ZA200802408B - Gaming machine capable of setting bet-number and effective area-number - Google Patents

Description

[0001]

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Japan Patent Application

No. 2007-068449, filed on March 16, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a gaming machine. 2. Description of Related Art

[0002]

In the conventional slot machines, several reels are used as a means for displaying a game result, irrespective of mechanical slots or video slots. By rotating the reels, symbols disposed on circumferential surfaces of the reels are variably displayed.

Then, the variable display of the reels is stopped so that symbols determined by an internal lottery are stopped and displayed. In addition, areas on which symbols are displayed are set in advance and a winning determination 1s conducted depending on a combination of symbols displayed on the areas. As a result of the determination, when it is determined to be a winning combination, a payout is awarded in accordance with the winning combination and a wager-number wagered on the areas.

[0003]

In this regard, in a slot machine disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,638,169, which 1s equipped in a casino and the like, when a game is started, a player indicates one or more areas for which a winning determination is made, among the areas. In addition, a bet-number per area is indicated and the number obtained by

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO multiplying the bet-number by the number of the areas indicated is set as a total bet-number to be wagered per one game. [00041

In such a slot machine, when one or more areas are indicated, area-number setting buttons are used to set the number (for example, “17, “57, “25” and the like) of the areas that a player wants to indicate for a winning determination. The area-number setting buttons are provided on a control panel of the slot machine. For instance, when a player pushes the area-number setting button “5”, five areas are set as areas for which a winning determination will be made. Furthermore, bet-number setting buttons that are provided for a player to set a bet- number per area such as “17, “37, “8” and the like are also provided on the control panel of the slot machine. When a player pushes the bet-number setting button “8,” the bet-number to be wagered per area is “8.” In this case, since the bet-number “8” is wagered on each of the five areas, the total bet-number is ) set to“40” and a game can be started.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

However, in the above slot machines, the upper limit of the total bet-number is often set by the rules legislated in every country. As described above, the total bet-number is calculated on the basis of the number of the indicated areas and the bet- number per area. When a slot machine in which the number of areas can be indicated up to “10” is equipped in a country in which the upper limit of the total bet-number is set to “2007, for example, the maximum bet-number per area that can be indicated is automatically limited up to “20.” Due to this, a button capable of indicating the bet-number larger than “20” cannot be provided as a bet-number setting button of the slot machine and the selection can be thus made within a narrow selection range of “20” or less. To the contrary, when a slot

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO machine in which the bet-number per area can be indicated up to "50" is equipped in a country in which the upper limit of the total bet-number is set to "200" for example, the maximum area- number to be indicated is automatically limited up to "4." Due to this, it is impossible to provide the area-number larger than "4." Accordingly, a player can select the area-number only within a narrow selection range of "4" or less. Thus, when the upper limit of the total bet-number is already set, depending on a regulation of either the area-number or the bet-number, the selection range for the other one is determined automatically, and therefore a player can make a selection only within a narrow selection range. :

[0006]

An object of the invention is to provide a novel gaming machine capable of widening a selection range of an area-number or a ) bet-number per area even within the upper limit of the total bet-number.

[0007]

In order to address the above object, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a display that displays symbols; a first operating unit by which a player indicates one or more areas on which symbols are displayed in the display, as one or more areas for which a winning determination is made; a second operating unit by which the player indicates a bet-number per area; and a control device that determines whether a total bet-number based on the number of the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit is not more than a predetermined number, and when the total bet-number is not more than the predetermined number and a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player

P06-1373US,AU, ZA,MO is a combination related to a winning, performs a payout based on the combination related to the winning and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit by the player.

[0008]

According to the above structure, a player can indicate one or more areas on which symbols are displayed in the display, as one or more areas for which a winning determination is made, by operating the first operating unit, and can indicate a bet- number per area by operating the second operating unit. Then, when the number of the areas is indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player and the bet-number per area is indicated through the operation of the second operating unit, the control device determines whether the total bet-number based on the area-number and the bet-number is not more than a predetermined number. Furthermore, in the determination, if the total bet-number based on the area-number and the bet-number is not more than the predetermined number, and when a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player is a combination related to a winning, a payout is performed, based on the combination related to the winning and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating } unit by the player.

[0009]

Accordingly, the control device determines whether a total bet- number based on the area-number and the bet-number per area is not more than a predetermined number, andif the total bet-number is not more than the predetermined number, when a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player is a combination related to a winning, performs a payout based on the

P06-1373US,AU, ZA , MO combination related to the winning and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit.

Therefore, even when the area-number or the bet-number per area is not provided within a range in accordance with one regulation thereof due to the upper limit of the total bet-number, a player can play a game without exceeding the upper limit of the total bet-number, so that the player can widen a selection range of the area-number or bet-number per area. For example, when the upper limit of the total bet-number is “200,” a player sets the area-number to “1” and the bet-number per area to “200.” As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of realizing a point-concentrated type wager and adding a gamble characteristic. To the contrary, it is possible to provide a gaming machine having increased a win frequency by setting the area-number to “200” and the bet-number per area to “1.” Thus, it is possible to mix various needs of a player into one gaming machine by widening the selection range of the area-number or bet-number per area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a control panel, which shows a characteristic of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the slot machine;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a control panel;

FIG. 4 illustrates symbol columns depicted respectively on a reel band of each reel, which are used in a base game or a free game;

FIG. 5 illustrates symbols that are depicted on a reel band of each reel;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control system of the slot machine;

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

FIG. 7 is a payout table showing winning combinations and payout amounts of winning combinations when executing a base game or a free game;

FIG. 8 shows contents to be displayed on a lower image display panel;

FIG. 9 shows contents to be displayed on a lower image display panel;

FIG. 10 shows contents to be displayed on a lower image display panel;

FIG. 11 shows contents to be displayed on a lower image display panel;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a main control program;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a main game process program;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of an effective button control process program;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart of an effective button control process program;FIG. 16 is a front view showing a control panel;

FIG. 17 is a front view showing a control panel;FIG. 18 is a front view showing a control panel;

FIG. 19 is a front view showing a control panel;FIG. 20 is a front view showing a control panel;

FIG. 21 is a front view showing a control panel;FIG. 22 is a front view showing a control panel;

FIG. 23 is a front view showing a control panel;FIG. 24 is a front view showing a control panel;

FIG. 25 is a front view showing a control panel; andFIG. 26 is a front view showing a control panel;

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011]

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the invention will be described.

P06-1373US,AU, 2A, MO

[0012]

Fig. 1 is a front view of a control panel, which shows a characteristic of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the invention. A slot machine according to this embodiment is provided with a control panel 20 as shown in Fig. 1. As shown in

Fig. 1, the control panel 20 has a CHANGE button 101 and a

CASHOUT button 102 at an upper part thereof, starting from the left side, a COLLECT/HELP button 103, a PLAY 1 LINE button 104, a PLAY 5 LINE button 105, a PLAY 9 LINE button 106, a PLAY 20

LINE button 107 and a PLAY 25 LINE button 108 at a central part thereof, starting from the left side, and a GAMBLE/RESERVE button 109, a RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, a BET 5 PER LINE button 111, a BET 10 PER LINE button 112, a BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and a BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 at a lower part thereof, starting from the left side. Fach of the buttons is comprised of light transmissive resin and has a multi color

LED embedded therein. Therefore, since light emitted from the multi color LED is visible to a player through the light transmissive resin, the buttons can be light-colored.

[0013] i The PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25

LINE button 108 are operating units setting the number of paylines to be activated to 1, 5, 9, 20 and 25 respectively, based on each operation thereof. Each of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 serves as a “first operating unit” of the invention. In the meantime, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 are operating units setting the bet-number per one activated payline to “17, “57, “97, “20” and “40” respectively, based on each operation thereof. Each of the BET buttons 110 toll4 serves as a

=

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO “second operating unit” of the invention. In this regard, the bet-number is a number that a player wagers so as to start a game, and is referred to as denomination (an amount per bet (for example, 1 cent) is preset).

[0014]

In the slot machine of this embodiment, for activating one or more paylines and setting a bet-number for one activated payline, a limitation is set in such a manner that the total bet-number obtained by multiplying the number of the activated paylines by the bet-number per one payline is within a range of "100.7

Hereinafter, for the sake of explanations, the number of paylines to be activated is determined and then the bet-number per one of the paylines activated by the determination is determined. Under such condition, a player needs to operate one of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the

PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY

LINE button 108. When the player operates one of the buttons, the button operated emits light of a first color, and any of the following buttons, which satisfies the limitation of the total bet-number of“100” or less(a button capable of being operated), emits light of a second color: the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114.

[0015]

In this regard, in Fig. 1, as can be expected from the PLAY 1

LINE button 104 emitting the light of the first color, the player hasoperated the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 to set the number of paylines to be activated to “1.” In this case, no matter which one of the bet-numbers “1”, “57, “10”, “20” and “40” is set as the bet-number per one activated payline,, the limitation of the total bet-number of “100” or less is satisfied.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

Accordingly, all of the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, the BET 5

PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20

PER LINE button 113 and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 emit the light of the second color and can be operated.

[0016]

In the meantime, in Fig. 17, as can be expected from the PLAY 5

LINE button 105 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 to set the number of paylines to be activated to “5.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number of “100” or less is not satisfied unless the bet-number per one activated payline is set to any of “17, wg# 210” and “20”. Therefore, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, “ the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 and the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 emit the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the BLACK BET 40 PER

LINE button 114 does not emit the light and thuscannot be operated.

[0017]

In addition, in Fig. 18, as can be expected from the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 to set the number of the paylines to be activated to “9.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number of “100” or less is not satisfied unless the bet-number per one activated payline is set to any of “17, “57 and “10”. Therefore, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, the

BET 5 PER LINE button 111 and the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 emit the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BLACK BET 40

PER LINE button 114 do not emit the light and thus cannot be operated. ]

[0018]

In addition, in Fig. 19, as can be expected from the PLAY 20

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

LINE button 107 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 to set the number of the paylines to be activated to “20.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number of “100” or less is not satisfied unless the bet-number per one activated payline is set to any of “1” and “5”. Therefore, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110 and the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 emit the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the BET 10

PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the

BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 do not emit the light and thus cannot be operated.

[0019]

In addition, in Fig. 20, as can be expected from the PLAY 25

LINE button 108 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 to set the number of the paylines to be activated to “25.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number of “100” or less is not satisfied unless the bet-number per one activated payline is set to “1”. Therefore, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110 emits the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 do not emit the light and thus cannot be operated.

