JP7802338B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines installed in amusement parks and other facilities.

Conventionally, there have been gaming machines installed in amusement parks and the like (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-132813

However, there was room for improvement in conventional gaming machines.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a gaming state control means capable of controlling a gaming state to any one of a plurality of gaming states including a first gaming state and a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state, an RT control means capable of controlling a specific infinite RT in which the number of games played is not predetermined, a counting means for counting the number of games played in the specific infinite RT, and a benefit awarding means capable of awarding a benefit advantageous to the player according to the counted value of the counting means , and the RT control means controls the specific infinite RT. When the game state is shifted from the second game state to the first game state while the counting means is controlling the specific infinite RT, the counting means can continue to count without resetting the counting value when the game state is shifted from the second game state to the first game state while the counting means is controlling the specific infinite RT, and the bonus awarding means is configured to award the bonus in accordance with the counting value of the counting means when the game state is controlled to the specific infinite RT in the first game state shifted from the second game state.

1A and 1B are a front view and a perspective view showing the internal configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating examples of reel patterns and winning combinations according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a set lottery table according to the embodiment. A diagram explaining the transition of the RT state and the transition of the game area in an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a stage transition according to an embodiment.

(Embodiment)
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Configuration of gaming machine 10]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the gaming machine 10 as seen from the front side, showing the internal configuration.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of reel symbols and winning combinations according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the gaming machine 10 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a set lottery table 25c according to the embodiment.
The gaming machine 10 is a slot machine installed in an amusement park or the like.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 includes a cabinet 10b having an opening on the front side, and a front door 10a that opens and closes the opening.
As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the gaming machine 10 is equipped with a medal insertion slot 11, a bet button 12, a start lever 13, navigation lamps 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) (alert means), stop buttons 15 (15L, 15C, 15R) (operation means), advantageous zone lamps 16, a display unit 17, lamps 18, speakers 19 (output means), reels 20 (20L, 20C, 20R) (display means), a drum unit 21, a medal payout device 22, a setting button 24, a main control board 25, and a sub-control board 26.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a memory unit and a control unit provided on the main control board 25 and the sub-control board 26, and is a device capable of various calculation processes and various controls, and is included in the concept of a computer. Each memory unit is equipped with a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element that stores programs, information, etc. necessary for the operation of the gaming machine 10. Each control unit is equipped with a CPU, etc. Each control unit realizes the various functions of the embodiment by appropriately reading and executing the various programs, etc. stored in the respective memory unit.

The medal insertion slot 11 is where a player inserts medals (game media). A medal selector 11a (medal detection means) is provided inside the medal insertion slot 11. The medal selector 11a is a sensor or the like that detects medals inserted into the medal insertion slot 11, and outputs a detection signal to a main control unit 25b (described later).
The bet button 12 and the start lever 13 are operation units that are operated by the player to start the game.
The bet button 12 is an example of an operation means capable of accepting a player's operation relating to setting the bet amount. The bet button 12 may include a plurality of buttons each having a different bet amount.

The navigation lamps 14 (14L, 14C, 14R) guide (inform) the player of the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R. The navigation lamps 14L, 14C, 14R are controlled to light up in order according to the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, 15R, thereby providing this guidance.
The stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are an example of operating means for stopping the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R. A stop button 15 is provided corresponding to each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R, and can accept an operation to stop the variable displayed symbols (identification information). The stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R become operable by, for example, lighting up light-emitting means such as LEDs built into each button.

The advantageous zone lamp 16 is controlled to light up while the player is in the advantageous zone. Note that the gaming machine 10 may control, instead of the advantageous zone lamp 16, to light up the "dot" portion of a 7-segment display (also called "7-seg") that constitutes a payout number display unit that displays the number of medals paid out, for example.
The display unit 17 is a liquid crystal display device, etc. The display unit 17 displays various effects using images, various information related to the game, etc.
The lamp 18 and the speaker 19 produce effects such as light emission and sound.
The display unit 17, lamp 18, speaker 19, etc. can be used as notification means, presentation means, etc. by outputting various information.

The reels 20 (20L, 20C, 20R) are an example of a variable display means that variably displays symbols.
A plurality of (e.g., 20) symbols are displayed on the periphery of each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R (see FIG. 2A). The types of symbols include, for example, "watermelon,""cherry,""bell,""RP1,""RP2,""7," and "BAR."
The drum unit 21 is a device that rotates the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R and is provided inside the housing 10b.
In the above-described embodiment, some of the symbols on the circumferential surfaces of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R that are driven to rotate are visible through the window portion on the front surface of the front door 10a, and the symbols are displayed in a variable manner.
The form of the variable display means is not limited to this, and for example, the number of symbols on the peripheral surface may be other than 20. Furthermore, the form of the variable display means may not be a mechanical reel, but may be a form in which symbols are displayed on a liquid crystal display device or the like.
The medal payout device 22 is a device that pays out medals stored in a hopper 22a to a medal payout opening 22b.

The setting button 24 is used to select and set the winning rate for each winning combination (i.e., the degree of advantage in the game) from multiple probability values (setting values) by accepting a selection operation by the gaming facility manager, etc.

As shown in Figure 3, the main control board 25, the bet button 12, the start lever 13, the stop button 15, the advantageous zone lamp 16, the drum unit 21, the medal payout device 22, and the setting button 24, etc. are connected by communication cables and are capable of communication.
The main control board 25 includes a main memory unit 25a (storage means) and a main control unit 25b (RT control means, game state control means, stop display control means, counting means, and bonus granting means).
The main memory unit 25a stores various information such as game programs relating to games and tables for conducting internal lotteries.

Although not shown in the figure, the main memory unit 25a stores, for example, an internal lottery table and a payout table.
The internal lottery table defines the winning rate of each winning combination in each game. The internal lottery table stores each winning combination in association with its winning rate. The internal lottery table has information corresponding to settings 1 to 6. The internal lottery table also stores information that indicates different winning rates for winning combinations for each RT state (described later).
The settings are as follows: setting 1 is the lowest setting, and setting 6 is the highest setting. The higher the setting, the more advantageous it is for the player. The settings may be five or less levels, or seven or more levels, and the allocation rates for various winning combinations may be the same for some or all of them, or may be different.
The payout table stores each winning combination and the number of medals to be paid out when each winning combination is achieved in association with each other.
The internal lottery table and the payout table are set so that the net increase in the number of coins in the ART stage is, for example, about three coins.

