing (step S1110). In the winning-slot-machine determination processing, the slot machine to which a bonus is offered is determined. The winning-slot-machine determination processing is described 25 later by using the drawing. [0326] The CPU 1201 transmits the bonus payout signal to the slot machine determined in step S1110 (step S1111). [0327] 30 Fig. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. First, the CPU 1201 counts the number of the set dormant flags at a predetermined timing (step S1150). [0328] 35 The CPU 1201 determines the numeric value obtained by 167 subtracting the numeric value counted in step S1150 from 10 as the number of slot machines joining the game (step S1151). [0329] Fig. 38 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 5 winning-slot-machine determination processing. First, the CPU 1201 reads the gaming-machine identification information stored in the RAM 201 (step S1160) [0330] The CPU 1201 determines the slot machine associated with 10 the identification number indicated by the read gaming-machine identification information as a winning slot machine 1010 (step S1161). [0331] Fig. 39 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 15 illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see Fig. 33) from the slot machine 1010 at a predetermined timing (step S1121). When determining not to have received the symbol 20 information, the CPU 1201 completes the present subroutine. [0332] On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU 1201 determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points 25 determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 1205 (step S1122). [0333] Fig. 40 is a view illustrating the number-of-points determination table. 30 As illustrated in Fig. 40, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 34, when two symbols 35 of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged 168 as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 1010, the CPU 1201 determines the number of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information from this slot machine 1010. 5 [0334] Next, the CPU 1201 determines the number of LEDs 1351 (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S1123). 10 [0335] Figs. 41A to 41B are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number 15 of LEDs 1351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 1010. [0336] 20 The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see Fig. 41A) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see Fig. 41B). In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent 25 portions, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines 1010. In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between 30 the number of points and the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 1010. [0337] In the processing of step S1123, at first, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the 35 number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 1203 in association with 169 the identification number of the slot machine 1010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S1121 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 1351 included in the bent portion of the coupling 5 illuminated line 1310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 1201 determines the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. 10 On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 1201 determines the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. [0338] 15 Next, the CPU 1201 makes the determined number of LEDs 1351 (illuminants) be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 1310 provided for the slot machine 1010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S1121 (step S1124). 20 In this processing, the CPU 1201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 1351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S1123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 1203 in association with the identification number of the slot 25 machine 1010. Further, the CPU 1201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 1350 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 1350 lights the LEDs 1351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 30 Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 1201 adds the number determined in step S1123 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 1010, and stores the obtained number in the RAM 1203. 35 [03391 170 Next, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 1351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 1310 provided for the slot machine 1010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S1121 have been 5 lighted (emit light) (step S1125). In the processing, the CPU 1201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S1123 has reached the number of LEDs 1351 included in the coupling illuminated line 1310, based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 1203. 10 [0340] When determining that all the LEDs 1351 included in the coupling illuminated line 1310 provided for the slot machine 1010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S1121 have been lighted, the CPU 1201 transmits the 15 jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 1010 (step S1126) [0341] When determining in step S1125 that not all the LEDs 1351 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S1126, the CPU 1201 completes the present subroutine. 20 [0342] Fig. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of image display processing. First, the CPU 1201 executes the slot-machine counting processing at a predetermined timing (step 31170). 25 The CPU 1201 determines whether or not the number of slot machines counted in step S1170 is equal to or more than the specific number (step 31171) . When determining that the counted number of slot machines is not equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 1201 completes the present 30 subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the counted number of slot machines is equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 1201 displays an image indicative of the cumulative value to the common large display 1300 based on the 35 cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 1203 (step S1172). 171 [0343] As above described, according to the gaming system 1001 of the present embodiment, the slot machine 1010 transmits the number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of 5 the betted game media and the gaming-machine identification information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 1010 to the control device 1200. Then, the control device 1200 updates the gaming-machine identification information stored in the storage device, when receiving the 10 gaming-machine identification information. When the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is less than the specific number, the control device 1200 identifies the slot machine 1010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value, based on the gaming-machine 15 identification information stored in the memory device when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. By adopting such a configuration, the slot machine 1010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value can be easily identified. 20 [0344] According to the above gaming system, the control device 1200 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each slot machine 1010 as the cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, 25 the control device 1200 counts the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game. When the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is equal to or more than the specific number, the control device 1200 executes the common game which is played concurrently in the slot machines 1010 joining the game. On 30 the other hand, when the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is less than the specific number, the control device 1200 pays out the fixed number of game media to the slot machine 1010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, which is a basis of counting of the game media in 35 the counting when the cumulative value has reached the 172, predetermined value. Accordingly, the payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. 5 Consequently, the interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is large, the common game is executed, which is concurrently executed in the 10 slot machines 1010 joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is concurrently executed in the slot machines 1010 joining the game. Therefore, it is 15 possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, the fixed number of game media are paid out to the player who has placed the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined 20 value, it is possible to make each player place every bet while having a sense of expectation. [0345] When the common game is executed, the control device 1200 lights the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated 25 line 1310 provided for each slot machine 1010 based on the result of the common game, and pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value as the jackpot to the slot machine 1010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 1310 with all the illuminants included therein having been lighted. The player 30 can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the jackpot by viewing the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the slot machines 1010. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, coins 35 in number corresponding to the cumulative value are paid out 173 when all the illuminants included in the coupling illuminated line 1310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. 5 (0346] According to the gaming system 1001, when the number of the slot machines 1010 joining the game is equal to or more than the specific number, the cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 1300. By displaying the cumulative value 10 to the common large display 1300, it is possible to have the player recognize how much the remaining value is before the cumulative value reaches the predetermined value. Consequently, it is possible to have the player play the game for a long time. Further, in the case that the number of the 15 slot machines 1010 joining the game is less than the specific number and the cumulative value is not displayed to the common large display 1300, it can motivate the player not playing the game to start playing the game for the purpose of displaying the cumulative value to the common large display 1300. As a 20 result, it is possible to raise the operation rate of the gaming system. [0347] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the symbols rearranged in the display blocks 1028 are all 25 scatter symbols. However, symbols in the present invention are not limited to the scatter symbols. For example, in the configuration that a pay line is provided, a prize may be established or a point value may be offered when a plurality of symbols in a specific combination are rearranged on the pay 30 line. Further, for example, the symbol to be rearranged on the pay line so as to establish a prize and the scatter symbol may be used in combination. (0348] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 35 described a case where a single predetermined value is provided. -174 However, in the present invention, a plurality of predetermined values may be provided. In such a case, after the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, a single predetermined value to be used next may be determined out of 5 the plurality of predetermined values. [0349] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the specific number is five. However, the specific number in the present invention is not particularly 10 limited, and it may be seven, for example. [0350] Moreover, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the payout of the fixed number of coins is conducted to the slot machine 1010 in which the bet triggering 15 the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been placed, when the number of the counted slot machines 1010 is less than five. However, in the present invention, the payout of the fixed number of game media may be conducted to the gaming machine in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to 20 reach the predetermined value has been placed and to the gaming machine in which the bet right before the bet as a trigger has been placed. Further, the amount of the game media to be paid out may be varied in two gaming machines. For example, the amount of 25 the game media to be paid out to the gaming machine in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value may be set to be larger. [0351] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the number of points is determined in the control device 1200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. 35 [0352] 175 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights 5 of the LEDs 1351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 1351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 1310), while the number of LEDs 1351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current 10 number of lights of the LEDs 1351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 1351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 1310) . In this case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater 15 than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined 20 number. [0353] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot 25 machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players 30 to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. 35 Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a 176 program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common 5 game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [0354] 10 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the slot machines 1010 is 10. However, the number of the gaming machines is not particularly limited, and it may be five, for example. [03551 15 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the common compact displays 1301 is two. However, the number of the common compact displays is not particularly limited, and it may be three, for example. [0356] 20 Moreover, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine is the slot machine 1010. However, in the present invention, the type of the gaming machine is not particularly limited, and it may be a card game machine, for example. 25 [0357] Fig. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing according to another embodiment. First, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S1060) . In the processing, the main CPU 30 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch 1026S when the 1-BET button 1026 is operated or an input signal outputted from the maximum BET switch 1027S when the maximum BET button 1027 is operated. [0358] 35 When determining in step S1060 that the coin has been 177 betted, the main CPU 1041 conducts processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 in accordance with the number of the betted coins (step S1066) . Here, in the case that the number of betted coins is larger than the number of 5 credits stored in the RAM 1043, the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1060 without conducting the processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043. Further, in the case that the number of betted coins exceeds the upper limit value that can be betted in a single game (50 10 coins, in the present embodiment), the main CPU 1041 proceeds the processing to step S1067 without conducting the processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043. Here, in the case that the number of credits becomes zero in step S1066, the main CPU 1041 starts measurement of time by 15 using the timer 1061. [0359] Next, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the start button 1023 has been turned ON (step S1067) . In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have 20 received an input signal outputted from the start switch 1023S when the start button 1023 is pressed. When determining that the start button 1023 has not been turned ON, the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1060. 25 Here, in the case that the start button 1023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 1023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 1041 cancels a subtraction result in step S1066. [0360] 30 On the other hand, when determining in step S1067 that the start button 1023 has been turned on, the main CPU 1041 transmits the number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins and the gaming-machine identification information indicative of the identification 35 number of the slot machine 1010 to the control device 1200 (step 178 S1068) [0361] Next, the main CPU 1041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S1069). 5 In this processing, at first, the main CPU 1041 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 1028. Then, the main CPU 1041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols tobe rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols 10 in the display blocks 1028. [0362] Next, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S1070) . The processing is the same processing as step S1020 in Fig. 30, and therefore, the 15 description thereof is omitted here. [0363] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 1041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S1071). The processing is the same processing as 20 step S1021 in Fig. 30, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. [0364] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has not been betted, the main CPU 1041 shifts the processing to step 25 S1061. (0365] In step S1061, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 is zero. When determining that the number of credits is not zero, the main 30 CPU 1041 shifts the processing to stepS1063. Onthe otherhand, when determining that the number of credits is zero, the main CPU 1041 shifts the processing to step S1062. [0366] In step S1062, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or 35 not the time measured by the timer 1061 has reached the 179 predetermined time T. When determining that the time has not reached the predetermined time T, the main CPU 1041 shifts the processing to step S1063. [0367] 5 In step S1063, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have detected the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 1062. In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received a detection signal indicative of the detection of the presence of the player from 10 the proximity sensor 1062. When determining to have detected the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 1062, the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1060. When determining not to have detected the presence of the player in step S1063 or when determining that the time has 15 reached the predetermined time T in step S1062, the main CPU 1041 transmits the game dormant signal to the control device 1200 (step S1064) . The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 1010. Further, the main CPU 1041 sets the dormant flag (step S1065). 20 [0368] When determining that the prize has not been established in step S1070 or after executing the processing of step S1071, the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. [0369] 25 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the sensor is the proximity sensor 1062. However, the sensor in the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be a weight sensor for detecting the weight, for example. In such a case, by setting the weight sensor on a chair 30 provided for the gaming machine, the presence of the player may be detected by using the weight sensor. [0370] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 31) are 35 rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see 180r Fig. 40), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. 5 Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 44A to 44C, Figs. 45 to 46, and Figs. 47A to 47C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 1001 10 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. 15 [0371] At first, with reference to Fig. 44 and Fig. 45, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 44A to 44C are views each illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a 20 winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 45 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 45, nine symbols in total can be 25 rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 30 [0372] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 44A to 44C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 35 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case 181.

where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. [0373] 5 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 45, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 47A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 45. Further, "any bar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 47C, 10 "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 47A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 45. [0374] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 15 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "1bar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the ROM 1042 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. 20 [0375] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 1041 executes the following processing of step S1020 in Fig. 30, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. 25 Namely, the main CPU 1041 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN 30 x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0376] In step S1021, the main CPU 1041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs 35 (see Figs. 44A to 44C). 182 For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 45, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds 5 to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [0377] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with reference to Fig. 46 and Figs. 47A to 47C. 10 Fig. 46 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 47A to 47C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the symbols 20 of the same type are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. [0378] In the number-of-points determination table, symbols or combinations of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL and 25 the number of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 46) is stored in the hard disk drive 1205 included in the control device 1200. [0379] 30 In the present embodiment, the CPU 1201 executes the following processing of step S1122 in Fig. 39. Namely, the CPU 1201 determines the number of points based on the symbol information received from the slot machine 1010 in step S1121 and the number-of-points determination table data 35 (see Fig. 46) stored in the hard disk drive 1205. 183 2 Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 1201 in step S1121 is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged in step S1041 in Fig. 33. 5 [0380] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 1201 in step S1122 are listed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 47A, when a single "1bar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 1201 10 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 47B, when a single "lbar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 1201 determines the number of points to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). 15 Further, as illustrated in Fig. 47C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 1201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) [0381] [Third embodiment] 20 An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 48 and Figs. 49A to 49B, there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. 25 Fig. 48 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 49A to 49B are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a 30 slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 48, a gaming system 2001 includes a plurality of slot machines 2010 (a slot machine 2010A, a slot machine 2010B, a slot machine 2010C,a slot machine 2010D, a slot 35 machine 2010E, a slot machine 2010F, a slot machine 2010G, a 184 slot machine 2010H, a slot machine 20101, and a slot machine 2010J), a control device 2200 (see Fig. 52), a common large display 2300, and a plurality of common compact displays 2301 (a common compact display 2301A and a common compact display 5 2301B), which are interconnected through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 2010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 2310 (a coupling illuminated line 2310A, a coupling illuminated line 2310B, a coupling illuminated line 2310C, a coupling illuminated line 10 2310D, a coupling illuminated line 2310E, a coupling illuminated line 2310F, a coupling illuminated line 2310G, a coupling illuminated line 2310H, a coupling illuminated line 23101, and a coupling illuminated line 2310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 2351 arranged from the common large display 15 2300 to the respective slot machines 2010. The coupling illuminated lines 2310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 2300 to one of boundary plates 2302 (a boundary plate 2302A and a boundary plate 2302B) , and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 20 2302 to one of the slot machines 2010. The slot machines 2010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. The LEDs 2351 correspond to the illuminants of the present invention. 25 The common large display 2300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. [0382] In the gaming system 2001 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 2010 30 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 2300. In Fig. 48, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 2300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches 35 a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a 185 jackpot to any of the slot machines 2010. [0383] With reference to Fig. 49A to Fig. 49B, there is described a method for determining the slot machine 2010 to which the 5 payout of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. As illustrated in Fig. 49A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 2033. A text image 2601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common 10 game) or a bonus is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. [0384] A text image 2602 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) is generated when five or more players are joining the 15 game. A text image 2603 indicates that the bonus is offered to any of the slot machines 2010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been placed, instead of generating EVENMT TIME (a common game), when less than five players are joining the game. 20 In the gaming system 2001 according to the present embodiment, the control device 2200 counts the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Then, when the number of the counted slot machines 2010 is equal to or more than five, 25 EVENT TIME as the common game executed concurrently in the slot machines 2010 joining the game is generated. On the other hand, when the number of the counted slot machines 2010 is less than five, the fixed number of coins are paid out to the slot machine 2010 determined based on the random number. 30 [0385] In Fig. 49B, EVENT TIME (a common game) is further described. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that the displayed text image is switched from the text image illustrated 35 in Fig. 49A to the text image illustrated in Fig. 49B, triggered 185 by a touch on a predetermined place in a touch panel (not shown) provided on the upper image display panel. [0386] A text image 2604 indicates that the LEDs 2351 will be 5 lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 2010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 65) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 56) rearranged during a game (a normal game) 10 played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [0387] A text image 2605 indicates that coins in number 15 corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 2010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 2310 with all the LEDs 2351 having been lighted. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 2351 are lighted 20 according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 2010. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 2351 appear to gradually extend toward the common large display 2300. [0388] 25 A text image 2606 indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 may be different among the coupling illuminated lines 2310. In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 2351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 2310 listed in 30 each of the following groups (I) to (V): (I) the coupling illuminated line 2310A and the coupling illuminated line 2310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 2310B and the coupling illuminated line 23101; 35 (III) the coupling illuminated line 2310C and the 187 coupling illuminated line 2310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 2310D and the coupling illuminated line 2310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 2310E and the coupling 5 illuminated line 2310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers 10 of LEDs 2351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 2351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 2310. Further, Fig. 48 schematically illustrates the gaming system 2001 according to the present embodiment, and the number 15 of LEDs 2351 illustrated in Fig. 48 is not related to the number of LEDs 2351 according to the present embodiment. [0389] A text image 2607 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the 20 number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illuminated line 2310. More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Fig. 66A). 25 [0390] As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 48 and Figs. 49A to 49B. Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more 30 detail. [0391] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 2010 is described. Fig. 50 is a perspective view illustrating an external 35 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the 185 present embodiment. In the slot machine 2010, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is 5 not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 10 [0392] The slot machine 2010 comprises a cabinet 2011, a top box 2012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 2011, and a main door 2013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 2011. [0393] 15 On the main door 2013, there is provided a lower image display panel 2016 as a display. The lower image display panel 2016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 2028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 2028. 20 Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 2016. [0394] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 2031 and a 25 number-of-payouts display portion 2032 are provided on the lower image display panel 2016. The number-of-credits display portion 2031 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 2032 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid 30 out. [0395] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 2069 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 2016. The player can operate the touch panel 2069 to input a variety 35 of commands. 189 [0396] Below the lower image display panel 2016, there are provided a control panel 2020 including a plurality of buttons 2023 to 2027 with each of which a command according to game 5 progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 2021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 2011, and a bill validator 2022. [0397] The control panel 2020 is provided with a start button 10 2023, a change button 2024, a CASHOUTbutton 2025, a 1-BETbutton 2026 and a maximum BET button 2027. The start button 2023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 2024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 2025 is 15 used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 2018. [0398] The 1-BET button 2026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET 20 button 2027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. [0399] The bill validator 2022 not only discriminates a regular 25 bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 2011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 2022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 2039 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 2013, namely, below the control panel 2020, 30 there is provided a belly glass 2034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 2010 is drawn. [0400] On the front surface of the top box 2012, there is provided the upper image display panel 2033. The upper image display 35 panel 2033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for 190 example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in Fig. 49A and Fig. 49B. [0401] 5 Further, a speaker 2029 is provided in the top box 2012. Under the upper image display panel 2033, there are provided a ticket printer 2035, a card reader 2036, a data display 2037, and a key pad 2038. The ticket printer 2035 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an 10 identification number of the slot machine 2010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 2039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 2039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 2039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place 15 in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). The identification number of the slot machine 2010 corresponds to the identification information of the gaming machine in the present invention. [0402] 20 The card reader 2036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit 25 may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 2037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 2036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 2038. The key pad 2038 is used 30 for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. [0403] Fig. 51 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 50. 35 A gaming board 2050 is provided with a CPU (Central "11 Processing Unit) 2051, a ROM 2055, and a boot ROM 2052 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 2053S corresponding to a memory card 2053, and an IC socket 2054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 2054. 5 [0404] The memory card 2053 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for 10 determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 2028. The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for a normal game and a symbol determination program for a common game. The symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game 15 includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition 20 to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). [0405] Further, the card slot 2053S is configured so as to allow the memory card 2053 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 2040 by an IDE 25 bus. Therefore, the memory card 2053 can be removed from the card slot 2053S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 2053, and the memory card 2053 can be inserted into the card slot 2053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 2010. The game program 30 includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. [0406] The CPU 2051, the ROM 2055 and the boot ROM 2052 35 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected 192 to the mother board 2040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 2040 and the gaming board 2050, but also supplies power from the mother board 2040 to the gaming board 2050. 5 [0407] The mother board 2040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 2041, a ROM (Read Only 10 Memory) 2042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2043, and a communication interface 2044. The mother board 2040 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. [0408] The ROM 2042 comprises a memory device such as a flash 15 memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 2041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 2041, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game 20 program stored in the memory card 2053 via the gaming board 2050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 2042 may or may not be data rewritable one. [0409] The ROM 2042 stores data indicative of a predetermined 25 time T, odds data indicative of a correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts (see Fig. 56), image data indicative of the state that the game is not played, and the like. [0410] 30 The RAM 2043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 2041. Further, the RAM 2043 is capable of storing a game program. [0411] Moreover, the RAM 2043 stores data of the number of 35 credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and I 93 the like. [0412] Moreover, the mother board 2040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 2060 and a door 5 PCB 2080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 2040 is connected with a power supply unit 2045 and the communication interface 2044. [0413] The body PCB 2060 and the door PCB 2080 are connected with 10 an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 2041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041. The main CPU 2041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 2043 based on the input signal inputted 15 into the main CPU 2041, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 2043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. [0414] 20 The body PCB 2060 is connected with a lamp 2030, a hopper 2066, a coin detecting portion 2067, a graphic board 2068, the speaker 2029, the touch panel 2069, the bill validator 2022, the ticket printer 2035, the card reader 2036, a key switch 2038S, the datadisplay2037, a timer2061, andaproximity sensor2062. 25 The lamp 2030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 2041. [0415] The hopper 2066 is installed inside the cabinet 2011, and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control 30 signal outputted from the main CPU 2041, from a coin payout exit 2019 to the coin tray 2018. The coin detecting portion 2067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 2019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 2041 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 35 2019. 194l [0416] The timer 2061 is used for measuring the time. [0417] The proximity sensor 2062 is provided at the front face 5 of the slot machine 2010 (not illustrated). The proximity sensor 2062 detects the presence of the player by emitting infrared rays and detecting a reflection of the emitted infrared rays. In the case of detecting the presence of the player, the proximity sensor 2062 transmits a detection signal to the main 10 CPU 2041. [0418] The graphic board 2068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 2033 and the lower image display panel 2016 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041. 15 In the respective display blocks 2028 on the lower image display panel 2016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 2043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 2031 of the lower image display panel 2016. Further, the number of 20 coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 2032 of the lower image display panel 2016. The graphic board 2068 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041, a video RAM for temporarily 25 storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 2053 and stored into the RAM 2043. [0419] 30 The bill validator 2022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 2011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 2022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 2041 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 2041 stores in the 35 RAM 2043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount 195 of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0420] The ticket printer 2035, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041, prints on a ticket a barcode 5 as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 2010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 2039 with a barcode. The card reader 2036 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 2041, and writes 10 data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 2041. The key switch 2038S is provided on the key pad 2038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 2041 when the key pad 2038 is operated by the player. The data display 2037 displays data read by the card reader 2036 and data 15 inputted by the player via the keypad 2038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041. [0421] The door PCB 2080 is connected with the control panel 2020, a reverter 2021S, a coin counter 2021C, and a cold cathode tube 20 2081. The control panel 2020 is provided with a start switch 2023S corresponding to the start button 2023, a change switch 2024S corresponding to the change button 2024, a CASHOUT switch 2025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 2025, a 1-BET switch 2026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 2026, and a maximum BET 25 switch 2027S corresponding to the maximumBETbutton 2027. Each of the switches 2023S to 2027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 2041 when each of the buttons 2023 to 2027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. [0422] 30 The coin counter 2021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 2021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 2021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 2019. Further, the coin counter 2021C 35 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 2041 in detection of 196 the regular coin. [0423] The reverter 2021S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041, and distributes a coin 5 recognized by the coin counter 2021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 2066, which are disposed inthe slotmachine 2010. Namely, when the hopper 2066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 2021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 2066 10 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 2066. The cold cathode tube 2081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 2016 and the upper image display panel 2033, and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 2041. 15 [0424] Fig. 52 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 2200 includes a CPU 2201, a ROM 2202, 20 a RAM 2203, a communication interface 2204, a LED drive circuit 2350, a random number generator 2063, and a hard disk drive 2205 as a memory. The random number generator 2063 generates a random number at a predetermined timing. The communication interface 2204 is connected, through communication lines 2101, 25 to the communication interfaces 2044 in the respective slot machines 2010 and also is connected to the common large display 2300 and the common compact displays 2301 through communication lines 2102. The ROM 2202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and 30 the like. Further, the RAM 2203 temporarily stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, number-of-lights data indicative of the number of the LEDs 2351 having been lighted among the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for each of the slot machines 35 2010, data received from each of the slot machines 2010, and 197 the like. [0425] In the hard disk drive 2205, number-of-lighting determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of 5 number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-off-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions) is stored. Further, in the hard disk drive 2205, number-of-points determination table data to be referred to in determining the 10 number of points in the common game is stored. Furthermore, in the hard disk drive 2205, data indicative of the predetermined value and data indicative of the specific number are stored. [0426] 15 The plurality of LEDs 2351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 2350. The LEDs 2351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 2350 turns on and turns off the LEDs 2351 based on a signal received from the CPU 2201. 20 [04271 Fig. 53 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines. At first, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S2200). 25 [0428] With reference to Fig. 54, the common-game flag is described. Fig. 54 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. 30 At first, the main CPU 2041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (see Fig. 61) (step S2300). [0429] When determining not to have received the common-game 35 execution signal, the main CPU 2041 completes the present 198 subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 2041 sets the common-game flag (step S2301) and completes the present 5 subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag indicative of a satisfaction of a condition for executing the common game. [0430] 10 When determining in step S2200 in Fig. 53 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 2041 executes normal game execution processing (step S2201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawing. 15 [0431] The main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have received a bonus payout signal (see Fig. 61) (step S2203). [0432] When determining not to have received the bonus payout 20 signal, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the bonus payout signal, the main CPU 2041 pays out the coins (step S2204) . In the case of receiving the bonus payout signal including information indicative of a first winning slot 25 machine 2010, a first fixed number of coins are paid out. On the other hand, in the case of receiving the bonus payout signal including information indicative of a second winning slot machine 2010, a second fixed number of coins are paid out. The value of the first fixed number is larger than the value of the 30 second fixed number. Namely, the number of coins paid out to the first winning slot machine 2010 is larger than the number of coins paid out to the second sinning slot machine 2010. After executing the processing of step S2204, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. 35 [0433] 199 On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 2041 executes common game execution processing (step S2202) . The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to the 5 drawing. After executing the processing of step S2202, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. [0434] Fig. 55 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. 10 Fig. 56 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 2061 is equal to or more than the 15 predetermined time T (step S2010). [0435] When determining that the measured time is not equal to or more than the predetermined time T in step S2010, the main CPU2041 shifts the processing tostepS2013. On the otherhand, 20 when determining that the measured time is equal to or more than the predetermined time T, the main CPU 2041 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device 2200 (step S2011). The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 2010. Further, the main CPU 2041 sets a dormant 25 flag (step S2012). [0436] The main CPU 2041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S2013) . In this processing, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that 30 is outputted from the 1-BET switch 2026S when the 1-BET button 2026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 2027S when the maximum BET button 2027 is operated. When the main CPU 2041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S2010. 35 [0437] 200 On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S2013, the main CPU 2041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043 according to the number of betted coins (step S2014) . 5 It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043, the main CPU 2041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043, and the processing is returned to step S2010. Further, when 10 the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 2041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043, and the processing is proceeded to step 15 S2015. [0438] Next, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the start button 2023 has been turned ON (step S2015). In this processing, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have 20 received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 2023S when the start button 2023 is pressed. When the main CPU 2041 determines that the start button 2023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S2010. 25 It is to be noted that, when the start button 2023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 2023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 2041 cancels a subtraction result in step S2014. [0439] 30 On the other hand, when determining in step S2015 that the start button 2023 is turned ON, the main CPU 2041 clears the time measured by the timer 2061 (step S2016) and starts measurement of the time by the timer 2061 (step S2017). [0440] 35 The main CPU 2041 transmits the number-of-game-media 2'01 information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 2200. The number-of-game-media information includes the identification number of the slot machine 2010. [0441] 5 Next, the main CPU 2041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S2019). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 2041 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 2028. Then, the main CPU 2041 executes the aforementioned normal-game 10 symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 2028. [0442] Next, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not a prize 15 has been established (step S2020) . Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more normal symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 2028 (see Fig. 56) . In this processing, 20 the main CPU 2041 counts the number of normal symbols for each type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S2019. Then, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [0443] 25 When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 2041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S2021). In the processing, the main CPU 2041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored 30 in the ROM 2042. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged in the display blocks 2028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 56). 35 For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, 2 0 2 when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20(= 2 x 10) coins are paid out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 2041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits 5 corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 2041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 2066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 10 [0444] When determining in step S2020 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S2021, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. [0445] 15 Fig. 57 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of dormant stand-by processing. The main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the dormant flag is set (step S2030). When determining that the dormant flag is not set, the 20 main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the dormant flag is set, the main CPU 2041 displays an image indicative of a state that the game is not played (not illustrated) to the lower image display panel 2016 (step S2031) . Further, the main CPU 2041 lowers the power 25 supplied to the lamp 2030 (step S2032). [0446] Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 58. Fig. 58 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the 30 common game execution processing. Fig. 59 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. [0447] At first, the main CPU 2041 executes processing of steps 35 S2040 to S2043, and these processing are substantially the same 203_ as the processing of step S2015 and steps S2019 to S2021 in Fig. 55. Here, only a part different from step S2015 and steps S2019 to S2021 in Fig. 55 is described. [0448] 5 There has been described a case where the main CPU 2041 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S2019 in Fig. 55 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 2028. On the contrary, in step S2041 in Fig. 58, the main CPU 10 2041 executes the common-game symbol determination program for determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 2028. [0449] 15 As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". 20 Fig. 59 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. [0450] When determining in step S2042 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S2043, 25 the main CPU 2041 transmits symbol information to the control device 2200 (step S2044) . The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S2041. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present 30 invention. [04511 Next, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S2045). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 35 2200 to any of the slot machines 2010 triggered by all the LEDs 204 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for the slot machine 2010 having been lighted (see Fig. 64). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 5 [0452] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 2041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S2046) . In this processing, the main CPU 2041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on 10 the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 2041 in step S2046 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 2029, lighting of the lamp 2030, print of the ticket 2039 with a barcode indicative of the 15 number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0453] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S2045 or after executing the processing of step S2046, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. 20 [0454] Next, there is described processing performed in the control device 2200. Fig. 60 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. 25 First, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not to have received the game dormant signal (see Fig. 55) at a predetermined timing from the slot machine 2010 (step S2050). When determining not to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 2201 completes the present subroutine. On the 30 other hand, when determining to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 2201 sets a dormant flag in association with the identification number of the slot machine 2010 included in the received game dormant signal (step S2051). [0455] 35 Fig. 61 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 205 number-of-game-media information reception processing. At first, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 2010 at a predetermined timing (step S2101). 5 When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 2201 completes the present subroutine. [0456] On the other hand, when determining to have received the 10 number-of-game-media information, the CPU 2201 adds a part (10% in the present embodiment) of the number of coins indicated by the received number-of-game-media information to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 2203 and stores the numerical value obtained by the 15 addition as the updated cumulative value in the cumulative-value data (step S2102). It is to be noted that the number of decimals is truncated. [0457] Next, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not the 20 cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 2203 (step S2103) . [0458] When determining that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 2201 executes slot-machine 25 counting processing (step S2104). In the slot-machine counting processing, the number of slot machines 2010 joining the game is counted. The slot-machine counting processing will be described later by using the drawing. [0459] 30 The CPU 2201 determines whether or not the number of slot machines counted in step S2104 is equal to or more than a specific number (step S2105) . When determining that the number of the counted slot machines is equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 2201 transmits a common-game execution signal 35 (step S2106).