[0020]

In other words, in Figs. 1 and 17 to 20, the light emission of the second color from the respective BET buttons 110 to 114 serves as a “notification” of the invention. In the meantime however, the invention is not limited thereto and it is sufficient as long as the available bet-number to be indicated is recognized by the player, from a relation between the limitation of the total bet-number and the number of activated paylines, which has been indicated by the player. For example,

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO the available bet-number to be indicated may be recognized by the player by means of displaying thereof on a display or a sound output from a speaker.

[0021]

Hereinafter, the invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings, based on an embodiment thereof. First, a schematic structure of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is - an external perspective view of the slot machine of this embodiment.

[0022]

The slot machine 1 of this embodiment comprises a cabinet 2, a top box 3 provided at an upper part of the cabinet 2 and a main door 4 provided at the front of the cabinet 2.

[0023]

In addition, an upper image display panel 7 is provided at the front of the top box 3. The upper image display panel 7 consists of a known transparent liquid crystal panel. Typically, the upper image display panel 7 displays a demonstration image and information relating to a game of the slot machine 1 such as game rules, a payout table and the like.

[0024]

In the meantime, a lower image display panel 6, which is a video display, is provided at the front of the main door 4.

Hereinafter, an image to be displayed on the lower image display panel 6 and relates to a base game of the slot machine 1 will be described. Figs. 8 to 11 illustrate contents to be displayed on the lower image display panel 6. As shown in Figs. 9 to 11, during a base game, symbols depicted on a reel band of each of reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E can be visible through display windows ; 10a, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E in the lower image display panel 6. Figs. 9 and 11 show states that symbols depicted on the reel band of

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E are arranged or rearranged in the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E of the lower image display panel 6. Fig. 10 shows a state that symbols depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E are displayed as being rotated in the display windows 104, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E of the lower image display panel 6.

[0025]

In other words, the lower image display panel 6 displays the five visible display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E through which symbols depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E are arranged by threes, respectively.

[0026]

In the meantime, a symbol column (refer to Fig. 4, for example) consisting of a predetermined number of symbols is depicted on the reel band of each of the five reels 5a, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E. In addition, a touch panel 11 is provided at the front of the lower image display panel 6 and can be operated by a player to input various instructions thereinto.

[0027]

Furthermore, the lower image display panel 6 is provided with a credit-number indicator 8, a payout-number indicator 9, and a bet-number indicator 12. The credit-number indicator 8 displays a credit-number that is currently possessed by a player. The payout-number indicator 9 displays, as a payout-number, a payout amount that is obtained in a base game (a slot game and the like) or a bonus game (a free game and the like). The bet-number indicator 12 displays a total-bet number that is currently wagered on a unit game of a base game by a player.

[0028]

In addition, as shown in Fig. 8, 25 paylines L1 to L25 that traverse the five display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E are set for the lower image display panel 6. In this embodiment,

. k

P06-1373US ,AU,ZA MO each of the paylines L1 to L25 defines five symbols constituting one symbol combination. In this regard, only activated one of the 25 paylines Ll to L25 is visible during a base game or a free game.

[0029]

Referring back to Fig. 2, a lower part of the lower image display panel 6 is provided with a control panel 20 that is provided with several buttons allowing a player to input an instruction relating to a game progress, a coin receiving slot 21 that receives a coin as a game medium into the cabinet 2, and a bill validator 22.

[0030]

The control panel 20 will be described below. Fig. 3 is a front view showing the control panel 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the k control panel 20 has a CHANGE button 101 and a CASHOUT button 102 at an upper part thereof, starting from the left, a

COLLECT/HELP button 103, a PLAY 1 LINE button 104, a PLAY 5 LINE button 105, a PLAY 9 LINE button 106, a PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and a PLAY 25 LINE button 108 at a central part thereof, starting from the left, and a GAMBLE/RESERVE button 109, a RED

BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110, a BET 5 PER LINE button 111, a BET 10

PER LINE button 112, a BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and a BLACK

BET 40 PER LINE button 114 at a lower part thereof, starting from the left. Each of the buttons 101 to 114 is comprised of light transmissive resin, as described above.

[0031]

The CHANGE button 101 is an operating unit that is used to exchange a bill inserted into the bill validator 22 (refer to

Fig. 2). The exchanged coin is paid out to a coin tray 24 (refer to Fig. 2) from a coin payout slot 23 (refer to Fig. 2) provided at a lower part of the cabinet 2 (refer to Fig. 2).

[0032]

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

The CASHOUT button 102 is an operating unit that is used to input an instruction to pay out coins relating to a credit- number, which is currently possessed by a player, to the coin tray 24 (refer to Fig. 2) from the coin payout slot 23 (refer to

Fig. 2) or an instruction to pay out as a ticket 25 (refer to

Fig. 2) having a barcode printed thereon. The COLLECT/HELP button 103 is an operating unit that is used to end a double down game, which is executed with a payout amount obtained in a bonus game, or is used when an operating method of a game is unclear. In addition, when the COLLECT/HELP button 103 is operated in ending a double down game, a payout amount, which is increased or decreased in the double down game, is added to the credit-number that is currently possessed by a player. In the meantime, an amount per one credit is preset by the denomination.

[0033]

The PLAY 1 LINE button 104 is an operating unit that activates the payline L1 based on an operation thereof. Thereby, the number of paylines L activated becomes “1.”The PLAY 5 LINE button 105 is an operating unit that activates each of the paylines L1 to L5 based on an operation thereof. Thereby, the number of paylines L activated becomes “5.”The PLAY 9 LINE button 106 is an operating unit that activates each of the paylines L1 to L9 based on an operation thereof. Thereby, the number of paylines L activated becomes “9.”The PLAY 20 LINE button 107 is an operating unit that activates each of the paylines L1 to L20 based on an operation thereof. Thereby, the number of paylines IL activated becomes “20.”The PLAY 25 LINE button 108 is an operating unit that activates each of the paylines L1 to L25 based on an operation thereof. Thereby, the number of paylines L activated becomes “25.7

[0034]

The GAMBLE/RESERVE button 109 is an operating unit that is used

P06-1373US,AU, ZA MO to transit a gaming state to a double down game after a bonus game is over or is used when a player leaves a seat.

[0035]

The RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 is an operating unit that sets a bet-number to be wagered per one payline L to “1”, based on an operation thereof. The BET 5 PER LINE button 111 is an operating unit that sets a bet-number to be wagered per one payline L to “57 based on an operation thereof. The BET 10 PER LINE button 112 is an operating unit that sets a bet-number to be wagered per one payline L to “10”, based on an operation thereof. The

BET 20 PER LINE button 113 is an operating unit that sets a bet- number to be wagered per one payline L to “20”, based on an operation thereof. The BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 is an operating unit that sets a bet-number to be wagered per one payline L to “40”, based on an operation thereof. In the meantime, the RED BET 1 PER LINE BUTTON 110 and the BLACK BET 40

PER LINE BUTTON 114 are also used when selecting red or black in i a double down game.

[0036]

Reverting to Fig. 2, a reverter 21S (refer to Fig. 6) and a coin counter 21C (refer to Fig. 6) are provided in the coin receiving slot 21. The reverter 21S (refer to Fig. 6) validates whether a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 is appropriate or not and discharges an inappropriate coin from the coin payout slot 23. In addition, the coin counter 21C (refer to Fig. 6) detects the received appropriate coins and counts the number of the coins.

[0037]

In addition, the bill validator 22 validates whether a bill is appropriate or not and receives an appropriate bill into the cabinet 2. The bill inserted into the cabinet 2 is converted into the coin-number and the credits corresponding to the coin-

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO number converted are added as a credit-number that is possessed by a player. In the meantime, the bill validator 22 is structured to read out a ticket 25 having a barcode printed thereon, that will be described below. A belly glass 26 on which a character of the slot machine 1 and the like are depicted is provided at a lower front of the main door 4, i.e., at a lower part of the control panel 20.

[0038]

In the meantime, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a coin, bill or corresponding electronic value information (credit) is used as a game medium. However, the game medium applicable to the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a medal, a token, electronic currency, and a ticket can be used. ] [0038]

In addition, ‘a ticket printer 30, a card reader 31, a data indicator 32, and a keypad 33 are provided at a lower part of the upper image display panel 7. The ticket printer 30 is a printing device that prints a barcode, in which a data of a credit-number, date and time, identification number of the slot machine 1 and the like are coded, on a ticket and outputs it as a ticket 25 having a barcode. 2A player can use the output ticket having the barcode printed thereon for another gaming machine to play a game, or use it in a predetermined place of a game arcade for formalities. The card reader 31 reads out a data from a smart card or writes a data into the smart card. The smart card is a card that is carried by a player and a data of a game history performed by a player is stored therein. The data indicator 32 consists of a fluorescent display and the like and displays a data read out by the card reader 31 or a data input through the keypad 33 by a player. In addition, the keypad 33 is used to input an instruction or a data for a ticket issue.

[0040]

P06-1373US,AU, ZA,MO

Furthermore, a lamp 35 is provided at an upper surface of the top box 3. The lamp 35 is turned on and off in a predetermined manner when calling a clerk of a game arcade if an error and the like occur in the slot machine 1. In the meantime, a reference numeral 28 indicates a speaker.

[0041]

Continuously, symbols which are depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and rearranged in a base game or a free game as being scrolled through the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E of the lower image display panel 5, will be described based on Figs. 4 and 5. Fig. 4 shows symbol columns that are respectively depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, which are used in a base game.

Fig. 5 shows symbols that are respectively depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E.

[0042]

A predetermined number of symbols are depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E used in a base game. In this regard, 47 symbols are depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B. 51 symbols are depicted on the reel band of the reel 5C. 50 symbols are depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5D, bE.

[0043]

Each of the symbol columns is comprised of a combination of a symbol “Captain” 201, a symbol “Scuba” 202, a symbol “Lifevest” 203, a symbol “Radar” 204, a symbol “Periscope” 205, a symbol “Submarine” 206, a symbol “Clam” 207, a symbol “Ace” 208, a symbol “King” 209, a symbol “Queen” 210, a symbol “Jack” 211 and a symbol “Gold Box” 212, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0044] "As shown in Fig. 4, predetermined types of symbols are arranged in a predetermined order on the reel band of each of the reels

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E.

[0045]

In the meantime, the symbol columns shown in Fig. 4 are used in a base game, but are also used in a free game.

