JP2011004821A - Gaming machine and method of play therein, capable of sustaining player's interest - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gaming machine and a method of play therein, capable of sustaining a player's interest in the play.SOLUTION: If a special symbol 180a to be treated as any regular symbol 180b is rearranged in an arrangement area 150, whether the special symbol 180a should be non-variably displayed or not is determined by a lottery. If it is determined by the lottery that the special symbol should be non-variably displayed, the special symbol 180a is non-variably displayed in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is rearranged, and reel symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is not non-variably displayed. The dividend is provided according to the combination of the rearranged reel symbols 180 and/or non-variably displayed special symbol 180a on an effective winning line.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of sustaining an interest of a player and a playing method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art A slot machine having a plurality of reels each having a plurality of symbols attached to an outer peripheral surface is known as a gaming machine that gives a player a payout in accordance with a winning content of a game. In this slot machine, when a player performs a predetermined operation, a unit game is started, the reel displayed on the display is scrolled, and a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel are cyclically displayed. The Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, all the reels are stopped, and a part of the symbols attached to the reels is displayed on the display. A payout is paid out according to the combination of symbols displayed on the effective pay line when all the reels are stopped, and the unit game is terminated.

  Such a slot machine has a normal symbol as a plurality of symbols attached to the outer peripheral surface of the reel and a special symbol that can be handled as any of the normal symbols, and the special symbol is displayed on the display. In such a case, a slot machine is known in which a special symbol is continuously displayed (fixed) on a display by fixing the reel without scrolling in a unit game performed thereafter based on a predetermined condition. (Patent Documents 1 and 2). In such a slot machine, since the special symbols continue to be displayed on the display, it is possible to make the player feel that there is a high possibility that a combination of symbols to which a payout will be awarded is displayed on the effective pay line, It can increase the player's expectation of winning dividends.

US Patent Publication No. 2005/0266916 US Patent Publication No. 2004/0137932

  However, with respect to Patent Documents 1 and 2, the condition for fixing and displaying the special symbol on the display is a constant condition set in advance in the gaming machine, and thus is monotonous. For this reason, when the special symbol is displayed on the display, the player's interest in whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the subsequent unit games gradually fades, and as a result, the player's interest It was not something that could last.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of sustaining the interest of the player and a playing method thereof.

  The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and includes a normal symbol, a special symbol that can be handled as any of the normal symbols, and a reel symbol that represents at least one of the normal symbol or the special symbol. A display having a plurality of symbol columns, a plurality of arrangement regions for variably displaying the reel symbols of the symbol columns, and the arrangement regions arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns; And a controller programmed to operate as in the following (a1) to (a6). (A1) In the arrangement area, the reel symbols are rearranged, (a2) a payout is awarded according to the combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines, (a3) When the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, it is determined by lottery whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed. (A4) When it is determined that the special symbol is fixedly displayed by lottery, the special symbol is re-displayed. The special symbols are fixedly displayed in the arranged area, (a5) the reel symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed, and (a6) on the effective winning line, A payout is awarded according to a combination of the reel symbols rearranged and / or the special symbols fixedly displayed.

According to the above configuration, when a special symbol that is handled as any of the normal symbols is rearranged in the arrangement area, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by lottery, and is determined to be fixedly displayed by lottery. If a special symbol is displayed, the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area where the special symbol is rearranged, and the reel symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed. A payout is awarded according to the combination of the reel symbol and / or the special symbol fixedly displayed.
In this way, since the special symbol is fixedly displayed, the player can feel that there is a high possibility that the combination of the reel symbols to which a payout is awarded on the effective winning line will be rearranged. Can increase the expectation of paying dividends. Further, whether or not to display the special symbol in a fixed manner is determined by lottery, so that the player can be highly interested in the lottery and the player's interest can be maintained.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, when the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, the controller may perform a lottery as to whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by a player's operation. . According to the above configuration, when the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by the player's operation. Thus, since the lottery for determining whether or not to display the special symbol is performed by the player's operation, the player can be highly interested in the lottery. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  Moreover, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the symbol row may be provided for each of the arrangement regions. According to said structure, it has a symbol row | line for every arrangement | positioning area | region. As a result, it is possible to variably display the reel symbol of the symbol row independently for each arrangement region, and to diversify the arrangement pattern of the reel symbols displayed on the display.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display further includes a special symbol lottery content display area for displaying whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed, and the controller displays the special symbol lottery content display. The lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed may be displayed in the area. According to said structure, the lottery content of whether this special symbol is fixedly displayed is displayed on the special symbol lottery content display area of a display. Thereby, since the player can grasp the lottery content as to whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed, the player can be highly interested in the lottery. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  Further, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the special symbol lottery content display area has a plurality of display areas, and the display areas have the same number of rows and the same number of columns as the arrangement areas arranged on the display. The display areas may be arranged in a matrix, and the controller may display lottery contents on whether or not to display a special symbol in the arrangement area in the display area corresponding to the arrangement area of the display. According to the above configuration, the display area of the special symbol lottery content display area is arranged in a matrix with the same number of rows and the same number of columns as the arrangement area arranged on the display, and the display area corresponding to the arrangement area of the display In addition, the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area is displayed. In this way, the player can grasp the lottery content for determining whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed for each arrangement area, so that the player is highly interested in the lottery for each arrangement area. be able to. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  The present invention is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and includes a normal symbol, a special symbol that can be handled as any of the normal symbols, and a plurality of reel symbols that represent at least one of the normal symbol or the special symbol. A display having a plurality of arrangement regions for variably displaying the symbol columns and the reel symbols of the symbol columns, the arrangement regions being arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns, and the arrangement regions; A winning line provided, and a controller programmed to operate as in (b1) to (b5) below. (B1) A normal game in which a payout is awarded according to the combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines is executed, and (b2) a free game is predetermined based on predetermined conditions. (B3) Before the start of the free game, (b3) Before the start of the free game, determine the placement area in which the special symbol can be fixedly displayed by lottery, (b4) In the free game, When the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area where the reel symbol is rearranged and the special symbol can be fixedly displayed, the special symbol is fixedly displayed, and (b5) in the subsequent free game The reel symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed.

  According to the above configuration, before starting the free game, a placement area where special symbols that can be handled as any other can be fixedly displayed is determined by lottery, and reel symbols are rearranged in the free game. When a special symbol is rearranged in an arrangement area where the symbol can be fixedly displayed, the special symbol is fixedly displayed. In a free game thereafter, a reel is displayed in an arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed. Rearrange the symbols. In this way, the special symbol fixedly displayed in the arrangement area feels that the player is more likely to rearrange the combination of reel symbols to which a payout is awarded on the effective pay line in the subsequent free game. Therefore, it is possible to increase the player's expectation of winning a dividend.

  The present invention relates to a normal symbol, a special symbol treated as any of the normal symbols, a symbol column having a plurality of reel symbols representing at least one of the normal symbol or the special symbol, and the symbol column. A plurality of arrangement areas for variably displaying reel symbols, a display in which the arrangement areas are arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns, and a pay line provided over the arrangement areas A gaming machine playing method comprising: (c1) a step of rearranging the reel symbols in the arrangement area; and (c2) a reel rearranged on an effective winning line of the winning lines. A step of giving a dividend according to a combination of symbols; and (c3) when the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, the special symbol is fixedly displayed. (C4) fixedly displaying the special symbol in the arrangement area in which the special symbol is rearranged when determined to be fixedly displayed by lottery, (c5) A step of rearranging the reel symbol in the arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed; and (c6) the reel symbol rearranged and / or fixedly displayed on the effective winning line. And a step of giving a payout according to the combination of the special symbols.

According to the above configuration, when a special symbol that is handled as any other is rearranged in the arrangement area, it is determined whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by lottery, and is determined to be fixedly displayed by lottery. The special symbols are fixedly displayed in the arrangement area where the special symbols are arranged, and the reel symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed, and the reels are rearranged on the effective winning line. Dividends are awarded according to combinations of symbols and / or special symbols that are fixedly displayed.
In this way, the special symbol fixedly displayed by lottery makes it possible for the player to feel that there is a high possibility that the combination of reel symbols to which payouts will be awarded will be rearranged on the effective winning line. Can increase the expectation of paying dividends. Further, whether or not to display the special symbol in a fixed manner is determined by lottery, so that the player can be highly interested in the lottery and the player's interest can be maintained.

  The present invention can maintain the interest of the player.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the gaming machine and the playing method thereof according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram showing a game system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a view illustrating an arrangement of symbols drawn on a peripheral surface of a reel of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view illustrating a symbol combination table of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of main control processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of coin-insertion / start-check processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of jackpot-related processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance-related processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol display control processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the payout amount determination processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance selection processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a view illustrating a flowchart of fixed control processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of special symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is an explanatory view illustrating a display form of the display in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Outline of gaming machine)
When the special symbol is arranged in the arrangement area, the gaming machine according to the first embodiment determines whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by lottery, and when it is determined that the special symbol is fixedly displayed, Is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area, and rearrangement is performed in the arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed.

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 rearranges the reel symbol 180 in the arrangement area 150 and the reel symbol 180 rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines. When a payout is awarded according to the combination, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, whether to display the special symbol 180a is determined by lottery, and when the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed by lottery If determined, a stage in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is rearranged, and a stage in which the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. And a payout according to the combination of the rearranged reel symbol 180 and / or the special symbol 180a fixedly displayed on the effective winning line. And a stage that, to perform the playing method with.

  As shown in FIG. 1, 20 video reels 3 are displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the display 101. Here, the “video reel” is a video representing a rotation and stop operation of a mechanical reel having a plurality of reel symbols 180 (symbols) drawn on its peripheral surface. Each video reel 3 is assigned a symbol row composed of a plurality of predetermined reel symbols 180 (symbols) in this embodiment.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the symbol display area 4 is formed of a plurality of arrangement areas 150. That is, the symbol display area 4 is a plurality of arrangement areas 150 formed in a matrix of 5 columns and 4 rows. Here, “row” means a symbol row in the horizontal direction of the symbol display region 4 in this embodiment, and “column” means a symbol in the vertical direction of the symbol display region 4 in this embodiment. Means a column.

