US20080242390A1

US20080242390A1 - Gaming machine selecting and displaying terminal device capable of obtaining special payout and playing method thereof

Info

Publication number: US20080242390A1
Application number: US12/056,843
Authority: US
Inventors: Katsuhiro Kido
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-02
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2008-10-02
Also published as: JP2008253391A; ZA200802818B; AU2008201299A1

Abstract

A gaming machine awards a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for stations 4 each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout. Based on the bets in the respective stations 4, a possible target for a special payout is set. When a possible target is set, the image data is displayed on a special payout symbol indicator 62 so as to specify the station 4 of the possible target. A special payout target is randomly selected from the possible targets and is displayed on a bonus win indicator 63, and a special payout is awarded in the station 4.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-096352 filed on Apr. 2, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to a multi participant-type gaming machine in which several players can take part in a game.
2. Description of Related Art
There has been conventionally known a multi participant-type gaming machine in which several players make a bet from client terminals to play a game. For example, the Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3 disclose a gaming machine in which several consoles, a central controller and a common indicator are associated with each other. For example, there are US2005/0059474 A1, US2005/0282618 A1 and US2005/0218590 A1.
There is a gaming machine having a function of awarding a special payout such as “JACKPOT” so as to further interest a player in a game, in addition to a base payout based on a game result and a game value bet. In the conventional multi participant-type gaming machine, it is needed to provide the gaming machine with a function of awarding a special payout to a player, so as to further interest the player in a game.
An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of awarding a special payout in a form suitable for a game in which several players take part, and a playing method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine main body (this is not limited to a roulette unit) that executes a game; a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for the game and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a1) to (a5).
Specifically, the controller operates:
(a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on an execution result of the game and a game value bet;
(a2) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;
(a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;
(a4) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices.
The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).
Specifically, the controller operates:
(b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
(b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;
(b3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;
(b4) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;
(b5) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (c1) to (c7).
Specifically, the controller operates:
(c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
(c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;
(c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices,
respectively;
(c4) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,
(c5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;
(c6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.
The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmed to operate as described in steps of (d1) to (d7).
Specifically, the controller operates:
(d1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
(d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;
(d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;
(d4) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;
(d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;
(d6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
Furthermore, when the possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that is provided to each of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to the roulette game and the bet areas; a light transmissive touch panel that is provided to a front of the display device to be press-operable; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmed to operate as described in steps of (e1) to (e9).
Specifically, the controller operates:
(e1) to receive a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel;
(e2) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;
(e3) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;
(e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, respectively;
(e5) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,
(e6) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;
(e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;
(e8) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and
(e9) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet. Further, when the possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of: awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices; when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of the possible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an operating state of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective showing a schematic structure of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a roulette wheel;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a server;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a station;

FIG. 8 illustrates a payout management table;

FIG. 9 illustrates a station management table;

FIG. 10 illustrates a variable state of a special payout symbol in a special payout symbol indicator;

FIG. 11 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 12 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 13 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 14 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 15 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a game process routine that is performed in a station;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a chance slot process routine;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a process that is performed in a server; and

