JP7583296B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to gaming machines.

As shown in Patent Document 1, a gaming machine is known that can expand the range of gaming by suggesting settings according to the operating status of the gaming machine.

JP 2018-51142 A

In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, various effects such as the above-mentioned setting value suggestions are performed using an effect unit including an image display unit, lamps, and speakers. Such effects using an effect unit are intended to increase the interest of players, but the effects can also decrease the interest of players, so there is still room for improvement.

Therefore, this disclosure provides a gaming machine that performs presentation control that suppresses a decline in the player's interest.

The first aspect is a gaming machine including a first state and a second state that can be transitioned to when a specific combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on the reel window in the first state and that is different from a bonus state, a plurality of types of the second state are provided, and transition from the first state to a specific type of the second state selected from the plurality of types is possible, and a control unit that may perform specific control in the first state to reduce the frequency of output of effects suggesting a transition to a type of the second state different from the specific type when a player can understand that the second state to which transition can be made is the specific type.

In addition, in a first aspect, the control unit may start the specific control based on the fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type is not stopped and displayed in the reel window after executing an effect instructing the reel window to stop and display a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type in the first state.

In addition, in a first aspect, the second state has a different degree of advantage for gameplay that is advantageous for each type, and the control unit may, in the specific control, reduce the frequency of outputting effects that suggest a transition to the second state of a type that has a lower degree of advantage than the specific type.

In addition, in a first aspect, the control unit may, in the specific control, reduce the degree to which the frequency of output of the effect suggesting a transition to the second state is reduced for a type having a higher degree of advantage than the specific type, compared to a type having a lower degree of advantage than the specific type.

In addition, in a first aspect, the gaming machine includes a memory unit capable of storing history that enables a player to know that the second state to which a transition can be made is of the specific type, and the control unit may erase the history stored in the memory unit based on the fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type is stopped and displayed in the reel window in the first state.

In addition, in a first aspect, the control unit is a gaming machine that may perform the specific control according to the type of the second state to which the transition is confirmed each time the transition to the second state is confirmed.

In addition, in a first aspect, the control unit may, as the specific control, reduce the frequency of output of an effect suggesting the possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of a type different from the specific type will be displayed in a stopped state in the reel window.

In addition, in a first aspect, the control unit may reduce the frequency of output of an effect that instructs the reel window to stop and display a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of a type different from the specific type, as the specific control.

This disclosure makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that performs presentation control that minimizes a decline in the player's interest.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of symbols on a spinning reel. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in the first game state. A figure explaining the state transition in the second game state. A diagram explaining the state transition of a game area. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of the operation process of the slot machine. This is an example of the aim display.

[Embodiment]
The slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the gaming machine of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In this specification, unless a definition of a direction is given in each description, the direction from the slot machine 1 toward the player facing the front of the slot machine 1 is the "front" direction, and the opposite direction is the "rear" direction. Similarly, left and right directions such as "left" and "right" and up and down directions such as "up" and "down" also mean the left and right directions, or the up and down directions, as seen from the player. Similarly, unless a definition of a direction is given in the description of each member, it means the direction as seen from the player when each member is fixed at a predetermined position on the slot machine 1.

[First embodiment]
First, a first embodiment of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
<Configuration of Slot Machine>
1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 10.

A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, the player can see the multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple reels 20, which will be described later. In the first embodiment, the multiple reels 20 include a left reel 20A, a center reel 20B, and a right reel 20C, which are arranged in this order from the left as one faces the cabinet 10.

Above the reel window 200, there is an LCD screen 3 for displaying various effects during play, and a speaker 102.

The liquid crystal screen 3 displays various presentation videos (presentation screens) while the player is playing.
The speaker 102 outputs predetermined BGM (background music), SE (sound effects), and audio.

On the right and left sides of the reel window 200, along the frame of the front door 100, illumination units 103 are provided. The illumination units 103 light up or go out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated performance screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

Below the reel window 200, there is a medium display section 44, which is made up of, for example, multiple seven segments, and which displays the number of medal credits as the game value used in the game, the number of medals paid out, the number of medals bet, etc.

On the front surface of the cabinet 10, below the reel window 200, there is provided an operation unit 4 that protrudes toward the front of the front door 100. The operation unit 4 is provided with a coin insertion unit 41, a bet switch 42, a start switch 43, a stop switch 40, a performance switch 46, and a settlement switch 45.

The medal insertion section 41 is provided on the right side of the top surface of the operation section 4, and is used to insert medals. A medal sensor is provided near the insertion opening of the medal insertion section 41. The medal sensor detects the insertion of a medal into the insertion opening, and outputs a detection signal to the control section 6 (see FIG. 2), which will be described later.

The bet switch 42 accepts an operation for setting (betting) medals. When the bet switch 42 is operated, medals are bet from the stored credit medals. In the first embodiment, the bet switch 42 is a max bet switch that bets "3 medals", which is the maximum number of credit medals that can be inserted.

The start switch 43 accepts operation to spin the reel 20 when a medal is inserted or the bet switch 42 is operated.

The stop switch 40 accepts an operation to stop the rotation of the reels 20. The stop switch 40 is formed in an elliptical cylindrical shape and is provided in the center of the operation unit 4 in the left-right direction. In addition, three stop switches 40 are provided corresponding to each of the three reels 20 so that the rotation of the corresponding reel 20 can be stopped by operation.

This stop switch 40 has a left stop switch 40A for stopping the left rotating reel 20A, a middle stop switch 40B for stopping the middle rotating reel 20B, and a right stop switch 40C for stopping the right rotating reel 20C.

The effect switch 46 is located to the right of the bet switch 42, and is used by the player to set the volume and check game data when playing. The effect switch 46 may also be pressed by the player during play depending on the effect. When the effect switch 46 is pressed during play, a change occurs in the effect.

The settlement switch 45 is used to pay out all of the medals credited using the credit function.

A sensor is provided near each switch in the operation unit 4 to detect the player's operation and output an operation signal to the control unit 6.

