JP7828087B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on their outer periphery are known. These types of gaming machines assign a fixed gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire these gaming media. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines conduct an internal lottery and start the rotation of the multiple reels when the player starts the spinning, and control the multiple reels to stop in a manner based on the results of the internal lottery when the player stops the spinning. The outcome of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels have stopped, and medals and other items are paid out based on the outcome of the game.

In the gaming machine described above, a configuration is known in which the probability of winning a winning combination can be changed by transitioning to an assist time state, which is a presentation state that executes a winning assistance effect to assist in the winning of a winning combination, making it easier to acquire gaming value (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-245157 A

In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines to offer a variety of gameplay features using control related to instruction functions, including assist time states, in order to increase players' interest in the game and improve the marketability of the gaming machine.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of gaming machines.

The present invention relates to a reel system including:
Multiple stop buttons and
A control means for controlling the normal section and the advantageous section and for controlling the instruction function in the advantageous section,
the plurality of reels includes a specific reel,
the plurality of stop buttons include a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel,
the control means controls a first state, a second state, and a privilege state in which a privilege can be granted;
The privilege state can be determined to be executed when a first condition is met and when a second condition is met,
The first condition can be met when there is a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone,
The second condition can be met when the advantageous zone continues,
the bonus state that is executed when the first condition is satisfied is more advantageous to the player than the bonus state that is executed when the second condition is satisfied;
the second state is a state to which a transition can be made from the first state,
the control means is capable of executing specific control that suggests a stop button to be operated first in the first state,
the specific stop button is included in the stop buttons that are initially suggested not to be operated in the specific control,
When the specific control is executed in the first state and a stop button different from the specific stop button is operated first, the first state can be transitioned to the second state based on the operation,
When the specific control is executed in the first state and the specific stop button is operated for the first time, the first state can be continued .

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of the gaming machine.

1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A diagram showing winning areas that can be won by internal lottery in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, winning roles included in each winning area, and whether or not a favorable zone lottery will be held. (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. This figure shows the winning combinations that can be won in each batting order when winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and winning area "Replay 3" are won in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing AT preparation state processing in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. A figure showing the display mode of winning assistance when AT transition winning assistance is executed in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) is a diagram showing the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in an AT CZ state transitioned from an AT state in a gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in an AT CZ state transitioned based on the start of a favorable zone. A figure showing the effect lottery table used in the CZ state during AT in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart showing AT preparation state processing in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart showing a process relating to an AT state transition executed in the AT preparation state process shown in FIG. 10 . (A) is a diagram showing the display mode of winning assistance when AT transition winning assistance is executed in an AT preparation state transitioned from an AT state in a gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing the display mode when a game is executed in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance. (A) is a figure showing the display mode of winning assistance when AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state in a gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a figure showing the display mode when play is executed in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment will be described below. Note that the first embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the first embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

1. Overview of the Gaming Machine Configuration Fig. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called reel-type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine in which games are played using medals as gaming media.

The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment houses a reel unit 310 (see Figure 2) consisting of multiple reels, left reel R1 to right reel R3, in a box-shaped cabinet consisting of a cabinet BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. Also housed within the cabinet below the reel unit 310 is a hopper unit 320 (see Figure 2) that serves as a medal payout device. The cabinet of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment also houses a control board that is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc., and that controls the operation of the slot machine 1.

The outer periphery of each of the left reels R1 to right reels R3 shown in Figure 1 is divided into 20 areas (hereinafter, each area will be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of several types of symbols is arranged on each frame.

The upper front door UD and lower front door DD can be opened and closed independently. The upper front door UD is equipped with a display device 330, which serves as a display means for presenting various videos and images to assist and enhance play. The display device 330 also features a display area 330a that displays images, with a specific area 330b facing the left reels R1 through R3 constructed from a transparent liquid crystal display. The display device 330 is configured so that the spinning and stopped states of the left reels R1 through R3 can be observed through the display device 330. When the left reels R1 through R3 are stopped, three consecutive patterns (top, middle, and bottom patterns) arranged on the outer periphery of each of the left reels R1 through R3, out of the multiple types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on each reel's outer periphery, can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 330.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, each reel has an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display device 330, and an activated line L1 is set for the activated line formed by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three in any game state, and when medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, the activated line L1 formed by the middle row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combination that stops and is displayed on the pay line L1 (on the pay line), and if the symbol combination on the pay line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is considered to have won, and medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320.

The upper front door UD is provided with a main control display device DS consisting of a 7-segment display. The main control display device DS displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, the total number of medals paid out or won in bonus mode, information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to medal payout. The alert display shown on the main control display device DS corresponds to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in the current game, when the specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

The front lower door DD is provided with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB, which serves as an inserting operation means for inserting credited (stored) medals by inserting a specified number of medals; a start lever SL, which serves as a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform a start operation that triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to start playing; stop buttons B1 to B3, which serve as a stop operation means for allowing the player to perform a stop operation that triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, which are driven to rotate by a stepping motor; and a settlement button BS, which allows the player to settle credited medals.

In addition, the front lower door DD is equipped with multiple sound devices 340 for creating sound effects. The sound devices 340 output a variety of sounds to assist and liven up the game.

In addition, a medal payout outlet MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the front lower door DD, and a number of medals according to the results of the game are paid out from the medal payout outlet MO to the medal tray MP. Furthermore, when the settlement button BS is pressed while credited medals are stored in the gaming machine, pressing the settlement button BS executes a settlement process in which a number of medals equivalent to the number of credits (number of credited medals) is paid out from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout outlet MO to the medal tray MP.

Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is controlled by game control means 10, which serves as a control board. The game control means 10 receives input signals from input means, such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change switch 250, and a reset switch 260, which serve as multiple operation detection means, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the presentation device 300, reel unit 310, hopper unit 320, and main control display device DS, based on the calculation results.

The game control means 10 also includes a setting change means 100, a deposit acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, a presentation control means 180, a storage means 190, and an assist time control means (AT control means) 200. Each means constituting the game control means 10 reads and executes a control program pre-stored in the storage means 190 when executing each control process.

The setting change means 100 controls (setting change control) the changing of the setting values stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the storage means 190. When the setting change switch 250 is in the ON state, allowing setting changes, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 → ... → Setting 6 → Setting 1 → ... each time it receives an input signal output from the reset switch 260 provided on the power supply device, and confirms the setting value when the start lever SL is operated and a start signal output from the start switch 230 is received.

The slot machine 1 is configured to be able to change the degree of advantage in play according to the setting value established in the setting value storage means 191. In the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to change the degree of advantage in play according to the setting value by making it possible to change the winning probability in various lotteries (such as lotteries related to transitions in presentation states) conducted by the AT control means 200 according to a probability that depends on the setting value. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a bonus in lotteries conducted by the AT control means 200.

The slot machine 1 may be configured to change the degree of advantage in play according to a set value, and may be configured, for example, to change the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. In other words, the setting change means 100 may be configured to change a set value that is a value that can change the winning probability of a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. In other words, the set value may be configured as a value that can change the degree of advantage in play.

Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described below, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 200 before the setting change is also initialized and the normal zone is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the supply of power to the game control means 10 is cut off (power interruption) and then resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 200 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI (see Figure 1) and the medal insertion switch 210 is activated during the insertion acceptance period, the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the inserted medal to an inserted state, and when the bet switch 220 is activated, in which a bet operation is performed by pressing the max bet button MB when the medals are credited, the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to the specified insertion number (3 medals), and performs processing to enable the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the medals equivalent to the specified insertion number have been set to the inserted state.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the initial depression of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of the specified number of medals, is accepted as the player's operation to start the game, triggering the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to start spinning, and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery.

The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for use in lotteries. Note that in the first embodiment, "random numbers" not only refer to values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also include values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing, etc. is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on the start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 230 detects the start operation, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, an internal lottery table to be used for the internal lottery is selected from among the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) are associated with various roles such as replays, small roles, and bonuses, as well as non-wins (misses).

In the following description, "bonus" refers to a winning combination that activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, "bonus activation" refers to a winning combination that activates a reel or a reel continuous operation device, and "bonus state" refers to a state in which a reel or a reel continuous operation device is activated.

In the random number determination process, a random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

In the lottery flag setting process, based on the results of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from an unsuccessful state (first flag state, OFF state) to a successful state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if two or more winning combinations occur at the same time, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more winning combinations are set to a successful state. Note that the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a lottery flag (carry-over flag) whose successful state can be carried over to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unsuccessful state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. In addition, the lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control, which starts the rotation of the left reels R1 through R3 and controls the rotation pattern of the left reels R1 through R3, based on the output of a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL. Furthermore, when the left reels R1 through R3 reach a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (e.g., approximately 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate a stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop button B1 through stop button B3 corresponding to each reel is pressed. Then, when a reel stop signal is output from the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation, the reel control means 130 executes control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reels R1 through R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation.

In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and the player presses each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first press will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second press will be referred to as the second stop operation, and the third press will be referred to as the third stop operation.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms from the time the stop button B1 to B3 is pressed (the time the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation). Here, when stopping a rotating reel within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is configured to be a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the pay line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of five frames, up to four frames after the frame displayed on the pay line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed.

When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the spinning reel based on preset priorities using logic calculations including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a hit state can be won as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a hit state cannot be won, and a table reference process to determine the stopping position of the spinning reel by referencing the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 using the reel stop control is also referred to as "stop display").

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined in two ways: by determining the priority based on the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the activated line L1 (number priority control), or by determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for the minor winning combination (number priority control). However, when number priority control is executed, if multiple minor winning combinations with the same payout are won, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each of the minor winning combinations is treated as being the same.

The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 through the right reel R3. Specifically, by referencing the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the storage means 190, it determines whether the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when all of the left reel R1 through the right reel R3 have stopped is in the form of a winning combination for a predetermined winning combination. The winning determination table is then prepared so that the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel has stopped can be used to determine whether a bonus, replay, or small winning combination has been achieved (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination"). Note that in the following description, the symbol combination that indicates the winning combination will also be referred to as the "winning symbol combination."

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, various processes are executed based on the determination results of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. The various processes executed based on the determination results of the winning combination include, for example, when a small combination is won, a process to determine the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150; when a replay is won, a process to cause the replay processing means 160 to execute the next game without consuming medals; and when a combination that triggers a transition in the game mode, such as a bonus, is won, a process to cause the game mode transition control means 170 to transition the game mode.

The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the payout number for the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the payout control means 150 controls the hopper unit 320, which serves as a payout device, to pay out medals equivalent to the determined payout number.

The hopper unit 320 operates to pay out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a payout medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is paid out. The payout control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325. Note that when medal credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process is performed in which the payout number is added to the number of credits (number of credited medals) stored in the credit memory area (not shown) of the memory means 190, and medals are virtually paid out.

When the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay from among the multiple types of replay roles described below has been stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs replay processing (replay processing) to set the machine to a ready state so that the next game can be played without the need to insert medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a specified number of medals without using the player's own medals (including credit medals), and the machine waits for the start lever SL to be operated to start the next game, with the same pay line L1 as in the previous game set.

The game state transition control means 170 performs processing to transition the game state between multiple game states and processing related to the activation and termination of bonuses. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be a single condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

The presentation control means 180 is capable of receiving various information, including commands, from each means other than the presentation control means 180 constituting the game control means 10 (setting change means 100, deposit acceptance means 105, random number generation means 110, internal lottery means 120, reel control means 130, winning determination means 140, payout control means 150, replay processing means 160, game state transition control means 170, and AT control means 200), and is connected to enable one-way communication so as to be unable to transmit information to each means other than the presentation control means 180 constituting the game control means 10. Based on the various information (signals, commands) transmitted from each means other than the presentation control means 180 constituting the game control means 10, the presentation control means 180 performs various calculations to execute presentations using the presentation data stored in the presentation control data storage means 196 of the storage means 190, and controls the operation of output means such as the display device 330 and presentation device 300, including the sound device 340, based on the calculation results.

The effect control means 180 controls game-related effects, such as image and video effects using the display device 330 and sound effects using the sound device 340. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as inserting a medal or operating the max bet button MB, start lever SL, or stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the effect control means 180 controls the execution of effects that liven up the game or assist the game, such as lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, and sound output from the sound device 340. In addition, the effect control means 180 causes each component of the effect device 300 to execute effects based on each effect state.

The AT control means 200 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 197 to control the transition between the advantageous zone (advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications on the main control display device DS to assist in the winning of specific roles, can be executed, and the normal zone (non-advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, and constitutes auxiliary game control means that controls the normal zone, advantageous zone, and auxiliary games.

The AT control data storage means 197 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by specified control processing) used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states, including the AT state (assist time state) and normal state, executed within the advantageous zone.

The AT control means 200 issues an operation notification to assist in the winning of a specific role by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3, which makes it possible to win a specific role that has been won, on the main control display device DS, which is made up of a 7-segment display, under predetermined conditions in the advantageous zone. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when an operation notification is executed by the AT control means 200, the presentation control means 180, described below, executes a navigation effect, which displays an indicator corresponding to the operation notification on the display device 330. In the slot machine 1, the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation effect, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) that is advantageous to the player.

More specifically, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, described below, is met, the AT control means 200 executes a predetermined termination process that terminates the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes information related to the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values set within the advantageous zone.

The AT control means 200 executes a game count update process in which, each time a game is played in a game that has started a favorable zone, the value "1", which corresponds to one game, is added to the value (stored value) stored in the first favorable zone counter 197a, and cumulatively increments and updates the stored value of the first favorable zone counter 197a. The AT control means 200 also executes a coin difference update process in which the AT control means 200 cumulatively records in the second favorable zone counter 197b the difference value (coin difference) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the game that started the favorable zone by the number of medals inserted.

When the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is controlling the advantageous zone, regardless of the game state, it executes a game number update process that cumulatively adds (updates) the value stored in the first advantageous zone counter 197a by a value of "1", which corresponds to one game, each time a game is played, and a medal difference update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the second advantageous zone counter 197b by a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals.

Here, in the difference number update process that updates the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b, if the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b is subtracted because the number of medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number of medals inserted, the AT control means 200 sets the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b to the value "0." This allows the AT control means 200 to fix the value when the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b reaches its lowest point to the value "0." Therefore, in the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b, it is not necessary to change the judgment threshold value depending on the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b can be reduced.

When 4000 games have been played, i.e., when the value stored in the first advantageous zone counter 197a reaches the value "4000", or when the player has acquired more than 2400 medals from the point at which the most medals were consumed in the advantageous zone, i.e., when the value stored in the second advantageous zone counter 197b reaches the value "2401" from the point at which it was at its lowest value (lowest point), the AT control means 200 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous zone, and executes predetermined termination processing to end the advantageous zone and start the normal zone from the next game.

In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 200 initializes all information used in various control processes in the favorable zone, such as each flag set to ON in the favorable zone and values set in the favorable zone. The AT control means 200 can also terminate the favorable zone when a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process even when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination condition set by the AT control means 200 in the first embodiment will be described later.

2. Components of the Gaming Machine of the First Embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, the components of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

<Winning areas subject to internal lottery>
3 is a diagram showing winning areas that are the subject of an internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area, winning areas that can be won in each game state, and winning areas for which, if won in the internal lottery, a later-described advantageous zone lottery will be performed by the AT control means 200. In Fig. 3, winning areas that can be won in each game state and for which an advantageous zone lottery will be performed if won are indicated by "◯", and winning areas that can be won in each game state and for which an advantageous zone lottery will not be performed if won are indicated by "●".

