JP7549249B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine that requires a pressing operation to start a notification state (bonus state).

JP 2022-001336 A

In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, if the player makes a mistake in the timing operation, the notification state is not initiated, so players who are not good at timing operations may not be able to enjoy the game.

The present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that retains the thrill of hitting the buttons with precision while still allowing players who are not good at hitting the buttons to have fun.

The gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
In a game involving a bet of a game value, the game has a plurality of stop systems including a first stop system in which a first symbol is stopped on all rotating reels by operating a stop switch, and a second stop system in which the first symbol is stopped on at least one of the rotating reels by operating the stop switch, and a second symbol other than the first symbol is stopped on the remaining rotating reels,
the first stop system and the second stop system are capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state different from the first state after all of the reels have stopped;
The first symbol is notified before all of the rotating reels stop, and the rotating reels are configured to be able to stop in the first stop system or the second stop system.

This gaming machine allows for the realization of a gaming machine that retains the thrill of hitting the buttons with precision while still allowing players who are not good at hitting the buttons to have fun.

1 is a front view of a slot machine which is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of rotating reels of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing pay lines of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a third gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a play zone of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . 4 is a diagram for explaining the contents of an internal lottery table of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . 10 is a flowchart for explaining a notification mode switching control process that can be executed by the slot machine of FIG. 1 .

As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1, which is an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. The housing 10 has an opening (not shown) on the front side (e.g., the surface on the near side in the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 1) and a plate-shaped front door 20 that can open and close this opening.

The front door 20 has a light-transmitting display window 21 located in the approximate center, and is attached to the housing 10 in a lockable manner. The display window 21 is positioned so that multiple symbols arranged on the surfaces of each of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 (described later) can be seen when the opening of the housing 10 is closed by the front door 20.

The housing 10 has a liquid crystal display device 22, which is an example of a display device, an illumination device 23, and a speaker 24. The liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24 are each located above the display window 21 of the front door 20. Various effects during play are performed using the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays various effect images (effect videos) during play, and displays specified information, etc. Furthermore, the illumination device 23 turns on or off in a specified pattern when specified conditions are met, and the speaker 24 outputs a specified sound when specified conditions are met.

The housing 10 has a payout opening 25 from which medals are paid out, a lower tray 26 that stores the medals paid out from the payout opening 25, and an operation unit 30. The payout opening 25, the lower tray 26, and the operation unit 30 are each located below the display window 21 of the front door 20.

The operation unit 30 has a medal insertion slot 31 for inserting medals as an example of game value, a bet switch 32 for betting medals, a start switch 33 operably provided on the front door 20 and operable to rotate each of the reels 41, 42, 43, and stop switches 34, 35, 36 operably provided on the front door 20 and operable to stop each of the reels 41, 42, 43 during rotation. Each switch of the operation unit 30 outputs an operation signal based on the player's operation. In addition, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal insertion slot 31, which detects the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion slot 31 by the player and outputs a detection signal.

The operation unit 30 is also provided with an adjustment switch (not shown) and a stored medal display unit (not shown), which is an example of a display unit. This stored medal display unit is configured to be able to display, in addition to the number of stored medals, that the game zone, which will be described later, is an advantageous zone.

2, the slot machine 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the entire slot machine 1, a reel unit 40, a reel position detection sensor 44, and a hopper unit 50 that pays out medals. The control device 100, the reel unit 40, the reel position detection sensor 44, and the hopper unit 50 are arranged inside the housing 10, together with a power supply device (not shown) that turns the main power supply of the slot machine 1 on and off, a setting unit 45 that is operated by an administrator when changing the settings of the slot machine 1, and the like.

The reel unit 40 is disposed approximately in the center of the interior of the housing 10, and is composed of multiple reels (three reels 41, 42, 43 in this embodiment) and stepping motors 61, 62, 63 that drive the reels 41, 42, 43. Each reel 41, 42, 43 is approximately cylindrical, and on its surface, as shown in FIG. 3, multiple symbols are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of each reel 41, 42, 43, and a reference point (not shown) is provided. The reference point is disposed, for example, in the center of the zero symbol (Bell A) of the reels 41, 42, 43.

Now, with reference to Figures 1 to 9, we will explain an overview of the game played on slot machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, when playing with the slot machine 1, first medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 31, or stored medals (i.e., credits) are used to bet by operating the bet switch 32. When a preset number of medals (e.g., 1 to 3 medals) have been bet, the active line 70 is activated and the start switch 33 can be operated, i.e., a game can be started. At this time, medals inserted in excess of the preset number, which is set according to the game status, etc., are stored as credits.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pay line 70 is a virtual line for determining winning combinations, and each of the symbols on the reels 41, 42, and 43 displayed in the display window 21 is connected by the pay line 70. In the slot machine 1, the pay line 70 is, for example, a line sloping downward to the right, and is activated when a predetermined number of medals (for example, three medals) are bet. As an example, the symbols displayed in the display window 21 of the slot machine 1 are three symbols for each reel.

When the start switch 33 is operated in a state where the game can be started, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as an internal lottery) is performed by an electronic computer in the slot machine 1, and each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 starts to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated, the rotating reel 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, 36 stops, and the result according to the winning combination is displayed in the display window 21. When all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, and one game ends. For example, when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop, and a combination of symbols set for each winning combination by the internal lottery is placed on the winning line 70, it is determined that the combination of symbols placed on the winning line 70 has won the prize. In addition, even if the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination does not stop on the pay line 70 (a so-called miss), this may be included in the winning combination.

In this way, the series of actions of operating the bet switch 32, start switch 33, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 to obtain a game result is called a game. The unit of play is the game, and one game is called a unit game.