The housing 10 is provided below the operation unit 4 with a medal payout outlet 51 and a lower tray 52 for storing medals paid out from the payout outlet 51. A hopper unit 50 that receives and pays out medals is also provided inside the housing 10 (see Figure 2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a reel unit 2, a control unit 6, a RAM clear button 71, and a setting change button 72. The reel unit 2, the control unit 6, the RAM clear button 71, and the setting change button 72 are arranged inside the housing 10, along with a power supply device (not shown) that turns the main power supply of the slot machine 1 on and off, and the like.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the reel unit 2 includes three reels 20 and three stepping motors 21. The reel units 2 are arranged inside the housing 10 in correspondence with the positions of the reel windows 200. As shown in Fig. 3, each reel 20 has a number of symbols spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the reel 20. A stepping motor 21 is provided corresponding to each reel 20, and drives the corresponding reel 20.

The stepping motor 21 stops the rotation of the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 within 190 ms after the stop switch 40 is operated while the reel 20 is rotating. The stepping motor 21 makes one rotation in 504 steps. As a result, the reel 20 rotates at a speed of 80 rotations per minute. In other words, the number of steps that can be advanced within 190 ms is 127.

The rotation and stopping of these reels 20 and stepping motors 21 are controlled by a reel control unit 611 (described later) in the control unit 6.

The RAM clear button 71 is a button for accepting an operation to initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6. The setting change button 72 is a button that is pressed by the store staff when setting one of the multiple setting values in the slot machine 1.

The set value is a value that represents the payout rate, which indicates the ratio of the total number of medals paid out from the hopper unit 50 to the total number of medals inserted into the slot machine 1. The set value affects the internal lottery. This is because the probability of winning various roles, such as replays and bells, differs depending on the set value. The set value is set by store staff before the store opens.

<The flow of play by the player>
The player presses the effect switch 46 to adjust the volume output from the speaker 102 and the brightness of the liquid crystal screen 3 as necessary.

The player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 41 or operates the bet switch 42 to use medals stored (credited) to bet on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number of medals are bet on the slot machine 1, the active line L is activated. After that, the start switch 43 can be operated, i.e., the game can begin.

In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the active lines L are composed of three lines: a line sloping downward to the right, a line sloping upward to the right, and a middle line. The active lines L are virtual lines that determine winning combinations. In the first embodiment, when a MAX BET of three coins is placed, the three lines L are activated.

In the following, "winning" refers not only to the alignment of symbol combinations on the winning line L that correspond to roles that pay out medals, such as bells and watermelons, but also to the alignment of symbol combinations on the winning line L that correspond to roles such as special replays, chances, and bonuses.

In the first embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which the player operates the bet switch 42, the start switch 43, and the stop switch 40 to obtain the result of the game, including the medal payout process.

Specifically, when the start switch 43 is operated (lever is turned on) in a state in which play can begin, an internal lottery is held to determine the winning flag, and each reel 20 begins to spin. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40 is operated, the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 stops. When all reels 20 stop, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the combination of symbols (winning combination) that line up on the pay line L (winning combination). This ends one game.

The player repeats the above game. As the game is repeated, the game progresses, and the display on the LCD screen 3 and the sound output from the speaker 102 change according to the progress of the game.

<About game status>
During a game, a game section and a game state type are set, and an internal lottery is performed based on the set game section and game state type. The game state includes a first game state and a second game state, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. Note that the first game state and the second game state are not game states that are established exclusively, but are merely states that are classified to be distinguished for the sake of convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first game state includes a special role non-carryover state, a special role carryover state, and a special role implementation state. The special role non-carryover state, the special role carryover state, and the special role implementation state are mutually exclusive.

The special role non-carryover state refers to a state in which the winning special roles (Type 1 BB and Type 2 BB) won by internal lottery are not carried over. The special role non-carryover state is set when a specific condition is met, such as when the RAM is initialized using the RAM clear button 71, or when the number of medals paid out after transitioning to the special role implementation state exceeds a specific number (e.g. 180 medals). If a special role is won in the special role carryover state (i.e. when the specific condition is met), the first game state is temporarily set to the special role non-carryover state.

The special role carryover state refers to a state in which a special role has been won by the internal lottery, but the winning of that special role has been carried over. In other words, the special role carryover state refers to a state in which the flag for a special role has been won by the internal lottery, but the symbols representing that special role have not been aligned on the valid line L, and therefore the special role has not yet been won.

Here, Type 1 BB is a continuous operation device for special type 1 roles, such as big bonuses. Type 2 BB is a special role that can be won when three coins are bet. Type 2 BB is a continuous operation device for special type 2 roles, such as a special role that can be won when two coins are bet. With special roles, if the winning of any special role (such as Type 1 BB) is carried over, no drawing for other special roles (such as Type 2 BB) will be held.

When a special role is won while the first gaming state is a special role non-carryover state, the first gaming state transitions from the special role non-carryover state to a state in which the winning special role is carried over (special role carryover state).

When a winning special role is won, the first game state transitions from a special role carryover state to a special role implementation state, temporarily passing through a special role non-carryover state. When the first game state transitions to a special role implementation state due to the winning of a Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB, the special role implementation state is maintained until the number of medals paid out by the Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB exceeds a predetermined number.

In more detail, the special role implementation state includes a type 1 BB implementation state, a type 2 BB implementation state, and a RB implementation state. If an RB is won through an internal lottery during a type 1 BB implementation state in which a type 1 BB is being implemented, the special role implementation state transitions from the type 1 BB implementation state to the RB implementation state. If 12 games are played in the RB implementation state or a specific role is won 8 times, the special role implementation state transitions to the type 1 BB implementation state. The special role implementation state is an example of a "bonus state".

The second game state is a state for determining the effects that will be performed during play, and includes a normal state and an AT state, as shown in FIG. 5. The normal state and the AT state are mutually exclusive.

The normal state is a state that is not an AT state, that is, a state in which the assist function does not occur. For example, the second game state is set to the normal state after the RAM is cleared or the AT ends until the AT lottery is won. As an example, when the game zone is an advantageous zone, the AT lottery is held according to the winning combination (such as a rare combination) by the internal lottery.