As shown in FIG. 4, the main memory unit 25a also stores a set lottery table 25c. The set lottery table 25c is referenced during the set lottery process for the number of sets (benefits, rights related to the second game state) that can be played on the ART stage (described below). The set lottery table 25c stores the RT count value for each RT and the number of winning sets in association with each other. Details of the set lottery process will be described below.

The main control unit 25b operates according to the program stored in the main storage unit 25a, and thereby performs processes related to the progress of games on the gaming machine 10.
In addition, the main control unit 25b realizes game play on the gaming machine 10 by controlling game progress processing involving internal lottery processing, management of various information stored in the main memory unit 25a, and devices such as the medal payout device 22, in response to the operation of operating units such as the start lever 13.
The detailed processing of the main control unit 25b will be described later.

The sub-control board 26 is connected to the navigation lamp 14, display unit 17, lamps 18, speaker 19, etc. via a communication cable, enabling communication. The sub-control board 26 controls these devices in response to instructions from the main control board 25.

The sub-control board 26 includes a sub-storage unit 26a and a sub-control unit 26b.
The sub-storage unit 26a stores various information such as game programs relating to games.
The sub-controller 26b processes and controls notifications, effects, etc. synchronized with play on the gaming machine 10 in response to commands (instructions) from the main controller 25b of the main control board 25. The sub-controller 26b controls the display unit 17, lamps 18, speakers 19, etc. to produce effects such as video output, light emission, and fanfare sound output. These outputs and effects include, for example, notifications of transitions in game states, effects corresponding to each game state, etc.

[Basic Operation of Gaming Machine 10]
The main control unit 25b of the main control board 25 and the sub-control unit 26b of the sub-control board 26 perform the basic operations of the game as follows.
At the start of each game (also referred to as the game in question, the current game, etc.), the bet amount is set using medals (including credit medals). The bet amount can be set by directly inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 11, by pressing the bet button 12, or the like.

In the method of inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 11, a predetermined number of bets corresponding to the number of medals inserted (however, the upper limit of the bet is "3" corresponding to three medals) is set.
In the method using the bet button 12, when the bet button 12 is operated, a predetermined number of medals is subtracted from the credit medals, and the subtracted amount is set as the bet amount. The credit medals are added by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 11 or winning, and for example, up to 50 medals can be credited (stored) as internal data.

The bet amount set by inserting a medal or operating the bet button 12 is stored in the main memory unit 25a of the main control board 25. When the bet amount reaches a predetermined number, the game becomes ready to start with the right to play one game.
The upper limit of the multiplication factor may be "4" or more.

In the above-described game startable state, operation of the start lever 13 is valid. When the start lever 13 is tilted in this valid state, the game starts. In the embodiment, operating the start lever 13 while it is valid is also referred to as a "game start operation." In response to the game start operation, the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R begin to move, and an internal lottery process is executed to determine the lottery results for the current game from among multiple winning combinations (including losing combinations), such as RP (replay) combinations and small combinations, before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R stop. As a result, the main control unit 25b determines whether or not to award gaming media through the internal lottery.
In the internal lottery process, a winning combination for the current game is determined by lottery from among a plurality of winning combinations based on a predetermined winning probability.
In this embodiment, the internal lottery process is completed before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R reach a steady rotation, but it may also be completed before the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R start to rotate.

The reels 20L, 20C, and 20R gradually increase their rotation speed from a stopped state and then reach a steady state where they rotate at a constant speed. When the reels reach this steady state, the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R provided corresponding to the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R become operable (stop button operation is enabled).
When each stop button 15 is pressed in this state, the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R are controlled to stop with a combination of symbols that is permitted by the timing of the operation and the result of the internal lottery process.

After the third reel is stopped, the combination of symbols stopped on the winning line is judged, and if it is a predetermined combination of symbols, it is judged as a winning, and a game value according to the combination of symbols is awarded.
The third reel refers to the reel that is stopped the third time, when the three reels 20L, 20C, and 20R are each stopped three times. The period after the third reel is stopped refers to the period after the player releases his/her finger from the stop button 15 that was used to stop the third reel.

As an example of the game value, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a small win stops, a small win is determined, and the medal payout device 22 is driven and controlled to pay out a predetermined number of medals to the medal payout outlet 22b.
The payout of medals can be configured so that only the amount exceeding the upper limit of credit medals is paid out, but it can also be configured so that medals corresponding to a winning prize are paid out each time a prize is won by operating a predetermined button or the like in advance.

In the stopped state, three consecutive symbols displayed in the vertical direction on each of the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R are stopped so as to be visible from outside the machine (also called "stop display"). As a result, the main control unit 25b controls the variable displayed symbols so as to be stopped in a manner based on the determination result of the internal lottery.
Then, the main control unit 25b determines whether or not a win has been made based on the stop display mode at this time.
The main control unit 25b determines whether a win has been made based on the combination of symbols that have stopped on the winning line in the middle row (the center of the three symbols that are consecutive in the vertical direction). Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to this, and it may be, for example, five lines in total, consisting of three lines in the top, middle, and bottom rows and two diagonal lines, or any one or more of these five lines.

(Winning role)
The winning combinations include, for example, "small combinations,""push order RP combinations 1 and 2," and "SB (single bonus) combinations."
The combination of symbols corresponding to the "small winning combination" is, for example, a bell combination, a rare combination, a chance combination, a losing combination, and the like.
The symbol combination corresponding to the "bell role" is "bell, bell, bell" in the order of "reel 20L (left), reel 20C (center), reel 20R (right)" on the winning line.
Furthermore, the "bell role" includes a "common bell role" and a "push order bell role."
When the "common bell role" is won, a combination of symbols is obtained regardless of the pressing order. In the embodiment, the winning rate of the "common bell role" is set to, for example, 1/10.
When you win the "Push Order Bell Role," you can complete the combination of symbols by performing the stopping operation corresponding to the push order.