  In each arrangement area 150, the symbol string assigned to the video reel 3 is scrolled (variably displayed), and stops after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, one reel symbol 180 of each symbol row is displayed in each arrangement area 150.

  Here, the “special symbol” means “WILD” in the present embodiment. “WILD” is an almighty symbol that can be captured by any of a plurality of types of ordinary symbols 180b. That is, the special symbol 180a of “WILD” can be regarded as the normal symbol 180b of “APPLE”, or can be regarded as the normal symbol 180b of “BELL”. The reel symbol 180 includes nine types of ordinary symbols 180b of “JACKPOT7”, “APPLE”, “BLUE7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, and “ORANGE” There is a special symbol 180a of “WILD” that can be handled as any of the symbols 180b.

  “Arrangement” means that the reel symbol 180 can be visually confirmed by an external player. That is, in FIG. 1, the reel symbol 180 is displayed in the arrangement area 150. In addition, after canceling the arrangement of the reel symbol 180, arranging it again is referred to as “rearrangement”.

  Further, “fixed display” means that the special symbol 180a arranged in the arrangement area 150 is arranged in the arrangement area 150 also in the unit game performed thereafter. In the present embodiment, the special symbol 180a determined to be fixedly displayed is continuously displayed in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is arranged without scrolling the video reel 3 in the unit game performed thereafter. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the arrangement of the special symbol 180a is canceled and the video reel 3 is scrolled, the special symbol 180a may be arranged again in the arrangement area 150.

  Here, the “unit game” is a series of operations from the start of BET acceptance until a state where a prize can be established. For example, the unit game of the normal game includes a BET time for accepting a BET, a game time for rearranging the stopped reel symbol 180, and a payout time for payout processing for giving a payout once. It should be noted that the unit game in the special game that does not require a BET includes a game time for rearranging the stopped reel symbol 180 and a payout time for payout processing for giving a payout once.

  “Special game” is synonymous with a bonus game (feature game). The bonus game in the present embodiment is described as a game in which a free game is repeated. However, the bonus game may be any type of game as long as the game state is more advantageous than the normal game. Also, other special games may be adopted together as long as the game state is advantageous for the player, that is, if the game state is more advantageous than the normal game. For example, a special game has various states such as a state that can acquire more game value than a normal game, a state that can acquire a game value with a higher probability than a normal game, and a state that consumes less game value than a normal game. May be realized alone or in combination.

  A “free game” is a game that can be executed with a smaller BET of game value than a normal game. “A game value can be executed with less BET” includes the case where the BET is “0”. Therefore, the “free game” may be a game that is executed without a game value BET as a condition and pays an amount of game value according to the rearranged reel symbol 180. In other words, the “free game” may be a game that is started without presuming the consumption of game value. On the other hand, the “normal game” is a game that is executed on the condition that a BET of the game value is paid and pays an amount of game value corresponding to the rearranged reel symbol 180. In other words, the “ordinary game” is a game that is started on the premise that the game value is consumed.

  The “game value” is a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these. The game value in the present invention is not particularly limited, and may be a game medium such as a medal, token, electronic money, ticket or the like. The ticket is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a ticket with a barcode described later.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the special symbol lottery content display area 400 of the display 101 is an area for displaying the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a rearranged in the symbol display area 4 is fixedly displayed. The special symbol lottery content display area 400 is formed of a plurality of lottery display areas 161 as shown in FIG. That is, the special symbol lottery content display area 400 is a plurality of lottery display areas 161 formed in a matrix of 5 columns and 4 rows.

  Each lottery display area 161 of the special symbol lottery content display area 400 corresponds to the arrangement area 150 in the same row and the same column in the symbol display area 4. For example, the lottery display region 161 in the first row of the fifth column in the special symbol lottery content display region 400 corresponds to the arrangement region 150 in the first row of the fifth column in the symbol display region 4. When the special symbol 180 a is arranged in the arrangement region 150, the lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the lottery display region 161 of the special symbol lottery content display region 400 corresponding to the arrangement region 150.

  The lottery symbol 185 is a symbol displayed so that the player can select the arrangement area 150 where the lottery for determining whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. When the player selects the lottery symbol 185, the lottery result symbol 186 is displayed in the lottery display region 161, replacing the selected lottery symbol 185. The lottery result symbol 186 includes a winning symbol 186a that indicates to the player that the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, and an off symbol 186b that indicates to the player that the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. In the arrangement area 150 corresponding to the lottery display area 161 on which the winning symbol 186a is displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the unit game performed thereafter.

[Explanation of function flow diagram]
A basic function of the gaming machine 1 that executes the above-described playing method will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a function flow of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a BET button unit 601, a spin button unit 602, and a display 101, and a controller 630 that controls these units. The BET button unit 601 and the spin button unit 602 are a kind of input device. Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 is connected to the external control device 200 so that data communication is possible.

  The BET button unit 601 has a function of accepting a BET amount by a player's operation. The spin button unit 602 has a function of accepting the start of a game such as a normal game by a player's operation, that is, a start operation. The display 101 has a function of displaying various reel symbols 180, still image information such as numerical values and symbols, and moving image information such as effect images. Further, the display 101 has a touch panel 114 as an input device, and has a function of accepting various commands by a player's pressing operation. The display 101 includes a symbol display area 4, a video display area 101a, and a special symbol lottery content display area 400. The symbol display area 4 displays the reel symbol 180 of FIG. The video display area 101a displays various types of effect video information executed while the game is in progress as moving images or still images.

  The special symbol lottery content display area 400 displays the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a arranged in the arrangement region 150 of FIG. 1 is fixedly displayed. Specifically, when the special symbol 180 a is arranged in the arrangement region 150, the lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the lottery display region 161 of the special symbol lottery content display region 400 corresponding to the arrangement region 150. When the lottery symbol 185 is selected by the player via the touch panel 114, the lottery symbol 185 is displayed instead of the lottery symbol 185. Note that the special symbol lottery content display area 400 may be formed together with the symbol display area 4 and the video display area 101a, or appears only when the lottery of whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is performed. May be.

  In the arrangement area 150, the controller 630 performs a first process for rearranging the reel symbols 180 and a second process for giving a payout according to a combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines. When the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, special processing is performed when it is determined that the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed by the lottery and the third process for determining whether the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. A fourth process for fixedly displaying the special symbol 180a in the arrangement area 150 in which the symbol 180a is rearranged, and a fifth process for rearranging the reel symbol 180 in the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. A payout is awarded according to the combination of the rearranged reel symbol 180 and / or the special symbol 180a fixedly displayed on the winning line. It is configured to perform the 6 process. In other words, the controller 630 includes a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit, a fourth processing unit, a fifth processing unit, and a sixth processing unit.

  The controller 630 includes a coin insertion / start check unit 603, a base game execution unit 605, a bonus game start determination unit 606, a bonus game execution unit 607, a random value extraction unit 615, a symbol determination unit 612, and an effect A random number extraction unit 616, an effect content determination unit 613, a speaker unit 617, a lamp unit 618, a winning determination unit 619, and a payout unit 620 are provided.

  The normal game execution unit 605 has a function of executing a normal game on condition that the BET button unit 601 is operated. The bonus game start determination unit 606 determines whether or not to execute the bonus game based on the combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged in the normal game. That is, the bonus game start determination unit 606 determines that the bonus game is won when the symbols related to the bonus game trigger are rearranged under a predetermined condition, and the bonus game is executed so that the bonus game is executed from the next unit game. The execution unit 607 has a function of transferring processing.

  The bonus game execution unit 607 has a function of executing a bonus game in which a free game is repeated by a plurality of games only by operating the spin button unit 602, and a function of determining an arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a can be fixedly displayed. And a function of outputting fixable position information indicating the determined information to a special symbol position determining unit 622 described later.

  The determination of the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a can be fixedly displayed is performed when the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display region 161 of the special symbol lottery content display region 400 is selected by the player. Instead of 185, it is determined whether to display the winning symbol 186a or to display the off symbol 186b. In other words, in the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is arranged, when the player selects lottery whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the special symbol 180a is displayed in the arrangement area 150. It is determined whether or not to perform fixed display. It is determined by lottery whether the winning symbol 186a is displayed in place of the lottery symbol 185 or the off symbol 186b is displayed.

  The symbol determination unit 612 uses the random number value from the random value extraction unit 615 to re-configure the reel symbol 180 to be rearranged and the determined reel symbol 180 in the symbol display area 4 of the display 101. Based on the function to arrange, the special symbol fixed position information from the special symbol position determining unit 622, which will be described later, the function to fix and display the special symbol 180a in the symbol display area 4, and the winning symbol determination unit 619 And a function of outputting an effect designation signal to the effect random number extraction unit 616 based on the state of the arrangement of the reel symbols 180.

  The effect random number extraction unit 616 has a function of extracting an effect random value and a function of outputting the effect random value to the effect content determination unit 613 when receiving an effect command signal from the symbol determination unit 612. is doing. The effect content determination unit 613 has a function of determining the effect content using the random number for the effect, a function of outputting video information of the determined effect content to the video display area 101a of the display 101, and a voice / A function of outputting light emission information to the speaker portion 617 and the lamp portion 618.

  The winning determination unit 619 calculates a payout amount based on the winning combination when it is determined that a winning has been determined, and a function for determining the presence or absence of a winning when arrangement information of the reel symbol 180 arranged on the display 101 is obtained. And a function of outputting a payout signal based on the payout amount to the payout unit 620. The payout unit 620 has a function of paying out the game value to the player in the form of coins, medals, credits, and the like.

  Further, the controller 630 includes an input position acquisition unit 621 and a special symbol position determination unit 622. The input position acquisition unit 621 has a function of acquiring selected position information, which is information about the lottery display area 161 selected by the player, from the touch panel 114 of the display 101, and the acquired selected position information as a special symbol position determining unit. 622.

  The special symbol position determination unit 622 displays the special symbol 180a in the arrangement area 150 selected by the player based on the selection position information from the input position acquisition unit 621 and the fixable position information from the bonus game execution unit 607. A function for determining whether to perform fixed display, a function for outputting special symbol fixed position information indicating the determined content to the special symbol lottery content display area 400 of the display 101, and a symbol determination for the special symbol fixed position information A function of outputting to the unit 612.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, whether or not the special symbol lottery content display area 400 is fixedly displayed is determined by the gaming machine 1 that determines the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a can be fixedly displayed. It consists of a lottery in two stages: a lottery and a lottery by a player who selects an arrangement area 150 capable of fixedly displaying the special symbol 180a.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the lottery for determining whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is performed only when the special game is being executed, but is not limited to this. A lottery may be performed as to whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the game.