The AT state is a state in which an assist function (AT function) is operating that notifies the player of the correct pressing order (correct operation order) of the stop switch 40 for a role that has been selected by an internal lottery via the LCD screen 3 or the speaker 102. In the first embodiment, the AT state includes an AT preparation part and an AT performance part. The AT preparation part is an example of the "first state," and the AT performance part is an example of the "second state."

The AT main part is divided into three types: type A, type B, and type C, and the degree of advantage that makes the game more advantageous varies for each type. The degree of advantage may be any of those that directly affect the number of balls, those that indirectly affect the number of balls, and those that do not affect the number of balls but improve the interest of the player. Examples of the degree of advantage that directly affects the number of balls are the length of the guaranteed number of games in the AT main part, the upper limit of the difference in the number of medals, which is the cumulative value of the number of medals paid out in the AT main part minus the number of medals bet, the net increase in the AT main part, the expected degree of addition in the AT main part, and the number of navigations in the AT main part. Examples of the degree of advantage that indirectly affects the number of balls are the probability of occurrence of a setting suggestion effect that suggests the setting value in the AT main part, the probability of occurrence of a suggestion of the mode in which the player is staying in the AT main part, and the probability of occurrence of a suggestion of the number of games played in the AT main part or the number of games remaining until the so-called ceiling (if the ceiling is cyclical, which cycle it is, or the remaining cycles until the cyclical ceiling). In addition, the type of presentation in the AT main part is an example of an advantage that does not affect the number of balls paid out but increases the player's interest. In the first embodiment, the length of the guaranteed number of games in the AT main part is made different for each type as an advantage.

The AT preparation part is a state to which the player transitions from the normal state when the game zone is an advantageous zone and the player wins the AT lottery in the normal state or the ceiling number of games required to transition to the AT state is consumed. When the player transitions to the AT preparation part, a type determination lottery is held to determine the type of AT performance part to which the player can transition, and one of three types is determined as the specific type. Note that the slot machine 1 is configured so that the results of the type determination lottery are not known to the player. In other words, the player does not know the type of AT performance part to which the player can transition when the player transitions to the AT preparation part.

In the AT preparation part, an internal lottery is conducted for each game, and if a push order role is selected, the correct push order corresponding to that push order role is announced.

In the AT preparation part, if a specific role or a specific target role related to a transition to a specific type of AT performance part is won in the internal lottery, a performance suggesting a transition to the AT performance part is performed. There are three types of specific roles in the AT performance part: specific role A related to a transition to type A, specific role B related to a transition to type B, and specific role C related to a transition to type C. The above-mentioned specific target role is a role different from the specific role and is not related to a transition to the AT performance part. In the AT preparation part, as the above-mentioned performance, a "target performance" is performed that instructs the reel window 200 to stop and display a combination of symbols related to the winning of any type of specific role. The notification of the target performance is performed using at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 102, and for example, the text "Aim for red 7" is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3 as a symbol related to the winning of a specific role. As a result, a player who sees the target performance can understand that the type of AT performance part to which a transition can be made corresponds to the symbol displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3.

Here, the above-mentioned target performance includes a target performance (true) that instructs the reel window 200 to stop and display a combination of symbols related to the winning of a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT main part when a specific role is won in an internal lottery, and a target performance (false) that instructs the reel window 200 to stop and display a combination of symbols related to the winning of a specific role related to the transition to a type of AT main part different from the specific type when a predetermined execution target role is won in an internal lottery. At this time, in a game in which the target performance (true) is performed, if each stop switch 40 is operated at a timing when the specific role won in the internal lottery can win, the specific role will win. On the other hand, in a game in which the target performance (false) is performed, the combination of symbols related to the winning of the specific role notified in the target performance (false) cannot be stopped and displayed in the reel window 200.

As an example, if type A is a specific type, in the AT preparation part, when a predetermined execution target role is won in the internal lottery, an aim performance (false) is performed in which a combination of symbols related to the winning of specific role B or specific role C is stopped and displayed in the reel window 200. In contrast, if specific role A does not win in a game in which the aim performance (true) was performed, the aim performance (false) will not be performed in the subsequent AT preparation part until specific role A wins. In other words, if specific role A does not win in a game in which the aim performance (true) was performed, only the aim performance (true) will be performed as the aim performance in the subsequent AT preparation part, and the aim performance (false) will not be performed. In this way, when the player can understand that the AT actual part to which a transition can be made is of a specific type (e.g., type A) based on the fact that the aim effect (true) has been performed in the AT preparation part, the effect suggesting a transition to an AT actual part of a type different from the specific type (e.g., type B and type C), specifically, the control that reduces the output frequency of the aim effect (false), is referred to as "specific control." Details of the specific control will be described later.

Here, in the AT preparation part, if a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT performance part is won in a game in which the aim performance (true) is performed, a performance encouraging the transition to the AT performance part is performed at the third stop, and the AT preparation part transitions to the specific type of AT performance part. On the other hand, if the specific role is not won in a game in which the aim performance (true) is performed, the AT preparation part will continue in the next game. In other words, the AT preparation part can be said to be a part that can continue unless a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT performance part is won.

The AT main part is a state to which a player transitions from the AT preparation part when a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT main part is won in a game in which the Aim performance (true) is performed. As described above, there are three types of AT main parts: type A, type B, and type C. As an example, the guaranteed number of games for the AT main part of type A is "100 games," the guaranteed number of games for the AT main part of type B is "70 games," and the guaranteed number of games for the AT main part of type C is "50 games."

And when the end condition of the AT state is established, the second game state transitions from the AT main part to the normal state. This ends the AT state. As an example of the end condition, when the player does not win the continuation lottery performed during the consumption of the guaranteed number of games in the AT main part or the continuation lottery performed based on the consumption of the guaranteed number of games, the second game state transitions from the AT main part to the normal state. As another example of the end condition, when the end condition of the advantageous zone (the difference in the number of medals reaches 2400 or 4000 games are consumed) is close to being established, for example, when the difference in the number of medals reaches 2200 or the advantageous zone is consumed for 3900 games, the AT state transitions from the AT main part to the ending state (not shown). And in the other example, when the end condition of the advantageous zone is established in the ending state, the second game state transitions from the ending state to the normal state. If the above-mentioned continuation lottery is won, the AT state will transition from the AT actual part to the AT preparation part at a specified timing, and the AT preparation part and the AT actual part will be executed in a loop.