The rare combinations are Cherry and Watermelon. The symbol combination for Cherry is "Cherry, Any, Any" (where "ANY" is any symbol), and the symbol combination for Watermelon is "Watermelon, Watermelon, Watermelon."
In a game in which a rare combination is won, the sub-controller 26b displays an image of a symbol corresponding to the rare combination or an image suggesting the symbol on the display unit 17. The player performs an operation involving eye-pressing in accordance with this display, that is, stops the reels 20L, 20C, and 20R at the timing when the same symbol as that displayed on the display unit 17 stops on the winning line. In response to this stop operation, the main controller 25b stops and displays a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination.
The combination of chance symbols is "bell, watermelon, RP1", etc.

When the combination of symbols corresponding to "Push Order RP Role 1, 2" stops, a replay win is determined, and the player can play the next game without inserting medals, i.e., without spending medals.
The symbol combinations corresponding to "Push Order RP Roles 1 and 2" are "RP1, RP1, RP1" and "RP2, RP2, RP2", respectively.
The symbol combination corresponding to the "SB role" is "BAR, SB, SB", etc. The "SB role" is a 0-coin role. Therefore, even if the symbol corresponding to the symbol combination corresponding to the "SB role" is stopped and displayed, no medals will be paid out.

(Push order)
The pressing order is the order in which the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operated.
In this embodiment, the winning roles associated with the push order include the push order bell role and the push order RP roles 1 and 2.
The push order bell role further includes push order bell roles 1 to 6, which have different operating orders for the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R. As described below, when the determination result by the internal lottery is a push order bell role (specific determination result) and the operating manner of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R is in accordance with the pressing order (specific operating manner), the main control unit 25b executes control to stop and display the symbols in a "bell bell bell" (specific manner), which is a combination of symbols corresponding to the bell role.
In an embodiment, when a winning role involving a push order such as a push order bell role is won, and the corresponding push order is used to operate the role, this is also referred to as a correct push order bell, correct push order, correct, etc., while failure to operate the role in the corresponding push order is also referred to as an incorrect push order bell, incorrect push order, incorrect, etc.

As an example of notification of the push order, for example, if the user wins "Push Order Bell Role 1" out of "Push Order Bell Roles 1 to 6," the navigation lamps 14L, 14C, and 14R will light up sequentially from left to right, and the speaker 19 will output the respective sounds in the order of "left,""middle," and "right."
In this way, the navigation lamp 14 and the speaker 19 output information (specific information) relating to the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R.
In addition to or instead of the navigation lamp 14 and the speaker 19, the display unit 17 may output information relating to the operation order of the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R.
In the embodiment, when a winning combination that involves a push order is won, the navigation (announcement) of the push order is also called push order navigation.

In a game in which a player wins one of the "Push Order Bell Roles 1 to 6," if the player operates the stop button 15 according to the push order navigation, the player will get the correct push order. In response, a symbol combination corresponding to the "Push Order Bell Role" will be displayed in a stopped state, and the player will be awarded a gaming value (a specified number of medals will be paid out, a change in gaming state, etc.).
On the other hand, if a player operates the stop button 15 without following the push order navigation in a game in which he or she has won one of the "Push Order Bell Roles 1 to 6," the push order will be incorrect. In this case, the combination of symbols corresponding to the "Push Order Bell Role" will not stop (so-called "Bell Drop" or "Bell Drop"). In this case, the predetermined combination of symbols may be displayed in a stopped state, and one medal may be paid out.

Similarly, Push Order RP roles 1 and 2 each have six winning roles with different operation orders, and by performing a stop operation corresponding to the push order in a game in which each winning role is won, the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning role will be stopped. Also, when push order navigation is executed, by performing a stop operation in accordance with the push order navigation, the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning role will be stopped. Also, when push order RP roles 1 and 2 are won, if the push order is incorrect, a combination of symbols other than those corresponding to push order RP roles 1 and 2 may be displayed as stopped.

[Game Status of Gaming Machine 10]
The gaming state of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the transition of the RT state and the transition of the game zone in the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the transition of stages according to the embodiment.
The main control unit 25b of the main control board 25 and the sub-control unit 26b of the sub-control board 26 can control the gaming machine 10 to a plurality of gaming states, and perform various processes in each gaming state, control of transitions between gaming states (hereinafter simply referred to as "transitions"), etc. as follows. The state controlled to a gaming state is also referred to as staying in each gaming state, etc.
Unless otherwise specified below, the transition from one gaming state to another is basically made after the third reel is stopped in the game in which the transition condition is met. However, this is not limited to this, and the transition may occur from the next game after the transition condition is met.
In addition, in the embodiment, the number of games, the execution of a game, etc. will also be referred to as "G" as appropriate.

(RT0-3 states, SB state)
As shown in Figure 5 (A), the gaming state is controlled so that it can be transitioned between RT0 to RT3. In the embodiment, these gaming states are also simply referred to as RT0 to RT3. The SB state is also simply referred to as SB.
RT is an abbreviation for replay time, and RT0 to RT3 have different winning rates for replay roles, etc. Although there are four RT states in this embodiment, there may be three or less, or five or more.
RT0 is controlled immediately after the power is turned on or after a setting change operation is performed on the gaming machine 10. Also, control is performed to RT0 in response to winning an SB role (a symbol combination corresponding to an SB role stopping) while staying in RT1 to RT3.

RT1 is a state in which there is a high probability of winning push order RP role 1.
The condition for ending RT1 is to satisfy one of the following conditions:
- You win the push order RP role 1 and the push order is correct.If this termination condition is met, you will move on to RT2.
- Winning the SB role. If this termination condition is met, you will transition to SB.

RT2 is a state in which there is a high probability of winning the push order RP role 2.
The termination condition for RT2 is to satisfy one of the following conditions:
- If you win the push order RP role 2 and press the buttons in the correct order, you will move on to RT3.
- Winning the SB role. If this termination condition is met, you will transition to SB.
- If you win the push order bell role and press the buttons in the incorrect order, you will move on to RT1.