The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus will also be referred to as "RBB") as a bonus, which is a consecutive activation device for a first-class special feature. The game states controlled by the game state transition control means 170 in the slot machine 1 include a non-RT state, which is a general state in which the RBB is not set to an established state and the RBB is not activated; a bonus established state, which is a bonus internal state (internal state) to which the slot machine 1 is shifted when the RBB is set to an established state and in which the RBB is maintained established until the RBB is activated; and a bonus activated state, which is a bonus state to which the slot machine 1 is shifted when the RBB is activated and in which the RBB is activated.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the winning areas subject to internal lottery include the winning area "All Small Roles," the winning area "All 1-Coin Roles," the winning area "Replay 1" to winning area "Replay 3," the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8," the winning area "Common Bell," the winning area "Rare Role," the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1," the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 2," and the winning area "RBB," and are associated with winning numbers 1 to 18, respectively. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non-win (loss) as a result of the internal lottery.

Here, "batting order" refers to the order in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed will also be referred to as "press timing."

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the batting order, which is the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, is comprised of six types of batting orders, batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3, which is known as a "sequential press" batting order. Batting order 2 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2, which is known as a "scissors press" batting order. Batting order 3 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order known as reverse pressing, in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 determines whether the winning areas set as the subject of the lottery in each game state are wins or losses, in order from the winning area associated with winning number 18 to the non-winning (missing) area associated with winning number 0.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the small roles that can be won if the internal lottery is won include Bell A to Bell D, 1-coin roles A to 1-coin roles E, and rare roles, and the replays that can be won in the internal lottery include Replay A to Replay C. Each small role and each replay is associated with a winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3.

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, winning areas "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1" and "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2" are set as winning areas that include bonuses and small wins, and winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area that includes only bonuses.

Winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are winning areas where Bells A to D can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct batting order set for winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" respectively when the game state is in a bonus-established state. Details of winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" will be provided below.

The "Common Bell" winning area is a winning area where Bells A to D can be won multiple times. In slot machine 1, if the "Common Bell" winning area is won, any of Bells A to D will win regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3.

The "Rare Role" winning area is a winning area where a rare role is the only win, and is set to have a lower probability of winning than other winning areas that include minor roles (winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1", and winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 2"). Furthermore, the winning symbol combination for a rare role is made up of symbols that can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 when the stop button B1 is operated when 5 of the 20 symbols on the left reel R1 are displayed and rotating on the active line L1. The symbols on the center reel R2 and right reel R3 are made up of symbols that can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop buttons B2 and B3.

The winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role 1" is a winning area where RBB and 1-piece roles A to D can be won in multiple wins. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a preset operating mode, 1-piece roles B to D can be won, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a different operating mode from the preset operating mode, 1-piece role A will be won. The winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role 2" is a winning area where RBB and 1-piece roles A to E can be won in multiple wins. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a preset operating mode, 1-piece roles B to E can be won, and if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a different operating mode from the preset operating mode, 1-piece role A will be won. Details of the winning areas "RBB & 1-piece Role 1" and "RBB & 1-piece Role 2" will be provided below.

The winning area "Replay 1" is a winning area where Replay A will be the only winner, and Replay A will win regardless of how Stop Buttons B1 to B3 are operated. The winning area "Replay 2" is a winning area where Replay A and Replay B will both win, and Replay A will win regardless of how Stop Buttons B1 to B3 are operated. The winning area "Replay 3" is a winning area where Replay A and Replay C will both win, and Replay C will win if Stop Buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a preset operating mode, and Replay A will win if Stop Buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a different operating mode. Details of the winning area "Replay 3" will be provided below.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the role associated with the carryover flag is RBB, while the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a win area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, the established state of the lottery flag for the winning RBB is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether the small role and replay will be won, even in a game in which the established state of the RBB lottery flag is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the RBB lottery flag is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the already-won RBB lottery flag and the small role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery are set to an established state.

<Internal lottery table>
In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (normal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the bonus establishment state (internal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the bonus state (in operation) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) are stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value number is associated with each winning area that is the subject of the lottery.

As shown in Figure 3, in internal lottery table A, which is referenced when the gaming state is in a non-RT state, lottery value numbers are associated with winning areas corresponding to winning numbers 3 to 18; in internal lottery table B, which is referenced when the gaming state is in a bonus established state, lottery value numbers are associated with winning areas corresponding to winning numbers 3 to 17; and in internal lottery table C, which is referenced when the gaming state is in a bonus state, lottery value numbers are associated with winning areas corresponding to winning numbers 0 to 2.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is in a non-RT state, an internal lottery determines whether one of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 18 is won, and when the gaming state is in a bonus state, an internal lottery determines whether one of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 17 is won. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is in a bonus state, if neither of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 1 nor 2 is won, the result is a non-win (loss).

<Random number determination process>
In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of the first embodiment sequentially subtracts the lottery value numbers associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192 from the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110, and if the result of the subtraction is a negative value, determines that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted lottery value number has been won. Also, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting all the lottery value numbers stored in the internal lottery table, the internal lottery means 120 determines that no winning combination has been won (a loss). The random number generation means 110 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to generate a total of 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 as random numbers to be used in the internal lottery.

<Bonus win determination process>
As described above, in the internal lottery table B of this embodiment, in the bonus established state, lottery values are set in the winning areas "RBB & 1 coin role 1" and "RBB & 1 coin role 2." In the internal lottery when the gaming state is the bonus established state, there is a possibility that an RBB will be won again when an RBB has already been established. Therefore, the internal lottery means 120 is configured to execute a bonus win determination process that determines whether or not the win area determined by the random number determination process is a win area including a bonus, in order not to set the newly won RBB to the established state.

In the bonus win determination process, if the random number determination process determines that a winning area including a bonus is the target for determining whether it has won or lost, the internal lottery means 120 executes a process to skip the process of setting the bonus to a win state if the winning area including the bonus is won and the gaming state is a bonus win state. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to a win state when an RBB has already been set to a win state.

<Reel control means>
In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is determined to be "replay > small combination >bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or replay.

<Small win payout>
In the first embodiment, the payouts for Bell A to Bell D are set to a payout number (8 coins) that is greater than the specified input number (3 coins). The payouts for rare combinations are set to a payout number (3 coins) that is the same as the specified input number. The payouts for 1-coin combinations A to E are set to a payout number (1 coin) that is less than the specified input number.

<Game state transition control means>
FIG. 4A is a state transition diagram showing game states to which transitions can be made from each game state in the control relating to transition of game states executed by the game state transition control means 170 of the first embodiment.

As shown in Figure 4 (A), the non-RT state is a gaming state (initial gaming state, normal gaming state) that corresponds to the initial state among multiple gaming states, and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the gaming state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978/65536 (approximately 1/7.3).

The bonus formation state is a gaming state to which the slot machine 1 transitions when the internal lottery in the non-RT state results in a win in either the winning area "RBB," the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1," or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2," and RBB is set to the formation state. In the bonus formation state, the gaming state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B. In internal lottery table B, the value "4," which is the lottery value number associated with the winning area "RBB" in internal lottery table A, is associated with the winning area "Replay 1." Therefore, the probability of winning a replay is 4/65536 higher than in internal lottery table A. With this configuration, in the slot machine 1, the probability of winning a replay in the bonus formation state when internal lottery table B is used in the internal lottery is set to 8982/65536 (approximately 1/7.3).

The bonus state is a gaming state to which the game is transitioned when an RBB is won and activated. In the bonus state, the gaming state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition for the activated RBB has been met based on the total number of medals paid out, and if more than a predetermined payout number (e.g., 100 medals) have been paid out, it terminates the activation of the RBB, thereby terminating the bonus state and transitioning the gaming state to a non-RT state, which is a non-bonus state. In the bonus state, the gaming state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table C.

As shown in Figure 3, in internal lottery table C, random numbers are associated with the "All Small Wins" winning area, which wins all small wins from Bell A to Bell D, rare wins, and 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins from 1-coin wins.

The bonus state will be explained in detail using Figure 3. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the probability of winning the "All Small Roles" winning area or the "All 1-Coin Roles" winning area in the bonus state in which internal lottery table C is selected is higher than the probability of winning any of the winning areas containing small roles in internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B. In other words, the probability of winning a small role in the bonus state is set to be higher than the probability of winning any of the small roles in a game state other than the bonus state. Also, in internal lottery table C, the probability of winning the "All Small Roles" winning area is set to be the same as the combined probability of winning any two of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the winning area "Common Bell" in internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that in the bonus state, the probability of winning all minor roles is higher than in the non-RT state when the bonus is not activated or in the bonus state, and the probability of winning any minor role is the same or higher.

In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured so that in the bonus state, the probability of winning the "All Minor Features" winning area is lower than the probability of winning any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" or the winning area "Common Bell" (the winning probability is the combined winning probability of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the winning area "Common Bell").

In this way, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has multiple first winning modes (winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell") in which multiple types of specific roles (Bell A to Bell D) set to payouts greater than the amount of game value required to start play do not overlap with each other and are won in combination with other small roles, and a second winning mode (winning area "All Small Roles") in which multiple types of specific small roles are won in combination, and the internal lottery means 120 is configured to conduct an internal lottery so that multiple types of first winning modes exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and bonus formation state, and to conduct an internal lottery so that the second winning mode exists in the bonus state. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning one of the multiple types of first winning mode in the internal lottery in the normal game state or in the bonus state, and the winning probability of each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state is configured to be equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of the small roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state or in the bonus state.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the expected medal acquisition rate in the bonus state is less than 100%.

Here, in a bonus-formed state, as will be described in more detail below, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected, the player must operate stop buttons B1 through B3 in the correct batting order (3 through 6) to win. Therefore, the probability of one of Bells A through D winning is limited to operating stop buttons B1 through B3 in the correct batting order out of the four possible batting orders. On the other hand, when an auxiliary game that implements the winning assistance described below is executed, the correct batting order is announced by the winning assistance when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected. Therefore, the probability of one of Bells A through D winning when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected can be increased by up to eight times compared to when the winning assistance is not implemented.

As such, in the first embodiment, four types of winning combinations (special combinations), Bell A through Bell D, are set as winning combinations (special combinations) that pay out more medals than the specified number of medals when the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order. The probability of obtaining a winning combination including a special combination in the bonus state is reduced to approximately one-quarter of the probability of obtaining a winning combination including a special combination in a game state other than the bonus state. This configuration allows for an internal lottery to be performed in a game state other than the bonus state, with N types of special combinations being uniquely selected, and for an internal lottery to be performed in a game state other than the bonus state, with N types of special combinations being overlappingly selected. This reduces the probability of obtaining a winning combination including a special combination in the bonus state to approximately 1/N of the probability of obtaining a winning combination including a special combination in a game state other than the bonus state. This allows for the medal acquisition performance for auxiliary games to be designed while lowering the lower limit of the expected medal acquisition rate in the bonus state to less than 100%, dramatically improving the design flexibility of the slot machine 1 with AT functionality.

<AT control means>
Figure 4 (B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal interval and advantageous interval controlled by the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment, and the presentation state controlled during the advantageous interval.

As described above, the normal interval is a period during which control of auxiliary play based on the results of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. During play within the normal interval, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable interval lottery, which is a lottery that determines whether to end the normal interval and start a favorable interval, based on the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

In the advantageous zone lottery, the AT control means 200 first obtains from the AT control data storage means 197 the advantageous zone transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous zone" and "no win (miss)" are associated with each of a number of random numbers. The AT control means 200 then obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous zone transition lottery table, and determines whether or not to start the advantageous zone based on the comparison result.

The AT control means 200 executes the advantageous zone lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the winning probability of the "start of advantageous zone" in the advantageous zone lottery is 1/17,500 or greater.

As shown in FIG. 3, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to execute a favorable zone lottery with a probability of approximately 1 in 1.5 to win the "start of the favorable zone" when the winning area "Replay 2", winning area "Replay 3", winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", winning area "Rare Role", winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 1", winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role 2", or winning area "RBB" is won in an internal lottery when the gaming state is in a non-RT state, and when the winning area "Replay 2", winning area "Replay 3", winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8", winning area "Common Bell", or winning area "Rare Role" is won in an internal lottery when the gaming state is in a bonus established state.

The AT control means 200 is also configured not to execute the lottery for the advantageous zone when the winning area "Replay 1" is won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, when the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won in the internal lottery in the bonus state, or when the winning area "All small roles" or the winning area "All 1-coin role" is won in the internal lottery in the bonus state. Details of the playability of the advantageous zone lottery when each winning area is won will be described later.

In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 200 has the following states (presentation states) related to its instruction function: a first start state, a second start state, a normal state, a CZ state, an AT preparation state, an AT state, a CZ state during AT, and an added-on specialization state. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that the proportion of players who spend time in the advantageous zone during the entire game can be 70% or more.

In the first embodiment, when the winning area "Replay 3" is selected in the internal lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a replay notification lottery to determine whether or not to notify an operation mode that will allow Replay A to win. If the AT control means 200 determines not to notify an operation mode in the replay notification lottery, it executes a lottery related to an instruction function that corresponds to the presentation state in which the game is being played. More details will be provided below.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting orders 3 to 6 during a favorable zone and when an operation mode notification is not being executed, control related to the instruction function by the AT control means 200 is not executed. In other words, when an operation mode notification is not being executed, the slot machine 1 is configured so that playing by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting orders 1 and 2 is recommended.

The first start state is a presentation state that is set when, in a non-RT gaming state and in the normal zone, an internal lottery sets the winning area "RBB", the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 2" as the target of a favorable zone lottery, and the winning area transitions from the normal zone to the favorable zone in the favorable zone lottery based on winning a winning area that includes RBB. In the first start state, the AT control means 200 ends the first start state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state when one game has been played.

The second start state is a presentation state that is set when, while the game state is in a non-RT state or a bonus established state and in the normal zone, an internal lottery sets the area to be subject to the advantageous zone lottery among the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 2", and the winning area "Replay 3", and the game transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone lottery based on winning a winning area that does not include an RBB.

In the second start state, the AT control means 200 refers to the game state at the time the second start state is initiated. If the game state at the time the second start state is initiated is a non-RT state, the AT control means 200 ends the second start state after one game has been played and transitions the presentation state to the normal state. Also, if the game state at the time the second start state is initiated is a bonus establishment state, the AT control means 200 determines to execute the AT CZ state after the second start state ends, and after one game has been played, ends the second start state and transitions the presentation state to the AT CZ state.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a transition occurs from the normal zone to the advantageous zone during play in the normal zone (first game), the presentation state is set to the first start state or the second start state by the control process for setting the presentation state by the AT control means 200 during the first game. Next, in the slot machine 1, in play following the first game (second game), play is executed with the presentation state set to the first start state or the second start state, and if the presentation state is the first start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state, and if the presentation state is the second start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state or the AT CZ state depending on the play state in the second game.

The normal state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to the normal state among multiple presentation states, and is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When the presentation state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 200 performs an incremental update by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game to the stored value of the normal game number counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, each time a game is played.

When the stored value of the normal game number counter reaches the value "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the AT state have been met, and transitions to the AT preparation state via the CZ state. The AT control means 200 also executes a CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the CZ state when the "Rare Role" winning area is won in the internal lottery, or when the "Replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery.

The CZ state is configured to be capable of executing control to transition the presentation state to the AT preparation state as a control related to auxiliary play, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 200 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 10 games) to the CZ game number counter (not shown) in the AT control data storage means 197, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the value stored in the CZ game number counter by the value "1", which corresponds to one game.

The AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT preparation state during each game in the CZ state. If the "transition to the AT preparation state" is won in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the winning presentation state after 10 games have been played since the start of the CZ state.