[0046]

A predetermined payout amount 1s awarded to a player, when a predetermined number of identical symbols out of the following symbols are rearanged on activated one of the paylines L1 to LZ25 in the lower image display panel 6, during a base game and a free game: the symbol “Captain” 201, the symbol “Scuba” 202, the symbol “Lifevest” 203, the symbol “Radar” 204, the symbol “periscope” 205, the symbol “Submarine” 206, the symbol “Ace” 208, the symbol “King” 209, the symbol “Queen” 210 and the symbol “Jack” 211 (refer to Fig. 7).

[0047]

In addition, the symbol “Clam” 207 is a scatter symbol. When a predetermined number of the symbol “Clam” 207 are displayed in the lower image display panel 6, a predetermined payout amount is awarded to a player, irrespective of whether it is rearranged on the respective paylines Ll to L25 (refer to Fig. 7). [(0048]

In addition, the symbol “Submarine” 206 is a wild symbol and can be used in place of any of the symbols other than the scatter symbols (the symbol “Clam” 207, the symbol “Gold Box” 212) (refer to Fig. 7). Furthermore, when a predetermined number of the symbol “Submarine” 206 are rearranged on activated one of the paylines L1 to L25 in the lower image display panel 6, a ‘ predetermined payout amount is awarded to a player (refer to Fig. 7).

[0049]

In the meantime, the symbol “Gold Box” 212 is a trigger symbol.

When three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are respectively rearranged on

P06~1373US,AU, ZA ,MO each of the display windows 107A, 10B, 10C through each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, and thus are displayed, a predetermined payout amount is awarded to a player and a base game 1s transited to a free game, irrespective of whether the three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are rearranged on one of the paylines L1 to L25 or not. Fig. 11 shows an example of a state that three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are respectively rearranged on each of the display windows 104A, 10B, 10C through each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, and thus are displayed, irrespective of whether the three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are rearranged on one of the paylines L1 to L25.

[0050]

In the meantime, in each symbol column shown in Fig. 4, each symbol constituting a symbol column is allotted with a code No. beginning at the top.

[0051]

A game that is executed in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment comprises each game mode of a base game and a bonus game. In 2 base game, a slot game is executed in which symbols are rearranged on activated paylines L in the lower image display panel 6, through the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, b5E and a symbol combination is thus displayed.

[0052]

To be more specific, a part of the symbol column depicted on the reel band of each of thee reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E shown in Fig. 4 is displayed on each of the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, so that three symbols are arranged in each of the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and a total of 15 symbols are thus arranged. Furthermore, when the bet-number and the number of paylines L to be activated are fixed by operations of one of the buttons 104 to 108, and one of the buttons 110 to 114 provided on the control panel 20, symbol columns respectively depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 50,

P06-1373US,AU,ZA,MO 5E shown in Fig. 4 are scrolled downwards, accompanied by a rotation display of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, SE (refer to Fig. 10). After a predetermined time period has elapsed, a part of the symbol column depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E shown in Fig. 4 is displayed in each of the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, accompanied bya stop of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, so that three symbols are rearranged on each of the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, and a total of 15 symbols are thus rearranged (refer to Fig. 11). Furthermore, since various winning combinations are predetermined (refer to Fig. 7), when a winning combination is realized by symbols displayed on an activated payline L in the lower image display panel 6, an amount obtained by multiplying a payout amount relating to the winning combination by the bet-number is awarded to a player. In addition, when a winning combination is realized by scatter symbols, an amount obtained by multiplying a payout amount relating to the winning combination by the total Dbet-number is awarded to a player, irrespective of whether the symbols are rearranged on an activated payline L. In the meantime, when several winning combinations are realized, a total sum to be awarded for each winning combination is awarded to a player.

[0053]

In the meantime, there is a free game as a bonus game. In a free game, as well as the base game, a slot game is executed in which symbols are rearranged on an activated payline L in the lower image display panel 6, through the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and a symbol combination is thus displayed. However, in the free game, the bet-number and the number of the paylines L activated in the last unit game of the base game before the base game is transited to the free game are maintained, and the free game is consecutively executed up to 20 games, without betting a coin.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

[0054]

When a payout amount can be finally obtained in a bonus game ) (free game), a double down game in which the aforementioned payout amount 1s increased or decreased can be executed, after the aforementioned bonus game is over. However, this description is omitted.

[0055]

Next, a structure of a control system of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to

Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment.

[0056]

As shown in Fig. 6, a control system of the slot machine 1 } basically consists of a mother board 40 and a gaming board 50.

First, the gaming board 50 comprises a CPU 51, a ROM 55 and a boot ROM 52, which are associated with each other by an internal bus, a card slot 53S corresponding to a memory card 53 and an IC socket 54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 54.

[0057]

The memory card 53 is a recording medium that is comprised of a non-volatile memory and that stores a game program and a gaming system program (hereinafter, referred to as game program and the like) therein. The game program recorded in the memory card 53 comprises a lottery program. The lottery program is a program for determining symbols (code Nos. corresponding to the symbols) of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, which are rearranged and displayed on the payline L1 in the lower image display panel 6. The lottery program contains a symbol weight value data corresponding to each of payout rates (for example, 80%, 845%, 88%). The symbol weight value data are data that show a correspondence relation between the code No. of each of the symbols and one or more random number values belonging to a

P06-1373US,AU,ZA,MO predetermined numerical range (0 to 253). In other words, one or more random numbers correspond to one symbol code number. When random numbers are sampled through a lottery, symbols, which are specified by the aforementioned random numbers, are rearranged and displayed on the lower image display panel 6.

[0058]

Tn addition, a payout rate is determined on the basis of a data for setting a payout rate, which is output from the GAL 54.

Based on a symbol weight value data corresponding to the payout rate, a lottery is run.

[0059]

In addition, the card slot 53S is structured in such a manner : that the memory card 53 can be inserted and removed, and is associated with the mother board 40 by an IDE bus. Therefore, by modifying the game program and the like stored in the memory card 53, a type or a content of a game to be executed in the slot machine 1 can be changed. In addition, by exchanging with a memory card 53 in which a different game program and the like are stored, a type or a content of a game to be executed in the slot machine 1 can be changed.

[0060]

In the meantime, a game program contains image data of symbols depicted on the reel band of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, image data of game rules, a payout table and the like and demonstration image data, in addition to a program relating to a game progress, and image data and sound data to be output during a game.

[0061]

The GAL 54 is a kind of PLD having an OR fixed type array } structure. The GAL 54 has several input ports and output ports.

When predetermined data is input to the input ports, the GAL 54 outputs data corresponding to the input data, from the output

P06-1373US,AU, 2A ,MO ports. The data output from the output ports is the above- mentioned data for setting a payout rate.

[0062]

In addition, the IC socket 54S is structured to detachably connect the GAL 54 thereto and is associated with the mother board 40 through a PCI bus. Therefore, by modifying or exchanging the GAL 54, the data for setting a payout rate, which is output from the GAL 54, can be changed.

[0063] -

The CPU 51, the ROM 55 and the boot ROM 52, which are associated to each other by an internal bus, are associated with the mother board 40 by a PCI bus. The PCI bus performs a signal transfer between the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 and supplies power to the gaming board 50 from the mother board 40. The ROM , 55 stores country identification information and an authentication program therein. The boot ROM 52 stores a ; preliminary authentication program, a program (boot code) enabling the CPU 51 to start the preliminary authentication program and the like therein.

[0064]

The authentication program is a program (a falsification check program) for authenticating a game program and the like. The authentication program is described in accordance with a falsification check order of a game program and the like that is an object of an authentication scan process. The preliminary authentication program is a program for authenticating the authentication program and is described in accordance with a falsification check order of the authentication program that is an object of an authentication process.

[0065]

Continuously, the mother board 40 will be described. The mother board 40 is comprised of a commercial universal mother board

P06-1373US,AU, 2A, MO (printed circuit board having basic parts of a personal computer mounted thereon) and comprises a main CPU 41, a ROM 42 and a RAM 43.

[0066]

The ROM 42 is comprised of a memory device such as flash memory and the like and stores a program such as BIOS that is executed by the main CPU 41, and permanent data such as lottery tables and payout tables for a base game and a bonus game. When the

BIOS is executed by the main CPU 41, a predetermined peripheral device is initialized and a scan process for a game program and the like stored in the memory card 53 is started through the gaming board 50.

[0067]

The RAM 43 stores data or a program that is used when the main

CPU 41 operates. In addition, the RAM 43 can store various programs such as an authentication program, a game program and the like that are read out through the gaming board 50, and various information such as a credit-number that is currently possessed by a player. Furthermore, the RAM 43 secures memory arcas for variables N and M that will be described later.

[0068]

In addition, the mother board 40 is associated with a communication interface 44. The communication interface 44 is a communication device for the purpose of performing a communication with a server and the like equipped in a game arcade, through a communication line. The slot machine 1 communicates bet information in a main game process (refer to S52 in Fig. 12), a lottery result of a base game lottery process and the like with the server and the like through the communication interface 44.

[0069]

In addition, the mother board 40 is associated with a main body

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

PCB 60 and a door PCB 80 through a USB, respectively.

Furthermore, the mother board 40 is associated with a power supply unit 45. When power is supplied to the mother board 40 from the power supply unit 45, the main CPU 41 of the mother board 40 is operated. In addition, the power is supplied to the gaming board 50 through the PCI bus and the CPU 51 is operated.

[0070]

The mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 constitute a game controller 100.

[0071]

In the meantime, the main body PCB 60 and the door PCB 80 are associated with a device or an unit that generates an input signal for the game controller 100 and a device or an unit that is controlled by a control signal from the game controller 100.

The game controller 100 executes the game program and the like stored in the RAM 43, based on the input signal input to the game controller 100. The game controller performs a predetermined calculation process to store a calculation result in the RAM 43 or to control each device or unit.

[0072]

The main body PCB 60 is associated with a lamp 35, a hopper 66, a coin detection unit 67, a graphic board 68, a speaker 28, a touch panel 11, a bill validator 22, a ticket printer 30, a card reader 31, a key switch 33S and a data indicator 32.