RT3 (specific infinite RT) is a state in which there is a high probability of winning the push order RP role 2.
The termination condition (continuation termination condition) of RT3 is to satisfy one of the following conditions.
・Winning the SB role (stopping in a predetermined stopping pattern)
When this termination condition is met, the process transitions to SB.
・You win the push order bell role and the push order is incorrect (predetermined stop pattern)
When this termination condition is met, the process moves to RT1.

SB is a gaming state in which only 1G is executed.
As mentioned above, SB transitions when the SB role is won while staying in RT1 to RT3 and the corresponding symbol stops in that game (winning the SB role). On the other hand, if the corresponding symbol does not stop in that game, the right to transition to SB is extinguished and there is no transition to SB. In other words, SB is a type of bonus that does not carry over the transition right.
As mentioned above, when the SB role is won, the game shifts to RT0. Also, if the SB role is not won (the winning symbol corresponding to the SB role does not stop), the current RT is maintained.

In this way, the winning of the SB role triggers a transition from RT1 to RT0 to RT0. However, the SB role is a 0-coin role, and RT0 is generally a less favorable gaming state than RT1 to RT3. For this reason, the gaming machine 10 is designed to notify players that they have won the SB role using the lamp 18, etc., when the SB role is won. This allows the player to perform a stopping operation that involves eye-pressing to prevent a transition to SB, that is, to prevent the symbol of the winning role corresponding to the SB role from stopping.

(Infinite RT, infinite count value)
As part of its functions, the main control unit 25b has a function (counter) of counting the number of games played in each of all RTs 0 to 3.
In this embodiment, the main control unit 25b resets the count value while in any of RTs 0 to 3 only when the RT's termination conditions are met, that is, when the transition conditions from each RT to another RT are met. Furthermore, there is no preset upper limit on the number of plays during an RT. Therefore, the RT continues unless the RT's termination conditions are met, regardless of the number of plays that increases with the execution of the game, and the count value is incremented each time a game is executed. In this embodiment, the count value counted in this manner is also referred to as an infinite count value, and an RT controlled based on the infinite count value is also referred to as an infinite RT. RTs 0 to 3 are infinite RTs.

(Normal section, advantageous section)
5(B), the gaming zone of the gaming machine 10 has a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone. Basically, the normal stage (described later) stays in the normal zone or an advantageous zone to which it transitions, and the ART stage (described later) stays in an advantageous zone.
The condition for transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone is, for example, winning a rare role, a common bell role, etc. while staying in the normal zone.
The conditions for transitioning from the advantageous zone to the normal zone are to meet one of the following conditions:
・Completing the advantageous section (i.e. reaching the advantageous section limiter)
The advantageous zone limiter, for example, satisfies at least one of the following conditions: a specified number of plays (e.g., 3000G) has been reached in the advantageous zone, and a specified difference in the number of medals (e.g., 2400 medals) has been paid out in the advantageous zone.
In this embodiment, the "difference in number" is what is known as "MY (number of medals paid out)", but it is also possible to use the pure "difference in number (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted)".
- Transition from the ART stage to the normal stage without completing the advantageous zone In this case, the advantageous zone may continue in the normal stage after the transition. However, as will be described later, the gaming machine 10 is designed to transition to the normal zone when transitioning from the ART stage to the normal stage so that the player can fully obtain the benefits of the advantageous zone in the next ART stage to which the game machine 10 transitions.

(ART state, non-ART state)
An ART state is a state controlled by an ART, and a non-ART state is a state not controlled by an ART.
ART is an abbreviation for Assist Replay Time, and is a game state in which the winning rate of replay roles is set high by combining RT and AT (abbreviation for Assist Time), and the winning of small roles, replay roles, etc. is assisted. Therefore, in the ART state, when the push order bell role, push order RP roles 1 and 2 are won, push order navigation is executed and the winning is assisted.
In the non-ART state, the push order navigation is not executed when the push order bell role or the push order RP roles 1 and 2 are won. For this reason, in the non-ART state, it is difficult for the player to win these winning roles.

(Game flow)
The normal stage and the ART stage will be explained below. Details of the set lottery that takes place during stays in these stages will be explained later.
As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 25b controls the stage (game state) so that it can be transitioned between a normal stage (first game state) and an ART stage (second game state).
"Stage control,""RT0-3control," and "game area control" are basically independent controls, with some exceptions.

It should be noted that the transitions between stages shown in FIG. 6 are merely illustrations of the basic flow of the game, and the flow may differ from this.
For example, while in the normal stage, it may be temporarily controlled to RT2. This occurs when, while controlled to RT1, the push order RP role 1 or the push order bell role is won, and even if the push order navigation is not executed in that game, the push order is accidentally correct. Even if the game transitions to RT2 in this way, in a subsequent game, even if the push order RP role 2 is won, the push order navigation is not executed, and the push order is incorrect. Similarly, even if the push order bell role is won, the push order is incorrect. As a result, the game will eventually transition to RT1, so while in the normal stage, the game is basically controlled to RT1.
Furthermore, as described above, the game of the embodiment is basically designed not to transition to SB, so that illustrations relating to RT0 and SB are omitted in FIG. 6 .

The normal stage is controlled by non-ART. Therefore, while staying in the normal stage, it is difficult to increase the number of medals acquired. On the other hand, the ART stage is controlled by ART. Therefore, while staying in the ART stage, if the push order bell role is won, push order navigation is executed. The ART stage is more advantageous for players than the normal stage, as it allows them to expect to acquire a large number of medals.
Therefore, the gaming machine 10 has a gameplay in which the player aims to move from the normal stage to the ART stage, and further aims to stay in the AT stage after the transition for a longer period of time.

Each stage will be described in detail.
(Normal stage)
While in the normal stage, the main control unit 25b executes a set lottery for the ART stage in a game in which a common bell role is won or a game in which a rare role is won. Note that, in a game in which a common bell role is won, the set lottery table 25c is referenced. In response to winning this set lottery, the main control unit 25b transitions from the normal stage to the ART stage. In other words, the condition for transitioning from the normal stage to the ART stage is that, in each game in the normal stage, after winning the common bell role, the set lottery executed in that game is won, or the set lottery executed in the game in which a rare role is won is won.