The AT control means 200 executes a CZ AT game number addition lottery to determine whether to add (add) to the number of times the AT state is executed when the AT state transitions from the AT preparation state, which is transitioned to after the CZ state ends, is executed in the AT lottery during play until the CZ state ends when the "transition to AT preparation state" is won in the CZ AT lottery and the CZ state ends.

On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT preparation state" in the AT lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 200 ends the CZ state. If the CZ state is ended without the AT transition condition being met, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the normal state.

The AT control means 200 is configured to execute lotteries for auxiliary games executed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, AT game number addition lottery during CZ) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 is configured so that, for lotteries for auxiliary games executed in the CZ state, if the internal lottery results in a winning area "Rare Role", or if the internal lottery results in a winning area "Replay 3" and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, the probability of a "non-winning (miss)" is lower than if other winning areas are won, and the probability of a result advantageous to the player (in the case of an AT lottery during CZ, "transition to AT preparation state") is higher.

In the AT preparation state, whether or not to execute the winning support for Bells A to D when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected is determined by lottery. Therefore, this state is more advantageous to the player than the normal state in which the winning support for Bells A to D is not executed when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected. The AT preparation state in the first embodiment is configured to be transitionable in situations where a transition to the AT preparation state is decided in the CZ state, and in situations where 300 or more games have been played since transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state described below.

The AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to perform either a normal winning assistance function that notifies the player of the correct batting order of Bells A to D when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected in an internal lottery while the gaming state is in a bonus established state and the presentation state is in an AT preparation state; or an AT transition winning assistance function that indicates that the stop button operated in the first stop operation is not stop button B1, thereby suggesting an operation mode including the correct batting order, and determining a transition to the AT state when the first stop operation matches the correct batting order.

When the game state is in a bonus established state and the presentation state is in an AT preparation state, and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in an internal lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a winning assistance lottery to determine whether or not to execute a winning assistance. In the winning assistance lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery to determine whether to "execute normal winning assistance," "execute AT transition winning assistance," or "no winning (miss)."

In slot machine 1, when the "execution of normal winning assistance" is won with a predetermined probability in the winning assistance lottery, and game play is executed according to the normal winning assistance, Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of 8 coins, can be won. Therefore, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed, a game is executed in which the stop button B1 is operated, and even if a 1-coin role A, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, is won and game play in which the AT preparation state continues is executed for a long period of time, the payout rate, which is the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted when a predetermined number of games are executed, is configured to not fall below 60%.

In addition, in the slot machine 1, when normal winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, a game that conforms to the winning assistance is executed, and when AT transition winning assistance is executed, a game that does not conform to the winning assistance is executed, so even if the AT preparation state continues for a long period of time, the slot machine 1 is designed so that the ball payout rate in the AT preparation state does not exceed 100%. With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment does not give the player an advantage, even if the AT preparation state continues when AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state and a game that ignores the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance is executed, and this prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and creating a strategy.

When in the AT preparation state, the AT control means 200 performs an incremental update by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c in the AT control data storage means 197 each time a game is played.

In the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 determines that the conditions for starting the AT state (AT start conditions) have been met when AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, or when 1650 games have been played in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650." The AT control means 200 is configured to transition the presentation state from the AT preparation state to the AT state, and to continue the AT preparation state until the AT start conditions are met.

In other words, when a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is won and AT transition winning assistance is executed, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition the presentation state to the AT state as a bonus if the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, and to continue the AT preparation state without transitioning the presentation state to the AT state if the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order.

With this configuration, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will not transition to the AT state, which is a special benefit for the player, even if the player plays the game ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance. This prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and reduces the marketability of the gaming machine. Furthermore, even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are accidentally operated in a different manner from the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the AT preparation state will continue unless the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is "1650", preventing a decrease in the player's interest in the game.

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment performs an incremental update to add a value of "1" to the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d in the AT control data storage means 197 when the "AT transition winning assistance execution" is won in the winning assistance lottery. When the AT control means 200 executes the winning assistance lottery in the AT preparation state, it obtains a lottery table corresponding to the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d. The lottery table used in the winning assistance lottery is configured so that the probability of winning "AT transition winning assistance execution" increases as the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d increases.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state and the first stop operation does not match the correct hitting order, causing the AT preparation state to continue, the longer the AT preparation state continues, the more frequently the AT transition winning assistance is executed, and the higher the probability of transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state. Therefore, even if a player operates stop buttons B1 to B3 in accordance with the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance and the first stop operation does not match the correct hitting order, the frequency of AT transition winning assistance in subsequent games can be increased, providing a quicker opportunity to transition to the AT state again, and preventing a decline in interest in the game for players who were unable to transition to the AT state.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the "AT transition winning assistance execution" is won in the winning assistance lottery and the first stop operation is an operation mode in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, the AT control means 200 executes an incremental update to add the value "10" to the stored value of the AT point counter 197e in the AT control data storage means 197 as a process for awarding AT points. When the stored value of the AT point counter 197e becomes "100" or greater, that is, when the awarded AT points become 100 or greater, the AT control means 200 awards a bonus related to an instruction function advantageous to the player in the AT state transitioned from the AT preparation state. In this bonus, a replay notification lottery is executed when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery, and it is determined with a higher probability that the operation mode will not be notified than in an AT state where the AT points are less than 100.

As described above, the AT transition winning assistance is a notification mode that suggests that the stop button operated in the first stop operation is not stop button B1, and therefore includes operation modes in which the first stop operation matches the correct hitting order and operation modes in which the first stop operation does not match the correct hitting order. Therefore, in slot machine 1, even when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is an operation mode in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, there may be cases in which the operation mode is an operation mode in which the first stop operation does not match the correct hitting order, and the machine does not transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state.

With this configuration, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment executes AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and if the first stop operation is an operation mode in line with the AT transition winning assistance, it executes processing related to the awarding of AT points, which awards benefits related to instruction functions that are advantageous to the player by transitioning to the AT state when the awarded points reach 100 points or more.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment executes AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and the first stop operation is an operation mode in line with the AT transition winning assistance. Therefore, if the AT preparation state continues without transitioning to the AT state even when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode in line with the AT transition winning assistance, AT points are awarded that will lead to the awarding of benefits related to instruction functions that are advantageous to the player when the AT state is transitioned. This reduces the sense of loss felt by the player when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is an operation mode in line with the AT transition winning assistance but the AT state cannot be transitioned to, and prevents a decline in the player's interest in the game.

Note that if the AT points are less than 100, the probability of executing a replay notification lottery in the AT state does not change based on the AT points. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the control related to the instruction function that transitions from the AT preparation state to the AT state, which is reliably executed, is configured as a control that is more advantageous to the player than the awarding of AT points.

The AT state is a more advantageous presentation state for players than the normal state and the AT preparation state, as winning assistance for Bells A to D is executed each time a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won.

If the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f in the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the AT state is the value "0", the AT control means 200 sets the initial value (40 games) corresponding to the specified number of games. Furthermore, when the AT state starts, the AT control means 200 adds the value "10" to the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f. Each time a game is played in the AT state, the AT control means 200 executes a decrement update, subtracting the value "1" corresponding to one game from the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f.

The AT control means 200 executes an AT CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT CZ state when the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 wins the winning area "Rare Role," or when the internal lottery wins the winning area "Replay 3" and the replay notification lottery determines not to notify the operation mode. If the AT CZ lottery determines "Transition to AT CZ state," the AT control means 200 decides to execute the AT CZ state and transitions the presentation state to the AT CZ state.

When the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f becomes "0", the AT control means 200 determines that the AT state termination condition (AT termination condition) has been met, terminates the AT state, and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment performs an incremental update by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c each time a game is played, even when the presentation state transitions from the AT preparation state to the AT state. When 2000 games have been played since the game that started the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "2000", the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition, one of the termination conditions for the advantageous period, has been met, regardless of the stored value of the AT game number counter, and performs a predetermined initialization process which terminates the AT state and initializes information related to the advantageous period, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous period and starts the normal period from the next game.

The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that when a game is played in accordance with the winning assistance in the AT preparation state, that is, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and a game is played in which stop button B1 to stop button B3 are operated in any of batting orders 3 to 6, the machine can transition to the AT state within several to several dozen games. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the AT state, in which the winning assistance is executed when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, is approximately 200%.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when play is performed in accordance with the winning assistance, the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b reaches the value "2400" after approximately 1200 games have been played in the AT state, the specific end condition of the advantageous zone is met, and the advantageous zone ends. Therefore, unless play that does not comply with the AT transition winning assistance is performed in the AT preparation state, and the player remains in the AT preparation state for a long period of time, the advantageous zone will not end based on the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaching the value "2000".

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, even if the AT state starts after the AT preparation state continues because the player plays a game that ignores the batting order notified in the AT transition winning assistance, the player will only be able to win around 700 medals even if the AT state continues, which is not a sufficient advantage for the player, and it is possible to prevent the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state in a strategic manner.

At the start of the AT state, the AT control means 200 sets the AT duration counter 197g of the AT control data storage means 197 to an initial value (300 games) corresponding to the number of games to continue the AT state, and performs a decrement update by subtracting the value stored in the AT duration counter 197g by the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played in the AT state, AT CZ state, or add-on specialized state.

The AT control means 200 stops decrementing when the stored value of the AT duration counter 197g becomes "0". Furthermore, when the stored value of the AT duration counter 197g becomes "0", if the presentation state is an AT state, the AT control means 200 suspends the AT state regardless of the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f, and transitions from the AT state to an AT preparation state. On the other hand, when the stored value of the AT duration counter 197g becomes "0", if the presentation state is an AT CZ state or an add-on specialized state, the AT control means 200 suspends the AT state after the presentation state transitions to the AT state regardless of the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f, and transitions from the AT state to an AT preparation state.

With this configuration, even if the AT state continues for a long period of time, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment transitions from an AT state in which the payout rate is set to approximately 200% to an AT preparation state in which the payout rate does not exceed 100% every time approximately 300 games are played, thereby preventing excessive medal payouts during continuous AT states and a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

In the CZ state during AT, winning assistance for Bells A to D is performed each time the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, and in the replay notification lottery that is performed when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery, it is determined with a higher probability than in the normal state, CZ state, AT preparation state, and AT state that the operation mode will not be notified, making this a more advantageous presentation state for the player than the normal state, CZ state, AT preparation state, and AT state.

The AT control means 200 sets the AT CZ game number counter (not shown) in the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the AT CZ state to an initial value (20 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the stored value of the AT CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

The AT control means 200 executes an additional bonus specialization lottery to determine whether to transition to an additional bonus specialization state after the end of the CZ state during the AT in the following cases: when the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 wins the winning area "Rare Role", when the internal lottery wins the winning area "Replay 3" and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, or when the internal lottery wins the winning area "RBB & 1-piece Role 2".

When the internal lottery results in the winning area "Rare Role", when the internal lottery results in the winning area "Replay 3" and the replay notification lottery decides not to notify the operation mode, or when the internal lottery results in the "Transition to Add-on Specialized State" is decided in the add-on specialization lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the AT CZ state to the add-on specialization state after the stored value of the AT CZ game number counter becomes "0", i.e., transitions the presentation state after the preset period during which the AT CZ state can be continued has ended.

On the other hand, if the AT control means 200 determines "transition to the added-on specialized state" in the added-on specialized lottery when the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 2" is won in the internal lottery, it will transition the presentation state from the CZ state during the AT to the added-on specialized state in the game for which it has been determined to transition; in other words, it will quickly transition the presentation state in the game for which it has determined to transition to the added-on specialized state, regardless of the period for which the CZ state during the AT can be continued.

In addition, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to change the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state when transitioning from the AT state to the AT CZ state, and when transitioning from the second starting state to the AT CZ state based on the start of an advantageous zone. Details of the gameplay in the AT CZ state will be described later.

In the add-on specialized state, winning assistance for Bells A to D is executed each time the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, and in the replay notification lottery that is executed when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery, it is determined with a higher probability than in the normal state, CZ state, AT preparation state, and AT state that the operation mode will not be notified, and an add-on lottery is executed with each play to determine the value to be added (added) to the AT game number counter 197f, making this a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than other presentation states.

At the start of the bonus-specialized state, the AT control means 200 sets the bonus-specialized game number counter (not shown) in the AT control data storage means 197 to an initial value (30 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the stored value of the bonus-specialized game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

The AT control means 200 is configured to execute the add-on lottery in the add-on specialized state regardless of the results of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 is configured so that, in the add-on lottery in the add-on specialized state, when the "rare role" winning area is won in the internal lottery, and when the "replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, the added value is more likely to be a larger value than when other winning areas are won, thereby increasing the probability of a favorable result for the player (for example, in the add-on lottery in cases other than when the "rare role" winning area is won, or when the "replay 3" winning area is won and the operation mode is not notified, values in the range of "10" to "30" are set as the subject of the lottery, and in the add-on lottery in the case of when the "rare role" winning area is won, or when the "replay 3" winning area is won and the operation mode is not notified, values in the range of "30" to "100" are set as the subject of the lottery).

When the stored value of the bonus-specialized game number counter becomes "0", the AT control means 200 determines that the termination condition for the bonus-specialized state (bonus-specialized termination condition) has been met, terminates the bonus-specialized state, and transitions the presentation state to the AT state.

3. Details of Gameplay Regarding Transition to Advantageous Zone Next, details of gameplay regarding transition to advantageous zone in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

<Details of Control Using First and Second Start States>
As described above, the reel control means 130 of the first embodiment is configured to stop and display the winning symbol combination of a small role or a replay on the activated line L1 in priority to a bonus. Also, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute reel stop control so that a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of any role is stopped and displayed on the activated line L1, resulting in a missed win (non-winning), in the following cases: when a winning area in which a 1-piece role A to 1-piece role E can be won in the internal lottery and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated at an operation timing that prevents the winning 1-piece role A to 1-piece role E from winning, and when a winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery and the stop button B1 is operated at an operation timing that prevents the rare role from winning.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the gaming state is in a bonus-achieved state, the internal lottery results in either a small win or a replay, so the winning RBB symbol combination is not displayed stopped on the pay line L1, and the bonus-achieved state is maintained.

In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, once the gaming state is set to the bonus established state, gameplay continues in the bonus established state thereafter. Therefore, when the advantageous zone ends and the normal zone begins based on the establishment of a normal end condition or a specific end condition in the advantageous zone, the gaming state becomes the bonus established state and is controlled to the normal zone. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, if the gaming state transitions from the advantageous zone to the normal zone while the bonus is established, and then the "transition to advantageous zone" is won in the advantageous zone lottery and transitions to the advantageous zone, the presentation state is set to the second start state, and since the gaming state at the start of the second start state is the bonus established state, the presentation state transitions to the AT CZ state after one game is played in the second start state.

In a slot machine 1 with such gameplay, as described above, when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control related to the game state and the control related to the advantageous zone are initialized, and the game state is set to a non-RT state and the normal zone.

For this reason, if the slot machine 1 were configured to always set the presentation state to the AT CZ state when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the normal zone would be set by initialization when setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, which could result in an extremely high probability of transitioning to the AT CZ state immediately after setting change control.

In this configuration, in the slot machine 1, in the AT CZ state initiated based on the transition to the advantageous zone immediately after the setting change control is executed, the presentation control means 180 executes the presentation in the normal state (normal presentation), which makes it possible for the player to not visually recognize that the current presentation state is the AT CZ state. However, this requires data and programs related to the normal presentation specifically for the AT CZ state immediately after the setting change, which increases the program capacity related to the presentation.