[0460] On the other hand, when determining in step S2105 that the number of the counted slot machines is not equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 2201 executes 5 winning-slot-machine determination processing (step S2107). In the winning-slot-machine determination processing, the first winning slot machine and the second winning slot machine, to each of which a bonus is offered, is determined. The winning-slot-machine determination processing is described 10 later by using the drawing. [0461] The CPU 2201 transmits the bonus payout signals to the first winning slot machine and the second winning slot machine determined in step S2107 (step S2108) . The bonus payout signal 15 to be transmitted to the first winning slot machine 2010 includes information indicative of the first winning slot machine. The bonus payout signal to be transmitted to the second winning slot machine includes information indicative of the second winning slot machine 2010. 20 [0462] The CPU 2201 executes on-winning illuminants emission processing (step S2109) . In the on-winning illuminants emission processing, the CPU 2201 lights the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310. The on-winning 25 illuminants emission processing will be specifically described later with reference to the drawing. [0463] Fig. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. 30 First, the CPU 2201 counts the number of the set dormant flags at a predetermined timing (step S2150). [0464] The CPU 2201 determines the numeric value obtained by subtracting the numeric value counted in step S2150 from 10 as 35 the number of slot machines joining the game (step S2151). 207 [0465] Fig. 63 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of winning-slot-machine determination processing. First, the CPU 2201 extracts the random number generated 5 by the random number generator 2063 (step S2130). [0466] The CPU 2201 determines a single slot machine 2010 out of ten slot machines 2010, based on the random number extracted in step S2130. Then, the CPU 2201 determines the determined 10 slot machine 2010 as a winning slot machine 2010 (step S2131) [0467] The CPU 2201 determines whether or not the game dormant flag is set in association with the identification number of the winning slot machine 2010 determined in step S2131 (step 15 S2132). When determining that the game dormant flag is set, the CPU 2201 returns the processing to step S2130. [0468] When determining in step S2132 that the game dormant flag is not set, the CPU 2201 determines the winning slot machine 20 2010 determined in step S2131 as the first winning slot machine 2010 (step S2133). [0469] The CPU 2201 extracts the random number generated by the random number generator 2063 (step S2134). 25 [0470] The CPU 2201 determines a single slot machine 2010 out of ten slot machines 2010, based on the random number extracted in step S2134. Then, the CPU 2201 determines the determined slot machine as a winning slot machine 2010 (step S2135). 30 [0471] The CPU 2201 determines whether or not the game dormant flag is set in association with the identification number of the winning slot machine 2010 determined in step S2135 (step S2136). When determining that the game dormant flag is set, 35 the CPU 2201 returns the processing to step S2134. 208 [0472] When determining in step S2136 that the game dormant flag is not set, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not the winning slot machine 2010 determined in step S2135 is the same slot 5 machine 2010 as the first winning slot machine 2010 determined in step S2133 (step S2137). When determining that they are the same slot machine 2010, the CPU 2201 returns the processing to step S2134. [0473] 10 When determining in step S2137 that they are not the same slot machine 2010, the CPU 2201 determines the winning slot machine 2010 determined in step S2135 as the second winning slot machine 2010 (step S2138). [0474] 15 Fig. 64 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see Fig. 58) from the slot machine 2010 at a predetermined timing (step S2121). 20 When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU 2201 completes the present subroutine. [0475] On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU 2201 determines the number of points, 25 based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 2205 (step S2122). [0476] Fig. 65 is a view illustrating the number-of-points 30 determination table. As illustrated in Fig. 65, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. 35 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 59, when two symbols 201',9 of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 2010, the CPU 2201 determines the number of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information 5 from this slot machine 2010. [0477] Next, the CPU 2201 determines the number of LEDs 2351 (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table 10 data (step S2123). [0478] Figs. 66A to 66B are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in 15 which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 2010. 20 [0479] The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see Fig. 66A) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see Fig. 66B). 25 In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines 2010. In the number-of-lighting determination table for 30 straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 2010. [0480] In the processing of step S2123, at first, the CPU 2201 35 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the 210 number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 2203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 2010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S2121 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number 5 of LEDs 2351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 2310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 2201 determines the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted based on the 10 number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 2201 determines the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. 15 [04811 Next, the CPU 2201 makes the determined number of LEDs 2351 (illuminants) be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for the slot machine 2010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step 20 S2121 (step S2124). In this processing, the CPU 2201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 2351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S2123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 2203 25 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 2010. Further, the CPU 2201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 2350 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 2350 lights the LEDs 2351 associated with 30 the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 2201 adds the number determined in step S2123 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 2010, and 35 stores the obtained number in the RAM 2203. 211 [0482] Next, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 2351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for the slot machine 2010 as a transmission source 5 of the symbol information received in step S2121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S2125) . In the processing, the CPU 2201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S2123 has reached the number of LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 10 2310, based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 2203. [0483] When determining that all the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for the slot machine 2010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received 15 in step S2121 have been lighted, the CPU 2201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 2010 (step S2126) (0484] When determining in step S2125 that not all the LEDs 2351 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step 20 S2126, the CPU 2201 completes the present subroutine. [0485] Fig. 67 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of on-winning illuminants emission processing. The CPU 2201 lights the LEDs 2351 included in the straight 25 portion of the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for each slot machine 2010 in an order starting from the LED 351 provided at a position closest to the common large display 2300 (step S2180). In the processing, the CPU 2201 identifies the 30 identification number of the LEDs 2351 included in the straight portion of the coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine 2010 in an order starting from the LED 351 provided at a position closest to the common large display 2300. Then, the CPU 2201 successively transmits a signal including information 35 indicative of the identified identification number to the LED 21 2 drive circuit 2350. On receiving the signal, the LED drive circuit 2350 lights the LED 351 associated with the identification number included in the signal. [0486] 5 The CPU 2201 lights the LEDs 2351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for the winning slot machine 2010 (step S2181). In the processing, the CPU 2201 identifies the identification number of the LED 35 included in the bent portion 10 of the coupling illuminated line provided for each of the first winning slot machine 2010 and the second winning slot machine 2010. Then, the CPU 2201 transmits a signal including information indicative of the identified identification number to the LED drive circuit 2350. On receiving the signal, the 15 LED drive circuit 2350 lights the LED 351 associated with the identification number included in the signal. [0487] According to the above gaming system 2001, the control device 2200 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game 20 media betted in each slot machine 2010 as the cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the control device 2200 counts the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game. When the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game is equal to or more than the 25 specific number, the control device 2200 executes the common game which is played concurrently in the slot machines 2010 joining the game. On the other hand, when the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game is less than the specific number, the control device 2200 pays out the fixed number of 30 game media to the single or the plurality of slot machines 2010 determined out of the slot machines 2010 joining the game. Accordingly, the payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the 35 predetermined value. Consequently, the interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game is large, the common game is executed, which is 5 concurrently executed in the slot machines 2010 joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the slot machines 2010 joining the game is small, the common game is not executed, which is concurrently executed in the slot machines 2010 joining 10 the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. [04881 When the common game is executed, the control device 2200 15 lights the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for each of the slot machines 2010 based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the slot machine 2010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 2310 with all the LEDs 2351 included therein 20 having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 provided for each of the slot machines 2010. This can cause the player to play 25 the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated line 2310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having 30 uncomfortable feeling. [0489] According to the gaming system 2001, only the LEDs 2351 in the straight portions of the coupling illuminated lines 2310 are lighted among the plurality of LEDs 2351 included in the 35 coupling illuminated lines 2310 provided for all the slot 214 machines 2010, in an order starting from the LEDs 2351 provided at a position closest to the common large display 2300. Then, all the LEDs 2351 included in the coupling illuminated lines 2310 provided for a single or a plurality of slot machines 2010 5 to which the payout of the fixed number of game media is determined to be conducted are lighted. Namely, it is possible to make all the players have senses of expectation by lighting parts of the LEDs 2351 included in all the coupling illuminated lines 2310. Further, since only the coupling illuminated lines 10 2310 provided for a single or a plurality of slot machines 2010, to which the payout of the fixed number of gaming media is determined to be conducted, have all the LEDs 2351 be lighted, the players around recognize that the fixed number of game media are paid out to the slot machine 2010. As a result, it is 15 possible to have the player playing on the slot machine 2010 have a sense of superiority. [0490] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the symbols rearranged in the display blocks 2028 are all 20 scatter symbols. However, symbols in the present invention are not limited to the scatter symbols. For example, in the configuration that a pay line is provided, a prize may be established or a point value may be offered when a plurality of symbols in a specific combination are rearranged on the pay 25 line. Further, for example, the symbol to be rearranged on the pay line so as to establish a prize and the scatter symbol may be used in combination. [0491] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where a single predetermined value is provided. However, in the present invention, a plurality of predetermined values may be provided. In such a case, after the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, a single predetermined value to be used next may be determined out of 35 the plurality of predetermined values.