(Operation of gaming machine 1)
A basic operation of the gaming machine 1 configured by the above functional blocks will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 executes main control processing (A1) to (A8). Specifically, first, the reel symbols 180 are rearranged in the arrangement area 150 (step A1). That is, the controller 630 performs the first process. Specifically, the following series of operations are executed.

(Coin insertion / start check)
First, the gaming machine 1 checks whether or not the BET button unit 601 has been pressed by the player, and subsequently checks whether or not the spin button unit 602 has been pressed by the player.

(Symbol decision)
Next, when the spin button unit 602 is pressed by the player, the gaming machine 1 extracts a random number for symbol determination, and scrolls the symbol row in accordance with each of the plurality of video reels displayed on the display 101. The reel symbol 180 to be displayed to the player when stopped is determined.

(Symbol display)
Next, the gaming machine 1 starts scrolling the symbol column of each video reel, and stops scrolling so that the determined reel symbol 180 is displayed to the player.

(Winning determination)
The above is the content of the operation executed in the rearrangement of the reel symbol 180. Next, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines relates to winning (Step A2).

  When it is determined that the combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged on the effective winning line is related to winning (step A2: NO), the process proceeds to step A4.

(Payout)
On the other hand, when it is determined that the combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged on the effective winning line is related to the winning (step A2: YES), the gaming machine 1 according to the type of the combination of the reel symbols 180. Bonuses are given to the player (step A3). That is, the controller 630 executes the second process.

  For example, when a combination of reel symbols 180 relating to coin payout is displayed, the gaming machine 1 pays out a number of coins corresponding to the combination of reel symbols 180 to the player.

  Further, the gaming machine 1 starts the bonus game when the combination of the reel symbols 180 related to the bonus game trigger is displayed. In the present embodiment, as a bonus game, a game (free game) in which lottery related to the determination of the symbols to be stopped is performed a predetermined number of times without consuming coins.

Further, the gaming machine 1 pays out the coin of the jackpot amount to the player when the symbol combination related to the jackpot trigger is displayed. A jackpot accumulates a part of coins consumed by a player in each gaming machine 1 as a jackpot amount, and when there is a gaming machine 1 for which a jackpot trigger is established, A function that pays out coins of the accumulated jackpot amount.
The gaming machine 1 calculates the amount (accumulated amount) accumulated in the jackpot amount for each game (unit game), and transmits it to the external control device 200. The external control device 200 accumulates the accumulated amount transmitted from each gaming machine 1 in the jackpot amount.

The gaming machine 1 is provided with benefits such as a mystery bonus and insurance in addition to the above benefits.
In the mystery bonus, a predetermined amount of coins is paid out by winning a special lottery. When the spin button unit 602 is pressed by the player, the gaming machine 1 extracts a random value for the mystery bonus and determines by lottery whether or not to establish the mystery bonus trigger.

Insurance is a function provided for the purpose of relieving a player from a situation where a bonus game has not been played for a long period of time. In the present embodiment, the player can arbitrarily select whether or not the insurance is valid. When insurance is activated, it is exchanged for a predetermined amount of insurance.
When the insurance is validated, the gaming machine 1 starts counting the number of games. Then, the gaming machine 1 pays out the amount of coins set for insurance when the counted number of games reaches a predetermined number without paying out a large amount due to a bonus game or the like.

<Determination of production>
In addition, the gaming machine 1 produces an effect by displaying an image on the video display area 101 a of the display 101, outputting light from the lamp unit 618, and outputting sound from the speaker unit 617. The gaming machine 1 extracts a random number for production, and determines the content of the production based on a symbol determined by lottery.

  Next, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not a bonus game that is a special game is being executed (step A4). If it is determined that the bonus game is not being executed (step A4: NO), the process returns to step A1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the bonus game is being executed (step A4: YES), the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 (step A5). If it is determined that the special symbol 180a has not been rearranged in the arrangement area 150 (step A5: NO), the process returns to step A1.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 (step A5: YES), a lottery is performed as to whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed (step A6). That is, the controller 630 performs the third process.

  Next, the gaming machine 1 determines whether or not there is a special symbol 180a to be fixedly displayed (step A7). That is, it is determined whether or not the winning symbol 186 a is displayed in the lottery display region 161 of the special symbol lottery content display region 400. If it is determined that there is no special symbol 180a to be fixedly displayed (step A7: NO), the process returns to step A1.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a special symbol 180a to be fixed (step A7: YES), the special symbol 180a is rearranged (corresponding to the lottery display region 161 on which the winning symbol 186a is displayed). The special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed on the arrangement area 150 (step A8). That is, the controller 630 performs the fourth process. Next, rearrangement is performed in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed (step A9). That is, the controller 630 performs the fifth process. A series of operations related to the rearrangement is basically the same as step A1 described above.

  After the process of step A7, the gaming machine 1 returns to the process of step A2, and depends on the type of combination of the reel symbol 180 rearranged and / or the special symbol 180a fixedly displayed on the effective winning line. Give the player a privilege. That is, the controller 630 executes the sixth process.

  As apparent from the operation of the gaming machine 1 described above, the gaming machine 1 repositions the reel symbol 180 in the arrangement region 150 and the reel symbol 180 rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines. A stage in which a payout is awarded according to the combination, a stage in which whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, and a fixed display in the lottery. Then, when it is determined, the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the stage where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is rearranged, and in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. Combination of stage and rearranged reel symbol 180 and / or special symbol 180a fixedly displayed on the effective winning line It is realized playing method provided with the steps of awarding a payout in accordance with the.

According to the above playing method, when the special symbol 180a handled as any other is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery and fixed by lottery. When it is determined that the special symbol 180a is displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement region 150 where the special symbol 180a is arranged, and the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement region 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. A payout is awarded according to the combination of the rearranged reel symbol 180 and / or the special symbol fixedly displayed on the winning line.
In this way, the special symbol fixedly displayed by lottery makes it possible for the player to feel that there is a high possibility that the combination of reel symbols to which payouts will be awarded will be rearranged on the effective winning line. Can increase the expectation of paying dividends. Further, whether or not to display the special symbol in a fixed manner is determined by lottery, so that the player can be highly interested in the lottery and the player's interest can be maintained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150, the gaming machine 1 performs a lottery on whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150, and the special symbol is obtained by lottery. When the player selects the arrangement area 150 determined to be fixedly displayed 180a, the special symbol 180a is determined to be fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150. However, the present invention is not limited to this. is not. For example, when it is determined that the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the specific gravity of the player's technical intervention may be high. Specifically, apart from the video reel 3 displayed in the symbol display area 4, a video reel reel for determining whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed on the display 101, and the symbol of the video reel is displayed. A plurality of lottery result symbols 186 indicating either one of the symbols 186a and the detached symbols 186b are attached to the row. Then, when the video reel is scrolled and stopped by the player's eye-opening operation, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is determined according to the display mode of the lottery result symbol 186 displayed on the display 101. It may be made like.

[Overall Game System 300]
The basic operation of the gaming machine 1 has been described above. Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a game system 300 including the gaming machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a game system 300 including the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The game system 300 includes a plurality of gaming machines 1 and an external control device 200 connected to each gaming machine 1 via a communication line 301.

  The external control device 200 controls a plurality of gaming machines 1. In the present embodiment, the external control device 200 is a so-called hall server installed in a gaming facility having a plurality of gaming machines 1. Each gaming machine 1 is assigned a unique identification number, and the external control device 200 determines the origin of data sent from each gaming machine 1 based on the identification number. In addition, when transmitting data from the external control device 200 to the gaming machine 1, the transmission destination is specified using the identification number.

  Note that the game system 300 may be constructed in one gaming facility capable of performing various games, such as a casino, or may be constructed among a plurality of gaming facilities. Further, when the game system 300 is constructed in one gaming facility, the game system 300 may be constructed for each floor or section of the gaming facility. The communication line 301 may be wired or wireless, and a dedicated line or an exchange line can be employed.

[Overall structure of gaming machine 1]
This completes the description of the game system 300 according to the present embodiment. Next, the overall structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a view illustrating an overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the gaming machine 1, coins, bills, or electronic valuable information corresponding to these are used as game media. In the present embodiment, a ticket with a barcode, which will be described later, is also used. Note that game media is not limited to these, and for example, medals, tokens, electronic money, and the like can be employed.

  The gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 11, a top box 12 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 11, and a main door 13 provided on the front surface of the cabinet 11.

A lower image display panel 141 is provided at the center of the main door 13. The lower image display panel 141 is a liquid crystal panel and includes a display 101. The display 101 has a symbol display area 4. In the symbol display area 4, 20 video reels 3 are displayed.
In the present embodiment, the video reel is a video representing a rotation and stop operation of a mechanical reel having a plurality of symbols drawn on its peripheral surface. Each video reel 3 is assigned a symbol string composed of a plurality of predetermined symbols (22 symbols in this embodiment) (see FIG. 6 described later).

  In the arrangement area 150 of the symbol display area 4, the symbol columns assigned to the respective video reels 3 are scrolled and stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. As a result, in each placement area 150, one reel symbol 180 of each symbol row is displayed to the player.

  The symbol display area 4 includes four rows, ie, an upper row in the vertical direction, an upper middle row, a lower middle row and a lower row, and an arrangement region 150 arranged in five columns in the horizontal direction. That is, 20 reel symbols 180 of 5 columns × 4 rows are displayed in the symbol display area 4.

In the present embodiment, any one of four rows in each column is selected, and a line formed by connecting the selected rows is a winning line. In other words, the winning line is provided across the plurality of arrangement areas 150. Note that a specific mode of the winning line can be arbitrarily adopted, but, for example, each upper row area in each row is connected. In addition to a straight line, a V-shaped or bent line can be used. Also, the number of winning lines can be arbitrarily adopted, for example, 30.
Furthermore, a line formed by selecting any of the five columns in each row and connecting the selected columns may be a winning line. Note that the winning line is activated based on a predetermined condition such as a bet amount in the unit game and becomes an effective winning line.