<About the game area>
The above-mentioned game zone is a zone for determining whether or not the process related to the assist function is performed. As shown in Fig. 6, the game zone has a normal zone and an advantageous zone. The normal zone and the advantageous zone are in an exclusive relationship, and the game zone can be either the normal zone or the advantageous zone.

The normal zone is a zone in which assist function-related processing and AT lotteries cannot be performed, but where lotteries for transition to advantageous zones are conducted. As a result of playing in the normal zone, the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone depending on the winning role (winning role) in the internal lottery. Note that while the second game state is in the normal state, the game zone can adopt the normal zone.

The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the assist function and AT lottery can be executed. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state proceeds in a normal state and an advantageous zone in which the second gaming state proceeds in an AT state. The gaming zone remains an advantageous zone from the time the gaming zone transitions to the advantageous zone until a specified end condition is met.

<Configuration of control unit>
Returning to Fig. 2, the control unit 6 mainly has a main control unit 61 and a sub-control unit 63. The main control unit 61 performs control for progressing the game, such as control of the internal lottery and the spinning reel 20. The sub-control unit 63 performs control related to the presentation based on signals transmitted from the main control unit 61 and the pressing of the presentation switch 46. The control unit 6 is an example of a "control unit".

The main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 63 each include a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. The ROM of the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 63 stores programs necessary for game progress. The RAM of the main control unit 61 stores game data necessary for game progress. The game data includes the results of the internal lottery, data indicating which game state and game section each state or section is, and a history (game history) that allows the player to understand that the AT actual part to which the player can move is of a specific type. The game history is a history of whether or not the type of AT actual part to which the player can move has been suggested or notified to allow the player to understand, for example, "whether or not the Aim performance (true) has been executed." The RAM of the sub-control unit 63 stores various data related to performance control. The RAM of the main control unit 61 is an example of a "storage unit."

When the CPU reads and executes the programs in the ROM, the main control unit 61 functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a medium management unit 613, a game progress control unit 614, a section control unit 615, and a game status control unit 616. The sub-control unit 63 functions as a performance control unit 630.

- Internal lottery section -
The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the start switch 43, and determines whether or not at least one of a plurality of roles will be won. Specifically, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery according to an internal lottery table (not shown) and a random number acquired when the start switch 43 is operated, based on the first game state when the start switch 43 is operated, and the like. The internal lottery unit 610 generates an internal lottery result signal based on the result of the internal lottery. The internal lottery result signal is transmitted from the internal lottery unit 610 to the reel control unit 611, the game progress control unit 614, and the like.

The internal lottery table shows information on roles that may result in a winning combination through an internal lottery. Based on the internal lottery table, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery according to a combination of the RT state at the time the start switch 43 is operated, whether or not a bonus is in progress, and the setting value. The role information shown in the internal lottery table includes one or more combinations of symbols associated with roles corresponding to the combinations. The roles include losing roles that do not result in the payout of medals, as well as push order roles that result in the payout of medals.

When playing in the AT state, the push order role may be won by an internal lottery. If the push order role is won and the stop switch 40 is pressed in the correct push order, the push order role wins and multiple medals (e.g., 8 medals) according to the role are paid out. If the push order role is won but the stop switch 40 is not pressed in the correct push order, the push order role will not win, or another role (such as a 1-coin role) will win.

Note that the push order role can also be won during normal play. If the push order role is achieved during normal play, the correct push order is not announced, so the push order role may be missed or only one medal may be paid out. During the AT state, the correct push order is announced, so multiple medals (e.g., eight medals) are paid out.

-Rotary reel control unit-
The spinning reel control unit 611 controls the drive of the stepping motor 21 based on the operation of the start switch 43 or each stop switch 40, and performs rotation start control to start the rotation of each spinning reel 20 or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

Specifically, when the start switch 43 is operated while all of the reels 20 have stopped spinning, the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of all of the reels 20. When the stop switch 40 corresponding to the spinning reel 20 is operated while at least one reel 20 is spinning, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40.

In the spin stop control, the spin reel control unit 611 can stop the spin of the spin reel 20 based on the operation of the stop switch 40 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is placed on the pay line L of the spin reel 20, thereby winning the combination.

In addition, in the spin stop control, the spin reel control unit 611 performs pull-in control or kick-off control according to the winning combination and the position of the spin reel 20 when each stop switch 40 is operated. Pull-in control is control that stops the spin of the spin reel 20 by pulling the symbols corresponding to the winning combination onto the pay line L. Kick-off control is control that stops the spin of the spin reel 20 so that symbols corresponding to non-winning combinations do not line up on the pay line L.

-Game result judgment section-
The game result determination unit 612 determines the game result based on the results of the internal lottery and the spin stop control of the spin reel 20. The game result means the result of determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbols that have lined up on the pay line L. Specifically, when the combination of symbols that have stopped on the pay line L matches a predetermined combination of symbols, the game result determination unit 612 determines that a winning combination has been achieved.

-Media Management Department-
The medium management unit 613 controls the increase and decrease of the number of credits, and controls the medal payout operation by the hopper unit 50 .

Specifically, when medals are bet, the media management unit 613 decreases the number of credits according to the number of medals bet, and when medals are credited, the media management unit 613 increases the number of credits.

When a winning combination is achieved based on the player's operation, the media management unit 613 increases the number of credits based on the number of medals paid out based on the type of winning combination.

In addition, the media management unit 613 controls the hopper unit 50 based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 612, as well as the operation signal output by operating the settlement switch 45.

Specifically, medals obtained by winning a winning combination are first stored as credits. If the number of credits exceeds the upper limit (for example, 50 medals) as a result of storing the medals, the medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit 50. Also, if the settlement switch 45 is operated when there is one or more medals stored, at least a portion of the stored medals are paid out from the hopper unit 50.

Furthermore, the medium management unit 613 calculates the difference in number of medals and/or the range (MY), which is the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the difference in number of medals, during the favorable zone. The difference in number of medals and/or the range (MY) are sent to the zone control unit 615. The medium management unit 613 resets the difference in number of medals and/or the range (MY) after the favorable zone ends.

-Game progress control unit-
The game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress based on the operation of the player. At that time, the game progress control unit 614 controls the game progress of the player based on the setting values set by the store staff.

When the RAM clear button 71 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 resets the game data by initializing the RAM of the main control unit 61. When the setting change button 72 is pressed, the game progress control unit 614 changes the current setting value to another setting value.

-Section Control Unit-
The interval control unit 615 sets one of a number of play intervals (normal interval and advantageous interval) when the player is playing.

Specifically, when the gaming zone is a normal zone, the zone control unit 615 performs a zone transition lottery to determine whether to maintain the normal zone state or transition to an advantageous zone. When a specific lottery target role is won, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to perform a zone transition lottery, and if the result is a win, a zone transition lottery is performed. If the zone transition lottery is won, the zone control unit 615 sets (transitions) the gaming zone to an advantageous zone.

The probability of winning the section transition lottery may differ depending on the set value. As an example, the probability of winning the specified lottery target role may differ depending on the set value, or the probability of winning the section transition lottery that is held when the specified winning target role is won may differ.

In addition, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether to maintain the advantageous zone state or transition to a normal zone. For example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether the second gaming state has transitioned from the AT state to the normal state. If it is determined that the second gaming state has transitioned to the normal state, the zone control unit 615 transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone.

In addition, the interval control unit 615 will forcibly transition the play interval from the advantageous interval to the normal interval if the number of games played in the advantageous interval reaches the upper limit of 4,000 games, or if the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous interval reaches 2,400.

In addition, when the game data is reset, the interval control unit 615 sets the game interval to the normal interval, regardless of the game interval immediately before the reset.

-Game status control unit-
The gaming state control unit 616 sets the first gaming state and the second gaming state.
Specifically, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to any one of a special role non-carryover state, a special role carryover state, and a special role implementation state, and sets the second game state to a normal state or an AT state.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 4, when a predetermined condition such as clearing the RAM of the main control unit 61 is met, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role non-carryover state. Immediately after a special role is won by an internal lottery, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role carryover state. When the special role is won, the game state control unit 616 sets the first game state to a special role implementation state.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the game state control unit 616 determines whether or not to set the second game state to the AT state (i.e., whether or not the AT has been won) based on the result of the AT lottery. If the AT lottery is won during the advantageous period, the game state control unit 616 sets the second game state to the AT state, specifically, the AT preparation part. Conversely, if the AT lottery is not won, the game state control unit 616 can set the second game state to the normal state. Also, when the AT ends, the game state control unit 616 transitions the second game state from the AT state to the normal state.

-Direction Control Department-
The performance control unit 630 displays a performance image selected from a plurality of types of performance images on the liquid crystal screen 3 based on the progress of the game, and outputs sound effects and background music corresponding to the performance image from the speaker 102. For example, when an AT or a bonus is won, the performance control unit 630 selects a performance pattern for displaying that fact on the liquid crystal screen 3, and controls the display on the liquid crystal screen 3 and the sound output of the speaker 102 according to the performance pattern.

During the AT, the performance control unit 630 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to announce the correct push order for each successive winning push order role (assist function).

In addition, when the notification conditions for the setting suggestion effect are met during play, the effect control unit 630 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the player of the setting suggestion effect. This setting suggestion effect can be used by the player to understand the setting value of the slot machine 1 currently being played. Notification conditions include when a rare combination is won, when a bonus game ends, when the AT ends, etc.

In addition, during the AT preparation part, the performance control unit 630 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the user of the aim performance. Specific examples of the aim performance will be described later.

<Game flow in the AT preparation part>
Using Figure 7, the flow of one play (one game) in the AT preparation part will be explained.
In step S10, the control unit 6 performs an internal lottery process as a function of the internal lottery unit 610, based on the operation of the start switch 43 with a predetermined number of medals bet. In the internal lottery process, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not at least one of a plurality of winning combinations will be won. Then, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S11.

In step S11, the control unit 6, as a function of the internal lottery unit 610, determines whether the winning role is a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT main part, and if it is determined that it is the specific role (step S11: YES), proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if the control unit 6 determines that the winning role is not a specific role related to the transition to a specific type of AT main part (step S11: NO), proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the control unit 6, as a function of the internal lottery unit 610, determines whether the winning role is a predetermined execution target role or not, and if it is determined that it is the execution target role (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the control unit 6 determines that the winning role is not a predetermined execution target role (step S12: NO), the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S13, the control unit 6, as a function of the game state control unit 616, acquires the game history from the game data stored in the RAM of the main control unit 61. This allows the control unit 6 to recognize whether or not the aim effect (true) is being executed in the current AT preparation part. The control unit 6 then proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the control unit 6 performs a reel control process as a function of the reel control unit 611. In the reel control process, a rotation start control is performed to start the rotation of each reel 20, or a rotation stop control is performed to stop the rotation. Then, based on the fact that the rotation stop control has been performed, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S15.

Here, if the control unit 6 proceeds from step S11 to step S14 without going through steps S12 and S13, the control unit 6 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the player of the aim effect (true) in accordance with the rotation start control, as a function of the performance control unit 630. Also, if the control unit 6 proceeds from step S13 to step S14 and acquires a game history indicating that the aim effect (true) has not been executed in step S13, the control unit 6 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the player of the aim effect (false) in accordance with the rotation start control, as a function of the performance control unit 630.

Then, when the control unit 6 proceeds from step S13 to step S14 and acquires a game history indicating that "the aim effect (true) is being executed" in step S13, the control unit 6 performs specific control. Specifically, as specific control, the control unit 6 reduces the output frequency of the aim effect (false) and stops the notification of the aim effect (false) in accordance with the rotation start control.

In step S15, the control unit 6 performs a game result determination process as a function of the game result determination unit 612. In the game result determination process, it is determined whether or not a combination of symbols on the pay line L matches a combination of symbols for a predetermined winning combination. Then, the control unit 6 proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, the control unit 6 performs a game result reflection process as a function of the medium management unit 613 and the game status control unit 616. The game result reflection process controls the increase and decrease of the number of credits, controls the medal payout operation by the hopper unit 50, and updates the game history stored as game data in the RAM of the main control unit 61. Note that as the control of the increase and decrease of the number of credits and the control of the medal payout operation by the hopper unit 50 in the game result reflection process have been described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

Here, in the game result reflection process, the game history stored as game data in the RAM of the main control unit 61 is updated by changing the game history from "Aim performance (true) is not being performed" to "Aim performance (true) is being performed", or erasing the game history stored as game data in the RAM of the main control unit 61. Specifically, when the aim performance (true) is performed in the current game of the AT preparation part, but the specific combination related to the transition to the specific type of AT production part won by the internal lottery is not won, the control unit 6 changes the game history from "Aim performance (true) is not being performed" to "Aim performance (true) is being performed". Then, based on the game history being updated to "Aim performance (true) is being performed", the control unit 6 starts specific control and stops the notification of the aim performance (false) in the AT preparation part from the next game onwards.

In addition, when the target performance (true) is performed in the current game of the AT preparation part and a specific role related to the transition to the specific type of AT actual part won by the internal lottery is won, the control unit 6 erases (initializes) the game history stored as game data in the RAM of the main control unit 61. Then, the control unit 6 ends the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7. In addition, when the control unit 6 wins a specific role related to the transition to the specific type of AT actual part won by the internal lottery, the control unit 6 transitions the second game state from the AT preparation part to the AT actual part after the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is completed. As a result, the AT actual part starts from the next game in the slot machine 1. On the other hand, when the control unit 6 does not win a specific role related to the transition to the specific type of AT actual part won by the internal lottery, the control unit 6 maintains the second game state as the AT preparation part after the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is completed. As a result, the AT preparation part continues in the next game in the slot machine 1, and the processing from step S10 to step S16 shown in FIG. 7 is performed again.

<Example of the target effect display>
A display example of the target effect will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Specifically, Fig. 8(A) is a display example of the target effect A instructing to stop and display in the reel window 200 a combination of symbols related to the winning of a specific role A related to the transition to the AT actual part of type A, Fig. 8(B) is a display example of the target effect B instructing to stop and display in the reel window 200 a combination of symbols related to the winning of a specific role B related to the transition to the AT actual part of type B, and Fig. 8(C) is a display example of the target effect C instructing to stop and display in the reel window 200 a combination of symbols related to the winning of a specific role C related to the transition to the AT actual part of type C.

As shown in FIG. 8A, in the aim performance A, the words “Aim for the Blue 7”, which is a symbol associated with the winning of a specific combination A, are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3.
As shown in FIG. 8B, in the aim effect B, the words “Aim for the red 7”, which is a symbol associated with the winning of a specific combination B, are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3.
As shown in FIG. 8(C), in the aim effect C, the words “Aim for the bar”, which are symbols related to the winning of a specific combination C, are displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3.

As an example, if type A is a specific type, the control unit 6 performs Aim performance B or Aim performance C when a specific execution target role is won in the internal lottery until Aim performance A is performed in the AT preparation part. In contrast, if specific role A is not won in a game in which Aim performance A is performed, the control unit 6 starts specific control and stops the notification of Aim performance B and Aim performance C until specific role A is won in the AT preparation part.

In summary, the slot machine 1 (gaming machine) is provided with an AT preparation part (first state) and an AT production part (second state), with multiple types of AT production parts (second state) provided, and is capable of transitioning from the AT preparation part (first state) to a specific type of AT production part (second state) selected from the multiple types, and is equipped with a control unit 6 (control unit) that performs specific control to reduce the frequency of output of effects suggesting a transition to a type of AT production part (second state) different from the specific type in the AT preparation part (first state) when the player can understand that the AT production part (second state) to which the player can transition is a specific type.

<Effects of the Invention>
With the above-described configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can perform presentation control that suppresses a decrease in the interest of the player.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 6 starts specific control based on the fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to a specific type of AT production part is not stopped and displayed in the reel window 200 after the execution of the aim effect (true) in the AT preparation part. As a result, according to the slot machine 1, both the aim effect (false) and the aim effect (true) can be executed in the AT preparation part until the start of the specific control, and the range of aim effects in the AT preparation part can be expanded.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 6 performs specific control by reducing the frequency of output of the aim effect (false), specifically, by stopping the notification of the aim effect (false). As a result, with the slot machine 1, specific control is performed, and it is possible to eliminate inconsistencies in the effects, such as the execution of the aim effect (true) suggesting a transition to a different type of AT main part from the specific type that the player has recognized.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 6 erases the game history stored as game data in the RAM of the main control unit 61 based on the fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to a specific type of AT production part is stopped and displayed in the reel window 200 during the AT preparation part. As a result, according to the slot machine 1, the game history is erased upon transition to the AT production part, so that in the next AT preparation part, both the aim effect (false) and the aim effect (true) can be executed until the specific control is started.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the control unit 6 performs specific control according to the type of the AT performance part to which the transition is confirmed each time the transition to the AT performance part is confirmed. For example, when the type of the AT performance part to which the transition is confirmed in the Nth time is type A, the control unit 6 stops the notification of the aim effect B and the aim effect C in the AT preparation part as specific control. Also, when the type of the AT performance part to which the transition is confirmed in the N+1th time is type B, the control unit 6 stops the notification of the aim effect A and the aim effect C in the AT preparation part as specific control. As a result, according to the slot machine 1, specific control can be performed according to the type of the AT performance part to which the transition is confirmed in each AT preparation part. In particular, the configuration of the slot machine 1 is suitable when the AT preparation part and the AT performance part can be looped while the same AT state continues. As a result, according to the slot machine 1, various types of AT states can be enjoyed even if the same AT state continues, so that the playability can be improved.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the slot machine 1 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying the parts that overlap with the above embodiment.