(RT control during normal stage stay)
As will be explained below, while staying in the normal stage, the stage is basically controlled to RT0, RT1 or RT3.
That is, immediately after power is turned on or the settings are changed, the device is basically controlled to RT0 and stays in the normal stage.
In the normal stage, the push order navigation is not executed, so even if you win the push order bell role while controlled in RT0, it will basically be an incorrect push order. This will cause a transition from RT0 to RT1.
Also, as will be described later, in the normal stage immediately after the transition from the ART stage, it is controlled to RT1 or RT3. Even if it is controlled to RT3, if the push order bell is incorrect, it will be controlled to RT1.

During the RT1 stage of the normal stage (see #1 in FIG. 6), the player plays the game repeatedly, waiting for the first win in the set lottery. In other words, the player continues playing the game, aiming to win the common bell or rare combination, and also to win the set lottery in that game.
Also, as will be described in detail later, in the state where the normal stage immediately after the transition from the ART stage is controlled to RT3 (see #2 in FIG. 6), it is controlled so that it is easier to win the set lottery. In other words, in the normal stage after the transition from the ART stage, until the push order bell is incorrect, it is a chance for the player to pull back (to move back to the ART stage with fewer games in the normal stage transitioned from the ART stage). Note that until the push order bell is incorrect, the display unit 17, lamp 18, etc. may indicate that there is a chance to pull back.

(ART Stage)
After the transition to the ART stage, the number of games played will be equal to the number of sets that were won in the set lottery during the normal stage. The number of games played in one set is 100G.
Furthermore, the main control unit 25b executes a set lottery in a game in which a rare role is won while the player is in the ART stage. The probability of winning this set lottery is, for example, 1/10 when a rare role is won. The number of sets is increased. By winning this set lottery, the number of sets executed while the player is in the ART is increased, and the number of games that can be executed is added.

(RT control while staying on the ART stage)
The RT control immediately after the transition to the ART stage differs in part depending on the path #1a or #2a that transitions to the ART stage.
(Route #1a: First hit)
Path #1a is the first winning pattern.
In route #1a, the stage transitions to the ART stage while being controlled by RT1 during the normal stage stay, and continues to be controlled by RT1 even immediately after transitioning to the ART stage.
After the transition to the ART stage, the push order navigation is executed, so the player can correctly guess the push order when the push order RP role 1 is won while controlled in RT1. This allows for an easy transition from RT1 to RT2. Similarly, when the push order RP role 2 is won while controlled in RT2, the correct push order allows for an easy transition to RT3.
In this case, the count to infinity value of RT3 counts from 0.

However, in the case of the first set of the initial win, the infinite count value of RT3 starts counting the number of games of 100G/1 set after transitioning to RT3. This allows the gaming machine 10 to award the player a profit corresponding to the number of winning sets.
That is, even if a player transitions to the ART stage after winning the first jackpot, multiple games must be played between RT1 and RT3. Therefore, unlike the embodiment, if the counting of the number of games in the first set starts immediately after transitioning to the ART stage, for example, if three sets are won and the player transitions to the ART stage, the infinite count value of RT3 will not reach 300G. In this case, if the player maintains RT3 and transitions to the normal stage (see paths #5a and #5a in FIG. 6), the player will not be able to fully obtain the benefits of the "200 to 299G" portion of RT3 on the set lottery table 25c, which has a high winning rate, during the set lottery in the normal stage.
In contrast to this, in the embodiment, immediately after the transition to the ART stage, the counting of the number of games in the first set starts after the transition to RT3. As a result, even in the case of the above example, the infinite count value of RT3 reaches 300G, so the player can fully obtain the profits of the "200 to 299G" portion of the set lottery table 25c, which has a high winning rate.

(Route #2a: Pullback)
Path #2a is a pattern in which the player transitions from the normal stage to the ART stage by pulling back.
Since RT3 is an infinite RT, it will continue unless the termination conditions (i.e., incorrect push order bell role or winning of SB role) are met. Therefore, RT3 during the ART stage may continue even after transitioning to the normal stage (see paths #5a and #5b in Figure 6).
In this way, if the set lottery is won while the player is in the normal stage and is controlled in RT3, the player will transition to the ART stage while continuing to be controlled in RT3.
In this case, the infinite count value of RT3 is counted continuously from the normal stage.

In this way, both paths #1a and #2a can basically be controlled by RT3 after transitioning to the ART stage, although some control is different.

(Game flow when transitioning to the normal stage after control to RT3)
There are two main ways to transition from the ART stage to the normal stage: when the advantageous zone is completed (i.e., when the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met), or when the number of games corresponding to the number of sets is played.

(Complete advantageous section: Route #5a)
The advantageous zone is basically completed when the number of sets acquired meets the conditions for ending the advantageous zone, and the player continues to operate according to the push order navigation when each push order bell role is won. In this case, the number of medals acquired increases steadily and reaches the upper limit of the advantageous zone, or the number of games reaches the upper limit of the advantageous zone.
In this way, if the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met, the push order bell will not be incorrect, that is, the conditions for ending RT3 will not be met. Therefore, even if you are in the normal stage after moving from the ART stage, you will continue to be controlled in RT3.
In this case, the infinite count value of RT3 will continue without being reset even after the advantageous zone is completed.

(When the number of games corresponding to the number of sets has been played)
If the number of sets acquired does not satisfy the conditions for ending the advantageous zone, the player will transition to the normal stage from the ART stage by consuming the number of sets.
In this case, the route may be via route #5b or route #5c.
(Route #5b)
Path #5b is the case where the player continues to operate according to the push order navigation when each push order bell role is won, but the total number of sets won in the set lottery (the total number of sets won (consecutive wins) during the normal stage and the number of sets won (pulled back) during the ART stage) does not meet the conditions for ending the advantageous zone, so the advantageous zone is not completed. In this case, the push order bell is not incorrect, which means that the conditions for ending RT3 are not met. Therefore, just like when the advantageous zone is completed (path #5a), control continues to RT3 even while staying in the normal stage to which the player transitioned from the ART stage.