Furthermore, in a slot machine 1 configured in this way, although the AT CZ state immediately after a setting change can be made invisible through normal presentation, the AT control means 200 executes the AT CZ state, and even if a transition to an additional specialized state does not occur, the machine will transition to the AT state, which creates a strategy whereby it is easy to transition to the AT state immediately after a setting change, making it easy to win medals.

On the other hand, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the AT control means 200 is configured to refer to the winning area selected by internal lottery and determine whether the presentation state to be set at the start of the advantageous zone will be the first start state or the second start state.

When the AT control means 200 starts a favorable zone based on winning the winning area "RBB", the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", or the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2", which are winning areas that can only be won by internal lottery in a non-RT state, it sets the presentation state at the start of the favorable zone to the first start state. As described above, the first start state is a presentation state that transitions to the normal state after one game has been played.

For this reason, in slot machine 1, even if the gaming state at the start of the advantageous zone is a bonus established state, when setting change control is executed and the gaming state in the normal zone transitions from a non-RT state to an advantageous zone, the presentation state can be set to the normal state via the first start state.

In addition, when the AT control means 200 starts a favorable zone based on winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 2", and the winning area "Replay 3", which are winable even in non-RT states and bonus establishment states, the AT control means 200 sets the presentation state at the start of the favorable zone to the second start state. The AT control means 200 is configured to refer to the game state when play is being executed in the second start state, and to determine the presentation state to transition to after one game has been executed in the second start state.

Specifically, if the game state when playing in the second start state is a non-RT state, the AT control means 200 determines the presentation state to transition to after one game has been played in the second start state to be the normal state, and if the game state when playing in the second start state is a bonus establishment state, the AT control means 200 determines the presentation state to transition to after one game has been played in the second start state to be the CZ state during AT.

Here, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the game state when playing in the second start state becomes a non-RT state only when an advantageous zone is initiated based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 2", or the winning area "Replay 3" in an internal lottery in the non-RT state.

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured not to execute a lottery for a favorable zone when the winning areas "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1" and "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2", which are winning areas that can be won by internal lottery in the bonus formation state, which is a gaming state that is set when the RBB is carried over to the formation state, are won.

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the gaming state when playing in the second starting state becomes the bonus established state only when an advantageous zone is initiated based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the winning area "Common Bell", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 2", or the winning area "Replay 3" in the internal lottery in the bonus established state.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the gaming state is set to a non-RT state, and the gaming state is set to the normal zone; however, when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone immediately after setting change control, the gaming state is set to the normal state based on the start of the advantageous zone; and when transitioning from the normal zone to the advantageous zone when the gaming state is in a bonus established state, the gaming state is set to the CZ state based on the start of the advantageous zone, thereby achieving gameplay that allows for improved marketability while still providing an advantageous zone.

Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can prevent the emergence of excessively advantageous strategies immediately after setting change control is initiated, and with the transition to an advantageous zone immediately after setting change control is executed, data and programs for executing effects that differ from the set effect state become unnecessary, preventing an increase in the program capacity related to the effects.

<Lottery for the advantageous zone when winning the winning area "RBB" and the winning area "Replay 1">
As described above, the winning area "Replay 1" in the first embodiment is configured so that Replay A is the sole winning, and the winning area "Replay 2" is configured so that Replay A and Replay B are both winning, and each is configured as a different winning area. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that Replay A wins in both the winning area "Replay 1" and the winning area "Replay 2."

For this reason, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in a game in which Replay A wins, the player cannot tell whether the winning area "Replay 1" or the winning area "Replay 2" has won.

In addition, in internal lottery table A, the winning area "Replay 1" and the winning area "RBB" are each associated with a value of "4" as the number of lottery values, so the winning probability of each of the winning areas "Replay 1" and "RBB" is 4/65536 (1/16384). In addition, in internal lottery table A, the winning area "Replay 2" is associated with a value of "8718" as the number of lottery values, so the winning probability of the winning area "Replay 2" is 8718/65536 (approximately 1/7.5). In addition, in internal lottery table A, the winning area "Replay 3" is associated with a value of "256" as the number of lottery values, so the winning probability of the winning area "Replay 3" is 256/65536 (1/256).

For this reason, in non-RT mode, when the internal lottery is executed using internal lottery table A, the probability of winning one of the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 3" is 8978/65536 (approximately 1/7.3).

In addition, as described above, in internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values associated with winning area "RBB" is associated with winning area "Replay 1", and therefore the value "8" is associated with winning area "Replay 1", so the winning probability of winning area "Replay 1" is 8/65536 (1/8192). In internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values associated with winning area "Replay 2" and the number of lottery values associated with winning area "Replay 3" are the same as in internal lottery table A.

For this reason, when a bonus is achieved and an internal lottery is executed using internal lottery table B, the probability of winning one of the winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 3" is 8982/65536 (approximately 1/7.3).

Also, as shown in FIG. 3, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery for the advantageous zone when the winning area "RBB" is won in a non-RT state, and when the winning area "Replay 2" is won in a non-RT state or a bonus state. As described above, the winning area "Replay 1" is a replay (a lottery with a variable replay probability) with a different winning probability in a non-RT state and a bonus state. Therefore, when the winning area "Replay 1" is won, the AT control means 200 cannot execute a predetermined one-to-one process for each winning area depending on the game state. (Because the winning probability of the winning area "Replay 1" varies depending on the game state, if the advantageous zone lottery were executed based on winning the winning area "Replay 1," the probability of winning the winning area "Replay 1" and moving to the advantageous zone would also vary, resulting in no one-to-one matching.) Therefore, in order to maintain fairness in the game, the AT control means 200 is configured not to execute a lottery for the advantageous zone.

The AT control means 200 is configured to be able to execute a drawing related to the instruction function corresponding to the presentation state in all of the following cases when a favorable zone has begun: when the winning area "RBB" has been won in a non-RT state; when the winning area "Replay 1" has been won in a non-RT state or a bonus state; and when the winning area "Replay 2" has been won in a non-RT state or a bonus state. The AT control means 200 is also configured to execute the same drawing related to the instruction function corresponding to the presentation state in all of the following cases when a favorable zone has begun: when the winning area "Replay 1" has been won in a non-RT state or a bonus state; and when the winning area "Replay 2" has been won in a non-RT state or a bonus state.

In other words, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is equipped with an auxiliary game control means that controls the normal zone and the advantageous zone and controls the auxiliary game in the advantageous zone, and has multiple winning modes, including a first winning mode, a second winning mode, and a third winning mode. In the first winning mode, a bonus is won alone, and in the second winning mode and the third winning mode, a specific replay is won. In both the second winning mode and the third winning mode, a specific replay is won. The gaming states include a normal gaming state, a bonus formation state to which the machine transitions when a bonus is won in the normal gaming state, and a bonus state to which the machine transitions when a bonus is won. In the internal lottery table used in the internal lottery in the bonus formation state, a first winning mode is associated with the first winning mode in the internal lottery used in the internal lottery in the normal gaming state. The number of lottery values obtained is associated with the second winning mode, and the auxiliary game control means executes a lottery for a favorable zone to determine whether to transition to a favorable zone when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery and when the third winning mode is won in the internal lottery in the normal zone. The auxiliary game control means does not execute a lottery for a favorable zone when the third winning mode is won in the internal lottery in the normal zone. The auxiliary game control means is capable of executing a lottery for an instruction function based on winning in any of the cases when the first winning mode is won in the internal lottery, when the second winning mode is won in the internal lottery, and when the third winning mode is won in the internal lottery in the favorable zone. The auxiliary game control means is capable of executing a common lottery for the lottery for the instruction function based on winning the second winning mode in the internal lottery and the lottery for the instruction function based on winning the third winning mode in the internal lottery.

Because of this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment executes the advantageous zone lottery when the winning area "RBB" is won and when the winning area "Replay 2" is won, but does not execute the lottery when the winning area "Replay 1" is won, which is a winning area where the probability of winning a replay changes between the non-RT state and the bonus state. Therefore, although there is a difference in the control content related to the start of the advantageous zone between the winning area "RBB" and the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "Replay 1", when the advantageous zone starts, the winning area " A lottery related to the instruction function can be executed when winning in any of the winning areas "Replay A", "Replay 1", and "Replay 2", and when winning in the winning area "Replay 1", which has restrictions associated with maintaining fairness in the game when controlling the transition to the advantageous zone, and when winning in the winning area "Replay 2", a common lottery can be executed in the lottery related to the instruction function based on winning in the winning area where Replay A will be awarded, so it is possible to prevent players from feeling a loss due to restrictions associated with maintaining fairness in the game.

This AT control means 200 constitutes the auxiliary game control means in the first embodiment, the winning area "RBB" constitutes the first winning mode in the first embodiment, the winning area "Replay 1" constitutes the second winning mode in the first embodiment, the winning area "Replay 2" constitutes the third winning mode in the first embodiment, and Replay A constitutes the specific replay in the first embodiment. In addition, the non-RT state constitutes the normal game state.

4. Details of Stop Control When a Winning Area Including a Minor Win is Won As described above, when executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 of the first embodiment performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a priority order set in advance by logic calculation, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190, and determines the symbol to be displayed on the activated line L1 when the spinning reel is stopped.

The logic calculation process determines the priority of five candidate stop positions within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the press detection position, which is the reel position at the time the stop button press is detected, according to priority data defined for each role. Here, the reel control means 130 obtains the rotational state of the reel at the time a reel stop signal is received from the stop switch 240 using the reel index, which is information indicating that the reel has made one rotation and is output when the photosensor provided on the reel unit 310 detects the reel position detection section provided on each reel, and the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel at which the reel index is detected (calculated from the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor). Then, the candidate stop position with the highest priority among the candidate stop positions is determined to be the actual stop position.

In the logic calculation process, when the lottery flags for two or more types of roles are set to a winning state, the priority is determined according to the priority associated with each role, so that candidate stop positions containing symbols that form the winning pattern of a role with a higher priority are given a higher priority than candidate stop positions containing symbols that form the winning pattern of a role with a lower priority.

Furthermore, as mentioned above, there are two ways to determine the priority of candidate stop positions in the logic calculation process when multiple types of minor winning combinations are won in the internal lottery: quantity priority control and coin number priority control. In coin number priority control, which determines the priority of candidate stop positions based on the number of medals paid out, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the stop positions that will pay out a greater number of medals based on the payout for the minor winning combination corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the activated line L1, i.e., the stop positions that can win minor winning combinations with larger payouts, have a higher priority.

Here, under number-priority control, if multiple minor winning combinations with the same payout are won, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each minor winning combination is treated as being the same.

With this configuration, when a "common bell" win area, which has a payout of eight coins and allows multiple wins of Bells A to D, is selected by internal lottery, the reel control means 130 of the first embodiment executes stop control using the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194, since the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each of Bells A to D under number-priority control is the same and there is no difference in priority.

When the "Common Bell" winning area is won, the reel control means 130 executes stop control using a specific stop control table 194a, which is a stop control table pre-stored in the reel control data storage means 194 and is set to stop the symbols that make up the Bell A winning symbol combination. This causes the symbols that make up the Bell A winning symbol combination to be stopped and displayed on the activated line L1 regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3.

Also, as shown in Figure 3, in slot machine 1, Bells A to D can be won in the "All Minor Wins" winning area, which is winnable in the bonus state. Therefore, under the number-priority control, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win Bells A to D is the same, and there is no difference in priority.

As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the game state transitions to the bonus state only if the winning area "RBB" is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state and an RBB is won in a game in which the winning area "RBB" is won; if an RBB is not won in a game in which the winning area "RBB" is won, the game state transitions to the bonus realization state.

In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the priority order of roles to be stopped on the activated line L1 in the reel stop control is such that minor roles are stopped before bonuses. When the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" is won, stop control is executed to make any of the 1-coin roles A to D win, and when the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won, stop control is executed to make any of the 1-coin roles A to E win, so that RBB does not win. Therefore, when the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won in a non-RT state, the game state transitions to a bonus state.

In addition, in the slot machine 1, when a bonus is achieved, an internal lottery is performed to ensure that a win area including a small win or replay is achieved, and if a small win is not achieved, the reel stops is controlled so that a miss occurs (no win) and no bonus is won.

For this reason, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that once it transitions to a bonus-achieved state, it will not transition to a bonus state in subsequent games until initialization is performed and it transitions to a non-RT state. Furthermore, because the probability of winning the "RBB" winning area on the slot machine 1 is low at 4/65536 (1/16394), the probability of transitioning from a non-RT state to a bonus state is also extremely low.

Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has extremely limited opportunities to win the "All Minor Wins" winning area, which is possible to win in the bonus state.

As described above, when slot machine 1 wins the "All Minor Wins" winning area, where Bells A to D are multiple wins, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win Bells A to D under the number-priority control is the same for each, and there is no difference in priority, so slot machine 1 is configured to perform stop control using a stop control table.

For this reason, if the slot machine 1 were configured to store in advance in the reel control data storage means 194 a stop control table that would only be used when the "all minor win" win area, which has extremely limited opportunities to win, the data capacity would be constrained by the stop control table, which would only be used on a limited basis.

As a result, the reel control means 130 of the first embodiment is configured to execute stop control using the specific stop control table 194a used when the "All Small Wins" winning area is won, thereby executing stop control in which Bell A is won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3, just as in the case of winning the "Common Bell" winning area.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment shares the stop control table used when the "All Minor Features" winning area, which has extremely limited winning opportunities and in which reel stop control is performed using a stop control table stored in advance in the reel control data storage means 194, with the specific stop control table 194a used when the "Common Bell" winning area is won. This eliminates the need to provide a separate stop control table for the "All Minor Features" winning area, and reduces the amount of data stored in the storage means 190.

In addition, since slot machine 1 can only win in the bonus state, the stop control table used when winning in the "All Small Features" winning area, which has extremely limited chances of winning, is shared with the "Common Bell" winning area. This limits the impact of the small features that can be won being biased towards Bell A, and reduces the impact on playability that comes with reduced data capacity.

The non-RT state and bonus established state constitute the first gaming state in the first embodiment, the bonus state constitutes the second gaming state in the first embodiment, the "common bell" winning area that wins Bell A as a specific small win constitutes the first small win mode in the first embodiment, the "all small win" winning area that wins all small wins including Bell A constitutes the second small win mode in the first embodiment, and the specific stop control table 194a constitutes the specific stop control data in the first embodiment.

5. Details of Game Performance in AT Preparation State Next, details of game performance in the AT preparation state will be explained with reference to FIGS.

<Small winnings that can be won for each batting order when the batting order winning mode is won>
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the winning roles that can be won depending on the batting order of stop button B1 to stop button B3 when winning areas (batting order winning modes) that are different in terms of the small roles that can be won depending on the batting order of stop button B1 to stop button B3 are won, such as winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" (small role batting order winning mode), winning area "Replay 3", winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1", and winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2".

As shown in Figure 5, in slot machine 1, a batting order (correct batting order) is set for each winning area that will allow Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of eight coins, to win if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are selected in the internal lottery. These batting orders are set to batting orders 3 to 6, i.e., the batting orders in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated for the first stop.

In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8," if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that is different from the correct batting order (incorrect batting order) and stop button B1 is operated for the first stop, there is a 1/1 chance of winning a 1-coin role A, which is set to pay out 1 coin. In addition, in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" to "Batting Order Bell 8," if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that is incorrect and stop button B2 or B3 is operated for the first stop, there is a 1/1 chance of winning a 1-coin role A, which is set to pay out 1 coin.