  Further, the lower image display panel 141 has a special symbol lottery content display area 400. In the special symbol lottery content display area 400, the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed. The special symbol lottery content display area 400 has lottery display areas 161 arranged in five columns and four rows.

  The lower image display panel 141 has a lottery count display area 169. In the lottery count display area 169, the remaining number of lotteries (hereinafter referred to as special symbol lottery count) that can be lottered to determine whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed.

  The lower image display panel 141 includes a credit amount display area 142 and a payout number display area 143. In the credit amount display area 142, the number of coins owned by the player and deposited in the gaming machine 1 (hereinafter, the number of credits) is displayed. In the payout number display area 143, the number of coins to be paid out to the player when a winning is established (hereinafter, the number of payouts) is displayed.

  The lower image display panel 141 includes a touch panel 114. The player can input various instructions by touching the lower image display panel 141.

  Below the lower image display panel 141, various buttons that are arranged on the control panel 30 and various devices to be operated by the player are arranged.

  The spin button 31 is used when starting to scroll the symbol column of each video reel 3. The change button 32 is used when requesting a change of money from an attendant of the game facility. The CASHOUT button 33 is used when paying out coins deposited in the gaming machine 1 to the coin tray 15.

  The 1-BET button 34 and the maximum BET button 35 are for determining the number of coins (hereinafter referred to as “BET number”) used in the game from the coins deposited in the gaming machine 1. The 1-BET button 34 is used when determining the BET number in units of one sheet. The maximum BET button 35 is used when the BET number is set to the specified upper limit number.

  The coin receiving slot 36 is provided for receiving coins. The bill validator 115 is provided for receiving bills. The banknote discriminator 115 sorts whether or not the banknote is appropriate, and accepts the appropriate banknote into the cabinet 11. Note that the bill validator 115 may be configured to be able to read a barcoded ticket 175 described later.

  An upper image display panel 131 is provided on the front surface of the top box 12. The upper image display panel 131 is a liquid crystal panel and constitutes a display. The upper image display panel 131 displays an image related to the effect, an introduction of the contents of the game, and an image showing the explanation of the rules. Further, the top box 12 is provided with a speaker 112 and a lamp 111. In the gaming machine 1, an effect is executed by displaying an image, outputting sound, and outputting light.

  Below the upper image display panel 131, a ticket printer 171, a card slot 176, a data display 174, and a keypad 173 are provided.

  The ticket printer 171 prints on a ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and an identification number of the gaming machine 1 are encoded, and outputs it as a ticket 175 with a bar code. A player can play a game by having the gaming machine read the ticket 175 with a barcode, or can exchange the ticket 175 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined location of the gaming facility (for example, a cashier in a casino). .

The card slot 176 is for inserting a card storing predetermined data. For example, the card stores data for identifying a player and data relating to a history of games played by the player.
The card inserted into the card slot 176 is read and written by a card reader 172 described later. The card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or credits.

  The data display unit 174 includes a fluorescent display, an LED, and the like, and displays data read by the card reader 172 or data input by the player via the keypad 173, for example. The keypad 173 is for inputting instructions and data related to ticket issuance and the like.

[Symbol column of video reel 3]
This completes the description of the overall structure of the gaming machine 1. Next, with reference to FIG. 6, the configuration of the symbol column included in the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 6 is a view showing the arrangement of the reel symbols 180 drawn on the peripheral surface of the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Each of the 20 video reels 3 is assigned a symbol string composed of 22 reel symbols 180 corresponding to code numbers “00” to “21”.

  The types of reel symbols 180 include “JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” “ORANGE,” and “APPLE” ordinary symbols 180b, and “WILD”. Special symbol 180a is provided.

[Configuration of a circuit included in the gaming machine 1]
This completes the description of the configuration of the symbol columns included in the video reel 3 of the gaming machine 1. Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The gaming board 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52 and a boot ROM 53, which are connected to each other via an internal bus, a card slot 55 corresponding to the memory card 54, and an IC socket 57 corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 56.

  The memory card 54 is composed of a nonvolatile memory and stores a game program and a game system program. The game program includes a program related to game progress, a stop symbol lottery program, and a program for executing effects by images and sounds (see, for example, FIGS. 11 to 20 described later). Further, the game program includes data (see FIG. 6) that defines the configuration of the symbol sequence assigned to each video reel 3.

  The stop symbol lottery program is a program for determining a stop scheduled symbol of each video reel 3 by lottery. The to-be-stopped symbol is data for determining one symbol to be displayed in each arrangement area 150 among the 22 symbols constituting the symbol row.

The stop symbol lottery program includes symbol determination data. The symbol determination data is determined with an equal probability (that is, 1/22) for each of the 22 reel symbols 180 (code numbers “00” to “21”) constituting the symbol row in accordance with each video reel 3. It is data that defines a random number value.
The probability that each of the 22 reel symbols 180 is determined is basically equal. However, since the number of various reel symbols 180 included in the 22 reel symbols 180 is different, the probabilities of determining the various reel symbols 180 are different (that is, a weight is generated). For example, referring to FIG. 6, the symbol sequence of the first video reel includes one “JACKPOT7” of the normal symbol 180b, whereas it includes six “ORANGE” of the normal symbol 180b. Yes. Therefore, the former is determined with a probability of “1/22”, while the latter is determined with a probability of “6/22”.

  In the present embodiment, data is defined so that the number of reel symbols 180 constituting the symbol column of each video reel 3 is the same, but the symbol column is configured according to each video reel 3. The number of reel symbols 180 may be different. For example, the symbol sequence of the first video reel may be composed of 22 reel symbols 180, while the symbol column of the second video reel may be composed of 30 reel symbols 180. Thereby, the freedom degree at the time of setting the probability that the various reel symbols 180 are determined according to each video reel 3 increases.

  The card slot 55 is configured so that the memory card 54 can be inserted and removed, and is connected to the motherboard 70 via an IDE bus.

  The GAL 56 is a kind of PLD (Programmable Logic Device) having an OR fixed type array structure. The GAL 56 includes a plurality of input ports and output ports. When a predetermined input is input to the input port, the corresponding data is output from the output port.

  The IC socket 57 is configured so that the GAL 56 can be attached and detached, and is connected to the mother board 70 by a PCI bus. The contents of the game played in the gaming machine 1 can be changed by replacing the memory card 54 with another program written therein or rewriting the program written in the memory card 54 with another one. .

  The CPU 51, ROM 52, and boot ROM 53 connected to each other via an internal bus are connected to the motherboard 70 via a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits signals between the motherboard 70 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power from the motherboard 70 to the gaming board 50.

The ROM 52 stores an authentication program. The boot ROM 53 stores a preliminary authentication program and a program (boot code) for the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program.
The authentication program is a program (tamper check program) for authenticating the game program and the game system program. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program. The authentication program and the preliminary authentication program are described in accordance with a procedure (authentication procedure) for authenticating that the target program has not been tampered with.

  The motherboard 70 includes a main CPU 71, a ROM 72, a RAM 73, and a communication interface 82.

  The ROM 72 includes a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS executed by the main CPU 71 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU 71, initialization processing of predetermined peripheral devices is performed. In addition, the game program and the game system program fetching process stored in the memory card 54 is started via the gaming board 50.

  The RAM 73 stores data and programs used when the main CPU 71 operates. For example, when the above-described game program, game system program, and authentication program are loaded, these can be stored. The RAM 73 is provided with a work area for executing the program. For example, an area for storing the number of games, the number of BETs, the number of payouts, the number of credits, an area for storing a reel symbol 180 (code number) determined by lottery, and the like are provided.

The communication interface 82 is for communicating with the external control device 200 such as a server via the communication line 301. The motherboard 70 is connected to a later-described door PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 90 and a main body PCB 110 by USB. Further, a power supply unit 81 is connected to the motherboard 70.
When power is supplied from the power supply unit 81 to the motherboard 70, the main CPU 71 of the motherboard 70 is activated, and power is supplied to the gaming board 50 via the PCI bus to activate the CPU 51.

Input devices such as switches and sensors and peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the main CPU 71 are connected to the door PCB 90 and the main body PCB 110.
A control panel 30, a reverter 91, a coin counter 92C, and a cold cathode tube 93 are connected to the door PCB 90.

  The control panel 30 is provided with a spin switch 31S, a change switch 32S, a CASHOUT switch 33S, a 1-BET switch 34S, and a maximum BET switch 35S corresponding to the above-described buttons. Each switch detects that the corresponding button has been pressed by the player, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

  The coin counter 92C determines whether or not the coins inserted into the coin receiving slot 36 are appropriate in material and shape, and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71 when an appropriate coin is detected. Inappropriate coins are discharged from the coin payout exit 15A.

  The reverter 91 operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, and distributes appropriate coins selected by the coin counter 92C to a hopper 113 or a cash box (not shown). When the hopper 113 is not filled with coins, it is sorted into the hopper 113, and when the hopper 113 is filled with coins, it is sorted into the cash box.

  The cold cathode tube 93 functions as a backlight installed on the back side of the upper image display panel 131 and the lower image display panel 141, and lights up based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  Connected to the main body PCB 110 are a lamp 111, a speaker 112, a hopper 113, a coin detection unit 113S, a touch panel 114, a bill validator 115, a graphic board 130, a ticket printer 171, a card reader 172, a key switch 173S, and a data display 174. ing.

  The lamp 111 is lit based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. The speaker 112 outputs a sound such as BGM based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

  The hopper 113 operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, and pays out a designated payout number of coins from the coin payout exit 15 </ b> A to the coin tray 15. The coin detection unit 113 </ b> S detects coins paid out by the hopper 113 and outputs a signal to the main CPU 71.

  The touch panel 114 detects a position touched by a player's finger or the like on the lower image display panel, and outputs a signal corresponding to the detected position to the main CPU 71. When the banknote discriminator 115 receives an appropriate banknote, it outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of the banknote to the main CPU 71.