(Route #5c → #5a, Route #5c → #3a, etc.)
Route #5c is an example of when the push order bell is incorrectly selected (i.e., the player does not follow the push order navigation) when the push order bell role is won. In this case, the ART stage is maintained, but it is controlled from RT3 to RT1. As a result, the infinite count value of RT3 is reset.

In this way, even if you transition from RT3 to RT1 while in the ART stage, the number of times you can play in the ART stage can be consumed regardless of the type of RT you are in (even if it is not RT3), so it is deducted each time a game is played. Therefore, even if you transition to RT1, you can stay in the ART stage for a long time if there are a large number of remaining sets, games, etc. Therefore, by following the push order navigation when you win the push order RP role 1 or 2, it is entirely possible to transition from RT1 to RT2, and then from RT2 to RT3.
However, after resetting, the infinite count value of RT3 starts counting from 0 G. Then, there are cases where the game transitions to the normal stage (path #5a, #5b, etc.) when the infinite count value of RT3 has not increased sufficiently (for example, less than 200 G, less than 300 G, etc.).
As will be described in detail later, the winning rate of the set lottery when the infinite count value of RT3 is less than 200G, less than 300G, etc. is low. Therefore, if the game transitions to the normal stage (see #2 in FIG. 6) without the infinite count value of RT3 having increased sufficiently, the player will not be able to fully obtain the profits of the high winning rate portion of the set lottery table 25c. In other words, the possibility of being able to return to the ART stage after transitioning to the normal stage is low.

On the other hand, as shown in path #3a, if the number of remaining sets is small, the remaining sets may be consumed and the game may transition to the ART stage while being controlled by RT1.
Although the details will be described later, in the normal stage controlled by RT1 (see #1 in FIG. 6), the main control unit 25b executes the set lottery by referring to the winning rate for RT1 in the set lottery table 25c, and therefore the winning rate is low. Therefore, if the game moves to the normal stage via path #3a, the player will not be able to fully obtain the benefits of the part of the set lottery table 25c with a high winning rate.

In this way, going through route #5c may result in a player not being able to obtain sufficient profit in the set lottery after the transition to the normal stage, so from the standpoint of playability, it acts as a penalty to the player for not following the push order navigation when winning the push order bell role.
Furthermore, when the player moves to the normal stage via the above-mentioned routes #3a and #5b, the player moves from the advantageous zone to the normal zone from the viewpoint of gameplay. This is because the player can obtain more profit from the advantageous zone when moving back to the ART stage. However, this is not limited to this, and the player may continue to stay in the advantageous zone when moving to the normal stage via routes #3a and #5b.

[Set lottery]
The set lottery for sets that can be played on the ART stage will be explained.
The main control unit 25b executes a set lottery based on the stage, the type of RT, and the count-to-infinity value, as will be described below.

(Set lottery during regular stage stay)
During the normal stage, the main control unit 25b performs a set lottery with a probability of, for example, 1/100 in a game in which a rare combination is won, regardless of whether the player is in the normal zone or the advantageous zone. The winning rate is, for example, 1/10.
Furthermore, the main control unit 25b performs a set lottery by referring to the set lottery table 25c in a game in which the common bell role is won, regardless of whether the player is in the normal zone or the advantageous zone.
Below, we will mainly explain the latter set lottery.

In the set lottery during the normal stage stay, the lottery processing is mainly carried out based on the infinite count value in a state controlled to RT0 or RT1 for the first winning lottery, while the lottery processing is mainly carried out based on the infinite count value in a state controlled to RT3 for the pull-back lottery.
The first winning lottery during a normal stage stay occurs in one of the following cases:

(First winning lottery based on RT0)
・RT0:0~19G
Immediately after powering on, when staying in RT0 after changing the settings, when SB role is won, "0G to 19G" in the state controlled by RT0 has an extremely low winning rate of the set lottery (winning rate 1/255). For this reason, the player will proceed with the game aiming to move to RT1, that is, to get the push order bell wrong.

・RT0: 20G and later The winning rate for the set lottery from 20G onwards in RT0 is higher than the winning rate for the set lottery in RT1. In other words, the winning rate is 100/256 for 1 set, 26/256 for 2 sets, 1/256 for 3 sets, and 1/256 for 8 sets.
For this reason, the player may proceed with the game with the aim of staying continuously in RT0. If the player selects such a strategy, if the player wins an SB role after transitioning from RT0 to RT1, the player may proceed with the game so as to transition back to RT0 by winning the SB role. However, even if the player aims to stay continuously in RT0, the game state will transition to RT1 if the push order bell is incorrect. For this reason, such a strategy cannot be actively adopted.
In other words, the game play of the gaming machine 10 is such that if there is a long period of time during RT0 where the push order bell role is not won (i.e., no win for 20G or more), the probability of moving to the ART stage increases.

(First winning lottery based on RT1, #1a in Figure 6)
・RT1: 0-99G
The 0-99G of RT1 during the first winning set lottery is the same as the 0-19G of RT0, and the winning rate for the set lottery is extremely low (1/255).
・RT1: 99G and later The winning rate for set lotteries from 20G onwards in RT1 is higher than the winning rate for set lotteries from 0 to 99G. In other words, the winning rate is 23/255 for one set and 3/255 for two sets.
In addition, since the push order navigation is not executed during the normal stage, the game state does not generally transition to RT2. Therefore, the normal stage during RT1 has the gameplay of waiting for the first win of the set lottery after 20G of RT1.

(Return lottery based on the infinite count value of RT3, #2 in Figure 6)
When RT3, which is currently in the ART stage, continues even after transitioning to the normal stage, the main control unit 25b conducts a set lottery based on the infinite count value of RT3.
As will be explained below, the set lottery table 25c is basically set so that it is easier to win the set lottery when staying in RT3 than when staying in RT0 to RT2.