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a bonus lottery process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.
An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 19. A gaming machine is structured to obtain a lottery right based on a bet and thus to perform a lottery while displaying the lottery right obtained. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 101 includes: a gaming machine main body 102 that executes a game; several terminal devices 103 each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout; a display device 104 that displays image data relating to the game; and a controller 105 of FIG. 2. The controller 105 is configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (a1) to (a5).
Specifically, in a step of (a1), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet. In a step of (a2), the controller determines whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (a3), when any one of the terminal devices 103 a is set as the possible target (the terminal device set as the possible target is hereinafter referred to as participating terminal 103), the controller outputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 possible target as a possible target. In a step of (a4), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of possible target one or more possible targets. In a step of (a5), the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103 selected as the special payout target.
Here, the “gaming machine 101” may be a one player-type or a multi participant-type. For example, the gaming machine 101 may include a gaming machine (roulette gaming device 1) that executes a roulette game and the like, on condition that many players take part in the game. Furthermore, the gaming machines such as slot machine in which one player plays a game may be associated with each other so that via data communication is possible, thereby constituting a multi participant-type gaming machine.
The “gaming machine main body 102” may execute a game by means of a mechanical operation, an electrical operation or a combination of mechanical and electrical operations, as long as the game is a multiplayer-type game. The game executed by means of a mechanical operation can be a game using a roulette unit 3 that rotates or moves an actual ball or wheel. The game executed by means of an electrical operation can be a game that virtually rotating or moving an image of a ball or wheel displayed on a display device such as liquid crystal display.
The “terminal device 103” may be a gaming-only terminal device (station 4) or an information processing device such as a personal computer used for multiple purposes, as long as it can receive a bet for a game and award a payout. The “image data” may be still image data or moving image data. Further, the image data may be the number of the terminal device 103, a name or face specifying a player, animals and plants, motif and the like. The “display device 104” may be provided in each of the terminal devices 103 or may be a single large screen display shared among all the terminal devices 103. For example, the display device 104 may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) device, a plasma display device and the like.
A method of specifying the participating terminal 103 possible target may be a method of outputting the image data of the number of the terminal device 103 and the like on the display device 104, or a method of switching an image of a special payout symbol indicator 62 in the display device 104 of the participating terminal 103 possible target from a still state to a moving state.
The “execution result of a game” is a state where a game could enter a “win” state as a result of executing a unit game. In this embodiment, the “execution result of a game” may be also referred to as a “game result.” For example, in a roulette game in which a ball is rolled on a wheel, an execution result is a mark on the wheel corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In a slot game, an execution result is a pattern of symbols stopped after rearrangement. Note that the “rearrangement” means arranging the symbols again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols. The “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols are visible to an exterior player.
The “unit game” is a series of operations from a reception state of a bet (bet time) to the state where a game could enter a “win” state (i.e., game time, payout time). For example, in a roulette game, the unit game includes a bet time for receiving a bet, a game time during which a ball is rolled and then stopped and a payout time during which a payout is awarded.
The “game value” includes a medal, a coin, a gaming ball, money, bill, a magnetic card and the like. The “base payout” is a payout that is awarded based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet. For example, in a roulette game, the game value is a payout that is determined on the basis of a payout rate, which is set in a bet area corresponding to a mark (win mark) corresponding to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in a roulette unit, and a game value bet on the bet area.
The “special payout” means a bonus that is paid out irrespective of the game value bet. A JACKPOT may be set as a special payout. In the mean time, the “JACKPOT” means that some of the game values bet are subtracted and accumulated and all or a part of the game values accumulated is awarded when a “win” state is resulted.
The “possible target” means a terminal device 103 having obtained a right for participating in a lottery for the special payout (hereinafter, lottery right). The lottery right is a right that is determined by means of a random selection. The possible target is set based on a bet. A setting type based on a bet may be a type based on a degree of a game value bet or a type in which a bet is made on a side bet area provided for a possible target. The “special payout target” means a terminal device 103 to which a special payout selected from the possible targets is awarded.
The gaming machine 101 structured as described above executes a playing method comprising the steps of awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices 103 each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103; when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device 103 of the possible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in the terminal device 103 of the special payout target.
Thus, according to the gaming machine 101 and the playing method, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device 103 as the possible target. That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices 103.
Further, the gaming machine 101 has such a structure that a lottery right to a special payout based on a bet for a roulette game is obtained and a lottery is performed while displaying the lottery right obtained. In other words, the gaming machine 101 includes: a roulette unit (gaming machine main body 102) that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks disposed thereon; terminal devices 103 each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device 104 that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller 105. The controller 105 is configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).
Specifically, in a step of (b1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (b2), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (b3), the controller determines whether to set each of the terminal devices 103 as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (b4), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible target. In a step of (b5), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (b6), the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103 of the special payout target.
According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible target. That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.
Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may have such a structure that a lottery right for a special payout is obtained by a bet of a predetermined number or more game value. To be more specific, the controller 100 may have a structure to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (c1) to (c6).
In a step of (c1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (c2), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (c3), the controller calculates a summed value of game values bet placed by the terminal devices 103, respectively. In a step of (c4), the controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more. In a step of (c5), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 as a possible target. In a step of (c6), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (c7), the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103 set as the special payout target.
According to the above structure, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to a special payout by a bet of a predetermine or more game value as well as to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices 103, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.
Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may be structured to have a player be aware of the contents of the special payout by a special payout symbol. To be more specific, the controller 100 may be configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (d1) to (d7).
In a step of (d1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (d2), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (d3), the controller determines whether to set each of the terminal devices 103 as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (d4), when the possible target is set, the controller randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the one special payout symbol on the display device 104. In a step of (d5), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 as the possible target. In a step of (d6), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (d7), the controller awards a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device 103 set as the special payout target.