  The graphic board 130 controls display of images performed by each of the upper image display panel 131 and the lower image display panel 141 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71. Twenty video reels 3 are displayed in the symbol display area 4 of the display 101 of the lower image display panel 141, and the operation of scrolling and stopping the symbol columns of each video reel 3 is displayed. The graphic board 130 includes a VDP that generates image data, a video RAM that stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. In the credit amount display area 142 of the lower image display panel 141, the credit amount stored in the RAM 73 is displayed. In the payout number display area 143 of the lower image display panel 141, the number of coins paid out is displayed. In the lottery count display area 169 of the lower image display panel 141, the special symbol lottery count is displayed.

  The graphic board 130 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. ing. Note that the image data used when generating image data by VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card 54 and stored in the RAM 73.

  Based on the control signal output from the main CPU 71, the ticket printer 171 prints on the ticket a bar code in which data such as the number of credits, date and time, and identification number of the gaming machine 1 stored in the RAM 73 is encoded. Output as a ticket 175 with code.

  The card reader 172 reads the data stored in the card inserted in the card slot 176 and transmits it to the main CPU 71 or writes data based on a control signal from the main CPU 71.

  The key switch 173S is provided on the keypad 173, and outputs a predetermined signal to the main CPU 71 when the keypad 173 is operated by the player.

  The data display 174 displays data read by the card reader 172 and data input by the player via the keypad 173 based on a control signal output from the main CPU 71.

[Configuration of symbol combination table]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the gaming machine 1. Next, the symbol combination table will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a symbol combination table of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The symbol combination table defines the combination of symbols of the reel symbol 180 related to winning and the number of payouts. In the gaming machine 1, when the scroll of the symbol row of each video reel 3 is stopped, the combination of the reel symbols 180 displayed on the effective pay line matches the combination of the reel symbols 180 defined by the symbol combination table In other words, a prize is established. Then, according to the winning combination, a privilege such as paying out coins or starting a bonus game is given to the player. If the combination of the reel symbols 180 displayed on the effective winning line does not match any of the combinations of the reel symbols 180 defined by the symbol combination table, the winning is not established (so-called “lost”).

  Basically, all the reel symbols 180 displayed on the effective pay line are “JACKPOT 7,” “APPLE,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” and “ORANGE”. "Is a normal symbol 180b or" WILD "special symbol 180a, a winning is established. However, for each type of “CHERRY” and “ORANGE” normal symbols 180b, a winning combination is established even if one or three normal symbols 180b of one type are displayed on the effective winning line.

In addition, in the winning combination related to the combination of the normal symbols 180b defined by the symbol combination table, a part (1 to 4) of the normal symbols 180b displayed on the effective winning line is replaced with the special symbols 180a. In addition, a prize related to the normal symbol 180b is established.
For example, when one normal symbol 180b of “BLUE 7” and four special symbols 180a of “WILD” are displayed on the effective pay line by the video reel 3, the winning combination becomes “BLUE” and the number of payouts “10” is determined. Then, coins are paid out based on the determined payout number. The coin is paid out by actually discharging the coin from the coin payout exit 15A, adding to the number of credits, or issuing a bar code ticket.

  In the winning combination relating to the combination of the normal symbols 180b defined by the symbol combination table, when a part of the normal symbols 180b displayed on the effective winning line is replaced with the special symbols 180a, the special symbols replaced. Depending on the number of symbols 180a and the like, the number of payouts greater than the number of payouts specified by the symbol combination table may be determined.

“JACKPOT 7” is a symbol related to the jackpot trigger. When the symbols “JACKPOT 7” are displayed on the effective winning line by all the video reels 3, the winning combination is “Jackpot”, and the jackpot amount is determined as the number of payouts.
“APPLE” is a symbol related to the bonus game trigger. When the symbols “APPLE” are displayed on the effective pay line by all the video reels 3, the winning combination is “bonus game trigger”, and the bonus game is started from the next game.

(Display form of display 101)
An example of the display form of the display 101 in the operation process of the gaming machine 1 and the playing method will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the display 101 has a symbol display area 4, a special symbol lottery content display area 400, and a lottery count display area 169. The symbol display area 4 has 20 arrangement areas 150 in which one reel symbol 180 of the symbol row allocated to each video reel 3 is arranged.

  In each arrangement area 150, a symbol string composed of a plurality of reel symbols 180 is scroll-displayed, and stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  When the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, a payout is awarded to the player in accordance with the combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, in the symbol display area 4, when a line on a straight line connecting the upper regions of each column is set as an effective winning line, “BELL” in the effective winning line is set. A winning combination is established and “8” is determined as the number of payouts. Then, coins are paid out based on the number of payouts.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, the lottery display corresponding to the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the special symbol lottery content display area 400. The lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the area 161.

  The lottery count display area 169 displays the special symbol lottery count. In the present embodiment, the number of special symbol lotteries is set to a number equal to or less than the number of special symbols 180a arranged in the arrangement area 150 (a number equal to or less than the number of lottery symbols 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161). However, it is not limited to this. For example, the number of special symbol lotteries may be set to be equal to or less than the sum of the number of special symbols 180a rearranged in the arrangement area 150 and the number of special symbols 180a fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150.

  If the display 101 (touch panel) on the lottery display area 161 on which the lottery symbol 185 is displayed is pressed by the player when the special symbol lottery number displayed in the lottery count display region 169 is not 0, the special symbol 180a. The lottery result symbol 186 indicating whether or not the symbol is fixedly displayed is replaced with the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161 and displayed. In the case of the lottery result in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the winning symbol 186a (186) is displayed in the lottery display area 161. On the other hand, in the case of a lottery result in which the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed, the off symbol 186b (186) is displayed in the lottery display area 161.

  Each time the lottery symbol 185 is replaced with the lottery result symbol 186, the special symbol lottery count displayed in the lottery count display area 169 is decremented by one.

  In the arrangement area 150 corresponding to the lottery display area 161 where the winning symbol 186a is displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. In the next unit game, the symbol string is scroll-displayed in the arrangement area 150 other than the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the scroll display is stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time has elapsed in the arrangement area 150 other than the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed.

  When the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 other than the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the reel symbol 180 rearranged on the effective winning line and / or the special symbol 180a fixedly displayed. A payout is awarded to the player according to the combination. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the symbol display area 4, when a line on a straight line connecting the lower central areas of each column is set as an effective winning line, the effective winning line is fixed. One displayed special symbol 180a, three normal symbols 180b of "STRAWBERRY" which is the rearranged reel symbol 180, and one special symbol 180a are displayed. Accordingly, a winning combination of “STRAWBERRY” is established, “5” is determined as the number of payouts, and coins are paid out based on the number of payouts.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 10, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, the lottery display corresponding to the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the special symbol lottery content display area 400. The lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the area 161. Furthermore, a lottery symbol 185 is also displayed in the lottery display region 161 corresponding to the arrangement region 150 in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, and the special symbol lottery count is displayed in the lottery number display region 169. Thereafter, similarly, a lottery for determining whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, a fixed display of the special symbol 180a, and a rearrangement are similarly displayed on the display 101.

[Program contents]
This completes the description of the display form of the display 101. Next, a program executed by the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Main control processing>
First, the main control process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 11 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the main control processing of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the main CPU 71 reads out the authenticated game program and game system program from the memory card 54 via the gaming board 50 and writes them in the RAM 73 (step S11).

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game (step S12). For example, unnecessary data for each game is cleared in the work area of the RAM 73, such as the number of BETs and symbols determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a coin insertion / start check process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 12 (step S13). In this process, input of a BET switch or a spin switch is checked.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs symbol lottery processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 (step S14). In this process, the symbol to be stopped is determined based on the random number for symbol determination.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a mystery bonus lottery process (step S15). In this process, lottery is performed to determine whether to establish a mystery bonus trigger. For example, the main CPU 71 extracts a mystery bonus random value from a range of “0 to 99”, and establishes a mystery bonus trigger when the extracted random value is “0”.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs effect content determination processing (step S16). The main CPU 71 extracts a random number for production, and determines any of a plurality of predetermined production contents by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a symbol display control process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 16 (step S17). In this process, scrolling of the symbol columns of each video reel 3 is started, and the scheduled stop symbols determined in the symbol lottery process in step S14 are stopped in the arrangement area 150.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 17 (step S18). In this process, the number of payouts is determined based on the combination of symbols displayed on the winning line, and stored in a payout number storage area provided in the RAM 73.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established (step S19). When the main CPU 71 determines that a bonus game trigger has been established (step S19: YES), the main CPU 71 performs a bonus game process described later with reference to FIG. 19 (step S20).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a mystery bonus trigger has been established after the processing of step S20 or when it is determined in step S19 that a bonus game trigger has not been established (step S19: NO). (Step S21). When determining that the mystery bonus trigger has been established (step S21: YES), the main CPU 71 performs a mystery bonus process (step S22). In this process, the number of payouts set for the mystery bonus (for example, 300) is stored in the payout amount storage area provided in the RAM 73.

  After determining that the mystery bonus trigger has not been established in step S21 after step S22 (step S21: NO), the main CPU 71 executes insurance check processing described later with reference to FIG. This is performed (step S23). In this process, it is checked whether or not to pay out by insurance.

  Next, the main CPU 71 conducts payout processing (step S24). The main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the payout amount storage area to the value stored in the credit number storage area provided in the RAM 73. The driving of the hopper 113 may be controlled based on the input of the CASHOUT switch 33S, and coins corresponding to the values stored in the payout number storage area may be discharged from the coin payout exit 15A. Alternatively, the ticket printer 171 may be controlled to issue a barcoded ticket in which the value stored in the payout amount storage area is recorded. After this process is performed, the process proceeds to step S12.

<Coin insertion / start check process>
Next, a coin insertion / start check process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 12 is a view illustrating a flowchart of coin-insertion / start-check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not coin insertion has been detected by the coin counter 92C (step S41). When the main CPU 71 determines that coin insertion has been detected (step S41: YES), the main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the credit amount storage area (step S42). In addition to the insertion of coins, it is determined whether or not the insertion of banknotes is detected by the banknote discriminator 115, and when it is determined that the insertion of banknotes is detected, the value corresponding to the banknotes is stored in the credit number storage area. You may make it add to the stored value.

  The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the credit amount storage area is 0 after step S42 or when it is determined in step S41 that coin insertion has not been detected (step S41: NO). Is determined (step S43). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the credit amount storage area is not 0 (step S43: NO), the main CPU 71 permits operation acceptance of the BET button (step S44).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not an operation of the BET button has been detected (step S45). When the main CPU 71 determines that the BET button has been pressed by the player using the BET switch (step S45: YES), the main CPU 71 stores the BET number provided in the RAM 73 based on the type of the BET button. The value stored in the area is added, and the value stored in the credit number storage area is subtracted (step S46).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the BET number storage area is the maximum (step S47). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the BET number storage area is the maximum (step S47: YES), the main CPU 71 prohibits updating of the value stored in the BET number storage area (step S48). . After determining that the value stored in the BET number storage area is not the maximum after step S48 or at step S47 (step S47: NO), the main CPU 71 permits the spin button operation reception (step S47). S49).

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the BET button is not detected in step S45 after step S49 (step S45: NO), or the value stored in the credit number storage area in step S43 is 0. Is determined (step S43: YES), it is determined whether or not an operation of the spin button is detected (step S50). When the main CPU 71 determines that the operation of the spin button has not been detected (step S50: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to step S41.

  When determining that the operation of the spin button has been detected, the main CPU 71 performs jackpot-related processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 (step S51). In this process, the amount accumulated in the jackpot amount is calculated and transmitted to the external control device 200.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs insurance-related processing which will be described later with reference to FIG. 14 (step S52). In this process, the number of games that triggers payout by insurance is counted. When this process is performed, the coin insertion / start check process is terminated.

<Jackpot-related processing>
Next, jackpot-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13 is a view illustrating a flowchart of jackpot-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 calculates an accumulated amount (step S71). The main CPU 71 obtains the product of the value stored in the BET number storage area and a preset cumulative ratio, and calculates the cumulative amount to the jackpot amount.

  Next, the main CPU 71 transmits the calculated accumulated amount to the external control device 200 (step S72). When receiving the accumulated amount, the external control device 200 updates the jackpot amount. When this process is performed, the jackpot-related process is terminated.

<Insurance-related processing>
Next, insurance-related processing will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance-related processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S91). The insurance effective flag is set to ON when an instruction to enable insurance is input by the player in the insurance selection processing described later with reference to FIG.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on (step S91: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-related processing. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is on (step S91: YES), the main CPU 71 updates the value stored in the insurance game frequency storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S91). S92). The insurance game number storage area is an area for storing the number of games until the payout by insurance is performed. In the process of step S92, the main CPU 71 adds 1 to the value stored in the insurance game frequency storage area. When this process is performed, the insurance-related process is terminated.

<Symbol lottery processing>
Next, the symbol lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a flowchart of symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 extracts random numbers for symbol determination (step S111). Next, the main CPU 71 determines to-be stopped symbols for each video reel 3 by lottery (step S112). The main CPU 71 performs lottery according to each video reel 3, and determines any of the 22 symbols (code numbers “00” to “21”) as the scheduled stop symbols. At this time, each of the 22 symbols (code numbers “00” to “21”) is determined with an equal probability (that is, 1/22).

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined to-be stopped symbols for each video reel 3 in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S113). Next, the main CPU 71 refers to the symbol combination table (FIG. 8) and determines a winning combination based on the symbol storage area (step S114). The main CPU 71 determines whether or not the combination of the reel symbols 180 displayed on the effective winning line by each video reel 3 matches the combination of the reel symbols 180 specified in the symbol combination table, and the winning combination To decide. When this process is performed, the symbol lottery process is terminated.

<Symbol display control processing>
Next, the symbol display control process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the symbol display control processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 starts scrolling the symbol column of each video reel 3 displayed in the arrangement area 150 in the symbol display area 4 of the lower image display panel 141 (step S131). Next, the main CPU 71 stops the scrolling of the symbol column of each video reel 3 based on the above-described symbol storage area (step S132). When this process is performed, the symbol display control process is terminated.

<Payout number determination process>
Next, the payout amount determination process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the payout amount determination processing for the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the winning combination is a jackpot (step S151). When determining that the winning combination is not a jackpot (step S151: NO), the main CPU 71 determines the number of payouts corresponding to the winning combination (step S152). For example, when the winning combination is “BELL”, “8” is determined as the number of payouts (see FIG. 8). In the case of a loss, “0” is determined as the number of payouts. Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined number of payouts in the payout number storage area (step S153). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the winning combination is a jackpot (step S151: YES), the main CPU 71 notifies the external control device 200 that the jackpot has been won (step S154). When receiving the notification, the external control device 200 transmits the jackpot amount that has been updated so far to the gaming machine 1. At this time, a part of the jackpot amount (for example, 80%) may be paid out, and the remaining part (for example, 20%) may be carried over in preparation for the next jackpot trigger establishment.

  Next, the main CPU 71 receives the amount of jackpot from the external control device 200 (step S155). Next, the main CPU 71 stores the received jackpot amount in the payout amount storage area (step S156). When this process is performed, the payout number determination process is terminated.

<Insurance check processing>
Next, the insurance check process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance check processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S171). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on (step S171: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance-check process.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is on (step S171: YES), the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a predetermined winning combination has been established (step S172). In the present embodiment, “bonus game trigger”, “jackpot”, and “mystery bonus” are targeted as predetermined winning combinations.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that a predetermined winning combination has not been established (step S172: NO), whether or not the value stored in the insurance game number storage area has reached a predetermined number (for example, 300). Is determined (step S173). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the insurance game count storage area has not reached the predetermined count (step S173: NO), the main CPU 71 ends the insurance check process.

  When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the insurance game number storage area has reached the predetermined number (step S173: YES), the main CPU 71 performs payout processing based on the insurance amount (step S174). The main CPU 71 adds a predetermined amount (for example, 200) as the insurance amount to the value stored in the credit amount storage area.

  The main CPU 71 resets the value stored in the insurance game frequency storage area after step S174 or when it is determined in step S172 that a predetermined winning combination has been established (step S172: YES) (step S172). S175). Next, the main CPU 71 turns off the insurance effective flag (step S176). When this process is performed, the insurance check process is terminated.

<Bonus game processing>
Next, the bonus game process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 19 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games (step S191). The main CPU 71 extracts a random number for determining the number of bonus games, and determines one of a plurality of types of bonus games such as “50”, “70”, and “100” by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined bonus game number in a bonus game number storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S192).

Next, the main CPU 71 performs an initialization process at the end of one game, similarly to the process of step S12 described with reference to FIG. 11 (step S193). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol lottery process described with reference to FIG. 15 (step S194).
In the fixing control process described later with reference to FIG. 21, the main CPU 71 described the video reel 3 assigned to the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed with reference to FIG. The symbol lottery process is not performed, and in the arrangement area 150, the special symbol 180a is stored in a symbol storage area provided in the RAM 73 as a scheduled stop symbol.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs an effect content determination process in the same manner as the process in step S16 described with reference to FIG. 11 (step S195). Next, the main CPU 71 performs the symbol display control process described with reference to FIG. 16 (step S196). Note that, in the fixed control process described with reference to FIG. 21 described later, the video reel 3 assigned to the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is not scrolled, and the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150. Will continue to be displayed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 performs a payout amount determination process described with reference to FIG. 17 (step S197).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150 (step S198). When it is determined that the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150 (step S198: YES), a fixing control process described with reference to FIG. 21 is performed (step S199). In this fixed control process, it is determined whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is arranged. Then, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 determined to be fixedly displayed.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established after the process of step S199 or when it is determined in step S198 that the special symbol 180a is not placed in the placement area 150 (step S198: NO). Is determined (step S200). When determining that the bonus game trigger has been established (step S200: YES), the main CPU 71 determines the number of bonus games to be added (step S201). The number of bonus games is determined in the same manner as in step S191 described above. Next, the main CPU 71 adds the determined bonus game number to the value stored in the bonus game number storage area (step S202).

The main CPU 71 performs a payout process (step S203) after the process of step S202 or when it is determined in step S200 that a bonus game trigger has not been established (step S200: NO). In this payout process, the main CPU 71 adds the value stored in the payout number storage area in the payout number determination process in step S197 described above to the value stored in the bonus payout number storage area. The bonus payout amount storage area is an area for storing the total number of payouts determined during the bonus game.
When the bonus game process ends, the main CPU 71 uses the value stored in the bonus payout amount storage area in the payout process in step S24 described with reference to FIG. Add to the value stored in the storage area. That is, the total number of payouts determined in the bonus game is paid out collectively. Note that coins may be discharged from the coin payout exit 15A, or a ticket with a barcode may be issued.

  Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the bonus game number storage area (step S204). Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is 0 (step S205). When the main CPU 71 determines that the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is not 0 (step S205: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to the process of step S193. On the other hand, when it is determined that the value stored in the bonus game number storage area is 0 (step S205: YES), the fixed unit of the special symbol 180a that has been fixedly displayed is canceled to display the next unit. In the game, the symbol column of the video reel 3 is scrolled in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed (step S206), and the bonus game process is ended. When the bonus game process ends, the process proceeds to step S21 described with reference to FIG.

<Insurance selection process>
Next, the insurance selection process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 20 is a view illustrating a flowchart of insurance selection processing for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

First, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the insurance effective flag is on (step S221). When the main CPU 71 determines that the insurance-effective flag is not on (step S221: NO), the main CPU 71 displays an insurance-ineffective image (step S222). The main CPU 71 transmits a command to display the insurance invalid image to the graphic board 130. Based on the command, the graphic board 130 generates an insurance invalid image and displays it on the lower image display panel 141.
As the insurance invalid image, for example, an image indicating “INSURANCE BET $ 1.00 TOUCH TO BET” is displayed. This image is an image for prompting the player to select whether or not to activate insurance and notifying the player of the amount necessary to activate insurance. The player can input an instruction to activate insurance by touching a predetermined location on the touch panel 114.

  Subsequently, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not there is an insurance-effective instruction input (step S223). When the main CPU 71 determines that there is no insurance effective instruction input (step S223: NO), the main CPU 71 proceeds to step S221 while keeping the insurance effective flag off. On the other hand, when the main CPU 71 determines that there is an insurance-effective instruction input (step S223: YES), the main CPU 71 turns on the insurance-effective flag (step S224).

Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts the insurance participation value from the value stored in the credit amount storage area (step S225). In the present embodiment, for example, a value corresponding to 1 dollar is subtracted from a value stored in the credit amount storage area. The main CPU 71 displays an insurance-effective image after step S225 or when it is determined in step S221 that the insurance-effective flag is on (step S221: YES) (step S226).
As the insurance effective image, for example, an image indicating “INSURANCE continuing WIN 200 CREDIT” is displayed. This image is an image that informs the player that the insurance is valid and that the value of “200” is added to the value stored in the credit amount storage area when the insurance condition is satisfied. When this process is performed, the process proceeds to step S221.

<Fixed control processing>
Next, the fixed control process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 21 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the fixing control process for the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines the number of special symbol lotteries (step S301). The main CPU 71 determines the number of special symbol lottery by lottery as the number of special symbol lottery, which is equal to or less than the number of arrangement areas 150 where the special symbol 180a is arranged.

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined special symbol lottery count in a special symbol lottery count storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S302).

  Next, the main CPU 71 displays the lottery symbol 185 in the lottery display region 161 of the lottery symbol 185 corresponding to the arrangement region 150 where the special symbol 180a is arranged (step S303).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the player has pressed the display 101 on the lottery display area 161 on which the lottery symbol 185 is displayed (step S304). When it is determined that the display 101 is not pressed by the player (step S304: NO), the process returns to step S304.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the display 101 is pressed by the player (step S304: YES), the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161 under the pressed display 101 is replaced with a special symbol. A lottery result symbol 186 indicating the lottery result indicating whether 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed (step S305).

  Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area (step S306), and determines whether or not the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is zero. (Step S307). When it is determined that the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is not 0 (step S307: NO), the process returns to step S304.

  on the other hand. When it is determined that the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is 0 (step S307: YES), the arrangement corresponding to the lottery display area 161 in which the winning symbol 186a which is the lottery result symbol 186 is displayed. The special symbol 180a displayed in the area 150 is fixedly displayed (step S308), and the fixing control process is terminated.

  As described above, when the special symbol 180a handled as any of the normal symbols 180b is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery, and is fixedly displayed by lottery. If it is determined, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement region 150 where the special symbol 180a is rearranged, and the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement region 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. Since a payout is awarded according to the combination of the rearranged reel symbol 180 and / or the specially displayed special symbol 180a on the winning line, a combination of reel symbols to which a dividend is awarded on the effective winning line Can increase the player's sense of expectation of winning a dividend. Further, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery, so that the player can be highly interested in the lottery and the player's interest can be sustained.

  In addition, as described above, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed by the player's operation. High interest can be given to the player. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  Further, as described above, since each arrangement area 150 has a symbol row, the reel symbol 180 of the symbol row can be variably displayed independently for each arrangement area 150 and displayed on the display 101. The arrangement pattern of the reel symbol 180 can be diversified.

  Further, as described above, since the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed in the special symbol lottery content display area 400 of the display 101, does the player fix the special symbol 180a? Whether or not the lottery content can be grasped can be grasped, and the player can be highly interested in the lottery. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  In addition, as described above, the lottery display area 161 of the special symbol lottery content display area 400 is arranged in a matrix with the same number of rows and the same number of columns as the arrangement area 150 arranged on the display 101, In the lottery display area 161 corresponding to the area 150, the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 is displayed. Therefore, the player can determine whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. Since the lottery content of each placement area 150 can be grasped for each lottery area 150, the player can be highly interested in the lottery for each placement area 150. As a result, the player can continue the game with continued interest.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, not only the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is rearranged, but also the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the lottery is performed thereafter. Even in the unit game, the lottery is continuously performed without lottery, and the lottery of whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is performed only for the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is rearranged. Also good. In this case, since the number of special symbols 180a fixedly displayed is not reduced, it is possible to further enhance the player's expectation of winning a payout.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the special symbol lottery content display area 400 is selected by the player's selection operation, the lottery symbol 185 is replaced with the lottery result symbol 186. However, the present invention is not limited to this. After the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement region 150, the lottery result symbol 186 is displayed in the special symbol lottery content display region 400 without the player's selection operation. May be displayed. That is, it may be determined by lottery whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 without any technical intervention of the player.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the lottery result symbol 186 for determining whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is set to be displayed to the player before the start of the free game, but is not limited thereto. Instead, for example, the lottery result symbol 186 may be displayed during a predetermined time after the scroll of the symbol row of the video reel 3 is started until the scroll is stopped.

(Second Embodiment)
The first embodiment has been described above. Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. The configuration of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

  In the second embodiment, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 before the free game of the bonus game is started, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 is determined. . That is, the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a can be fixedly displayed is determined by lottery. In the free game of the bonus game, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 determined to be fixedly displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed.

  Specifically, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment executes a normal game in which a payout is awarded according to a combination of reel symbols 180 rearranged on an effective winning line of the winning lines; Based on a predetermined condition, it is determined to execute a special game in which a free game is executed a predetermined number of times, and before the start of the free game, an arrangement area 150 capable of fixedly displaying the special symbol 180a is determined by lottery. And, in the free game, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 in which the reel symbol 180 is rearranged and the special symbol can be fixedly displayed, and the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. In the subsequent free game, the stage of rearranging the reel symbol 180 in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed. And, to perform the playing method with.

(Display form of display 101)
An example of the display form of the display 101 in the operation process of the gaming machine 1 and the playing method in the second embodiment will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 23, when “APPLE” which is a bonus game trigger is displayed on the effective pay line, the lottery display area 161 of the special symbol lottery content display area 400 for displaying the lottery symbol 185 is determined by lottery. Then, the lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the lottery display area 161. At the same time, in the lottery count display area 169, the remaining number of lotteries that can be lottered to determine whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed.

  If the display 101 (touch panel) on the lottery display area 161 on which the lottery symbol 185 is displayed is pressed by the player when the special symbol lottery number displayed in the lottery count display region 169 is not 0, the special symbol 180a. The lottery result symbol 186 indicating whether or not the symbol is fixedly displayed is replaced with the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161 and displayed. Each time the lottery symbol 185 is replaced with the lottery result symbol 186, the special symbol lottery count displayed in the lottery count display area 169 is decremented by one.

  In the bonus game free game, when the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 corresponding to the lottery display area 161 where the winning symbol 186a is displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150. . The special symbol 180a fixedly displayed continues to be fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 in the remaining free games in the bonus game as shown in FIG.

  In addition, during the bonus game, when “APPLE” as a bonus game trigger is displayed on the active winning line, the lottery display area 161 in which the winning symbol 186a is not displayed in the special symbol lottery content display area 400, The lottery display area 161 for displaying the lottery symbol 185 is determined by lottery, and the lottery symbol 185 is displayed in the lottery display region 161. Then, as described above, when the display 101 (touch panel) on the lottery display area 161 on which the lottery symbol 185 is displayed is pressed by the player, the lottery result indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is shown. The lottery result symbol 186 is displayed in place of the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161.

[Program contents]
Next, with reference to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, a program executed by the gaming machine 1 in the second embodiment will be described.

The bonus game process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 25 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the bonus game processing for the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Note that steps S191 to S197 and steps S200 to S206 are the same as the processes of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG.

  After the process of step S192, the main CPU 71 executes a special symbol lottery process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 26 (step S401), and proceeds to the process of step S193.

  After the process of step S197, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 corresponding to the lottery display area 161 in which the winning symbol 186a is displayed in the special symbol lottery content display area 400. (Step S402). When it is determined that the special symbol 180a is not rearranged (step S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S200.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the special symbol 180a has been rearranged (step S402: YES), the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 (step S403), and the process proceeds to step S200.

  After the process of step S202, a special symbol lottery process described later with reference to FIG. 26 is executed (step S404), and the process proceeds to step S203.

Next, the special symbol lottery process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 26 is a view illustrating a flowchart of the special symbol lottery processing for the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the main CPU 71 determines the number of special symbol lotteries (step S501).

  Next, the main CPU 71 stores the determined special symbol lottery count in the special symbol lottery count storage area provided in the RAM 73 (step S502).

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines the lottery display area 161 of the special symbol lottery content display area 400 for displaying the lottery symbol 185 by lottery, and displays the lottery symbol 185 in the determined lottery display area 161 (step S503). . If the winning symbol 186a is displayed in the lottery display region 161 of the special symbol lottery content display region 400, the lottery is displayed in the lottery display region 161 excluding the lottery display region 161 where the winning symbol 186a is displayed. The lottery display area 161 for displaying the symbol 185 is determined by lottery.

  Next, the main CPU 71 determines whether or not the player has pressed the display 101 on the lottery display area 161 on which the lottery symbol 185 is displayed (step 404). When it is determined that the display 101 is not pressed by the player (step S404: NO), the process returns to step S404.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the display 101 is pressed by the player (step S404: YES), the lottery symbol 185 displayed in the lottery display area 161 under the pressed display 101 is replaced with a special symbol. A lottery result symbol 186 indicating a lottery result indicating whether 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed (step S405).

  Next, the main CPU 71 subtracts 1 from the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area (step S406), and determines whether or not the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is zero. (Step S407). When it is determined that the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is not 0 (step 407: NO), the process returns to step S404.

  on the other hand. When it is determined that the value stored in the special symbol lottery count storage area is 0 (step S407: YES), the special symbol lottery process is terminated.

  As described above, before starting the free game, the arrangement area 150 that can be fixedly displayed as a special symbol 180a to be handled as any other is determined by lottery, and the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the free game, When the special symbol 180a is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a can be fixedly displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. In the free game thereafter, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. Since the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the non-arranged arrangement area 150, the combination of the reel symbols 180 in which a special payout 180a fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 is given a payout on the effective pay line in the subsequent free game. The player is more likely to be rearranged, It is possible to increase the expectation of dividend acquisition of person.

(Third embodiment)
The second embodiment has been described above. Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the member same as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. The configuration of the third embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment as follows.

  In the third embodiment, before each free game of the bonus game is started, a lottery is performed as to whether or not to display the special symbol 180a in a fixed manner. The special symbol 180a arranged in front is fixedly displayed, and the free game is started. On the other hand, when it is determined by lottery that the fixed display is not performed, the free game is started without performing the fixed display of the special symbol 180a arranged before the start of the free game.

The gaming machine according to the third embodiment is a gaming machine having the following configuration, and means at least one of a normal symbol, a special symbol handled as any of the normal symbols, the normal symbol, or the special symbol. A symbol column having a plurality of reel symbols to be displayed, a display having a plurality of arrangement regions for variably displaying the reel symbols of the symbol column, and arranging the arrangement regions in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns; , A winning line provided over the arrangement area, and a controller programmed to operate as in the following (d1) to (d6).
(D1) A normal game in which a payout is awarded according to the combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines is executed, and (d2) a free game is predetermined based on predetermined conditions (D3) If the special symbol is placed in the placement area before the start of the free game, whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery. (D4) When the special symbol is fixedly displayed and determined by lottery, the special symbol is fixedly displayed. (D5) In the free game, in the arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed. The reel symbols are rearranged, and (d6) a payout is awarded according to a combination of the reel symbols rearranged and / or the special symbols fixedly displayed on the effective winning line. .

According to the above configuration, when a special symbol is arranged in the arrangement area before the free game starts, whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery, and if the special symbol is fixedly displayed, the lottery is determined. When determined, the special symbol is fixedly displayed, and in the free game, the reel symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbol is not fixedly displayed, and the reel symbol rearranged on the effective winning line is rearranged. , And / or a payout in accordance with the combination of the special symbols that are fixedly displayed.
As described above, whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the free game is determined by the lottery before the start of the free game, so that the player can be highly interested in the lottery. Can sustain the interest of

  That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the third embodiment executes a normal game in which a payout is awarded according to a combination of the reel symbols 180 rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines, and a predetermined condition. The special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed when the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150 before the start of the free game. Whether or not to perform the determination by lottery, and when the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the free game when the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. In the non-arranged area 150, the stage of rearranging the reel symbols 180 and the rearranged reel symbols 180 on the effective pay line And / or the steps of awarding a payout in accordance with the combination of the fixedly displayed special symbol 180a, executes playing method provided with.

(Display form of display 101)
An example of the display form of the display 101 in the operation process of the gaming machine 1 and the playing method in the third embodiment will be specifically described.

  As shown in FIG. 27, in the gaming machine 1 according to the third embodiment, five video reels 3 are displayed in the symbol display area 4. That is, in the four arrangement areas 150 of each row, four consecutive reel symbols 180 in the symbol row of the video reel 3 are arranged. For example, if the reel symbol 180 having the code number “10” in the symbol column is arranged in the arrangement region 150 corresponding to the upper region (first row) of the first column in the symbol display region 4, the code numbers “11”, “ The reel symbols “12” and “13” are arranged in the middle upper area (second line), the middle lower area (third line), and the lower area (fourth line) in the first column in the symbol display area 4. Displayed in each of the areas 150. In the symbol control process described with reference to FIG. 15, stop symbol lottery is not performed in all the arrangement areas 150, but one arrangement area 150 in each column (for example, one row in the upper area) The lottery of the stop symbol is performed only for the eye.

  Also, in the special symbol lottery content display area 400, the lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed in the free game is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 27, before the start of each free game, a lottery is performed as to whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. In the present embodiment, when the player presses the display 101 on the special symbol lottery content display area 400, a lottery result indicating whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 27, when it is determined that the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed by lottery, the special symbol 180a arranged in the arrangement region 150 is fixedly displayed before the start of the free game.

  In this embodiment, the special symbol 180a fixedly displayed in the arrangement area 150 is one frame of image data, and is displayed in the arrangement area 150 in place of the image data of the video reel 3. Image data to be displayed in the symbol display area 4 is generated by the VDP of the graphic board 130, and the generated image data is stored in a video RAM or the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 27, the symbol array of the second video reel (see FIG. 6) is displayed in the second arrangement area 150 of the symbol display area 4. As shown in FIG. 27, when “STRAWBERRY” of the normal symbol 180b having the code number “17” is displayed in the arrangement area 150 corresponding to the upper area (first line), the middle upper area (second line), “PLUM”, “CHERRY”, and “BELL” are displayed in the arrangement area 150 of the middle lower area (third line) and the lower area (fourth line) as shown in FIG. In addition, in the lower middle region (third line), the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed instead of “CHERRY”.

  In the present embodiment, when the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, the image data of the special symbol 180a is displayed in place of the image data of the video reel 3. Without being limited thereto, the image data of the video reel 3 may be displayed by skipping the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. Specifically, when the arrangement area 150 in which the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is in the middle and lower area (third line), the reel symbol 180 having the code number “17” is in the upper area (first line). When displayed in the corresponding arrangement area 150, the reel symbol 180 with the code number “18” is in the middle upper area (second line), and the reel pattern 180 with the code number “18” is in the middle lower area. The area (third line) is skipped and displayed in the arrangement area 150 of the lower area (fourth line).

  Also, as shown in FIG. 27, when it is decided not to perform the fixed display of the special symbol 180a by lottery, the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed in the free game, and the reels are displayed in all the arrangement areas 150. The symbols 180 are rearranged.

  As described above, when the special symbol 180a is arranged in the arrangement area 150 before the free game is started, whether or not the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed is determined by lottery, and the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed. When it is determined by lottery, the special symbol 180a is fixedly displayed, and in the free game, the reel symbol 180 is rearranged in the arrangement area 150 where the special symbol 180a is not fixedly displayed, Since a payout is awarded in accordance with the combination of the reel symbol 180 and / or the special symbol 180a that is fixedly displayed, the player can be highly interested in the lottery. You can keep your interests.

  In the above detailed description, the present invention has been described mainly with respect to characteristic parts so that the present invention can be more easily understood. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the above detailed description, and other implementations are possible. It can also be applied to forms and its scope should be interpreted as widely as possible. The terms and terminology used in the present specification are used to accurately describe the present invention, and are not used to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Moreover, it would be easy for those skilled in the art to infer other configurations, systems, methods, and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in this specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims should be regarded as including an equivalent configuration without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to allow the patent office and general public organizations, engineers belonging to this technical field who are not familiar with patents, legal terms or technical terms to understand the technical content and essence of this application. It is intended to be able to make a quick decision with a simple survey. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated by the claims. In addition, in order to fully understand the object of the present invention and the effects of the present invention, it is desirable to fully consider the literatures already disclosed.

  The above detailed description includes processing executed on a computer or a computer network. The above description and expressions are described for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the most efficiently. In this specification, each step used for deriving one result or a block having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In each step and each block, transmission / reception of electric or magnetic signals, recording, and the like are performed. In the processing in each step and each block, such a signal is expressed by bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, etc., but these are used only for convenience of explanation. It is necessary to pay attention to. In addition, the processes in each step and each block may be described in expressions common to human behavior, but the processes described in this specification are executed by various devices in principle. Further, other configurations required for each step and each block are obvious from the above description.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gaming machine 101 Display 150 Arrangement area 161 Lottery display area 180 Reel symbol 180a Special symbol 180b Normal symbol 400 Special symbol lottery content display area

Claims (7)

A gaming machine having the following configuration,
Normal design and
A special symbol treated as any of the normal symbols,
A symbol array having a plurality of reel symbols representing at least one of the normal symbols or the special symbols;
A display having a plurality of arrangement areas for variably displaying the reel symbols of the symbol columns, wherein the arrangement areas are arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns;
A winning line provided over the placement area;
A controller programmed to operate as in (a1) to (a6) below;
Is provided.
(A1) In the arrangement area, the reel symbols are rearranged,
(A2) A dividend is awarded according to the combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines;
(A3) When the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, it is determined by lottery whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed;
(A4) When it is determined to be fixedly displayed by lottery, the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area where the special symbol is rearranged,
(A5) In the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed, the reel symbols are rearranged,
(A6) A payout is awarded according to a combination of the reel symbols rearranged and / or the special symbols fixedly displayed on the effective pay line. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
When the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, the controller performs lottery as to whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed by the player's operation. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
Each arrangement region has the symbol row. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The display further includes a special symbol lottery content display area for displaying a lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed.
The controller displays a lottery content indicating whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed in the special symbol lottery content display area. The gaming machine according to claim 4,
The special symbol lottery content display area has a plurality of display areas, and the display areas are arranged in a matrix with the same number of rows and the same number of columns as the arrangement areas arranged on the display. ,
The controller displays a lottery content indicating whether or not a special symbol is fixedly displayed in the arrangement area in the display area corresponding to the arrangement area of the display. A gaming machine having the following configuration,
Normal design and
A special symbol treated as any of the normal symbols,
A symbol array having a plurality of reel symbols representing at least one of the normal symbols or the special symbols;
A display having a plurality of arrangement areas for variably displaying the reel symbols of the symbol columns, wherein the arrangement areas are arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns;
A winning line provided over the placement area;
A controller programmed to operate as in (b1) to (b5) below;
Is provided.
(B1) executing a normal game in which a payout is awarded according to a combination of the reel symbols rearranged on the effective winning line of the winning lines;
(B2) Based on a predetermined condition, it is determined to execute a special game in which a free game is performed a predetermined number of times,
(B3) Before the start of the free game, the placement area where the special symbol can be fixedly displayed is determined by lottery,
(B4) In the free game, when the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area where the reel symbol is rearranged and the special symbol can be fixedly displayed, the special symbol is fixedly displayed;
(B5) In the subsequent free game, the reel symbols are rearranged in the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed. A normal symbol, a special symbol treated as any of the normal symbols, a symbol row having a plurality of reel symbols representing at least one of the normal symbol or the special symbol, and the reel symbol of the symbol row are variable. A gaming machine having a plurality of arrangement areas to be displayed, a display in which the arrangement areas are arranged in a matrix of one or more rows and one or more columns, and a winning line provided over the arrangement areas. Is the way
The playing method is:
(C1) rearranging the reel symbols in the arrangement area;
(C2) a step of giving a payout in accordance with a combination of reel symbols rearranged on an effective winning line of the winning lines;
(C3) When the special symbol is rearranged in the arrangement area, a step of determining by lottery whether or not the special symbol is fixedly displayed;
(C4) When it is determined to be fixedly displayed by lottery, the step of fixedly displaying the special symbol in the arrangement area where the special symbol is rearranged;
(C5) rearranging the reel symbols in the arrangement area where the special symbols are not fixedly displayed;
(C6) a step of giving a payout in accordance with a combination of the reel symbols rearranged and / or the special symbols fixedly displayed on the effective pay line;
including.

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