In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, three types of AT main part are provided: type A with 100 guaranteed games, type B with 70 guaranteed games, and type C with 50 guaranteed games. In this case, the degree of advantage in the AT main part increases in the order of type C → type B → type A.

Here, in the second embodiment, the control unit 6 reduces the output frequency of effects suggesting a transition to an AT performance part of a type less advantageous than the specific type during specific control. As an example, if type B is the specific type, the control unit 6 stops announcing effects suggesting a transition to an AT performance part of type C, which is less advantageous than type B, during specific control, specifically, the aim effect C (see FIG. 8(C)). As a result, according to the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, the specific control is performed, and a transition to an AT performance part of a type less advantageous than the type to which a transition can be made is no longer suggested, thereby suppressing a decrease in the player's interest in the AT preparation part.

In addition, in the specific control, the control unit 6 reduces the degree of reduction in the output frequency of the effect suggesting a transition to the AT main part for types with a higher advantage than the specific type, compared to types with a lower advantage than the specific type. As an example, if type B is the specific type, the control unit 6 performs a notification lottery to determine whether or not to notify the aim effect (false) when the internal lottery in the AT preparation part determines whether or not to execute the aim effect A (see FIG. 8 (A)) as the aim effect (false). Then, if the notification lottery is won, the control unit 6 notifies the effect suggesting a transition to the AT main part of type A, which is more advantageous than type B, as the aim effect (false), specifically, the aim effect A. On the other hand, if the notification lottery is not won, the control unit 6 performs specific control and stops the notification of the aim effect A in the current game. As a result, according to the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, the AT preparation part may suggest a transition to an AT performance part of a type that is more advantageous than the type to which the transition can be made, so the player can have hope for an upgrade in the type of AT performance part.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the slot machine 1 according to the present invention will be described while omitting or simplifying the parts that overlap with the above-described embodiments.

In the AT preparation part in the third embodiment, a promotion effect indicating whether or not the type of AT actual part to which a transition can be made is to be promoted is notified using at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 102. The promotion effect is performed when the player wins the execution lottery that is performed when a predetermined execution target role is won in the internal lottery in the AT preparation part.

When a promotion effect is performed, a promotion lottery is held to determine whether or not to promote the type of AT performance part to which a player can transition, and if the promotion lottery is won, at least one type of AT performance part to which a player can transition is promoted, and a promotion effect is performed to indicate that the type of AT performance part has been promoted. On the other hand, if the promotion lottery is not won, a promotion effect is performed to indicate that the type of AT performance part to which a player can transition has not been promoted.

For example, in the promotion performance, the LCD screen 3 displays whether the background color (e.g., black background) indicating the possibility that the winning symbol combination of the first specific role (e.g., specific role C) will be displayed in a stopped state in the reel window 200 will change to a background color (e.g., red background) indicating the possibility that the winning symbol combination of the second specific role (e.g., specific role B) will be displayed in a stopped state in the reel window 200. In this case, when the background changes from black to red, the player can understand that the type of the AT performance part to which the player can move has been promoted from type C to type B. On the other hand, when the black background is maintained, the player can understand that the type of the AT performance part to which the player can move is type C.

In this way, in the AT preparation part in the third embodiment, unlike the above embodiments, a promotion effect is performed in addition to the target effect as an effect suggesting a transition to the AT actual part. In the third embodiment, the control unit 6 reduces the output frequency of the effect, specifically the promotion effect, which suggests the possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to a type of AT actual part different from the specific type will be stopped and displayed in the reel window 200 in the specific control. As an example, if type B is the specific type, the control unit 6 performs the promotion effect when the execution lottery is won until the target effect B is performed in the AT preparation part. In contrast, if the specific role B does not win in the game in which the target effect B is performed, the control unit 6 starts the specific control and stops the notification of the promotion effect until the specific role B wins in the AT preparation part. Specifically, the control unit 6 stops the execution lottery. As a result, according to the third embodiment of the slot machine 1, the AT preparation part can provide the player with a sense of anticipation for promotion until the player is able to ascertain the type of AT production part to which the player can transition, and after the player is able to ascertain the type of the AT production part, it is possible to perform presentation control that suppresses a decline in the player's interest.

[Other embodiments]
The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, the explanation of the transition of the RT state was omitted. This is because in an AT machine, the game is played in the AT when the predetermined combination is won but no prize is awarded, and in this state, the RT state does not transition. However, it goes without saying that the RT state can transition when the predetermined combination is not carried over.

In the above embodiment, a bet switch 42 is provided, but the bet switch 42 may be omitted.

The normal state in the above embodiment may include a CZ. In addition, in the above embodiment, an AT and a bonus are given as examples of advantageous gaming states, but an advantageous gaming state may include an ART. A CZ is a gaming state in which the probability of entering an AT and the probability of replaying are higher than in a non-CZ state. An ART is a gaming state in which the probability of replaying is higher than in a normal state and the correct push order for a push order role is notified. The probability of entering at least one of the AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value. The performance of the AT, CZ, and ART may change depending on the setting value.

In the above embodiment, the AT preparation part is an example of the "first state" and the AT performance part is an example of the "second state", but examples of the "first state" and "second state" are not limited to this. For example, if the normal state when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone is composed of a general state and a CZ, the general state in the normal state may be an example of the "first state" and the CZ may be an example of the "second state".

In the above embodiment, the control unit 6 is an example of a "control unit", but this is not limiting, and the main control unit 61 may also be an example of a "control unit".

In the above embodiment, the player is not able to know the type of AT actual part to which the player can move when the AT preparation part is shifted, but the present invention is not limited to this. The type of AT actual part to which the player can move may be known before the AT preparation part is shifted. In this case, for example, when the player moves to the advantageous zone or when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the normal state during the advantageous zone, a type determination lottery may be performed to determine the type of AT actual part to which the player can move. Examples of the above-mentioned predetermined condition being satisfied include when a rare role is won, and when the points acquired according to the winning role or the number of games played in the normal state during the advantageous zone reach a predetermined number. The type determination lottery may be performed when the points reach a predetermined number, or when a predetermined timing is reached after the points reach a predetermined number. In the above case, it is desirable to perform the type determination lottery multiple times to determine and store the types of the AT actual parts multiple times in preparation for the AT preparation part and the AT actual part looping in one AT state.

In the above case, a specific condition may be set that allows the player to know the type of AT main part to which the player can transition, and the specific condition may be established in the normal state when the play area is an advantageous area. In this case, it is desirable to set multiple specific conditions, such as specific condition A, specific condition B, and specific condition C, and enable the player to know the type of AT main part that corresponds to the specific condition that is established (e.g., when specific condition B is established, it can be known that the type of AT main part is type B).

The control unit 6 then starts specific control when a specific condition is met in the normal state, and as the specific control, reduces the output frequency of effects (e.g., aim effects, promotion effects) that suggest a transition to a type of AT performance part different from the type that the player can grasp. In this case, as in the above embodiment, notification of effects that suggest a transition to a type of AT performance part that is less advantageous than the type that the player can grasp is stopped, but notification of effects that suggest a transition to a type of AT performance part that is more advantageous than the type that the player can grasp may or may not be stopped.

In addition, the timing at which the control unit 6 starts the specific control is not limited, and for example, the specific control may be started when a specific condition is met in the AT main part, and the frequency of output of effects suggesting a transition to a different type of AT main part from the type that has become visible to the player may be reduced until the transition to the next AT main part occurs.

Here, the control unit 6, as a function of the performance control unit 630, may notify information indicating a specific condition or information suggesting the content of the specific condition using at least one of the liquid crystal screen 3 and the speaker 102 in the normal state or the AT main part described above. Furthermore, the specific condition may change as appropriate to realize a variety of playability. For example, the specific condition may change for each advantageous section. In other words, the specific condition may be the same while one advantageous section continues, but may be different when the next advantageous section is reached. Furthermore, the specific condition may change depending on the setting value. For example, the specific condition may be different for each setting value. In this case, a setting suggestion can be made to the player by notifying information indicating a specific condition or information suggesting the content of the specific condition.

In the above embodiment, in the specific control, the output frequency of the effect suggesting a transition to the AT production part of a type different from the specific type is reduced, and the notification of the effect is stopped. However, this is not limited to this, and the notification of the effect may not be stopped, but may be notified less frequently than before the start of the specific control.

In the above embodiment, the medium display unit 44 may display that the gaming zone is an advantageous zone when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone and certain conditions are met. Specifically, a part of the seven segments on the medium display unit 44 may light up to notify that the gaming zone is an advantageous zone.

In the above embodiment, in one AT state, the AT preparation part and the AT actual part may not be looped, and only one type of AT actual part may be performed.

Depending on the specifications of the model of slot machine 1, the advantageous game state or advantageous zone, such as the AT, may end at any time before the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 4,000 games or before the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous zone reaches 2,400.

In addition to images, setting suggestion effects may also include special patterns that can be seen through the reel window 200 when the rotation of the reel 20 stops.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine is an AT type slot machine. However, the gaming machine can be an ART type slot machine or other type of machine other than an AT machine.

In the above embodiment, a slot machine 1 of a type in which medals, which are physical media, are inserted and paid out is exemplified, but the present invention may be applied to a slot machine (medalless machine) of a type in which medals are not inserted and paid out, but the number of game values corresponding to the number of medals is managed on a data basis. In such a medalless machine, the number of game values owned is managed for each player, and when the bet button is pressed, a bet is made from the number of medals owned. Therefore, the machine does not need to include a hopper unit 50. The game value owned by the player may be managed on the slot machine, or on a game value lending machine electrically connected to the slot machine. The medalless machine may be called a "Smart Pachislot" (registered trademark), a "managed game machine", or an "enclosed game machine".

Even when these other embodiments are adopted, the effects of this embodiment are achieved. In addition, this embodiment can be combined with other embodiments, and other embodiments can be combined with each other as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to implement one of the multiple embodiments of this embodiment on its own. Note that the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment can be implemented with only the content described in claim 1 in the claims, or with a combination of claim 1 and other claims.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
6 Control unit 200 Reel window

Claims (7)

a first state; and a second state which can be shifted to when a specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the reel window in the first state and which is different from the bonus state;
A plurality of types of the second state are provided, and a specific type of the second state determined from the plurality of types can be transitioned from the first state,
a control unit that may perform specific control to reduce an output frequency of an effect suggesting a transition to the second state of a type different from the specific type, in the first state, based on a fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type is not stopped and displayed on the reel window after execution of an effect instructing to stop and display a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type on the reel window in the first state;
Amusement machine. The second state has a different advantageous degree for the game depending on the type,
The control unit is
In the specific control, the output frequency of a performance suggesting a transition to the second state of a type having a lower advantage than the specific type may be reduced.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The control unit is
In the specific control, for a type having a higher advantage than the specific type, the degree of reduction in the output frequency of the performance suggesting the transition to the second state may be reduced compared to a type having a lower advantage than the specific type.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 . a storage unit capable of storing a history indicating that a performance instructing to stop and display a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type on a reel window has been executed in the first state ;
The control unit is
the history stored in the memory unit may be erased based on the fact that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state of the specific type is stopped and displayed on a reel window in the first state;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The control unit is
Each time the transition to the second state is determined, the specific control may be performed according to the type of the second state to which the transition is determined.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The control unit is
As the specific control, there may be a case where an output frequency of an effect suggesting a possibility that a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state, which is a type different from the specific type, will be stopped and displayed on a reel window is reduced.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The control unit is
As the specific control, there may be a case where an output frequency of an effect instructing to stop and display a combination of symbols corresponding to the second state, which is a type different from the specific type, on a reel window is reduced.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1.