・RT3 infinite count value: 0 to 99G
The set winning rate is 100/255 for 1 set, 26/255 for 2 sets, 1/255 for 3 sets, and 1/255 for 8 sets. Therefore, the probability of transitioning to the ART stage when the common bell role is won is 128/255, which is more than 1/2.
・RT3 infinite count value: 100-199G
The set winning rate for 100 to 199G is temporarily lower than the above-mentioned "0 to 99G". In other words, the winning rate is 23/255 for one set and 3/255 for two sets. Therefore, the probability of transitioning to the ART stage when a common bell role is won is 26/255, which is lower than the above-mentioned "0 to 99G".

・RT3 infinite count value: 200-299G
Between 200 and 299G, the winning rate increases again. That is, 1 set is 100/256, 2 sets is 26/256, 3 sets is 1/256, and 8 sets is 1/256, which is almost the same as the winning rate for the infinite count value between 0 and 99G (1/2 winning rate).
・RT3 infinite count value: 300-399G, ..., 800G and beyond The winning rate after 300G is 255/255. Therefore, a common bell win determines the addition of a set to the ART stage. Therefore, for the player, if the common bell wins, the transition from the normal stage to the ART stage is almost certain, which is extremely advantageous for the player.
In addition, the set lottery table 25c is set so that from 300G onwards in RT3, it is easier to win a larger number of sets every 100G, that is, it is set so that the winning rate increases in order.

(Set lottery during stay at ART Stage)
As mentioned above, the main control unit 25b executes a set lottery in a game in which a rare combination is won while the player is in the ART stage, and if the set lottery is won, one set is added to the number of sets the player owns. The winning probability is, for example, 1/10.
In addition, when the stage shifts to the ART stage due to the first winning (path #1a), the lottery process is performed in each RT while shifting to RT1, RT2, and RT3 in that order. On the other hand, when the stage shifts to the ART stage due to the pull-back lottery (path #2a), the lottery process is performed under the control of RT3.

(If you move from RT3 to RT1 while staying in the ART stage, use route #5c in Figure 6)
If the push order bell is incorrect during RT3 while in the ART stage, the RT3 termination condition is met, and the player transitions from RT3 to RT1. This resets the infinite count value for RT3. Thus, even though the more times RT3 is played, the more advantageous it is for the player, the count value is reset.

Furthermore, if the player transitions to the normal stage while in RT1, the main control unit 25b will conduct a set lottery based on the RT1 infinite count value while in the normal stage. In this case, the RT1 infinite count value is in the state after reset, so it counts from 0G. Furthermore, the winning rate for the RT1 set lottery is significantly lower than the winning rate for the RT3 set lottery (excluding 100-299G). For this reason, if the player transitions to RT1 while in the ART stage, the winning rate for the set lottery will decrease, putting the player at a disadvantage.

Also, although not shown in Figure 6, if the push order bell is pressed incorrectly while in RT2 after transitioning to the ART stage, the player will similarly transition to RT1, which will be disadvantageous to the player.
Therefore, in order to play advantageously, the player needs to follow the push order navigation while in the ART stage.

Therefore, the gaming machine 10 has the following gameplay characteristics.
- Stay in the ART stage for as long as possible, and move from the ART stage to the normal stage while increasing the RT3 infinite count value as much as possible until the number of sets in the ART stage reaches 0 sets and the number of remaining games reaches 0G.
・When the number of sets in the ART stage becomes 0 sets and the number of remaining games becomes 0G, the game state (display screen) of the normal stage will be entered and the normal section will be entered, and the RT state will be maintained.
Before the push order bell role is won (i.e., before the push order bell is incorrectly selected due to the push order navigation not being executed and the game transitions from RT3 to RT1), the common bell role is won. Then, in the game in which the common bell role is won, if the set win is won and set stock is acquired, the game can transition to the ART stage (display screen).

Therefore, whether or not you can move from the normal stage of RT3 to the ART stage (i.e., whether or not you can pull back) greatly affects the winning rate of the push order bell role in RT3 and the winning rate of the common bell role.
In other words, the higher the winning rate of the push order bell role, the higher the probability that the push order bell role will be won before the common bell role, so the probability that RT3 during the normal stage will transition to RT1 due to an incorrect push order bell answer increases. Once transitioning to RT1, the winning rate of the set lottery becomes extremely lower than that of RT3.
On the other hand, if the winning rate of the common bell role in RT3 is too high compared to the winning rate of the push order bell, the probability of transitioning from the normal stage to the ART stage will be too high, which will be too advantageous for the player.
In the gaming machine 10 of the embodiment, the winning rate of the common bell role in RT3 is, for example, 1 in 10, while the winning rate of the push order bell role is, for example, 1 in 1.5. As a result, the gaming machine 10 is designed so that when RT3 continues and the game moves from the ART stage to the normal stage, there is a probability of winning the set lottery about once in six to seven times.

As explained above, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, RT3 is an infinite RT, so RT3 in the ART stage can continue even after transitioning to the normal stage. Furthermore, the gaming machine 10 can be controlled to transition to the ART stage by performing a set lottery process based on the infinite count value of RT3 in the normal stage. This increases the player's chances of winning medals that exceed the advantageous zone restrictions, even if there are restrictions, thereby increasing the player's enjoyment of the game.

In contrast, with conventional gaming machines, once the limit of the advantageous zone is reached and the machine transitions to a non-AT state, non-ART state, etc., it becomes difficult to win medals that exceed the constraints of the advantageous zone (such as a difference of 2,400 medals). This can leave players feeling unsatisfied.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
The configurations of the above-described embodiment and the configurations of the modified embodiments described below can be used in appropriate combinations, but detailed description thereof will be omitted.

(Modified form)
(1) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which during an ART stage controlled by RT3, the set lottery is won with a probability of, for example, 1/10 when a rare role is won, but this is not limited to this. Any form can be used as long as the set winning rate during an ART stage controlled by RT3 can be controlled so as not to become extremely large. For example, during a stay in the ART stage, instead of the infinite count value of RT3, a set lottery may be performed by referring to the set lottery table 25c based on the number of games played during the stay in the ART stage.

