JP7464223B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines (reel gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with patterns arranged on the outer periphery are known. This type of gaming machine provides a fixed gaming value for gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and players play to acquire such gaming media. This type of gaming machine also performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of the multiple reels when the player operates to start the rotation, and controls the multiple reels to stop in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when the player operates to stop the reels. The result of the game is determined by the combination of patterns displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out according to the result of the game.

In the gaming machines described above, a configuration is known in which the probability of winning a winning combination is changed by transitioning to an assist time state as a presentation state for executing a winning assistance presentation that assists winning combinations, making it easier to win gaming media. In addition, in gaming machines having an assist time state, a configuration is known in which control related to the assist time state is executed based on winning a specific winning combination in an internal lottery (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-57597 A

The gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has multiple types of rare roles, and is configured to execute control related to the assist time state corresponding to each rare role when it is won. In addition, in order to ensure technical intervention in the game, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is configured to have minor roles that can be won when the stop button is pressed at a specific timing.

However, when a small role that ensures technical intervention is provided, as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, it becomes difficult to provide a sufficient probability of winning the role that triggers the execution of control related to the assist time state, making it difficult to increase the player's interest in the gameplay that uses the results of the internal lottery.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that ensures technical intervention in the gaming machine and can increase players' interest in the gameplay that uses the results of an internal lottery.

The present invention relates to a reel system comprising:
a plurality of stop buttons respectively corresponding to the plurality of reels;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for a role including a small role, a replay, and a bonus ;
a reel control means for controlling a rotation mode and a stopping mode of the reel;
A game state transition control means for controlling transition of a game state between a plurality of game states;
An auxiliary game control means for controlling a normal zone and an advantageous zone and controlling an auxiliary game in the advantageous zone;
The internal lottery includes a first winning mode and a second winning mode as targets of the lottery,
The first winning mode includes a first minor win,
The second winning mode includes a second minor win,
The reel control means executes a stop control to allow the small winning combination to be won in preference to the bonus combination when the small winning combination and the bonus combination are won;
In the gaming state,
Normal game state,
A bonus winning state which is entered by winning a bonus in the normal gaming state;
A bonus state to which the player transitions when the bonus is won is included;
The auxiliary game control means is capable of executing control related to the auxiliary game based on a result of the internal lottery,
The bonus establishment state is a game state that is more advantageous to a player than the bonus state by executing the auxiliary game,
the auxiliary game control means executes control related to the auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning mode when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and when the second winning mode is won in the internal lottery;
When the first winning mode is won, the first minor winning combination is won regardless of the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons,
When the second winning mode is won, the second minor prize can be won regardless of the order in which the plurality of stop buttons are operated;
When the second winning mode is won and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in a predetermined operation mode, the second minor winning combination is won,
When the bonus and the second winning mode are won , if the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode, no winning combination is won.

The present invention makes it possible to provide a gaming machine in which the advantages differ for each setting value while minimizing the impact on the marketability of the gaming machine.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing internal lottery tables A to C of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a small prize that is won when a winning area including a small prize is won in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on a reel in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating the symbol combinations that indicate the bonus winning modes in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, and the symbol combinations that indicate the rare roles A to C winning modes. (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. 1 is a diagram illustrating details of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2" in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

The present embodiment will be described below. Note that the present embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

1. Overview of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called reel type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine in which games are played using medals as gaming media.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment contains a reel unit 310 (see FIG. 2) consisting of multiple reels, a first reel R1 to a third reel R3, in a box-shaped housing made up of a housing BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. In addition, a hopper unit 320 (see FIG. 2) serving as a medal payout device is contained below the reel unit 310 in the housing. The housing of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also contains a control board equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc., which controls the operation of the slot machine 1.

The outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 shown in Figure 1 is divided into 20 regions (hereinafter, each region will be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of several types of symbols is arranged on each frame.

The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so that they can be opened and closed separately. The front upper door UD is provided with a display window DW that allows the spinning and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to be observed. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three patterns (upper row pattern, middle row pattern, and lower row pattern) that are consecutively arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 among the multiple types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display window DW.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an upper, middle, and lower row are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the patterns through the display window DW, and an active line L1 is set for an active line based on a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three in any game state, and when medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line L1 consisting of the lower row of the first reel R1, the middle row of the second reel R2, and the upper row of the third reel R3 is activated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the pay line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is treated as a winning combination and medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320.

The front upper door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, the total number of medals paid out or won in bonus mode, information on the winning combination in this game, and information suggesting how to press stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to the payout of medals.

The game information display section DS includes a main control display device 500 consisting of a seven-segment display, and when a specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated, a notification display is displayed that corresponds to a winning role command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning role in this game, and when the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 stop after the notification display is displayed, the notification display ends and the number of medals paid out or won is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a notification display is executed in which each segment of the main control display device 500 lights up and goes out in a display mode corresponding to the winning role command.

The main control display device 500 is also provided with an interval notification section 500A, which is a dot on a seven-segment display and lights up when an advantageous interval is started by the AT control means 200 (see FIG. 2) described below and the expected medal acquisition value is 1 or more due to the assistance of winning a minor prize. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is also provided with a plurality of sound devices 340 on the front upper door UD and the front lower door DD for producing effects using sound. The sound devices 340 output various sounds to assist and liven up the game.

The front lower door DD is provided with various operating means. The operating means include a single bet button BT for inserting one medal and a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals as insert operating means for inserting credited (stored) medals, a start lever SL as a game start operating means for allowing the player to execute a start operation that triggers the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start playing, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operating means for allowing the player to execute a stop operation that triggers the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are rotated and driven by a stepping motor, and a settlement button BS for settling the credited medals.

In addition, a medal payout outlet MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and a number of medals according to the results of a game are paid out from the medal payout outlet MO to the medal tray MP. In addition, when the settlement button BS is pressed while credited medals are stored in the gaming machine, pressing the settlement button BS executes a settlement process in which a number of medals equivalent to the number of credits (the number of credited medals) is paid out from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout outlet MO to the medal tray MP.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is controlled by a game control means 10 serving as a control board. The game control means 10 receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change permission switch 250, and a setting change switch 260 serving as a plurality of operation detection means, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as the performance device 300, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the main control display device 500 based on the calculation results.

The game control means 10 also includes a setting change means 100, an input acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, a performance control means 180, a storage means 190, and an assist time control means (AT control means) 200. Each of the means constituting the game control means 10 reads out and executes each control program pre-stored in the storage means 190 when each control process is executed.

The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the storage means 190. In a setting change permission state in which the setting change permission switch 250 is ON and the setting change is permitted with the front upper door UD open, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting values stored in the setting value storage means 191 in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time it receives an input signal output from the setting change switch 260 provided in the power supply device. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is confirmed based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is operated by operating the start lever SL in the setting change permission state, and the setting change permission state is terminated. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won by the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change a setting value that is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be initialized, and the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later, and the normal zone is set. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 200 before the setting change is also configured to be initialized. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the supply of power to the game control means 10 is cut off (power interruption) and the supply of power is then resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, when the power interruption occurs and the supply of power is resumed afterwards, the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 200 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

The coin insertion acceptance means 105 performs a process to enable a game start operation on the start lever SL based on the insertion of a specified number of coins (three coins) during the coin insertion acceptance period. Specifically, when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot MI (see FIG. 1), the coin insertion switch 210 is activated and the coin insertion acceptance means 105 sets the inserted coins to an inserted state up to the specified number. In addition, when a bet operation is performed in which the single bet button BT or the max bet button MB is pressed with the coins credited, the bet switch 220 is activated and the coin insertion acceptance means 105 sets the credited coins to an inserted state up to the specified number.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the first press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as the player's operation to start the game, and serves as a trigger for starting the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, as well as a trigger for the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery.

The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lotteries. In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that may be generated regularly but may function as random numbers because the timing of acquisition is irregular.

The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on a start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 230 detects the start operation, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, a selection is made based on the current game state as to which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 to use for the internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) are associated with various roles such as replays, small roles, and bonuses, as well as non-wins (misses).

In the following description, a bonus means a winning combination that activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, a bonus being activated means that a bonus is won and activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, and a bonus state means that the reel or reel continuous operation device is activated.

In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generating means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the comparison result.

In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to a established state (second flag state, ON state) based on the result of the random number determination process. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more winning combinations are set to an established state. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are provided a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the established state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unestablished state without carrying over the established state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. In addition, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control, which starts the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and controls the rotation state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL. In addition, when the rotation state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 becomes a rotation state in which the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 rotate steadily at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate the stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 corresponding to each reel is pressed. Then, when a reel stop signal is output from the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation, the reel control means 130 executes control to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation (reel stop control).

In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and the player presses each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first press operation is referred to as the first stop operation, the second press operation is referred to as the second stop operation, and the third press operation is referred to as the third stop operation.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms from the time when the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed (the time when the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation) until the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button has elapsed. Here, when stopping the spinning reel within 190 ms from the time when the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured to be able to rotate a maximum of four frames from the time when the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the range in which symbols can be pulled onto the active line L1 (pulling-in range) is a total of five frames, from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until four frames have rotated.

When executing the reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a preset priority order by logic calculation including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a hit state can win as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a non-hit state cannot win, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage means 194 of the storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel by the reel stop control and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line L1 (number priority control), or according to the number of medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role (number priority control). However, when number priority control is executed, if multiple minor roles with the same payout are won, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each minor role is treated as being the same.

The winning judgment means 140 performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, the winning judgment means 140 refers to the winning judgment table stored in the winning judgment table storage means 195 of the storage means 190 to judge whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 at the time when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. The winning judgment table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be judged (hereinafter referred to as "winning judgment") based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel is stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination that indicates the winning form of a winning combination will also be referred to as the "winning symbol combination".

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the determination by the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. For example, the processes executed based on the result of the determination of the winning role include a process to determine the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150 when a small role is won, a process to cause the replay processing means 160 to execute the next game without consuming medals when a replay is won, and a process to cause the game state transition control means 170 to transition the game state when a role that triggers a transition of the game state, such as a bonus, is won.

The payout control means 150 performs a payout process for the payout of medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout number of medals in the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the payout control means 150 controls the hopper unit 320, which serves as a payout device, to pay out medals equivalent to the determined payout number.

The hopper unit 320 performs the operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a payout medal detection switch 325 that is activated each time a medal is paid out. The payout control means 150 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on an input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325. Note that when medal credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process is performed in which the payout number is added to the credit number (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means 190, and medals are virtually paid out.

When the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay among the multiple types of replay roles described below has been stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the machine to a ready state for the next game without the need to insert medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a specified number of medals are automatically inserted without using medals (including credit medals) held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the start lever SL for the next game with the same winning line L1 as the previous game set.

The game state transition control means 170 performs processing for transitioning the game state between multiple game states, and processing related to the activation and termination of bonuses. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predefined conditions, or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predefined conditions.

The performance control means 180 controls the performance related to the game, such as image and video performance using the display device 330 as a performance display device, and sound performance using the sound device 340, based on the performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 196. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1 by inserting a medal, operating the single bet button BT, the max bet button MB, the start lever SL, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the means 180 controls the execution of performances that liven up the game or assist the game, such as lighting or blinking lamps and LEDs, outputting sounds from the sound device 340, and using the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to delay the start of rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 when a start signal is output from the start switch 230.

The performance control means 180 also causes each component of the performance device 300 to execute a performance based on each performance state. In this embodiment, the performance control means 180 acquires a random number from the random number storage area of the random number generation means 110 for each lottery process that uses a random number, and executes each lottery process using the performance lottery table required for each lottery process from among the multiple performance lottery tables stored in the performance control data storage means 196.

In this embodiment, when the AT control means 200 executes the winning assistance, the presentation control means 180 executes a winning assistance presentation that uses the presentation device 300 to announce the contents to be announced in the winning assistance (for example, announcing the correct batting order and the timing of pressing when the winning area "batting order bell 1" is won).

The AT control means 200 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 197 to control the transition between the advantageous zone (advantageous period), which is a zone (period) in which an auxiliary game capable of executing a winning assistance to assist in the winning of a specific role is executed, and the normal zone (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous zone), which is a zone (period) in which a game is executed in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 197. The AT control data storage means 197 stores an advantageous zone transition lottery table used in the advantageous zone transition lottery that determines whether or not to start an advantageous zone in the normal zone, and data used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states including the AT state and non-AT state executed in the advantageous zone (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by a specified control process).

The AT control means 200 sets the presentation state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the advantageous zone, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation sequence (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the winning specific role to win on the main control display device 500 consisting of a 7-segment display, thereby performing a winning assistance (announcement of correct batting order) that assists the specific role to win. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the winning assistance is performed by the AT control means 200, the presentation control means 180 executes a winning assistance presentation that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct batting order on the display device 330. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the winning assistance, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, announcement game) that is advantageous to the player.

When a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous zone, described later in more detail, is met, the AT control means 200 ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game, and executes an end process as a predetermined initialization process, which is a process for initializing information related to the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values set within the advantageous zone. In addition, the AT control means 200 turns on the zone notification unit 500A when the advantageous zone starts and the winning assistance is executed, so that the expected medal acquisition value is 1 or more. For this reason, the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to turn off the zone notification unit 500A when the presentation state is such that the winning assistance is not executed, even if the advantageous zone has started.

The AT control means 200 sets the value "1500" as an initial value in the first advantageous zone counter 197a in a game that has started an advantageous zone, and executes a game number update process in which the value "1", which corresponds to one game, is subtracted from the value (stored value) stored in the first advantageous zone counter 197a each time a game is played, and the stored value of the first advantageous zone counter 197a is cumulatively decremented and updated. The AT control means 200 also executes a difference number update process in which the value (difference number) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the game that has started an advantageous zone by the number of medals inserted is cumulatively recorded in the second advantageous zone counter 197b.

When the AT control means 200 of this embodiment is controlling the advantageous zone, regardless of the game state, it executes a game number update process that cumulatively subtracts (updates) the value stored in the first advantageous zone counter 197a by a value of "1", which corresponds to one game, each time one game is played, and a number difference update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the second advantageous zone counter 197b with a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals.

Here, in the difference number update process for updating the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b, when the number of medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number of medals inserted and the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b is subtracted, the AT control means 200 sets the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b to the value "0" if the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b is less than the value "0". As a result, the AT control means 200 can fix the value of the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b at the lowest point to the value "0", so that in the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b, it is not necessary to vary the value that is the judgment threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b can be reduced.

When 1500 games have been played, that is, when the stored value of the first advantageous zone counter 197a becomes the first value "0", or when the player has won more than 2400 medals from the point at which the most medals were consumed in the advantageous zone, that is, when the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b becomes the value "2401" from the point at which it was the lowest value (lowest point), the AT control means 200 determines that a specific end condition has been met as a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous zone, and executes a predetermined end process that ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

In a specified termination process, the AT control means 200 initializes all information used in various control processes in the favorable zone, such as each flag set to ON in the favorable zone and values set in the favorable zone. The AT control means 200 can also terminate the favorable zone when a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the termination process even when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination condition set by the AT control means 200 in this embodiment will be described later.

2. Components of the Gaming Machine of the Present Embodiment Next, the components of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

<Internal lottery method>
3 is a diagram showing internal lottery tables A to C, which are internal lottery tables selected in each game state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The internal lottery table A is selected when the game state is a non-RT state. In the internal lottery table A, random numbers are associated with a winning area for winning a small role, a winning area for winning a small role and a bonus together, a winning area for winning a bonus, and a winning area for winning a replay, and the internal lottery table A is configured to win either a small role, a replay, or a bonus. In addition, in the internal lottery table A, the probability of winning a replay is set to about 1/7.3.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus is also referred to as "RBB") as a bonus that is a consecutive operation device for a first type special feature, and the RBB is set to an established state by winning either the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" or the winning area "RBB".

The internal lottery table B is selected when the game state is a bonus winning state, which is a gaming state to which the player is transitioned when the RBB is won in a non-RT state and the RBB is set to a winning state. In the internal lottery table B, the random number associated with the small win in the internal lottery table A and the random number associated with the winning area where a small win and a bonus are both won are associated with the small win, and the random number associated with the replay in the internal lottery table A and the random number associated with the bonus are associated with the replay.

The internal lottery table C is selected in the bonus state, which is the gaming state to which the player is shifted when the RBB is won and activated. The internal lottery table C is set so that the probability of winning a small prize is higher than the probability of winning a small prize set in either the internal lottery table A or the internal lottery table B.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the following small roles (hereinafter referred to as "winning roles") that can be won if the internal lottery is won are Bell A to Bell L, 1-coin roles A to 1-coin roles M, special small roles A to L, and rare roles A to C. The following winning areas (winning patterns) for small roles in which multiple winning roles overlap are won are set: winning area "batting order bell 1" to winning area "batting order bell 12", winning area "watermelon 2", winning area "1-coin role", winning area "JAC1", and winning area "JAC2". Here, "batting order" refers to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed is also referred to as "pressing timing".

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the minor winning combinations that are won in each winning area where a minor winning combination is won. As shown in Figure 4, winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are configured as winning areas where any one of Bell A to Bell L can be won without overlapping with each other, and where other minor winning combinations can be won in overlapping wins (for example, winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" is configured as winning areas where Bell A, 1-coin combination A, 1-coin combination M, and special minor winning combination A can be won in overlapping wins).

In addition, in this embodiment, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are set with batting orders (correct batting orders) that allow Bells A to L to win when the game state is in a bonus established state. Details of the correct batting orders set in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" will be described later.

The winning area "Watermelon 2" is a winning area that can be won by both rare role B and rare role C. When the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, the slot machine 1 is configured so that either rare role B or rare role C can win depending on the stroke order and pressing timing of stop buttons B1 to B3. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed at a timing that does not allow either rare role B or rare role C to win, it will result in a miss (non-winning) in which neither role wins. Details of the winning area "Watermelon 2" will be described later.

The winning area "RBB & Watermelon 1" is an area that can be won by both RBB and rare role A. When the winning area "RBB & Watermelon 1" is won, the rare role A will be won on the slot machine 1 regardless of the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed or the timing at which they are pressed.

The winning area "Watermelon 1" is a winning area that will win the same rare role A as the small role that will be won in the winning area "RBB & Watermelon 1", and the rare role A will be won regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3, and the difference is whether or not RBB is included in the lottery.

The winning area "RBB & 1-coin role" is an area that overlaps with RBB and 1-coin roles A to M. When the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role" is won, in the slot machine 1, one of the 1-coin roles A to L will win, regardless of the hitting order and pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

The winning area "1-coin role" is a winning area that overlaps with the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role" and wins with the same minor role, and is a winning area where any of the 1-coin roles A to L will win regardless of the hitting order and pressing timing of stop buttons B1 to B3, and the difference is whether or not RBB is included in the lottery.

The winning area "JAC1" is a winning area where all the small roles, Bell A to Bell L, 1-coin role A to 1-coin role M, special small role A to special small role L, and rare role A to rare role C, will win in duplicate, and any of the Bell A to Bell L with the highest payout will win regardless of the hitting order and timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3. The winning area "JAC2" is a winning area where the small roles, 1-coin role A to 1-coin role M, special small role A to special small role L, rare role A, and rare role C, with a payout of 1, will win in duplicate, and any of the 1-coin role A to 1-coin role L will win in duplicate, and regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

Next, we will explain the winning areas that include replays. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that include only replays are set as the winning areas "normal replay 1", "normal replay 2", and "rare replay".

The winning area "Normal Replay 1" is a winning area set in each of the internal lottery tables A and B, and is configured to allow Replay A to be won and to win Replay A regardless of the batting order or press timing.

The winning area "Normal Replay 2" is a winning area set in both internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B, and is configured to overlap with Replay A and Replay B and to allow Replay A to win regardless of the batting order and timing of pressing. In addition, the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is configured as a winning area where the probability of winning increases when the game state transitions from a non-RT state to a bonus establishment state, with the random number associated with the winning area "Normal Replay 2" in internal lottery table A and the random number associated with the winning area "RBB" associated in internal lottery table B.

The winning area "Rare Replay" is a winning area that is set in each of the internal lottery tables A and B when a rare replay is won, and is configured to allow a rare replay to be won regardless of the batting order and the timing of pressing. Note that the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment is configured as a so-called rare replay, in which the probability of winning each winning mode, including a replay, is lower for the winning area "Rare Replay" than for the winning areas "Normal Replay 1" and "Normal Replay 2".

Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the role associated with the carryover possible flag is RBB, and the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover possible flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the established state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small role and replay are won, even in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery is set to an established state.

<Arrangement of designs>
5 is a diagram showing the symbols arranged on the periphery of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a red 7 symbol "red 7", a BAR symbol "BAR", a replay symbol "RP", a bell A symbol "BLA", a bell B symbol "BLB", a bell C symbol "BLC", a cherry symbol "CH", a watermelon symbol "WM", a blank A symbol "BKA" and a blank B symbol "BKB" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Also, 20 symbols are arranged on each of the periphery of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

<Reel Control Means>
In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is set in the order of "replay > small combination >bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are won in combination, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or the replay.

<Small prize payout>
In this embodiment, the payouts for Bell A to Bell L are set to a payout number (15 coins) that is greater than the specified input number (3 coins). The payout for Rare B is set to a payout number (3 coins) that is the same as the specified input number (3 coins). The payouts for 1 coin A to 1 coin M, special small coin A to special small coin L, rare coin A, and rare coin C are set to a payout number (1 coin) that is less than the specified input number.

<Bonus and rare winning combinations>
6 is a diagram showing the winning symbol combination of RBB as a bonus possessed by the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning symbol combination of rare combinations A to C. As shown in FIG. 6, the winning symbol combination of RBB is "RP-BKB-WM".

As shown in FIG. 5, replay symbols "RP" are arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the first reel R1. Also, blank B symbols "BKB" are arranged on the frame with stop number 18 on the second reel R2. Also, watermelon symbols "WM" are arranged on the frame with stop number 4 and the frame with stop number 19 on the third reel R3.

For this reason, the RBB is configured so that if there is no overlap with the minor prize and replay and a win is not achieved, when the stop button B2 is pressed when the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 2 through the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 0, the bell A symbol "BLA" at stop number 19, and the blank B symbol "BKB" at stop number 18 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1, and when the stop button B3 is pressed when the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 through the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 0, and the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 19 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B1.

As shown in Figure 6, the winning symbol combination for rare role A is "RP-WM-BLC", the winning symbol combination for rare role B is "BLA (BLB)-WM-BAR (BKB)", and the winning symbol combination for rare role C is "BLA (BLB)-Red 7 (BKA)-Red 7 (BKA)".

As shown in FIG. 5, the first reel R1 has bell A symbols "BLA" or bell B symbols "BLB" arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less. The second reel R2 has watermelon symbols "WM" arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less, red 7 symbols "AKA 7" arranged at stop number 13, and blank A symbols "BKA" arranged at stop number 8. The third reel R3 has bell C symbols "BLC" arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less, BAR symbols "BAR" arranged at stop number 3, blank B symbols "BKB" arranged at stop number 18, red 7 symbols "AKA 7" arranged at stop number 13, and blank A symbols "BKA" arranged at stop number 8.

For this reason, the rare combination A can be won regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, the rare combination B can be won regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 and B2 if stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when the bell C symbol "BLC" at stop number 7 through the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 0, the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 19, and the blank B symbol "BKB" at stop number 18 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1. The rare symbol C is configured to be winnable regardless of the timing of the press of stop button B1 if stop button B2 is pressed when the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1, and if stop button B3 is pressed when the bell C symbol "BLC" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, rare role B and rare role C can be won in combination. As described above, the payout for rare role B is set to three coins, which is a higher payout than rare role A and rare role C.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1, when the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination of either rare B or rare C can be displayed on the pay line L1, specifically, when the second reel R2 and third reel R3 are spinning and the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1, the watermelon symbol "WM" which is the symbol on the second reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combination of rare B is displayed stopped on the pay line L1, rather than the red 7 symbol "RED 7" or blank A symbol "BKA" which are the symbols on the second reel R2 constituting the winning symbol combination of rare C.

In other words, the rare symbol C is configured to be eligible for winning only when the stop button B3 is pressed before the stop button B2 when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is selected, and the timing of pressing the stop button B3 is when the bell C symbol "BLC" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed rotating on the pay line L1.

As described above, when the game state is a non-RT state, the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment includes the winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" as a lottery target. The winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" is configured as a winning area that can be won by both RBB and rare role A. The reel control means 130 is configured to stop and display the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of the minor role on the pay line L1 in reel stop control, prioritizing the bonus.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "RBB & Watermelon 1" is won, reel stop control is executed in which the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of rare symbol A are stopped and displayed on the activated line L1 in priority to RBB, and the rare symbol A that can stop the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination is reliably won regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a rare combination A is won by the bell C symbol "BLC" of stop number 2 or stop number 17 among the symbols arranged on the third reel R3 stopping on the activated line L1, a watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in a line on the top of the first reel R1, the middle of the second reel R2, and the bottom of the third reel R3. In addition, in the slot machine 1, when a rare combination B is won, a watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in a line on the middle of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

<Game state transition control means>
FIG. 7(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states to which a transition can be made from each game state in the control relating to the transition of game states executed by the game state transition control means 170 of this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7(A), the non-RT state is a gaming state (initial gaming state, normal gaming state) that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of gaming states, and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus has not been activated or established. In the non-RT state, the gaming state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1/7.3.

The bonus established state is a game state to which a player enters when the winning area "RBB", the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role", or the winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state, and RBB is set to an established state. In the bonus established state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1/7.3.

The bonus state is a game state to which the game is transitioned when the RBB is won and activated. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition of the activated RBB is met based on the total number of medals paid out, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined payout number (e.g., 100 medals), it terminates the bonus state by terminating the operation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to a non-RT state, which is a non-bonus state. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the internal lottery table C, random numbers are associated with a winning area "JAC1" that can be won with all the small roles of Bell A to Bell L, 1-coin role A to 1-coin role M, special small role A to special small role L, and rare role A to rare role C, and a winning area "JAC2" that can be won with all the 1-coin roles of 1-coin role A to 1-coin role M, special small role A to special small role L, rare role A, and rare role C.

The bonus state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning the winning area "JAC1" or the winning area "JAC2" in the bonus state in which the internal lottery table C is selected is set to be higher than the probability of winning any of the winning areas including a small role in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B. In other words, the probability of winning a small role in the bonus state is set to be higher than the probability of winning any of the small roles in a game state other than the bonus state. Also, the probability of winning the winning area "JAC1" in the internal lottery table C is set to be higher than the probability of winning any of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B.

Because of this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that in the bonus state, the probability of winning all minor prizes is higher than in the non-RT state when the bonus is not activated, or in the bonus activation state, and the probability of winning any minor prize is also higher.

In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured such that in the bonus state, the probability of winning in the winning area "JAC1" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" (the combined probability of winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12").

In this way, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has multiple types of first small role winning modes (winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 12") in which multiple types of specific small roles (Bell A to Bell L) set to a payout greater than the amount of game value inserted required to start play do not overlap with each other and overlap with other small roles, and a second small role winning mode (winning area "JAC1") in which multiple types of specific small roles overlap and are won, and the internal lottery means 120 is configured to perform an internal lottery so that multiple types of first small role winning modes exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and bonus establishment state, and to perform an internal lottery so that the second small role winning mode exists in the bonus state. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second small prize winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the multiple types of first small prize winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state, and the winning probability of each of the small prizes in the internal lottery in the bonus state is configured to be equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of the small prizes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the expected medal acquisition rate in the bonus state is less than 100%.

Now, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, which will be described in more detail later, when a bonus is established and the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are selected, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order and the first stop operation is performed at a press timing that allows the winning Bells A to L to be selected, then Bells A to L can be selected.

In other words, in a bonus-established state, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 12" are selected, the stop buttons B1 through B3 must be pressed in the correct batting order, and the first stop operation must be performed at the right timing to allow the winning Bells A through L to win. Therefore, when the game is played in a non-AT state in which the AT control means 200, which will be described later, does not perform the winning assistance, the probability of any of the Bells A through L winning is limited to when the stop buttons B1 through B3 can be pressed in the correct batting order from the six possible batting orders, and the first stop operation is performed at the right timing.

On the other hand, when AT play is performed in which the winning assistance is executed by the AT control means 200 described later, the correct batting order is announced when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are won, and the pressing timing that allows Bells A to L to win is announced by the winning assistance effect by the effect control means 180, so the probability that any of Bells A to L will win can be increased by up to 12 times compared to when the winning assistance is not executed.

In this embodiment, 12 types of bells A to L are set as winning roles (specific roles) that pay out more medals than the specified number of medals when the stop operation is performed in the correct stroke order and the timing of pressing the first stop operation is appropriate. The probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific role in the bonus state is compressed to about 1/12 of the probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific role in a game state other than the bonus state. By configuring in this way, the probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific role in the bonus state can be compressed to about 1/N of the probability of obtaining a winning mode including a specific role in a game state other than the bonus state by providing a mode in which N types of specific roles are won without overlapping each other in a game state other than the bonus state and performing an internal lottery, and providing a mode in which N types of specific roles are won in overlapping in the bonus state. As a result, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance for AT play while lowering the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the bonus state to less than 100%, and thus the design freedom of the slot machine 1 with the AT function can be dramatically improved.

<AT Control Means>
FIG. 7(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal interval and advantageous interval controlled by the AT control means 200 of this embodiment, and the presentation state controlled during the advantageous interval.

As described above, the normal interval is a period during which control of auxiliary play based on the results of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. During play within the normal interval, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable interval lottery, which is a lottery that determines whether or not to end the normal interval and start a favorable interval, based on the winning area that is selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

In the advantageous zone lottery, the AT control means 200 first obtains from the AT control data storage means 197 an advantageous zone transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous zone" and "miss (no win)" are associated with each of a number of random numbers. The AT control means 200 then obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous zone transition lottery table, and determines whether or not to start the advantageous zone based on the comparison result.

The AT control means 200 executes the advantageous zone lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the winning probability of the "start of the advantageous zone" in the advantageous zone lottery is 1/17500 or more.

The AT control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to execute a favorable zone lottery when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 12", the winning area "watermelon 2", the winning area "normal replay 1", the winning area "rare replay", the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role", and the winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, and when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 12", the winning area "watermelon 2", the winning area "normal replay 1", the winning area "rare replay", the winning area "1 coin role", and the winning area "watermelon 1" are won in the internal lottery in the bonus establishment state, and not to execute a favorable zone lottery when another winning area is won. In addition, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable zone lottery that wins the "start of the favorable zone" with a high probability of about 1/1.5.

In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 200 has multiple types of presentation states, including a normal non-AT state and a CZ state, as a non-AT state (first state) in which auxiliary games are not executed, and an AT state (second state) in which auxiliary games can be executed. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous zone during the entire game can be 70% or more.

The AT control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to be capable of executing control related to the AT state based on the result of the internal lottery (for example, control related to instruction functions such as lottery related to transition of the presentation state and processing related to addition (addition) of the number of plays in the AT state), and is configured to proceed with processing as if the same specific winning pattern had been won in both cases where the result of the internal lottery is a winning in the winning area "Watermelon 1" and where the result of the internal lottery is a winning in the winning area "Watermelon 2".

The normal non-AT state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to the normal state among multiple types of presentation states, and is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When the presentation state transitions to the normal non-AT state, the AT control means 200 executes an incremental update to add a value "1" equivalent to one game to the stored value of a non-AT game number counter (not shown), which counts the number of times a game is played in the normal non-AT state, each time a game is played. When the stored value of the non-AT game number counter becomes a value of "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state has been met, and transitions the presentation state from the normal non-AT state to the CZ state.

In addition, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in the internal lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state. In the CZ lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery to determine either "Transition to CZ state" or "No win", and if "Transition to CZ state" is won in the CZ lottery, the presentation state transitions from the normal non-AT state to the CZ state regardless of the stored value of the non-AT game number counter.

In addition, when the winning area "Watermelon 1" is won in the internal lottery and when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, the AT control means 200 executes a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, as a process based on the winning of the same specific winning pattern. In the normal AT lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery to determine either "Transition to AT state" or "No win", and if "Transition to AT state" is won in the normal AT lottery, it determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) has been established, and transitions the presentation state from the normal non-AT state to the AT state.

The CZ state is a more advantageous presentation state than the normal non-AT state, in that the probability of transitioning to the AT state, in which a winning assistance, which is an advantageous privilege for the player, is executed, is higher than in the normal non-AT state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 200 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 32 games) to the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197, and executes a decrement update each time a game is executed, subtracting the stored value of the CZ game number counter by the value "1", which corresponds to one game.

The AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state during a game in which the CZ state has been started. If the "transition to the AT state" is selected in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the AT state after 32 games have been played since the start of the CZ state. On the other hand, if the "transition to the AT state" is not selected in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 200 ends the CZ state after 32 games have been played since the start of the CZ state. If the CZ state is ended without the AT transition condition being satisfied, the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition, which is one of the conditions for terminating the advantageous zone, has been satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process, which is a process for initializing information regarding the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process for terminating the advantageous zone and starting the normal zone from the next game.

In the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery that allows a player to win "Transition to AT state" with a higher probability than the normal AT lottery executed in a normal non-AT state, regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 200 is configured to obtain a lottery table by referring to the winning area won in the internal lottery, so that the probability of winning "Transition to AT state" changes depending on the winning area won in the internal lottery. When the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in the internal lottery, the AT control means 200 obtains a lottery table that allows a player to win "Transition to AT state" with a higher probability than when other winning areas are won.

In addition, in play during a CZ state where transition to the AT state has not been determined, including play at the start of the CZ state, when the winning area "Watermelon 1" is won in an internal lottery and when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, the AT control means 200 executes a specific CZ AT lottery that has a higher probability of winning "transition to the AT state" than the CZ AT lottery when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in an internal lottery, as processing based on the winning of the same specific winning pattern.

In this way, the CZ state is configured such that at the start of play, a CZ AT lottery is executed in which the player can win "transition to AT state" regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and if the winning area "watermelon 1" or the winning area "watermelon 2" is won in the internal lottery, the player has a higher chance of winning "transition to AT state" than if the other winning areas are won, making it a more advantageous presentation state for the player than the normal non-AT state, in which the conditions for transitioning to the AT state can only be met if the winning area "watermelon 1" or the winning area "watermelon 2" is won.

If the "transition to AT state" is selected in the AT lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the AT state after 32 games have been played since the start of the CZ state. In addition, the AT control means 200 executes a bonus lottery for the awarding of a bonus different from the transition to the AT state, during the play until the end of the CZ state, when the "transition to AT state" is selected in the AT lottery during the CZ and 32 games have been played. In this embodiment, the AT control means 200 executes an initial game number addition lottery, which determines by lottery a value to be added (added) to an initial value set to an AT game number counter (not shown) that counts the period during which the AT state continues, at the start of the AT state transition from the CZ state.

In this embodiment, the AT control means 200 executes an initial number of games addition lottery in every game in which "transition to AT state" is selected in the AT lottery during the CZ and 32 games are played until the CZ state ends. In addition, in the game in which transition to the AT state is determined and the CZ state ends, the AT control means 200 executes a specific initial number of games addition lottery, which has a high probability of being determined as a value larger than the initial number of games addition lottery, as a process based on the winning of the same specific winning pattern, in the case where the winning area "watermelon 1" is won in the internal lottery and in the case where the winning area "watermelon 2" is won.

The AT control means 200 may be configured to execute a bonus lottery only when the "transition to AT state" is won in the AT lottery during the CZ, and a specific winning area is won in the internal lottery during the play until the CZ state ends after 32 games have been played. The bonus awarded based on the result of the bonus lottery is not limited to an addition to the initial number of games in the AT state, but may also be an addition to the number of times one set of the AT state is executed from when the start condition is met to when the end condition is met (an addition to the number of sets), and the specific content of the bonus is not limited to this embodiment.

The AT state is a state in which an auxiliary game in which a winning assistance is executed can be executed. In the AT state, the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to execute a winning assistance based on winning a winning area in which the winning combination changes depending on the batting order of the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. Here, the combination (specific combination) that increases the probability of winning by the winning assistance is Bell A to Bell L when the winning areas "Bat order Bell 1" to "Bat order Bell 12" are won. As a winning assistance, the AT control means 200 causes the main control display device 500 to display a display informing the player of the correct batting order.

In addition, when the AT control means 200 executes the winning assistance, the presentation control means 180 of this embodiment executes a winning assistance presentation that notifies the display device 330 of the correct batting order and the timing for pressing the first stop operation. As the winning assistance presentation, the presentation control means 180 displays a first winning assistance presentation indicator that notifies the stop button that executes the first stop operation and the timing for pressing the first stop operation, a second winning assistance presentation indicator that notifies the stop button that executes the second stop operation, and a third winning assistance presentation indicator that notifies the stop button that executes the third stop operation.

Here, the first winning auxiliary performance indicator is arranged within the pull-in range of the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of Bell A to Bell L, and is composed of an image that is approximately similar to a symbol that is more visible than the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of Bell A to Bell L, and has a design that is not similar to other symbols arranged on the reel corresponding to the first stop operation.

This auxiliary game in which the winning assistance is executed constitutes a privilege advantageous to the player in this embodiment, and the AT state, which is more advantageous to the player than the non-AT state in terms of medal payout due to the auxiliary game in which the winning assistance is executed for Bell A to Bell L, with a payout (15 coins) set higher than the specified number of coins inserted (3 coins), constitutes the second state in this embodiment, and the AT control means 200, which controls the normal zone, advantageous zone, and auxiliary game, constitutes the auxiliary game control means in this embodiment. In addition, the AT control means 200, which can grant the AT state to the player as a privilege, constitutes the privilege control means in this embodiment.

At the start of the AT state, the AT control means 200 sets an initial value corresponding to a predetermined number of plays (a value obtained by adding 50 games and the number of games added based on the results of the initial game number addition lottery in the CZ state and the specific initial game number addition lottery) to the AT game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197, and executes a decrement update each time a play is executed, subtracting the stored value of the AT game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

The AT control means 200 is also configured to execute an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) to the duration of the AT state when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 by determining whether or not to add a value determined by lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter.

In addition, when the winning area "Watermelon 1" is won in the internal lottery, and when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, the AT control means 200 executes a specific add-on lottery that has a high probability of being determined to be a value greater than the add-on lottery executed when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won, as processing based on the winning of the same specific winning pattern.

The AT control means 200 determines that the end condition of the AT state (AT end condition) is met and ends the AT state when the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes the value "0" due to the decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, when the stored value of the first favorable zone counter 197a in the AT state reaches the value "1500", or when the stored value of the second favorable zone counter 197b in the AT state exceeds the value "2400".

When the AT state is ended based on the stored value of the AT game number counter becoming the value "0", the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to execute a favorable zone continuation lottery to determine whether or not to continue the favorable zone. In this embodiment, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable zone continuation lottery when the stored value of the second favorable zone counter 197b is less than the value "900", that is, when the number of medals (number difference) acquired by the player in the current AT state is less than 900.

The AT control means 200 executes a lottery for the continuation of the advantageous zone, and if the "continuation of the advantageous zone" is selected, the presentation state transitions from the AT state to the normal non-AT state. On the other hand, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery for the continuation of the advantageous zone, and if the "continuation of the advantageous zone" is not selected, or if the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b is equal to or greater than the value "900" at the end of the AT state, it determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous zone has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process for initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined end process which ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

In addition, when the AT state is ended based on the stored value of the first advantageous zone counter 197a reaching the value "1500" in the AT state, and when the AT state is ended based on the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b exceeding the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 200 determines that a specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous zone is met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process of initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined end process which ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

3. Details of winning the batting order minor role As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 12" as a winning area (batting order minor role) in which the minor role that can be won varies depending on the batting order. In addition, the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 12" are configured as winning areas in which the minor roles shown in FIG. 4 are overlappingly won.

<Details of the small prizes that are won in duplicate when the batting order small prize is won>
Regarding the minor winning combinations that are overlappingly won when the winning areas "Bell 1" to "Bell 12" are won, first, details of Bell A to Bell L and Special Minor A to Special Minor L will be described. In this embodiment, Bell A, Bell B, Special Minor G, and Special Minor H are symbols that make up the winning symbol combination, and the symbol on the first reel R1 is a common symbol (first symbol). The first symbol is arranged so that it can be stopped on the pay line L1 when the stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when the symbols within the first range of 10 frames out of 20 frames on the first reel R1 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1.

Furthermore, for the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination, Bell G, Bell H, Special Minor Symbol A, and Special Minor Symbol B, the symbols on the first reel R1 are the same symbol (second symbol). The second symbols are arranged so that they can be stopped on the pay line L1 when the stop button B1 is pressed at the timing when symbols within a second range that does not overlap with the first range and are displayed in a rotating manner on the pay line L1 within a range of 10 out of 20 frames on the first reel R1.

In this configuration, in the slot machine 1, for example, for the winning area "Bell 1 in Batting Order" where Bell A and special minor win A are both won, if the batting order of stop buttons B1 to B3 is correct and stop button B1 is pressed at a time when symbols within a first range among the symbols arranged on the first reel R1 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1, then Bell A can be won, and if stop button B1 is pressed at a time when symbols within a second range that do not overlap with the first range among the symbols arranged on the first reel R1 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1, then special minor win A can be won.

Bell C, Bell D, Special Minor Symbol I, and Special Minor Symbol J are symbols that make up the winning symbol combination and the symbol on the second reel R2 is the same symbol (third symbol). The third symbol is arranged so that it can stop on the pay line L1 when the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when the symbols within the third range of 10 out of 20 frames on the second reel R2 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1.

Furthermore, for the symbols that make up the winning symbol combinations, Bell I, Bell J, Special Minor Symbol C, and Special Minor Symbol D, the symbol on the second reel R2 is the same symbol (fourth symbol). The fourth symbol is arranged so that it can be stopped on the pay line L1 when the stop button B2 is pressed at the timing when symbols within a fourth range that does not overlap with the third range and are displayed in a rotating manner on the pay line L1 within a range of 10 out of 20 frames on the second reel R2.

In this configuration, in the slot machine 1, for example, for the winning area "Bell 3 in Batting Order" where Bell C and special minor win C are both won, if the batting order of stop buttons B1 to B3 is correct and stop button B2 is pressed at a time when a pattern within a third range among the patterns arranged on second reel R2 is displayed spinning on the pay line L1, then Bell C can be won, and if stop button B2 is pressed at a time when a pattern within a fourth range that does not overlap with the third range among the patterns arranged on second reel R2 is displayed spinning on the pay line L1, then special minor win C can be won.

Bell E, Bell F, Special Minor K, and Special Minor L are symbols that make up the winning symbol combination, and the symbol on the third reel R3 is the same symbol (fifth symbol). The fifth symbol is arranged so that it can stop on the active line L1 when the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when symbols within the fifth range of 10 out of 20 frames on the third reel R3 are displayed in rotation on the active line L1.

Furthermore, for the symbols that make up the winning symbol combinations, Bell K, Bell L, Special Minor E, and Special Minor F, the symbol on the third reel R3 is the same symbol (sixth symbol). The sixth symbol is arranged so that it can be stopped on the pay line L1 when the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when symbols within a sixth range that does not overlap with the fifth range and are displayed in a range of 10 out of 20 frames on the third reel R3 are displayed in rotation on the pay line L1.

In this configuration, in the slot machine 1, for example, for the winning area "Bell 5 in Batting Order," where Bell E and special small win E are both won, if the batting order of stop buttons B1 to B3 is correct and stop button B3 is pressed at a time when a pattern within a fifth range among the patterns arranged on third reel R3 is displayed in rotation on the pay line L1, then Bell E can be won, and if stop button B3 is pressed at a time when a pattern within a sixth range that does not overlap with the fifth range among the patterns arranged on third reel R3 is displayed in rotation on the pay line L1, then special small win E can be won.

With the above configuration, Bell A to Bell L can win if the correct batting order and the first stop operation are performed within the range in which the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination can be stopped, so the probability of winning when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order is 1/2, and special minor symbols A to L will win if the first stop operation is performed at a timing that does not allow Bell A to Bell L to win.

Next, we will explain 1-coin roles A to M. In this embodiment, 1-coin roles A to L are configured as minor roles that can be won regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3. On the other hand, 1-coin role M can be won by pressing any one of stop buttons B1 to B3 at a timing when 10 of 20 frames are displayed rotating on the pay line L1, and the probability of winning is configured to be 1/2.

<Details of the small prizes that can be won when the batting order small prize is won in each game state>
Next, in the non-RT state and in the bonus established state, the winning combinations that can be won when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 12" are selected in the internal lottery will be described.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are won in the internal lottery in a non-RT state, Bell A to Bell L are not awarded regardless of the order in which Stop Buttons B1 to B3 are pressed.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the non-RT state, minor roles with payouts set to be greater than the specified number of insertions are not awarded, so the expected rate of medal acquisition in the non-RT state is significantly suppressed, making the non-RT state the gaming state with the lowest expected rate of medal acquisition compared to other gaming states.

On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12" are won in the internal lottery when a bonus is established, a batting order (correct batting order) that allows Bell A to Bell L to win is set for each winning area.

In slot machine 1, if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are won, the batting order of stop buttons B1 to B3 is correct, and the first stop operation is pressed at a timing that allows the symbols that make up the winning combination of Bell A to Bell L to be stopped, then one of the winning Bells A to Bell L will win. If the batting order is correct and the first stop operation is pressed at a timing that allows the symbols that make up the winning combination of Bell A to Bell L to not be stopped, then one of the winning Special Minor Symbols A to L will win.

In addition, in slot machine 1, when winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" are won, if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a batting order different from the correct batting order (incorrect batting order) in which the first stop operation is the same as the correct batting order, one of the winning 1-coin roles A to L will win, if the first stop operation is in a batting order different from the correct batting order in the incorrect batting order and the press timing is a press timing that can stop the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of 1-coin role M, 1-coin role M will win, and if the batting order is incorrect and the press timing is a press timing that cannot stop the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of 1-coin role M, it will be a miss (non-winning) and no role will win.

4. Details of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2" Next, details of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2" set as the object of the lottery in the internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the winning probability of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2", and details of the control related to the auxiliary game and the control related to the presentation executed when a winning occurs.

As shown in FIG. 8, the winning area "Watermelon 1" is assigned a lottery value of "873," and the winning area "Watermelon 2" is assigned a lottery value of "219."

In this embodiment, the random number determination process in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is configured to obtain one random number from a range of 65,536 numbers from 0 to 65,535 from the random number generation means 110, sequentially subtract the lottery value number assigned to each winning area from the obtained random number, and when the result of the subtraction is a negative value, determine that the winning area corresponding to the lottery value number used has been won. Therefore, the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 1" is 873/65,536 (approximately 1/75.1), and the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 2" is 219/65,536 (approximately 1/299).

Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the sum of the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 1" and the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 2" is configured to be 1092/65536 (approximately 1/60). In addition, the winning areas "Watermelon 1" and "Watermelon 2" have a lower winning probability than each of the other winning areas including small roles (for example, a lower probability than the winning area "Bell 1"). The so-called rare roles A to C that can win when the winning area "Watermelon 1" and the winning area "Watermelon 2" are won are configured as so-called rare roles that are harder to win than other small roles.

As described above, the AT control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to proceed with processing as if the same specific winning pattern has been won when the result of the internal lottery is a win for the winning area "Watermelon 1" and when the result of the internal lottery is a win for the winning area "Watermelon 2". If the presentation state is a normal non-AT state, a normal AT lottery is executed as control for auxiliary play based on winning of a specific winning pattern, if the presentation state is a CZ state, a specific CZ AT lottery or a specific initial game number addition lottery is executed as control for auxiliary play based on winning of a specific winning pattern, and if the presentation state is an AT state, a specific addition lottery is executed as control for auxiliary play based on winning of a specific winning pattern.

On the other hand, the presentation control means 180 of this embodiment is configured to proceed with the processing for the winning area "Watermelon 1" and the winning area "Watermelon 2" as if they were won in different winning patterns, and when the winning area "Watermelon 1" is won, a first winning command corresponding to the winning of the winning area "Watermelon 1" is created by the internal lottery means 120, and a first winning presentation is executed based on the created first winning command, in which an image having a design similar to a watermelon design is displayed on the left side of the display device 330 when viewed from the front.

In addition, when the winning area "watermelon 2" is won, the internal lottery means 120 creates a second winning command corresponding to the winning of the winning area "watermelon 2", and the performance control means 180 executes a second winning performance having different performance content from the first winning performance by displaying an image having a design similar to that of a watermelon design approximately in the center of the display device 330 as a performance based on the created second winning command.

5. Summary of the Present Embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the winning area “watermelon 1” is won, the rare role A is won, and the rare role A is configured to win regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

In addition, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "watermelon 2" is won, rare role B and rare role C are won, and the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is such that the stop button B2 is pressed before the stop button B3, and the stop button B3 is pressed at the timing when the bell C pattern "BLC" at stop number 7 to the replay pattern "RP" at stop number 0, the watermelon pattern "WM" at stop number 19, and the blank B pattern "BKB" at stop number 18 are displayed in rotation on the effective line L1 (predetermined operation mode, first operation mode), and among the operation modes different from the operation mode that allows the rare role B to be won, the stop button B2 is pressed before the stop button B2. When the play button B2 is pressed and the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed in rotation on the valid line L1, and the stop button B3 is pressed when the bell C symbol "BLC" at stop number 17 through the blank A symbol "BKA" at stop number 8 are displayed in rotation on the valid line L1 (second operation mode), a rare role C wins, and when the operation mode is different from the operation mode that allows a rare role B or rare role C to win, a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of any role is displayed on the valid line L1, resulting in a missed win (non-winning).

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the result of the internal lottery is a winning in the winning area "Watermelon 1" and when the result of the internal lottery is a winning in the winning area "Watermelon 2", regardless of whether the presentation state controlled by the AT control means 200 is a winning state, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute control related to the auxiliary game as if the same specific winning mode had been won.

In this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment ensures the technical intervention of the gaming machine by the winning area "watermelon 2" containing the rare role B, which may be missed, and in the case of winning either the winning area "watermelon 2" or the winning area "watermelon 1" containing the rare role A that wins regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the AT control means 200 proceeds with the processing as if the same specific winning mode had been won. This allows the gameplay to be designed with the combined winning probability of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2". Even if the winning probability of the winning area "watermelon 2" is set to a certain level or higher to ensure technical intervention, the gameplay is not impaired and the player's interest in the gameplay using the results of the internal lottery can be increased.

The winning area "Watermelon 1" constitutes the first winning mode in this embodiment, the winning area "Watermelon 2" constitutes the second winning mode in this embodiment, the rare role A constitutes the first small role in this embodiment, and the rare role B constitutes the second small role in this embodiment.

The total winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 1" and the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 2" constitutes the specific winning probability that is set when designing the gameplay through the control related to the auxiliary game using the results of the internal lottery, the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 2" constitutes the second winning probability that is set to ensure the technical intervention of the gaming machine, and the winning probability of the winning area "Watermelon 1" constitutes the first winning probability that is set as a result of subtracting the second winning probability from the specific winning probability.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a winning probability of 219/65536 (approximately 1/299) in the winning area "Watermelon 2", which is higher than 1/300, and is configured to be able to win a rare role B with a payout of three coins when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won. In other words, in the slot machine 1, the expected winning value calculated from the winning probability and the payout when winning in the winning area "Watermelon 2" is set to 657/65536 ≒ 0.010 (approximately 1%).

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is set to have an expected winning value of approximately 1% for the winning area "Watermelon 2", and since the number of medals that can be won varies depending on whether or not the rare role B, which can be won when the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 is a predetermined operation mode, the technical intervention in the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when rare role A is won, the watermelon symbol "WM" can be displayed in a line on the top of the first reel R1, the middle of the second reel R2, and the bottom of the third reel R3, and when rare role B is won, the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed in a line on the middle of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, so that when rare role A is won and when rare role B is won, the symbols displayed in the display window DW are similar in appearance.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the AT control means 200 executes the same control for the auxiliary game in the case where the winning area "Watermelon 1" is won and rare role A is won, and in the case where the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won and rare role B is won, even when the same control is executed as the control for the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery when different winning areas, the winning area "Watermelon 1" and the winning area "Watermelon 2", are won, a similar display pattern is stopped and displayed in the display window DW when rare role A is won and when rare role B is won, so that the control for the auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning pattern can be executed without giving a sense of incongruity to the player.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won, even if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a manner that does not allow the rare symbol B to be won, there is a possibility of winning the rare symbol C.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can win rare role C and reduce the player's losses even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an operation mode that does not allow rare role B to be won when the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won.

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment also has a winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" where rare role A and RBB are both won as a winning area where rare role A can be won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 in a non-RT state. In the slot machine 1, reel stop control is executed by the reel control means 130 so that minor roles are won in priority over bonuses, so when the winning area "RBB & watermelon 1" is won, reel stop control is executed so that RBB is not won and rare role A is won.

Here, in the slot machine 1, when the game state is in a non-RT state, when the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" are won, regardless of the batting order and pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3, Bells A to L set to a payout (15 coins) greater than the specified number of coins inserted (3 coins) do not win, and when the game state transitions to a bonus winning state, Bells A to L can win if the batting order is correct and the first stop operation is at a timing when the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination of Bells A to L that are winning can be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1. In the slot machine 1, the lower limit of the expected medal acquisition rate in the bonus state is lowered to less than 100%, and the bonus winning state is set as the most advantageous game state for the player when AT play is executed.

Because of this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the winning area "RBB & Watermelon 1" where RBB and rare role A are both won in a non-RT state is won, regardless of the manner in which the player operates the stop buttons B1 to B3, rare role A is won and the game state transitions to a bonus winning state. This means that the game state can be transitioned to a bonus winning state that is advantageous to the player when AT play is performed without the player having to care about the winning of RBB, and the player can play the game without feeling stressed.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a rare role B can be won when the stop button B3 is pressed at a timing when the bell C symbol "BLC" at stop number 7 through the replay symbol "RP" at stop number 0, the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 19, and the blank B symbol "BKB" at stop number 18 are displayed rotating on the pay line L1. If the stop button B3 is pressed at any other time, the rare role B will not be won.

As described above, in the slot machine 1, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag of the RBB is set to the established state, and in the game in the bonus established state, the RBB and the winning combination in the internal lottery in the game are configured to be in a double winning state. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, if the winning area "watermelon 2" is configured as a winning area where the rare combination B is the only winning combination, when the stop button B3 is pressed first when the winning area "watermelon 2" is won, and the timing of pressing the stop button B3 is such that the BAR pattern "BAR" or the blank B pattern "BKB", which are the patterns constituting the winning combination of the rare combination B, cannot be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, the watermelon pattern "WM", which is the pattern constituting the winning combination of the RBB set to the established state, may be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the game state may transition from the bonus established state to the bonus state due to the winning of the RBB.

However, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning area "watermelon 2" is configured as a winning area in which the rare role B and the rare role C, which is composed of the symbols arranged in a range where the rare role B and the pull-in range do not overlap, are overlappingly won for the symbols on the third reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination. If the stop button B3 is pressed before the winning symbol is determined to be the rare role B, and the stop button B3 is pressed at a pressing timing that does not allow the symbols that constitute the winning symbol combination of the rare role B to be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, the symbols that constitute the winning symbol combination of the rare role C are stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the winning symbol is determined to be the rare role C. This avoids the winning of the RBB, and the game state can be maintained in a bonus formation state that is advantageous to the player when the AT game is executed without the player having to care about the winning of the RBB, and the game can be executed without causing stress to the player.

The rare symbol C, which is created to avoid winning a bonus by overlapping with the rare symbol B in the winning area "Watermelon 2", constitutes the third minor symbol in this embodiment.

As described above, the gaming machine (1) of this embodiment has the following features:
A plurality of reels (R1, R2, R3);
a plurality of stop buttons (B1, B2, B3) corresponding to the plurality of reels, respectively;
An internal lottery means (120) for performing an internal lottery for a winning combination;
and an auxiliary game control means (200) for controlling a normal zone and an advantageous zone and for controlling an auxiliary game in the advantageous zone.
The internal lottery includes a first winning mode and a second winning mode as targets of the lottery,
The first winning mode includes a first minor win,
The second winning mode includes a second minor win,
The auxiliary game control means is capable of executing control related to the auxiliary game based on a result of the internal lottery,
the auxiliary game control means executes control related to the auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning mode when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and when the second winning mode is won in the internal lottery;
When the first winning mode is won, the first minor winning combination is won regardless of the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons,
When the second winning mode is won and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in a predetermined operation mode, the second minor winning combination is won,
When the second winning mode is won and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode, no winning combination is won.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment ensures the technical intervention of the gaming machine by the winning area "watermelon 2" containing the rare role B, which may be missed, and when either the winning area "watermelon 2" or the winning area "watermelon 1" containing the rare role A that wins regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is won, the control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the AT control means 200 proceeds with the processing as if the same specific winning mode was won. This allows the gameplay to be designed with the combined winning probability of the winning area "watermelon 1" and the winning area "watermelon 2". Even if the winning probability of the winning area "watermelon 2" is set to a certain level or higher to ensure technical intervention, the gameplay is not impaired and the player's interest in the gameplay using the results of the internal lottery can be increased.

6. Modifications In the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured as a winning area where the rare combination B and the rare combination C, which are set to a payout of three coins, are double-winning for the winning area "watermelon 2", but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured as a winning area where the rare combination B is single-winning for the winning area "watermelon 2".

When configured in this way, in the slot machine 1, if the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a predetermined operation manner that allows rare role B to be won, rare role B will be won, and if the winning area "Watermelon 2" is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an operation manner different from the predetermined operation manner, no role will be won and there will be a miss (non-winning).

When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is preferably configured such that the winning symbol combination for RBB is set from the symbols included in the pull-in range of the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination for rare role B, so that if the stop button B3 is pressed at a time when rare role B cannot be won, RBB cannot be won either.

In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a rare role B as the second minor role, with the payout set to three coins, the same as the specified number of coins to be inserted, but this is not limited to this. The second minor role may be set to a payout of one coin, the same as the first minor role, rare role A, for example, and the specific numerical value is not limited to this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the AT control means 200 is configured to execute a lottery according to the presentation state as a control related to an auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning mode when the winning area "watermelon 1" is won in the internal lottery and when the winning area "watermelon 2" is won, but is not limited to this. For example, the AT control means 200 may be configured to execute a control related to an auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning mode when the winning area "watermelon 1" is won in the internal lottery and when the winning area "watermelon 2" is won, by setting a value (for example, a value of "30") in a specified counter, executing a decrement update in which the stored value of the specified counter is subtracted by a value of "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is executed, and setting the probability of transitioning to the AT state higher than when a value is not set in the specified counter until the stored value of the specified counter becomes the value "0".

In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 12" are won, any of Bells A to L will win if the batting order is correct and the first stop operation is performed at a pressing timing that allows the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of any of Bells A to L that is winning to be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1. However, this is not limited to this, and for example, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 12" are won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, the winning Bells A to L will win regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B1 to B3.

In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored value of each counter or memory means as an initial value, and to perform a decrement update in which one is subtracted each time a game is played, or an increment update in which one is added each time a game is played, but this is not limited to this, and the method of updating each counter or memory means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
120 Internal lottery means 200 AT control means (auxiliary game control means)
B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 1st reel R2 2nd reel R3 3rd reel

Claims (1)

Multiple reels and
a plurality of stop buttons respectively corresponding to the plurality of reels;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for a role including a small role, a replay, and a bonus ;
a reel control means for controlling a rotation mode and a stopping mode of the reel;
A game state transition control means for controlling transition of a game state between a plurality of game states;
An auxiliary game control means for controlling a normal zone and an advantageous zone and controlling an auxiliary game in the advantageous zone;
The internal lottery includes a first winning mode and a second winning mode as targets of the lottery,
The first winning mode includes a first minor win,
The second winning mode includes a second minor win,
The reel control means executes a stop control to allow the small winning combination to be won in preference to the bonus combination when the small winning combination and the bonus combination are won;
In the gaming state,
Normal game state,
A bonus winning state which is entered by winning a bonus in the normal gaming state;
A bonus state to which the player transitions when the bonus is won is included;
The auxiliary game control means is capable of executing control related to the auxiliary game based on a result of the internal lottery,
The bonus establishment state is a game state that is more advantageous to a player than the bonus state by executing the auxiliary game,
the auxiliary game control means executes control related to the auxiliary game based on the winning of the same specific winning mode when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and when the second winning mode is won in the internal lottery;
When the first winning mode is won, the first minor winning combination is won regardless of the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons,
When the second winning mode is won, the second minor prize can be won regardless of the order in which the plurality of stop buttons are operated;
When the second winning mode is won and the plurality of stop buttons are operated in a predetermined operation mode, the second minor winning combination is won,
When the bonus and the second winning mode are won , if the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode, no winning combination will be won.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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