In addition, for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4," if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is first stopped during an incorrect batting order, the small winning combinations that can be won at the time of the first stop operation are limited to 1-piece combination B and 1-piece combination C, which are each set to a payout of 1 coin, and the small winning combinations that can be won at the time of the second stop operation are limited to either 1-piece combination B or 1-piece combination C, and the small winning combinations that can be won at the time of the third stop operation are limited to either 1-piece combination B or 1-piece combination C. If the stop button is pressed at a timing that allows a winning combination to be made (a timing when 10 of the 20 symbols are displayed in rotation on the active line L1 and when there is no overlap between 1-coin symbol B and 1-coin symbol C), the winning minor combination will be made to win, but if the stop button is pressed at a timing that prevents a winning minor combination from being made to win in the third stop operation, a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of either combination will be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, resulting in a missed win.

The winning area "Replay 3" is configured so that the batting order that allows Replay C to win is set to batting order 1 and batting order 2, i.e., the batting order in which stop button B1 is operated to the first stop, and Replay A will win with a 1/1 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to the first stop for batting orders 3 to 6.

As described above, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to recommend a game in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2 when an operation mode notification is not executed. Furthermore, when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery in the advantageous zone and it is determined not to notify an operation mode in the replay notification lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery for an instruction function corresponding to the presentation state in which the game is being executed, and is capable of executing control for an instruction function that is advantageous to the player.

In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the winning area "Replay 3" is won and no operation mode notification is executed in the replay notification lottery, control related to the instruction function that is advantageous to the player can be executed, and Replay C will be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 or batting order 2, which is the recommended playing method based on the fact that no operation mode notification is executed.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can suggest that winning Replay C may result in the execution of control related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player, and the probability of winning Replay C when winning area "Replay 3" can be changed depending on the probability of an operation notification in the replay notification lottery.By changing the probability of winning Replay C depending on the presentation state, the frequency of suggesting that control related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player may have been executed can be set for each presentation state, and the playability using the winning of Replay C, which is set depending on the presentation state, can increase the player's interest in the game.

The winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 1" is configured to win 1-piece role A with a 1/1 probability when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order where stop button B1 or stop button B2 of batting orders 1 to 4 are operated for the first stop operation. Furthermore, the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 1" is configured to win 1-piece role B to 1-piece role D when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order where stop button B3 of batting orders 5 and 6 are operated for the first stop operation.

The winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 2" is configured to win 1-piece role A with a 1/1 probability when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order where stop button B1 or stop button B2 of batting orders 1 to 4 are operated for the first stop operation. Furthermore, the winning area "RBB & 1-piece role 1" is configured to win 1-piece role B to 1-piece role E when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order where stop button B3 of batting orders 5 and 6 are operated for the first stop operation.

In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the symbols that make up the winning combination for a 1-coin D are arranged in one frame out of 20 frames on the center reel R2 and the right reel R3, and are composed of a specific symbol (e.g., a BAR symbol) that is wider than the multiple symbols arranged on each reel and therefore more visible than the multiple symbols arranged on the reels. The symbol on the left reel R1 is a different symbol from the specific symbol and is capable of being stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop button B1. Also, in the slot machine 1, the symbols that make up the winning combination for a 1-coin E are arranged in the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3, and are composed of the specific symbol.

With this configuration, when the internal lottery results in a win in the "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1" or "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2" winning area, and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in play order 6, if a game is played with the aim of stopping and displaying a specific symbol on the pay line L1, stop buttons B2 and B3 are operated, and the specific symbol is stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 on center reel R2 and right reel R3, it is impossible to determine whether 1 Coin Role D or 1 Coin Role E will be the winning combination.

Furthermore, in slot machine 1, one specific symbol is arranged on each reel. Therefore, if the internal lottery results in the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 1" or the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role 2" and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 or 6, and the player operates the stop buttons at random times without aiming to stop the specific symbol on the pay line L1, then 1 Coin Role D will be won with a probability of 1/16, and 1 Coin Role E will be won with a probability of 1/64.

In addition, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won in the internal lottery and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5 or 6, and if stop button B3 is operated at a time when the specific symbol cannot be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of 1-coin role B or 1-coin role C will be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1. Also, in slot machine 1, if the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won in the internal lottery and stop button B1 to B3 is operated at a time when stop button B2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, a symbol combination different from the winning symbol combination of either role will be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, resulting in a missed win.

<Control in AT preparation state>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing AT preparation state processing, which is control related to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 200 in the AT preparation state according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 6, the AT control means 200 first adds a value of "1" to the AT preparation state counter 197c since one game is played in the AT preparation state (S1). Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have been selected in the internal lottery (S2). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the result of the internal lottery is the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8," which are the winning areas that trigger the execution of control related to the transition to the AT state using the winning assistance.

If, in the processing of step S2, it is determined that a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" has been won (YES), the AT control means 200 executes a winning assistance lottery (S3). In this processing, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery to determine whether to "execute normal winning assistance," "execute AT transition winning assistance," or "not win (miss)."

Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the "AT transition winning assistance execution" has been won in the winning assistance lottery (S4). In this process, if it is determined that the "AT transition winning assistance execution" has been won (YES), the AT control means 200 increments the number of times the AT transition winning assistance has been executed by one (S5). In the processing of step S5, the AT control means 200 increments the AT transition winning assistance execution count counter 197d by a value of "1", which corresponds to one time, because the AT transition winning assistance will be executed in this game.

Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether the first stop operation complies with the AT transition winning assistance (S6). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the first stop operation complies with the AT transition winning assistance by determining whether the first stop operation has been performed on stop button B1, which is not suggested to be the first stop operation in the AT transition winning assistance.

In the processing of step S6, if it is determined that the stop button B1 has not been operated to perform the first stop, that is, that the stop button B2 or stop button B3 has been operated to perform the first stop in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance (YES), the AT control means 200 adds a value of "10" to the AT point counter 197e (S7). In this processing, the AT control means 200 adds a value of "10", which corresponds to 10 points, to the AT point counter 197e because a game has been played in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance.

Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether the first stopping operation matches the correct batting order (S8). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the AT start condition is met by determining whether the first stopping operation matches the correct batting order.

If, in the processing of step S2, it is determined that the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have not been won (NO), if, in the processing of step S4, it is determined that the "AT Transition Winning Assistance Execution" has not been won (NO), if, in the processing of step S6, it is determined that the first stopping operation does not comply with the AT Transition Winning Assistance (NO), or if, in the processing of step S8, it is determined that the first stopping operation does not match the correct batting order (NO), the AT control means 200 determines whether the value stored in the AT preparation state counter 197c is "1650" (S9). In this processing, the AT control means 200 determines whether the AT start condition has been met by the execution of 1650 games in the AT preparation state, and if it is determined that the value stored in the AT preparation state counter 197c is not "1650" (NO), the AT preparation state processing ends while maintaining the presentation state in the AT preparation state.

If, in the processing of step S8, it is determined that the first stop operation matches the correct batting order (YES), or if, in the processing of step S9, it is determined that the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1650" (YES), the AT control means 200 determines that the AT start condition has been met, transitions the presentation state to the AT state (S10), and ends the AT preparation state processing.

<Details of AT transition winning assistance>
7 shows the display mode of the display device 330 and the display mode of the main control display device DS when the AT transition winning assistance is executed. As shown in FIG. 7 , the slot machine 1 displays a status display 331a indicating that the AT is in the preparation state by displaying "AT preparation," a no-operation indicator 331b indicating that the first stop operation is not the stop button B1, a first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c indicating that the first stop operation is the stop button B2 or the stop button B3, and an AT start condition display 331d indicating that the AT state will start if the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, that is, if either the correct stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is operated. The main control display device DS displays a unique display ("07" in the first embodiment) different from the display specifying the correct batting order as a correct operation notification indicating that the batting order in which the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is first operated is the correct batting order.

In this way, in slot machine 1, the operation modes suggested by the navigation effects of the no-operation instruction indicator 331b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c, and the correct hitting order notification of "07", in the AT transition winning assistance, do not include the operation mode in which stop button B1 is operated first.

By implementing the navigation effects of the no-operation indicator 331b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c, and the correct hitting order notification of "07," the slot machine 1 executes a game in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated when a game is executed in accordance with the winning assistance, and executes a game in which stop button B1 is operated when a game is executed that does not conform to the winning assistance.

As shown in Figure 5, the correct batting order for winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is set to one of batting orders 3 to 6, respectively, and the first stop button that matches the correct batting order is configured to be either stop button B2 or stop button B3.

With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 executes the AT transition winning assistance and a game is played in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, there is a 50% chance that the AT state will start and a 50% chance that the AT preparation state will continue.

Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that when stop button B1 is operated to the first stop while winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of 8 coins, do not win, and 1-coin role A, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, wins. When stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to the first stop, Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of 8 coins, become eligible to win. Therefore, the payout rate for the operation mode in which stop button B1 is operated to the first stop is lower than the payout rate for the operation mode in which a stop button other than stop button B1 (stop button B2, stop button B3) is operated to the first stop.

With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" while in the AT preparation state, it executes AT transition winning assistance that suggests operating stop button B2 or stop button B3 as the first stop operation, as a winning assistance that does not put the player at a disadvantage by executing play in accordance with the winning assistance.This allows for a variety of gameplay features, and while the specifications determine whether or not to enter the AT state, which provides a special benefit, based on the player's operating style, the AT transition winning assistance, which is a control that does not put the player at a disadvantage, maintains fairness in the game.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when AT transition winning assistance is executed and a game is played in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, there is a 1/2 probability that the AT preparation state will continue, but AT points are awarded at the point when a game is played in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance. As described above, in the slot machine 1, when the number of awarded AT points reaches 100 or more, a bonus related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player is awarded in the AT state to which the AT preparation state is transitioned.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment executes AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and even if the player performs play in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance and does not transition to the AT state because the first stop operation does not match the correct hitting order, when the player transitions to the AT state if the awarded points reach 100 points or more, the slot machine executes processing related to the awarding of AT points, which awards a bonus related to the instruction function that is advantageous to the player.By doing so, the AT transition winning assistance as control related to the instruction function can realize diverse gameplay, reduce the player's sense of loss, and prevent the player's interest in the game from declining.

Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if AT transition winning assistance is executed and a game that does not comply with the AT transition winning assistance is executed, AT points are not awarded.

In other words, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment does not award the second benefit if a specific operation notification is executed and an operation mode not suggested by the specific operation notification is performed.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment executes AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and if the player performs a game that does not comply with the AT transition winning assistance, the process related to the awarding of AT points, which would grant a bonus related to an instruction function advantageous to the player when the player transitions to the AT state if the awarded points reach 100 points or more, is not executed. This prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and thus prevents a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

The left reel R1 constitutes the first reel in the first embodiment, the center reel R2 constitutes the second reel in the first embodiment, and the right reel R3 constitutes the third reel in the first embodiment. Furthermore, stop button B1 constitutes the first stop button in the first embodiment, stop button B2 constitutes the second stop button in the first embodiment, and stop button B3 constitutes the third stop button in the first embodiment. Furthermore, winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 8" constitute specific winning patterns in the first embodiment, Bells A through D constitute the first winning combination in the first embodiment, 1-coin combinations A through C constitute the second winning combination in the first embodiment, and the correct batting order that allows Bells A through D to win when winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" through "Batting Order Bell 8" are won constitutes the specific operation pattern in the first embodiment. In addition, the AT control means 200 and the presentation control means 180 that execute the AT transition winning assistance constitute the winning assistance control means and operation notification means in the first embodiment.

The AT transition winning assistance constitutes the specific operation notification in the first embodiment. An operation mode in which the first stop operation matches the correct batting order set in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" constitutes the first operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance in the first embodiment. An operation mode in which the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order set in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and the first stop operation is performed on stop button B2 or stop button B3 constitutes the second operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance in the first embodiment. The AT state transitioned to by operating stop button B1 to stop button B3 in the first operation mode constitutes the first specific benefit related to the instruction function in the first embodiment, and constitutes a first specific benefit that is more advantageous than the second specific benefit related to the instruction function. The AT points awarded by operating stop button B1 to stop button B3 in the second operation mode constitute the second specific benefit related to the instruction function in the first embodiment.

6. Details of the gameplay in the CZ state during the AT Next, details of the gameplay in the CZ state during the AT will be explained using Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9.

<Detailed specifications of CZ state during AT>
As shown in Figure 4 (B), the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to transition from the AT state to the AT CZ state when the winning area "Rare Role" is won in the internal lottery in the AT state, when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, and when "Transition to AT CZ state" is won in the AT CZ lottery executed in the following cases. Also, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition from the second start state set by the start of the advantageous zone to the AT CZ state when the game state in the game in which the advantageous zone has started is a bonus establishment state.

In other words, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has an AT CZ state as a common presentation state that can be transitioned to from the AT state and is set to be transitionable based on the start of a favorable zone.

Figure 8 (A) is a diagram showing the probability of transitioning to an add-on specialized state in an AT CZ state transitioned from an AT state in the first embodiment, and Figure 8 (B) is a diagram showing the probability of transitioning to an add-on specialized state in an AT CZ state transitioned based on the start of a favorable zone. Note that the transition probabilities shown in Figures 8 (A) and (B) indicate values designed as the probability of transitioning from an AT CZ state to an add-on specialized state when a sufficient number of AT CZ states have been executed to ignore the bias in the probability of winning or losing the transition to an add-on specialized state, and are different from the probability of winning the "transition to an add-on specialized state" in a single add-on specialized lottery.

As shown in Figures 8(A) and (B), the CZ state during AT in the first embodiment is configured so that the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state differs for each set value stored in the set value storage means 191. The CZ state during AT is configured so that the larger the set value stored in the set value storage means 191, the higher the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8(A) and (B), when the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is setting 1 or setting 2, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state is the same as the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned based on the start of an advantageous zone.

On the other hand, when the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is setting 3 to setting 6, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of a favorable zone at each setting value is higher than the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned to from the AT state at each setting value. For example, when the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is setting 6, the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of a favorable zone at each setting value is 65%, and the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of a favorable zone is 77%.

Figure 9 shows the effect lottery table used by the effect control means 180 when the effect state is the AT CZ state.

The normal continuation effect is an effect that corresponds to a normal effect among multiple types of effects, and is executed when other effects are not executed. In the normal continuation effect, the effect control means 180 executes an effect that notifies the player that the AT CZ state will not end in this game and will continue. In addition, each time the effect control means 180 executes a normal continuation effect in one set of AT CZ state, it executes an effect (continuation effect) with content that has a continuing story.

The "just before end" effect is an effect that is executed when there is only one game remaining in which the AT CZ state can be continued. In the "just before end" effect, the effect control means 180 executes an effect that notifies the player that the AT CZ state will end in the next game.

The end effect is an effect that is executed when the AT CZ state ends in the current game. In the end effect, the effect control means 180 executes an effect that notifies the player that the AT CZ state ends in the current game.

The state transition suggestion effect is an effect that can be executed when the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" or the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 2" is won in the internal lottery. The effect control means 180 executes the state transition suggestion effect when the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" is won in the internal lottery, and executes the state transition suggestion effect when the winning area "RBB & 1-coin role 1" is won in the internal lottery and the "Transition to added-on specialized state" is won in the added-on specialized lottery. In the state transition suggestion effect, the effect control means 180 executes an effect that suggests operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 6 and operating stop buttons B1 to B3 at the operation timing that allows the specific pattern to be stopped and displayed on the activated line L1.

When in the AT CZ state, the presentation control means 180 determines the presentation content in the AT CZ state using the presentation lottery table illustrated in Figure 9. In other words, the presentation control means 180 of the first embodiment is configured to determine the presentation content in the AT CZ state using a common presentation lottery table, since both the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state and the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of a favorable zone are common presentation states.