[0073] aThe touch panel 11 is disposed to the front of the lower image display panel 6, specifies a coordinates position of a part touched by a player and determines where the player touches based on the specified coordinates position information and which direction the touched location is moved. The determination signal is output as an input signal for the game controller 100.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

The hopper 66 is provided in the cabinet 2 and pays out a predetermined number of coins to the coin tray 24 from the coin payout slot 23, based on a control signal from the game controller 100. The coin detection unit 67 is provided in the coin payout slot 23 and outputs an input signal to the game controller 100 when it detects that the predetermined number of coins are paid out from the coin payout slot 23.

[0075]

The graphic board 68 controls an image display in the upper image display panel 7 and the lower image display panel 6, based on a control signal from the game controller 100. For example, a credit-number possessed by a player, which 1s stored in the RAM 43, is displayed on the credit-number indicator 8 in the lower image display panel 6. The payout-number (payout amount) of credits is displayed on the payout-number indicator 9. The total pet-number wagered by a player is displayed on the bet-number indicator 12.

[0076]

In addition, the graphic board 68 comprises a VDP (Video Display _ Processor) that generates image data based on a control signal from the game controller 100, a video RAM 69 that temporarily stores the image data generated by the VDP, and the like. In the - meantime, image data that is used to generate the image data by . the VDP is included in the game program. In addition, the graphic board 68 controlsa rotation and a stop of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E in the lower image display panel 6, based on a control signal from the game controller 100 (refer to Figs. 8, 9, and 11). Furthermore, the graphic board 68 controls a display of a bonus game in the lower image display panel 6, based on a control signal from the game controller 100.

[0077]

In addition, the bill validator 22 validates whether a bill or a

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO ticket 25 having a barcode printed thereon is appropriate or not and receives an appropriate bill or a ticket 25 having a barcode printed thereon into the cabinet 2. When the appropriate bill is received, the bill validator 22 outputs an input signal to the game controller 100, based on an amount of the bill. In addition, the bill validator outputs an input signal to the game controller 100, based on the number of coins, which is recorded in the ticket 25 having a barcode printed thereon.

[0078]

The ticket printer 30 prints a barcode, in which data of a credit~-number and the like stored in the RAM 43 is coded, on a ticket and outputs it as a ticket 35 having the barcode printed thereon. In addition, the card reader 31 reads out and transmits data from a smart card to the game controller 100, or writes data to the smart card, based on a control signal from the game controller 100. The key switch 33S is provided on the keypad 33 and outputs a predetermined input signal to the game controller 100 when the keypad 33 is operated by a player. The data indicator 32 displays the data read out by the card reader 31 or the data input through the keypad 33 by a player, based on a control signal output from the game controller 100.

[0079]

In the meantime, the door PCB 80 is associated with a control panel 20, a reverter 21S, a coin counter 21C and a cold cathode tube 81. The control panel 20 is provided with a CHANGE switch 1018 corresponding to the CHANGE button 101 (refer to Fig. 3), a

CASHOUT switch 102S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 102 (refer to Fig. 3), a COLLECT/HELP switch 103S corresponding to the COLLECT/HELP button 103 (refer to Fig. 3), a 1-LINE switch 104S corresponding to the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 (refer to Fig. 3), a 5-LINE switch 1058S corresponding to the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 (refer to Fig. 3), a 9-LINE switch 106S corresponding to the

P06-1373US,AU, ZA,MO

PLAY 9 LINE button 106 (refer to Fig. 3), a 20-LINE switch 107S corresponding to the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 (refer to Fig. 3), a 25-LINE switch 108S corresponding to the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 (refer to Fig. 3), a GAMBLE/RESERVER switch 108s corresponding to the GAME/RESERVE button 109 (refer to Fig. 3), a 1-BET switch 110S corresponding to the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 (refer to Fig. 3), a 5-BET switch 111S corresponding to the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 (refer to Fig. 3), a 10-BET switch 112S corresponding to the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 (refer to Fig. 3), a 20-BET switch 113S corresponding to the BET

PER LINE button 113 (refer to Fig. 3) and a 40-BET switch 1145 corresponding to the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 (refer to Fig. 3). Each of the switches outputs an input signal to the game controller 100 when the corresponding button is operated by a player.

[0080]

Furthermore, the control panel 20 is provided with a CHANGE lamp 101L corresponding to the CHANGE button 101 (refer to Fig. 3), a

CASHOUT lamp 102L corresponding to the CASHOUT button 102 (refer to Fig. 3), a COLLECT/HELP lamp 103L corresponding to the

COLLECT/HELP button 103 (refer to Fig. 3), a 1-LINE lamp 104L corresponding to the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 (refer to Fig. 3), a . 5-LINE lamp 105L corresponding to the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 (refer to Fig. 3), a 9-LINE lamp 106L corresponding to the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 (refer to Fig. 3), a 20-LINE lamp 107L corresponding to the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 (refer to Fig. 3), a 25-LINE lamp 1081 corresponding to the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 (refer to Fig. 3), a GARMBLE/RESERVER lamp 109L corresponding to the GAME/RESERVE button 109 (refer to Fig. 3), a 1-BET lamp 110L corresponding to the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 (refer to Fig. 3), a 5-BET lamp 111L corresponding to the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 (refer to Fig. 3), a 10-BET lamp 112L corresponding to the

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

BET 10 PER LINE button 112 (refer to Fig. 3), a 20-BET lamp 113L corresponding to the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 (refer to Fig. 3) and a 40-BET lamp 114L corresponding to the BLACK BET 40 PER

LINE button 114 (refer to Fig. 3). Since each lamp consists of a multi color LED, a desired color can be light-emitted.

[0081]

The coin counter 21C is provided in the coin receiving slot 21 and identifies whether a coin inserted into the coin receiving slot 21 by a player is appropriate or not. An inappropriate coin is discharged from the coin payout slot 23. When an appropriate coin is detected, the coin counter 21C outputs an input signal to the game controller 100.

[0082] _ The reverter 21S is operated on the basis of a control signal © output from the game controller 100 and distributes the coin, which is recognized as an appropriate one by the coin counter 21C, to a cash box (not shown) or the hopper 66 provided in the slot machine 1. The cold cathode tube 81 is provided at the back of the lower image display panel 6 and the upper image display panel 7, is turned on and off based on a control signal from the game controller 100 and serves as a backlight.

[0083]

Hereinafter, a winning combination and a payout amount thereof for when a base game or a free game is executed using the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a payout table showing winning combinations and the payout amounts thereof for when a base game or a free game is executed using the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E. The payout amounts shown in the payout table of Fig. 7 indicate payout amounts when the bet- number is “1.” Therefore, when the bet-number is “1,” the payout amounts shown in Fig. 7 are awarded to a player. However, when

P06-~1373US,AU, ZA, MO the Dbet-number is “2” or more, payout amounts obtained by : multiplying the payout amounts shown in Fig. 7 by the aforementioned bet-amount are awarded to a player. In the meantime, although the payout table shown in Fig. 7 is displayed on the upper image display panel 7, a payout table corresponding ’ thereto is stored in the ROM 42.

[0084]

The symbol “Gold Box” 212 has one winning combination. When three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are displayed on the lower image display panel 6, 10 credits per one total bet are paid out as a payout, irrespective of whether the symbols are rearranged on an activated payline IL or not. Furthermore, this is a case that a free game trigger is ewon in a base game and therefore performs a free game.

[0085] ;

In addition, the symbol “Captain” 201 has four winning combinations. When five symbols “Captain” 201 are rearranged and displayed on an activated payline L in the lower image display panel 6, 400 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout amount.

In addition, when four symbols “Captain” 201 are rearranged on an activated payline 1, 150 credits per one bet are paid out as ’ a payout amount. In addition, when three symbols “Captain” 201 are rearranged on an activated payline IL, 20 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout amount. In addition, when two symbols “Captain” 201 are rearranged on an activated payline L, 3 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout amount.

[0086]

Likewise, regarding the symbol “Scuba” 202, the “Lifevest” 203, the “Radar” 204, the “Periscope” 205, the “Submarine” 206, the symbol “Ace” 208, the symbol “King” 209, the symbol “Queen” 210 and the symbol “Jack” 211, payout amounts are also set for each of the winning combinations shown in Fig. 7.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA , MO

[0087]

In addition, the symbol “Clam” 207 has four winning combinations.

When five symbols “Clam” 207 are displayed on the lower image display panel 6, 50 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout, irrespective of whether the symbols are rearranged on an activated payline L. In addition, when four symbols “Clam” 207 are displayed, 15 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout.

In addition, when three symbols “Clam” 207 are displayed, 5 credits per one bet are paid out as a payout. In addition, when two symbols “Clam” 207 are displayed, 1 credit per one bet is paid out as a payout. }

[0088]

In the meantime, when a symbol combination, which does not belong to any of the winning combinations shown in Fig. 7, is displayed on the image display panel 6, it means a blank and a payout 1s not performed.

[0089]

Continuously, a main control program that is executed in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 12 is a flow chart showing a main control program. In the meantime, the slot machine 1 shall have a memory card 53 already inserted in the card slot 535 of the gaming board 50 thereof, and the GAL 54 on the IC socket 54S thereof.

[0090]

First, when the power switch is turned on (power is supplied) in the power supply unit 45, the game controller 100 is started and an authentication scan process of step 1 (hereinafter, abbreviated to as “S8”) is executed. In the authentication scan process, each of the mother board 40 and the gaming board 50 constituting the game controller 100 performs the respective processes in parallel. In other words, in the gaming board 50,

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO the CPU 51 reads out the preliminary authentication program stored in the boot ROM 52 and performs a preliminary authentication of checking and verifying that an authentication program is not falsified, in accordance with the preliminary authentication program read out, before a fetch to the mother board 40. In the meantime, in the mother board 40, the main CPU 41 executes the BIOS stored in the ROM 42, develops compressed data incorporated into the RAM 43 and performs an execution of the BIOS developed into the RAM 43 and a diagnosis and an initialization of various peripheral devices.

[0091]

Then, the game controller 100 reads out an authentication program stored in the ROM 55 and performs an authentication of checking and verifying that the game program and the like stored in the memory card 53 inserted into the card slot 535 are not falsified. When the authentication process is normally ended, the game controller 100 records the game program and the like authenticated into the RAM 43 and obtains data for setting a payout rate and the country identification information. After the above process, the game controller 100 ends the authentication scan process. {00921

In S2, the game controller 100 sequentially reads out and executes the game program and the like, which are authenticated in the authentication scan process of Sl, from the RAM 43, thereby executing a main game process. By executing the main game process, a game is performed in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The main game process is recursively executed while the power is supplied to the slot machine 1.

[0083]

Next, a sub process of the main game process of S2 will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a flow chart of

P06-1373US,AU, 2A, MO a main game process in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In the meantime, the program shown in the flow chart of Fig. 13 is stored in the ROM 42 or RAM 43 provided to the slot machine 1 and is executed by the game controller 100.

[0094]

First, as shown in Fig. 13, the game controller 100 performs a predetermined initial setting in S11 and proceeds to S12 in which it performs an effective button control process for setting a bet-number or the number of paylines L to be activated.

[0095]

The sub process S12 of the effective button control will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing the sub process program of the effective button control process in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. In the meantime, the program shown in the flow chart of Fig. 14 is stored in the ROM 42 or RAM 43 provided to the slot machine 1 and is executed by the game controller 100.

[0096]

In the effective butgon control process S14, as shown in Fig. 14, the game controller 100 determines whether a LINE button is operated or not, inS21l. The determination is made, based on an input signal from any one of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the

PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20

I,INE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108. When any LINE buttons are not operated (S21, NO), the game controller returns to S21 and waits until any LINE button is operated. In the meantime, when any LINE button is operated ($21, YES), the game controller proceeds to 522.

[0097] :

In S22, the game controller 100 turns on the lamp mounted in the

LINE button that is an cbject of the determination in S521, in a first color. For example, when a player operates the PLAY 1 LINE

P06~1373US,AU,2A,MO button 104, the 1-LINE lamp 104L mounted in the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 is turned on in the first color (refer to Fig. 1).

[0098]

Then, the game controller 100 proceeds to $23 to authorize an effective BET button. In other words, the game controller determines a line button out of the following buttons, which satisfies the limitation of the total bet-number: the RED BET 1

PER LINE button 110, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10

PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the

BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 1l4which. In this embodiment, the total bet-number is limited to “100” or less, as described above.

Accordingly, after the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 is operated, it is determined that the limitation of the total bet-number is i satisfied with all of the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10

PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the

BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114. In the meantime, the authorization result in 523 is stored in the RAM 43.

[0099]

Here, as a method of authorizing an effective button of the BET buttons 110 to 114 in S23, there is a method of calculating an effective button of the BET buttons 110 to 114, based on the limited value of the total bet-number and the number of paylines

L, which are activated by the LINE buttons 104 to 108 that are the objects of the determination in S21, every time S23 is executed.

[0100]

To be more specific, as described above, if the total bet-number is limited to “100” or less, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the number of paylines L to be activated is 1. As a result, it is calculated that the bet-number resulting in the total bet- number of “1007 or less is “100” or less. Accordingly, it is

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO authorized that all of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1%, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5”, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the Dbet- number “107, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having the bet- number “20” and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 having the bet-number “40” are effective BET buttons.

[0101]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the number of paylines L to be activated is 5. As a result, it is calculated that the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “20” or less. Accordingly, it is authorized ) that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet- number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having a bet-number “57 the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “10” : and the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having bet-number “20” is an effective BET button.

[0102]

In addition, when a LINE button that 1s an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the number of paylines L to be activated is 9. As a result, it is calculated that the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “11.1.” or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet- number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “57 and the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “10” is an effective BET button. [01031

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 20 LINE button 107, the number of paylines L to be activated is 20. as a result, it is calculated that the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO “100” or less is “5” or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1# and the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5” is an effective BET button.

[0104]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in 821 is the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, the number of the paylines L to be activated is 25. As a result, it 1is calculated that the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “4” or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that only the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-~number a At is an effective BET button.

[0105]

Furthermore, as a method of authorizing an effective button of the BET buttons 110 to 114 in S23, it may be possible that an authorization table, in which all of the combinations of BET buttons 110 to 114 satisfying the limited value of the total bet-number for each of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 are described, is stored in the ROM 43 in advance and an effective button of the BET buttons 110 to 114 is authorized with the authorization table.

[0106]

To be more specific, as described above, if the total bet-number is limited to M100” or less, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the number of paylines I to be activated is 1. As a result, the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “100” or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, it is described that all of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5”, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO the bet-number “10”, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having the bet-number “20” and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 having the bet-number “40” are effective BET buttons, as a BET button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that all of the RED BET 1 PER

LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5”, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “10”, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having the bet-number “20” and the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114 having the bet-number “40” are effective BET buttons.

[0107]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the number of paylines IL to be activated is 5. As a result, the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “20” or less.

Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, it is described that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number %37, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “10” and the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having the bet-number “20” is an effective BET button, as a BET button resulting in the total bet~-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “17, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “57”, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet~number “10” and the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 having the bet-number “20” is an effective BET button.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

[0108]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the number of paylines L to be activated is 9. As a result, the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “11.1.” or less. Accordingly, in athe authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, it is described that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “17”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5” and the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “107 is an effective BET button, as a BET button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the RED BET 1 PER

LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1”, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5” and the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 having the bet-number “10” is an effective BET button.

[0109]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 20 LINE button 107, the number of paylines L to be activated is 20. As a result, the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “57 or less.

Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the PLAY 20 LINE button 107, it is described that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet- number “1” and the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet- number “57 is an effective BET button, as a BET button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY

LINE button 107, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the RED BET 1 PER LINE

P06-1373US,AU, 2A, MO button 110 having the bet-number “1” and the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 having the bet-number “5” is an effective BET button.

[0110]

In addition, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, the number of paylines L to be activated is 20. As a result, the bet-number resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is “4” or less.

Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, it is described } that only the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet- number “1” is an effective BET button, as a BET button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a LINE button that is an object of the determination in S21 is the PLAY

LINE button 108, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that only the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 having the bet-number “1” is an effective BET button.

[0111]

In S24, the game controller 100 turns on the lamp mounted in the

BET button that is recognized in S21, in a second color. For example, after the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 is operated, the game controller turns on the 1-BET lamp 110L mounted in the RED BET 1

PER LINE button 110, the S-BET lamp 111L mounted in the BET 5

PER LINE button 111, the 10-BET lamp 112L mounted in the BET 10

PER LINE button 112, the 20-BET lamp 113L mounted in the BET 20

PER LINE button 113 and the 40-BET lamp 1141 mounted in the BET 40 PER LINE button 114, in the second color (refer to Fig. 1}.

[0112]

Then, the came controller 100 proceeds to $25 and determines whether a BET button is operated or not. This determination is : based on an input signal from any one of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BET 40 PER

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

LINE button 114. Meanwhile, when no BET buttons are operated (S25, NO), the game controller returns to S25 and waits until a

BET button is operated. In the meantime, when a BET button is operated (S25, YES), the game controller proceeds to 526.

[0113]

In S26, the game controller 100 calculates the total bet-number.

Here, the total bet-number is calculated by multiplying the number of paylines L activated, which are specified by the LINE button that is the object of the determination in S21, by the bet-number per one payline L that is specified by the BET button that is the object of the determination in S25. For example, when a player operates the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, and operates the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, “1” is calculated as the total bet-~number. In the meantime, the calculated total bet- number is stored in the RAM 43.

[0114]

Then, in S27, the game controller 100 determines whether the total bet-number calculated in S26 is not more than the limited value. In this embodiment, as described above, the limited value of the total bet-number is “100.”

[0115]

In S27, when the total bet-number is not the limited value or less (S27, NO), the game controller proceeds to S28. In S28, the game controller turns off all of the lamps that were turned on in S22 and S24. Then, the game controller returns to SZ1.

Thereby, the game controller again sets the bet-number and the number of paylines L activated. {0116}

In the meantime, S28 is a process that is performed when the total bet-number is not the limited value or less. The game controller may be structured not to perform S28. In this case, in the determination of whether the BET button 1s operated or

P06-1373US,AU,ZA,MO not in S25, even when a BET button except the BET button authorized in S23 is operated, the determination in S25 is “NO” and the game controller waits until only the BET button authorized in $23 1s operated. Furthermore, after the determination of $25, the game controller transits to S529 from

S26. However, the game controller may be structured to execute

S27 and S28, too. In addition, in this embodiment, S27 consists of a process of determining whether the total bet-number is the limited value or less, or not. Here, it may be structured in such a manner that S27 is not executed. In this case, in the determination of whether the BET button is operated or not in $25, even when a BET button except the BET button authorized in

S23 is operated, the determination in $25 is “NO” and the game controller waits until only the BET button authorized in S23 is operated. Furthermore, the determination of whether the BET button in S25 is operated or not, based on the effective BET button authorized in S23, serves as a process of determining whether the total bet-number is the limited value or less, or not.

[0117]

In the meantime, in S27, when the total bet-number is the limited value or less (S29, YES), the game controller proceeds ; to S29. In S529, the game controller 100 turns off a lamp mounted in a BET button except the BET button that is an object of the determination in $25. To be more specific, if the 1-BET lamp 110L mounted in the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the 5~

BET lamp 111L mounted in the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the 10-

BET lamp 112L mounted in the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the 20-

BET lamp 113L mounted in the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the : 40-BET lamp 114L mounted in the BET 40 PER LINE button 114 emit the light of the second color (refer to Fig. 1), when a player operates the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the game controller

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO turns off the 1-BET lamp 110L, the 10-BET lamp 112L and the 20-

BET lamp 113L and the 40-BET lamp 114L, except the 5-BET lamp 111L. As a result, as shown in Fig. 16, the player sees a state that the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 emits the light of the first color and the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 emits the light of the second color.

[0118]

Then, in S30, the game controller 100 activates the paylines L and fixes the bet-number. At this time, the game controller 100 activates the paylines IL and fixes the bet-number, based on each button having the light-emitting lamp mounted therein. For example, when the 1-LINE lamp 104L and the 1-BET lamp 110L are turned on, it means that the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 and the 1-

BET lamp 110L are button-operated. Thus, the number of paylines

I. to be activated is fixed as “1” and the bet-number per one payline L is fixed as “1.” Then, the game controller 100 stores the number of the paylines L to be activated in the RAM 43 as activation information and outputs a display control signal to the graphic board 68, thereby making the paylines L specified by the number of the paylines L activated visible in the lower image display panel 6. Thereby, a player can recognize which of the 25 paylines L1 to L25 is activated.

[0119]

In addition, in order to display the total bet-number, which is calculated in 526 and stored in the RAM 43, on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, a display control signal is output to the graphic board 68. Furthermore, the display control of the corresponding payline L in the lower image display panel 6 may be performed at a timing at which the operation of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 is detected in S21.

Furthermore, a display control signal may be output to the graphic board 68 so that the total bet-number, for when one bet

P06-1373US,AU,ZA MO is made, is temporarily displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, based on the number of the paylines

L activated by the LINE buttons 104 to 108 operated, until the bet-number is fixed. Thereby, when operating a button of the

LINE buttons 104 to 108, a player can easily see which of the paylines L is activated and recognize the minimum bet-number.

[0120]

Furthermore, the game controller 100 subtracts the total bet- number calculated in S26 from the numerical value of the credit information {(credit-number currently possessed by a player). The game controller 100 overwrites the subtracted value to the RAM 43 as the credit information and outputs a display control } signal to the graphic board 68, thereby displaying the subtracted value on the credit-number indicator 8 of the lower image display panel 6.

[0121]

In the meantime, when the operation determining process of a BET button is “NO” in S25, it may be possible that the game controller returns to S21 to re-execute the LINE button operation in S21 until the operation determining process of a

BET button is “YES” in S25. In this case, whenever one of the

I, INE buttons 104 to 108 is operated, the display of the paylines

IL on the lower image display panel 6 or the display of the BET indicator 12 may be changed. In addition, as described above, when it is structured so that the total bet-number, for when one bet is made, is displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, based on the number of the paylines L activated by operated one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108, the total bet-number displayed on the BET indicator 12, for when one bet is made, is calculated in S26 and when the total bet-number stored in the RAM 43 is displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, it is updated as the calculated

P06-1373US,AU,ZA,MO total bet-number.

[0122]

In addition, in this embodiment, based on the operation of the

BET button in S27 (S27, YES), a base game process S13 and a symbol display control process S14 are performed. However, a base game process S13 and a symbol display control process S14 may be performed, based on an operation of a SPIN button that is separately provided. In this case, the BET buttons 110 to 114 may be re-operated repeatedly until the SPIN button is operated.

Furthermore, whenever one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 is re- operated, the total Dbet-number to be displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6 may be updated, so that the change in the total bet-number resulting from the change in the bet-number can be easily recognized even though it is not calculated in each case.

[0123]

Reverting to the main game process of Fig. 13, the game controller 100 proceeds to S13. Then, after S13, the game controller 100 executes a base game using the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E.

[0124]

First, in S13, the game controller 100 performs a base game lottery process. To be more specific, a random number generating program included in a lottery program that is stored in the RAM 43 is executed, so that a random number corresponding to each of the five reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E is selected from a numerical value range of “0 to 255.” Then, the symbol weight value data relating to the data for setting a payout rate is referred to and the code number of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E is determined on the basis of the five random numbers selected. The determined code number of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, SE is stored in the RAM 43 and then the game controller transits to

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO 314. Here, the code number of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D,

SE corresponds to the code number of the symbols to be rearranged on the payline LI. Therefore, when the game _ controller 100 determines the code number of each of the reels 54, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, the symbols to be rearranged on the paylines 12, L3 as well as the symbols to be rearranged on the payline Ll are determined, so that a symbol combination in a corresponding unit game is determined.

[0125]

Then, in S14, the game controller 100 performs a symbol display control process. This process is a process of stopping the rotation of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E so that the symbols determined in the base game lottery process (S13) are rearranged on the payline Ll after the rotation of all the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E is started.

[0126]

In other words, the game controller 100 first performs a reel rotation control process. At this time, the game controller 100 transmits a start signal to start the rotation of the reels, to the graphic board 68. When the graphic board 68 receives the signal, it performs a reel rotation display process. In other words, the graphic board 68 performs a display control of starting the rotation of each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E in the lower image display panel 6. Then, after the start signal is transmitted, an effect aspect for a unit game (for example, an image display in the lower image display panel 7, a sound output from the speaker 28 and the like) is determined and an effect is started in the determined effect pattern.

[0127] . Then, the game controller 100 performs a reel stop control process. At this time, the game controller 100 transmits the code Nos. stored in the RAM 43 to the graphic board 68 when a

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO predetermined stop timing at which the rotation of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E is stopped has come. The graphic board 638 performs a reel stop display process, based on the code Nos. of the reels. Thereby, the symbols corresponding to the lottery result in S13 are rearranged and displayed on the payline Ll in the lower image display panel 6.

[0128]

Then, the game controller 100 performs a payout display process.

[0129]

In other words, the game controller 100 first calculates a payout. At this time, the game controller 100 determines whether a winning combination is realized by the symbols rearranged on a payline L activated, and furthermore determines whether a winning combination is realized by scatter symbols, irrespective of whether the symbols are rearranged on a payline L activated.

As a result, when it is determined that a winning combination is realized, the game controller 100 calculates the amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount relating to the winning combination by the Dbet-number. When it is determined that a winning combination is realized by scatter symbols, the game controller 100 calculates the amount obtained by multiplying the payout amount relating to the winning combination by the total bet-number. Meantime, when several winning combinations are realized, the amount obtained by each of the winning combinations is summed up. In the meantime, the above determination and calculation are carried out based on the payout table shown in Fig. 7 and the calculation result is stored in the RAM 43 as the payout information.

[0130]

Then, the game controller 100 displays the payout. Meanwhile, the game controller 100 outputs a display control signal to the graphic board 68, thereby displaying the payout information

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO stored in the RAM 43 on the payout-number indicator 9 of the lower image display panel 6.

[0131]

Then, the game controller 100 proceeds to S15 and determines whether a winning combination is realized or not. This determination is performed on the basis of the code Nos. stored in the RAM 43 and the payout table shown in Fig. 7. As a result, when it is determined that there is no winning combinations (S15,

NO), this program is re-executed. in the meantime, when it is determined that there is a winning combination (S15, YES), the game controller proceeds to S16.

[0132]

After that, in S16, the game controller 100 determines whether there are three trigger symbols. Meanwhile, “there are three trigger symbols” means that three symbols “Gold Box” 212 are displayed on the lower image display panel 6, irrespective of / whether they are rearranged on one of the paylines L1 to L25.

This determination is performed on the basis of the lottery result in S13. Here, when there are three trigger symbols (S16,

YES), the game controller performs a free game process in S17 and then proceeds to S18. In the meantime, when there are not three trigger symbols (S16, NO), the game controller proceeds to 318.

[0133]

In S18, the game controller 100 performs a payout process. In the payout process, the game controller 100 pays out the payout amounts, which a player obtains in a base game and a bonus game, respectively, to the player based on the payout information in : the RAM 43. When performing the payout process, the game controller 100 adds the credit-number (payout amounts that a player obtains in a base game and a bonus game, respectively) stored in the RAM 43 as the payout information to the credit-

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO number stored in the RAM 43 as the credit information and overwrites the added value into the RAM 43 as the credit information. Then, the game controller 100 outputs a display control signal to the graphic board 68 to display the credit information (the added value calculated in S18) stored in the

RAM 43 on the credit-number indicator 8 of the lower image display panel 6. At the same time, the game controller 100 overwrites “0” into the RAM 43 as the payout information and outputs a display contrel signal to the graphic board 68 to display “0” on the payout-number indicator 9 of the lower image display panel 6.

[0134]

In the meantime, in this payout process, when a player operates the CASHOUT button 102, coins corresponding to the credit-number (for example, one coin corresponds to one credit) may be paid ! out, or alternatively, the payout may be made with a ticket 25 having a barcode printed thereon. Then, the game controller re- executes the main game process.

[0135]

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game controller 100 calculates a total bet-number, based on the number of paylines L activated, which are indicated by operations of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (521) and a bet-number per one payline L activated, and notifies the bet- number per one payline IL activated for which the total bet- number is the limited value (upper limit) of “100” or less, through the light emission of the respective BET buttons 110 to 114 in the second color (S23, 824, refer to Fig. 1 and Figs. 17 to 20).

[0136]

Furthermore, the game controller 100 determines whether the bet- number per one activated payline L specified by an operation of

P06-1373US,AU, 2A, MO one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S25) is the notified bet- number (S24) per one activated payline L (S27). If the game controller 100 determines that the bet-number per one activated payline L specified by the operation of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S25) is the notified bet-number (S24) per one activated payline IL (S27, YES), the game controller, when a symbol combination constituted by symbols rearranged on the paylines L, which are indicated and activated by the player’s operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S521), is a winning combination, performs a payout based on the winning combination and the bet-number per one activated payline IL that is indicated by the player’s operation (825) of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S518).

[0137]

Accordingly, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, even though the number of the paylines L to be activated or the bet- number per one activated payline L is not provided within a certain range in accordance with the regulations due to the limited value (upper limit of “100”), a player can play a game without exceeding the limited value of the total bet-number (upper limit of “100”), and therefore the player can select the number of paylines L to be activated or the bet-number per one activated payline L in a wider range.

[0138]

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the number of paylines L to be activated is set to “1,” a player can set the bet-number per one activated payline L to “40” that is the maximum value. As a result, it is possible to provide a slot machine 1 capable of realizing a point-concentrated type wager and adding a gamble characteristic. To the contrary, it is possible to provide a slot machine 1 having increased a win frequency by setting the bet-number per one activated payline L to “1” that is the !

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO maximum value when the number of paylines L to be activated 1s set to “25.7

[0139]

Thus, by widening the selection range of the number of paylines

L to be activated or the bet-number per one activated payline IL, it is possible to mix various needs of a player into one slot machine 1. Furthermore, in accordance with the number of activated paylines I indicated by a player's operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S21), the bet-number per one of the activated paylines L indicated by an operation of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S25) is notified by the light emission of the second color of the respective BET buttons 110 to 114 (S23, 524, refer to Figs. 17 to 20). Therefore, a player can easily recognize the operation range of the BET buttons 110 to 114.

[0140]

Meantime, in this embodiment, each of the paylines L is one line that necessarily passes through one of three symbols to be rearranged in the scroll direction (vertical direction) of each of the reels 5A. 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E stopped in the display windows 10a, 10B, 10Cc, 10D, 10E, respectively, and thus inevitably passes through each of the reels 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 3E (refer- to

Fig. 8). In this Regard, it is preset, for each of the slot machines 1, which one of three symbols rearranged in each of the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E 1is passed through. In this embodiment, a player indicates which one of the 25 paylines 1 preset is selected and activated, through an operation of one of the buttons 110 to 114.

[0141]

In other words, in this embodiment, a payline L is a line that passes through one of three symbols on each of the reels LA. 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E to be displayed in the display windows 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E. In the winning determining process included in S14 in

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

Fig. 13, it is determined whether a combination of five symbols stopped along one of the paylines L selected and activated by a player is a predetermined winning combination or not. At this : time, when the combination is a predetermined winning combination, the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to a player. Accordingly, a player . selects, i.e., activates payline L, thereby indicating a display area of the total five symbols defined by the corresponding payline L.