In addition, the relationship between the ease of returning from the normal stage controlled by RT3 to the ART stage (i.e., the degree to which the common bell role is easier to win than the push order bell role) and the winning rate of the set lottery while staying in the ART stage controlled by RT3 may be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the gaming machine, etc.
In other words, if the specifications make it easy to pull back, the winning rate of the set lottery while staying in the ART stage may be lowered. In this case, it is difficult to win consecutive games while staying in the ART stage, and therefore it is difficult to complete the advantageous zone. As a result, by going back and forth between the normal stage and the ART stage multiple times, it is possible to provide the player with game value that exceeds the constraints of the advantageous zone.
On the other hand, if the specification makes it difficult to pull back, the winning rate of the set lottery while staying in the ART stage may be increased. In this case, since it is easy to win consecutive games while staying in the ART stage, it is easy to complete the advantageous zone. As a result, even though it is difficult to pull back the ART stage, once it is possible to pull back, it will be necessary to go through two or more ART stages, and as a result, it is possible to provide the player with gaming value that exceeds the constraints of the advantageous zone.

(2) In the embodiment, when a transition from RT3 to RT1 occurs while in the ART stage (see #5c in Figure 6), the number of remaining sets and games in the ART stage are maintained, but this is not limited to this. In this case, some or all of the number of remaining sets and games may be erased. In this case, a stronger penalty can be imposed on the player for not following the push order navigation when the push order bell role is won.

(3) In the embodiment, an example of stage transition between a normal stage and an ART stage is shown, but this is not limiting. For example, the stage transition from the normal stage may be an AT stage controlled to an AT state.

(4) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which, in the case of the first win, the state basically transitions to the ART stage from RT1, but this is not limited to this.
For example, in a game in which a chance symbol role is won while staying in the normal stage, a CZ lottery process may be performed to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ (chance zone) stage. In this CZ stage, if the player stays in the CZ stage for several games and the push order navigation is executed with a high probability when a push order RP role is won, the transition from RT1 to RT2 becomes more likely. In this case, the gaming machine can provide a game in which the player waits for a set lottery win while transitioning between RT1 and RT2.

(5) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the benefit that is the subject of the lottery process is the number of sets that can be played on the ART stage, but this is not limited to this.
The privilege may be a right related to the ART stage, and may be anything that benefits the player. The privilege may be, for example, an improvement in the loop rate of the ART stage, an increase in the difference in the number of coins that can be obtained in the ART stage, an increase in the number of games that can be played in the ART stage (in this case, it may be only the first stage, etc.), an improvement in the degree of advantage in various specialized zones, etc.
In addition, the benefits may be related to various effects, such as unlocking background music settings, unlocking the ability to customize the audio when performing button press navigation, or changing setting suggestions (for example, changing the suggestion from settings 2, 4, and 6 to a suggestion that setting 2 is confirmed, etc.).

(6) In the embodiment, an example was shown in which the advantageous zone lamp lights up while the player is in the advantageous zone, but this is not limited to this. The advantageous zone lamp may also light up when the player enters a gaming state in which medals are likely to increase (various bonuses, AT, ART, etc.). Furthermore, the advantageous zone lamp may not light up even when the player is in the advantageous zone.
Furthermore, the advantageous zone lamp may not be provided. In this case, the main control board may notify the player that the AT, ART, etc. is in progress by, for example, controlling the lighting of a lamp (such as an AT lamp) that is different from the advantageous zone lamp.

(7) In the embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine, but is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be, for example, a pachinko machine, a ball slot machine, or other gaming machines.
The gaming machine may also be a so-called medal-less gaming machine that can play games using pseudo gaming media in the form of data rather than using actual gaming media such as medals.Furthermore, the gaming machine may be a so-called enclosed gaming machine that can play games by circulating gaming media such as gaming balls internally rather than paying them out to the outside.

10: Gaming machine 14, 14C, 14L, 14R: Navigation lamp 15, 15C, 15L, 15R: Stop button 20, 20C, 20L, 20R: Reels 25: Main control board 25a: Main memory unit 25b: Main control unit 26: Sub-control board 26a: Sub-memory unit 26b: Sub-control unit

Claims (5)

a game state control means capable of controlling a game state to any one of a plurality of game states including a first game state and a second game state that is more advantageous to a player than the first game state;
RT control means capable of controlling to a specific infinite RT in which the number of games to stay is not predetermined;
A counting means for counting the number of games in the specific infinite RT;
a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus advantageous to a player in accordance with the counted value of the counting means ;
Equipped with
The RT control means
In a state in which the specific infinite RT is controlled, when the second gaming state is shifted to the first gaming state, the specific infinite RT can be continuously controlled,
The counting means
In a state where the specific infinite RT is controlled, when the second gaming state is shifted to the first gaming state, the counting value can be continuously counted without being reset,
The benefit granting means
A gaming machine characterized in that, in the first gaming state transitioned from the second gaming state, when the specific infinite RT is controlled, the bonus can be awarded according to the count value of the counting means . lottery means capable of executing a lottery for a game result;
a determination means for determining whether to grant the special benefit in accordance with the count value of the counting means, based on the result of the lottery by the lottery means being a special lottery result;
Equipped with
The benefit granting means
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein when the determination means determines that the bonus should be awarded, the bonus can be awarded . The benefit granting means
A gaming machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that the probability of awarding the bonus is higher when the counted value by the counting means is a first number of games than when it is a second number of games indicating that a number of games greater than the first number of games has been played . The specific infinite RT is:
a first particular infinite RT;
A second specific infinite RT that can be transitioned from the first specific infinite RT;
Including,
The counting means
When the first specific infinite RT is shifted to the second specific infinite RT, the count value is reset;
When the counted value by the counting means is the first number of games, the bonus awarding means
The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the probability of awarding the bonus is higher when the RT control means controls the machine to the second specific infinite RT than when the RT control means controls the machine to the first specific infinite RT. A game zone control means is provided which can control any one of a plurality of game zones including a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone,
The benefit granting means
A gaming machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that the bonus can be awarded according to the counted value by the counting means, regardless of whether the gaming area controlled by the gaming area control means is the non-advantageous area or the advantageous area .