As described above, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is provided with a main control display device DS consisting of a 7-segment display, and the main control display device DS displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, the total number of medals paid out or won in bonus mode, information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to medal payouts. However, the main control display device DS is configured not to display information on whether the slot machine is set in a favorable zone, and it is not possible to tell from the appearance of the slot machine 1 whether it is set in a normal zone or a favorable zone.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to be able to transition from the AT state and to be able to transition based on the start of an advantageous zone, has multiple conditions set for enabling transition, and is configured to be able to change the degree of advantageous zone depending on which condition is met.However, in the AT CZ state that is executed in common regardless of which condition is met, a common effect lottery table is used to determine the effects to be executed, so the player is prevented from determining from the content of the effects whether the current AT CZ state is one that has been transitioned from the AT state or one that has been transitioned based on the start of an advantageous zone, and it is possible to prevent the player from determining whether the advantageous zone has ended.

<Gameability in CZ state during AT>
The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to end the advantageous zone when 4,000 games have been played or when the player has acquired more than 2,400 medals since the point at which the most medals were consumed in the advantageous zone, and is configured to transition to the normal presentation state and continue the advantageous zone even when the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f becomes "0" and the AT state ends. The slot machine 1 is also configured to be able to change the probability of winning a bonus in various lotteries held by the AT control means 200 according to the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191, and as shown in Figures 8(A) and 8(B), the larger the setting value, the higher the probability that the lottery held by the AT control means 200 will be advantageous to the player.

Furthermore, as described above, in slot machine 1, when the gaming state transitions to the bonus establishment state, the bonus establishment state continues in subsequent games, and when the game state transitions to the advantageous zone through a favorable zone lottery based on the win area that can be won in the bonus establishment state, the presentation state is set to the second start state based on the start of the advantageous zone. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, when the gaming state is in the second start state and the bonus establishment state, the presentation state is set to the AT CZ state after one game has been played in the second start state.

For this reason, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the larger the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191, the longer the AT state continues in the advantageous zone and medals are acquired, leading to the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b reaching the value "2401", and the more likely it is that the advantageous zone will end and the slot machine will transition to the normal zone upon the specific termination condition being met. Furthermore, when the slot machine transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the transition to the advantageous zone triggers the transition to the second start state and the slot machine is set to the AT CZ state. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured so that in the AT CZ state, which is transitioned to based on the start of the advantageous zone, if the setting value is 3 or higher, there is a higher probability of transitioning to the bonus-specialized state than the AT CZ state, which is transitioned to from the AT state.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the larger the setting value, the higher the probability of winning more than 2,400 medals in the series of advantageous zones from when the player transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone until the advantageous zone ends; and when more than 2,400 medals are won in the series of advantageous zones, the advantageous zone ends, the normal zone begins, and the player transitions from the normal zone back to the advantageous zone, an AT CZ state is executed in which the probability of transitioning to the add-on specialized state is higher than the AT CZ state transitioning from the AT state. Furthermore, when Settings 1 and 2 are set as the setting value, the slot machine 1 executes an AT CZ state in which the probability of transitioning to the add-on specialized state is set to the same as the AT CZ state transitioning from the normal zone back to the advantageous zone.

For this reason, by setting the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 to a large value equal to or greater than setting 3, the slot machine 1 offers a more advantageous gaming experience than when the setting value is set to setting 1 or setting 2, thereby improving the marketability of the gaming machine when the setting value is set to a large value.

This AT CZ state, which can grant a transition to an additional specialized state as a bonus, constitutes the bonus state; a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, and the fact that the game state at the start of the second start state is in a bonus establishment state, constitutes the first condition that can be met triggered by a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone; winning the "Transition to AT CZ state" in the AT CZ lottery, which is executed when the "Rare Role" winning area is won in the internal lottery in the AT state, or when the "Replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, constitutes the second condition that can be met when the advantageous zone continues; and the AT control means 200, which controls the normal zone and advantageous zone and controls the instruction function in the advantageous zone, constitutes the control means.

7. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the larger the setting value, the higher the probability of winning more than 2,400 medals in the series of advantageous zones from when the normal zone is transitioned to the advantageous zone until the advantageous zone ends; and when more than 2,400 medals are won in the series of advantageous zones, the advantageous zone ends, the normal zone begins, and the game transitions from the normal zone back to the advantageous zone, an AT CZ state is executed in which the probability of transitioning to the add-on specialized state is higher than the AT CZ state transitioning from the AT state. Furthermore, when Setting 1 or Setting 2 is set as the setting value, the slot machine 1 executes an AT CZ state in which the probability of transitioning to the add-on specialized state is set to the same probability as the AT CZ state transitioning from the AT state when transitioning back to the advantageous zone from the normal zone.

For this reason, by setting the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 to a large value equal to or greater than setting 3, the slot machine 1 offers a more advantageous gaming experience than when the setting value is set to setting 1 or setting 2, thereby improving the marketability of the gaming machine when the setting value is set to a large value.

Second Embodiment
Next, a slot machine 1 according to a second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described. The slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment is configured such that the control configuration related to the instruction function executed in the AT preparation state is different from that of the first embodiment. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate components common to the first embodiment, and their description will be omitted.

1. Configuration of the Gaming Machine in the Second Embodiment In the AT preparation state, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, whether or not to execute the winning assistance for Bells A to D is determined by lottery, and therefore this is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state in which the winning assistance for Bells A to D is not executed when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won. The AT control means 200 of the second embodiment is configured to be able to execute either the normal winning assistance or the AT transition winning assistance as a specific winning assistance when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won by an internal lottery when the gaming state is a bonus establishment state and the presentation state is the AT preparation state, and executes a winning assistance lottery to determine either "execute the normal winning assistance,""execute the AT transition winning assistance," or "no win (miss)."

With this configuration, the AT preparation state of the second embodiment, like the AT preparation state of the first embodiment, is designed so that by executing games in accordance with normal winning assistance and AT transition winning assistance, the payout rate, which is the ratio of the total number of medals paid out to the total number of medals inserted when a predetermined number of games are played, will not fall below 60% and will not exceed 100%.

When in the AT preparation state, the AT control means 200 performs an incremental update by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c in the AT control data storage means 197 each time a game is played.

In the second embodiment, the AT control means 200 determines that the AT start condition is met when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is an operation mode in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, or when 1650 games have been played in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650." The AT control means 200 is configured to transition the presentation state from the AT preparation state to the AT state, and to continue the AT preparation state until the conditions for starting the AT state (AT start conditions) are met.

As with the first embodiment, the AT transition winning assistance is a winning assistance suggested by the AT control means 200 and the presentation control means 180 when the first stop operation is not the stop button B1, but is the stop button B2 or the stop button B3. In other words, in the second embodiment, when the AT control means 200 executes the AT transition winning assistance and the first stop operation is the stop button B2 or the stop button B3, it determines that the AT start condition has been met, even if the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order.

With this configuration, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment will not transition to the AT state, which is a special benefit for the player, even if the player plays the game ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance. This prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and reduces the marketability of the gaming machine, and even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are accidentally operated in a different manner from the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the AT preparation state will continue as long as the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not "1650", preventing the player's interest in the game from decreasing.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the AT control means 200 performs an incremental update to add a value of "1" to the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d in the AT control data storage means 197 when the "AT transition winning assistance execution" is won in the winning assistance lottery. When the AT control means 200 executes the winning assistance lottery in the AT preparation state, it obtains a lottery table corresponding to the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d. The lottery table used in the winning assistance lottery is configured so that the probability of winning "AT transition winning assistance execution" increases as the stored value of the AT winning assistance execution count counter 197d increases.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state and the first stop operation is executed on the stop button B1, causing the AT preparation state to continue, the longer the AT preparation state continues, the more frequently the AT transition winning assistance is executed, and the higher the probability of transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state. Therefore, the more the player continues playing without following the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the more frequently the AT transition winning assistance is executed, encouraging the player to play in accordance with the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance and quickly transition to the AT state.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when the "AT transition winning assistance execution" is won in the winning assistance lottery and the first stop operation is an operation mode in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, the AT control means 200 executes a start-up addition process that adds (adds) 10 games to the number of games that can be played in the AT state to which the AT preparation state is transitioned.

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment executes an AT CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT CZ state when the "AT transition winning assistance execution" is won in the winning assistance lottery and the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct hitting order. When the "Transition to AT CZ state" is won in the AT CZ lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state from the AT state to the AT CZ state after a predetermined number of games (e.g., 5 games) have been played in the AT state to which the AT preparation state is transitioned.

As described above, the AT transition winning assistance is a notification mode that suggests that the stop button operated in the first stop operation is not stop button B1, and therefore includes operation modes in which the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, and operation modes in which the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order. Furthermore, since the AT transition winning assistance does not notify operation modes from the second stop operation onwards, there is a possibility that stop buttons B1 to B3 may be operated in an operation mode that does not match the correct batting order in the second stop operation, even if the first stop operation matches the correct batting order.

With this configuration, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment executes AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and when the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct hitting order, executes an AT CZ lottery that allows the player to transition to the AT CZ state as a bonus related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, in the AT preparation state, executes an AT transition winning assistance that suggests that the first stop operation that matches the correct hitting order is stop button B2 or stop button B3, but does not suggest the second stop operation or later. Furthermore, when stop buttons B1 through B3 are operated in the correct hitting order, an AT CZ lottery is executed as a bonus related to an instruction function that is advantageous to the player, thereby increasing the interest in the game for players who are able to operate stop buttons B1 through B3 in an operation manner that matches the correct hitting order.

With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the "Rare Role" winning area is won in the internal lottery in the AT state, when the "Replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, when the "Transition to AT CZ state" is won in the AT CZ lottery that is executed, and when the "Execution of AT transition winning assistance" is won in the winning assistance lottery in the AT preparation state and the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct hitting order, when the "Transition to AT CZ state" is won in the AT CZ lottery that is executed, each constitutes a second condition that can be established when the advantageous zone is continuing.

2. Details of Gameplay in AT Preparation State Next, details of gameplay in the AT preparation state in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment will be described.

<Control in AT preparation state>
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the AT preparation state process, which is a control related to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 200 in the AT preparation state according to the second embodiment.

Note that the AT preparation state processing executed in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment and the AT preparation state processing executed in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment that are executed in substantially the same way will be assigned the same step numbers and will not be described again.

In the processing of step S6, if it is determined that stop button B1 has not been operated for the first stop, that is, that stop button B2 or stop button B3 has been operated for the first stop in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance (YES), the AT control means 200 will determine whether the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct batting order (S21). In this processing, the AT control means 200 will determine whether all stop operations from the first stop operation to the third stop operation match the correct batting order set for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8."

In the processing of step S21, if it is determined that the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct batting order (YES), the AT control means 200 executes an AT CZ lottery (S22). Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether the "Transition to AT CZ state" was selected in the AT CZ lottery (S23). In this processing, if it is determined that the "Transition to AT CZ state" was selected (YES), the AT control means 200 decides to transition to the AT CZ state (S24). In this processing, since the "Transition to AT CZ state" was selected in the AT CZ lottery, the AT control means 200 transitions to the AT state, and after a predetermined number of games (e.g., 5 games) have been played in the transitioned AT state, the presentation state transitions from the AT state to the AT CZ state.

If, in the processing of step S2, it is determined that the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" have not been won (NO), if, in the processing of step S4, it is determined that the "AT Transition Winning Assistance Execution" has not been won (NO), or if, in the processing of step S6, it is determined that the first stop operation did not comply with the AT Transition Winning Assistance (NO), the AT control means 200 determines whether the value stored in the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1650" (S9). In this processing, the AT control means 200 determines whether the AT start condition has been met by the execution of 1650 games in the AT preparation state, and if it is determined that the value stored in the AT preparation state counter 197c is not the value "1650" (NO), it ends the AT preparation state processing while maintaining the presentation state in the AT preparation state.

After executing the processing of step S24, if it is determined in the processing of step S21 that the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 does not match the correct batting order (NO), if the "transition to CZ state during AT" is not selected in the processing of step S23 (NO), or if it is determined in the processing of step S9 that the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1650" (YES), the AT control means 200 determines that the AT start condition is met, executes processing related to AT state transition to transition the presentation state to the AT state (S25), and ends the AT preparation state processing.

<AT state transition processing>
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the process relating to the AT state transition executed in the process of step S25 of the AT preparation state process.

In the process related to the AT state transition, the AT control means 200 first determines whether or not the state has transitioned from the CZ state to the AT preparation state (S31). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the presentation state before the transition to the current AT preparation state was the CZ state, thereby determining whether or not the AT state to be transitioned to is the first AT state in the current advantageous zone.

If it is determined in the processing of step S31 that the state has transitioned from the CZ state to the AT preparation state (YES), the AT control means 200 sets the initial value to "40" since the AT state to be transitioned to is the first AT state in the current advantageous zone and the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f is "0" (S32).

After executing the processing of step S32 or in the processing of step S31, if it is determined that the AT state has transitioned to the AT preparation state (NO), the AT control means 200 adds a value of "10" to the AT game number counter 197f as a bonus based on the AT start condition being met (S33). After executing the processing of step S33, the AT control means 200 transitions the presentation state to the AT state (S34) and terminates the processing related to the AT state transition.

<Summary of transition from AT preparation state to AT state>
In this way, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment is configured to suggest an operation mode including the correct hitting order by suggesting that the first stop operation is not the stop button B1 in the AT transition winning assistance, and to terminate the AT preparation state and transition to the AT state when the first stop operation is executed on the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance.

In addition, when the AT control means 200 executes AT transition winning assistance and the first stop operation is performed by pressing the stop button B1, if the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c, which manages the length of time the AT preparation state continues in terms of the number of games played, does not reach the predetermined value of "1650" (is less than the predetermined value), the AT preparation state will be continued.

The AT control means 200 is configured to execute AT transition winning assistance in a game in which the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650", and to terminate the AT preparation state and transition to the AT state even if the stop button B1 is operated to the first stop.

With this configuration, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment will not transition to the AT state, which is a special benefit for the player, even if the player plays the game ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance. This prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and reduces the marketability of the gaming machine, and even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are accidentally operated in a different manner from the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the AT preparation state will continue as long as the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not "1650", preventing the player's interest in the game from decreasing.

Furthermore, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, even if play continues ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, 1650 games will be played in the AT preparation state. If the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650," the AT preparation state will end and the machine will transition to the AT state, even if play is executed using the operation mode of performing the first stop operation on the stop button B1, which is the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance not to transition to the AT state. This prevents the AT preparation state from continuing until the end of the advantageous zone, resulting in gameplay that was not intended by the gaming machine designer and reducing the marketability of the gaming machine.

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment is configured to execute the AT transition winning assistance and to execute the AT CZ lottery when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct hitting order among the multiple operation modes suggested by the AT transition winning assistance. The AT control means 200 is configured not to execute the AT CZ lottery when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is executed by stop button B1, even if the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650" in that game and the AT preparation state is ended and a transition is made to the AT state.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment executes the AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and when the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance is executed, it is possible to execute the AT CZ lottery, which is a benefit related to the instruction function that is not granted even when transitioning to the AT state.Furthermore, when play is executed that does not comply with the AT transition winning assistance, even when transitioning to the AT state occurs because the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650", the AT CZ lottery is not executed.This gives players an incentive to play in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, which is designed to realize diverse gameplay using control related to the instruction function, and increases the player's interest in the game.