According to the above structure, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices 103. Furthermore, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected among the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device 104, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
(Structure of the Controller 105)
As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 101 includes: a roulette unit 3 (main body 102 of the gaming machine) executing a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks arranged thereon; terminal devices 103 each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; display devices 104 each of which is provided to each of the terminal devices 103 and displays image data and bet areas relating to a roulette game; light transmissive touch panels 50 each of which is provided to a front side of each display device 104 to be press-operable from an outside; and a controller 105.
The controller 105 includes: a special payout symbol memory 121 that stores special payout symbols, as the image data; and a payout rate memory 115 that stores a bet type and a payout rate. Further, the controller 105 includes a win mark setting unit 111 that receives a signal from a roulette unit 3. The win mark setting unit 111 has a function of setting, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit 3.
Further, the controller 105 includes: a bet receiving unit 112 that receives a terminal signal outputted from the terminal device 103. The bet receiving unit 112 has functions of receiving a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel 50 and extracting the terminal data such as the terminal number of the terminal device 103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like included in a terminal signal. The bet receiving unit 112 is associated with a bet memory 113. The bet memory 113 has a function of storing the terminal data outputted from the bet receiving unit 112. The bet memory 113 outputs a terminal number, a bet type and a bet-number to a base payout instruction unit 114. Furthermore, the bet memory 113 output a bet-number to a bet-number summing unit 116.
The base payout instruction unit 114, to which the terminal data is inputted from the bet memory 113, receives the terminal data from the bet memory 113, a win mark from the win mark setting unit 111 and a bet type and a payout rate from the payout rate memory 115. The base payout instruction unit 114 has functions of calculating a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to a win mark and a bet-number (game value) bet for the bet area, and instructing a terminal device corresponding to the terminal number to award a base payout.
Further, the bet-number summing unit 116, to which a bet-number is inputted from the bet memory 113, has a function of calculating a summed value of the bet-numbers bet in the respective terminal devices 103. The bet-number summing unit 116 is associated with a summed bet-number memory 117. The summed bet-number memory 117 has a function of storing a summed value calculated in the bet-number summing unit 116, correspondingly to the terminal number of the terminal device 103. The summed bet-number memory 117 is associated with a possible target setting unit 118. The possible target setting unit 118 has functions of determining whether a summed value stored in the summed bet-number memory 117 is a predetermined value or more and setting the terminal number of the terminal device, for which it is determined that a summed value is a predetermined value or more, as a possible target.
The possible target setting unit 118 outputs a terminal number of a possible target to a special payout target determining unit 119 and a special payout symbol determining unit 122. The special payout target determining unit 119 has a function of randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of the possible targets. In the mean time, the special payout symbol determining unit 122 has functions of randomly selecting one special payout symbol among special payout symbols stored in a special payout symbol memory 121 and outputting the one special payout symbol on the display device 104 of the terminal device 103, when a possible target is set.
The special payout target determining unit 119 and the special payout symbol determining unit 122 are associated with the gaming machine main body 102. A special payout instruction unit 120 has a function of instructing the terminal device 103 having a terminal number of a special payout target inputted from the special payout target determining unit 119 to award a special payout corresponding to a special payout symbol from the special payout symbol determining unit 122.
Each block of the controller 105 may be embodied in hardware or software, as required. When each block is embodied in software, the controller 105 is structured by a program that operates as described in the steps of (e1) to (e9).
In a step of (e1), the controller receives a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel. In a step of (e2), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit 3. In a step of (e3), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (e4), the controller calculates a summed value of bet-numbers (game values) bet in the respective terminal devices 103, respectively. In a step of (e5), the controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device 103 having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more. In a step of (e6), when the possible target is set, the controller randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the one special payout symbol on the terminal device 103. In a step of (e7), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible target. In a step of (e8), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (e9), the controller awards a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device 103 of the special payout target.
(Operations of the Controller 105)
An operation of a game controller 100 will be described. First performed is an operation of a bet time of FIG. 1. On the display device 104 of the terminal device 103 are displayed image data and a bet area relating to a roulette game. When a bet on a bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel 50 is received, a terminal signal including the terminal data such as the terminal number of the terminal device 103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like is outputted to the bet receiving unit 112. When the bet receiving unit 112 receives the terminal signal, the terminal data included in the terminal signal is stored in the bet memory 113.
Next, the terminal data of the bet-number stored in the bet memory 113 is read out by the bet-number summing unit 116. Then, a summed value of the bet-numbers is calculated. When the calculation of the summed value of the bet-numbers for all the terminal devices 103 is carried out, the summed value of the bet-numbers is stored in the summed bet-number memory 117. The possible target setting unit 118 determines whether the summed value stored in the summed bet-number memory 117 is a predetermined value or more. When it is determined that the summed value is a predetermined value or more, the terminal number having the summed value is set as a possible target.
When a possible target is set, the special payout symbol determining unit 122 randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols stored in the special payout symbol memory 121. Then, the determined special payout symbol is displayed on the display device 104 of the terminal device 103. The detailed display will be described later. Meantime, a state of selecting a special payout symbol from the several types of the special payout symbols may be displayed on the display device 104.
Like this, when a possible target for a special payout is set on the basis of a summed value of the bet-numbers (game values) bet in the respective terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted on the display device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possible target. That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices 103. Furthermore, since a lottery right to the special payout can be obtained by a predetermined or more bet-number, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.
Further, when a possible target is set, the special payout target determining unit 119 randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of the possible targets. The determined special payout target is displayed on the display device 104 of the terminal device 103. In the mean time, during a period for which a special payout target is selected, a premonition image may be displayed on the display device 104. The specific display will be described later.
Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device 104, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
Then, an operation is started in the game time from the middle of the bet time. In the roulette unit 3, a roulette game is started. In other words, a ball rolls on a wheel having several marks disposed thereon. Then, when the ball is stopped and the roulette game is thus over, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball is obtained. The mark is outputted to the win mark setting unit 111. When the win mark setting unit 111 receives the mark outputted from the roulette unit 3, it sets the mark as a win mark. Thus, the game time is over. Meantime, the bet time is over before the game time is over.
When the game time is over, an operation is started in a payout time. The win mark is outputted to the base payout instruction unit 114. When the win mark is inputted to the base payout instruction unit 114, the base payout instruction unit 114 obtains the terminal data from the bet memory 113 and the bet type and the payout rate from the payout rate memory 115. Then, based on the payout rate set for the bet area corresponding to the win mark and the bet-number bet on the bet area, a base payout is calculated. Then, the base payout is paid out in the terminal device 103 corresponding to the terminal number.
Further, when the win mark is set in the win mark setting unit 111, a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol of the special payout symbol determining unit 122 is paid out in the terminal device 103 having the terminal number of the special payout target inputted from the special payout target determining unit 119.
(Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)
In the followings, it will be specifically described a case where the gaming machine 101 is applied to a roulette gaming device 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic structure of a roulette gaming device 1 according to an embodiment. The roulette gaming device 1 has a cabinet 2, a roulette unit 3, stations 4 and an electric light indicator 5. The cabinet 2 fixes the roulette unit 2, the stations 4 and the electric light indicator 5 at predetermined positions and protects a device equipped therein such as electronic substrate.
The roulette unit 3 corresponds to the gaming machine main body 102 shown in FIG. 2 and is disposed substantially at a central part of the cabinet 2. The stations 4 correspond to the terminal devices 103 of FIG. 2 and are disposed around the roulette unit 2. To be more specific, 12 (twelve) stations 4 are disposed to surround the roulette unit 3. The station 4 serves as a bet unit for receiving a bet operation of a player and a payout unit for awarding a medal. The bet operation is an operation that a player predicting a win number of the roulette unit 3 inputs the contents such as number corresponding to the predicted win number.
The electric light indicator 5 has a JP amount indicator 15. The JP amount indicator 15 is mounted on a top of the electric light indicator 5. Thus, the JP amount indicator 15 allows all players who play a game in the stations 4 to see the display contents.
The JP amount indicator 15 displays a jackpot (JP) amount that is a special payout. Here, the roulette gaming device 1 accumulates 0.5% of credits that are bet in a roulette game using a BET screen 61 in the twelve stations 4 and stores the accumulated credit as a jackpot. The credit of the jackpot is paid out to a predetermined station 4 when a special payout is determined by lot. Meanwhile, the “win” means that a “win” state is resulted.
Further, the roulette gaming device 1 has a server 13. The server 13 corresponds to the controller 105 of FIG. 2. The server 13 is disposed at a corner part 12 of the cabinet 2. The server 13 is received in an inner space of the corner part 12. The inner space of the corner part 12 can be opened/shut by means of a corner door 14 having an authentication key attached. The corner door 14 is typically shut so that a player cannot operate the server 13. In the mean time, in the operation of the server 13, the corner door 14 is opened by operating an authentication key. Thus, the server 13 is operated from an outside of the cabinet 2, so that various settings of the roulette gaming device 1 can be performed.
(Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit 3)
A structure of the roulette unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the roulette unit 3 according to an embodiment. The roulette unit 3 includes a frame 21 fixed to the cabinet 2 and a wheel 22 disposed at an inner side of the frame 21. As shown in FIG. 3, an entire upper part of the roulette unit 3 is covered by means of a hemisphere cover member 28 made of transparent acryl.
As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 22 is received in the frame 21 and its upper surface is exposed to an outside. The wheel 22 is horizontally disposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is identical to a vertical direction, and is supported to freely rotate so that a center point thereof is a rotation center. The wheel 22 has several numbered pockets 23 (38 pockets in this embodiment). The numbered pockets 23 are disposed in a ring shape at a periphery of an upper surface of the wheel 22. Each of the numbered pockets 23 is shaped in a recess shape having a size and a depth capable of receiving a ball 27.
Further, the wheel 22 has several numbered plates 25. The numbered plates 25 are set same as the numbered pockets 23. The numbered plates 25 indicate each number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” as figure letters. Each of the numbered plates 25 is disposed at the periphery of the respective numbered pockets 23. Thus, the numbered pockets 23 are given with any number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” of the numbered plates 25.
The frame 21 that the wheel 22 is disposed at the center of the frame is inclined downward at a small degree from the periphery to the wheel 22. The frame 21 has a guide wall 29. The guide wall 29 is disposed between the periphery of the frame 21 and the wheel 22. The guide wall 29 guides an inserted ball 27 against centrifugal force, thereby allowing the ball 27 to roll.
Further, the frame 21 has a ball insertion slot 36. The ball insertion slot 36 is opened to the wheel 22. The ball insertion slot 36 is associated with a ball insertion device (not shown) that is equipped in the frame 21. The ball insertion device is structured to insert the ball 27 from the ball insertion slot 36 onto the wheel 22.
Further, the roulette unit 3 has a win determining device 86 of FIG. 6 and a ball collection device (not shown). The win determining device 86 and the ball collection device are disposed below the wheel 22. The win determining device 86 is a device for determining the numbered pocket 23 having received the ball 27. Further, the roulette unit 3 has the ball collection device that is not shown. The ball collection device is a device for collecting the ball 27 on the wheel 22 after a roulette game is over. In the mean time, since the ball insertion device, the win determining device and the ball collection device have been already known, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.
In the roulette unit 3 structured as described above, when a ball 27 is introduced on the frame 21 by the ball insertion device, the guide wall 29 guides the ball 27 against the centrifugal force of the ball 27, thereby enabling the ball 27 to roll. When the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball 27 is lowered, the ball 27 is rolled down along the inclined surface of the frame 21, is moved to the inside and reaches the wheel 22 being rotated. The ball 27, which is rolling-introduced onto the wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets 23. As a result, the number indicated on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received therein is determined by the win determining device 86, so that a win number is determined.
(Mechanical Structure: Server 13)
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the server 13 according to this embodiment. Here, FIG. 5 shows a state that the corner door 4 of the corner part 12 is opened.
The server 13 is equipped in a space 31 opened at a wall surface of the cabinet 2. The sever 13 is associated with each station 4. The server 13 transmits a command signal to each of the stations 4 to initiatively control each station 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the server 13 performs a maintenance operation for the roulette gaming device 1, in addition to the control of a game of the roulette gaming device 1.
A liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are associated with the server 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays a menu screen (not shown) or maintenance screen (not shown). Further, the keyboard 33 is an operating means having several keys disposed thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, when an operator operates the keyboard 33, the maintenance operation as well as various settings in the roulette gaming device 1 can be made.
(Mechanical Structure: Station 4)
The station 4 has a medal insertion slot 6, a control unit 7 and an image display device 8. The medal insertion slot 6 is used to insert money or a game medium used in a game such as chip, medal and the like. The control unit 7 has several operating parts such as control button and the like. The operating parts are used to input an instruction by a player. The image display device 8 displays an image relating to a game and has a game area that receives a bet operation by a player. Thus, the image display device 8 enables a player to operate the touch panel or control unit 7 while seeing an image.
The control unit 7 is disposed at a side of the image display device 8. The control unit 7 has buttons each of which is operated by a player. To be more specific, the control unit 7 has a BET decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49. The BET decision button 47, the cashout button 48 and the help button 49 are disposed in an order from left, seen from a position opposite to the station 4.
The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when deciding a bet after a bet operation is carried out by means of the image display device 8, which will be described later. Then, a bet is decided, and a “win” state is reached when the bet is made on the number indicated on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 35 into which a ball 27 is received in the roulette unit 3 during a game. When a “win” state is reached, the credits corresponding to the number of chips bet are added to the credits that a player possesses currently. In the mean time, the bet operation will be described more specifically.
The cashout button 48 is a button that is pushed typically when a game is over. When the cashout button 48 is pushed, the medals (typically, one medal for one credit), which correspond to the credits obtained through a game and the like and currently possessed by a player, are cashed out from a medal payout slot 9. The help button 49 is a button that is pushed when an operation method of a game is unclear, for example. When the help button 49 is pushed, a help screen that displays variety of information on the image display device 8 is displayed.
The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a touch panel type having the touch panel 50 attached to a front thereof. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal is pushed with a finger and the like, the icon is selected. The display screen to be displayed on the image display device will be specifically described later.
Further, the respective stations 4 have medal payout slots 9, speakers 10 and WIN lamps 11. The medal payout slots 9 are disposed at the sides of the cabinet 2. The speakers 10 are disposed above a right side of the image display device 8. The WIN lamps 11 are disposed at sides of the speakers 10. The speakers 10 are used to output a music or effect music relating to a roulette game. The WIN lamps 11 are turned on/off when a number (“00”, “0”, “1” to “35” in this embodiment) bet in the station 4 is drawn.
In the mean time, the WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions that can be seen from all the stations 4 (12 stations in this embodiment). Thus, the WIN lamps 11 enable another player to easily check a lighting state during the game in the same roulette gaming device 1.
A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal insertion slot 6. The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medal. Further, the medal payout slot 9 is associated with a hopper (not shown). The hopper pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot 9.
(Electrical Structure: Server 13)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control system of a roulette gaming device. As shown in FIG. 6, the roulette gaming device 1 includes a server 13 and several stations 4 (12 stations in this embodiment) associated with the server 13. The server 13 is associated with the roulette unit 3 and the electric light indicator 5. In the mean time, a control system of the station 4 will be specifically described later.
Further, the server 13 includes a server control CPU 81 serving as a calculation device performing an entire control and a control device, a ROM 82 and a RAM 83, a timer 84 associated with the server control CPU 81, a liquid crystal display 32 associated with the CPU through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85 and a keyboard 33.
The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes, based on input signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and data or program stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Thus, the server control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to the stations 4 based on execution results of the processes to initiatively control the respective stations 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the server control CPU 81 drives a drive motor provided to the roulette unit 3, thereby shooting a ball 27 or rotating the wheel 22. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 controls the win determining device 86, thereby determining a win number based on a dropped position of the ball. Then, based on the win number obtained and the bet information transmitted from the respective stations 4, the CPU determines a win of the chips bet and calculates the credit-number to be paid out in each of the stations 4.
The ROM 82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 82 stores a program for implementing basic functions of the roulette gaming device 1, a payout rate for a roulette game (the number of credits to be paid out per one chip when a “win” state is reached), a program for initiatively controlling the respective stations 4, and the like.
The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips to be supplied from the respective stations 4, a win number of the roulette unit 3 determined by a sensor, a JP amount that is accumulated up to now, data relating to a result of a process that is executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like.
Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the timer 84 that measures time. The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 rotates the wheel 22 or introduces the ball 27, based on the time information of the timer 84, which will be described later.
Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the electric light indicator 5. The server control CPU 81 controls light emission of a light emitting member such as LED to perform an effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined letters on the electric light indicator 5. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 displays the JP amount, which is accumulated up to now, on the JP amount indicator 15 of the electric light indicator 5.
Further, the ROM 82 is provided with a payout credit memory area in which a payout rate relating to a roulette game using the BET screen 61 is stored. The payout credit memory area stores data of a bet type or payout rate in a form of a payout management table shown in FIG. 8. The payout management table will be specifically described later.
Furthermore, the RAM 83 is provided with a bet information memory area in which the bet information of a player who is playing a game is stored. The bet information memory area stores data of bet information or possible target in a form of a station management table shown in FIG. 9. The station management table will be specifically described later. Further, the RAM 83 is provided with a win number memory area in which a win number of the roulette unit 3 determined by the win determining device is stored, a JP accumulation memory area 83 in which a pool amount having pooled 0.5% of the credits bet on the BET screen 61 is stored, and the like. In the mean time, the bet information is information about a bet that is made using the stations 4, such as the bet area 72 displayed on the BET screen 61, the number of bet chips (bet-number) and bet type.
(Electrical Structure: Station 4)
In the followings, a structure of a control system of the station 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the station according to an embodiment. In the mean time, the twelve stations 4 have a same structure, so that one station 4 will be described as an example.
The station 4 includes a station control unit 90 and several peripheral devices. The station control unit 90 includes a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 92 stores a program for implementing basic functions of the station 4, various programs necessary for controlling the station 4, a data table and the like. Further, the RAM 93 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated in the station control CPU 91, the number of credits that are currently possessed by a player (i.e., stored in the station 4), a bet situation of chips by a player, and the like.
Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a BET decision button 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49, which are equipped in the control unit 7. Based on operation signals outputted as the buttons are pushed, the station control CPU 91 performs a control so as to execute the corresponding operations. To be more specific, based on an input signal that is supplied from the control unit 7 as an operation by a player is inputted and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station control CPU executes a variety of processes and transmits the results thereof to the server control CPU 81. In the mean time, the station control CPU 91 receives a command signal from the server control CPU 81, controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 and progresses a roulette game in the station 4. Further, the station control CPU 91 executes a variety of processes, based on an input signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an operation by a player is inputted and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, depending on contents of process, controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 based on the process results and progresses a roulette game in the station 4.
Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a hopper 94. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot 9 in accordance with a command signal from the station control CPU 91. Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is associated with an image display device 8 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 95. With regard to this, the liquid crystal driving circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM and the like. The program ROM stores an image control program for display on the image display device 8, a variety of selection tables and the like.
Further, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an image to be displayed on the image display device 8, for example. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the image display device 8 from the dot data previously stored in the image ROM, in accordance with an image control program previously stored in the program ROM, based on parameters set in the station control CPU 91. Further, the work RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. Further, the VDP forms an image relating to contents of display determined in the image control CPU and outputs the image on the image display device 8. In the mean time, the video RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when an image is formed in the VDP.
Further, a touch panel 50 is attached on a front of the image display device 8. Operation information of the touch panel 50 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. On the touch panel 50, a player makes a bet operation with chips in the BET screen 61. To be more specific, a player operates the touch panel 50 with regard to a selection of the bet area 72, an operation of a unit BET button 61 and the like, and the operation information is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on the information, the current bet information of a player (a bet area indicated in the BET screen 61 and the number of chips bet) is stored in the RAM 93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information is transmitted to the server control CPU 81 and is stored in the bet information memory area of the RAM 83.
Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are associated with the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various effects, based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 96.
Further, a medal sensor 97 is associated with the station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, calculates the inserted medals and transmits a result thereof to the station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 increases the credit-number possessed by a player, which is stored in the RAM 93, based on the transmitted signal.
Further, a WIN lamp 11 is associated with the station control CPU 91. When the chip bet in the BET screen 61 is determined to make a win or JP, the station control CPU 91 turns on/off the WIN lamp 11 in a predetermined color.
(Data Table)
In the followings, a payout management table of FIG. 8 will be described. The data of the payout management table is stored in the ROM 82 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The payout management table has a column of numbers, a column of bet types and a column of payout rates. The data of numbers such as “1”, “2”, “3” and the like are stored in the column of numbers. The data showing bet types such as “Straight”, “Split”, “Street” and the like are stored in the column of bet types. The bet types will be specifically described later. The data showing the payout rates such as “35:1”, “17:1”, “11:1” and the like are stored in the column of payout rates, correspondingly to the bet types. Thus, when a bet is made in a bet type of “Straight”, 35 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece bet.
In the followings, a station management table of FIG. 9 will be described. In the mean time, the data of the station management table is stored in the RAM 83 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The station management table has a column of stations, a column of bet information having a column of bet types and a column of bet-numbers and a column of possible targets. The column of stations stores the machine number data inherent to each station 4. The column of bet types stores the bet type data such as “Straight” as described above. The column of bet-numbers stores the number of pieces bet such as “20.” The column of possible targets stores the data showing whether a possible target has a possibility that a special payout will be awarded thereto. In the mean time, the “1” in the column of possible targets shows that it is set as a possible target and “0” shows that it is not set as a possible target.
Thus, for example, in the station 4 having a machine number of “1”, a bet is made in the bet type of “Straight” and “Corner”, a bet-number for each bet type is 20 pieces and it is shown the possible target is “1.” Further, in the station 4 having a machine number of “2”, a bet is made in the bet type of “Red”, a bet-number for the bet type is 15 pieces and it is shown the non-possible target is “0.”
(Display States of the Image Display Device 8)
In the followings, display states of the image display device 8 will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15. FIG. 11 shows a state that a possible target is set and a special payout symbol is determined by lot, resulting from a predetermined number or more bet. In a display screen of the state, a BET screen 61 having a table-type betting board 60 is displayed. A player can operate the BET screen 61 to bet a chip using the credits possessed.
In the table-type betting board 60 that is displayed in the BET screen 61, the 38 numbers of “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” are arranged in a grid form. Further, special bet areas for indicating “odd number”, “even number”, “types of colors of numbered plates (red or black)” and “a predetermined range of numbers (for example, “1” to “12”) to bet a chip are also arranged in a grid form.
At a lower part of the table-type betting board 60, a result history indicator 65, a special payout symbol indicator 62, a unit BET button 66, a cashout result indicator 67 and a credit-number indicator 68 are sequentially displayed from left of the screen. The result history indicator 65 displays, in a list form, results of win numbers up to the previous games (here, one game is a series of operations that a player performs a bet in each of the stations 4, a ball 27 is dropped in the numbered pocket 23 and a credit is paid out based on a win number)
At this time, when one game is over, a win number is additionally displayed from top and a history of maximum 16 win numbers can be checked.
The letters of “CHANCE SLOT” are displayed near to the special payout symbol indicator 62. When a possible target is set, the special payout symbol indicator 62 variably displays the special payout symbols in a time period for which it randomly selects one special payout symbol from the several types of special payout symbols, and stops the determined special payout symbol. To be more specific, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, a summed value of bet-numbers is 15 pieces or more, the four types of image data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” are sequentially switching-displayed in the special payout symbol indicator 62. The condition of starting the switching-display, i.e., the condition of setting a possible target is such that a summed value of bet-numbers is a predetermined number or more, such as 15 pieces or more.
This enables a player who operates the station 4 to recognize that a possible target for which a special payout will be awarded is set. As a result, it is possible to have a player be aware during the roulette game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on the game result. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined game value or more, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.
In the mean time, “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” indicate a payout degree. In other words, “MEGA” means a maximum payout-number, “MAJOR” means a middle degree of a payout-number, “MINI” means a small degree of a payout-number and “LOSS” means no payout. For example, for “MEGA”, a payout is performed using all of JP (100%). For “MAJOR”, a payout is performed using 70% of JP. For “MINI”, a payout is performed using 40% of JP.
Further, the unit BET buttons 66 are provided for a player to bet a chip on bet areas 72 (above the grids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) indicated by the player. The unit BET button 66 includes a 1 BET button 66A, a 5 BET button 66B, a 10 BET button 66C and a 100 BET button 66D. A player first pushes the screen with a finger, thereby indicating a bet area 72, on which a bet is made, with a cursor 70. At this state, when the player pushes the 1 BET button 66A, the player bets a chip in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 66A is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “1”-->“2”-->“3” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 5 BET button 66B, the player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5 BET button 66B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “5”-->“10”-->“15” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 10 BET button 66C, the player bets chips in a unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10 BET button 66C is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “10”-->“20”-->“30” . . . ). Furthermore, Further, when the player pushes the 100 BET button 66D, the player can bet chips in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100 BET button 66D is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “100”-->“200”-->“300” . . . ). Accordingly, even when many chips are bet, an operation thereof stays simple.
Further, the cashout result indicator 67 displays the number of chips bet by a player in a previous game and the cashout credit-number. Here, the subtraction of the bet-number from the cashout credit-number results in a credit-number that is newly obtained by a player in a previous game.
Furthermore, the credit-number indicator 68 displays the number of credits possessed by a current player. When a chip is bet, the credit-number is decreased in proportional to the bet-number (one credit for one bet). Further, when a win is determined for the chip bet and the cashout of credits is performed, the credit-number is increased as the cashout-number. In the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player is 0, the game is over.
A BET time indicator 69 is disposed above the table-type betting board 60. The BET time indicator 69 displays a remaining time period for which a player can make a bet. When a bet operation is received, “20” is displayed and the number is decreased by 1 every one second. When the number is “0,” a bet operation is not received. Further, in each of the stations 4, when the bet time of the player is 5 seconds, the ball insertion device is driven to insert the ball 27 on the roulette wheel.
Furthermore, a JP indicator 73, which displays the credit-number of JP accumulated up to now, is disposed at the right of the BET time indicator 69. Here, the JP indicator 73 displays a value to which 0.5% of credits bet in the twelve stations 4 is accumulatively added and is common to all the stations 4. When a special payout, which is carried out in combination with a roulette game under predetermined condition, is made, a win of JP is determined and the credit-number corresponding to a special payout symbol among the JP is paid out. In the mean time, the credit-number of JP that is accumulated up to now is also displayed on the JP amount indicator 15 of the electric light indicator 5.
Further, a cursor 70 showing the bet area 72 selected by a player is displayed on the table-type betting board 60. Additionally, a chip mark 71 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and the bet area 72 is displayed and the number shown on the chip mark 71 indicates the number of chips bet.
When a player wants to make a bet in the BET screen 71 structured as described above, the player indicates a bet area 72 to be bet (above the grids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) and directly pushes it with a finger. As a result, the cursor 70 is moved to the bet area 72 indicated. Then, when the unit buttons of the unit BET buttons 66 (1 BET button 66A, 5 BET button 66B, 10 BET button 66C, 100 BET button 66D) are pushed, the chips as the unit number are bet on the bet area 72 indicated. For example, when the 10 BET button 66C is pushed four times, the 5 BET button 66B is pushed one time and the 1 BET button 66A is pushed three times, 48 chips can be bet.
FIG. 12 shows a state that a special payout symbol is determined by lot. In the display screen of the state, a bonus win indicator 63 appears on the table-type betting board 60. The bonus win indicator 63 displays a special payout symbol that is determined by lot in the special payout symbol indicator 62. In other words, the bonus win indicator 63 displays a letter image having combined the “special payout symbol”, which is determined by lot, and “JACKPOT CHANCE”.
Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbols and is displayed on the special payout symbol indicator 62 and the bonus win indicator 63, so that contents of the special payout can be recognized to a player. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.
FIG. 13 shows a state that a special payout target is being determined by lot among the possible targets. In the display screen of the state, a letter image displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 is rotated, thereby displaying whether a payout corresponding to the special payout symbol will be awarded or not. Thus, during the roulette game, it is possible to enable a player to recognize a possibility that a special payout corresponding to a special payout symbol will be awarded, in addition to a possibility that a base payout based on a game result will be awarded. In the mean time, the rotation of a letter image on the bonus win indicator 63 is continued until the game time is over.
FIG. 14 shows a state that a special payout target is determined by lot. In other words, a letter image of “WIN” is displayed with a special payout symbol on the bonus win indicator 63. FIG. 15 shows a state that a special payout target is not determined. In other words, a letter image of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63.
(Bet Types)
In the followings, the bet types will be described with reference to the betting board 60 of FIG. 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the chip mark 71 of “7”, which is put on the grid of “18”, indicates that 7 chips are bet on the number “18.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet is made on one number only is referred to as a “Straight bet.”
The chip mark 71 of “1”, which is put on an intersection of the grids of “5”, “6”, “8” and “9”, indicates that one chip is bet while covering the four numbers of “5”, “6”, “8” and “9.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet is made while covering the four numbers is referred to as a “Corner bet.”
Further, there is a bet type of “Split bet” in which a bet is made while covering two numbers above a line between the two numbers. Further, there is a bet type of “Street bet” in which a bet is made while covering three numbers at ends of the one row of the numbers (one column in the vertical direction). Further, there is a bet type of “Five bet” in which a bet is made while covering five numbers of “0”, “00”, “1”, “2” and “3” above a line between “00” and “3”.
There is a bet type of “Line bet” in which a bet is made while covering six numbers (for example, “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17” and “18”) between two rows of the numbers (two columns in the vertical direction). There is a bet type of “Column bet” in which a bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grid of “2 to 1”. There is a bet type of “Dozen bet” in which a bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grids of “1st 12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12”, respectively.
Furthermore, there is a bet type of “Red or Black bet” in which a bet is made on the color of the numbered plate (“red” or “black”) using the six grids provided at the lowest end of the table-type betting board 60. There is a bet type of “Odd or Even bet” in which a bet is made on the odd or even numbers. There is a bet type of “Low or High bet” in which a bet is made while 18 numbers using the numbers of 18 or less or 19 or more. Here, the bet types have different payouts (payout rates) of the credits per one chip, which are awarded when the chip bet is determined as a win.
(Processing Operations)
In the followings, the operations will be described, based on a game processing program of the server that is executed by means of the server control CPU 81 of the roulette gaming device 1, and a game processing program of the station that is executed by the station control CPU 91 of the station 4. In the mean time, the programs that are shown in flow charts of FIGS. 16 to 19 are stored in the ROM 82 or RAM 83 of the server 13 or the ROM 92 or RAM 93 of the station 4 and executed by the server control CPU 81 or station control CPU 91.
(Station Side Game Process)
In the followings, a station side game process will be described with reference to FIG. 16. Firstly, it is determined whether a medal or bill is inserted by a player, based on a detection signal of the medal sensor 97 (S1). When a medal or bill is not inserted (S1, NO), this routine is ended, and the step of S1 is repeatedly executed and the standby mode is continued until a medal or bill is inserted.
In the mean time, when a medal or bill is inserted (S1, YES), the credit data of an amount of money corresponding to the number of pieces inserted is recorded in the RAM 93, so that the credit is added (S2). Then, a medal detection signal indicating that a medal or bill is inserted is transmitted to the server 13 (S3).
Then, in the image display device 8 of the station 4, the BET screen 61 of FIG. 11 is displayed and a bet time for which a player can bet a chip is started (S4). Then, a bet operation is executed (S5). Thus, a player who takes part in a game can operate the touch panel 50 to make a bet on the BET area 72 relating to a number that the player predicts, during the bet time for which a bet operation can be received. In the mean time, the detailed bet types using the BET screen 61 have been already described. Therefore, the descriptions thereof will be omitted.
Further, the player can take part in a game in the course of the game after the bet time is started. In the roulette gaming device 1 of this embodiment, maximum 12 players can play a game. Furthermore, when this time game is carried out following the previous game, a bet operation is received just after the previous game is over.
When a bet operation is carried out, a bet information signal including the contents of the bet operation is transmitted to the server 13 (S6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not (S7). When the bet time is not over (S7, NO), the process is transited to the step of S5 and the state of receiving a bet operation is maintained. When the bet time end signal is received from the server 13, an image showing that the bet time is over is displayed on the image display device 8 of the station 4 and the process of receiving a bet operation on the touch panel 50 is ended (S8).
Then, when a win number signal, which is a game result of the roulette game, is received from the server 13, a process such as one which emphasizes the win number is carried out, so that an effect for notifying the win number of the roulette game is performed (S9). When a payout result signal is received from the server 13, a credit is paid out on the basis of the payout result signal. To be more specific, the credit data of a base payout and a special payout is stored in the RAM 93. When the cashout button 48 is pressed, the medals (typically, one medal per one credit) according to the credit-number currently stored in the RAM 93 are paid out from the medal payout slot 9 (S10). Then, a standby mode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13 (S11), this routine is ended. Then, a process of receiving a bet operation in a next unit game is re-started.
(Chance Slot Process)
While the station side game process is performed, a chance slot process of FIG. 17 is performed in the station 4 at the same time. In other words, depending on whether a possible target signal from the server 13 is received, it is determined whether to participate in a bonus (A1). When it is determined not to participate in a bonus (A1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the step of A1 is re-executed, so that the determination of whether to participate in a bonus is repeated.
When it is determined to participate in a bonus (A1, YES), a slot rotation is started in the special payout symbol indicator 62, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 12. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 10, the four types of the image data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS”, which are special payout symbols, are sequentially switching-displayed. Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not (A3). When a bet time is not over (A3, NO), the step of S2 is re-executed and the slot rotation of the special payout symbols is continued on the special payout symbol indicator 62.
In the mean time, when a bet time is over (A3, YES), a bonus type corresponding to the special payout symbol is registered, based on a bonus type signal transmitted from the server 13. In other words, one of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” is registered (A4). Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the slot rotation of the special payout symbol indicator 62 is stopped and the special payout symbol corresponding to the bonus type registered is stopped on the special payout symbol indicator 62 (A5).
Then, the bonus win indicator 63 appears on the table-type betting board 60. Then, a letter image having combined the special payout symbol” stopped on the special payout symbol indicator 62 and “JACKPOT CHANCE” is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 (A6). Thus, a player is able to be aware of standing a chance of winning a special payout corresponding to the “special payout symbol”.
The display of the letter image on the bonus win indicator 63 is continued until a first effect time has elapsed, through a waiting of the first effect time (A7). After that, an effect of a bonus win is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the letter image displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 is rotated (A8). When a special payout target signal is received from the server 13, a display based on the special payout target signal is made. To be more specific, when a special payout is determined by lot, a letter image of “WIN” is displayed with the special payout symbol on the bonus win indicator 63, as shown in FIG. 14. In the mean time, when a special payout is not determined, a letter image of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63, as shown in FIG. 15 (A9). Then, the station enters the standby mode. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13 (A10), this routine is over.
(Server Side Game Processing)
In the followings, a server side game processing will be described with reference to FIG. 18. It is determined whether a player inserts a coin or bill by receiving a medal detection signal transmitted from the station 4 (B1). When a medal detection signal is not received (B1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the step of B1 is repeated until a medal and the like is inserted in the station 1.
When a medal and the like is inserted in the station 3 (B1, YES), there is started a measurement of a bet time period, which is a reception period for which a player can make a bet, from the time at which the first player inserts a medal or bill (B2). In the mean time, when this time game is executed following the previous game, a bet time is started just after the previous game is over. A player who takes part in a game can operate the touch panel 50 for the bet time period, thereby betting the chips on the bet area 72 related to the number predicted by the player.
Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3). In the mean time, the remaining bet time is also displayed on the image display device 8 by means of the BET time indicator 69. When it is determined that the remaining bet time is not 5 seconds (B3, NO), the step of S3 is re-executed, so that the standby mode is kept until the remaining bet time is 5 seconds. Meantime, when it is determined that the remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3, YES), a roulette lottery process is executed in the roulette unit 3.
To be more specific, the ball insertion device is driven, so that the ball 27 is inserted into the roulette wheel (B4). Then, the driving motor is driven, so that the wheel 22 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed in a direction opposite to the ball insertion direction. The inserted ball 27 rolls on the roulette wheel along the guide wall 29. Then, when the rotation speed is lowered and the centrifugal force is thus reduced, the ball is dropped along the inclined surface of the frame 21 and thus reaches the wheel 22 being rotated (refer to FIG. 4). The ball 27, which reaches the wheel 22, continues to pass over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 and is introduced into one of the numbered pockets 23 and the number (any one of “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” in FIG. 4) shown on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 into which the ball 27 is introduced becomes a win number.
When the roulette lottery process is carried out as described above, a bet information signal is received from the station 4 (B5). The bet-number and the bet type included in the bet information signal are registered in the station management table of FIG. 9 (B6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over (B7). When it is determined that the bet time is not over (B7, NO), the standby mode continues until the bet time is over. In the mean time, when it is determined that the bet time is over (B7, YES), a bet time end signal is transmitted to the station 4 (B8).
Then, a jackpot accumulation process is executed (B9) To be more specific, the bet information made by a player in each of the stations 4, i.e., the information of the indicated bet area 72 and the number of chips (bet-number) bet on the indicated bet area 72 and the bet type is received and stored in the bet information memory area of the RAM 83. Then, the credits, which correspond to 0.5% of the total credits bet in the stations 4, are accumulated and added to the JP amount that is recorded in the JP accumulation memory area 83V of the RAM 83. Correspondingly to this, the display of the JP amount indicator 15 and the JP indicator 73 is updated.
Then, when the ball 27 is received in the numbered pocket 23 in the roulette unit 3, a win determining device 86 is driven. Thus, it is detected a win number of the roulette unit 3 in this time game (B10).
Then, the win number signal including the information of the win number is transmitted to the stations 4 (B11). Then, the bet information and the win number of the stations 4 are used to determine whether the chips respectively bet in the stations 4 are determined as a win (B12). Continuously, a payout calculation process is executed. In the payout calculation process, the won chips bet on the win number are recognized for each station 4 and a sum of the payouts of the credits to be respectively paid out to the stations 4 is calculated with the payout rates for each bet area 72, which are stored in the ROM 82 in a payout management table form of FIG. 8, i.e., the credit-number to be paid out per one chip (one bet) (B13).
Then, it is executed a process of transmitting a payout result signal including a payout result of the credits of the roulette game, based on the payout calculation process. To be more specific, the payout result signal including the credit data of a base payout corresponding to the payout amount of the roulette game is transmitted to the station control CPU 91 of the station 4 that is determined to be a win in the roulette game (B14).
Then, the ball collection device provided below the wheel 22 is driven, so that the ball 27 on the wheel 22 is collected. The collected ball 27 is adapted to be inserted in the wheel 22 of the roulette unit 3 in a next or more game (B15). Then, a unit game end signal is transmitted to the station 4 (B16) and this routine is ended.
(Bonus Lottery Process)
While the game process is performed in the server 13, a bonus lottery process of FIG. 19 is performed at the same time. In other words, the station management table of FIG. 9 is referred to and it is determined whether the bet-number in each station 4 is a predetermined value or more, such as “15” (C1). When it is determined the bet-number is not a predetermined value (C1, NO), this routine is over and the step of C1 is repeatedly executed.
When it is determined the bet-number is a predetermined value (C1, YES), a possible target is determined for which a special payout will be awarded and “1” is set in the corresponding location of the possible target column of FIG. 9 (C2). Then, a possible target signal is transmitted to the station 4 having the machine number for which “1” is set (C3).
Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not (C4). When a bet time is not over (C4, NO), the step of C1 is re-executed. When a bet time is over (C4, YES), a bonus lottery is performed. To be more specific, one bonus type is randomly selected from the four bonus types of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” (C5). Then, the determined bonus type is determined (C6) and a bonus type signal is then transmitted to the station 4 (C7).
Then, a lottery is made to determine whether a special payout target is determined by lot, for all the possible targets. Thereby, depending on the lottery result, all the possible targets may become a special payout target, or alternatively, several possible targets may become a special payout target (C8). Then, a special payout target signal including the lottery result of the special payout target is transmitted to the station 4 that is set as a possible target (C9). After that, a standby mode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13 (C10), this routine is over.
Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. Further, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.
The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the steps or blocks. Although the respective processes in the steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the respective processes in the steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a gaming machine main body that executes a game;

a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for the game and awards a payout;

a display device that displays image data relating to the game; and

a controller operates:

(a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on an execution result of the game and a game value bet;

(a2) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device as the possible target;

(a4) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

2. A gaming machine comprising:

a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon;

a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout;

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller operates:

(b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(b3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(b4) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(b5) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

3. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller operates:

(c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, respectively;

(c4) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(c5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(c6) to randomly select a special payout target from one or more possible targets; and

(c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

4. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and operates:

(d1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(d4) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;

(d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(d6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

5. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that is provided to each of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to the roulette game and the bet areas;

a light transmissive touch panel that is provided to a front of the display device to be press-operable; and

(e1) to receive a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel;

(e2) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(e3) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, respectively;

(e5) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(e6) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;

(e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(e8) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(e9) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

6. A playing method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:

awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout;

setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of the possible target;

randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

awarding a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.