[0142]

From the above description, in this embodiment, it shows that an operation of selecting a payline L is a “player's operation of indicating one or more areas in which symbols are displayed in the display as one or more areas for which a winning determination is conducted.” However, the invention 1s not limited thereto. For example, in this embodiment, as shown in

Fig. 9 and 11, the total 15 symbols are displayed on the lower image display panel 6. However, it may be possible that 15 areas in which a symbol is displayed respectively are set and a player arbitrarily selects one or more areas that are objects of the winning determining process, among the 15 areas. In addition, the payline L is not limited to a linear shape and may be a figure consisting of one or more symbols.

[0143]

In the meantime, the invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be variously modified without departing the spirit of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the number of paylines to be activated is determined and then the bet-number per one of the paylines activated by the determination is determined. However, the bet-number per one payline may be first determined and then the number of paylines to be activated may be determined. In this Regard, an example of

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO a light emitting state of the control panel 20 is shown in Figs. 21 to 26.

[0144]

In Fig. 21, as can be expected from the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 to set the bet-number per one payline to “1.” In this case, since the numbers “17, “57, wg wp07 and “25” to activate the paylines satisfy the limitation of the total bet-number “100” or less, the PLAY 1

LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 emit the light of the second color and can be operated.

[0145]

In addition, in Fig. 23, as can be expected from the BET 5 PER

LINE button 111 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the BET 5 PER LINE button 111 to set the bet-number per one payline to “5.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number “100” or less cannot be satisfied unless the number of paylines to be activated is one of “17, “57, “9” and “20”. Therefore, the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 and the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 emit the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 does not emit the light and cannot be operated.

[0146]

In addition, in Fig. 24, as can be expected from the BET 10 PER

LINE button 112 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the BET 10 PER LINE button 112 to set the pet-number per one payline to “10.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number “100” or less cannot be satisfied unless the number of paylines to be activated is one of “17, ™5” and

P06-1373US,AU, ZA , MO war, Therefore, the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 and the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 emit the light of the second color and can be operated. Meantime, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 do not emit the light and cannot be operated.

[0147]

In addition, in Fig. 25, as can be expected from the BET 20 PER

LINE button 113 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the BET 20 PER LINE button 113 to set the bet-number per one payline to “20.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number “100” or less cannot be satisfied unless the number of paylines to be activated is one of “1” and “5.7

Therefore, the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 and the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 emit the light of the second color and can be operated.

Meantime, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 do not emit the light and i cannot be operated.

[0148]

In addition, in Fig. 26, as can be expected from the BET 40 PER

LINE button 114 emitting the light of the first color, the player has operated the BET 40 PER LINE button 114 to set the bet-number per one payline to “40.” In this case, the limitation of the total bet-number “100” or less cannot be satisfied unless the number of paylines to be activated is “1.” Therefore, the

PLAY 1 LINE button 104 emits the light of the second color and can be operated. In the meantime, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the

PLAY 25 LINE button 108 do not emit the light and cannot be operated.

[0149]

In other words, in Figs. 21 and 23 to 26, the light emission of the second color of each of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 serves

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO as the “notification” of the invention. In the meantime, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a structure may be possible that a player can recognize the number of paylines to be activated that the player can indicate, from a relation between the limitation of the total bet-number and the bet- number per one activated payline of the paylines that are currently indicated by the player. For example, the number of paylines to be activated, which are indicated by the player, may be displayed on a display device or may be recognized by the player through a sound output from the speaker.

[0150]

In addition, in this case, regarding the sub process of the effective button control in 812, the flow chart in Fig. 15 is used, not the flow chart in Fig. 14.

[0151]

The sub process of the effective button control in S12 will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flow chart of a sub process program of the effective button control process in the slot machine 1 according to a modified embodiment. In the meantime, the program shown in the flow chart in Fig. 15 is stored in the ROM 42 and RAM 43 provided to the slot machine 1 and is executed by the game controller 100.

[0152]

In the effective button control process S15, the game controller 100 determines whether a BET button is operated in S41 or not, as shown in Fig. 15. This determination is based on an input signal from any one of the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the

BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the

BET 20 PER LINE button 113 and the BALCK BET 40 PER LINE button 111. When no BET buttons are operated (S41, NO), the game controller returns to S41 and waits until a BET button is

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO operated. In the meantime, when a BET button is operated (S41,

YES), the game controller proceeds to S42.

[0153]

In S42, the game controller 100 turns on the lamp mounted in the

BET button that is an object of the determination in S41, in a first color. For example, when a player operates the RED BET 1

PER LINE button 110, the game controller turns on the 1-BET lamp 110 mounted in the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, in the first color (refer to Fig. 21).

[0154]

Then, the game controller 100 proceeds to S543 and authorizes an effective LINE button. In other words, the game controller determines any of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, which satisfies the limitation of the total bet-number. Also in this embodiment, the total bet-number is limited to “100” or less, as described above.

Accordingly, for example, after the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 is operated, it is determined that all the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 satisfy the limitation of the total bet-number. In the meantime, the authorization result in S43 is stored in the RAM 43.

[0155]

Here, as a method of authorizing the effective LINE buttons 104 to 108 in S43, there is a method of calculating one of the effective LIN buttons 104 to 108 whenever S43 is executed, based on the limited value of the total bet-number and the bet-number of the BET buttons 110 to 114 that are the objects of the determination in S41.

[0156]

To be more specific, as described above, if the total bet-number

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO is limited to “100” or less, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the bet-number is “1.” As a result, it 1s calculated that the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet- number “100” or less is 100 or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that all of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 20 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 25 are effective LINE buttons.

[0157]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the bet- number is “5.7 As a result, it is calculated that the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 20 or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5, the

PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9 and the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 20 is an effective LINE button.

[0158]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the bet- number is “10.7 As a result, it is calculated that the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 10 or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that

P06-1373US,AU, Z2A,MO each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE butten 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5 and the

PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9is an effective LINE button.

[0159]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 20 PER LINE button 113, the bet~- number is “20.” As a result, it is calculated that the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 5 or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1 and the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5 is an effective LINE button.

[0160]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114, the bet-number is “40.” As a result, it is calculated that the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet- number “100” or less is 2.5 or less. Accordingly, it is authorized that only the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines LI to be activated of 1 is an effective

LINE button. {01le1]

Furthermore, as a method of authorizing an effective one of the

LINE buttons 104 to 108 in $32, it may be possible that an authorization table, in which combinations of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 satisfying the limited value of the total bet-number for each of the BET buttons 110 to 114 are described, is stored in the ROM 43 in advance and the effective LINE buttons 104 to 108 are authorized with reference to the authorization table.

P06-1373US,AU, 2A ,MO

[0162]

To be more specific, as described above, if the total bet-number is limited to “100” or less, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the bet-number is “1.” As a result, the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 100 or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, it is described that all of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5

LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of - the paylines I. to be activated of 9, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 20 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 25 are effective LINE buttons, as a LINE button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less.

Accordingly, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the ] above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that all of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the .paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5, the

PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines I to be activated of 20 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 25 are effective LINE buttons.

[0163]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the bet- number is “5.7” As a result, the number of paylines L to be

P06-1373US,AU,ZA,MO activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 20 or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, it is described that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines I, to be activated of 5, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the . paylines L to be activated of 9 and the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 20 is an effective LINE button, as a LINE button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 5 PER LINE button 111, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines IL to be activated of 5, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9 and the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 20 is an effective LINE button.

[0164]

In addition, when a BET button that 1s an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the bet- number is “10.” As a result, the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 10 or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the BET 10 PER LINE button 111, it is described that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5 and the PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9 is an effective LINE button, as

P06-1373US,AU,ZA , MO a LINE button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less.

Accordingly, when a BET button that 1is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines IL to be activated of 1, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5 and the

PLAY 9 LINE button 106 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 9 is an effective LINE button.

[0165]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S841 is the BET 20 PER LINE button 113, the bet- number is “20.” As a result, the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is 5 or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the BET 20 PER LINE button 113, it is described that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1 and the PLAY 5

LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 5 is an effective LINE button, as a LINE button resulting in the total bet-number -“100” or less. Accordingly, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BET 20 PER LINE button 113, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that each of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1 and the PLAY 5 LINE button 105 having the number of the paylines I. to be activated of 5 is an effective LINE button.

[0166]

In addition, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114, the bet-number is “40.” As a result, the number of paylines L to be activated resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less is

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO 2.5 or less. Accordingly, in the authorization table previously provided in the ROM 43, for the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114, it is described that only the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1 is an effective

LINE button, as a LINE button resulting in the total bet-number “100” or less. Accordingly, when a BET button that is an object of the determination in S41 is the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114, the above description is read out, and therefore it is authorized that only the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 having the number of the paylines L to be activated of 1 is an effective

LINE button.

[0167]

In S44, the game controller 100 emits the light of the lamp mounted in the LINE button authorized in $43, in a second color.

For example, after the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 is operated, the game controller emits the lights of the 1-LINE lamp 104L mounted in the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the 5-LINE lamp 105L mounted in the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the 9-LINE lamp 106L mounted in the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the 20-LINE lamp 107L mounted in the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the 25-LINE lamp 108L mounted in the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, in the second color (refer to Fig. 21).

[0168]

Then, the game controller 100 proceeds to S45 and determines whether a LINE button is operated or not. This determination is based on an input signal from any one of the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the

PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the PLAY 25 LINE button 108. When no

LINE buttons iare operated (S45, NO), the game controller returns to S45 and waits until a LIEN button is operated. In the meantime, when a LINE button is operated (S45, YES), the game controller proceeds to S546.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA,MO

[0169]

In S46, the game controller 100 calculates the total bet-number.

Here, the total bet-number is calculated by multiplying the bet- number per one of the paylines L specified by the BET button that is an object of the determination in $41 by the number of the paylines L to be activated, which are specified by the LINE button that is an object of the determination in S45. For example, if a player operates the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, when the player operates the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, “1” is calculated as the total bet-number. Meantime, the calculated total bet-number is stored in the RAM 43.

[0170]

Then, in S47, the game controller 100 determines whether the total bet-number calculated in S46 is the limited value or less, or not. Also in this modified embodiment, the limited value of the total bet-number is “100”, as described above.

[0171]

In S47, when the total bet-number is not the limited wvalue or less (S47, NO), the game controller proceeds to S48. In S48, the game controller 100 turns off all of the lamps that are turned on in the steps of S42 and S44. Then, the game controller returns to S21. Thereby, the game controller again sets the bet- number and the number of paylines L to be activated.

[0172]

In the meantime, in S48, a process 1s described which is performed when the total bet-number is not the limited value or less. Here, it may be structured that the process of S48 is not executed. However, in this case, in the determination of whether the LINE button is operated in S45, even when a LINE button except the LINE button authorized in S43 1s operated, the determination in S45 is “NO” and the game controller waits until only the LINE button authorized in S43 is operated. Furthermore,

P06-1373US,AU, ZA,MO after the determination of S45, the game controller transits to

S49 from S46. However, the game controller may be structured to execute S47 and S48, too. In addition, in this modified embodiment, S47 consists of the process of determining whether the total bet-number is the limited value or less, or not. Here, it may be structured in such a manner that S47 is not executed.

In this case, in the determination of whether the LINE button is operated in S45, even when a LINE button except the LINE button authorized in S43 1s operated, the determination in S45 is “NO” and the game controller waits until only the LINE button authorized in S43 is operated. Furthermore, the determination of whether the LINE button in S45 is operated, based on the effective LINE button authorized in 843, becomes a process of determining whether the total bet-number is the limited value or less, or not.

[0173]

In the meantime, in S47, when the total bet-number is the limited value or less (S47, YES), the game controller proceeds to S49. In S49, the game controller 100 turns off the lamp mounted in the LINE button except the LINE button that is an object of the determination in S45. To be more specific, if the 1-LINE lamp 104L mounted in the PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the b5-

LINE lamp 105L mounted in the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the 9-LINE lamp 106L mounted in the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the 20-LINE lamp 107L mounted in the PLAY 20 LINE button 107 and the 25-LINE lamp 108L mounted in the PLAY 25 LINE button 108 emit the light of the second color (refer to Fig. 21), when a player operates the PLAY 9 LINE button 106, the game controller turns off the 1-

LINE lamp 104L, the 5-LINE lamp 105L, the 20-LINE lamp 107L and the 25-LINE lamp 108L, except the O9-LINE lamp 106L. Thus, as shown in Fig. 22, to a player, the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110 emits the light of the first color and the PLAY § LINE button

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO 106 emits the light of the second color.

[0174]

Then, in S50, the game controller 100 activates the paylines L and fixes the bet-number. At this time, the game controller 100 activates the paylines L and fixes the bet-number, based on each button having the light-emitting lamp mounted therein. For example, when both of the 1-LINE ‘lamp 104L and the 1-BET lamp 110L are turned on, it means that the PLAY 1 LINE button 104 and the 1-BET lamp 110L are button-operated. As a result, the number of paylines L to be activated is set to 1 and the bet-number per one payline L is fixed as “1.”The following steps are the same as in the flow chart in Fig. 14.

[0175]

Furthermore, the display control of the corresponding payline L in the lower image display panel 6 may be performed at a timing at which the operation of the BET buttons 110 to 114 is detected in S41. Furthermore, a display control signal may be output to the graphic board 68 so that the total bet-number, for when one payline L is activated, is temporarily displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, based on the ‘bet-number of the BET buttons 110 to 114 operated, until the number of paylines IL to be activated is fixed. Thereby, when the

BET buttons 110 to 114 are operated, a player can easily see what bet-number is wagered and recognize the minimum number of paylines L to be activated.

[0176]

In addition, in order to display the total bet-number, which is calculated in S46 and stored in the RAM 43, on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, the game controller outputs a display control signal to the graphic board 68.

[0177]

In the meantime, when the operation determining process of a

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO

LINE button is “NO” in S45, it may be possible that the game controller returns to S41 to re-execute the BET button operation in S41 until the operation determining process of a LINE button is “YES” in S45. In this case, whenever the BET buttons 110 to 114 are operated, the display of the paylines L on the lower image display panel 6 or the display of the BET indicator 12 may be changed. In addition, as described above, when 1t is structured that the total bet-number, for when one payline L is activated, is displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, based on the Dbet-number of the BET buttons 110 to 114 operated, the total bet-number displayed on the BET indicator 12, for when one payline L is activated, is calculated in S46 and when the total bet-number stored in the

RAM 43 is displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6, it is updated as the calculated total bet- number.

[0178]

In addition, in this modified embodiment, based on the operation of the BET button in S47 (S47, YES), a base game process of S13 and a symbol display control process of S14 are performed.

However, a base game process of S13 and a symbol display control process of S14 may be performed, based on an operation of a SPIN button that is separately provided. In this case, the LINE buttons may be re-operated repeatedly until the SPIN button is operated. Furthermore, whenever the LINE buttons are re-operated, the total bet-number to be displayed on the BET indicator 12 of the lower image display panel 6 may be updated, so that the change in the total bet-number resulting from the change in the number of the paylines L to be activated can be easily recognized even though it is not calculated in each case.

[0179]

In other words, in this modified embodiment, the game controller

£52008702408

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO 100 calculates a total bet-number, based on the bet-number per one activated payline L, which is indicated by an operation of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S41), and the number of the paylines L to be activated, and notifies the number of the paylines L to be activated for which the total bet-number is the limited value (upper limit) of “100” or less, through the light emission of the respective BET buttons 110 to 114 in the second color (S43, S44, refer to Fig. 21 and Figs. 23 to 26).

[0180]

Furthermore, the game controller 100 determines whether the number of the paylines IL to be activated, which are indicated by an operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S45), is the notified number (S44) of the paylines L to be activated (S47).

Here, if the game controller 100 determines that the number of paylines L to be activated, which are indicated by an operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S45), is the notified number (S44) of the paylines L to be activated (S47, YES), the game controller, when a symbol combination constituted by symbols rearranged on a payline L, which is indicated and activated by a player’s operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S41), is a winning combination, performs a payout based on the winning combination and the bet-number per one activated payline L that is indicated by a player’s operation (S41) of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S18). }

[0181]

Accordingly, in this modified embodiment, even though the number of the paylines L to be activated or the bet-number per one activated payline IL is not provided within a certain range in accordance with the regulations due to the limited value (upper limit of “100”), a player can play a game without exceeding the limited value of the total bet-number (upper limit of “1007), and therefore the player can select the number of the paylines L

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO to be activated or the bet-number per one activated payline L in a wider range.

[0182]

Therefore, in this modified embodiment, when the number of the paylines L to be activated is set to “1,” a player can set the bet-number per one activated payline L to “25” that is the maximum value. As a result, it 1s possible to provide a slot machine 1 capable of realizing a point-concentrated type wager and adding a gamble characteristic. To the contrary, it is possible to provide a slot machine 1 having increased a win frequency by setting the number of the paylines L to be activated “1” that is the maximum value when the bet-number per one of the activated paylines L is set to “40” that is the maximum value.

[0183]

Thus, by widening the selection range of the number of the paylines L to be activated or the bet-number per one activated payline 1, it is possible to mix various needs of a player in one slot machine 1. Furthermore, in accordance with the bet- number per one of the activated paylines I indicated by a player’s operation of one of the BET buttons 110 to 114 (S41), the number of the paylines L to be activated, which are indicated by an operation of one of the LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S45), is notified by the light emission of the second color of the respective LINE buttons 104 to 108 (S43, S44, refer to Fig. 21 and Figs. 23 to 26). Therefore, a player can easily recognize the operation range of the LINE buttons 104 to 108.

[0184]

In addition, in this embodiment, the respective buttons (the

PLAY 1 LINE button 104, the PLAY 5 LINE button 105, the PLAY 9

LINE button 106, the PLAY 20 LINE button 107, the PLAY 25 LINE button 108, the RED BET 1 PER LINE button 110, the BET 5 PER 87 i

P06-1373US,AU, ZA ,MO

LINE button 111, the BET 10 PER LINE button 112, the BET 20 PER

LINE button 113, the BLACK BET 40 PER LINE button 114) necessary for setting the number of paylines L to be activated and the bet-number per one payline L may be provided to the lower image display panel 6. Then, these buttons may be operated by a contact operation through the touch panel 11 and the light emission thereof may be controlled by the graphic board 68.

[0185]

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. In addition, 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. In addition, 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.

P06-1373US,AU, ZA, MO

[0186]

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 respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective 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 processes in the respective 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. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions.

Claims (4)

qi weir CLAIMS: cL

1. A gaming machine comprising:a display that displays symbols; a first operating unit by which a player indicates one or more areas on which symbols are displayed in the display, as one or more areas for which a winning determination is made; a second operating unit by which the player indicates a bet-number per area; and a control device that determines whether a total bet-number based on the number of the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit is not more than a predetermined number, and when the total bet-number is not more than the predetermined number and a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player is a combination related to a winning, performs a payout based on the combination related to the winning and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit by the player.

2. A gaming machine comprising:a display that displays symbols; a first operating unit by which a player indicates one or more areas on which symbols are displayed in the display, as one or more areas for which a winning determination is made; a second operating unit by which the player indicates a bet-number per area; and a control device that, in accordance with the number of the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player, notifies a bet-number per area that falls within a range whereby a total bet-number based on the number of the areas indicated and a the bet-number per area are kept a predetermined number or less, determines whether the user-indicated bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit falls within the range,

and when the bet-number per area indicated is the bet-number per area notified and a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player is a combination related to a winning, performs a payout based on the combination related to the winning and the Dbet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit by the player.

3. A gaming machine comprising: a display that displays symbols; a first operating unit by which a player indicates one or more areas on which symbols are displayed in the display, as one or more areas for which a winning determination is made; a second operating unit by which the player indicates a bet-number per area; and a control device that, in accordance with the bet- number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit by the player, notifies the number of areas that falls within a range whereby a total bet-number based on the bet-number per area indicated and the number of areas are kept a predetermined number or less, determines whether the user- indicated number of areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit falls within the range, and when the number of areas indicated is the number of areas notified and a combination of the symbols displayed on the areas indicated through the operation of the first operating unit by the player is a combination related to a winning, performs a payout based on the combination related to the winning and the bet-number per area indicated through the operation of the second operating unit by the player.

4. A gaming machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DATED THIS 14™ DAY OF MARCH 2008 i (UN A Spor & FISHER APPLICANTS PATENT ATTORNEYS