<Details of the effects when transitioning to AT state>
Figure 12 is a diagram showing a case in which, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state, and a game is executed in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation manner in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, Figure 12 (A) is a diagram showing the display mode of the display device 330 and the display mode of the main control display device DS when the AT transition winning assistance is executed, and Figure 12 (B) is a diagram showing the display mode of the display device 330 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation manner in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance and the game transitions to the AT state.

As shown in FIG. 12(A), the slot machine 1 displays a status indicator 331a that reads "AT preparation" to indicate that the AT is in preparation, a no-operation indicator 331b that indicates that the first stop operation is not stop button B1, a first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c that indicates that the first stop operation is stop button B2 or stop button B3, and an AT start condition indicator 331e that indicates that the AT state will begin when the first stop operation is performed in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, that is, when stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated. The main control display device DS then displays a unique display ("07" in the second embodiment) that is different from the display that identifies the correct batting order as a correct operation notification indicating that the batting order in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is first operated is the correct batting order.

In this way, the operation modes notified in the AT transition winning assistance, including the navigation effects of the no-operation instruction indicator 331b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c and the correct hitting order notification of "07," are configured so that the operation mode in which the stop button B1 is operated first is not included.

By implementing the navigation effects of the no-operation indicator 331b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c, and the correct hitting order notification of "07", the slot machine 1 executes a game in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated when a game is executed in accordance with the winning assistance, and executes a game in which stop button B1 is operated when a game is executed that does not follow the winning assistance.

As described above, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured to initiate the AT state when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is performed on stop button B2 or stop button B3 in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, even if the first stop operation is a stop operation that differs from the first stop operation set in the correct batting order for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" that have been won in that game.

With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 executes the AT transition winning assistance and plays in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, the AT state will be initiated with a 1/1 probability.

In addition, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured so that when stop button B1 is operated to the first stop while winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of 8 coins, do not win, and 1-coin role A, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, wins. When stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to the first stop, Bells A to D, which are set to a payout of 8 coins, become eligible to win. Therefore, the payout rate for the operation mode in which stop button B1 is operated to the first stop is lower than the payout rate for the operation mode in which a stop button other than stop button B1 (stop button B2, stop button B3) is operated to the first stop.

With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment wins in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" while in the AT preparation state, it executes AT transition winning assistance that suggests operating stop button B2 or stop button B3 as the first stop operation, as a winning assistance that does not put the player at a disadvantage by executing play in accordance with the winning assistance.This allows for a variety of gameplay features, and while the specifications determine whether or not to enter the AT state, which provides a special benefit, based on the player's operating style, the AT transition winning assistance, which is a control that does not put the player at a disadvantage, maintains fairness in the game.

As shown in FIG. 12(B), the slot machine 1 displays a status display 331f that displays "AT Start!" to indicate that the AT preparation state has ended and the AT state will begin, and an additional display 331g that displays "+10G!" to indicate that it has been decided that an additional 10 games will be added when the AT state begins.

Figure 13 shows a case in which, in a slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state, and a game is executed in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation manner in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance. Figure 13(A) shows the display mode of the display device 330 and the display mode of the main control display device DS when AT transition winning assistance is executed, and Figure 13(B) shows the display mode of the display device 330 when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation manner in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, resulting in a transition to the AT state. Note that the content shown in Figure 13(A) is substantially the same as the content shown in Figure 12(A), so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13(B), the slot machine 1 displays a status display 331f that indicates that the AT preparation state has ended and the AT state will begin by displaying "AT Start!", and an additional display 331h that notifies the user that when the AT state begins, the initial number of games, 40 games set as the initial value and 10 additional games, have been decided to be awarded.

As described above, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment transitions from the AT preparation state to the AT state when AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11, the AT control means 200 is configured to set the value "40" to the AT game number counter 197f in the processing of step S32, and then add the value "10" to the AT game number counter 197f in the processing of step S33.

In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when transitioning from the AT preparation state, which is transitioned from the CZ state, to the AT state, the AT control means 200 executes processing steps S32 and S33 related to the AT state transition, causing the AT game number counter 197f to reach the value "50" and starting the AT state.

As a result of this configuration, the presentation control means 180 of the second embodiment is configured to add a value of "10" to the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f after the AT control means 200 sets the value "40", but is also configured to execute an additional display 331h to notify that the final result of the value reaching "50".

In this way, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state ends and the transition to the AT state occurs, the addition display 331g is displayed on the display device 330 to notify that a value of "10" will be added (added) to the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f; and when the AT preparation state ends from the CZ state and the transition to the AT state occurs, the addition display 331h is displayed on the display device 330 to notify that the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f has become "50", which is the result of adding (adding) the value "10" to the value "40" that was set, in other words, the value "50", which is the number of games combined, consisting of the initial value "40" and the added value "10", is awarded.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment displays the final result on the display device 330 even if the AT control means 200 adds multiple times to the AT game number counter 197f when the AT state begins. This prevents the notification displayed on the display device 330 from becoming cumbersome, reduces the risk of the displayed notification causing discomfort to the player, and prevents a decrease in the player's interest in the game.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state ends and the transition to the AT state occurs, an addition display 331g is displayed on the display device 330 to notify that a value of "10" will be added (topped up) to the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f. When the AT preparation state ends from the CZ state and the transition to the AT state occurs, the stored value of the AT game number counter 197f becomes "50", which is the result of adding (topping up) the value of "10" after the value "40" was set; in other words, the addition of the value "10" that was added based on the transition to the AT state after the initial value "40" was set is not notified.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured to add 10 games in both cases: when the AT preparation state entered from the AT state ends and the AT state begins, and when the AT preparation state entered from the CZ state ends and the AT state begins. However, when the AT preparation state entered from the CZ state ends and the AT state begins, the AT state was not started before the AT preparation state was entered, and the first AT state in the current advantageous zone, the so-called first win AT state, begins. Therefore, if the initial value of "40" is set in the AT game number counter 197f before the AT state begins and then the value "10" is added, it would be difficult to understand the initial number of games in the AT state. Therefore, by not notifying that the value "10" has been added, the notification displayed on the display device 330 does not become complicated, the risk of the displayed notification causing discomfort to the player is reduced, and a decrease in the player's interest in the game can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, when transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state, the AT control means 200 executes the processing related to the AT state transition shown in FIG. 11 to transition the presentation state to the AT state. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the AT control means 200 is configured to execute common processing related to the AT state transition when transitioning from the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state to the AT state, and when transitioning from the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state to the AT state, and is configured to execute the processing of step S33 to add (add) the value "10" to the AT game number counter 197f in both cases of transitioning from the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state to the AT state, and transitioning from the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state to the AT state.

In other words, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment can execute the same first bonus awarding process when awarding the first bonus in a specific state transitioned from the first state and when awarding the first bonus in a specific state transitioned from the second state.

With this configuration, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment executes the processing of step S33 in the common AT state transition processing when the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state ends and the first AT state in the current advantageous zone, the AT state which is the so-called first win, begins, and when the AT preparation state transitioned from the AT state ends and the AT state resumes. Therefore, it is possible to award an additional 10 games in the AT state regardless of the circumstances under which the AT preparation state began without increasing the data capacity of the program, and it is possible to execute notifications related to the awarding of benefits executed in conjunction with the start of the AT state in different notification modes depending on the circumstances under which the AT preparation state began, thereby increasing the player's interest in the presentation.

The presentation control means 180 that executes the additional displays 331g and 331h constitutes the bonus notification means in the second embodiment, the AT preparation state constitutes the specific state in the second embodiment, the situation in which 300 or more games have been played in the AT state transitioned from the AT preparation state constitutes the first situation in the second embodiment, and the situation in which a transition to the AT preparation state is decided in the CZ state constitutes the second situation in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the addition of the value "10" to the AT game number counter 197f granted upon transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state, i.e., the addition of 10 games to the number of games that can be played to execute the AT state, constitutes the first bonus in the second embodiment, and the setting of the value "40" to the AT game number counter 197f granted upon transitioning from the AT preparation state transitioned from the CZ state to the AT state, i.e., the setting of 40 games as the number of games that can be played to execute the AT state, constitutes the second bonus in the second embodiment. In addition, the notification mode in which an additional 10 games have been added by displaying additional display 331g constitutes the first notification mode in the second embodiment, the notification mode in which an initial number of 50 games has been added by displaying additional display 331h constitutes the second notification mode in the second embodiment, and the processing of step S33 in the processing related to the AT state transition constitutes the first bonus awarding process.

3. Summary of the Second Embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, even if a game is played ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the slot machine 1 will not transition to the AT state, which is a special benefit for the player, and this prevents the player from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and thus prevents a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine. In addition, even if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are accidentally operated in an operation mode different from the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the AT preparation state can be continued as long as the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not the value "1650", thereby preventing a decline in the player's interest in the game.

Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, even if play continues ignoring the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, 1650 games will be played in the AT preparation state. If the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650", the AT preparation state will end and the machine will transition to the AT state even if play is executed using the operation mode of performing the first stop operation on the stop button B1, which is the operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance not to transition to the AT state. This prevents the AT preparation state from continuing until the end of the advantageous zone, resulting in gameplay that was not intended by the gaming machine designer and reducing the marketability of the gaming machine.

In addition, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment is configured to add 10 games in both cases: when the AT state begins upon the end of the AT preparation state entered from the AT state, and when the AT state begins upon the end of the AT preparation state entered from the CZ state. However, when the AT state begins upon the end of the AT preparation state entered from the CZ state, the AT state has not started before the AT preparation state was entered, and the first AT state in the current advantageous zone, the so-called first win AT state, begins. Therefore, if the initial value of "40" is set in the AT game number counter 197f before the AT state begins and then the value "10" is added, it would be difficult to understand the initial number of games in the AT state. Therefore, by not notifying the fact that the value "10" has been added, the notification displayed on the display device 330 does not become complicated, the risk of the player being annoyed by the displayed notification mode is reduced, and a decrease in the player's interest in the game can be prevented.

Other Embodiments
In the first and second embodiments, the AT control means 200 is configured so that, with respect to the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state when transitioning to the AT CZ state based on the start of an advantageous zone, when the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is setting 3 or more, the probability is higher than the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured so that, regardless of the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191, the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state when transitioning to the AT CZ state based on the start of an advantageous zone is higher than the probability of transitioning to the added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state.

By being configured in this way, slot machine 1 has a higher probability of winning more than 2,400 medals in the series of advantageous zones from when it transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone until the advantageous zone ends; and when more than 2,400 medals have been won in the series of advantageous zones, the advantageous zone ends and the normal zone begins, and when it transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone again, an AT CZ state is executed, which has a higher probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state than an AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state. Therefore, even when the advantageous zone ends and information related to the instruction function is initialized by a specified initialization process, the advantageous zone starts again, increasing the probability that the player will continue to win medals, and improving the marketability of the gaming machine.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has, as a bonus state, a CZ state during AT that allows for a transition to an additional bonus specialized state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may have, as a bonus state, an additional bonus specialized state in which an additional bonus lottery is executed to determine the value to be added (added) to the AT game number counter 197f each time a game is played. Also, for example, the slot machine 1 may have, as a bonus state, an AT state in which winning assistance for Bells A to D is executed each time a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won.

In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to execute processing related to instruction functions that are advantageous to the player, not just processing that executes a lottery related to the instruction function, as a bonus, and the presentation state in which the bonus can be granted is controlled by the AT control means 200 as a bonus state; the specific content of the bonus and bonus state is not limited to that of the first or second embodiment.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the first condition of the slot machine 1 is that the slot machine 1 transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone and the gaming state at the start of the second start state is in a bonus established state, but this is not limited to this. The specific configuration of the first condition of the slot machine 1 may be any configuration as long as it is configured to be established in response to the transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. For example, even if the gaming state is in a non-RT state, the slot machine 1 may be configured to establish the first condition in response to the transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone. Alternatively, the slot machine 1 may be configured to determine that the first condition has been established when the slot machine 1 transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone without having the first or second start state, and to set the presentation state to the AT CZ state based on the start of the advantageous zone.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to determine the execution of the CZ state during the AT when there is a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the gaming state at the start of the second start state is a bonus formation state, and the first condition is fulfilled, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to determine the execution of the CZ state during the AT by executing a lottery to determine whether to execute the CZ state during the AT when there is a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the gaming state at the start of the second start state is a bonus formation state, and the first condition is fulfilled.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 considers the second condition to be met when the "Rare Role" winning area is won in the internal lottery during the AT state, or when the "Replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and a decision is made not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, but this is not limiting. The slot machine 1 may be configured in any way to meet the specific second condition as long as it is configured to be able to meet the second condition when a favorable zone continues. For example, if a transition from the CZ state to the normal state without transitioning to the AT preparation state occurs a predetermined number of times during a continuing favorable zone, and then the transition from the CZ state to the AT state via the AT preparation state occurs, the slot machine 1 may be configured to determine that the second condition is met, transition to the AT state, and then transition the presentation state to the AT CZ state.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to decide to execute the CZ state during AT when the second condition is met by winning the "Transition to CZ state during AT" in the CZ lottery during AT, which is executed when the winning area "Rare Role" is won in the internal lottery during the AT state, or when the winning area "Replay 3" is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the slot machine 1 wins the "Rare Role" winning area in the internal lottery during the AT state, or when the "Replay 3" winning area is won in the internal lottery and it is decided not to notify the operation mode in the replay notification lottery, and when the "Transition to AT CZ State" in the AT CZ lottery is won, the second condition is met; if the stored value of the second advantageous zone counter 197b is the value "2000" or greater, and it is difficult to provide the player with a sufficient benefit even if a transition from the AT CZ state to the added-on specialized state is made, the slot machine 1 may be configured not to necessarily decide to execute the AT CZ state even when the second condition is met, i.e., to be able to decide to execute the AT CZ state.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state when transitioning to the AT CZ state based on the start of a favorable zone is higher than the probability of transitioning to an added-on specialized state in the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state, thereby making the AT CZ state executed upon the fulfillment of the first condition more advantageous to the player than the AT CZ state executed upon the fulfillment of the second condition, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured, for example, such that the period during which the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of an advantageous zone can be continued is longer than the period during which the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state can be continued (specifically, the number of games during which the AT CZ state transitioned to based on the start of an advantageous zone can be continued is 40 games, and the number of games during which the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state can be continued is 20 games, etc.), so that the AT CZ state executed when the first condition is met is more advantageous to the player than the AT CZ state executed when the second condition is met, and the specific configuration that is advantageous to the player is not limited to a lottery related to the instruction function, and may be composed of any of the processes related to the instruction function.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" as winning modes in which any one of Bell A to Bell D, which is set to a payout of 8 coins as the first role, and at least one of 1-coin roles A to C, which is set to a payout of 1 coin, as the second role, are overlappingly won, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured, for example, to have a winning mode in which different minor roles, each with the same payout, are overlappingly won for the first and second roles, or to have a winning mode in which different replays are overlappingly won for the first and second roles.

When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that, for specific winning assistance, the AT control means 200 does not notify the main control display device DS of correct operation, but instead only executes the navigation effect by the effect control means 180. In this case, the effect control means 180 constitutes the winning assistance control means and the operation notification means.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the correct batting orders set for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" on the slot machine 1 are configured as batting orders 3 to 6, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured to have the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" as specific winning modes, and to set any of the batting orders 1 to 6 as the correct batting orders for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12," respectively.

When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that the winning symbol combination for a rare role that wins in the winning area "rare role" is composed of symbols that will only win if the symbols on any of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are operated at the appropriate timing (for example, a winning symbol combination may be composed of cherry symbols arranged in one frame on the left reel R1, replay symbols arranged at intervals of no more than four frames on the middle reel R2, and bell symbols arranged at intervals of no more than four frames on the right reel R3), so that the payout rate when stop button B1 is operated for the first stop is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B1 is operated for the first stop.