During play, one play area is set from among multiple play areas, and one play state is set from among multiple play states. An internal lottery is then performed based on the set play area and play state. The play states include a first play state, a second play state, and a third play state, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The first game state is a game state for determining the type of flag (in other words, a condition device, hereafter referred to as flag) such as replay (see FIG. 9) that is won by internal lottery, and the probability of winning. As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is composed of RT0 and RT1. Either RT0 or RT1 is set as the first game state.

RT0 is set when the second gaming state transitions from a special role implementation state to a special role non-carryover state, or when the gaming state is initialized (e.g., when the RAM is cleared) (i.e., the first gaming state transitions from RT1 to RT0). In addition, the first gaming state immediately after the slot machine 1 is installed in a store or the like is also set to RT0. In other words, the first gaming state is always set to RT0 except when a type 1 BB is being implemented.

RT1 is set when the second game state transitions from a special role non-carryover state to a special role implementation state (i.e., the first game state transitions from RT0 to RT1). In RT1, as shown in Figure 9, there is no possibility of winning a replay role or a type BB.

The second game state includes a special role non-carryover state in which the winning of the Type 1 BB won by the internal lottery is not carried over, a special role carryover state in which the winning of the Type 1 BB won by the internal lottery is carried over, and a special role implementation state for implementing the winning Type 1 BB. Any one of the special role non-carryover state, the special role carryover state, and the special role implementation state is set as the second game state.

The special role non-carryover state is set when the number of medals paid out since the transition to the special role implementation state exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 180 or 2 medals), or when a predetermined condition is met, such as initializing the game state (e.g., when the RAM is cleared).

The special role carryover state is set when a Type 1 BB is won by an internal lottery and the won Type 1 BB does not win in the game in which it was won. Type 1 BB is a role continuous operation device (so-called big bonus) related to a Type 1 special role, and is an example of a special role. If Type 1 BB is carried over, the Type 1 BB will not be drawn. The carried over Type 1 BB is configured so that it will not disappear even if the setting value is changed, but it may be configured so that it disappears.

The special role implementation state is set when a special role is won and a prize is awarded by an internal lottery, and includes a type 1 BB implementation state (shown as BB general in FIG. 6), an RB carryover state (shown as JAC inside in FIG. 6), and an RB implementation state (shown in JAC in FIG. 6). Any one of the type 1 BB implementation state, RB carryover state, and RB implementation state is set as the special role implementation state. BB general is set when a special role is won. BB general is an example of a non-internal role state, and is set when an example of a special role, RB (JAC1-4 in FIG. 9), is not won by an internal lottery. Inside JAC is an example of an internal role state, and is set when an RB (i.e., JAC1-4 in FIG. 9) is won by an internal lottery and the RB is not won when the second game state is BB general. During JAC is an example of a role implementation state, and is set when a winning RB wins a prize. During JAC, you can move to BB General by playing 12 games from the time you move to JAC, or by winning eight times with any hand during JAC.

The third game state is a state for determining the effects that will be performed during play, and as an example, as shown in FIG. 7, is composed of a general game state and an AT. Either the general game state or the AT is set as the third game state.

The general game state is a state in which the instruction function does not occur, or in which the instruction function is unlikely to occur, or in which the instruction function occurs less frequently than the AT, and is set, for example, after the setting value is changed, the RAM is cleared, and the AT ends, until the AT lottery is won. In the slot machine 1, the general game state has a normal state and a high probability state (so-called chance zone (CZ)) in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than in the normal state. Either the normal state or the high probability state is set as the general game state. As an example, the AT lottery is performed according to the winning hand by the internal lottery when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone. The transition from the normal state to the high probability state is performed, for example, by winning the high probability state transition lottery, which is performed when the internal lottery is performed when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone, and the AT lottery is not won as a result. In addition, the transition from the normal state to the high probability state occurs when the number of plays reaches a predetermined range when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone.

The AT is an example of a favorable game state in which an instruction function occurs, and is set until the number of games that have elapsed since the third game state transitioned to the AT reaches the number of games that can be played in the AT (i.e., the number of AT games). In the AT, a notification is given of the operation mode of the operation mode role that results in the payout of medals, and it is configured so that the expected value of medals won is higher than in the general game state (e.g., the normal state).

The AT is an example of a favorable game state that is more favorable for the player than the general game state, and the AT drawing is an example of a favorable state drawing. The AT extension drawing may also be included in the favorable state drawing. The transition of the game state to the AT is performed, for example, when the "state transition role" flag (see FIG. 9) is won and one of the multiple roles (for example, multiple 1-coin roles) included in the "state transition role" flag wins. Each of the multiple roles included in the "state transition role" flag may be configured to win when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in a predetermined operation order, or when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated at a predetermined timing, or when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in a predetermined operation order and at a predetermined operation timing. The "state transition role" is, for example, a role that triggers the transition of the game state from the general game state to the AT.

The game zone is a state for determining whether or not processing related to the instruction function is performed, and as an example, it is composed of an advantageous zone and a normal zone, as shown in Figure 8.

The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery can be executed, and is set until the game zone meets the conditions for ending the advantageous zone after winning the zone transition lottery, which is conducted based on the results of the internal lottery conducted in the normal zone. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in which the third game state progresses in a general game state, and an advantageous zone in which the third game state progresses in an advantageous game state (in this embodiment, AT).

The normal section is a section in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery drawing cannot be performed, and is set when no advantageous section is set as a gaming section. In the normal section, the third gaming state progresses in a general gaming state.

The instruction function is a function that instructs the player in some way on the operation procedure (for example, the operation mode of the operation mode role) or operation method that affects the ball output. For example, an instruction function is a function that instructs the operation mode of the operation mode role that can be won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in a specified operation procedure, or a function that instructs the operation position of the role that can be won when the position of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated is a predetermined operation position. In other words, the AT may be set only when the play zone is a favorable zone.

The slot machine 1 has multiple stop systems that can transition from a first state to a second state different from the first state. The stop system refers to the stopped state of all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 when all the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated in a predetermined operating manner, and means, for example, the type and position of the symbols displayed in the display window 21. The first state and the second state are any states related to the slot machine 1, and include, for example, game-related states such as a game state and a presentation state.

For example, when the first state is a "special role carryover state" or a "special role non-carryover state" and the second state is a "special role implementation state", the stopped reels 41, 42, and 43 transition from the first state to the second state by taking a stop system in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the first type BB won in the internal lottery is located on the pay line 70. Also, for example, when the first state is a "general game state" and the second state is an "AT", the stopped reels 41, 42, and 43 transition from the first state to the second state by taking a stop system in which the combination of symbols corresponding to any of the multiple roles constituting the state transition role is located on the pay line 70. The state transition from the "general game state" to the "AT" is performed, for example, when the AT lottery is won, or when the so-called ceiling is reached and the transition to the AT is confirmed. Also, for example, the game state is configured to transition from the "general game state" to "CZ" when a predetermined combination of symbols stops within the display window 21 (for example, when three "dummy A" symbols stop in the middle row of the display window 21). When the first state is the "general game state" and the second state is "CZ", the first state transitions to the second state when the stopped reels 41, 42, and 43 assume a stopping system in which a predetermined combination of symbols stops within the display window 21. The operation mode includes, for example, a mode in which the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in a predetermined order and/or at a predetermined timing. The transition of the game state is performed, for example, by the game state control unit 115 described later.

For example, when the slot machine 1 has, as its presentation state, a plurality of presentation modes with different presentation frequencies of specific presentations, such as presentations suggesting set values, and the first state is a "low presentation mode" and the second state is a "high presentation mode," the first state transitions to the second state when the stopped reels 41, 42, 43 stop in a predetermined stopping system (for example, a stopping system in which three "bar" symbols stop in the middle of the display window 21). As a result, when the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop in the predetermined stopping system, the presentation frequency of the specific presentation is switched from "low" to "high."

The combination of the first state and the second state is not limited to a combination of different game states, such as a combination of the second game state and the third game state, but may be, for example, a combination of the same game state but with different presentation scenes or presentation contents (presentational meaning), or a combination of different AT performance, such as an AT with a low net increase and an AT with a high net increase.

Next, the control device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 is composed of a main control unit 110 and a sub-control unit 120. The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 are electrically connected, and data can be transmitted in one direction from the main control unit 110 to the sub-control unit 120 by an asynchronous serial communication means.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 each include a CPU for performing calculations, a storage device (e.g., ROM and RAM) for storing programs or data necessary for the progress of the game, and the like. The main control unit 110 includes an internal lottery unit 111, a reel control unit 112, a game result determination unit 113, a section control unit 114, a game status control unit 115, a measurement unit 116, and a setting value control unit 117, and performs control for progressing the game. The sub-control unit 120 includes a performance control unit 121 and a bonus granting unit 122, and performs control for performing various performances, etc.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 described below each have a function that is realized, for example, by the CPU executing a specific program.

The internal lottery unit 111 has multiple internal lottery tables, and performs an internal lottery when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted. In detail, the internal lottery unit 111 determines the first game state (in other words, the RT state) when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted, and selects an internal lottery table based on the determined RT state. Then, the internal lottery unit 111 performs an internal lottery based on the selected internal lottery table and a random number obtained when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted.

For example, in the internal lottery, the winning flag is determined based on the internal lottery table shown in FIG. 9. This internal lottery table is provided for each RT state, and has information about flags that have the potential to be a winning flag in the internal lottery. In FIG. 9, for each RT state and second game state, flags that have the potential to be a winning flag are indicated with an "O" and flags that have no potential to be a winning flag are indicated with an "X".

Each flag has at least one winning combination associated with it. The winning combinations include payout combinations (corner cherry, middle cherry, watermelon, bell, and 1-coin combinations) in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out when the corresponding symbols are placed on an active line 70, and non-payout combinations (e.g., 1st class BB, JAC1-4, and replay) in which no medals are paid out even if the corresponding symbols are placed on an active line 70.

As an example, the operation mode role includes a first role and a second role that win at the same time, and either the first role (e.g., a bell) or the second role (e.g., a one-coin role) can be won depending on the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36. When the operation mode role wins, the role that can be won differs depending on whether the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in the first operation mode or in the second operation mode that is different from the first operation mode. The operation mode includes, for example, a mode in which the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in a predetermined order, a mode in which the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated at a predetermined timing, and a mode in which the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated in a predetermined order while operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 at a predetermined timing.

The reel control unit 112 controls the stepping motors 61, 62, and 63 of the reel unit 40 in response to the operation of the start switch 33 or each stop switch 34, 35, and 36 to start or stop the rotation of each reel 41, 42, and 43 (i.e., controls the rotation of the reels 41, 42, and 43).

For example, when the start switch 33 is operated while all the reels 41, 42, 43 are stopped, the reel control unit 112 spins all the reels 41, 42, 43. When any of the reels 41, 42, 43 is spinning and the stop switch 34, 35, 36 corresponding to the spinning reel 41, 42, 43 is operated, the reel control unit 112 stops the reel 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, 36.

When stopping each of the reels 41, 42, 43, the reel control unit 112 performs pull-in control or kick-off control according to the winning combination obtained by the internal drawing and the timing at which each of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 was operated (i.e., the position of the corresponding reel 41, 42, 43 when the operation of each of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 was accepted). Pull-in control is control that stops the rotation of each of the reels 41, 42, 43 so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the pay line 70. Kick-off control is control that stops the rotation of the reels 41, 42, 43 so that the symbols corresponding to the non-winning combination do not line up on the pay line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 determines the game result based on the result of the internal lottery and the result of the stop control of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43. The game result includes, for example, a determination of whether or not the winning combination has been a winning combination based on the symbols aligned on the pay line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 controls the hopper unit 50 to pay out medals based on the determined game result or on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch. Medals paid out based on the game result (i.e., medals obtained by winning a winning combination or winning a prize) are first stored as credits. Then, if the result of storing medals exceeds the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals), the medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit 50. Also, if there is one or more stored medals (i.e., if the credit is 1 or more) and the settlement switch is operated, the stored medals are paid out from the hopper unit 50.

For example, when the third gaming state transitions to the AT, the gaming result determination unit 113 outputs a signal indicating that the third gaming state has transitioned to the AT to the hall computer to notify the administrator.

The interval control unit 114 sets the play interval from among multiple play intervals (in this embodiment, a normal interval and an advantageous interval).

For example, the zone control unit 114 sets the playing zone to an advantageous zone when the playing zone is a normal zone and the zone transition condition is satisfied (for example, when a zone transition lottery is won). The winning or losing of the zone transition lottery is determined, for example, by whether or not the lottery held when the hand for which the zone transition lottery is held as a result of winning (i.e., the hand subject to the lottery) is won by an internal lottery. The zone transition lottery may or may not have a difference in winning probability depending on the setting value of the slot machine 1. When a difference is made in the winning probability of the zone transition lottery, for example, this may be achieved by setting a set difference in the winning probability in the internal lottery for the hand subject to the lottery, or by setting a set difference in the winning probability of the lottery held when the hand subject to the lottery is won by an internal lottery.

When the gaming zone is a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 determines whether to leave the gaming zone as a favorable zone or to set it to a normal zone. For example, the zone control unit 114 determines whether the third gaming state has transitioned from the AT to a normal state of the general gaming state, and when it is determined that the state has transitioned to the normal state, sets the gaming zone from the favorable zone to the normal zone.

When the end condition of the advantageous zone is satisfied, the zone control unit 114 forcibly shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone. The end condition of the advantageous zone is satisfied, for example, in the following cases.
- When the number of plays that have elapsed since the play area measured by the measurement unit 116 was set as a favorable area (in other words, the number of games played in the favorable area) reaches an upper limit (e.g., 4,000 games).
- If the number of plays that have elapsed since the play area measured by the measurement unit 116 was set as a favorable area (in other words, the number of games played in the favorable area) reaches a value lower than the upper limit (for example, 3,000 games).
- If the difference in the number of medals after the game zone is set to a favorable zone reaches the upper limit (for example, 2,400 medals).
When the difference in the number of medals after the game zone is set to the advantageous zone reaches a value lower than the upper limit (for example, 1,500 medals) and the AT ends. AT end conditions include winning the AT end lottery, not winning the AT continuation lottery, not extending the AT, etc.

When the game zone transitions to a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 may display that the zone is favorable via a display unit provided in the operation unit 30 only if the instruction function is activated during the favorable zone and the average payout rate exceeds 100% when playing the game to pay out the maximum number of small prizes, excluding the reels (e.g., RB or CT) and the reel continuous operation device (e.g., Type 1 BB).

The game state control unit 115 has a favorable game state selection unit 1151 and controls the transition between the first game state, the second game state, and the third game state.

For example, the game state control unit 115 sets one RT state in which an internal lottery is performed from among multiple RT states (RT0 and RT1 in this embodiment). Specifically, as described above, the game state control unit 115 sets the first game state to RT0 when the second game state transitions to a special role non-carryover state, and sets the first game state to RT1 when the second game state transitions to a special role implementation state. In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game state control unit 115 transitions the second game state to each of the game states of BB general, inside JAC, and during JAC, and transitions the third game state to each of the game states of general game and AT.

When a preset selection condition (hereinafter simply referred to as the selection condition) is satisfied, the advantageous game state selection unit 1151 performs a selection for an advantageous game state to determine whether or not to transition the game state to an advantageous game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

The drawing of favorable game states includes AT drawing and AT extension drawing. For example, the AT drawing is performed when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is a general game state, and the game zone is a favorable zone, and a predetermined role (for example, so-called rare roles such as cherries and watermelons) is won by an internal drawing. Also, for example, the AT extension drawing is performed when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is AT, and a predetermined role (for example, so-called rare roles such as cherries and watermelons) is won by an internal drawing.

The measurement unit 116, for example, measures the number of games played since the game zone was set to the advantageous zone (i.e., the number of games played in the advantageous zone) and the difference in the number of medals played since the game zone was set to the advantageous zone based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 113. Also, for example, the measurement unit 116 measures the time elapsed from a starting point set after all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have started rotating steadily.

The setting value control unit 117, by having the administrator operate the setting unit 45, sets one setting value from among multiple setting values (six in this embodiment) with different degrees of advantage for the game (e.g., machine odds). The difference in the degree of advantage is realized, for example, by setting a difference in the probability of winning the internal lottery for a specified role. The setting value control unit 117 also sets the degree of advantage related to the ball output, such as the transition rate to the advantageous zone, the AT lottery, and the AT additional lottery.

An example of a method for setting the set value is shown below. This method is carried out in the order of (1) to (7).
(1) Open the front door 20.
(2) Turn off the main power supply of the slot machine 1. By turning off the main power supply of the slot machine 1, all of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 that are rotating stop, but the stopping of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 does not determine whether or not a prize has been won.
(3) The setting change key is inserted into a predetermined position in the setting section 45, and the setting change mode is changed from OFF to ON.
(4) Turn on the main power of the slot machine 1.
(5) The current setting value is displayed, for example, on the medal display unit of the operation unit 30. A predetermined button is operated to match the setting value displayed on the medal display unit to a desired setting value.
(6) Operate the start switch 33. By operating the start switch 33, the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed to the setting value displayed on the medal display unit.
(7) Change the setting change mode from on to off and remove the setting change key.

The performance control unit 121 determines the performance to be executed as the game progresses for each game based on the game state when the internal lottery was performed and the result of the internal lottery. The determined performance is executed using, for example, the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24, and is notified to the player. In other words, the notification includes a visual display using the liquid crystal display device 22 and/or the illumination device 23, and an auditory display using the speaker 24. Information regarding the performance to be executed is stored as data in, for example, the storage device of the sub-control unit 120. Information regarding the performance to be executed includes, for example, information regarding the type of performance and control information for executing the performance.

The performance control unit 121 is configured to be able to notify the operation state of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 corresponding to any one of a plurality of stop systems that can transition from a first state to a second state different from the first state.

For example, when the "state transition role" flag is won, the following two 1-coin roles are won at the same time. In this case, after the operation of the start switch 33 that wins the "state transition role" flag and when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 are not stopped, the performance control unit 121 notifies the first operation mode in which the combination of symbols corresponding to the "first 1-coin role" is arranged on the pay line 70 together with a performance such as "Aim for blue 7!!".
- "First 1-coin role" (an example of a first role) having "Blue 7-Cherry-Cherry" as a corresponding symbol combination. When a symbol combination corresponding to the "first 1-coin role" is arranged on the pay line 70, a first stop system in which three "Blue 7" symbols are stopped in the upper row of the display window 21 can be obtained. That is, the first operation mode is an operation mode corresponding to the first stop system, and the "first 1-coin role" is configured to be able to win by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in the first operation mode, in other words, by the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 taking the first stop system, and is a role in which a payout of game value (here, 1 coin) is made as a result of winning. In other words, the first stop system is a stop system in which a first symbol (for example, "Blue 7" symbol) can be stopped on all rotating reels 41, 42, 43 by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in a game involving a bet on game value.
- "Second 1-coin role" (an example of a second role) having "Red 7-Red 7-Cherry" as the corresponding symbol combination. When the symbol combination corresponding to the "second 1-coin role" is arranged on the pay line 70, the upper row of the display window 21 will have a second stop system in which the symbols "Red 7", "Lip B", and "Blue 7" stop. If the operation mode corresponding to the second stop system is the second operation mode, the "second 1-coin role" is configured to be able to win by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in the second operation mode, in other words, by the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 taking the second stop system, and is a role in which a game value (here, 1 coin) is paid out as a result of winning. In other words, the second stop system is a stop system in which, in a game involving a bet of game value, a first symbol (e.g., a "blue 7" symbol) is stopped on at least one rotating reel 41, 42, 43 by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36, and a second symbol other than the first symbol (e.g., a "red 7" symbol and a "lip B" symbol) is stopped on the remaining rotating reels 41, 42, 43. The second symbol is arranged so that it can be stopped when the first symbol is aimed, for example.

For example, the following games are included in the games involving betting of gaming value. Therefore, "pseudo games" are not included in "games involving betting of gaming value".
When a player actually bets a specified amount of gaming value (for example, three coins) and plays the game.
- When the previous game was a replay and a game value (for example, 3 coins) was automatically bet.

After the operation of the start switch 33, the effect of the first operation mode "Aim for the Blue 7!!" is announced, and all the reels 41, 42, 43 are in a steady rotation state. The player first operates the stop switch 36 corresponding to the right reel 43, and then the stop switch 34 for the left reel 41. At that time, the eye-pressing operation of the stop switch 36 corresponding to the right reel 43 is successful, and the "Blue 7" symbol stops in the upper right section of the display window 21, but the eye-pressing operation of the stop switch 34 for the left reel 41 is unsuccessful, and the "Red 7" stops in the upper left section of the display window 21. In other words, although the announced announcement mode was the first operation mode, the stop switch 34 is actually operated until the second stop in the second operation mode different from the first operation mode. In this case, all of the reels 41, 42, and 43 have not yet stopped, and the game can still take the second stop system, which is different from the first stop system, so the performance control unit 121 executes switching control to switch the operation mode to be notified from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Information regarding the operation of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 is obtained, for example, from the reel control unit 112.

The notification of the operation mode is performed, for example, by notifying information representing the operation mode. The information representing the operation mode includes, for example, information relating to the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36, and the operation details of the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36 (for example, the operation timing of the stop switches 34, 35, 36).

The performance control unit 121 is configured to be able to notify the first symbol (e.g., the "Blue 7" symbol) before all of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop. This allows the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 to stop in the first stop system or the second stop system. The first symbol is notified, for example, only when a specific condition can be satisfied. The specific condition includes a condition that changes the game state when satisfied (e.g., an AT start condition or a CZ start condition).

The bonus granting unit 122 is configured to be able to grant bonuses other than a transition from the first state to the second state when the reels 41, 42, 43 stop in either the first or second stop system. Bonuses include, for example, suggestions of setting values, the release of videos and/or still images used in effects, and suggestions of the mode to be played during a play when multiple modes (heaven mode, normal mode, etc.) are provided in the AT or CZ.

An example of the notification mode switching control process will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Here, it is assumed that the "state transition role" flag is a win for the "first 1-coin role" and the "second 1-coin role" at the same time. Also, the stop system when the "first 1-coin role" is won is the "first stop system", the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 corresponding to the "first stop system" is the "first operation mode", the stop system when the "second 1-coin role" is won is the "second stop system", and the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 corresponding to the "second stop system" is the "second operation mode". The process shown in FIG. 10 is implemented, for example, by the CPU of the control device 100 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 10, when a number of medals sufficient for one play (e.g., three medals) are bet and the start switch 33 is operated (step S1), the reel control unit 112 starts the rotation of all the reels 41, 42, and 43, and the performance control unit 121 notifies the player of the first operation mode (step S2).

When the first operation mode is notified and all reels 41, 42, 43 are rotating at a steady speed, and one of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated (step S3), the main control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation corresponds to (matches) the first operation mode (step S4).

When it is determined that the operation of the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36 corresponds (matches) the first operation mode, the main control unit 110 determines whether all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped (step S5). When it is determined that all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped (Yes in step S5), one game ends and the switching control process ends. When it is not determined that all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, the process returns to step S2, and steps S3 and S4 are repeated while the first operation mode continues to be notified for the rotating rotating reels 41, 42, 43. When it is determined in step S5 that all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, the operation mode of all the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is the first operation mode. Therefore, the "first 1-coin role" is won, one coin is paid out, and the first state transitions to the second state.

If it is not determined that the operation of the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36 corresponds (matches) the first operation mode (NO in step S5), the main control unit 110 determines whether all the reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped (step S6), and if it is not determined that all the reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, that is, if there are still reels 41, 42, 43 that are still spinning, it determines whether it is still possible to take the second stop system based on the stop positions of the reels 41, 42, 43 that have already stopped and/or the operation modes of the operated stop switches 34, 35, 36 (step S7).

When it is determined that the second stop system is possible (Yes in step S7), the performance control unit 121 switches the operation mode during notification from the first operation mode to the second operation mode (step S8). When the operation mode during notification is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode and the remaining stop switches 34, 35, 36 that have not yet been operated are operated (step S9), medals are paid out and the state transition is performed according to the operation mode of all the stop switches 34, 35, 36 when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, and the notification mode switching control process ends. If the operation mode of all the stop switches 34, 35, 36 when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped is the second operation mode, a "second 1-coin role" is won, a 1-coin role is paid out, and the state transition is made from the first state to the second state. On the other hand, if the operation mode of all the stop switches 34, 35, 36 when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped is not the second operation mode, the "second 1-coin role" is not won, and the first state is maintained.

If it is determined in step S6 that all of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, one game ends and the notification mode switching control process ends. If it is not determined in step S7 that the second stop system is possible (No in step S7), the operation mode during the notification is not switched and the notification mode switching control process ends. When the next start switch 33 is operated, that is, in the next game or later, the notification mode switching control process is performed again from step S1.

Slot machine 1 can achieve the following effects:

The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to notify the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 corresponding to any one of a plurality of stop systems that can transition from the first state to a second state different from the first state, which is a stop system when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated in a predetermined operation mode and all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 are stopped. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to execute a switching control to switch the operation mode to be notified from the first operation mode to the second operation mode corresponding to a stop system different from the stop system corresponding to the first operation mode, when at least one of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated in an operation mode different from the first operation mode, which is the operation mode of the notified stop switches 34, 35, 36, but before all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped and a stop system different from the stop system corresponding to the first operation mode can be taken. With this configuration, it is possible to realize a slot machine 1 that can entertain players who are not good at pressing the buttons by eye while retaining the thrill of pressing the buttons by eye.

For example, if the player operates the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 but fails because the operation is not in accordance with the first operation mode, the player tends to give up on concentrating on operating the remaining stop switches 34, 35, and 36 and on transitioning to the second state in the game, and press the remaining stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a tedious manner. In contrast, here, even if the operation fails, if there is still a possibility of achieving the second stop system, control is performed to switch the notification from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. Therefore, the player can change his/her mind and operate the remaining stop switches 34, 35, and 36 without giving up on operating them. As a result, if the stop system of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 is successfully set to the second stop system, a transition to the second state is made, and the excitement of the game is improved.

The slot machine 1 of the first aspect can optionally employ any one or more of the following configurations. In other words, if any one or more of the following configurations are included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally deleted, and if they are not included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally added. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably realize a slot machine 1 that retains the thrill of eye-pressing while still allowing players who are not good at eye-pressing to enjoy themselves.

When the operation mode to be notified is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 that have already been operated among the second operation modes is not notified. Information about the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 that have already been operated can be said to be unnecessary information even if it is notified. Here, such unnecessary information is excluded from the notification, so the player can play without feeling overwhelmed by the notification of unnecessary information.

When the operation mode to be notified is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 that have not yet been operated is notified among the second operation modes. This allows the player to grasp the minimum information required to stop the game using the second stop system, such as which stop switch 34, 35, and 36 should be operated next and how that stop switch 34, 35, and 36 should be operated.

The switching control is executed when a specific condition can be satisfied. If the control to switch the notification mode were executed frequently regardless of whether the specific condition was satisfied, the player might find the frequent switching of the notification mode annoying, which might disrupt the tempo of the game. In contrast, here, the notification mode is switched when the specific condition is satisfied, so the player does not find the control to switch the notification mode annoying, and the game can be played without disrupting the tempo of the game.

The specific condition is an AT start condition. In general, the probability of satisfying the AT start condition is lower than, for example, the probability of winning a push order role or, in the case of ART, the probability of winning a fall replay. Therefore, the notification mode switching control is not executed as frequently as when a push order role is won or a fall replay is won, and it can be executed at the important timing of the transition from the first state to the second state. Therefore, the player does not find the notification mode switching control very bothersome, and conversely, because it is the specific timing at the start of the AT when effort should be put into the game, the tempo of the game is less likely to be disturbed. Also, because it is the specific timing at the start of the AT, it is possible that too much effort is put in and the operation of the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 fails. In such a case, the switching control of the notification mode is executed, and the transition to the second state can be rescued, improving the interest of the game.

The operation mode is a mode in which the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated at a predetermined timing. When performing such so-called "eye-pressing" operations, the player may apply too much force and fail to operate the stop switches 34, 35, and 36. In response to this, the notification mode is switched, so that the player is rescued by transitioning to the second state, and the entertainment value of the game is improved.

Flags that can be won in a game involving a bet on game value include a flag in which a first winning combination that can be won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in the first operation mode and a second winning combination that can be won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in the second operation mode are both won. In this way, when a flag in which multiple winning combinations are won is won in a game, it is easy to control the switching of the notification mode.

The slot machine 1 of the second aspect has a plurality of stop systems including a first stop system in which the first symbol stops on all rotating reels 41, 42, 43 by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36, and a second stop system in which the first symbol stops on at least one rotating reel 41, 42, 43 by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36, and a second symbol other than the first symbol stops on the remaining rotating reels 41, 42, 43. The slot machine 1 of the second aspect is configured such that the first stop system and the second stop system can transition from the first state to a second state different from the first state after all rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, and the first symbol is notified before all rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped, and the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 can be stopped by the first stop system or the second stop system. This configuration makes it possible to realize a slot machine 1 that retains the thrill of hitting the buttons with precision while still allowing players who are not good at hitting the buttons to have fun.

The slot machine 1 of the second aspect can optionally employ any one or more of the following configurations. In other words, if any one or more of the following configurations are included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally deleted, and if they are not included in the above embodiment, they can be optionally added. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to more reliably realize a slot machine 1 that retains the thrill of eye-pressing while still entertaining players who are not good at eye-pressing.

The second symbol is positioned so that it can be stopped when the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated to aim for the first symbol. This means that even players who are relatively poor at hitting the reels by eye can easily stop the reels using the second stopping system compared to the first stopping system. This allows players with different levels of awareness regarding hitting the reels to enjoy the thrill of hitting the reels by eye.

The notification of the first pattern is only executed when a specific condition can be met. If the notification of the first pattern were executed frequently regardless of whether the specific condition was met, the player might find the notification annoying, which might disrupt the tempo of the game. In contrast, here, the notification of the first pattern is executed when the specific condition is met, so the player does not find the notification annoying, and the game can be played without the tempo being disrupted.

A specific condition is a condition that, when satisfied, changes the game state. Generally, conditions that change the game conditions occur less frequently than conditions that occur frequently, such as when a push order role is won or when a fall replay is won in ART, so players do not find the notification of the first symbol very bothersome. Furthermore, because changes in game conditions are relatively important scenes in the progression of the game, they can also be considered specific scenes in which effort should be put into the game. It is precisely because of this that the tempo of the game is unlikely to be disrupted even if the notification of the first symbol is implemented, and the interest of the game is increased.

The slot machine 1 is configured to be able to award a bonus other than the transition from the first state to the second state when the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop in either the first or second stopping system. This allows the player to enjoy not only the transition from the first state to the second state, but also other bonuses.

Flags that can be won in a game include a flag in which a first role that can be won by a first stop system and a second role that can be won by a second stop system are won in a double win. In this way, when a flag in which multiple roles are won in a double win is won in a game, the processing control of the second mode can be easily realized.

The slot machine 1 is configured to be able to notify the first operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 corresponding to the first stop system among a plurality of stop systems including a first stop system and a second stop system capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated in a predetermined operation mode and all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 are stopped, and when at least one of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated in an operation mode different from the notified first operation mode, but before all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have stopped and a second stop system different from the first stop system corresponding to the first operation mode can be taken, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute switching control to switch the operation mode to be notified from the first operation mode to the second operation mode corresponding to the second stop system.

Any configuration of the slot machine 1 of the second aspect may be added to the slot machine 1 of the first aspect, and any configuration of the slot machine 1 of the first aspect may be added to the slot machine 1 of the second aspect.

The slot machine 1 can also be configured as follows:

The performance control unit 121 may be configured to execute switching control, for example, by drawing lots. In other words, there may be cases where switching control is executed and cases where switching control is not executed.

The type of AT that is started may be different depending on whether the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the first stop system or the second stop system. For example, when the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the first stop system, a higher-level AT with a higher expected value of medals to be acquired or an AT that implements performance A may be started, whereas when the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the second stop system, a lower-level AT with a lower expected value of medals to be acquired or an AT that implements performance B may be started.

For example, when switching the operation mode to be notified from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the performance control unit 121 may be configured not to notify the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 that have already been operated, and/or to notify the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 that have not yet been operated, among the second operation modes.

The performance control unit 121 may be configured to execute control for switching the notification mode when, for example, specific conditions are satisfied. The specific conditions include, for example, the following:
・Start of AT.
Changes in the playability of the AT. For example, a change from a game number management type AT to a difference number management type AT or a navigation number management type AT, or a change in the net increase in the number of ATs.
・Changes in presentation during AT.
- Changes in game state. For example, transition from a normal state to a high probability state (CZ).
- Change in the frequency of effects. For example, a transition from a mode in which effects suggesting the setting value are less likely to appear to a mode in which effects suggesting the setting value are more likely to appear.

The bonus awarding unit 122 may be configured so that the probability of awarding a bonus changes depending on whether the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the first stop system or the second stop system. For example, when the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the first stop system, a bonus is always awarded or the bonus is awarded with a high probability, and when the reels 41, 42, and 43 stop in the second stop system, a bonus is not awarded or the bonus is awarded with a low probability. Also, an operation mode corresponding to a stop system with a high probability of awarding a bonus may be configured so that the operation difficulty is higher than an operation mode corresponding to a stop system with a low probability of awarding a bonus. For example, an operation mode with a high operation difficulty requires zero-frame eye-pressing (so-called perfect pressing), while an operation mode with a low operation difficulty requires three-frame eye-pressing.

The slot machine 1 is not limited to the first and second stop systems, and may have stop systems of other configurations. The slot machine 1 may also have three or more stop systems that can transition from a first state to a second state different from the first state. In this case, for example, the "state transition role" flag is configured to simultaneously win a number of predetermined roles (e.g., "1 coin role") corresponding to the number of stop systems.

CZ may be an example of a favorable gaming state.

Among the various components constituting the slot machine 1, for example, components that are not related to the progress of the game and components that are related to the progress of the game but can be substituted by other components can be changed as desired. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, the speaker 24, and the settlement switch can be omitted.

The components constituting the control device 100 are not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as desired. For example, the game state control unit 115 may also function as the section control unit 114, the reel control unit 112 may also function as the measurement unit 116, or some of the processing executed by the reel control unit 112 may be executed by the game state control unit 115. Furthermore, if possible, the configuration of the main control unit 110 may be provided in the sub-control unit 120, or the configuration of the sub-control unit 120 may be provided in the main control unit 110.

The conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not limited to the first and second ending conditions. The game zone may be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone under conditions different from these conditions, or conditions for forcibly setting the advantageous zone to the normal zone may not be set. For example, the game zone may be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when the number of games consumed in the advantageous zone reaches 4000 games, but the game zone may not be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when the difference number of the advantageous zone reaches 2400 coins. Also, for example, except for the case where the advantageous zone is forcibly set to the normal zone, once the game zone is set to the advantageous zone, the game zone may not be forcibly set to the normal zone until a so-called bonus (for example, a type BB) is won once or the operation mode of the operation mode role that maximizes the payout of medals is notified once.

When the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed, the play area may be set to take over the state immediately before the setting value of the slot machine 1 was changed, or may be set to a pre-defined initial state (i.e., initialized).

In the above embodiment, the display unit is configured to display the fact that the game is in an advantageous zone only when the instruction function is activated during the advantageous zone and the average payout rate exceeds 100% when the game is played so as to pay out the maximum number of small winning coins excluding the reels and reel continuous operation devices, but this is not limited to the above. For example, when the game zone transitions to an advantageous zone, the display unit may be configured to always display that the game is in an advantageous zone, or it may not be configured to display that the game is in an advantageous zone.

In the above embodiment, when the gaming zone transitions to a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 is configured to display, via a display unit provided in the operation unit 30, that the gaming zone is a favorable zone, but this is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 may be configured to double as the display unit, or the display unit may be omitted and configured not to display that the gaming zone is a favorable zone. After the display unit displays that the gaming zone is a favorable zone, it may or may not continue to display that the gaming zone is a favorable zone until the favorable zone ends.

Instead of a CPU that works with software to execute a specific function, the control device 100 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) that is specially designed to achieve a specific function using hardware alone.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may be provided on different boards, or on the same board. That is, the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., or may share a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The push order role is not limited to winning by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined push order. The push order role may be won, for example, by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 at a predetermined position, or by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined push order in addition to at a predetermined position.

The internal lottery table is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 9, but may include any other information depending on the design of the slot machine.

At least one active line 70 needs to be set, but two or more are acceptable.

This disclosure can also be applied to medal-less machines. Medal-less machines do not use physical medals to play, but are based on information (similar to credit data) that holds the number of medals. When a bet is placed, the information is subtracted by that amount, and when a payout is received, the information is added by that amount. In other words, in the case of a medal-less machine, the "number of gaming value paid out" includes data that is given to the player and added. Medal-less machines do not require a hopper.

By appropriately combining any of the various embodiments or modifications described above, it is possible to achieve the effects of each. In addition, it is possible to combine embodiments with each other, or to combine examples with each other, and it is also possible to combine features of different embodiments or examples.

1 Slot machine 10 Cabinet 20 Front door 22 Liquid crystal display device 33 Start switch 34, 35, 36 Stop switch 41, 42, 43 Rotating reel 100 Control device 121 Performance control unit 122 Benefit granting unit

Claims (12)

In a game involving a bet of a game value, the game has a plurality of stop systems including a first stop system in which a first symbol is stopped on all rotating reels by operating a stop switch, and a second stop system in which the first symbol is stopped on at least one of the rotating reels by operating the stop switch, and a second symbol other than the first symbol is stopped on the remaining rotating reels,
the first stop system and the second stop system are capable of transitioning from a first state to a second state different from the first state after all of the reels have stopped;
A gaming machine in which the first symbol is notified before all of the rotating reels have stopped, and the rotating reels are configured to be able to stop in the first stopping system or the second stopping system. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the second symbol is arranged so that it can be stopped when the stop switch is operated to aim at the first symbol. The gaming machine of claim 1 or 2, in which the notification of the first symbol is executed only when a specific condition can be satisfied. The gaming machine of claim 3, wherein the specific condition is a condition that, when satisfied, changes the gaming state. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, configured to be capable of awarding a special benefit other than a transition from the first state to the second state when the reel stops in either the first stop system or the second stop system. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flags that can be won in the game include a flag that can be won by a first combination that can be won by the first stop system and a second combination that can be won by the second stop system. The stop system is configured to notify a first operation mode of the stop switch corresponding to the first stop system among a plurality of stop systems including the first stop system and the second stop system that can be transitioned from the first state to the second state when the stop switch is operated in a predetermined operation mode and all of the rotating reels are stopped, and
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein when at least one of the stop switches is operated in an operation mode different from the notified first operation mode, but before all of the rotating reels have stopped and it is possible to take the second stop system different from the first stop system corresponding to the first operation mode, the gaming machine is configured to be capable of executing switching control to switch the notified operation mode from the first operation mode to the second operation mode corresponding to the second stop system. The gaming machine according to claim 7, in which, when the operation mode to be notified is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the operation mode of the stop switch that has already been operated among the second operation modes is not notified. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein, when the operation mode to be notified is switched from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the operation mode of the stop switch that has not yet been operated among the second operation modes is notified. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the switching control is executed when a specific condition is satisfied. The gaming machine of claim 10, wherein the specific condition is an AT start condition. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the operation mode is a mode in which the stop switch is operated at a predetermined timing.

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