[0492] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the specific number is five. However, the specific number in the present invention is not particularly 5 limited, and it may be seven, for example. [0493] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of points is determined in the control device 2200. However, in the present invention, 10 the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. [0494] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where a single slot machine 2010 is determined out of ten slot machines 2010. However, in the present invention, the method for determining the winning gaming machine is not particularly limited provided that it is a method for determining the winning gaming machine based on the random 20 number. For example, a single gaming machine may be determined out of the gaming machines joining the game. [0495] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the first winning slot machine 2010 and 25 the second winning slot machine 2010 are different from each other. However, in the present invention, the first winning slot machine 2010 and the second winning slot machine 2010 may be the same slot machine 2010. [04 96) 30 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the winning slot machines 2010 is two. However, in the present invention the number of the winning slot machines 2010 is not particularly limited, and it may be one. 35 [0497] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights 5 of the LEDs 2351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 2351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 2310), while the number of LEDs 2351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current 10 number of lights of the LEDs 2351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 2351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 2310) . In this case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater 15 than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined 20 number. [0498] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot 25 machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players 30 to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. 35 Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a 217 program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common 5 game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [0499] 10 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the winning slot machine 2010 is determined based on the random number. However, the method for determining the winning slot machine is not particularly limited. For example, based on the number of game media betted 15 in each gaming machine within a fixed period (e.g. a period between the determination of the winning slot machine and the next determination of the winning slot machine), the gaming machine in which the largest number of game media has been betted within the fixed period may be determined as the winning slot 20 machine. Further, there may be determined the determination order of the winning slot machine in advance. [0500] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the slot machines 2010 is 25 10. However, the number of the gaming machines is not particularly limited, and it may be five, for example. [0501] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the common compact displays 30 2301 is two. However, the number of the common compact displays is not particularly limited, and it may be three, for example. [0502] Moreover, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine is the slot machine 35 2010. However, in the present invention, the type of the gaming 218 machine is not particularly limited, and it may be a card game machine, for example. [0503) Fig. 68 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal 5 game execution processing according to another embodiment. First, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S2060) . In the processing, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch 2026S when the 1-BET button 2026 10 is operated or an input signal outputted from the maximum BET switch 2027S when the maximum BET button 2027 is operated. [0504] When determining in step S2060 that the coin has been betted, the main CPU 2041 conducts processing of subtracting 15 the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043 in accordance with the number of the betted coins (step S2066) . Here, in the case that the number of betted coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043, the main CPU 2041 returns the processing to step S2060 without conducting the processing of 20 subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043. Further, in the case that the number of betted coins exceeds the upper limit value that can be betted in a single game (50 coins, in the present embodiment), the main CPU 2041 proceeds the processing to step S2067 without conducting the processing 25 of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043. Here, in the case that the number of credits becomes zero in step S2066, the main CPU 2041 starts measurement of time by using the timer 2061. The number of credits required for playing one game in 30 the present embodiment is 1. [05051 Next, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the start button 2023 has been turned ON (step S2067) . In the processing, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have 35 received an input signal outputted from the start switch 2023S 219 when the start button 2023 is pressed. When determining that the start button 2023 has not been turned ON, the main CPU 2041 returns the processing to step S2060. 5 Here, in the case that the start button 2023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 2023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 2041 cancels a subtraction result in step S2066. [0506) 10 On the other hand, when determining in step S2067 that the start button 2023 has been turned on, the main CPU 2041 transmits the number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 2200 (step S2068) The number-of-game-media information includes the 15 identification number of the slot machine 2010. [0507] Next, the main CPU 2041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S2069). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 2041 starts 20 scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 2028. Then, the main CPU 2041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 2028. 25 [0508] Next, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S2070) . The processing is the same processing as step S2020 in Fig. 55, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. 30 [0509] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 2041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S2071) . The processing is the same processing as step S2021 in Fig. 55, and therefore, the description thereof 35 is omitted here. 220 [0510] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has not been betted, the main CPU 2041 shifts the processing to step S2061. 5 [0511) In step S2061, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 2043 is zero. When determining that the number of credits is not zero, the main CPU 2041 shifts the processingto step S2063. On the other hand, 10 when determining that the number of credits is zero, the main CPU 2041 shifts the processing to step S2062. [0512] In step S2062, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 2061 has reached the 15 predetermined time T. When determining that the time has not reached the predetermined time T, the main CPU 2041 shifts the processing to step S2063. [0513] In step S2063, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or 20 not to have detected the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 2062. In the processing, the main CPU 2041 determines whether or not to have received a detection signal indicative of the detection of the presence of the player from the proximity sensor 2062. When determining to have detected 25 the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 2062, the main CPU 2041 returns the processing to step S2060. When determining not to have detected the presence of the player in step S2063 or when determining that the time has reached the predetermined time T in step S2062, the main CPU 30 2041 transmits the game dormant signal to the control device 2200 (step S2064) . The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 2010. Further, the main CPU 2041 sets the dormant flag (step S2065). [0514] 35 When determining that the prize has not been established 221 in step S2070 or after executing the processing of step S2071, the main CPU 2041 completes the present subroutine. [0515] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case 5 where the sensor is the proximity sensor 2062. However, the sensor in the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be a weight sensor for detecting the weight, for example. In such a case, by setting the weight sensor on a chair provided for the gaming machine, the presence of the player may 10 be detected by using the weight sensor. [0516] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 56) are rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see 15 Fig. 65), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 69A to 69C, Figs. 20 70 to 71, and Figs. 72A to 72C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 2001 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided 25 with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. [0517] 30 At first, with reference to Figs. 69A to 69C and Fig. 70, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 69A to 69C are views each illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a 35 winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game 222 according to another embodiment. Fig. 70 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 70, nine symbols in total can be 5 rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 10 [0518] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 69A to 69C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 15 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. [0519] 20 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 70, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 72A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 70. Further, "any bar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "Ibar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 72C, 25 "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 72A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 70. [0520] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 30 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" maybe also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the ROM 2042 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. 35 [05211 223 In the present embodiment, the main CPU 2041 executes the following processing of step S2020 in Fig. 55, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. 5 Namely, the main CPU 2041 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN 10 x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0522] In step S2021, the main CPU 2041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs 15 (see Figs. 69A to 69C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 70, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds 20 to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [05231 Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with reference to Fig. 71 and Figs. 72A to 72C. 25 Fig. 71 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 72A to 72C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the symbols 35 of the same type are rearranged in both the normal game and the 224 common game. [0524] In the number-of--points determination table, symbols or combinations of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL and 5 the number of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 71) is stored in the hard disk drive 2205 included in the control device 2200. [0525] 10 In the present embodiment, the CPU 2201 executes the following processing of step S2122 in Fig. 64. Namely, the CPU 2201 determines the number of points based on the symbol information received from the slot machine 2010 in step S2121 and the number-of-points determination table data 15 (see Fig. 71) stored in the hard disk drive 2205. Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 2201 in step S2121 is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged in step S2041 in Fig. 58. 20 [0526] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 2201 in step S2122 are listed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 72A, when a single "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 2201 25 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 72B, when a single "1bar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 2201 determines the number of points to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). 30 Further, as illustrated in Fig. 72C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 2201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) [0527] [Fourth embodiment) 35 An embodiment of the present invention is described based 225 on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 73 and Figs. 74A to 74B, there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. 5 Fig. 73 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 74A to 74B are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a 10 slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 73, a gaming system 3001 includes a plurality of slot machines 3010 (a slot machine 3010A, a slot machine 3010B, a slot machine 3010C,a slot machine 3010D, a slot 15 machine 3010E, a slot machine 3010F, a slot machine 3010G, a slot machine 3010H, a slot machine 30101, and a slot machine 3010J), a control device 3200 (see Fig. 77), a common large display 3300, and a plurality of common compact displays 3301 (a common compact display 3301A and a common compact display 20 3301B), which are interconnected through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 3010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 3310 (a coupling illuminated line 3310A, a coupling illuminated line 3310B, a coupling illuminated line 3310C, a coupling illuminated line 25 3310D, a coupling illuminated line 3310E, a coupling illuminated line 3310F, a coupling illuminated line 3310G, a coupling illuminated line 3310H, a coupling illuminated line 33101, and a coupling illuminated line 3310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 3351 arranged from the common large display 30 3300 to the respective slot machines 3010. The coupling illuminated lines 3310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 3300 to one of boundary plates 3302 (a boundary plate 3302A and a boundary plate 3302B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 35 3302 to one of the slot machines 3010. 226 The slot machines 3010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. The LEDs 3351 correspond to the illuminants of the present invention. 5 The common large display 3300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. [0528] In the gaming system 3001 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 3010 10 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 3300. In Fig. 73, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 3300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches 15 a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 3010. [0529] With reference to Fig. 74Ato Fig. 74B, there is described a method for determining the slot machine 3010 to which the 20 payout of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. As illustrated in Fig. 74A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 3033. A text image 3601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common 25 game) or a bonus is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. [0530] A text image 3602 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) is generated when five or more players are joining the 30 game. A text image 3603 indicates that the bonus is offered to any of the slot machines 3010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been placed, instead of generating EVENMT TIME (a common game) , when less than five players are joining the game. 35 In the gaming system 3001 according to the present 227 embodiment, the control device 3200 counts the number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Then, when the number of the counted slot machines 3010 is equal to or more than five, 5 EVENT TIME as the common game executed concurrently in the slot machines 3010 joining the game is generated. On the other hand, when the number of the counted slot machines 3010 is less than five, the fixed number of coins are paid out to the slot machine 3010 determined based on the random number. 10 [0531] In Fig. 74B, EVENT TIME (a common game) is further described. In the present embodiment, it is configured such that the displayed text image is switched from the text image illustrated 15 in Fig. 74A to the text image illustrated in Fig. 74B, triggered by a touch on a predetermined place in a touch panel (not shown) provided on the upper image display panel. [0532] A text image 3604 indicates that the LEDs 3351 will be 20 lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 3010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 90) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 81) rearranged during a game (a normal game) 25 played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [0533] A text image 3605 indicates that coins in number 30 corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 3010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 3310 with all the LEDs 3351 having been lighted. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 3351 are lighted 35 according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting 228 from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 3010. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 3351 appear to gradually extend toward the common large display 3300. [0534] 5 A text image 3606 indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 may be different among the coupling illuminated lines 3310. In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 3351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 3310 listed in 10 each of the following groups (I) to (V): (I) the coupling illuminated line 3310A and the coupling illuminated line 3310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 3310B and the coupling illuminated line 33101; 15 (III) the coupling illuminated line 3310C and the coupling illuminated line 3310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 3310D and the coupling illuminated line 3310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 3310E and the coupling 20 illuminated line 3310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers 25 of LEDs 3351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 3351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 3310. Further, Fig. 73 schematically illustrates the gaming system 3001 according to the present embodiment, and the number 30 of LEDs 3351 illustrated in Fig. 73 is not related to the number of LEDs 3351 according to the present embodiment. [0535] A text image 3607 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the 35 number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted may be different in accordance 229 with the coupling illuminated line 3310. More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Fig. 91A). 5 [0536] As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 73 and Figs. 74A to 74B. Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more 10 detail. [0537] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 3010 is described. Fig. 75 is a perspective view illustrating an external 15 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. In the slot machine 3010, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is 20 not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 25 [0538] The slot machine 3010 comprises a cabinet 3011, a top box 3012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 3011, and a main door 3013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 3011. [0539] 30 On the main door 3013, there is provided a lower image display panel 3016 as a display. The lower image display panel 3016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 3028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 3028. 35 Further, although not illustrated, various types of images 230 relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 3016. [0540] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 3031 and a 5 number-of-payouts display portion 3032 are provided on the lower image display panel 3016. The number-of-credits display portion 3031 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 3032 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid 10 out. [0541] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 3069 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 3016. The player can operate the touch panel 3069 to input a variety 15 of commands. [0542] Below the lower image display panel 3016, there are provided a control panel 3020 including a plurality of buttons 3023 to 3027 with each of which a command according to game 20 progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 3021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 3011, and a bill validator 3022. [0543] The control panel 3020 is provided with a start button 25 3023, a change button 3024, a CASHOUT button 3025, a1-BETbutton 3026 and a maximum BET button 3027. The start button 3023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 3024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 3025 is 30 used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 3018. The start button 3023 corresponds to the input device of the present invention. [0544] 35 The 1-BET button 3026 is used for inputting a command to 231 bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 3027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. 5 [0545) The bill validator 3022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 3011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 3022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a 10 later-described ticket 3039 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 3013, namely, below the control panel 3020, there is provided a belly glass 3034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 3010 is drawn. [0546] 15 On the front surface of the top box 3012, there is provided the upper image display panel 3033. The upper image display panel 3033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated 20 in Fig. 74A and Fig. 74B. [0547] Further, a speaker 3029 is provided in the top box 3012. Under the upper image display panel 3033, there are provided a ticket printer 3035, a card reader 3036, a data display 3037, 25 and a key pad 3038. The ticket printer 3035 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 3010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 3039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 3039 with 30 a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 3039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). The identification number of the slot machine 3010 corresponds to the identification information of the gaming 35 machine in the present invention. 232 [0548) The card reader 3036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player 5 and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 3037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, 10 for example, data read by the card reader 3036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 3038. The key pad 3038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. [05491 15 Fig. 76 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 75. A gaming board 3050 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 3051, a ROM 3055, and a boot ROM 3052 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card 20 slot 3053S corresponding to a memory card 3053, and an IC socket 3054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 3054. [0550] The memory card 3053 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game 25 program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 3028. The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for a normal game and a symbol 30 determination program for a common game. The symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program 35 for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). [0551] Further, the card slot 3053S is configured so as to allow 5 the memory card 3053 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 3040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 3053 can be removed from the card slot 3053S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 3053, and the memory card 3053 can be inserted 10 into the card slot 3053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 3010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 15 [0552] The CPU 3051, the ROM 3055 and the boot ROM 3052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 3040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 3040 20 and the gaming board 3050, but also supplies power from the mother board 3040 to the gaming board 3050. [0553) The mother board 3040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board 25 on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 3041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3043, and a communication interface 3044. The mother board 3040 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 30 [0554] The ROM 3042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 3041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 3041, processing for 35 initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, 234 concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 3053 via the gaming board 3050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 3042 may or may not be data rewritable one. 5 [0555] The ROM 3042 stores data indicative of a predetermined time T, odds data indicative of a correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts (see Fig. 81), image data indicative of 10 the state that the game is not played, and the like. [0556] The RAM 3043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 3041. Further, the RAM 3043 is capable of storing a game program. 15 [0557] Moreover, the RAM 3043 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. The RAM 3043 corresponds to the number-of-credits storage 20 device of the present invention. [0558] Moreover, the mother board 3040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 3060 anda door PCB 3080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 25 3040 is connected with a power supply unit 3045 and the communication interface 3044. [0559] The body PCB 3060 and the door PCB 3080 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be 30 inputted into the main CPU 3041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 3041. The main CPU 3041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 3043 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 3041, and thereby executes the predetermined 35 arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 235 3043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. [0560] The body PCB 3060 is connected with a lamp 3030, a hopper 5 3066, a coin detecting portion 3067, a graphic board 3068, the speaker 3029, the touch panel 3069, the bill validator 3022, the ticket printer 3035, the card reader 3036, a key switch 3038S, the data display 3037, a timer 3061, anda proximity sensor 3062. The lamp 3030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on 10 control signals outputted from the main CPU 3041. The lamp 3030 corresponds to the ornamental illuminant of the present invention. [0561] The hopper 3066 is installed inside the cabinet 3011, and 15 pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 3041, from a coin payout exit 3019 to the coin tray 3018. The coin detecting portion 3067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 3019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 3041 in the case of detecting payout 20 of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 3019. [0562) The timer 3061 is used for measuring the time. [0563] 25 The proximity sensor 3062 is provided at the front face of the slot machine 3010 (not illustrated). The proximity sensor 3062 detects the presence of the player by emitting infrared rays and detecting a reflection of the emitted infrared rays. In the case of detecting the presence of the player, the 30 proximity sensor 3062 transmits a detection signal to the main CPU 3041. [0564] The graphic board 3068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 3033 and the lower image display panel 3016 35 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 3041. 236 In the respective display blocks 3028 on the lower image display panel 3016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 3043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 3031 of 5 the lower image display panel 3016. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 3032 of the lower image display panel 3016. The graphic board 3068 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal 10 outputted from the main CPU 3041, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 3053 and stored into the RAM 3043. 15 [0565] The bill validator 3022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 3011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 3022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 3041 based 20 on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 3041 stores in the RAM 3043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0566] The ticket printer 3035, based on the control signal 25 outputted from the main CPU 3041, prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 3010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 3039 with a barcode. The card reader 3036 reads data from the smart card 30 and transmits the read data to the main CPU 3041, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 3041. The key switch 3038S is provided on the key pad 3038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 3041 when the key pad 3038 is operated by the player. The data 35 display 3037 displays data read by the card reader 3036 and data 237 inputted by the player via the key pad 3038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 3041. [0567] The door PCB 3080 is connected with the control panel 3020, 5 a reverter 3021S, a coin counter 3021C, and a cold cathode tube 3081. The control panel 3020 is provided with a start switch 3023S corresponding to the start button 3023, a change switch 3024S corresponding to the change button 3024, a CASHOUT switch 3025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 3025, a 1-BET switch 10 3026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 3026, and a maximum BET switch 3027S corresponding to the maximum BET button 3027. Each of the switches 3023S to 3027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 3041 when each of the buttons 3023 to 3027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 15 [05681 The coin counter 3021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 3021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 3021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from 20 the coin payout exit 3019. Further, the coin counter 3021C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 3041 in detection of the regular coin. [05691 The reverter 3021S operates based on the control signal 25 outputted from the main CPU 3041, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 3021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 3066, which are disposed in the slot machine 3010. Namely, when the hopper 3066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box 30 by the reverter 3021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 3066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 3066. The cold cathode tube 3081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 3016 and the upper image display panel 3033, and lighted 35 up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 3041. 238 [0570] Fig. 77 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5 The control device 3200 includes a CPU 3201, a ROM 3202, a RAM 3203, a communication interface 3204, a LED drive circuit 3350, a random number generator 3063, and a hard disk drive 3205 as a memory. The random number generator 3063 generates a random number at a predetermined timing. The communication 10 interface 3204 is connected, through communication lines 3101, to the communication interfaces 3044 in the respective slot machines 3010 and also is connected to the common large display 3300 and the common compact displays 3301 through communication lines 3102. The ROM 3202 stores a system program for 15 controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. Further, the RAM 3203 temporarily stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, number-of-lights data indicative of the number of the LEDs 3351 having been lighted among the LEDs 3351 included in the coupling 20 illuminated line 3310 provided for each of the slot machines 3010, data received from each of the slot machines 3010, and the like. [05711 In the hard disk drive 3205, number-of-lighting 25 determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions) is stored. Further, in the hard disk drive 3205, number-of-points 30 determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game is stored. Furthermore, in the hard disk drive 3205, data indicative of the predetermined value and data indicative of the specific number are stored. 35 [0572] 239 The plurality of LEDs 3351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 3350. The LEDs 3351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 3350 turns on and turns off the LEDs 3351 based on a signal received from 5 the CPU 3201. [0573] Fig. 78 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines. At first, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not a 10 common-game flag is set (step S3200). [0574] With reference to Fig. 79, the common-game flag is described. Fig. 79 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 15 setting processing. At first, the main CPU 3041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (see Fig. 86) (step S3300). [0575] 20 When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 3041 sets the 25 common-game flag (step S3301) and completes the present subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag indicative of a satisfaction of a condition for executing the common game. 30 [0576] When determining in step S3200 in Fig. 78 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 3041 executes normal game execution processing (step S3201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with 35 reference to the drawing. 24 0 [0577] The main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received a bonus payout signal (see Fig. 86) (step S3203). [0578) 5 When determining not to have received the bonus payout signal, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the bonus payout signal, the main CPU 3041 pays out the coins (step S3204). In the case of receiving the bonus payout signal 10 including information indicative of a first winning slot machine 3010, a first fixed number of coins are paid out. On the other hand, in the case of receiving the bonus payout signal including information indicative of a second winning slot machine 3010, a second fixed number of coins are paid out. The 15 value of the first fixed number is larger than the value of the second fixed number. Namely, the number of coins paid out to the first winning slot machine 3010 is larger than the number of coins paid out to the second sinning slot machine 3010. After executing the processing of step S3204, the main 20 CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. [0579] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 3041 executes common game execution processing (step S3202) . The common game execution processing 25 will be described in more detail later with reference to the drawing. Afterexecutingthe processingof step S3202, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. [0580] Fig. 80 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal 30 game execution processing. Fig. 81 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the 35 time measured by the timer 3061 is equal to or more than the 241 predetermined time T (step S3010). [05811 When determining that the measured time is not equal to or more than the predetermined time T in step S3010, the main 5 CPU3041shifts theprocessing tostepS3013. Ontheotherhand, when determining that the measured time is equal to or more than the predetermined time T, the main CPU 3041 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device 3200 (step S3011). The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the 10 slot machine 3010. Further, the main CPU 3041 sets a dormant flag (step S3012). [0582] The main CPU 3041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S3013) . In this processing, the main CPU 3041 15 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 3026S when the 1-BET button 3026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 3027S when the maximum BET button 3027 is operated. When the main CPU 3041 determines that the coin has 20 not been betted, the processing is returned to step S3010. [0583] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S3013, the main CPU 3041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the 25 RAM 3043 according to the number of betted coins (step S3014) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043, the main CPU 3041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043, 30 and the processing is returned to step S3010. Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 3041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits 35 stored in the RAM 3043, and the processing is proceeded to step 242 S3015. [0584] Next, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the start button 3023 has been turned ON (step S3015) . In this 5 processing, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 3023S when the start button 3023 is pressed. When the main CPU 3041 determines that the start button 3023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step 10 S3010. It is to be noted that, when the start button 3023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 3023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 3041 cancels a subtraction result in step S3014. 15 The input signal outputted from the start switch 3023S when the start button 3023 is pressed corresponds to the game input signal of the present invention. [0585] On the other hand, when determining in step S3015 that 20 the start button 3023 is turned ON, the main CPU 3041 clears the time measured by the timer 3061 (step S3016) and starts measurement of the time by the timer 3061 (step S3017). [0586] The main CPU 3041 transmits the number-of-game-media 25 information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 3200. The number-of-game-media information includes the identification number of the slot machine 3010. [0587] Next, the main CPU 3041 executes symbol rearrangement 30 processing (step S3019). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 3041 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 3028. Then, the main CPU 3041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal 35 symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols 243 in the display blocks 3028. [0588] Next, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S3020) . Here, the establishment of 5 a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more normal symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 3028 (see Fig. 81) . In this processing, the main CPU 3041 counts the number of normal symbols for each 10 type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S3019. Then, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [0589] When determining that a prize has been established, the 15 main CPU 3041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S3021). In the processing, the main CPU 3041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the ROM 3042. 20 The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged in the display blocks 3028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 81). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, 25 when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 3041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number 30 of credits stored in the RAM 3043. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 3041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 3066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. [0590] 35 When determining in step S3020 that no prize has been 244 established or after executing the processing of step S3021, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. [0591] Fig. 82 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 5 dormant stand-by processing. The main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the dormant flag is set (step S3030). When determining that the dormant flag is not set, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. On the other 10 hand, when determining that the dormant flag is set, the main CPU 3041 displays an image indicative of a state that the game is not played (not illustrated) to the lower image display panel 3016 (step S3031). Further, the main CPU 3041 lowers the power supplied to the lamp 3030 (step S3032). 15 [0592] Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 83. Fig. 83 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. 20 Fig. 84 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. [05931 At first, the main CPU 3041 executes processing of steps S3040 to S3043, and these processing are substantially the same 25 as the processing of step S3015 and steps S3019 to S3021 in Fig. 80. Here, only a part different from step S3015 and steps S3019 to S3021 in Fig. 80 is described. [0594] There has been described a case where the main CPU 3041 30 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S3019 in Fig. 80 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 3028. On the contrary, in step S3041 in Fig. 83, the main CPU 3041 executes the common-game symbol determination program for 35 determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be 245 rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 3028. [05951 As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal 5 symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". Fig. 84 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are 10 rearranged as common-game symbols. [0596] When determining in step S3042 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S3043, the main CPU 3041 transmits symbol information to the control 15 device 3200 (step S3044) . The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S3041. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. 20 [0597] Next, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S3045). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 3200 to any of the slot machines 3010 triggered by all the LEDs 25 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 provided for the slot machine 3010 having been lighted (see Fig. 89). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. [0598] 30 When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 3041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S3046) . In this processing, the main CPU 3041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on the information indicative of the cumulative value which is 35 included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 3041 in step S3046 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 3029, lighting of the lamp 3030, print of the ticket 3039 with a barcode indicative of the number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. 5 [0599] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S3045 or after executing the processing of step S3046, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. [0600] 10 Next, there is described processing performed in the control device 3200. Fig. 85 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. First, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not to have 15 received the game dormant signal (see Fig. 80) at a predetermined timing from the slot machine 3010 (step S3050). When determining not to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 3201 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the game dormant 20 signal, the CPU 3201 sets a dormant flag in association with the identification number of the slot machine 3010 included in the received game dormant signal (step S3051). [0601] Fig. 86 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 25 number-of-game-media information reception processing. At first, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 3010 at a predetermined timing (step S3101). When determining not to have received the 30 number-of-game-media information, the CPU 3201 completes the present subroutine. [0602] On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 3201 adds a part (10% 35 in the present embodiment) of the number of coins indicated by 247 the received number-of-game-media information to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 3203 and stores the numerical value obtained by the addition as the updated cumulative value in the 5 cumulative-value data (step S3102). It is to be noted that the number of decimals is truncated. [0603] Next, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on 10 the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 3203 (step S3103) . [0604] When determining that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 3201 executes slot-machine counting processing (step S3104). In the slot-machine 15 counting processing, the number of slot machines 3010 joining the game is counted. The slot-machine counting processing will be described later by using the drawing. [06051 The CPU 3201 determines whether or not the number of slot 20 machines counted in step S3104 is equal to ormore thana specific number (step S3105) . When determining that the number of the counted slot machines is equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 3201 transmits a common-game execution signal (step S3106). 25 (06061 On the other hand, when determining in step S3105 that the number of the counted slot machines is not equal to or more than the specific number, the CPU 3201 executes winning-slot-machine determination processing (step S3107). 30 In the winning-slot-machine determination processing, the first winning slot machine and the second winning slot machine, to each of which a bonus is offered, is determined. The winning-slot-machine determination processing is described later by using the drawing. 35 [0607] 248 The CPU 3201 transmits the bonus payout signals to the first winning slot machine and the second winning slot machine determined in step S3107 (step S3108) . The bonus payout signal to be transmitted to the first winning slot machine 3010 5 includes information indicative of the first winning slot machine. The bonus payout signal to be transmitted to the second winning slot machine includes information indicative of the second winning slot machine 3010. (0608] 10 Fig. 87 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. First, the CPU 3201 counts the number of the set dormant flags at a predetermined timing (step S3150). [0609] 15 The CPU 3201 determines the numeric value obtained by subtracting the numeric value counted in step S3150 from 10 as the number of slot machines joining the game (step S3151). [0610] Fig. 88 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 20 winning-slot-machine determination processing. First, the CPU 3201 extracts the random number generated by the random number generator 3063 (step S3130). [0611] The CPU 3201 determines a single slot machine 3010 out 25 of ten slot machines 3010, based on the random number extracted in step S3130. Then, the CPU 3201 determines the determined slot machine 3010 as a winning slot machine 3010 (step S3131). [06121 The CPU 3201 determines whether or not the game dormant 30 flag is set in association with the identification number of the winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3131 (step S3132). When determining that the game dormant flag is set, the CPU 3201 returns the processing to step S3130. [06131 35 When determining in step S3132 that the game dormant flag is not set, the CPU 3201 determines the winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3131 as the first winning slot machine 3010 (step S3133). [0614) 5 The CPU 3201 extracts the random number generated by the random number generator 3063 (step S3134). [0615] The CPU 3201 determines a single slot machine 3010 out of ten slot machines 3010, based on the random number extracted 10 in step S3134. Then, the CPU 3201 determines the determined slot machine as a winning slot machine 3010 (step S3135). [0616] The CPU 3201 determines whether or not the game dormant flag is set in association with the identification number of 15 the winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3135 (step S3136). When determining that the game dormant flag is set, the CPU 3201 returns the processing to step S3134. [0617] When determining in step S3136 that the game dormant flag 20 is not set, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not the winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3135 is the same slot machine 3010 as the first winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3133 (step S3137) . When determining that they are the same slot machine 3010, the CPU 3201 returns the processing to 25 step S3134. [0618] When determining in step S3137 that they are not the same slot machine 3010, the CPU 3201 determines the winning slot machine 3010 determined in step S3135 as the second winning slot 30 machine 3010 (step S3138). [0619] Fig. 89 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not to have 35 received the symbol information (see Fig. 83) from the slot 250 machine 3010 at a predetermined timing (step S3121). When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU 3201 completes the present subroutine. [0620] 5 On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 3205 (step S3122). 10 (0621] Fig. 90 is a view illustrating the number-of-points determination table. As illustrated in Fig. 90, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship 15 among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 84, when two symbols of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a 20 single slot machine 3010, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information from this slot machine 3010. [0622] Next, the CPU 3201 determines the number of LEDs 3351 25 (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S3123). [0623] Figs. 91A to 91B are views each illustrating the 30 number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, the correspondence relationship between the number of 35 points and the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted is associated 251 with each slot machine 3010. [0624] The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see 5 Fig. 91A) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see Fig. 91B). In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted may be 10 different in accordance with the slot machines 3010. In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 3010. 15 [0625] In the processing of step S3123, at first, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 3203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 3010 as a 20 transmission source of the symbol information received in step S3121 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 3351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 3310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to 25 or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 3201 determines the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 3201 30 determines the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. [0626] Next, the CPU 3201 makes the determined number of LEDs 3351 (illuminants) be lighted (emit light) in the coupling 35 illuminated line 3310 provided for the slot machine 3010 as a 252 transmission source of the symbol information received in step S3121 (step S3124). In this processing, the CPU 3201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 3351 to be lighted, based 5 on the number determined in step S3123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 3203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 3010. Further, the CPU 3201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 3350 a signal including information indicative of the 10 identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 3350 lights the LEDs 3351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 3201 adds the number determined in step S3123 to the number of lights 15 indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 3010, and stores the obtained number in the RAM 3203. [0627] Next, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 20 3351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 provided for the slot machine 3010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S3121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S3125) . In the processing, the CPU 3201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the 25 addition of the number determined in step S3123 has reached the number of LEDs 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line 3310, based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 3203. [0628] When determining that all the LEDs 3351 included in the 30 coupling illuminated line 3310 provided for the slot machine 3010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S3121 have been lighted, the CPU 3201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 3010 (step S3126) [0629] 35 When determining in step S3125 that not all the LEDs 3351 253 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S3126, the CPU 3201 completes the present subroutine. [06301 According to the above gaming system 3001, the control 5 device 3200 cumulatively counts a part of the number of game media betted in each slot machine 3010 as the cumulative value. Then, when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the control device 3200 counts the number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game. When the number of the slot 10 machines 3010 joining the game is equal to or more than the specific number, the control device 3200 executes the common game which is played concurrently in the slot machines 3010 joining the game. On the other hand, when the number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game is less than the specific 15 number, the control device 3200 pays out the fixed number of game media to the single or the plurality of slot machines 3010 determined out of the slot machines 3010 joining the game based on the extracted random number. Accordingly, the payout method of the accumulated game media is different in accordance with 20 the number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game when the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. Consequently, the interesting aspect of the payout method itself of the accumulated game media is enhanced and a player hardly gets tired of the game. Further, in the case that the 25 number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game is large, the common game is executed, which is concurrently executed in the slot machines 3010 joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to make the player excited. On the other hand, in the case that the number of the slot machines 3010 joining the game is small, 30 the common game is not executed, which is concurrently executed in the slot machines 3010 joining the game. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from losing his or her motivation for the game because of the common game not heated up due to the small number of participants. Further, since the slot 35 machine 3010 to which the fixed number of game media are paid 254 out is determined based on the extracted random number, it is possible to eliminate inequality among the players. [0631] When the common game is executed, the control device 3200 5 lights the LEDs 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 provided for each of the slot machines 3010 based on a result of the common game and pays out a predetermined number of game media to the slot machine 3010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 3310 with all the LEDs 3351 included therein 10 having been lighted. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the predetermined number of game media by viewing the LEDs 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 provided for each of the slot machines 3010. This can cause the player to play 15 the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout of the predetermined number of game media is conducted when all the LEDs 3351 included in the coupling illuminated line 3310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having 20 uncomfortable feeling. [0632] According to the above gaming system 3001, the slot machine 3010 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device 3200 when determining that the game input signal has not 25 been inputted by the input device within a predetermined time after the previous input. Then, the slot machine 3010 having transmitted the game dormant signal is regarded not to be joining the game. Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player waiting for the cumulative value to reach the 30 predetermined value without playing the game. [0633] According to the above gaming system 3001, the slot machine 3010 displays the image indicating that the game is not played and lowers the amount of light of the lamp 3030, when 35 determining that the game input signal has not been inputted 255 within the predetermined time. Accordingly, it is possible for a clerk in a casino and the like, in which the gaming system 3001 is installed, to easily find the player pretending to play the game on the slot machine 3010 without actually playing the 5 game. By excluding such a player, it is possible to raise an operation rate of the gaming system 3001. Further, it is also possible to lower the power consumption by lowering an amount of light of the lamp 3030. [0634) 10 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the symbols rearranged in the display blocks 3028 are all scatter symbols. However, symbols in the present invention are not limited to the scatter symbols. For example, in the configuration that a pay line is provided, a prize may be 15 established or a point value may be offered when a plurality of symbols in a specific combination are rearranged on the pay line. Further, for example, the symbol to be rearranged on the pay line so as to establish a prize and the scatter symbol may be used in combination. 20 [0635] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single predetermined value is provided. However, in the present invention, a plurality of predetermined values may be provided. In such a case, after the cumulative 25 value has reached the predetermined value, a single predetermined value to be used next may be determined out of the plurality of predetermined values. [0636] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the specific number is five. However, the specific number in the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be seven, for example. [0637] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 35 described a case where the number of points is determined in 256 the control device 3200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. 5 [0638] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where a single slot machine 3010 is determined out of ten slot machines 3010. However, in the present invention, the method for determining the winning gaming 10 machine is not particularly limited provided that it is a method for determining the winning gaming machine based on the random number. For example, a single gaming machine may be determined out of the gaming machines joining the game. [0639] 15 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the first winning slot machine 3010 and the second winning slot machine 3010 are different from each other. However, in the present invention, the first winning slot machine 3010 and the second winning slot machine 3010 may 20 be the same slot machine 3010. [0640] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the winning slot machines 3010 is two. However, in the present invention the number of 25 the winning slot machines 3010 is not particularly limited, and it may be one. [0641] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of LEDs 3351 to be lighted 30 is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 3351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 3351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 3310), while the number of LEDs 3351 to be 35 lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting 257 determination table data for straight portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 3351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 3351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 3310) . In this 5 case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the 10 acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined number. [0642] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such 20 as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common 25 game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a 30 common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling 35 illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. 258 [0643] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case where the number of the slot machines 3010 is 10. However, the number of the gaming machines is not 5 particularly limited, and it may be five, for example. [0644] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the common compact displays 3301 is two. However, the number of the common compact displays 10 is not particularly limited, and it may be three, for example. [0645] Moreover, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine is the slot machine 3010. However, in the present invention, the type of the gaming 15 machine is not particularly limited, and it may be a card game machine, for example. [0646] Fig. 92 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing according to another embodiment. 20 First, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S3060) . In the processing, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the 1-BET switch 3026S when the 1-BET button 3026 is operated or an input signal outputted from the maximum BET 25 switch 3027S when the maximum BET button 3027 is operated. [0647] When determining in step S3060 that the coin has been betted, the main CPU 3041 conducts processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043 in accordance with 30 the number of the betted coins (step S3066) . Here, in the case that the number of betted coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043, the main CPU 3041 returns the processing to step S3060 without conducting the processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043. 35 Further, in the case that the number of betted coins exceeds 29 the upper limit value that can be betted in a single game (50 coins, in the present embodiment), the main CPU 3041 proceeds the processing to step S3067 without conducting the processing of subtracting the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043. 5 Here, in the case that the number of credits becomes zero in step S3066, the main CPU 3041 starts measurement of time by using the timer 3061. The number of credits required for playing one game in the present embodiment is 1. 10 The RAM 3043 corresponds to the number-of-credits storage device of the present invention. [0648] Next, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the start button 3023 has been turned ON (step S3067). In the 15 processing, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal outputted from the start switch 3023S when the start button 3023 is pressed. When determining that the start button 3023 has not been turned ON, the main CPU 3041 returns the processing to step 20 S3060. Here, in the case that the start button 3023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 3023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 3041 cancels a subtraction result in step S3066. 25 [0649] On the other hand, when determining in step S3067 that the start button 3023 has been turned on, the main CPU 3041 transmits the number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 3200 (step 30 S3068). The number-of-game-media information includes the identification number of the slot machine 3010. [0650] Next, the main CPU 3041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S3069). 35 In this processing, at first, the main CPU 3041 starts 260 scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 3028. Then, the main CPU 3041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols 5 in the display blocks 3028. [0651] Next, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S3070) . The processing is the same processing as step S3020 in Fig. 80, and therefore, the 10 description thereof is omitted here. [0652] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 3041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S3071) . The processing is the same processing as 15 step S3021 in Fig. 80, and therefore, the description thereof is omitted here. [0653] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has not been betted, the main CPU 3041 shifts the processing to step 20 S3061. [0654] In step S3061, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 3043 is zero. When determining that the number of credits is not zero, the main 25 CPU 3041 shifts the processing tostepS 3 0 6 3 . On the otherhand, when determining that the number of credits is zero, the main CPU 3041 shifts the processing to step S3062. [0655] In step S3062, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or 30 not the time measured by the timer 3061 has reached the predetermined time T. When determining that the time has not reached the predetermined time T, the main CPU 3041 shifts the processing to step S3063. [0656] 35 In step S3063, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or 261 not to have detected the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 3062. In the processing, the main CPU 3041 determines whether or not to have received a detection signal indicative of the detection of the presence of the player from 5 the proximity sensor 3062. When determining to have detected the presence of the player by using the proximity sensor 3062, the main CPU 3041 returns the processing to step S3060. When determining not to have detected the presence of the player in step S3063 or when determining that the time has 10 reached the predetermined time T in step S3062, the main CPU 3041 transmits the game dormant signal to the control device 3200 (step S3064) . The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 3010. Further, the main CPU 3041 sets the dormant flag (step S3065). 15 [0657] When determining that the prize has not been established in step S3070 or after executing the processing of step S3071, the main CPU 3041 completes the present subroutine. [0658] 20 As above, according to the gaming system 3001 of another embodiment, the slot machine 3010 transmits the game dormant signal to the control device 3200 when determining that the number of credits is less than the number of credits required for playing one game. Then, the slot machine 3010 having 25 transmitted the game dormant signal is regarded not to be joining the game. Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player waiting for the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value without playing the game. Further, it is also possible to prompt the player to place the bet so that the 30 number of credits becomes equal to or more than the number of credits required for playing one game. [0659] According to the above gaming system 3001, the slot machine 3010 transmits the game dormant signal to the control 35 device 3200, when determining that the number of credits is less 262 than the number of credits required for playing one game or when determining not to have detected a presence of the player by the sensor. Then, the slot machine 3010 having transmitted the game dormant signal is regarded not to be joining the game. 5 Accordingly, it is possible to exclude the player saving a seat without playing the game, in such a manner as leaving the seat until the cumulative value reaches the predetermined value while keeping the credits in number equal to or more than the number of credits required for playing one game. 10 [0660] In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the sensor is the proximity sensor 3062. However, the sensor in the present invention is not particularly limited, and it may be a weight sensor for detecting the weight, for 15 example. In such a case, by setting the weight sensor on a chair provided for the gaming machine, the presence of the player may be detected by using the weight sensor. [0661] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 20 described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 81) are rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see Fig. 90), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited 25 to the case. Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 93A to 93C, Figs. 94 to 95, and Figs. 96A to 96C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the 30 constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 3001 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of 35 the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. 263 [0662] At first, with reference to Figs. 93A to 93C and Fig. 94, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. 5 Figs. 93A to 93C are views each illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 94 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 10 rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 94, nine symbols in total can be rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined 15 combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. [0663] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. 20 As illustrated in Figs. 93A to 93C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted 25 coins is 3. [0664] In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 94, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 96A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 94. Further, "any bar" is 30 any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 96C, "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 96A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 94. [0665] 35 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of 264 symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "1bar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the ROM 3042 stores data indicative of the 5 relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. [0666) In the present embodiment, the main CPU 3041 executes the following processing of step S3020 in Fig. 80, since the present 10 embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. Namely, the main CPU 3041 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar 15 x 3", "1bar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0667] In step S3021, the main CPU 3041 pays out coins in number 20 determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs (see Figs. 93A to 93C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is 25 established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 94, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [0668] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. 30 Subsequently, the common game will be described with reference to Fig. 95 and Figs. 96A to 96C. Fig. 95 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 96A to 96C are views each illustrating exemplary 35 symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. 265 In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the 5 rearranged common-game symbols. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the symbols of the same type are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. [0669] 10 In the number-of-points determination table, symbols or combinations of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL and the number of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 95) is stored 15 in the hard disk drive 3205 included in the control device 3200. [0670) In the present embodiment, the CPU 3201 executes the following processing of step S3122 in Fig. 89. Namely, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points based 20 on the symbol information received from the slot machine 3010 in step S3121 and the number-of-points determination table data (see Fig. 95) stored in the hard disk drive 3205. Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 3201 in step S3121 is 25 information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged in step S3041 in Fig. 83. [0671] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 3201 in step S3122 are listed. 30 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 96A, when a single "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 96B, when a single "lbar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the 35 winning line WL, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points 2'6 to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). Further, as illustrated in Fig. 96C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 3201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) . 5 [0672] [Fifth embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 97 and Figs. 98A to 98B, 10 there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. Fig. 97 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15 Figs. 98A to 98B are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 97, a gaming system 4001 includes 20 a plurality of slot machines 4010 (a slot machine 4010A, a slot machine 4010B, a slot machine 4010C,a slot machine 4010D, a slot machine 4010E, a slot machine 4010F, a slot machine 4010G, a slot machine 4010H, a slot machine 40101, and a slot machine 4010J), a control device 4200 (see Fig. 101), a common large 25 display 4300, and a plurality of common compact displays 4301 (a common compact display 4301A and a common compact display 4301B), which are interconnected through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 4010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 4310 (a coupling 30 illuminated line 4310A, a coupling illuminated line 4310B, a coupling illuminated line 4310C, a coupling illuminated line 4310D, a coupling illuminated line 4310E, a coupling illuminated line 4310F, a coupling illuminated line 4310G, a coupling illuminated line 4310H, a coupling illuminated line 35 43101, and a coupling illuminated line 4310J) which include a 267 plurality of LEDs 4351 arranged from the common large display 4300 to the respective slot machines 4010. The coupling illuminated lines 4310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 4300 to one of boundary 5 plates 4302 (a boundary plate 4302A and a boundary plate 4302B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 4302 to the slot machine 4010. The slot machines 4010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. 10 The LEDs 4351 correspond to the illuminants of the present invention. The common large display 4300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. [0673] 15 In the gaming system 4001 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 4010 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 4300. In Fig. 97, "123456" is 20 displayed to the common large display 4300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 4010. [0674] 25 With reference to Fig. 98A to Fig. 98B, there is described a method for determining the slot machine 4010 to which the payout of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. As illustrated in Fig. 98A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to 30 an upper image display panel 4033. A text image 4601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. (0675) 35 A text image 4602 indicates that the LEDs 4351 will be 268 lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 4010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 112) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal 5 symbols, see Fig. 105) rearranged during a game (a normal game) played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [0676] 10 A text image 4603 indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 4010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 4310 with all the LEDs 4351 having been lighted. 15 In the present embodiment, the LEDs 4351 are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 4010. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 4351 appear to gradually extend toward the common large display 4300. 20 [0677] Fig. 98B further illustrates lighting of the LEDs 4351. In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel 4033 is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in Fig. 98A to the text images 25 illustrated in Fig. 98B triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel 4033. [0678] A text image 4604 indicates that a number of LEDs included 30 in the coupling illuminated line 4310 may be different among the coupling illuminated lines 4310. In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 4351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 4310 listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): 35 (I) the coupling illuminated line 4310A and the coupling 269 illuminated line 4310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 4310B and the coupling illuminated line 43101; (III) the coupling illuminated line 4310C and the 5 coupling illuminated line 4310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 4310D and the coupling illuminated line 4310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 4310E and the coupling illuminated line 4310F. 10 However, the numbers of LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs 4351 in the bent portions. 15 The numbers of LEDs 4351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 4310. Further, Fig. 97 merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs 4351 illustrated in Fig. 97 is not related to 20 the number of LEDs 4351 according to the present embodiment. [06791 A text image 4605 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted may be different in accordance 25 with the coupling illuminated line 4310. More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Figs. ll3A to 113F). [06801 30 A text image 4606 indicates that the greater number of LEDs 4351 may be lighted in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 4010 in which the balances of game media in the normal game is largely negative, even in the case that the same numbers of points are acquired in the slot machines 35 4010. 270 [0681] As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 97 and Figs. 98A to 98B. 5 Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more detail. [0682] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 4010 is described. 10 Fig. 99 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. In the slot machine 4010, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game 15 medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as 20 described later. [0683] The slot machine 4010 comprises a cabinet 4011, a top box 4012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 4011, and a main door 4013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 4011. 25 [0684] On the main door 4013, there is provided a lower image display panel 4016 as a display. The lower image display panel 4016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 4028 along five columns and three rows. 30 A single symbol is displayed in each display block 4028. Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 4016. [0685] 35 Further, a number-of-credits display portion 4031 and a 271 number-of-payouts display portion 4032 are provided on the lower image display panel 4016. The number-of-credits display portion 4031 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 4032 5 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. (06861 Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 4069 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 4016. 10 The player can operate the touch panel 4069 to input a variety of commands. (0687] Below the lower image display panel 4016, there are provided a control panel 4020 including a plurality of buttons 15 4023 to 4027 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 4021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 4011, and a bill validator 4022. [0688] 20 The control panel 4020 is provided with a start button 4023, a change button 4024, a CASHOUT button 4025, a 1-BET button 4026 and a maximum BET button 4027. The start button 4023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 4024 is used for making a request of staff in the 25 recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 4025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 4018. [0689] The 1-BET button 4026 is used for inputting a command to 30 bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 4027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. [0690] 35 The bill validator 4022 not only discriminates a regular 272 bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 4011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 4022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 4039 with a barcode. At the lower front 5 of the main door 4013, namely, below the control panel 4020, there is provided a belly glass 4034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 4010 is drawn. [06911 On the front surface of the top box 4012, there is provided 10 the upper image display panel 4033. The upper image display panel 4033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in Fig. 98A and Fig. 98B. 15 [0692] Further, a speaker 4029 is provided in the top box 4012. Under the upper image display panel 4033, there are provided a ticket printer 4035, a card reader 4036, a data display 4037, and a key pad 4038. The ticket printer 4035 prints on a ticket 20 a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines 4010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 4039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 4039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 4039 25 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). [0693] The card reader 4036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned 30 by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 35 4037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, 273 for example, data read by the card reader 4036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 4038. The key pad 4038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. 5 [06941 Fig. 100 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 99. A gaming board 4050 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 4051, a ROM 4055, and a boot ROM 4052 which 10 are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 4053S corresponding to a memory card 4053, and an IC socket 4054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 4054. [0695] The memory card 4053 includes a nonvolatile memory such 15 as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 4028. The symbol determination program includes a symbol 20 determination program for a normal game and a symbol determination program for a common game. The symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, 25 the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). Further, the game program includes odds data indicative 30 of the correspondence relationship between the type and the number of rearranged normal symbols and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 105). [0696] Further, the card slot 4053S is configured so as to allow 35 the memory card 4053 to be inserted thereinto or removed 274 therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 4040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 4053 can be removed from the card slot 4053S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 4053, and the memory card 4053 can be inserted 5 into the card slot 4053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 4010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 10 [0697] The CPU 4051, the ROM 4055 and the boot ROM 4052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 4040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 4040 15 and the gaming board 4050, but also supplies power from the mother board 4040 to the gaming board 4050. [06981 The mother board 4040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board 20 on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 4041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 4042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4043, and a communication interface 4044. The mother board 4040 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 25 [06991 The ROM 4042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 4041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 4041, processing for 30 initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 4053 via the gaming board 4050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 4042 may or may not be data rewritable one. 35 [0700] 275 The RAM 4043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 4041. Further, the RAM 4043 is capable of storing a game program. [0701] 5 Moreover, the RAM 4043 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. [0702] Moreover, the mother board 4040 is connected with a 10 later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 4060 and a door PCB 4080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 4040 is connected with a power supply unit 4045 and the communication interface 4044. [0703] 15 The body PCB 4060 and the door PCB 4080 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 4041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 4041. The main CPU 4041 executes the game 20 program stored in the RAM 4043 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 4041, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 4043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. 25 [0704] The body PCB 4060 is connected with a lamp 4030, a hopper 4066, a coin detecting portion 4067, a graphic board 4068, the speaker 4029, the touch panel 4069, the bill validator 4022, the ticketprinter4035, the card reader 4036, a key switch 4038S 30 and the data display 4037. The lamp 4030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 4041. [0705] The hopper 4066 is installed inside the cabinet 4011, and 35 pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control 276 signal outputted from the main CPU 4041, from a coin payout exit 4019 to the coin tray 4018. The coin detecting portion 4067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 4019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 4041 in the case of detecting payout 5 of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 4019. [0706] The graphic board 4068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 4033 and the lower image display panel 4016 10 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 4041. In the respective display blocks 4028 on the lower image display panel 4016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 4043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 4031 of 15 the lower image display panel 4016. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 4032 of the lower image display panel 4016. The graphic board 4068 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal 20 outputted from the main CPU 4041, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 4053 and stored into the RAM 4043. 25 [0707] The bill validator 4022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 4011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 4022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 4041 based 30 on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 4041 stores in the RAM 4043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0708) The ticket printer 4035, based on the control signal 35 outputted from the main CPU 4041, prints on a ticket a barcode 277 as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 4010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 4039 with a barcode. The card reader 4036 reads data from the smart card 5 and transmits the read data to the main CPU 4041, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 4041. The key switch 4038S is provided on the key pad 4038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 4041 when the key pad 4038 is operated by the player. The data 10 display 4037 displays data read by the card reader 4036 and data inputted by the player via the key pad 4038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 4041. [0709] The door PCB 4080 is connected with the control panel 4020, 15 a reverter 4021S, a coin counter 4021C, and a cold cathode tube 4081. The control panel 4020 is provided with a start switch 4023S corresponding to the start button 4023, a change switch 4024S corresponding to the change button 4024, a CASHOUT switch 4025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 4025, a 1-BET switch 20 4026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 4026, and a maximum BET switch 4027S corresponding to the maximum BET button 4027. Each of the switches 4023S to 4027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 4041 when each of the buttons 4023 to 4027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 25 (0710] The coin counter 4021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 4021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 4021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from 30 the coin payout exit 4019. Further, the coin counter 4021C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 4041 in detection of the regular coin. [0711) The reverter 4021S operates based on the control signal 35 outputted from the main CPU 4041, and distributes a coin 278 recognized by the coin counter 4021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 4066, which are disposed in the slot machine 4010. Namely, when the hopper 4066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box 5 by the reverter 4021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 4066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 4066. The cold cathode tube 4081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 4016 and the upper image display panel 4033, and lighted 10 up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 4041. [0712] Fig. 101 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 15 The control device 4200 includes a CPU 4201, a ROM 4202, a RAM 4203, a communication interface 4204, a LED drive circuit 4350 and a hard disk drive 4205 as a memory. The communication interface 4204 is connected, through communication lines 4101, to the communication interfaces 4044 in the respective slot 20 machines 4010 and also is connected to the common large display 4300 and the common compact displays 4301 through communication lines 4102. The ROM 4202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. 25 (0713] Further, the RAM 4203 temporarily stores data received from each slot machine 4010. The RAM 4203 is provided with a balance storage area, a cumulative value storage area, a number-of-lighting 30 determination table storage area, and a number-of-lights storage area. The balance storage area stores balance data indicative of the balances of game media in the respective slot machines 4010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot 35 machines 4010. 279 The cumulative-value storage area stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value. The number-of-lighting determination table storage area stores number-of-lighting determination table data to be 5 referred in determining the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted during the common game, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 4010. The number-of-lights storage area stores number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs 4351 10 which have been lighted, out of the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated lines 4310 provided for the respective slot machines 4010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 4010 provided with the corresponding coupling illuminated line 4310. 15 [0714] The hard disk drive 4205 stores number-of-lighting determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (number-of-lighting determination tables I to III for bent portions and 20 number-of-lighting determination tables I to III for straight portions). Further, the hard disk drive 4205 stores an identification table data of number-of-lighting determination table indicative of an identification table of a 25 number-of-lighting determination table. The identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table is a table to be referred in specifying number-of-lighting determination table data based on the balance of game media. Further, the hard disk drive 4205 stores number-of-points 30 determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game. [0715] The plurality of LEDs 4351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 4350. The LEDs 4351 are associated with respective 35 identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 4350 turns 280 on and turns off the LEDs 4351 based on a signal received from the CPU 4201. [0716] Next, there is described processing executed in the slot 5 machines 4010. The main CPU 4041 proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. [0717] Fig. 102 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game 10 execution processing executed in the slot machines 4010. At first, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S4200). [0718] With reference to Fig. 103, the common-game flag is 15 described. Fig. 103 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. At first, the main CPU 4041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution 20 signal (step S4300) . The common-game execution signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 4200 triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value (see steps S4104 to S4105 in Fig. 108). [0719] 25 When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 4041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 4041 sets the 30 common-game flag (step S4301) and completes the present subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag which is set triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value and indicates that the common game is being 35 executed. 281 [0720) When determining in step S4200 in Fig. 102 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 4041 executes normal game execution processing (step S4201) . The normal game 5 execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 104. After executing the processing of step S4201, the main CPU 4041 completes the present subroutine. [0721] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game 10 flag is set, the main CPU 4041 executes common game execution processing (step S4202) . The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 106. After executing the processing of step S4202, the main CPU 4041 completes the present subroutine. 15 [0722] Fig. 104 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 105 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal 20 symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S4011). In this processing, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 4026S when the 1-BET 25 button 4026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 4027S when the maximum BET button 4027 is operated. When the main CPU 4041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S4011. 30 [0723] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S4011, the main CPU 4041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043 according to the number of betted coins (step S4012) . 35 It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted 282 is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043, the main CPU 4041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043, and the processing is returned to step S4011. Further, when 5 the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 4041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043, and the processing is proceeded to step 10 S4013. [0724] Next, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not the start button 4023 has been turned ON (step S4013) . In this processing, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not to have 15 received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 4023S when the start button 4023 is pressed. When the main CPU 4041 determines that the start button 4023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S4011. 20 It is to be noted that, when the start button 4023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 4023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 4041 cancels a subtraction result in step S4012. (0725] 25 On the other hand, when determining in step S4013 that the start button 4023 has been turned on, the main CPU 4041 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 4200 (step S4014) . The number-of-game-media information includes information 30 indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 4010. [0726] Next, the main CPU 4041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S4015). 35 In this processing, at first, the main CPU 4041 starts 283 scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 4028. Then, the main CPU 4041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols 5 in the display blocks 4028. [0727] Next, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S4016) . Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination 10 of three or more normal symbols of the same type, out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 4028 (see Fig. 105). In this processing, the main CPU 4041 counts the number of normal symbols for each type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S4014. Then, the 15 main CPU 4041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [0728] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 4041 executes processing relating to the payout of 20 coins (step S4017). In the processing, the main CPU 4041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM 4043. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence 25 relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged in the display blocks 4028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 105). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid 30 out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 4041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 4043. On the other hand, in the 35 case of paying out coins, the main CPU 4041 transmits a control 284 signal to the hopper 4066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. Then, the main CPU 4041 transmits number-of-payout information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that 5 is, the number of paid out coins to the control device 4200 (step S4018) . The number-of-payout information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 4010. [0729) 10 When determining in step S4016 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S4018, the main CPU 4041 completes the present subroutine. [0730] As above, the normal game execution processing has been 15 described with reference to Fig. 104 and Fig. 105. Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 106. Fig. 106 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. 20 Fig. 107 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. [0731] At first, the main CPU 4041 executes processing of steps S4021 to S4024, and these processing are substantially the same 25 as the processing of step S4013 and steps S4015 to S4017 in Fig. 104. Here, only apart different fromstep S4013 and steps S4015 to S4017 in Fig. 104 is described. [0732] There has been described a case where the main CPU 4041 30 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S4015 in Fig. 104 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 4028. On the contrary, in step S4022 in Fig. 106, the main CPU 4041 executes the common-game symbol 35 determination program for determining normal symbols and/or 285 common-game symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 4028. [0733] 5 As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". 10 Fig. 107 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. (0734] When determining in step S4023 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S4024, 15 the main CPU 4041 transmits symbol information to the control device 4200 (step S4025). The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S4022. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present 20 invention. [0735] Next, the main CPU 4041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S4026). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 25 4200 to any of the slot machines 4010 triggered by all the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 4010 having been lighted (see steps S4125 to S4126 in Fig. 111). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 30 [0736] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 4041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S4027) . In this processing, the main CPU 4041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on 35 the information indicative of the cumulative value which is 286 included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 4041 in step S4027 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 4029, lighting of the lamp 4030, print of the ticket 4039 with a barcode indicative of the 5 number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0737] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S4026 or after executing the processing of step S4027, the main CPU 4041 completes the present subroutine. 10 (0738] As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines 4010, with reference to Figs. 102 to 107. Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 15 4200 is described, with reference to Figs. 108 to 112, and Figs. 113A to 113F. [0739] Fig. 108 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 20 At first, the CPU 4201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 4010 at a predetermined timing (step S4101) . The number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine 25 4010 (see step S4014 in Fig. 104) . When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 4201 completes the present subroutine. [0740] On the other hand, when determining to have received the 30 number-of-game-media information, the CPU 4201 updates balance data indicative of the balance of game media in the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, in the balance storage area in the RAM 4203 (step S4102). 35 [0741] 287 Next, the CPU 4201 updates the cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 4203 (step S4103) . In this processing, the CPU 4201 adds a value corresponding to a part (10% in the 5 present embodiment) of the number of game media indicated by the number-of-game-media information received in step S4101, to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 4203. [0742] 10 Next, the CPU 4201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 4203 (step S4104) [0743] When determining that the cumulative value has reached 15 the predetermined value, the CPU 4201 transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines 4010 (step S4105) . The common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the execution of the common game in the slot machines 4010. Further, in this processing, the slot machines 4010 to which the 20 common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU 4201 are the slot machines 4010 having transmitted number-of-game-media information within a predetermined time. [0744] Next, the CPU 4201 specifies the number-of-lighting 25 determination table data to be referred to in the common game, for each slot machine 4010, based on the balance of game media indicated by the balance data stored in the balance storage area in the RAM 4203 and the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table (see Fig. 109) (step 30 S4106). [0745] Fig. 109 is a view illustrating the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. As illustrated in Fig. 109, the identification table of 35 a number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which 288 a possible range of the balance B of game media and the type of the number-of-lighting determination table associated with each other. The CPU 4201 stores the number-of-lighting determination 5 table III for bent portions (see Fig. 113C) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions (see Fig. 113F), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010 in which the balance of game media is less than -10000, in the 10 number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 4203. Further, the CPU 4201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 113B) and the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight 15 portions (see Fig. 113E), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010 in which the balance of game media is in a range from -10000 to 0, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 4203. 20 Further, the CPU 4201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table I for bent portions (see Fig. 113A) and the number-of-lighting determination table I for straight portions (see Fig. 113D), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010 in which the balance of game media is 25 more than 0, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 4203. [0746] When determining in step S4104 that the cumulative value has not reached the predetermined value or after executing the 30 processing of step S4106, the CPU 4201 completes the present subroutine. [0747] Fig. 110 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the number-of-payout information reception processing. 35 At first, the CPU 4201 determines at a predetermined 289 timing whether or not to have received number-of-payout information (refer to step S4018 in Fig. 114) from the slot machine 4010 (step S4111). When determining to have received the number-of-payout 5 information, the CPU 4201 updates the balance data indicative of the balance of game media in the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the number-of-payout information, in the balance storage area in the RAM 4203 (step S4112). [0748] 10 When determining in step S4111 not to have received the number-of-payout information or after executing the processing of step S4112, the CPU 4201 completes the present subroutine. [0749] Fig. 111 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 15 illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 4201 determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S4025 in Fig. 106) from the slot machine 4010 at a predetermined timing (step S4121). 20 When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU 4201 completes the present subroutine. [07501 On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points, 25 based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 4205 (step 34122). [0751] Fig. 112 is a view illustrating the number-of-points 30 determination table. As illustrated in Fig. 112, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. 35 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 107, when two symbols 290 of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 4010, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information 5 from this slot machine 4010. [0752] Next, the CPU 4201 determines the number of LEDs (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table 10 data (step S4106 in Fig. 108) determined for the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S4121 (step S4123). [0753] Figs. 113A to 113F are views each illustrating the 15 number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the 20 correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 4010. [0754] The number-of-lighting determination table includes the 25 number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions (see Figs. 113A to 113C) and the number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions (see Figs. 113D to 113F). The number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I 30 for bent portions (see Fig. 113A) , the number-of-lighting determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 113B) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions (see Fig. 113C). In the number-of-lighting determination tables for bent 35 portions, correspondence relationships between the number of 291 points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines 4010. Further, the number of LEDs associated with a single possible range of the number of points is the smallest in the number-of-lighting 5 determination table I for bent portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions. [0755] The number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I 10 for straight portions (see Fig. 113D), the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight portions (see Fig. 113E) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions (see Fig. 113F). In the number-of-lighting determination tables for 15 straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 4010. Further, the number of LEDs associated with a single possible range of the number of points is the smallest in the number-of-lighting 20 determination table I for straight portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions. [0756] In the processing of step S4123, at first, the CPU 4201 25 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 4203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S4121 is equal to or more 30 than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 4351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 4310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 4201 determines the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted based on the 35 number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. 292 In the processing, the CPU 4201 determines the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions stored in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in 5 association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 4201 determines the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted based on the 10 number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. In this processing, the CPU 4201 determines the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010 in the 15 number-of-lighting determination table storage area. [0757] Next, the CPU 4201 makes the LEDs 4351 (illuminants) in number determined in step S4123 be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 20 4010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S4121 (step S4124). In this processing, the CPU 4201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 4351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S4123 and the number of lights 25 indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 4203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010. Further, the CPU 4201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 4350 a signal including information indicative of the identified 30 identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 4350 lights the LEDs 4351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 4201 adds the number determined in step S4123 to the number of lights 35 indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the 293 number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 4203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 4010. [0758] Next, the CPU 4201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 5 4351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S4121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S4125) . In the processing, the CPU 4201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the 10 addition of the number determined in step S4123 has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310), based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 4203. [0759] 15 When determining that all the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 4010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S4121 have been lighted, the CPU 4201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 4010 (step S4126). 20 On receiving the jackpot payout signal, the slot machine 4010 executes jackpot payout processing (see step S4027 in Fig. 106) [0760] When determining in step S4125 that not all the LEDs 4351 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step 25 S4126, the CPU 4201 completes the present subroutine. [0761] As above, the present embodiment has been described. In the present embodiment, the number-of-lighting determination table has been described as a table in which the 30 number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted and the number of points in a single common game are associated with each other. The number of points in the single common game corresponds to the common-game related value of the present invention. However, the common-game related value of the present invention is not 35 limited to the case. 294 The common-game related value of the present invention may be, for example, the sum of the number of points which have been acquired since the start of the common game or the value determined based on the number of points acquired during a 5 predetermined number of the recent common games. Further, the common-game related value of the present invention is not required to be a numerical value such as the number of points. For example, the common-game related value may be a predetermined combination (a predetermined symbol or 10 a predetermined combination of symbols) . Namely, the number-of-lighting determination table may be a table in which a type of the combination and the number of illuminants to be lighted are associated with each other. [0762] 15 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of points is determined in the control device 4200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points 20 may be transmitted to the control device. [0763] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case of using the number-of-lighting determination table in which a relatively greater number is set as the number 25 of LEDs 4351 to be lighted in lighting the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for the slot machine 4010 with the balance of game media being largely negative. Accordingly, it is possible to relieve the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the 30 common game. However, in the present invention, the method for relieving the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game is not limited to the case. For example, the number of LEDs required to be lighted for acquiring 35 the jackpot may be set to become smaller in accordance with the 295 balance of game media. For example, the common game may be started in a state where the LEDs in number determined in accordance with the balance of game media have been lighted. [0764] 5 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 4351 is less than the predetermined number (the 10 number of LEDs 4351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 4310), while the number of LEDs 4351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 4351 is equal to or more than the 15 predetermined number (the number of LEDs 4351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 4310) . In this case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion 20 for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined number. 25 [0765] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common 30 game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a 35 configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, 296 thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a 5 program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the 10 results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [0766] As above described, according to the above gaming system 15 4001 of the present embodiment, by executing the common game different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of 20 the players has come close to the acquisition of the jackpot by viewing the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 provided for each of the slot machines 4010. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout relating to the jackpot is 25 conducted when all the LEDs 4351 included in the coupling illuminated line 4310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0767] 30 Further, according to the gaming system 4001 of the present embodiment, it is possible to relieve the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game. Thus, it is possible to provide a feeling of satisfaction to such a player. 35 [0768] 297 Further, according to the gaming system 4001 of the present embodiment, it is possible to impress the player a state of the lighted LEDs gradually approaching the common large display 4300 in the straight portion as a last spurt toward the 5 acquisition of the jackpot, thereby enhancing the player's sense of expectation for the acquisition of the jackpot. Furthermore, it is possible to make an impression on the player that it seems to be more advantageous to play the game on the slot machine 4010 provided with the coupling illuminated 10 line 4310 including the smaller number of LEDs 4351. Consequently, when the player playing the game on the slot machine 4010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 4310 including the smaller number of LEDs 4351 acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that the acquisition of 15 the jackpot is because of his or her playing the game on the slot machine 4010. This can have the player desire to play the game on the slot machine 4010 again next time. On the contrary, when the player playing the game on the slot machine 4010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 20 4310 including the greater number of LEDs 4351 acquires the jackpot, it is possible to make the player feel that he or she has acquired the jackpot even playing the game on the disadvantageous slot machine 4010. This can have the player have a sense of superiority. 25 [0769] Further, according to the gaming system 4001 of the present embodiment, it is possible to offer the common game which has no inequality among the slot machines 4010, since the correspondence relationship between the number of LEDs 4351 to 30 be lighted and the number of points is adjusted in accordance with the number of LEDs 4351 arranged in the bent portion. [0770] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 105) are 35 rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see 298 Fig. 112), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. 5 Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 114A to 114C, Figs. 115 to 116, and Figs. 117A to 117C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 4001 10 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. 15 [0771] At first, with reference to Figs. 114A to 114C and Fig. 115, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 114A to 114C are views each illustrating a 20 relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 115 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 25 As illustrated in Fig. 115, nine symbols in total can be rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of 30 coins is conducted. (0772] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 114A to 114C, in the present 35 embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 299 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. 5 [07731 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 115, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 117A, and "1bar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 115. Further, "anybar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". 10 Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 117C, "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 117A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 115. [0774] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of 15 symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the RAM 4043 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number 20 of coin-outs. [0775] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 4041 executes the following processing of step S4016 in Fig. 104, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned 25 embodiment in the above described respects. Namely, the main CPU 4041 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 30 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". (0776] In step S4017, the main CPU 4041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship 35 between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs o00 (see Figs. ll4A to 114C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 115, 5 ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [0777] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with 10 reference to Fig. 116 and Figs. 117A to 117C. Fig. 116 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 117A to 117C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. 15 In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. 20 On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the same types of the symbols are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. [0778] In the number-of-points determination table, symbols or 25 the combination of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL and the number of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 116) is stored in the hard disk drive 4205 included in the control device 4200. 30 [0779] In the present embodiment, the CPU 4201 executes the following processing of step S4122 in Fig. 111. Namely, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points based on the symbol information received from the slot machine 4010 35 in step S4121 and the number-of-points determination table data 301 (see Fig. 116) stored in the hard disk drive 4205. Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 4201 in step S4121 is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols 5 rearranged in step S4022 in Fig. 106. [0780] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 4201 in step S4122 are listed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 117A, when a single 10 "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 117B, when a single "lbar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points 15 to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). Further, as illustrated in Fig. 117C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 4201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) . [0781] 20 [Sixth embodiment] An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 118 and Figs. 119A to 119B, there will be given a general description of the present 25 embodiment. Fig. 118 is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 119A to 119B are views each illustrating an 30 exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 118, a gaming system 5001 includes a plurality of slot machines 5010 (a slot machine 5010A, a slot 35 machine 5010B, a slot machine 5010C, a slot machine 5010D, a slot 302 machine 5010E, a slot machine 5010F, a slot machine 5010G, a slot machine 5010H, a slot machine 50101, and a slot machine 5010J), a control device 5200 (see Fig. 122), a common large display 5300, and a plurality of common compact displays 5301 5 (a common compact display 5301A and a common compact display 5301B), which are interconnected through a network. Further, for the respective slot machines 5010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 5310 (a coupling illuminated line 5310A, a coupling illuminated line 5310B, a 10 coupling illuminated line 5310C, a coupling illuminated line 5310D, a coupling illuminated line 5310E, a coupling illuminated line 5310F, a coupling illuminated line 5310G, a coupling illuminated line 5310H, a coupling illuminated line 53101, and a coupling illuminated line 5310J) which include a 15 plurality of LEDs 5351 arranged from the common large display 5300 to the respective slot machines 5010. The coupling illuminated lines 5310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 5300 to one of boundary plates 5302 (a boundary plate 5302A and a boundary plate 5302B), 20 and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 5302 to the slot machine 5010. The slot machines 5010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. The LEDs 5351 correspond to the illuminants of the present 25 invention. The common large display 5300 corresponds to the reach portion of the present invention. (0782] In the gaming system 5001 according to the present 30 embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 5010 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 5300. In Fig. 118, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 5300, indicating that the 35 cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches 303 a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 5010. [0783] With reference to Fig. 119A to Fig. 119B, there is 5 described a method for determining the slot machine 5010 to which the payout of coins relating to a jackpot is conducted. As illustrated in Fig. 119A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 5033. 10 A text image 5601 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value. A text image 5602 indicates that the LEDs 5351 will be 15 lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine 5010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 132) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 126) rearranged during a game (a normal game) 20 played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). Further, the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [0785] A text image 5603 indicates that coins in number 25 corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 5010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 5310 with all the LEDs 5351 having been lighted. In the present embodiment, the LEDs 5351 are lighted 30 according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 5010. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 5351 appear to gradually extend toward the common large display 5300. [078 6] 35 Fig. 119B further illustrates lighting of the LEDs 5351. 304 In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel 5033 is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in Fig. 119A to the text images illustrated in Fig. 119B triggered by a touch on a predetermined 5 position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel 5033. [0787] A text image 5604 indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 may be different among 10 the coupling illuminated lines 5310. In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 5351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines 5310 listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): (I) the coupling illuminated line 5310A and the coupling 15 illuminated line 5310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 5310B and the coupling illuminated line 53101; (III) the coupling illuminated line 5310C and the coupling illuminated line 5310H; 20 (IV) the coupling illuminated line 5310D and the coupling illuminated line 5310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 5310E and the coupling illuminated line 5310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 5351 included in the coupling 25 illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs 5351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 5351 in the straight portions are same 30 in all the coupling illuminated lines 5310. Further, Fig. 118 merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs 5351 illustrated in Fig. 118 is not related to the number of LEDs 5351 according to the present embodiment. 35 [0788] 305 A text image 5605 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illuminated line 5310. More specifically, 5 the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Figs. 133A to 133F) . [0789) A text image 5606 indicates that the greater number of 10 LEDs 5351 may be lighted in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot machine 5010 in which the total number of betted coins (the accumulated number of bets) in the normal game is large, even in the case that the same numbers of points are acquired in the slot machines 5010. 15 [0790] As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 118 and Figs. 119A to 119B. Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more 20 detail. [0791] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 5010 is described. Fig. 120 is a perspective view illustrating an external 25 view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. In the slot machine 5010, a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is 30 not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 35 [0792] 306 The slot machine 5010 comprises a cabinet 5011, a top box 5012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 5011, and a main door 5013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 5011. [0793] 5 On the main door 5013, there is provided a lower image display panel 5016 as a display. The lower image display panel 5016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays fifteen display blocks 5028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 5028. 10 Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 5016. [0794] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 5031 and a 15 number-of-payouts display portion 5032 are provided on the lower image display panel 5016. The number-of-credits display portion 5031 displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 5032 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid 20 out. [0795] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 5069 is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 5016. The player can operate the touch panel 5069 to input a variety 25 of commands. (0796] Below the lower image display panel 5016, there are provided a control panel 5020 including a plurality of buttons 5023 to 5027 with each of which a command according to game 30 progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 5021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 5011, and a bill validator 5022. [0797] The control panel 5020 is provided with a start button 35 5023, a change button 5024, a CASHOUTbutton 5025, a 1-BETbutton 307 5026 and a maximum BET button 5027. The start button 5023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button 5024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 5025 is 5 used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 5018. [0798] The 1-BET button 5026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET 10 button 5027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. [0799] The bill validator 5022 not only discriminates a regular 15 bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 5011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 5022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket 5039 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 5013, namely, below the control panel 5020, 20 there is provided a belly glass 5034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 5010 is drawn. [0800] On the front surface of the top box 5012, there is provided the upper image display panel 5033. The upper image display 25 panel 5033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in Fig. 119A and Fig. 119B. [0801] 30 Further, a speaker 5029 is provided in the top box 5012. Under the upper image display panel 5033, there are provided a ticket printer 5035, a card reader 5036, a data display 5037, and a key pad 5038. The ticket printer 5035 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an 35 identification number of the slot machines 5010, and the like, 308 and outputs the ticket as the ticket 5039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 5039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 5039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place 5 in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). [08021 The card reader 5036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player 10 and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 5037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, 15 for example, data read by the card reader 5036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 5038. The key pad 5038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. [0803] 20 Fig. 121 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 120. A gaming board 5050 is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5051, a ROM 5055, and a boot ROM 5052 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card 25 slot 5053S corresponding to a memory card 5053, and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 5054. [0804] The memory card 5053 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game 30 program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 5028. The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for a normal game and a symbol 35 determination program for a common game. The symbols to be 309 determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program 5 for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). Further, the game program includes odds data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the type and the 10 number of rearranged normal symbols and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 126). [0805] Further, the card slot 5053S is configured so as to allow the memory card 5053 to be inserted thereinto or removed 15 therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 5040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 5053 can be removed from the card slot 5053S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 5053, and the memory card 5053 can be inserted into the card slot 5053S, to change the type and contents of 20 a game played on the slot machine 5010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. (0806] 25 The CPU 5051, the ROM 5055 and the boot ROM 5052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 5040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 5040 and the gaming board 5050, but also supplies power from the 30 mother board 5040 to the gaming board 5050. [0807] The mother board 5040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are 35 mounted), and provided with a main CPU 5041, a ROM (Read Only 310 Memory) 5042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 5043, and a communication interface 5044. The mother board 5040 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. [08081 5 The ROM 5042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 5041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 5041, processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, 10 concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 5053 via the gaming board 5050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 5042 may or may not be data rewritable one. [08091 15 The RAM 5043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 5041. Further, the RAM 5043 is capable of storing a game program. [0810] Moreover, the RAM 5043 stores data of the number of 20 credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. [0811] Moreover, the mother board 5040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 5060 and a door 25 PCB 5080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 5040 is connected with a power supply unit 5045 and the communication interface 5044. [0812] The body PCB 5060 and the door PCB 5080 are connected with 30 an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 5041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041. The main CPU 5041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 5043 based on the input signal inputted 35 into the main CPU 5041, and thereby executes the predetermined 311 arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 5043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. [0813] 5 The body PCB 5060 is connected with a lamp 5030, a hopper 5066, a coin detecting portion 5067, a graphic board 5068, the speaker 5029, the touch panel 5069, the bill validator 5022, the ticket printer 5035, the card reader 5036, a key switch 5038S and the data display 5037. The lamp 5030 is lighted in a 10 predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 5041. [0814] The hopper 5066 is installed inside the cabinet 5011, and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control 15 signal outputted from the main CPU 5041, from a coin payout exit 5019 to the coin tray 5018. The coin detecting portion 5067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 5019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 5041 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 20 5019. [0815] The graphic board 5068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 5033 and the lower image display panel 5016 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041. 25 In the respective display blocks 5028 on the lower image display panel 5016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 5043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 5031 of the lower image display panel 5016. Further, the number of 30 coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 5032 of the lower image display panel 5016. The graphic board 5068 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041, a video RAM for temporarily 35 storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is 312 to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 5053 and stored into the RAM 5043. [0816] 5 The bill validator 5022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 5011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 5022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 5041 based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 5041 stores in the 10 RAM 5043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0817] The ticket printer 5035, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041, prints on a ticket a barcode 15 as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 5010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 5039 with a barcode. The card reader 5036 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 5041, and writes 20 data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 5041. The key switch 5038S is provided on the key pad 5038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 5041 when the key pad 5038 is operated by the player. The data display 5037 displays data read by the card reader 5036 and data 25 inputted by the player via the key pad 5038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041. [0818] The door PCB 5080 is connected with the control panel 5020, a reverter 5021S, a coin counter 5021C, and a cold cathode tube 30 5081. The control panel 5020 is provided with a start switch 5023S corresponding to the start button 5023, a change switch 5024S corresponding to the change button 5024, a CASHOUT switch 5025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 5025, a 1-BET switch 5026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 5026, and a maximum BET 35 switch 5027S corresponding to the maximum BET button 5027. Each 313 of the switches 5023S to 5027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 5041 when each of the buttons 5023 to 5027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. [08191 5 The coin counter 5021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 5021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 5021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit 5019. Further, the coin counter 5021C 10 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 5041 in detection of the regular coin. [0820] The reverter 5021S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041, and distributes a coin 15 recognized by the coin counter 5021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 5066, which are disposed in the slotmachine 5010. Namely, when the hopper 5066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 5021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 5066 20 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 5066. The cold cathode tube 5081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 5016 and the upper image display panel 5033, and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 5041. 25 (0821] Fig. 122 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control device 5200 includes a CPU 5201, a ROM 5202, 30 a RAM 5203, a communication interface 5204, a LED drive circuit 5350 and a hard disk drive 5205 as a memory. The communication interface 5204 is connected, through communication lines 5101, to the communication interfaces 5044 in the respective slot machines 5010 and also is connected to the common large display 35 5300 and the common compact displays 5301 through communication 314 lines 5102. The ROM 5202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. [0822] 5 Further, the RAM 5203 temporarily stores data received from each slot machine 5010. The RAM 5203 is provided with an accumulated-number-of-bets storage area, a cumulative value storage area, a number-of-lighting determination table storage 10 area, a number-of-lights storage area for the normal game, and a number-of-lights storage area for the common game. The accumulated-number-of-bets storage area stores accumulated-number-of-bets data indicative of the accumulated number of bets in the respective slot machines 5010, in 15 association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 5010. The cumulative-value storage area stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value. The number-of-lighting determination table storage area 20 stores number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred in determining the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted during the common game, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 5010. The number-of-lights storage area for the normal game 25 stores number-of-lights data for the normal game indicative of the numbers of LEDs 5351 which have been lighted in the normal game, out of the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated lines 5310 provided for the respective slot machines 5010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot 30 machines 5010 provided with the corresponding coupling illuminated line 5310. The number-of-lights storage area for the common game stores number-of-lights data for the common game indicative of the number of LEDs 5351 which have been lighted in the common 35 game among the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated 315 line 5310 provided for each slot machine 5010, in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 5310. [0823] 5 The hard disk drive 5205 stores number-of-lighting determination table data indicative of a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (number-of-lighting determination tables I to III for bent portions and number-of-lighting determination tables I to III for straight 10 portions). Further, the hard disk drive 5205 stores an identification table data of number-of-lighting determination table indicative of an identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. The identification 15 table of a number-of-lighting determination table is a table to be referred in specifying number-of-lighting determination table data based on the accumulated number of bets. Further, the hard disk drive 5205 stores number-of-points determination table data to be referred to in determining the 20 number of points in the common game. (0824] The plurality of LEDs 5351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 5350. The LEDs 5351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 5350 turns 25 on and turns off the LEDs 5351 based on a signal received from the CPU 5201. [0825] Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines 5010. 30 The main CPU 5041 proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. [0826] Fig. 123 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines 5010. 35 At first, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not a 316 common-game flag is set (step S5200). [08271 With reference to Fig. 124, the common-game flag is described. 5 Fig. 124 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing. At first, the main CPU 5041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (step S5300) . The common-game execution signal is a 10 signal transmitted from the control device 5200 triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value (see steps 35106 to S5107 in Fig. 129). [08281 When determining not to have received the common-game 15 execution signal, the main CPU 5041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 5041 sets the common-game flag (step 35301) and completes the present 20 subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag which is set triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value and indicates that the common game is being executed. 25 [0829] When determining in step S5200 in Fig. 123 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 5041 executes normal game execution processing (step S5201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with 30 reference to Fig. 125. After executing the processing of step S5201, the main CPU 5041 completes the present subroutine. [0830] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 5041 executes common game execution 35 processing (step S5202) . The common game execution processing 317 will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 127. After executing the processing of step S5202, the main CPU 5041 completes the present subroutine. [0831) 5 Fig. 125 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing. Fig. 126 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. 10 First, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S5011) . In this processing, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 5026S when the 1-BET button 5026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted 15 from the maximum BET switch 5027S when the maximum BET button 5027 is operated. When the main CPU 5041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S5011. [0832] 20 On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S5011, the main CPU 5041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043 according to the number of betted coins (step S5012) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted 25 is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043, the main CPU 5041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043, and the processing is returned to step S5011. Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the 30 number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 5041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043, and the processing is proceeded to step S5013. 35 [0833] 318 Next, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not the start button 5023 has been turned ON (step S5013). In this processing, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 5 5023S when the start button 5023 is pressed. When the main CPU 5041 determines that the start button 5023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S5011. It is to be noted that, when the start button 5023 is not 10 turned ON (e.g. when the start button 5023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 5041 cancels a subtraction result in step S5012. [08341 On the other hand, when determining in step S5013 that 15 the start button 5023 has been turned on, the main CPU 5041 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 5200 (step S5014) . The number-of-game-media information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 20 5010. [08351 Next, the main CPU 5041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step 55015). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 5041 starts 25 scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 5028. Then, the main CPU 5041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 5028. 30 [0836] Next, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S5016) . Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more normal symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", 35 "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", 319 in the display blocks 5028 (see Fig. 126) . In this processing, the main CPU 5041 counts the number of normal symbols for each type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S5014. Then, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not the counted number is 5 three or more. [0837] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 5041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S5017). In the processing, the main CPU 5041 10 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM 5043. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged 15 in the display blocks 5028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 126). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid out. 20 In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 5041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 5043. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 5041 transmits a control 25 signal to the hopper 5066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. [0838] When determining in step S5016 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S5017, 30 the main CPU 5041 completes the present subroutine. [0839] As above, the normal game execution processing has been described with reference to Fig. 125 and Fig. 126. Subsequently, the common game execution processing is 35 described with reference to Fig. 127. 320 Fig. 127 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. Fig. 128 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. 5 (0840] At first, the main CPU 5041 executes processing of steps S5021 to S5024, and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S5013 and steps S5015 to S5017 in Fig. 125. Here, only a part different from step S5013 and steps S5015 10 to S5017 in Fig. 125 is described. [0841] There has been described a case where the main CPU 5041 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S5015 in Fig. 125 for determining normal symbols to be 15 rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 5028. On the contrary, in step S5022 in Fig. 127, the main CPU 5041 executes the common-game symbol determination program for determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the 20 normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 5028. [0842] As described above, in the present embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", 25 "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". Fig. 128 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. 30 [0843] When determining in step S5023 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S5024, the main CPU 5041 transmits symbol information to the control device 5200 (step S5025) . The symbol information is 35 information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged 321 in step S5022. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. [0844] 5 Next, the main CPU 5041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S5026). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 5200 to any of the slot machines 5010 triggered by all the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided 10 for the slot machine 5010 having been lighted (see steps S5125 to S5126 in Fig. 131). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. [0845] When determining to have received the jackpot payout 15 signal, the main CPU 5041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S5027) . In this processing, the main CPU 5041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed 20 by the main CPU 5041 in step S5027 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 5029, lighting of the lamp 5030, print of the ticket 5039 with a barcode indicative of the number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0846] 25 When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S5026 or after executing the processing of step S5027, the main CPU 5041 completes the present subroutine. [0847] As above, there has been described the processing which 30 is executed in the slot machines 5010, with reference to Figs. 123 to 128. Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 5200 is described, with reference to Figs. 129 to 132, and Figs. 133A to 133F. 35 [0848] 322 Fig. 129 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. At first, the CPU 5201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot 5 machine 5010 at a predetermined timing (step S5101). The number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine 5010 (see step S5014 in Fig. 125) . When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 5201 10 completes the present subroutine. [08491 On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 5201 determines the number N of the LEDs 5351 to be lighted based on the 15 number-of-game-media information (step S5102). In the processing, the CPU 5201 calculates the maximum integral number N satisfying N M/C. Here, "M" represents the number of betted coins and "C" represents a natural number (C = 10, in the present embodiment) . The jackpot payout signal includes information 20 indicative of the cumulative value. [0850] Next, the CPU 5201 makes the LEDs 5351 (illuminants) in number determined in step S5102 be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot machine 25 5010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information received in step S5101 (step S5103). In this processing, the CPU 5201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 5351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S5102 and the number of lights 30 indicated by the number-of-lights data for the normal game stored in the number-of-lights storage area for the normal game in the RAM 5203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010. Further, the CPU 5201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 5350 a signal including information 35 indicative of the identified identification numbers. On 323 receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 5350 lights the LEDs 5351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 5201 adds 5 the number determined in step S5102 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data for the normal game stored in the number-of-lights storage area for the normal game in the RAM 5203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010. 10 [0851] Next, the CPU 5201 updates the accumulated-number-of-bets data indicative of the accumulated number of bets in the slot machine 5010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, based on the 15 number-of-game-media information received in step S5101, in the accumulated-number-of-bets storage area in the RAM 5203 (step S5104). [0852] Next, the CPU 5201 updates the cumulative-value data 20 indicative of the cumulative value, in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 5203 (step S5105) . In this processing, the CPU 5201 adds a value corresponding to a part (10% in the present embodiment) of the number of game media indicated by the number-of-game-media information received in step S5101, 25 to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 5203. [0853] Next, the CPU 5201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on 30 the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 5203 (step S5106) . [0854] When determining that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 5201 transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines 5010 (step S5107) . The 35 common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the 324 execution of the common game in the slot machines 5010. Further, in this processing, the slot machines 5010 to which the common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU 5201 are the slot machines 5010 having transmitted the 5 number-of-game-media information within a predetermined time. Further, the CPU 5201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 5350 a signal indicating that the lighted LEDs 5351 are to be turned off. [0855] 10 Next, the CPU 5201 specifies the number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred to in the common game, for each slot machine 5010, based on the accumulated number of bets indicated by the accumulated-number-of-bets data stored in the accumulated-number-of-bets storage area in the RAM 5203 15 and the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table (see Fig. 130) (step S5108). [0856] Fig. 130 is a view illustrating the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. 20 As illustrated in Fig. 130, the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which a possible range of the accumulated number B of bets and the type of the number-of-lighting determination table associated with each other. 25 The CPU 5201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table I for bent portions (see Fig. 133A) and the number-of-lighting determination table I for straight portions (see Fig. 133D), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010 in which the accumulated number of bets 30 is less than 1000, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 5203. Further, the CPU 5201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 133B) and the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight 35 portions (see Fig. 133E), in association with the 325 identification number of the slot machine 5010 in which the accumulated number of bets is equal to or more than 1000 and less than 10000, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 5203. 5 Further, the CPU 5201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions (see Fig. 133C) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions (see Fig. 133F), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010 in which the 10 accumulated number of bets is more than 10000, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 5203. [0857] When determining in step S5106 that the cumulative value 15 has not reached the predetermined value or after executing the processing of step S5108, the CPU 5201 completes the present subroutine. [0858] Fig. 131 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 20 illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 5201 determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S5025 in Fig. 127) from the slot machine 5010 at a predetermined timing (step S5121). 25 When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU 5201 completes the present subroutine. [08591 On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU 5201 determines the number of points, 30 based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 5205 (step S5122). [08601 Fig. 132 is a view illustrating the number-of-points 35 determination table. 326 As illustrated in Fig. 132, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols and the number of points. 5 For example, as illustrated in Fig. 128, when two symbols of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 5010, the CPU 5201 determines the number of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information 10 from this slot machine 5010. [0861] Next, the CPU 5201 determines the number of LEDs (illuminants) tobe lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table 15 data (step S5108 in Fig. 129) determined for the slot machine 5010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S5121 (step S5123). [0862] Figs. 133A to 133F are views each illustrating the 20 number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the 25 correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 5010. [0863] The number-of-lighting determination table includes the 30 number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions (see Figs. 133A to 133C) and the number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions (see Figs. 133D to 133F). The number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I 35 for bent portions (see Fig. 133A), the number-of-lighting 327 determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 133B) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions (see Fig. 133C). In the number-of-lighting determination tables for bent 5 portions, correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines 5010. Further, the number of LEDs associated with a single possible range of the number of points is the smallest in the number-of-lighting 10 determination table I for bent portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions. [0864] The number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I 15 for straight portions (see Fig. 133D), the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight portions (see Fig. 133E) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions (see Fig. 133F). In the number-of-lighting determination tables for 20 straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 5010. Further, the number of LEDs associated with a single possible range of the number of points is the smallest in the number-of-lighting 25 determination table I for straight portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions. [0865] In the processing of step S5123, at first, the CPU 5201 30 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data for the common game stored in the number-of-lights storage area for the common game in the RAM 5203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010 as a transmission source of the symbol information 35 received in step S5121 is equal to or more than a predetermined 328 number (the number of LEDs 5351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 5310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 5201 determines 5 the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. In the processing, the CPU 5201 determines the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions stored in the 10 number-of-lighting determination table storage area in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 5201 15 determines the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. In this processing, the CPU 5201 determines the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions stored in association with the 20 identification number of the slot machine 5010 in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area. [0866] Next, the CPU 5201 makes the LEDs 5351 (illuminants) in number determined in step S5123 be lighted (emit light) in the 25 coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot machine 5010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S5121 (step S5124). In this processing, the CPU 5201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 5351 to be lighted, based 30 on the number determined in step S5123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data for the common game stored in the number-of-lights storage area for the common game in the RAM 5203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 5010. Further, the CPU 5201 transmits to 35 the LED drive circuit 5350 a signal including information 329 indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 5350 lights the LEDs 5351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 5 Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 5201 adds the number determined in step S5123 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data for the common game stored in the number-of-lights storage area for the common game in the RAM 5203 in association with the identification number 10 of the slot machine 5010. [0867] Next, the CPU 5201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 5351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot machine 5010 as a transmission source 15 of the symbol information received in step S5121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S5125) . In the processing, the CPU 5201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S5123 has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 5351 included in the 20 coupling illuminated line 5310), based on the number-of-lights data for the common game stored in the RAM 5203. [0868] When determining that all the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot machine 25 5010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S5121 have been lighted, the CPU 5201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 5010 (step S5126). On receiving the jackpot payout signal, the slot machine 5010 executes jackpot payout processing (see step S5027 in Fig. 127) 30 [0869] When determining in step S5125 that not all the LEDs 5351 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S5126, the CPU 5201 completes the present subroutine. 35 As above, the present embodiment has been described. 330 In the present embodiment, the number-of-lighting determination table has been described as a table in which the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted and the number of points in a single common game are associated with each other. The number 5 of points in the single common game corresponds to the common-game related value of the present invention. However, the common-game related value of the present invention is not limited to the case. The common-game related value of the present invention 10 may be, for example, the sum of the number of points which have been acquired since the start of the common game or the value determined based on the number of points acquired during a predetermined number of the recent common games. Further, the common-game related value of the present 15 invention is not required to be a numerical value such as the number of points. For example, the common-game related value may be a predetermined combination (a predetermined symbol or a predetermined combination of symbols) . Namely, the number-of-lighting determination table may be a table in which 20 a type of the combination and the number of illuminants to be lighted are associated with each other. [0871] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of points is determined in 25 the control device 5200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. [0872] 30 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case of using the number-of-lighting determination table in which a relatively greater number is set as the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted in lighting the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for the slot 35 machine 5010 with the accumulated number of bets being large. 331 Accordingly, it is possible to allow the player who has betted the large number of coins in the normal game to have an advantage in the common game. However, in the present invention, a method to allow the 5 player who has betted the large number of coins in the normal game to have the advantage in the common game is not limited to the case. For example, the common game may be started in a state where the LEDs in number determined based on the accumulated number of bets are lighted. Further, the gaming 10 system may be configured such that the number of points determined based on the result of the common game is larger in the gaming machine in which the larger number of coins have been betted in the normal game. [0873] 15 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of the LEDs 5351 to be lighted in the normal game is N, which represents the maximum integral number satisfying N M/C. Here, "M" represents the number of betted coins and "C" represents a natural number (C = 10 in the 20 present embodiment) . However, in the present invention, the method for determining the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted in the normal game is not limited to the case. For example, the number of LEDs to be lighted in the normal game may be determined based on a table data which is virtually the same 25 as the number-of-lighting determination table for the common game used in determining the number of LEDs to be lighted in the common game. [0874] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 30 described a case where the number of LEDs 5351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 5351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 5351 included in the bent portion of the coupling 35 illuminated line 5310), while the number of LEDs 5351 to be 332 lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 5351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 5351 included in the 5 bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 5310) . In this case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure 10 can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined number. [0875] 15 Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the 20 slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, 25 thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine 30 reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so 35 as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling 333 illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [0876] As above described, according to the above gaming system 5001 of the present embodiment, by executing the common game 5 different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the jackpot 10 by viewing the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling illuminated line 5310 provided for each of the slot machines 5010. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout relating to the jackpot is conducted when all the LEDs 5351 included in the coupling 15 illuminated line 5310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. [0877] Further, according to the gaming system 5001 of the 20 present embodiment, the return may be conducted in the common game to the player who has betted the large number of coins. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a satisfaction to such a player. [0878] 25 Furthermore, according to the gaming system 5001 of the present embodiment, the number-of-lighting determination table data I and the number-of-lighting determination table data II are provided as the number-of-lighting determination table data. Further, in the case that the accumulated number 30 of bets is equal to or more than 1000 and less than 10000, the number-of-lighting determination table I is specified. In the case that the accumulated number of bets is equal to or more than 10000, the number-of-lighting determination table II is specified. When the current accumulated number of bets is less 35 than 10000 (e.g. 1200), it is possible to have the player think 334 about the strategy on which action to take, having the advantage in the common game by making the number of bets equal to or more than 10000 or reducing an expense of the game media even if the common game becomes disadvantageous. Accordingly, it is 5 possible to have the player absorbed in the game. [0879] In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been described a case where normal symbols (see Fig. 126) are rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see 10 Fig. 132), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 134A to 134C, Figs. 15 135 to 136, and Figs. 137A to 137C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 5001 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided 20 with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. [0880] 25 At first, with reference to Figs. 134A to 134C and Fig. 135, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 134A to 134C are views each illustrating a relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a 30 winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 135 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 135, nine symbols in total can be 35 rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 335 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 5 [0881] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 134A to 134C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 10 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. [0882] 15 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 135, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 137A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 135. Further, "anybar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 137C, 20 "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 137A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 135. [0883] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 25 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the RAM 5043 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. 30 [0884] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 5041 executes the following processing of step S5016 in Fig. 125, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. 35 Namely, the main CPU 5041 determines that a prize has been 336 established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN 5 x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0885] In step S5017, the main CPU 5041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs 10 (see Figs. 134A to 134C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 135, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds 15 to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [0886] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with reference to Fig. 136 and Figs. 137A to 137C. 20 Fig. 136 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 137A to 137C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 25 described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the same types 30 of the symbols are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. [0887] In the number-of-points determination table, symbols or the combination of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL 35 and the number of points are set in association with each other. 337 The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 136) is stored in the hard disk drive 5205 included in the control device 5200. [0888] 5 In the present embodiment, the CPU 5201 executes the following processing of step S5122 in Fig. 131. Namely, the CPU 5201 determines the number of points based on the symbol information received from the slot machine 5010 in step S5121 and the number-of-points determination table data 10 (see Fig. 136) stored in the hard disk drive 5205. Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 5201 in step S5121 is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols rearranged in step S5022 in Fig. 127. 15 [08891 Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 5201 in step S5122 are listed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 137A, when a single "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 5201 20 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 137B, when a single "1bar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 5201 determines the number of points to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). 25 Further, as illustrated in Fig. 137C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 5201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) [0890] [Seventh embodiment] 30 An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. At first, with reference to Fig. 138 and Fig. 139, there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. Fig. 138 is a front view schematically illustrating a 35 gaming system according to an embodiment of the present 338 invention. Fig. 139 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to an embodiment of 5 the present invention. As illustrated in Fig. 138, a gaming system 6001 includes a plurality of slot machines 6010 (a slot machine 6010A, a slot machine 6010B, a slot machine 6010C, a slot machine 6010D, a slot machine 6010E, a slot machine 6010F, a slot machine 6010G, a 10 slot machine 6010H, a slot machine 60101, and a slot machine 6010J), a control device 6200 (see Fig. 142), a common large display 6300, and a plurality of common compact displays 6301 (a common compact display 6301A and a common compact display 6301B), which are interconnected through a network. 15 Further, for the respective slot machines 6010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 6310 (a coupling illuminated line 6310A, a coupling illuminated line 6310B, a coupling illuminated line 6310C, a coupling illuminated line 6310D, a coupling illuminated line 6310E, a coupling 20 illuminated line 6310F, a coupling illuminated line 6310G, a coupling illuminated line 6310H, a coupling illuminated line 63101, and a coupling illuminated line 6310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 6351 arranged from the common large display 6300 to the respective slot machines 6010. The coupling 25 illuminated lines 6310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 6300 to one of boundary plates 6302 (a boundary plate 6302A and a boundary plate 6302B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 6302 to the slot machine 6010. 30 The slot machines 6010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. [0891] Here, in the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs 6351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines listed in 35 each of the following groups (I) to (V): 339 (I) the coupling illuminated line 6310A and the coupling illuminated line 6310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 6310B and the coupling illuminated line 63101; 5 (III) the coupling illuminated line 6310C and the coupling illuminated line 6310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 6310D and the coupling illuminated line 6310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 6310E and the coupling 10 illuminated line 6310F. However, the numbers of LEDs 6351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers 15 of LEDs 6351 in the bent portions. The numbers of LEDs 6351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 6310. Further, Fig. 138 merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the 20 number of LEDs 6351 illustrated in Fig. 138 is not related to the number of LEDs 6351 according to the present embodiment. [0892] In the gaming system 6001 according to the present embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 6010 25 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 6300. In Fig. 138, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 6300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches 30 a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a jackpot to any of the slot machines 6010. [0893] With reference to Fig. 139, there is described a determination method of the slot machine 6010 to which the 35 payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted. 340 As illustrated in Fig. 139, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 6033. [08941 5 A text image 6601 indicates that the slot machine, to which the payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted, is determined by lottery when the number of the slot machines 6010 joining the game is in the range of one to three. [0895] 10 A text image 6602 indicates that the payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted to the slot machine 6010 with the balance of the game media being the most negative value when the number of the slot machines 6010 joining the game is in the range of four to six. 15 [0896] A text image 6603 indicates that the payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted to the slot machine 6010 with the total number of the betted coins (the accumulated number of bets) being the largest when the number of the slot 20 machines 6010 joining the game is in the range of seven to nine. [0897] A text image 6604 indicates that the payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted to the slot machine 6010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the 25 predetermined value has been betted when the number of the slot machines 6010 joining the game is 10. [0898] As above, in the present embodiment, the determination method of the slot machine 6010 to which the payout of coins 30 relating to the jackpot is conducted is different in accordance with the number of the slot machines 6010 joining the game. [08991 As above, there has been given the general description of the present embodiment, with reference to Fig. 138 and Figs. 35 139A to 139B. 3,41 Hereinafter, the present embodiment is described in more detail. [0900] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 6010 is 5 described. Fig. 140 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the present embodiment. In the slot machine 6010, a coin, a bill, or electronic 10 valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and 15 examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. [0901] The slot machine 6010 comprises a cabinet 6011, a top box 6012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 6011, and a main 20 door 6013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 6011. (0902] On the main door 6013, there is provided a lower image display panel 6016 as a display. The lower image display panel 6016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays 25 fifteen display blocks 6028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 6028. Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 6016. 30 [0903] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 6031 and a number-of-payouts display portion 6032 are provided on the lower image display panel 6016. The number-of-credits display portion 6031 displays an image indicative of the number of 35 credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 6032 342 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. [0904] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 6069 is 5 provided at the front face of the lower image display panel 6016. The player can operate the touch panel 6069 to input a variety of commands. [0905] Below the lower image display panel 6016, there are 10 provided a control panel 6020 including a plurality of buttons 6023 to 6027 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 6021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 6011, and a bill validator 6022. 15 [09061 The control panel 6020 is provided with a start button 6023, a change button 6024, a CASHOUT button 6025, a 1-BET button 6026 and a maximum BET button 6027. The start button 6023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The 20 change button 6024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 6025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 6018. [0907] 25 The 1-BET button 6026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 6027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. 30 [0908] The bill validator 6022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 6011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 6022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a 35 later-described ticket 6039 with a barcode. At the lower front 343 of the main door 6013, namely, below the control panel 6020, there is provided a belly glass 6034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 6010 is drawn. [0909] 5 On the front surface of the top box 6012, there is provided the upper image display panel 6033. The upper image display panel 6033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated 10 in Fig. 139. [0910] Further, a speaker 6029 is provided in the top box 6012. Under the upper image display panel 6033, there are provided a ticket printer 6035, a card reader 6036, a data display 6037, 15 and a key pad 6038. The ticket printer 6035 prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines 6010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 6039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 6039 with 20 a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 6039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). [0911] The card reader 6036 reads data from a smart card and 25 writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe 30 cardmay be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 6037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 6036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 6038. The key pad 6038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, 35 and the like. 344 [0912] Fig. 141 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 140. A gaming board 6050 is provided with a CPU (Central 5 Processing Unit) 6051, a ROM 6055, and a boot ROM 6052 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 6053S corresponding to a memory card 6053, and an IC socket 6054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 6054. [0913] 10 The memory card 6053 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 6028. 15 Further, the game program includes odds data indicative of the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged symbols and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 144) [0914] Further, the card slot 6053S is configured so as to allow 20 the memory card 6053 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 6040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 6053 can be removed from the card slot 6053S, and then another game program is written into the memory card 6053, and the memory card 6053 can be inserted 25 into the card slot 6053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 6010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 30 [0915] The CPU 6051, the ROM 6055 and the boot ROM 6052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 6040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 6040 35 and the gaming board 6050, but also supplies power from the 345 mother board 6040 to the gaming board 6050. (0916] The mother board 6040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board 5 on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 6041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 6042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 6043, and a communication interface 6044. The mother board 6040 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 10 (0917] The ROM 6042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 6041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 6041, processing for 15 initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 6053 via the gaming board 6050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 6042 may or may not be data rewritable one. 20 [0918] The RAM 6043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 6041. Further, the RAM 6043 is capable of storing a game program. [0919] 25 Moreover, the RAM 6043 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. (09201 Moreover, the mother board 6040 is connected with a 30 later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 60 and a door PCB 6080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 6040 is connected with a power supply unit 6045 and the communication interface 6044. [0921] 35 The body PCB 60 and the door PCB 6080 are connected with 346 an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 6041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 6041. The main CPU 6041 executes the game 5 program stored in the RAM 6043 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 6041, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 6043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. 10 [0922] The body PCB 60 is connected with a lamp 6030, a hopper 6066, a coin detecting portion 6067, a graphic board 6068, the speaker 6029, the touch panel 6069, the bill validator 6022, the ticket printer 6035, the card reader 6036, a key switch 6038S 15 and the data display 6037. The lamp 6030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 6041. [0923] The hopper 6066 is installed inside the cabinet 6011, and 20 pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 6041, from a coin payout exit 6019 to the coin tray 6018. The coin detecting portion 6067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 6019, and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 6041 in the case of detecting payout 25 of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 6019. [0924] A timer 6061 is used for measuring the time. [0925] 30 A proximity sensor 6062 is provided at the front face of the slot machine 6010 (not illustrated) . The proximity sensor 6062 detects the presence of the player by emitting infrared rays and detecting a reflection of the emitted infrared rays. In the case of detecting the presence of the player, the 35 proximity sensor 6062 transmits a detection signal to the main 347 CPU 6041. [0926] The graphic board 6068 controls image display to the upper image display panel 6033 and the lower image display panel 6016 5 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 6041. In the respective display blocks 6028 on the lower image display panel 6016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 6043 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 6031 of 10 the lower image display panel 6016. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 6032 of the lower image display panel 6016. The graphic board 6068 comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal 15 outputted from the main CPU 6041, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 6053 and stored into the RAM 6043. 20 [0927] The bill validator 6022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 6011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 6022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 6041 based 25 on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 6041 stores in the RAM 6043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [0928] The ticket printer 6035, based on the control signal 30 outputted from the main CPU 6041, prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 6010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 6039 with a barcode. The card reader 6036 reads data from the smart card 35 and transmits the read data to the main CPU 6041, and writes 348 data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 6041. The key switch 6038S is provided on the key pad 6038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 6041 when the key pad 6038 is operated by the player. The data 5 display 6037 displays data read by the card reader 6036 and data inputted by the player via the key pad 6038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 6041. (09291 The door PCB 6080 is connected with the control panel 6020, 10 a reverter 6021S, a coin counter 6021C, and a cold cathode tube 6081. The control panel 6020 is provided with a start switch 6023S corresponding to the start button 6023, a change switch 6024S corresponding to the change button 6024, a CASHOUT switch 6025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 6025, a 1-BET switch 15 6026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 6026, and a maximum BET switch 6027S corresponding to the maximum BET button 6027. Each of the switches 6023S to 6027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 6041 when each of the buttons 6023 to 6027 corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 20 [0930] The coin counter 6021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 6021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 6021 by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from 25 the coin payout exit 6019. Further, the coin counter 6021C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 6041 in detection of the regular coin. [0931] The reverter 6021S operates based on the control signal 30 outputted from the main CPU 6041, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 6021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 6066, which are disposed in the slot machine 6010. Namely, when the hopper 6066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box 35 by the reverter 6021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 6066 349 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 6066. The cold cathode tube 6081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel 6016 and the upper image display panel 6033, and lighted 5 up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 6041. [0932) Fig. 142 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 10 The control device 6200 includes a CPU 6201, a ROM 6202, a RAM 6203, a communication interface 6204, a LED drive circuit 6350, a random number generator 6063, and a hard disk drive 6205 as a memory. The random number generator 6063 generates a random number at a predetermined timing. The communication 15 interface 6204 is connected, through communication lines 6101, to the communication interfaces 6044 in the respective slot machines 6010 and also is connected to the common large display 6300 and the common compact displays 6301 through communication lines 6102. The ROM 6202 stores a system program for 20 controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. [0933] Further, the RAM 6203 temporarily stores data received from each slot machine 6010. 25 The RAM 6203 is provided with an accumulated-number-of-bets storage area, a balance storage area, a cumulative value storage area, and a number-of-lights storage area. The accumulated-number-of-bets storage area stores the 30 accumulated-number-of-bets data indicative of the accumulated number of bets in each slot machine 6010, in association with the identification number of each slot machine 6010. The balance storage area stores balance data indicative of the balances of game media in the respective slot machines 35 6010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot 350 machines 6010. The cumulative-value storage area stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value. The number-of-lights storage area stores 5 number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs 6351 which have been lighted, out of the LEDs 6351 included in the coupling illuminated lines 6310 provided for the respective slot machines 6010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 6010 provided with the 10 corresponding coupling illuminated line 6310. [0934] The plurality of LEDs 6351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 6350. The LEDs 6351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 6350 turns 15 on and turns off the LEDs 6351 based on a signal received from the CPU 6201. [0935] Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines 6010. 20 The main CPU 6041 proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. [0936] Fig. 143 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines 6010. 25 Fig. 144 is a view illustrating correspondence relationship among a type and a number of rearranged normal symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 6061 is equal to or more than a 30 predetermined time T (step S6010). [0937] When determining in step S6010 that the time is not equal toormore than the predetermined time T, themainCPU 6041 shifts the processing to step S6013. On the other hand, when 35 determining in step S6010 that the time is equal to or more than 351 the predetermined time T, the main CPU 6041 transmits a game dormant signal to the control device 6200 (step S6011) . The game dormant signal includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 6010. Further, the 5 main CPU 6041 sets a dormant flag (step S6012). [0938] The main CPU 6041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S6013) . In thisprocessing, themain CPU 6041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that 10 is outputted from the 1-BET switch 6026S when the 1-BET button 6026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 6027S when the maximum BET button 6027 is operated. When the main CPU 6041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S6010. 15 [0939] On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S6013, the main CPU 6041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043 according to the number of betted coins (step S6014) . 20 It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043, the main CPU 6041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043, and the processing is returned to step S6010. Further, when 25 the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU 6041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043, and the processing is proceeded to step 30 S6015. [0940] Next, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not the start button 6023 has been turned ON (step S6015). In this processing, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not to have 35 received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 352 6023S when the start button 6023 is pressed. When the main CPU 6041 determines that the start button 6023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S6010. 5 It is to be noted that, when the start button 6023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 6023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 6041 cancels a subtraction result in step S6014. [09411 10 On the other hand, when determining in step S6015 that the start button 6023 is turned ON, the main CPU 6041 clears the time measured by the timer 6061 (step S6016) and start measurement of the time by the timer 6061 (step S6017). [0942] 15 The main CPU 6041 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of the betted coins and information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 6010 to the control device 6200 (step S6018). (0943] 20 Next, the main CPU 6041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S6019). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 6041 starts scrolling-display of the symbols in the display blocks 6028. Then, the main CPU 6041 executes the aforementioned symbol 25 determination program, so as to determine the symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the symbols in the display blocks 6028. [0944] Next, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not a prize 30 has been established (step S6020) . Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more symbols of the same type, out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 6028 (see Fig. 144) . In this processing, 35 the main CPU 6041 counts the number of symbols for each type 353 of the symbols rearranged in step S6019. Then, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. (0945] 5 When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 6041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S6021). In the processing, the main CPU 6041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data stored in 10 the RAM 6043. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the number of symbols rearranged in the display blocks 6028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 144). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, 15 when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20(= 2 x 10) coins are paid out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 6041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number 20 of credits stored in the RAM 6043. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 6041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 6066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. Then, the main CPU 6041 transmits number-of-payouts 25 information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that is, the number of paid out coins, and information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 6010 to the control device 6200 (step S6022). [0946] 30 When determining in step S6020 that the prize has not been established, or after executing the processing of step S6022, the main CPU 6041 determined whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S6023) . The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 6200 to the slot 35 machine 6010 determined in winning-machine determination 354 processing, triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value (see steps S6107 to S6110 in Fig. 145) . The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 5 [0947] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 6041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S6024). In this processing, the main CPU 6041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on 10 the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 6041 in step S6024 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 6029, lighting of the lamp 6030, print of the ticket 6039 with a barcode indicative of the 15 number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [0948] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S6023 or after executing the processing of step S6024, the main CPU 6041 completes the present subroutine. 20 [0949] As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines 6010, with reference to Figs. 143 to 144. Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 25 6200 is described, with reference to Figs. 145 to 149. [0950] Fig. 145 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. At first, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not to have 30 received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 6010 at a predetermined timing (step 36101) . The number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine 6010 (see step S6018 in Fig. 143). When determining not to have 35 received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 6201 355 completes the present subroutine. [09511 On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 6201 determines a 5 number N of the LEDs 6351 to be lighted based on the number-of-game-media information (step S6102). In the processing, the CPU 6201 calculates the maximum integral number N satisfying N M x b/B ("b" being the number of coins indicative of the number-of-game-media information, "B" being the number 10 of coins corresponding to the predetermined value, and "M" being the total number of the LEDs 6351 provided in the coupling illuminated line 6310) for each coupling illuminated line 6310. [0952] Next, the CPU 6201 makes the LEDs 6351 (illuminants) in 15 number determined in step S6102 be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 6310 provided for each slot machine 6010 (step S6103). In this processing, the CPU 6201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 6351 to be lighted, based 20 on the number determined in step S6102 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 6203 in association with the identification number of each slot machine 6010. Further, the CPU 6201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 6350 25 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 6350 lights the LEDs 6351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 6201 adds 30 the number determined in step S6102 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 6203 in association with the identification number of each slot machine 6010. [0953] 35 Next, based on the number-of-game-media information 356 received in step S6101, the CPU 6201 updates the accumulated-number-of-bets data indicative of the accumulated number of bets in the slot machine 6010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information in the 5 accumulated-number-of-bets storage area in the RAM 6203 (step S6104). [0954] Next, based on the number-of-game-media information received in step S6101, the CPU 6201 updates the balance data 10 indicative of the balance of the game media in the slot machine 6010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information in the balance storage area in the RAM 6203 (step S6105). [0955] 15 The update of the balance data is also conducted in the number-of-payouts information reception processing in Fig. 146. Fig. 146 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-payouts information reception processing. 20 First, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not to have received the number-of-payouts information (see step S6022 in Fig. 143) from the slot machine 6010 at a predetermined timing (step S6111). When determining to have received the number-of-payouts 25 information, the CPU 6201 updates the balance data indicative of the balance of the game media in the slot machine 6010 as a transmission source of the number-of-payouts information in the balance storage area in the RAM 6203 based on the number-of-payouts information (step S6112). 30 [0956] When determining in step S6111 not to have received the number-of-payouts information, or after executing the processing of step S6112, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. 35 [0957] 357 After executing the processing of step S6105 in Fig. 145, the CPU 6201 updates the cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 6203 (step S6106) . In the processing, the CPU 6201 adds 5 the value corresponding to a part (10% in the present embodiment) of the number of game media indicated by the number-of-game-media information received in step S6101 to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 6203. 10 [0958 Next, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 6203 (step S6107) . [0959] 15 When determining that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 6201 executes slot-machine counting processing (step S6108). [0960] Here, the slot-machine counting processing is described 20 with reference to Fig. 147. Fig. 147 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot-machine counting processing. First, the CPU 6201 counts a number of the set game dormant flag at a predetermined timing (step S6150). 25 [0961] Here, the game dormant flag is described with reference to Fig. 148. Fig. 148 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of game dormant signal reception processing. 30 First, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not to have received the game dormant signal (see step S6011 in Fig. 143) at a predetermined timing from the slot machine 6010 (step S6050). When determining not to have received the game dormant 35 signal, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. On the 358 other hand, when determining to have received the game dormant signal, the CPU 6201 sets the dormant flag in association with the identification number of the slot machine 6010 included in the received game dormant signal (step S6051) . Here, the CPU 5 6201 clears the game dormant flag after a lapse of the predetermined time. [0962] After executing the processing of step S6150 in Fig. 147, the CPU 6201 determines the numeric value obtained by 10 subtracting the numeric value counted in step S6150 from 10 as the number of slot machines joining the game (step S6151). [0963] As above, the slot-machine counting processing conducted in step S6108 in Fig. 145 has been described with reference to 15 Fig. 147 and Fig. 148, Subsequently, the CPU 6201 executes winning-machine determinationprocessingin stepS 6 109 in Fig. 145 (stepS6109) [0964] The winning-machine determination processing is 20 described with reference to Fig. 149. Fig. 149 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of winning-machine determination processing. First, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not the number of the slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is in the range 25 of one to three (step S6161). [0965] When determining that the number of the slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is in the range of one to three, the CPU 6201 extracts a random number generated by the random number 30 generator 6063 (step S6162). Then, the CPU 6201 determines a single slot machine 6010 out of 10 slot machines 6010 based on the extracted random number. Then, the CPU 6201 determines the determined slot machine 6010 as a winning machine (step S6163). 35 After executing the processing of step S6163, the CPU 6201 359 completes the present subroutine. [0966] When determining in step S6161 that the number of slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is not in the range of one 5 to three, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not the number is in the range of four to six (step S6164). When determining that the number of slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is in the range of four to six, the CPU 6201 determines the slot machine 6010 with the balance of the 10 game media being the most negative value as the winning machine, based on the balance data stored in the balance storage area in the RAM 6203 (step S6165). After executing the processing of step S6165, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. 15 [0967] When determining in step S6164 that the number of slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is not in the range of four to six, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not the number is in the range of seven to nine (step S6166). 20 When determining that the number of slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is in the range of seven to nine, the CPU 6201 determines the slot machine 6010 with the accumulated number of bets being the largest value as the winning machine, based on the accumulated number of bets stored in the 25 accumulated-number-of-bets storage area in the RAM 6203 (step S6167). After executing the processing of step S6167, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. [09681 30 When determining in step S6166 that the number of slot machines 6010 counted in step S6108 is not in the range of seven to nine, the CPU 6201 determines the slot machine 6010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information received in step S6101 in Fig. 145 as the winning machine (step 35 S6168). 360 After executing the processing of step S6168, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. [0969] As above, the winning-machine determination processing 5 conducted in step S6109 in Fig. 145 has been described with reference to Fig. 149. Subsequently, in step S6110 in Fig. 145, the CPU 6201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine 6010 determined as the winning machine in step S6109 (step S6110). 10 Upon receipt of the jackpot payout signal, the jackpot payout processing is conducted in the slot machine 6010 (see step S6024 in Fig. 143). [0970] When determining in step S6107 that the cumulative value 15 has not reached the predetermined value, or after executing the processing of step S6110, the CPU 6201 completes the present subroutine. [0971] As above, the present embodiment has been described. 20 In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number of slot machines 6010 joining the game is counted based on the transmission of the game dormant signal from the slot machine 6010 to the control device 6200 when the start button 6023 has not been operated for the predetermined 25 time. However, in the present invention, the method for counting the number of slot machines 6010 joining the game is not limited to this case. [0972] Fig. 150 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of slot 30 machine game execution processing according to another embodiment. Processing of step S6060 and steps S6066 to S6074 is virtually the same as the processing of steps S6013 to S6015 and steps S6018 to S6024 in Fig. 143, and therefore, only the 35 processing of steps S6061 to S6065 is described here. 361 [0973] When determining in step S6060 that the coin has not been betted, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 6043 is zero. When determining 5 that the number of credits is not zero, the main CPU 6041 shifts the processing to step S6063. On the other hand, when determining that the number of credits is zero, the main CPU 6041 shifts the processing to step S6062. [0974] 10 In step S6062, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not the time measured by the timer 6061 has reached the predetermined time T. When determining that the time has not reached the predetermined time T, the main CPU 6041 shifts the processing to step S6063. 15 [0975] In step S6063, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not to have detected the presence of the player by the proximity sensor 6062. In the processing, the main CPU 6041 determines whether or not to have received a detection signal indicative 20 of the detection of the presence of the player from the proximity sensor 6062. When determining to have detected the presence of the player by the proximity sensor 6062, the main CPU 6041 returns the processing to step S6060. When determining not to have detected the presence of the 25 player in step S6063 or when determining that the time has reached the predetermined time T in step S6062, the main CPU 6041 transmits the game dormant signal to the control device 6200 (step S6064) . The game dormant signal includes the identification number of the slot machine 6010. Further, the 30 main CPU 6041 sets the dormant flag (step S6065) and returns the processing to step S6060. [0976] Here, the sensor is not limited to the proximity sensor, and it may be a weight sensor for detecting the weight, for 35 example. In such a case, by setting the weight sensor on a chair 362 provided for the gaming machine, the presence of the player may be detected by the weight sensor. [0977] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been 5 described a case where the slot machine 6010 not joining the game may also be determined as the winning machine in the winning-machine determination processing illustrated in Fig. 149. However, in the present invention, the slot machine not joining the game may be set not to be determined as the winning 10 machine. For example, the following configuration may be adopted. Namely, after executing the processing of step S6163, step S6165, step S6167, or step S6168 in Fig. 149, the CPU 6201 determines whether or not the game dormant flag is set in 15 association with the identification number of the slot machine determined as the winning machine. When determining that the game dormant flag is not set, the CPU 6201 completes the subroutine illustrated in Fig. 149. On the other hand, when determining that the game dormant flag is set, the CPU 6201 again 20 executes the processing of step S6163, step S6165, step S6167, or step S6168. At this time, the CPU 6201 determines the winning machine excluding the slot machine in which the game dormant flag is set. For example, in step S6165, the CPU 6201 determines the 25 slot machine with the balance of the game media being the most negative value, among the slot machines in which the game dormant flag is not set, as the winning machine. Further, in step S6167, the CPU 6201 determines the slot machine with the accumulated number of bets being the largest value, among the 30 slot machines in which the game dormant flag is not set, as the winning machine. [0978] Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the number N of the LEDs 6351 to be lighted 35 is the maximum integral number N satisfying N M x b/B ("b" 363 being the number of coins indicative of the number-of-game-media information, "B" being the number of coins corresponding to the predetermined value, and "M" being the total number of the LEDs 6351 provided in the coupling 5 illuminated line 6310) Namely, the number of LEDs 6351 lighted in each coupling illuminated line 6310 corresponds to the cumulative value. However, in the present invention, the processing relating to lighting of the LED is not limited to this case. For example, in accordance with the number of gaming 10 machines joining the game, the LEDs in number corresponding to the accumulated number of bets or the balance of the game media in each gaming machine may be lighted. For example, the following configuration may be adopted. Namely, the control device executes the slot-machine 15 counting processing illustrated in Fig. 147 at a predetermined timing (e.g. minutely) . Amemory device providedin the control device stores a table data indicating the correspondence relationship (see Fig. 139) between the number of slot machines joining the game and the determination method of the slot 20 machine as a target of the payout of coins relating to the jackpot (winning-machine determination method). When the winning-machine determination method corresponding to the number counted in the slot-machine counting processing is a method for determining the winning machine based on the 25 accumulated number of bets, the control device lights the LEDs in number determined based on the accumulated number of bets in each slot machine, among the LEDs included in the coupling illuminated line provided for each slot machine. Further, when the winning-machine determination method corresponding to the 30 number counted in the slot-machine counting processing is a method for determining the winning machine based on the balance of the game media, the control device lights the LEDs in number determined based on the balance of the game media in each slot machine, among the LEDs included in the coupling illuminated 35 line provided for each slot machine. 364 [0979] As above, according to the gaming system 6001 of the present embodiment, the determination method of the slot machine 6010 (winning machine) as a target of the payout of coins 5 relating to the jackpot is different in accordance with the number of players joining the game. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player interested in the determination method. Further, it is also possible to have the player always become conscious of the number of players joining the game at the 10 present. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. [0980] Further, according to the gaming system 6001 of the present embodiment, the winning machine is determined based on 15 the balance of the game media when the number of slot machines 6010 joining the game is in the range of four to six, while the winning machine is determined based on the accumulated number of bets when the number of the slot machines 6010 joining the game is in the range of seven to nine. Accordingly, there may 20 be a case where the method for determining the winning machine based on the accumulated number of bets is advantageous for a player while the method for determining the winning machine based on the balance of the game media is disadvantageous for the player. Further, an opposite case may also be generated. 25 Accordingly, it is possible to have the player always conscious of the present number of participants so as to know if the present number is advantageous or disadvantageous for the player in the relation with a situation of the game. As a result, it is possible to have the player absorbed in the game. 30 [0981] According to the gaming system 6001 of the present embodiment, the gaming machine in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been betted is determined as the winning machine, when the number 35 of the gaming machines joining the game is 10. Accordingly, 365 it is possible to cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the cumulative value reaching the predetermined value every tune he or she places the bet, especially in a case where the cumulative value is approaching the predetermined value. 5 Consequently, it becomes possible to cause the player to have a stronger enthusiasm for each bet, thereby having the player absorbed in the game. Further, it is possible to give a great joy to the player in a case where the bet placed by the player causes the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value. 10 [0982] In the above described embodiment, there has been described a case where the correspondence relationship between the rearranged symbol and the number of coin-outs is set as illustrated in Fig. 144. However, in the present invention, 15 the correspondence relationship between the symbol and the number of coin-outs is not limited to this example. In the following, the correspondence relationship between the symbol and the number of coin-outs in another embodiment is described with reference to Figs. 151A to 151C 20 and Figs. 152A to 152D. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 6001 according to the aforementioned embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. 25 Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the aforementioned embodiment is applicable. [0983] Figs. 151A to 151C are views each illustrating a 30 relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in another embodiment. Figs. 152A to 152D are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. As illustrated in Figs. 152A to 152D, nine symbols in 35 total can be rearranged in three rows and three columns, in 366 display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 5 [0984] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 151A to 151C, in the present embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols 10 and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. [0985] 15 In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 152A, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 152B, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 152A. Further, "anybar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 152D, 20 "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 152B and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 152A. [0986] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 25 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the RAM 6043 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs. 30 [0987] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 6041 executes the following processing of step S6020 in Fig. 143, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned embodiment in the above described respects. 35 Namely, the main CPU 6041 determines that a prize has been 367 established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "lbar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN 5 x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [0988] In step S6021, the main CPU 6041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs 10 (see Figs. 151A to 151C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 152A, ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds 15 to "anybar-anybar-anybar". As illustrated in Fig. 152B, when just one symbol of "lbar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, a coin is not paid out. In the game in which two coins are betted, when symbols 20 in a combination of "lbar-2bar-3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 152C, 20 coins are paid out since the combination of the symbols corresponds to "anybar-anybar-anybar". In the game in which three coins are betted, when symbols 25 in a combination of "red7-red7-blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 152D, the combination of symbols does not establish a prize and coins are not paid out, since both red and blue are present in colors of the figure of "7". 30 [0989] [Eighth embodiment] First, with reference to Fig. 153 and Fig. 154, there will be given a general description of a first embodiment. Fig. 153 is a front view schematically illustrating a 35 gaming system according to the eighth embodiment. 368 As illustrated in Fig. 153, a gaming system 7001 includes a plurality of slot machines 7010 (a slot machine 7010A, a slot machine 7010B, a slot machine 7010C,a slot machine 7010D, a slot machine 7010E, a slot machine 7010F, a slot machine 7010G, a 5 slot machine 7010H, a slot machine 70101, and a slot machine 7010J), a control device 7200 (see Fig. 157), a common large display 7300, and a plurality of common compact displays 7301 (a common compact display 7301A and a common compact display 7301B), which are interconnected through a network. 10 Further, for the respective slot machines 7010, there are provided coupling illuminated lines 7310 (a coupling illuminated line 7310A, a coupling illuminated line 7310B, a coupling illuminated line 7310C, a coupling illuminated line 7310D, a coupling illuminated line 7310E, a coupling 15 illuminated line 7310F, a coupling illuminated line 7310G, a coupling illuminated line 7310H, a coupling illuminated line 73101, and a coupling illuminated line 7310J) which include a plurality of LEDs 7351 arranged from the common large display 7300 to the respective slot machines 7010. The coupling 20 illuminated lines 7310 are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display 7300 to one of boundary plates 7302 (a boundary plate 7302A and a boundary plate 7302B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates 7302 to the slot machine 7010. 25 The slot machines 7010 correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. The LEDs 7351 correspond to the illuminants of the present invention. The common large display 7300 corresponds to the reach 30 portion of the present invention. [0990] In the eighth embodiment, the same number of LEDs 7351 are included in two coupling illuminated lines listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): 35 (I) the coupling illuminated line 7310A and the coupling 369 illuminated line 7310J; (II) the coupling illuminated line 7310B and the coupling illuminated line 73101; (III) the coupling illuminated line 7310C and the 5 coupling illuminated line 7310H; (IV) the coupling illuminated line 7310D and the coupling illuminated line 7310G; and (V) the coupling illuminated line 7310E and the coupling illuminated line 7310F. 10 However, the numbers of LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs 7351 in the bent portions. 15 The numbers of LEDs 7351 in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illuminated lines 7310. Further, Fig. 153 merely illustrates the gaming system according to the eighth embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs 7351 illustrated in Fig. 153 is not related to 20 the number of LEDs 7351 according to the eighth embodiment. [0991) In the gaming system 7001 according to the eighth embodiment, a part of coins betted in each slot machine 7010 are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. Further, an 25 image indicative of the counted cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 7300. In Fig. 153, "123456" is displayed to the common large display 7300, indicating that the cumulative value is 123456. When the cumulative value reaches a predetermined value, a payout of coins is conducted as a 30 jackpot to any of the slot machines 7010. [0992] Fig. 154 is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the eighth 35 embodiment. 370 As illustrated in Fig. 154, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 7033. [0993] 5 A text image 7601 indicates that the payout of coins according to the jackpot is conducted on condition that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value. [0994] A text image 7602 indicates that the cumulative value at 10 the time is displayed to the common large display 7300 at a predetermined timing. [0995] A text image 7603 indicates that the payout of coins according to the jackpot is conducted to the slot machine in 15 which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been betted. (0996] As above, there has been given the general description of the eighth embodiment, with reference to Fig. 153 and Fig. 20 154. Hereinafter, the eighth embodiment is described in more detail. [0997] Next, a configuration of the slot machine 7010 is 25 described. Fig. 155 is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the eighth embodiment. In the slot machine 7010, a coin, a bill, or electronic 30 valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and 35 examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as 371 described later. [0998] The slot machine 7010 comprises a cabinet 7011, a top box 7012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 7011, and a main 5 door 7013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 7011. [0999] On the main door 7013, there is provided a lower image display panel 7016 as a display. The lower image display panel 7016 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays 10 fifteen display blocks 7028 along five columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block 7028. Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel 7016. 15 [1000] Further, a number-of-credits display portion 7031 and a number-of-payouts display portion 7032 are provided on the lower image display panel 7016. The number-of-credits display portion 7031 displays an image indicative of the number of 20 credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion 7032 displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. [1001] Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel 7069 is 25 providedat the front face of the lower image displaypanel 7016. The player can operate the touch panel 7069 to input a variety of commands. [1002] Below the lower image display panel 7016, there are 30 provided a control panel 7020 including a plurality of buttons 7023 to 7027 with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 7021 through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet 7011, and a bill validator 7022. 35 [1003] 372 The control panel 7020 is provided with a start button 7023, a change button 7024, a CASHOUT button 7025, a 1-BET button 7026 and a maximum BET button 7027. The start button 7023 is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The 5 change button 7024 is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button 7025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 7018. [1004] 10 The 1-BET button 7026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button 7027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (50 coins in the eighth embodiment) out of credited coins. 15 [1005] The bill validator 7022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 7011. It is to be noted that the bill validator 7022 may be configured so as to be capable of reading a 20 later-described ticket 7039 with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door 7013, namely, below the control panel 7020, there is provided a belly glass 7034 on which a character or the like of the slot machine 7010 is drawn. [1006] 25 On the front surface of the top box 7012, there is provided the upper image display panel 7033. The upper image display panel 7033 includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated 30 in Fig. 154. [1007] Further, a speaker 7029 is provided in the top box 7012. Under the upper image display panel 7033, there are provided a ticket printer 7035, a card reader 7036, a data display 7037, 35 and a key pad 7038. The ticket printer 7035 prints on a ticket 373 a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines 7010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 7039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket 7039 with 5 a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket 7039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). [1008] The card reader 7036 reads data from a smart card and 10 writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe 15 card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display 7037 includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader 7036 or data inputted by the player via the key pad 7038. The key pad 7038 is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, 20 and the like. [1009] Fig. 156 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in Fig. 155. A gaming board 7050 is provided with a CPU (Central 25 Processing Unit) 7051, a ROM 7055, and a boot ROM 7052 which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot 7053S corresponding to a memory card 7053, and an IC socket 7054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 7054. [1010] 30 The memory card 7053 includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks 7028. 35 Further, the game program includes odds data indicative 374 of the correspondence relationship between the type and the number of rearranged symbols and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 159). [1011] 5 Further, the card slot 7053S is configured so as to allow the memory card 7053 to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board 7040 by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card 7053 can be removed from the card slot 7053S, and then another game program is written into 10 the memory card 7053, and the memory card 7053 can be inserted into the card slot 7053S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 7010. The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be 15 outputted during the game. [1012] The CPU 7051, the ROM 7055 and the boot ROM 7052 interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board 7040 through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not 20 only conducts signal transmission between the mother board 7040 and the gaming board 7050, but also supplies power from the mother board 7040 to the gaming board 7050. (1013] The mother board 7040 is configured using a commercially 25 available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU 7041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 7042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 7043, and a communication interface 7044. The mother board 7040 30 corresponds to the controller of the present invention. [1014] The ROM 7042 comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 7041 and permanent data. When 35 the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 7041, processing for 375 initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card 7053 via the gaming board 7050. It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM 7042 5 may or may not be data rewritable one. (10151 The RAM 7043 stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU 7041. Further, the RAM 7043 is capable of storing a game program. 10 [1016] Moreover, the RAM 7043 stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. [1017] 15 Moreover, the mother board 7040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 7060 and a door PCB 7080 through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 7040 is connected with a power supply unit 7045 and the communication interface 7044. 20 [1018] The body PCB 7060 and the door PCB 7080 are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 7041 and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted 25 from the main CPU 7041. The main CPU 7041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 7043 based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU 7041, and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing, stores the result thereof into the RAM 7043, or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device 30 as processing for controlling each equipment and device. [1019] The body PCB 7060 is connected with a lamp 7030, a hopper 7066, a coin detecting portion 7067, a graphic board 7068, the speaker 7029, the touch panel 7069, the bill validator 7022, 35 the ticket printer 7035, the card reader 7036, a key switch 7038S 376 and the data display 7037. The lamp 7030 is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU 7041. [1020] 5 The hopper 7066 is installed inside the cabinet 7011, and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041, from a coin payout exit 7019 to the coin tray 7018. The coin detecting portion 7067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 7019, and outputs an 10 input signal to the main CPU 7041 in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit 7019. (1021] The graphic board 7068 controls image display to the upper 15 image display panel 7033 and the lower image display panel 7016 based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041. In the respective display blocks 7028 on the lower image display panel 7016, symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM 7043 20 is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion 7031 of the lower image display panel 7016. Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion 7032 of the lower image display panel 7016. The graphic board 7068 comprises a VDP (Video Display 25 Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041, a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory 30 card 7053 and stored into the RAM 7043. [1022] The bill validator 7022 not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet 7011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill 35 validator 7022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 7041based 377 on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU 7041 stores in the RAM 7043 the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. [1023] 5 The ticket printer 7035, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041, prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043, a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 7010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 7039 with 10 a barcode. The card reader 7036 reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 7041, and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU 7041. The key switch 7038S is provided on the key pad 7038, and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU 15 7041 when the key pad 7038 is operated by the player. The data display 7037 displays data read by the card reader 7036 and data inputted by the player via the keypad 7038, based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041. [1024] 20 The door PCB 7080 is connected with the control panel 7020, a reverter 7021S, a coin counter 7021C, and a cold cathode tube 7081. The control panel 7020 is provided with a start switch 7023S corresponding to the start button 7023, a change switch 7024S corresponding to the change button 7024, a CASHOUT switch 25 7025S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 7025, a -1-BET switch 7026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 7026, and a maximum BET switch 7027S corresponding to the maximumBETbutton 7027. Each of the switches 7023S to 7027S outputs an input signal to the main CPU 7041 when each of the buttons 7023 to 7027 corresponding 30 thereto is operated by the player. [1025] The coin counter 7021C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 7021, and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 7021 by the 35 player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from 378 the coin payout exit 7019. Further, the coin counter 7021C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 7041 in detection of the regular coin. [1026] 5 The reverter 7021S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041, and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter 7021C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 7066, which are disposed inthe slotmachine7010. Namely, whenthe hopper 7066 is filled 10 with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 7021S. On the other hand, when the hopper 7066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 7066. The cold cathode tube 7081 functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display 15 panel 7016 and the upper image display panel 7033, and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU 7041. [10271 Fig. 157 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system 20 according to the eighth embodiment. The control device 7200 includes a CPU 7201, a ROM 7202, a RAM 7203, a communication interface 7204, a LED drive circuit 7350 and a hard disk drive 7205 as a memory. The communication interface 7204 is connected, through communication lines 7101, 25 to the communication interfaces 7044 in the respective slot machines 7010 and also is connected to the common large display 7300 and the common compact displays 7301 through communication lines 7102. The ROM 7202 stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and 30 the like. [10281 Further, the RAM 7203 temporarily stores data received from each slot machine 7010. The RAM 7203 is provided with a cumulative value storage 35 area and a number-of-lights storage area. 379 The cumulative-value storage area stores cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value. The number-of-lights storage area stores number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs 7351 5 which have been lighted, out of the LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated lines 7310 provided for the respective slot machines 7010, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines 7010 provided with the corresponding coupling illuminated line 7310. 10 [1029] The plurality of LEDs 7351 are connected to the LED drive circuit 7350. The LEDs 7351 are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit 7350 turns on and turns off the LEDs 7351 based on a signal received from 15 the CPU 7201. [1030] Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines 7010. The main CPU 7041 proceeds with a slot machine game by 20 reading and executing the game program. [1031] Fig. 158 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines 7010. Fig. 159 is a view illustrating correspondence 25 relationship among a type and a number of rearranged symbols and an amount of payouts. First, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S7411) . In this processing, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal 30 that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 7026S when the 1-BET button 7026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 7027S when the maximum BET button 7027 is operated. When the main CPU 7041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step 35 Sb1. 380 [10321 On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in- step S7411, the main CPU 7041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the 5 RAM 7043 according to the number of betted coins (step S7412) It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043, the main CPU 7041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043, 10 and the processing is returned to step S7411. Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the eighth embodiment), the main CPU 7041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits 15 stored in the RAM 7043, and the processing is proceeded to step S7413. [10331 Next, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not the start button 7023 has been turned ON (step S7413). In this 20 processing, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 7023S when the start button 7023 is pressed. When the main CPU 7041 determines that the start button 7023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step 25 S7411. It is to be noted that, when the start button 7023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 7023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU 7041 cancels a subtraction result in step S7412. [1034] 30 On the other hand, when determining in step S7413 that the start button 7023 has been turned on, the main CPU 7041 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins and information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 7010 to the control 35 device 7200 (step S7414). 381 (10351 Next, the main CPU 7041 executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S7415). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 7041 starts 5 scrolling-display of symbols in the display blocks 7028. Then, the main CPU 7041 executes the aforementioned symbol determination program, so as to determine the symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the symbols in the display blocks 7028. 10 [1036] Next, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S7416) . Here, the establishment of a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more symbols of the same type out of "RIBBON", "HEART", 15 "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 7028 (see Fig. 159) . In this processing, the main CPU 7041 counts the number of symbols for each type of the symbols rearranged in step S7415. Then, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. 20 [1037] When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 7041 executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S7417). In the processing, the main CPU 7041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of 25 rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM 7043. The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the number of symbols rearranged in the display blocks 7028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 159). 30 For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 7041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits 35 corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number 382 of credits stored in the RAM 7043. On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU 7041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 7066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 5 [10381 When determining in step S7416 that a prize has not been established, or after executing the processing of step S7417, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S7418). The jackpot payout signal 10 is a signal to be transmitted from the control device 7200 to the slot machine 7010 in which the bet triggering the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value has been betted (see steps S7505 to S7506 in Fig. 160) . The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 15 [1039] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 7041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S7419). In this processing, the main CPU 7041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on 20 the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 7041 in step S7419 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 7029, lighting of the lamp 7030, print of the ticket 7039 with a barcode indicative of the 25 number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [1040] When determining not to have received the jackpot payout signal in step S7418 or after executing the processing of step S7419, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. 30 (1041] As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines 7010, with reference to Figs. 158 to 159. Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 35 7200 is described, with reference to Figs. 160 to 161. 383 [1042] Fig. 160 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. At first, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not to have 5 received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 7010 at a predetermined timing (step S7501). The number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine 7010 (see step S7414 in Fig. 158). 10 When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [1043] On the other hand, when determining to have received the 15 number-of-game-media information, the CPU 7201 determines the number N of the LEDs 7351 to be lighted based on the number-of-game-media information (step S7502) . In the processing, the CPU 7201 calculates the maximum integral number N satisfying N M x b/B ("b" being the number of coins indicative 20 of the number-of-game-media information, "B" being the number of coins corresponding to the predetermined value, and "M" being the total number of the LEDs 7351 provided in the coupling illuminated line 7310) for each coupling illuminated line 7310. [10441 25 Next, the CPU 7201 makes the LEDs 7351 (illuminants) in number determined in step S7502 be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for each slot machine 7010 (step S7503). In this processing, the CPU 7201 identifies the 30 identification numbers of the LEDs 7351 to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S7502 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 7203 in association with the identification number of each slot machine 7010. 35 Further, the CPU 7201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 7350 384 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 7350 lights the LEDs 7351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 5 Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 7201 adds the number determined in step S7502 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 7203 in association with the identification number of each slot machine 7010. 10 [1045] Next, the CPU 7201 updates the cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 7203 (step S7504) . In this processing, the CPU 7201 adds a value corresponding to a part (10% in the 15 eighth embodiment) of the number of game media indicated by the number-of-game-media information received in step S7501, to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 7203. [1046] 20 Next, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 7203 (step S7505) . [1047] When determining that the cumulative value has reached 25 the predetermined value, the CPU 7201 transmits the jackpot payout signal to the slot machine as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information received in step S7501 (step S7506). On receiving the jackpot payout signal, the jackpot payout processing is executed in the slot machine 7010 30 (see step S7419 in Fig. 158). [1048] Next, the CPU 7201 displays the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to the common large display 7300, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the 35 RAM 7203 (step S7507). 385 [1049] When determining in step S7505 that the cumulative value has not reached the predetermined value, or after executing the processing of step S7507, the CPU 7201 completes the present 5 subroutine. [1050] Fig. 161 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of numeral-image momentary display processing. This processing is a processing executed by the CPU 7201 10 at a predetermined timing. First, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not the timing to display the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value has come (step S7511) . In the processing, the CPU 7201 extracts a random number and determines that the timing to 15 display the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value has come when the extracted random number is in a predetermined numerical range. [1051] When determining that the timing to display the numeral 20 image corresponding to the cumulative value has not come, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the timing to display the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value has come, the CPU 7201 displays the numeral image corresponding 25 to the cumulative value to the common large display 7300 for a predetermined time (e.g. one second), based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 7203 (step S7512). Then, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [1052] 30 As above, according to the gaming system 7001 of the eighth embodiment, a numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is occasionally displayed. The value of the current cumulative value is important information for the player, as well as being of great concern for the player, to 35 predict what number of coins would be paid out as the payout 386 of the coin relating to the jackpot or to predict how soon the cumulative value will reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have a sense of expectation for the timing of the display of the numeral image 5 corresponding to the cumulative value. Further, it is possible to have the player always concern about whether or not the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 7300, and therefore, the player can be absorbed in the game. Consequently, it is 10 possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. [1053] Further, according to the gaming system 7001 of the eighth embodiment, the payout of the coin relating to the jackpot is conducted to the player who has placed the bet triggering the 15 cumulative value to reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, when the cumulative value is approaching the predetermined value, each player's interest can be concentrated on the issue that which player's bet would cause the cumulative value to reach the predetermined value. Accordingly, it is 20 possible to heat the game up, and to have the player have a sense of tension while playing the game under a circumstance that the cumulative value could reach the predetermined value at any moment. Further, it is possible to have the player plot a strategy 25 about when to bet and how much to bet, in such a manner that he or she bets the smaller number of coins while the value of the cumulative value is small and he or she bets the larger number of coins when the cumulative value approaches the predetermined value. 30 In this regard, the value of the current cumulative value is of great importance for the player, and therefore, it is possible to significantly increase the player's interest in whether or not the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 7300. 35 Accordingly, the player can be further absorbed in the game. 387 [1054] Here, in the present invention, it is desirable to set the predetermined value as a reference for comparison to be selected from a plurality of candidate values determined 5 stepwise. It is for preventing the game from becoming monotonous. Further, in this case, it is also desirable to set the predetermined value selected from the plurality of candidate values to be switched at a predetermined timing. The reason 10 for this is that it becomes possible to have the player go through a trial and error process in selecting a timing to bet a large number of coins, since a determination on the timing to bet the large number of coins becomes difficult because of the above setting. 15 [1055] [Ninth embodiment] In the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 7001 according to the eighth embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. 20 Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the ninth embodiment to which the description of the eighth embodiment is applicable. [1056] With reference to Fig. 162A to Fig. 162B, there is 25 described a method for determining the slot machine 7010 to which the payout of coins relating to the jackpot is conducted. Figs. 162A and 162B are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel provided in a slot machine forming a gaming system according 30 to a ninth embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 162A, text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the jackpot are displayed to an upper image display panel 7033. A text image 7701 indicates that EVENT TIME (a common 35 game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value having 388 reached the predetermined value. [1057] A text image 7702 indicates that the LEDs 7351 will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot 5 machine 7010 during EVENT TIME (a common game). During EVENT TIME (a common game), common-game symbols (see Fig. 172) may be rearranged, in addition to symbols (normal symbols, see Fig. 159) rearranged during a game (a normal game) played before the generation of EVENT TIME (a common game). 10 Further, the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. [1058] The symbol determination program described in the eighth embodiment includes a symbol determination program for a normal 15 game and a symbol determination program for a common game. The symbols to be determined by the symbol determination program for a normal game includes 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the symbols to be determined by the symbol 20 determination program for a common game includes 5 types of symbols (common-game symbols) including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A", in addition to the aforementioned 8 types of symbols (normal symbols). [1059] 25 A text image 7703 indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value will be paid out as the jackpot to the slot machine 7010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 7310 with all the LEDs 7351 having been lighted. 30 In the present embodiment, the LEDs 7351 are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED 351 closest to the slot machines 7010. Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs 7351 appear to gradually extend toward the common large display 7300. 35 [1060] 389 Fig. 162B further illustrates lighting of the LEDs 7351. In the ninth embodiment, the upper image display panel 7033 is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in Fig. 162A to the text images 5 illustrated in Fig. 162B triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel 7033. [1061] A text image 7704 indicates that a number of LEDs included 10 in the coupling illuminated line 7310 may be different among the coupling illuminated lines 7310. [1062] A text image 7705 indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the 15 number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illuminated line 7310. More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see Figs. 173A to 173F) . 20 [1063] A text image 7706 indicates that the greater number of LEDs 7351 may be lighted in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 7010 in which the balance of game media in the normal game is largely negative, even in the case 25 that the same numbers of points are acquired in the slot machines 7010. [1064] Fig. 163 is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines 7010. 30 At first, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S7200). [1065] With reference to Fig. 164, the common-game flag is described. 35 Fig. 164 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag 390 setting processing. At first, the main CPU 7041 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (step S7300) . The common-game execution signal is a 5 signal transmitted from the control device 7200 triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value (see steps S7104 to 37105 in Fig. 168). [1066] When determining not to have received the common-game 10 execution signal, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU 7041 sets the common-game flag (step S7301) and completes the present 15 subroutine. As described above, the common-game flag is a flag which is set triggered by the cumulative value having reached the predetermined value and indicates that the common game is being executed. 20 [1067] When determining in step S7200 in Fig. 163 that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU 7041 executes normal game execution processing (step S7201) . The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with 25 reference to Fig. 165. After executing the processing of step 37201, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. [1068] On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU 7041 executes common game execution 30 processing (step S7202) . The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to Fig. 166. After executing the processing of step S7202, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. [1069] 35 Fig. 165 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of 391 normal game execution processing. First, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S7011) . In this processing, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal 5 that is outputted from the 1-BET switch 7026S when the 1-BET button 7026 is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch 70273 when the maximum BET button 7027 is operated. When the main CPU 7041 determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step 10 S7011. [1070) On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S7011, the main CPU 7041 conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the 15 RAM 7043 according to the number of betted coins (step S7012) . It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043, the main CPU 7041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043, 20 and the processing is returned to step S7011. Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (50 coins in the ninth embodiment), the main CPU 7041 does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits 25 stored in the RAM 7043, and the processing is proceeded to step S7013. [1071] Next, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not the start button 7023 has been turned ON (step S7013). In this 30 processing, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch 7023S when the start button 7023 is pressed. When the main CPU 7041 determines that the start button 7023 has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step 35 S7011. 392 It is to be noted that, when the start button 7023 is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button 7023 is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted) , the main CPU 7041 cancels a subtraction result in step S7012. 5 [1072] On the other hand, when determining in step S7013 that the start button 7023 has been turned on, the main CPU 7041 transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device 7200 (step S7014) . 10 The number-of-game-media information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 7010. [1073] Next, the main CPU 7041 executes symbol rearrangement 15 processing (step S7015). In this processing, at first, the main CPU 7041 starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks 7028. Then, the main CPU 7041 executes the aforementioned normal-game symbol determination program, so as to determine the normal 20 symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 7028. [1074] Next, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S7016) . Here, the establishment of 25 a prize refers to a rearrangement of at least one combination of three or more normal symbols of the same type, out of "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE", in the display blocks 7028 (see Fig. 159) . In this processing, the main CPU 7041 counts the number of normal symbols for each 30 type of the normal symbols rearranged in step S7014. Then, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not the counted number is three or more. [1075] When determining that a prize has been established, the 35 main CPU 7041 executes processing relating to the payout of 393 coins (step S7017). In the processing, the main CPU 7041 determines the amount of payout based on the numbers of rearranged normal symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM 7043. The odds data is data indicative of the 5 correspondence relationship between the number of normal symbols rearranged in the display blocks 7028 and the amount of payouts (see Fig. 159). For example, in the case that two coins have been betted, when three "SUNs" are rearranged, 20 (= 2 x 10) coins are paid 10 out. In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU 7041 conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM 7043. On the other hand, in the 15 case of paying out coins, the main CPU 7041 transmits a control signal to the hopper 7066 in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. Then, the main CPU 7041 transmits number-of-payout information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that 20 is, the number of paid out coins to the control device 7200 (step S7018) . The number-of-payout information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine 7010. [1076] 25 When determining in step S7016 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S7018, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. [1077] As above, the normal game execution processing has been 30 described with reference to Fig. 165. Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described with reference to Fig. 166. Fig. 166 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing. 35 Fig. 167 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols 394 rearranged in the display blocks during the common game. [1078] At first, the main CPU 7041 executes processing of steps S7021 to S7024, and these processing are substantially the same 5 as the processing of step S7013 and steps S7015 to S7017 in Fig. 165. Here, only a part different fromstep S7013 and steps S7015 to S7017 in Fig. 165 is described. [1079] There has been described a case where the main CPU 7041 10 executes the normal-game symbol determination program in step S7015 in Fig. 165 for determining normal symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols in the display blocks 7028. On the contrary, in step S7022 in Fig. 166, the main CPU 7041 executes the common-game symbol 15 determination program for determining normal symbols and/or common-game symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the normal symbols and/or the common-game symbols in the display blocks 7028. [1080] 20 As described above, in the ninth embodiment, the normal symbols are 8 types of symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", "SUN", "JEWEL", "CROWN", and "SMILE". On the other hand, the common-game symbols are 5 types of symbols including "10", "J", "Q", "K", and "A". 25 Fig. 167 illustrates a case where "J", "Q", and "K" are rearranged as common-game symbols. [1081] When determining in step S7023 that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S7024, 30 the main CPU 7041 transmits symbol information to the control device 7200 (step S7025) . The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S7022. The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present 35 invention. 395 [10821 Next, the main CPU 7041 determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal (step S7026). The jackpot payout signal is a signal transmitted from the control device 5 7200 to any of the slot machines 7010 triggered by all the LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 7010 having been lighted (see steps S7125 to S7126 in Fig. 171). The jackpot payout signal includes information indicative of the cumulative value. 10 [1083] When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal, the main CPU 7041 executes jackpot payout processing (step S7027) . In this processing, the main CPU 7041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value based on 15 the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal. The processing executed by the main CPU 7041 in step S7027 includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker 7029, lighting of the lamp 7030, print of the ticket 7039 with a barcode indicative of the 20 number of coins to be paid out printed thereon, and the like. [1084] When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal in step S7026 or after executing the processing of step S7027, the main CPU 7041 completes the present subroutine. 25 [1085] As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines 7010, with reference to Figs. 163 to 167. Subsequently, processing executed by the control device 30 7200 is described, with reference to Figs. 168 to 172, and Figs. 173A to 173F. [10861 Fig. 168 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing. 35 At first, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not to have 396 received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine 7010 at a predetermined timing (step S7101). The number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine 5 7010 (see step S7014 in Fig. 165). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [10871 10 On the other hand, when determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU 7201 updates balance data indicative of the balance of game media in the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the number-of-game-media information, based on the number of game media information, in 15 the balance storage area in the RAM 7203 (step S7102). [1088] Next, the CPU 7201 updates the cumulative-value data indicative of the cumulative value, in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 7203 (step S7103) In this processing, 20 the CPU 7201 adds a value corresponding to a part (10% in the ninth embodiment) of the number of game media indicated by the number-of-game-media information received in step S7101, to the cumulative value indicated by the cumulative-value data stored in the cumulative-value storage area in the RAM 7203. 25 [1089] Next, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 7203 (step S7104) [1090) 30 When determining that the cumulative value has reached the predetermined value, the CPU 7201 transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines 7010 (step S7105) . The common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the execution of the common game in the slot machines 7010. Further, 35 in this processing, the slot machines 7010 to which the 397 common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU 7201 are the slot machines 7010 having transmitted number-of-game-media information within a predetermined time. [1091] 5 Next, the CPU 7201 specifies the number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred to in the common game, for each slot machine 7010, based on the balance of game media indicated by the balance data stored in the balance storage area in the RAM 7203 and the identification table of a 10 number-of-lighting determination table (see Fig. 169) (step S7106). [1092] Fig. 169 is a view illustrating the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table. 15 As illustrated in Fig. 169, the identification table of a number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which a possible range of the balance B of game media and the type of the number-of-lighting determination table are associated with each other. 20 The CPU 7201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table ITT for bent portions (see Fig. 173C) and the number-of-lighting determination table ITT for straight portions (see Fig. 173F), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010 in which the 25 balance of game media is less than -10000, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 7203. Further, the CPU 7201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 173B) and 30 the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight portions (see Fig. 173E), in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010 in which the balance of game media is in a range from -10000 to 0, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 35 7203. 398 Further, the CPU 7201 stores the number-of-lighting determination table I for bent portions (see Fig. 173A) and the number-of-lighting determination table I for straight portions (see Fig. 173D), in association with the identification number 5 of the slot machine 7010 in which the balance of game media is more than 0, in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area in the RAM 7203. [1093] When determining in step S7104 that the cumulative value 10 has not reached the predetermined value or after executing the processing of step S7106, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. (1094] Fig. 170 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the 15 number-of-payouts information reception processing. At first, the CPU 7201 determines at a predetermined timing whether or not to have received number-of-payouts information (refer to step S7018 in Fig. 165) from the slot machine 7010 (step S7111). 20 When determining to have received the number-of-payout information, the CPU 7201 updates the balance data indicative of the balance of game media in the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the number-of-payouts information, in the balance storage area in the RAM 7203 (step S7112). 25 [1095] When determining in step S7111 not to have received the number-of-payout information or after executing the processing of step S7112, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [1096] 30 Fig. 171 is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing. At first, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S7025 in Fig. 166) from the slot machine 7010 at a predetermined timing (step 35 S7121). 399 When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [1097) On the other hand, when determining to have received the 5 symbol information, the CPU 7201 determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive 7205 (step S7122). [1098) 10 Fig. 172 is a view illustrating the number-of-points determination table. As illustrated in Fig. 172, the number-of-points determination table indicates the correspondence relationship among the type and the number of rearranged common-game symbols 15 and the number of points. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 167, when two symbols of "J", three symbols of "Q" and one symbol of "K" are rearranged as the common-game symbols in the common game executed in a single slot machine 7010, the CPU 7201 determines the number 20 of points to be 8 (= 2 + 6), on receiving symbol information from this slot machine 7010. [1099] Next, the CPU 7201 determines the number of LEDs (illuminants) tobe lighted (emit light) based on the determined 25 number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S7106 in Fig. 168) determined for the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S7121 (step S7123). [1100) 30 Figs. 173A to 173F are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table. The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted are associated with each other. 35 Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the 400 correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted is associated with each slot machine 7010. [1101] 5 The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions (see Figs. 173A to 173C) and the number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions (see Figs. 173D to 173F). The number-of-lighting determination tables for bent 10 portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I for bent portions (see Fig. 173A) , the number-of-lighting determination table II for bent portions (see Fig. 173B) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions (see Fig. 173C). 15 In the number-of-lighting determination tables for bent portions, correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 7351 to be lightedmaybe different in accordance with the slot machines 7010. Further, the number of LEDs 7351 associated with a single possible range of the 20 number of points is the smallest in the number-of-lighting determination table I for bent portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for bent portions. [1102] The number-of-lighting determination tables for straight 25 portions include the number-of-lighting determination table I for straight portions (see Fig. 173D), the number-of-lighting determination table II for straight portions (see Fig. 173E) and the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions (see Fig. 173F). 30 In the number-of-lighting determination tables for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines 7010. Further, the number of LEDs 7351 associated with a single possible range 35 of the number of points is the smallest in the 401 number-of-lighting determination table I for straight portions and the largest in the number-of-lighting determination table III for straight portions. [1103] 5 In the processing of step S7123, at first, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 7203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the 10 symbol information received in step S7121 is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 7351 included in the bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 7310). When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU 7201 determines 15 the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. In the processing, the CPU 7201 determines the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions stored in the 20 number-of-lighting determination table storage area in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU 7201 25 determines the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. In this processing, the CPU 7201 determines the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions stored in association with the 30 identification number of the slot machine 7010 in the number-of-lighting determination table storage area. [1104] Next, the CPU 7201 makes the LEDs 7351 (illuminants) in number determined in step S7123 be lighted (emit light) in the 35 coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 402 7010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S7121 (step S7124). In this processing, the CPU 7201 identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs 7351 to be lighted, based 5 on the number determined in step S7123 and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 7203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010. Further, the CPU 7201 transmits to the LED drive circuit 7350 10 a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit 7350 lights the LEDs 7351 associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU 7201 adds 15 the number determined in step S7123 to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM 7203 in association with the identification number of the slot machine 7010. [1105] 20 Next, the CPU 7201 determines whether or not all the LEDs 7351 (illuminants) included in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S7121 have been lighted (emit light) (step S7125) . In the processing, the CPU 25 7201 determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step 37123 has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated line 7310), based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM 7203. 30 [1106] When determining that all the LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 7010 as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S7121 have been lighted, the CPU 7201 displays the 35 numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value to the 403 common large display 7300, based on the cumulative-value data stored in the RAM 7203 (step S7126). [1107] Next, the CPU 7201 transmits the jackpot payout signal 5 to the slot machine 7010 (step S7127) . On receiving the jackpot payout signal, the slot machine 7010 executes jackpot payout processing (see step S7027 in Fig. 166). [11081 When determining in step S7125 that not all the LEDs 7351 10 have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S7127, the CPU 7201 completes the present subroutine. [1109] There has been described the ninth embodiment. Further, in the ninth embodiment, there has been 15 described a case where the number of points is determined in the control device 7200. However, in the present invention, the number of points may be determined in the gaming machine and information indicative of the determined number of points may be transmitted to the control device. 20 [1110] Further, in the ninth embodiment, there has been described a case of using the number-of-lighting determination table in which a relatively greater number is set as the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted in lighting the LEDs 7351 included 25 in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for the slot machine 7010 with the balance of game media being largely negative. Accordingly, it is possible to relieve the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game. 30 However, in the present invention, the method for relieving the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game is not limited to the case. For example, the number of LEDs required to be lighted for acquiring the jackpot may be set to become smaller in accordance with the 35 balance of game media. For example, the common game may be 404 started in a state where the LEDs in number determined in accordance with the balance of game media have been lighted. [1111] Further, in the ninth embodiment, there has been 5 described a case where the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for bent portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 7351 is less than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 7351 included in the bent portion of the coupling 10 illuminated line 7310), while the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted is determined based on the number-of-lighting determination table data for straight portions when the current number of lights of the LEDs 7351 is equal to or more than the predetermined number (the number of LEDs 7351 included in the 15 bent portion of the coupling illuminated line 7310) . In this case, it is desirable that the number of LEDs to be lighted in the bent portion for a number of points of "1" is set to be greater than the number of LEDs to be lighted in the straight portion for a number of points of "1". This is because such a structure 20 can cause the player to have a sense of expectation for the acquisition of the greater number of points just before the number of LEDs having been lighted reaches the predetermined number. [1112) 25 Further, in the ninth embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game) . However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the 30 slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player's senses of competition, 35 thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common 405 game. For example, a following configuration can be adopted. Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine 5 reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so 10 as to determine the number of LEDs to be lighted in the coupling illuminated line provided for each gaming machine. [1113] As above described, according to the above gaming system 7001 of the ninth embodiment, by executing the common game 15 different from a normal game, it is possible to enhance an interesting aspect of the method itself for paying out the accumulated game media, and as a result, the player hardly gets tired of the game. The player can recognize how much each of the players has come close to the acquisition of the jackpot 20 by viewing the LEDs 7351 included in the coupling illuminated line 7310 provided for each of the slot machines 7010. This can cause the player to play the common game while having a sense of expectation. Further, payout relating to the jackpot is conducted when all the LEDs 7351 included in the coupling 25 illuminated line 7310 have been lighted. This makes the rules easy to understand, thereby allowing even a beginner to play the game without having uncomfortable feeling. (1114] Further, according to the gaming system 7001 of the ninth 30 embodiment, it is possible to relieve the player having suffered more losses in the normal game through the common game. Thus, it is possible to provide a feeling of satisfaction to such a player. [1115] 35 Further, according to the gaming system 7001 of the ninth 406 embodiment, it is possible to impress the player a state of the lighted LEDs 7351 gradually approaching the common large display 7300 in the straight portion as a last spurt toward the acquisition of the jackpot, thereby enhancing the player's 5 sense of expectation for the acquisition of the jackpot. Furthermore, it is possible to make an impression on the player that it seems to be more advantageous to play the game on the slot machine 7010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 7310 including the smaller number of LEDs 7351. 10 Consequently, when the player playing the game on the slot machine 7010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 7310 including the smaller number of LEDs 7351 acquires game media, it is possible to make the player feel that the acquisition of the jackpot is because of his or her playing the game on the 15 slot machine 7010. This can have the player desire to play the game on the slot machine 7010 again next time. On the contrary, when the player playing the game on the slot machine 7010 provided with the coupling illuminated line 7310 including the greater number of LEDs 7351 acquires the 20 jackpot, it is possible to make the player feel that he or she has acquired the jackpot even playing the game on the disadvantageous slot machine 7010. This can have the player have a sense of superiority. (1116] 25 Further, according to the gaming system 7001 of the ninth embodiment, it is possible to offer the common game which has no inequality among the slot machines 7010, since the correspondence relationship between the number of LEDs 7351 to be lighted and the number of points is adjusted in accordance 30 with the number of LEDs 7351 arranged in the bent portion. [1117] Further, according to the gaming system 7001 of the ninth embodiment, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is displayed to the common large display 7300 on condition 35 that the coupling illuminated line 7310 with all the LEDs 7351 407 included therein having been lighted is present. Namely, the numeral image corresponding to the cumulative value is not displayed to the common large display 7300 until the coupling illuminated line 7310 with all the LEDs 7351 included therein 5 having been lighted is present. Accordingly, since the player does not know how large the current cumulative value is, it is possible that the player does not know what number of coins would be paid out. Accordingly, it is possible to have the player play the 10 common game while having a sense of expectation for what number of coins can be acquired. Consequently, it is possible to provide a game that the player hardly gets tired. Further, even in a case where the predetermined value is set to be a small value, it is possible to prevent the game from 15 being not heated up due to the player's knowledge about the number of coins that can be acquired in the common game being small. 11118] In the ninth embodiment, there has been described a case 20 where normal symbols (see Fig. 159) are rearranged in the normal game, while common-game symbols (see Fig. 172), in addition to the normal symbols, are rearranged in the common game. However, in the present invention, symbols rearranged in the normal game and the common game are not limited to the case. 25 Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 174A to 174C, Figs. 175 to 176, and Figs. 177A to 177C, there will be described symbols to be rearranged in another embodiment. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the constituent elements as same as those of the gaming system 7001 30 according to the ninth embodiment will be provided with the same numerals. Further, the description will be omitted with regard to a part in the following embodiment to which the description of the ninth embodiment is applicable. 35 [11191 408 At first, with reference to Figs. 174A to 174C and Fig. 175, the normal game according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 174A to 174C are views each illustrating a 5 relationship between a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a number of coin-outs in the normal game according to another embodiment. Fig. 175 is a view illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in display blocks in another embodiment. 10 As illustrated in Fig. 175, nine symbols in total can be rearranged in three rows and three columns, in display blocks 328 according to the present embodiment. A winning line WL is set on the center row. When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of 15 coins is conducted. [1120] In the present embodiment, the maximum number of coins which can be betted on a single game is three. As illustrated in Figs. 174A to 174C, in the present 20 embodiment, the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs is set to be different in a case where the number of betted coins is 1, in a case where the number of betted coins is 2, and in a case where the number of betted coins is 3. 25 [1121] In the figure, "3bar" is a symbol 801 illustrated in Fig. 175, "2bar" is a symbol 804 illustrated in Fig. 177A, and "lbar" is a symbol 802 illustrated in Fig. 175. Further, "anybar" is any of "3bar", "2bar" and "lbar". 30 Further, "blue7" is a symbol 806 illustrated in Fig. 177C, "red7" is a symbol 805 illustrated in Fig. 177A, and "white7" is a symbol 803 illustrated in Fig. 175. [1122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, 8 types of 35 symbols including "RIBBON", "HEART", "STAR", "MOON", SUN", 409 "JEWEL", CROWN", and "SMILE" may be also rearranged, in addition to "3bar", "2bar", "lbar", "blue7", "red7", and "white7". Moreover, the RAM 7043 stores data indicative of the relationship between the combination of symbols and the number 5 of coin-outs. [1123] In the present embodiment, the main CPU 7041 executes the following processing of step S7016 in Fig. 165, since the present embodiment is different from the aforementioned 10 embodiment in the above described respects. Namely, the main CPU 7041 determines that a prize has been established, in a case where at least one combination of symbols is established on the winning line WL, out of "3bar x 3", "2bar x 3", "1bar x 3", "anybar x 3", "blue7 x 3", "red7 x 3", "white7 15 x 3", "RIBBON x 3", "HEART x 3", "STAR x 3", "MOON x 3", "SUN x 3", "JEWEL x 3", "CROWN x 3", and "SMILE x 3". [1124] In step S7017, the main CPU 7041 pays out coins in number determined based on the data indicative of a relationship 20 between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs (see Figs. 174A to 174C). For example, in the game on which a single coin has been betted, when a symbol combination of "3bar-lbar-lbar" is established on the winning line WL as illustrated in Fig. 175, 25 ten coins will be paid out, since this combination corresponds to "anybar-anybar-anybar". [1125] Hereinabove, the normal game has been described. Subsequently, the common game will be described with 30 reference to Fig. 176 and Figs. 177A to 177C. Fig. 176 is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table according to another embodiment. Figs. 177A to 177C are views each illustrating exemplary symbols rearranged in the display blocks in another embodiment. 35 In the aforementioned embodiment, there has been 410 described a case where common-game symbols are rearranged in the common game, in addition to normal symbols, and the number of points is determined based on the type and the number of the rearranged common-game symbols. 5 On the contrary, in the present embodiment, the same types of the symbols are rearranged in both the normal game and the common game. [1126] In the number-of-points determination table, symbols or 10 the combination of symbols rearranged on the winning line WL and the number of points are set in association with each other. The number-of-points determination table data indicative of the number-of-points determination table (see Fig. 176) is stored in the hard disk drive 7205 included in the control device 7200. 15 [1127] In the present embodiment, the CPU 7201 executes the following processing of step S7122 in Fig. 171. Namely, the CPU 7201 determines the number of points based on the symbol information received from the slot machine 7010 20 in step S7121 and the number-of-points determination table data (see Fig. 176) stored in the hard disk drive 7205. Further, in the present embodiment, the symbol information received by the CPU 7201 in step S7121 is information indicative of the type and the number of the symbols 25 rearranged in step S7022 in Fig. 166. [1128] Hereinafter, examples of numbers of points determined by the CPU 7201 in step S7122 are listed. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 177A, when a single 30 "Ibar" is rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 7201 determines the number of points to be 10. Further, as illustrated in Fig. 177B, when a single "1bar", a single "2bar", and a single "3bar" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 7201 determines the number of points 35 to be 60 (= 10 + 20 + 30). 411 Further, as illustrated in Fig. 177C, when two "red7" and a single "blue7" are rearranged on the winning line WL, the CPU 7201 determines the number of points to be 600 (= 150 x 2 + 300) [1129] 5 Although the embodiments of the present invention were described above, they were just illustrations of specific examples, and hence do not particularly restrict the present invention. A specific configuration of each step and the like is appropriately changeable in terms of design. Further, the 10 effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are just recitations of the most suitable effects generated from the present invention. The effects of the present invention are thus not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. 15 [1130] Further, the foregoing detailed descriptions centered the characteristic parts of the present invention in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments in the 20 foregoing specific descriptions but applicable to other embodiments with a variety of application ranges. Further, terms and phrases in the present specification were used not for restricting interpretation of the present invention but for precisely describing the present invention. It is considered 25 easy for the skilled in the art to conceive other configurations, systems, methods and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in the specification. Therefore, it should be considered that recitations of the claims include uniform configurations in a 30 range not departing from the range of technical principles of the present invention. Moreover, an object of the abstract is to enable a patent office, a general public institution, an engineer belonging to the technical field who is unfamiliar with patent, technical jargon or legal jargon, and the like, to 35 smoothly determine technical contents and an essence of the 412 present application with simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated by recitations of the claims. Furthermore, for thorough understanding of an object of the 5 present invention and an effect specific to the present invention, it is desired to make interpretation in full consideration of documents already disclosed and the like. [11311 The foregoing detailed descriptions include processing 10 executed on a computer or a computer network. Explanations and expressions above are described with the aim of being most efficiently understood by the skilled person in the art. In the specification, each step for use in deriving one result should be understood as the self-consistent processing. 15 Further, in each step, transmission/reception, recording or the like of an electrical or magnetic signal is performed. While such a signal is expressed by using a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number or the like in processing of each step, it should be noted that those are used simply for the sake 20 of convenience in description. While there are cases where processing in each step may be described using an expression in common with that of action of a human, processing described in the specification is essentially executed by a variety of devices. Further, another configuration requested for 25 performing each step should become apparent from the above descriptions. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. 413

Claims (16)

1. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of gaming machines each including a 5 control lJe; a control device including a processor; a network enabling communication between said plurality of gaming machines and said control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reach; 10 and a couplinig i luminated line provided for each of said gaming machines and including a pl uraiity of iiiuminants arranged from said reacn portion to said gaming machine, wherein 15 said control ler is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a came medium, and (b) transmiAting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in said processincf (a) to said control device, 20 said processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumuiativeIy counting a oart of the number of betted game media as a cumulative value based on said number-of-game-media information received from said gaming machine, and 25 (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to said gaming machine, when said cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, said controller is further programmed to execute process ing of 30 (c) executing a common game after receiving the common-came execution signal transmitted in sa-id processing (B) from said control device, and (d) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in said 35 processing (c) to said control device, 414 said processor is further programmed to execute p recess ing of (C) lighting said plurality of illuminants included in said coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming mach ine 5 as a transmission source of the common-game result information, based on the common-game result information transmitted in said processing (d) , in an order starting from said illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, (D) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated 10 line with all of said illuminants having been lighted in said processincf (C) is present, and (E) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when determining that the coupling illuminated line with all of said illuminants havi ng been Iighted is present in said processing 15 (D) , to said oami ng machine provided with 'he coupling illuminated line.

2. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein: in Lne processing (c) , the controller is programmed to 20 execute a common game without accepting the bet of the game medium in said processing (a) , after receiving the common-game execution signal from said control device.

3. A gaming system comprising: 25 a plurality of slot machines each including a symbol display capable of variably displaying a symbol and a controller; a control device including a processor; a networks enabling communication between said plurality 30 of slot machines and said control device; a reach portion indicative of a target position to reacn; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of said slot machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from 35 said reach portion to said slot machine, 41 5 wherein said contr'ler is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a game medium, and (b) transmIt ting number-of-game-media information 5 indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in said proce ssi (a) to said control device, said processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media is a cumulative value based on said 10 number-of-game-media information received from said slot machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to said slot marine, when said cumulative value has reached a Predetermined value, 15 said controller is further programmed to execute processing of (c) repeatedly executing process ing of variably displaying said symbol and stop-displaying said symbol to said symbol display, without acceptincf the bet of the game medium 20 in said processing (a) , after receiving the common-game execut ion. g t ransmitted from said control device, and a id processor is further programmed to execute processing of (C) determining - number of points to be offered to each 25 of said slot machines based on a number or a combination of said symbol stop-displayed to said symbol display in each of said slot machines after executing said processing (B) (D) lighting said plurality of illuminants included in said coupling illuminated line provided for the slot machine 30 based on the number of points determined in said procesing (C), the number of points being to oe ffered to the slot machine, in an order starting from said illuminant provided at a position closest to the slot machine, (E) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated 35 line wi th 1 of said illuminants having been lighted in said 416 processing (D) is r-esent, and (F) pavi ng out predetermined number of game media, when determining that the couin 1g illuminated line with all of said illuminants having been lighted is present in said processing 5 (E) , to said slot mach.i ne provided with the coupling illuminated line.

4. A gaming system comprising: a plurality of slot machines each including a symbol 10 display capable of variably displaying a symbol and a controller; a control device including a processor; a network enabling communication between said plurality of slot machines and said control device; 15 a reach -ortion indicative of a target position to reach; and a coupling illuminated line provided for each of said slot machines and including a plurality of illuminants arranged from said reach portion to said slot machine, 20 wherein said controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) accepting a bet of a came medium, and (b) transmitting number-of-game-media information indicative of a number of bett ed game media s the bet accepted 25 in said processing (a) to said contLrl device, said -processor is programmed to execute processing of (A) cumulatively county n a pa t of the number of betted game media as a cumui a v ue based on saio number-of-game-media information received from said slot 30 machine, and (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to said slot macine, when said cumulative value has reacneo a Predetermined value, said controller is further programmed to execute 35 processing of 417 (c) repeatedly executing process ing of variably displaying said symbol and stop-displaying said symbol to said symbol display, without acceptincf the bet of the game medium in said processing (a), after receiving the common-game 5 execution signal from said control device, and said processor is further progranuned to execute processing of (C) determining a number of points to be offered to each of said slot machines based on a number or a combination of said 10 symbol stop-displayed to said symbol display in each of said slot machines after executing said processing (B) (D) cumulatively counting the number of points determined in said pr:ocessing (C) for each slot machine as a number of accumulated points, 15 (E) lighting a plurality of illuminants included in said coupling illuminated line provided for the siot machine based on the number of accumulated points counted in said processing (D) , the slot machine being associated with the number of accumulated points, in an order starting from said illuminant 20 provided at a posi tion closest to the slot machine, (F) determining whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of SaId illuminants having been l ghted in sa d processing (E) is present, and (G) paying out a predetermined number of game media, when 25 determining that the coupling 1luminated line with all of said illuminants having been lighted is present in said processing (F) , to said siot machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. 30

5. The gaming system according to claim 1, werein: said coupling illuminated line is formed by a straight portion extending from said reach portion to a predetermined position and a bent portion in a remaining portion, said straight portions provided for all the gaming 35 machines having substantially the same length, 418 said bent portions provided for at least two gaming machines, out of all the gaming machines, having lengths different from each other, said straight portions provided for all the gaming 5 machines including substantially same numbers of illuminants arranged in said straight portion, and said bent portions provided for at least two gaming machines, out of all the gaming machines, including different numbers of illuminates arranged in said bent portion. 10

6. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein: in the processing (C) the processor lights said plurality of illuminantis included in said coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine, based on the result of the 15 common game transmitted in the processing (d) and the numbe-r-of-qame-media information transmitted in said processing (b) from the gaming machine which s a transmission source of the result of the common game, in an order starting from said illuminant provided at a position closest to the 20 gaming machine.

The gaming system according to claim 6, wherein: said processor is programmed to execute processing of (F) cumulatively counting the number of betted game media 25 as an accumulated number of bets for each gaming machine, based on the number-of-game-media information transmitted in said processIng (b) , and in the processing (C), lighting said plurality of illuminants included in said coupling illuminated line provided 30 for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-came result information in an order starting from said illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, based on the common-game result information transmitted in said processing (d) and said accumulated number of bets in the gaming 35 machine. 419

8. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is further programmed to execute processing of: 5 in the processing (B) , (B-i) counting a number of said gaming machines joining a game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when said cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, and (B-2) transmitting a common-game execution signal at least to said gaming machines 10 joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines cou-nted in said processing (B-1) is equal to or more than a specific number, (G) identifying said gaming machine as a transmission 15 source of said number-of-game-media information, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said processing (B-1) is less than the spec number, said number-of-game-media information being a basis of counting of said game media in the counting wnen said cumulative value has reached the 20 predetermined value in said processing (A) , and (H) paying out a fixed number of game media to said gaming machine identified in said processing (G)

9. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein: 25 the processor is further programmed to execute processing of: in the process ing (B) , (B-i) counting a number or sai gaming machines joining a game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when said cumulative value has 30 reached a predetermined value, and (B-2) transmitting a common-game execution signal at least to said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said processing (B-1) is equal to or more than a specific -1c 35 number, 420 (I) determining a single or a plurality of said gaming machines out of said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said processing (B) 5 is less than the specific number, and (J) paying out a fixed number of game media to the single or the plurality or said gaming machines determined in said processing (I) 10

10. The gaming system according to claim 1, wherein: the processor is further programmed to execute processing of: in the processing (B) , (B-i) counting a nmber of said gaming machines joining a game among all of said gaming machines 15 connected by said network, when said cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, and (B-2) transmitting a common-game execution signal at least to said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines cou-nted 20 in said processing (B-1) is equal to or more than a specific number, (K) extracting a random number from a predetermined numerical range, when the number of said gamingmachines counted in said processing (B-i) is less than the specific number, 25 (L) det ermi n ng a single or a plurality of said gaming machines out of said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, based on the random number extracted in said processing (K) , and (M) paying out a fixed number of game media to the single 30 or the plurality of said gaming machines determined in said processing T).

11. A game control method comprising steps of: (a) accepting a bet of a game medium in a gaming machine; 35 (b) transmitting numober-of-game-media information 421 indicative of a number of betted game media as the bet accepted in said step (a) to a control device from said gaming machine; (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in said control device as a cumulative value based 5 on said number-of-game-media information received from said gaming machine; (B) transmitting a common-game execution signal to said gaming machine from said control device, when said cumiuative value has reached a predetermined value; 10 (c) executing a common game in said gaming machine after receiving the common-game execution signal transmitted in said step (B) from said control device; (d) Transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in said 15 step (c) to said control device from said gaming machine; (C) lighting by using said control device a plurality o il luminants included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine as a transmission source of the common-game result information based on the common-cfame result 20 information transmitted in said step (d) , in an order starting from said illuminant provided at a position closest to the gaming machine, said coupling illuminated line bei no provided for each of said gaming machines and including said plurality of illuminants arranged from a reach portion indicative of a 25 target position to reach to said gaming machine; (D) determining in said control device whether or not the coupling illuminated line with all of said illuminants having been igJhted in sai step (C) is present; and (E) payi ng out predetermined number of game media, when 30 determi ing in said control device that the coupling illuminat ed ie with all of said illuminants having been lighted is present in said step (D) , from said control device to said gaming machine provided with the coupling illuminated line. 35 422

12. The game control method according to claim 11, wherein: in the step (c) the gaming machine executes a common game in said gaming machine without accepting the bet of the game medium in said step (a) after receiving the common-came 5 execiition signal transmitted from said control device.

13. The game control method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of in the step (C) lighting by said control device a 10 plurality of illuminates included in a coupling illuminated line provided for the gaming machine, based on the result of the common game transmitted in the step (d), and the number-of-game-media information transmitted in said step (b) from the gaming machine which is a transmission source of the 15 result of the common game.

14. The game control method according to claim 11, wherein: the processor Is further programmed to execute the steps of: 20 in the step (B) , (B-I) counting in said control device a number of said gaming machines joining a game among all of said gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication between a plurality of said gaming machines and said control device, when said cumulative value has reached a 25 Predetermined value, and (B-2) sending by using said control device a common game signal of a common game to be played concurrently in said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said step (B-1) is 30 equal to or more than a specific number; (F) identifying said gaming machine as a transmission source of said number-of-game-media information by using said control device, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said step (B-I) is less than the specific number, said 35 numbe-r-of-game-media information being a basis of counting of 423 said game media in the counting when said cumulative value has reached the predetermined value in said step (A) ; and (G) paying out a fixed number of game media from said control device to said gaming machine identified in said step 5 (F).

15. The came control method according to claim 11, wherein: the processor is further programmed to execute the steps of: 10 in the step (B) , (B-I) counting in said control device a number of said gaming machines joining a game among all of said gaming machines connected by a network enabling communication bet-ween a plurality of said gaming machines and said control device, when said cumulative value has reached a 15 predetermined value, and (B-2) sending by using said control device a common game signal of a common game to be played concurrently in said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said step (B-1) is 20 equal to or more than a specific number; (H) determining in said control device a single or a plurality of said gaming machines out of said gaming machines joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines counted 25 in said step (B-i) is less than the specific number; ann (I) paying out a fixed number of came media from said control device to the single or the plurality of said naming machines decried in said step (H) 30

16. The game control method according to claim 11, wherein: the processor Is further programmed to execute the steps of: n the step (B) , (B-I) counting in sad control device a number of said gaming machines joining a game among all of 35 said gaming machines connected by a network enabling 424 communication between a plurali ty of said gaming machines and said control device, when said cumulative value has reached a predetermined value, and; (B-2) sendincf by using said control device a common game to be played concurrently in said gaming 5 machines j oining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, when the number of said gaming machines co-unted in said step (B-1) is equal to or more than a specific number; (J) extracting a random number f rom a predetermined 10 numerical range by using said control device, when the number of said gaming machines counted in said step (B-1) is less than the specific number; (K) determining in said control device a single or a plur ality of said gaming machines out of said gaming machines 15 joining the game among all of said gaming machines connected by said network, based on the random number extracted in said step ( ) ; ad L) pa ving out a fi xed number of game media from said control device to the single or the plurality of said gaming 20 machines determined in said step (K) 425