Furthermore, when configured in this manner, the AT control means 200 may be configured to execute normal winning assistance when batting order 1 or batting order 2 wins in a winning area set in the correct batting order among the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12," and to execute AT transition winning assistance when batting order 3 to 6 wins in a winning area set in the correct batting order among the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12," so that when batting order 1 or batting order 2 wins in a winning area set in the correct batting order, no transition from the AT ready state to the AT state is made regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3, and to transition from the AT ready state to the AT state when batting order 3 to 6 win in a winning area set in the correct batting order, and the AT transition winning assistance is executed and a first stop operation matching the correct batting order is performed.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate when stop button B1 is operated to the first stop is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B1 is operated to the first stop, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that the payout rate when stop button B2 is operated to the first stop is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B2 is operated to the first stop, or so that the payout rate when stop button B3 is operated to the first stop is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B3 is operated to the first stop.

When configured in this manner, the presentation control means 180 may be configured to display one no-operation indicator indicating that the first stop operation is not the first stop button, and three first stop operation suggestion indicators indicating that the first stop operation is any of the second to fourth stop buttons, for the navigation presentation executed as an AT transition winning assistance. Any presentation mode may be used as long as the navigation presentation includes a specific operation mode and does not include an operation mode in which the first stop button is operated first. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 may use any display mode for the correct operation notification executed as an AT transition winning assistance, as long as it is configured to provide a unique display using the main control display device DS.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1's AT transition winning assistance is configured from the navigation effects of the no-operation instruction indicator 331b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 331c, and the correct hitting order notification of "07." However, this is not limited to this, and any presentation and display method may be used as long as it allows the player to recognize that the operation method notified by the AT transition winning assistance does not include the operation method in which the first stop button is operated first and does not impair the fairness of the game.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition to the AT state as the first specific benefit related to the instruction function, but is not limited to this. For example, the AT control means 200 may have as its first specific benefit the determination by lottery of whether to transition from the AT preparation state to the added-on specialized state, or may have as its first specific benefit the determination by lottery of the initial number of games to transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state. The specific content is not limited to that of the first embodiment, and it is sufficient that the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to grant a benefit related to the instruction function, and does not necessarily have to be configured to grant it every time.

In addition, in the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 is configured to award 10 AT points as the second specific benefit related to the instruction function, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured to have, for example, as the second specific benefit, a lottery to determine whether or not to increase the probability of transitioning to the CZ state during the AT in the AT state transitioned from the AT preparation state. As long as it consists of a benefit related to the instruction function, its specific content is not limited to that of the first embodiment, and it is sufficient that it is configured to be able to award a benefit related to the instruction function, and it does not necessarily have to be configured to be awarded every time.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has an AT preparation state counter 197c that manages the length of time the AT preparation state continues based on the number of games played during which the AT preparation state continues, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may have a counter that manages the length of time the AT preparation state continues based on the number of payouts by controlling the AT preparation state to end and transition to the AT state when the number of payouts in the AT preparation state reaches a predetermined value, or a counter that manages the length of time the AT preparation state continues based on the number of times the AT transition winning assistance is executed by controlling the AT preparation state to end and transition to the AT state when the number of times the AT transition winning assistance is executed reaches a predetermined value. The type of value counted by a counter that can manage the length of time the AT preparation state continues is not limited to the number of games played, as in the first and second embodiments.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has an AT preparation state as the first state and an AT state as the second state, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also have an AT CZ state as the first state and an add-on specialized state as the second state. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to execute AT transition winning assistance in the AT CZ state, and transition to the add-on specialized state when a game is performed in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition to the AT state when either stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated for the first stop when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance is executed, but this is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured to transition to the AT state (first specific benefit) when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first operation mode among the transition operation modes is performed in which the correct batting order and the first stop operation match, and to continue the AT preparation state and add 10 games to the number of games that the AT state continues (second specific benefit) when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first operation mode among the transition operation modes is performed in which the correct batting order and the first stop operation do not match.

When configured in this manner, the first specific benefit may be awarded by lottery when AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first operation mode is used in the transition operation mode in which the correct batting order and the first stop operation match. Also, the second specific benefit may be awarded by lottery when AT transition winning assistance is executed and the second operation mode is used in the transition operation mode in which the correct batting order and the first stop operation do not match.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1 has an AT preparation state as a specific state, a first situation in which 300 or more games have been played in the AT state transitioned from the AT preparation state, and a second situation in which a transition to the AT preparation state has been determined in the CZ state, but this is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 has, as a specific state, an end waiting state in which a game is played in which the correct batting order is announced when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won, and which continues until the end condition of the advantageous zone is met. The first situation may be a situation in which the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1900," and the second situation may be a situation in which the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is less than the value "1900" and a transition to the end waiting state has been determined by a lottery related to an instruction function executed in the bonus-specialized state.

When configured in this manner, the first benefit may be configured by setting 100 games as the period during which the end waiting state will continue, and the second benefit may be configured by setting the difference value obtained by subtracting the value "1900" from the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c at the time the game that transitioned to the end waiting state was executed as the period (number of games) during which the end waiting state will continue (for example, if the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1600" and the transition to the end waiting state is decided at that time, the difference value obtained by subtracting the value "1900" from the value "1600" is "300").

In addition, the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment is configured to, when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation is executed in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, if the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct batting order, add 10 games to the number of games during which the AT state will continue and execute a CZ lottery during the AT, and if the operation mode is in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance but different from the correct batting order, add 10 games to the number of games during which the AT state will continue, but this is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured, for example, to execute an AT transition winning assistance and a first stop operation in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, and if the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 matches the correct batting order, to add 30 games to the number of games during which the AT state continues and to execute a CZ lottery during the AT; and to execute an AT CZ lottery in which the number of games during which the AT state continues is added 10 games if the operation mode is in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance but different from the correct batting order.

With this configuration, the slot machine 1 executes the AT transition winning assistance in the AT preparation state, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct hitting order among the operation modes suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, it is possible to award a bonus related to the instruction function, which includes an additional 30 games of play during the AT state and a CZ lottery during the AT. Furthermore, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode other than the correct hitting order among the operation modes suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the number of games during the AT state will be increased by 10 games. Therefore, when playing in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance, which is provided to realize diverse gameplay using control related to the instruction function, a bonus is awarded to the player even if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode that does not match the correct hitting order. This reduces the player's sense of loss due to the fact that the additional 30 games of play during the AT state and the CZ lottery during the AT were not executed, and prevents a decline in the player's interest in the game.

When configured in this manner, the AT transition winning assistance constitutes a specific operation notification, and the AT control means 200 and presentation control means 180 that execute the AT transition winning assistance constitute the winning assistance control means and operation notification means. Furthermore, the AT preparation state constitutes the first state, and the AT state constitutes the second state. Furthermore, of the operation modes suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, the operation mode of performing the first stop operation on stop button B1 constitutes the non-transition operation mode, and the operation mode of performing the first stop operation on stop button B2 or stop button B3 constitutes the transition operation mode. Furthermore, the AT preparation state counter 197c constitutes a counter, and the AT CZ lottery that is executed when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order constitutes a specified bonus.

Furthermore, an operation mode that matches the correct batting order set for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" constitutes the first operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance, and an operation mode that does not match the correct batting order set for the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" and in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated to the first stop constitutes the second operation mode suggested by the AT transition winning assistance. Furthermore, the addition of 30 games to the number of plays during which the AT state continues, which is executed by operating stop button B1 to stop button B3 in the first operation mode, and the CZ lottery during the AT, constitute a first specific benefit related to the instruction function, which is more advantageous than the second specific benefit related to the instruction function, and the addition of 10 games to the number of plays during which the AT state continues, which is granted by operating stop button B1 to stop button B3 in the second operation mode, constitutes a second specific benefit related to the instruction function that is different from the first specific benefit.

In addition, in the second embodiment, when the slot machine 1 transitions from the CZ state to the AT preparation state and the AT transition winning assistance is executed, and a game is played in accordance with the AT transition winning assistance to transition to the AT state, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped during the game in which the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 stop, the display device 330 is configured to display a status indicator 331f that reads "AT started!" and an additional indicator 331h that notifies the player that the initial number of games, 40 games set as the initial value and 10 additional games, have been decided to be awarded when the AT state begins, but this is not limiting.

For example, when the slot machine 1 transitions from the CZ state to the AT preparation state and an AT transition win assist is executed, and a game is played in accordance with the AT transition win assist, the slot machine 1 transitions to the AT state. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop during the game in which the AT transition win assist is executed, and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 stop, the sound device 340 outputs a sound to notify the player that the AT state has begun. When the first game that initiates the AT state is started by operating the start lever SL, the display device 330 displays a message indicating that the first game in the AT state is being played and that there are 49 games remaining to be played in the AT state. In other words, the display device 330 may be configured to notify the player that the first game in the AT state has been played and that there are 49 games remaining to be played in the AT state, thereby notifying the player that a total of 50 AT games can be played, thereby notifying the player that the initial value of 40 games and the additional 10 games have been decided to be awarded.

When configured in this manner, the second notification mode is a notification mode in which, during play in which the AT state has been initiated, the display device 330 indicates that the first game in the AT state is being played, and indicates that there are 49 games remaining to be played in the AT state, thereby notifying the player that the initial number of games of 50 has been awarded.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured so that, if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state or the bonus state, Bells A to D can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct batting order, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 executes different reel stop control for when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the bonus state. In this way, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, the slot machine 1 executes different reel stop control for when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, and when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the bonus state, the slot machine 1 executes different reel stop control for when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, depending on the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3. In other words, even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, minor roles set to a payout of 1 coin can be won, so Bell A to Bell D will not be won, but if the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are won in the internal lottery when a bonus is formed, operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct batting order will make Bell A to Bell D win.

When configured in this way, the AT control means 200 is preferably configured to control the AT preparation state counter 197c so as not to update it, and not to execute a prize support lottery based on winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" when in a non-RT state and AT preparation state, since winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" will not result in Bells A to D winning, and transitioning to the AT state will not be advantageous for the player.

When in a non-RT state and an AT preparation state, the AT preparation state counter 197c is controlled not to be updated, and the slot machine 1 is configured not to execute a prize-winning auxiliary lottery based on a win in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8." This prevents the slot machine 1 from transitioning to the AT state in a non-RT state where the expected value of medal winnings does not increase even if auxiliary games are executed in the AT state, thereby preventing the player from feeling a loss.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has a non-RT state and a bonus establishment state as the first gaming state, and a bonus state as the second gaming state, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have, as gaming states, a non-RT state, a bonus establishment state, a general RBB operation state in which the RBB is activated, an RBB operation RB establishment state to which the slot machine transitions upon winning a regular bonus (RB) as a first type special feature in the general RBB operation state, and an RBB operation RB operation state to which the slot machine transitions upon activation of the RB. Therefore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have, as the first gaming state, a non-RT state, a bonus establishment state, a general RBB operation state, and an RBB operation RB establishment state, and as the second gaming state, an RBB operation RB operation state.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute stop control so that when the "common bell" winning area is won, Bell A wins regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that when the "common bell" winning area is won and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and 2, Bell A wins; when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 and 4, Bell B wins; when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 5, Bell C wins; and when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 6, Bell D wins.

When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is configured so that even when the "All Minor Roles" winning area is won, Bells A to D can be won depending on the order of stop buttons B1 to B3, just as when the "Common Bell" winning area is won. When configured in this way, Bells A to D constitute the specific minor role.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a "Common Bell" winning area as the first small win mode and an "All Small Wins" winning area as the second small win mode, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have an "RBB & 1-Coin Role 2" winning area including a 1-Coin Role A as the first small win mode, and an "All 1-Coin Role" winning area including all small wins set for a payout of 1 coin, including a 1-Coin Role A as the second small win mode. The payout for the specific small win that can be won may be greater than, equal to, or less than the specified number of investments.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has multiple reels, left reel R1 to right reel R3, and multiple stop buttons, stop buttons B1 to B3, corresponding to left reel R1 to right reel R3. However, this is not limited to this, and the slot machine 1 may also have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of medals, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one medal in addition to the max bet button MB.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to insert and pay out medals as game value, but this is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the game value to an inserted state based on an insertion signal output from a game value management device (dedicated unit) that is provided outside the slot machine 1 and is configured to be able to electromagnetically record the total number of game value that a player can use for play, and when paying out the game value, output a payout signal to the game value management device, and the game value corresponding to the payout signal is recorded electromagnetically on a specified recording medium in the game value management device. In other words, the slot machine 1 may be configured as a so-called medalless gaming machine.

When configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have, for example, a credit number display means for displaying the number of credits corresponding to the amount inserted into the gaming value management device by the player. The slot machine 1 may also be configured to be able to credit gaming value equivalent to a maximum of 16,368 medals, and if gaming value exceeding 16,368 medals is credited, the gaming control means may be set to an error state, and gaming is disabled (a state in which the gaming value is not set to an inserted state and the start operation of the start lever SL is not enabled) until the number of credits reaches 16,368 medals or less, as a result of the gaming value being paid out by a method in which the gaming value is electromagnetically recorded on a predetermined recording medium via the gaming value management device.

Furthermore, when configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 may be configured not to set an upper limit on the number of plays that can be played in the advantageous zone, or may be configured to set only an upper limit on the difference in the number of coins for a specific ending condition of the advantageous zone.

By configuring the slot machine 1 so that only the upper limit of the difference in number of coins is set for the specific ending conditions of the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone continues until more than 2,400 medals are won in the series of advantageous zones from when the slot machine 1 transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone until the advantageous zone ends; when more than 2,400 medals are won in the series of advantageous zones, the advantageous zone ends and the normal zone begins, and when the slot machine 1 transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone again, the AT CZ state is executed, which has a higher probability of transitioning to an add-on specialized state than the AT CZ state transitioned from the AT state. Therefore, even when the advantageous zone ends and information related to the instruction function is initialized by a specified initialization process, the advantageous zone starts again, increasing the probability that the player will continue to win medals, and improving the marketability of the gaming machine.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored values of each counter and storage means as initial values and perform decrement updates by subtracting 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates by adding 1 each time a game is played, but this is not limited to this, and the update method for each counter and storage means may also be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

1. Slot machine (gaming machine)
200 AT control means (control means)
B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 Center reel R3 Right reel

Claims (1)

Multiple reels and
Multiple stop buttons and
A control means for controlling the normal section and the advantageous section and for controlling the instruction function in the advantageous section,
the plurality of reels includes a specific reel,
the plurality of stop buttons include a specific stop button corresponding to the specific reel,
the control means controls a first state, a second state, and a privilege state in which a privilege can be granted;
The privilege state can be determined to be executed when a first condition is met and when a second condition is met,
The first condition can be met when there is a transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone,
The second condition can be met when the advantageous zone continues,
the bonus state that is executed when the first condition is satisfied is more advantageous to the player than the bonus state that is executed when the second condition is satisfied;
the second state is a state to which a transition can be made from the first state,
the control means is capable of executing specific control that suggests a stop button to be operated first in the first state,
the specific stop button is included in the stop buttons that are initially suggested not to be operated in the specific control,
When the specific control is executed in the first state and a stop button different from the specific stop button is operated first, the first state can be transitioned to the second state based on the operation,
When the specific control is executed in the first state and the specific stop button is operated for the first time, the first state can be continued.
A gaming machine characterized by: