US20080051167A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080051167A1
Application number: US11/640,242
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazuo Okada
Original assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Current assignee: Aruze Gaming America Inc
Priority date: 2006-08-28
Filing date: 2006-12-18
Publication date: 2008-02-28
Also published as: JP2008049119A; AU2007211931A1

Abstract

A gaming system includes: slot machines providing a basic game; a second gaming device, which executes a second game; second gaming terminals; and a central controller. The central controller receives a second game start signal from the slot machine. Also, the central controller receives data from the slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under a predetermined condition. Furthermore, the central controller receives data from any one of the aforementioned slot machine, other slot machines that differ from the aforementioned slot machine, and the second game terminals concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet. The central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming system including slot machines and a gaming control method.

Also, examples of other disclosed slot machines include a slot machine that displays the value of the payout which the player has a chance to get in the second game, so as to notify the player before the second game.

With such conventional slot machines, the same slot machine also provides the second game. The present invention provides a slot machine that offers further novel entertainment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having the following configuration. The gaming system comprises: slot machines for providing a basic game; a second gaming device for providing a second game; second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game, each of which can communicate with a central controller. The central controller executes a basic game, and transmits a signal for switching to a second game under a predetermined condition. The second gaming device is separate from the slot machines. With such an arrangement, the central controller has a function whereby, upon reception of a switching signal from any one of the slot machines, a start signal is transmitted for starting the second game, which instructs the second gaming device to start the second game, a function of receiving data from the aforementioned slot machine with respect to a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, a function of receiving data with respect to additional bets that differs from the data with respect to the basic bet from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, and a function whereby, upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets, the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game is increased according to the data with respect to the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

With the gaming system according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the case that any one of the slot machines has transmitted a signal for switching to the second game from the basic game under a predetermined condition, the central controller receives the data from the aforementioned slot machine with respect to the basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition. Furthermore, the central controller receives the data with respect to additional bets that differs from the data with respect to the basic bet, from any one of the aforementioned slot machine, other slot machines that differ from the aforementioned slot machine, and the second gaming terminals. Upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets, the central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified in the second game.

The second aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein the central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

With the gaming system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets from the aforementioned slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, the central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data with respect to the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet. Furthermore, the central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data with respect to the additional bets received from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet.

With the gaming system according to the third aspect of the present invention, upon reception of the data with respect to the additional bets from the aforementioned slot machine, any slot machine that differs from the aforementioned slot machine, or any one of the second gaming terminals, the central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game, and permits the player to specify the additional betting methods that differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet,

A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a gaming system having a configuration as follows, wherein any one of the other slot machines and the second gaming terminals transmits the data with respect to the additional bets in the form of credit data, and receives data from the central controller with respect to the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via the aforementioned slot machine using the credit data thus transmitted.

With the gaming system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the central controller transmits the payout data to any one of the other slot machines and second gaming terminals corresponding to the result of the second game on which additional bets have been placed via the aforementioned slot machine based upon the credit data with respect to the additional bets received from any one of the other slot machines and the second gaming terminals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram which shows a gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram which shows an external view of the gaming system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view which shows an enlarged view of the display region of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of a video reel slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view which shows a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the rear side;

FIG. 7 is a disassembled perspective view which shows a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display shown inFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of a mechanical reel slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a display/input controller of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows a second gaming device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a central controller according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows a second gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of a controller of the second gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram which shows a structure of a random number table for a basic game;

FIG. 15 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout table for the basic game;

FIG. 16 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout table for a second game;

FIG. 17 is a diagram which shows a structure of a payout determining table for the second game;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows a processing flow in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing flow of the gaming system in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart which shows the betting processing flow of the slot machine in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart which shows the participation processing flow of the second gaming terminal in the second game according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 shows an example of what is displayed when a combination of “BONUS” symbols has come to a stop along an active pay line L5 on a display region in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 shows an example of what is displayed after the symbol combination shown inFIG. 22 has been displayed in the basic game executed by the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention when the player places a bet in the second game;

FIG. 25 shows an example of what is displayed on the second gaming terminal upon reception of a second game start signal when the slot machine enters the second game mode according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows an example of what is displayed on the second gaming terminal when the slot machine enters the second game mode, which permits a player to place additional bets, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 27 shows an example of what is displayed on another slot machine when the aforementioned slot machine enters the second game mode, which permits a player to place additional bets via the latter slot machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A description will be given regarding a schematic configuration of agaming system10 according to the present embodiment with reference toFIGS. 2 and 20.FIG. 2 is a perspective view which shows an external configuration of thegaming system10 according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG. 2, thegaming system10 principally comprisesslot machines13, asecond gaming device11, andsecond gaming terminals15. The term “second gaming device11” as used here represents a gaming device for a roulette game, for example. Eachslot machine13 has a function of allowing the player to bet on a roulette game in the second game under a predetermined condition described later with reference toFIGS. 19A,19B, and20 in addition to the basic game described later with reference toFIG. 18.

Furthermore, thegaming system10 includes a large-size monitor16. The large-size monitor16 displays images or the like as necessary, corresponding to the progress of the second game (which will also be referred to as “roulette game” hereafter).

The multiple slot machines13 (eight slot machines in the present embodiment) t are provided such that they surround the perimeter of thesecond gaming device11 in a layout that allows the players at theslot machines13 to see the large-size monitor16. With such an arrangement, eachslot machine13, including aseat57 for the player, is installed on amovable floor18. Furthermore, such an arrangement has a mechanism for raising theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode together with itsseat57 in the form of a single unit by raising themovable floor18 in the event that the second game has started.

Furthermore, thegaming system10 includes multiple second gaming terminals15 (four second gaming terminals in the present embodiment) which allows the players to participate in the roulette game. Each of thesecond gaming terminals15 is a dedicated roulette gaming terminal, and for example, is a terminal which allows other players to participate in the second game in the case that the second game has started at any one of theslot machines13. Note that a description will be given later regarding the second game with reference toFIGS. 19A,19B, and21.

Furthermore, thegaming system10 includes multiple movable viewpoint cameras17 (four in the present embodiment). One of themovable viewpoint cameras17 is provided for capturing an image of aroulette device60 described later with reference toFIG. 10. Thismovable viewpoint camera17 is installed at a position that allows it to capture an image of theroulette device60 from the viewpoint along the vertical direction from the upper side to the lower side of theroulette device60. With such a layout, thismovable viewpoint camera17 captures an image of the rotating roulette wheel, and an image of aball65 at a certain position after the roulette wheel stops. The images thus captured are displayed on themonitor16. Thegaming system10 is installed in an amusement facility such as a casino.

In the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied, theslot machine13 in the basic game mode enters the second game mode. In this case, the gaming system allows the player to place additional bets, in addition to the bets permitted as a result of the predetermined condition having been satisfied (Step S408 inFIG. 20). Furthermore, the gaming system allows the player to place additional bets by transmitting credit data via the second gaming terminal15 (Step S410 inFIG. 20). With such an arrangement, the number of bets permitted for the player is determined based upon the amount of the additional bets, thereby providing various betting methods.

A description will be given below regarding the configuration of thegaming system10 according to the present invention with reference toFIG. 1. With thegaming system10 shown inFIG. 1, the components connected to anetwork12 include: theslot machines13; thesecond gaming device11; acentral controller14; and thesecond gaming terminals15. Thecentral controller14 can control eachslot machine13, thesecond gaming device11, and eachsecond gaming terminal15 via theaforementioned network12.

Eachslot machine13 provides a function of allowing the player to play a basic game. Furthermore, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied, eachslot machine13 transmits a signal for switching the game from the basic game to the second game. Here, the second game is executed by thesecond gaming device11 under the control of thecentral controller14. In this case, theslot machine13 played by the player serves as a terminal for the second game, which allows the player to bet on a roulette game. Such an arrangement allows the player to play the second game using thesecond gaming device11 which is a separate unit from theslot machine13.

Furthermore, thesecond gaming terminal15 is connected to thecentral controller14 via thenetwork12. Thegaming system10 has a mechanism which allows other players to participate in the second game played at theslot machine13 via thesecond gaming terminals15 in the case that the roulette game has started at thesecond gaming device11. The term “participation” as used here represents an act of transmitting credits from thesecond gaming terminal15 to theslot machine13 in the second game mode such that a bet is relegated to another player at theslot machine13 in the second game mode. Thus, in the case that the roulette game has started, the gaming system allows other persons in the amusement facility to participate in the roulette game using thesecond gaming terminals15, thereby offering a second game that permits participation of multiple players.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view which shows theslot machine13 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Theslot machine13 includes acabinet20 and amain door42. Thecabinet20 has a structure in which the face facing the player is open. Thecabinet20 includes various kinds of components. Such components include: a controller100 (seeFIG. 5 andFIG. 8) for electrically controlling theslot machine13; ahopper44 for controlling the insertion of coins (gaming medium) and for retaining and paying out the coins (seeFIG. 5 andFIG. 8); etc. The gaming medium is not restricted to coins. Other examples of such gaming media include medals, tokens, electronic money or electronic value information (credit) having the same value.

Themain door42 is a member that serves as a cover of thecabinet20, which protects the internal components stored in thecabinet20 from being exposed to the outside. Themain door42 includes theliquid crystal display30 at approximately the center thereof.

Theliquid crystal display30 is provided for displaying various kinds of images with respect to the game such as images for providing visual effects. Such an arrangement allows the player to advance the game while visually confirming various kinds of images displayed on the aforementionedliquid crystal display30. In particular, in the roulette game, theliquid crystal display30 displays theBET screen70 described later with reference toFIG. 24. Theliquid crystal display30 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel34 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7). The transparentliquid crystal panel34 has a function of switching a part of or the entire area of theliquid crystal panel34 between a transparent mode and an opaque mode, and a function of displaying various kinds of images. Note that a detailed description will be given regarding the configuration of theliquid crystal display30.

Let us consider an arrangement in which theslot machine13 comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, five virtual reels are displayed on theliquid crystal display30. Note that the term “video reel” as used here represents a mechanism for displaying a reel on theliquid crystal display30 in the form of an image, instead of the mechanical reels. Multiple kinds of symbols necessary for the basic game include “BONUS”, “WILD”, “TREASURE BOX”, “GOLDEN MASK”, “HOLY CUP”, “COMPASS & MAP”, “SNAKE”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J”, and “10”. With such an arrangement, theliquid crystal display30 displays these symbols with an image as if the reel has rotated.

On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which theslot machine13 comprises mechanical reels. With such an arrangement, theslot machine13 includes five

mechanical reels

3A,3B,3C,3D, and3E (seeFIGS. 4 and 6), each of which has multiple kinds of symbols depicted on the outer face thereof, arranged along a horizontal line on the rear face side of theliquid crystal display30 in a manner that allows each mechanical reel to be rotated. Themechanical reels3A through3E and stepping

motors

45A,45B,45C,45D, and45E (seeFIG. 8) described later, etc., form a mechanism for displaying multiple symbols. As described above, each of themechanical reels3A through3E has symbols which are necessary for the basic game depicted on the outer face thereof. In the case that the transparentliquid crystal panel34 is in the transparent mode, the player can visually confirm these various kinds of symbols on themechanical reels3A through3E.

Theslot machine13 includes an approximatelyhorizontal operation unit21 below theliquid crystal display30. Furthermore, acoin insertion opening22 is provided on the right side of theoperation unit21, which allows the player to insert coins into theslot machine13. On the other hand, the components provided to the left side of theoperation unit21 include: aBET switch23 which allows the player to determine which lines are to be set to active pay lines among nine lines L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L6, L7, L8, and L9, for providing an award described later (which will simply be referred to as “active pay lines” hereafter), and which allows the player to select the number of coins as gaming media which are to be bet on the aforementioned active pay lines; a spinrepeat bet switch24 which allows the player to play the game again without changing the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines from that in the immediately prior game. Such an arrangement allows the player to set the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines by performing a pushing operation on either theBET switch23 or the spinrepeat bet switch24.

With theaforementioned operation unit21, astart switch25 is provided on the left side of theBET switch23, which allows the player to input a start operation instruction for the basic game in increments of games. Upon performing a pushing operation on either thestart switch25 or the spinrepeat bet switch24, which serves as a trigger to start the game, the aforementioned fivemechanical reels3A through3E start to rotate.

On the other hand, a cash outswitch26 is provided near thecoin insertion opening22 on theaforementioned operation unit21. Upon the player pushing the cash outswitch26, the inserted coins are paid out from acoin payout opening27 provided at a lower portion of the front face of themain door42. The coins thus paid out are retained in acoin tray28. Furthermore, thecoin payout opening27 is provided on the upper side of thecoin tray28, withsound transmission openings29 provided to the left and right of thecoin payout opening27. Here, thesound transmission openings29 are provided for transmitting sound effects generated by a speaker41 (seeFIGS. 5 and 8) stored within thecabinet20 to the outside.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view which shows the display region of theslot machine13. Theliquid crystal display30 of theslot machine13 includes afront panel31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel34 (seeFIGS. 6 and 7) provided at the rear face of thefront panel31. Thefront panel31 comprises atransparent display screen31aand adesign formation area31bwhere designs have been formed. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually confirm the image information displayed on the transparentliquid crystal panel34 provided at the rear face of thefront panel31 through thedisplay screen31aof thefront face31. On the other hand, let us consider the case in which the region of the aforementioned transparentliquid crystal panel34 is in the transparent mode. In this case, such an arrangement allows each of the symbols on the fivemechanical reels3A through3E provided on the rear side of the transparentliquid crystal panel34 to be visually confirmed through thedisplay screen31a. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which theslot machine13 comprises video reels. With such an arrangement, the transparentliquid crystal panel34 in an opaque state may display the reels in the form of an image. Also, an ordinary liquid crystal panel may be employed instead of the transparentliquid crystal panel34.

Furthermore, various kinds of display units, i.e., apayout display unit48, a creditamount display unit49, and a BETamount display unit50, are provided on the left side of the rear face of theliquid crystal display30. Note that thedesign formation area31bof thefront panel31 is formed having a transparent portion that covers the top faces of thesedisplay units48 through50, thereby allowing the player to visually confirm the contents displayed on theaforementioned display units48 through50.

Theslot machine13 has the nine lines L1 through L9 for providing awards as shown inFIG. 4. Each of the lines L1 through L9 for providing awards is formed such that it extends so as to pass through one of the symbols for each of themechanical reels3A through3E when the rotation of all the fivereels3A through3E has stopped, or when the five video reels have stopped.

Upon pushing theaforementioned BET switch23 once, the line L3 for providing a third award, the line L5 for providing a fifth award, and the line L7 for providing a seventh award, are set to be active pay lines, and one coin is input as a credit medal, for example.

Furthermore, upon pushing theaforementioned BET switch23 twice, the line L1 for providing a first award, the line L4 for providing a fourth award, and the line L8 for providing an eighth award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the aforementioned three lines, and two coins are input as credit medals, for example.

Furthermore, upon pushing theaforementioned BET switch23 three times, the line L2 for providing a second award, the line L6 for providing a sixth award, and the line L9 for providing a ninth award, are set to be active pay lines, in addition to the aforementioned six lines, and three coins are input as credit medals, for example.

The game available in the present embodiment is a basic game in which a predetermined set of symbols are made along the active pay lines. In the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the basic game, the game is switched to the second game with coins paid out in the basic game according to a predetermined condition.

Thepayout display unit48 is a component for displaying the amount of the coins paid out when a particular combination of the symbols has been displayed along any one of the active pay lines for providing an award. The creditamount display unit49 is a component for displaying the amount of the coins retained in theslot machine13 in the form of a credit. The BETamount display unit50 is a component for displaying the BET amount which is the number of coins bet on the aforementioned active pay lines. Each of thedisplay units48 through50 comprises a seven segment display device. Alternatively, each of thedisplay units48 through50 may be displayed on the transparentliquid crystal panel34 in the form of an image.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of acontroller100 of theslot machine13 including the video reels. Note that a description will be given later regarding theslot machine13 including the mechanical reels with reference toFIG. 8. As shown inFIG. 5, thecontroller100 of theslot machine13 is a micro computer, and includes aninterface circuit group102, an input/output bus104, aCPU106,ROM108,RAM110, acommunication interface circuit111, arandom number generator112, aspeaker driving circuit122, ahopper driving circuit124, a displayunit driving circuit128, and a display/input controller140.

Theinterface circuit group102 is connected to the input/output bus104. The input/output bus104 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from theCPU106.

Furthermore, thestart switch25 is connected to theinterface circuit group102. The start signal output from thestart switch25 is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group102, and the input signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus104.

Furthermore, theBET switch23, the spinrepeat bet switch24, and the cash outswitch26 are connected to theinterface circuit group102. Each of the switching signals output from these

switches

23,24, and26 is also supplied to theinterface circuit group102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group102. The switching signals thus converted are supplied to the input/output bus104.

Furthermore, acoin sensor43 is connected to theinterface circuit group102. Thecoin sensor43 is a sensor for detecting the coin inserted into thecoin insertion opening22. Thecoin sensor43 is provided in combination with thecoin insertion opening22. The sensing signal output from thecoin sensor43 is also supplied to theinterface circuit group102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group102. The sensing signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus104.

TheROM108 and theRAM110 are connected to the input/output bus104.

Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction input through thestart switch25, which serves as a trigger, theCPU106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct theCPU106 to perform the following operation. That is to say, according to the basic game program, theCPU106 displays an image of the five video reels commencing to scroll the symbols on the five video reels on theliquid crystal display30 via the display/input controller140. Then, theCPU106 displays an image of the five video reels stopping such that the combination of the symbols on these five video reels is rearranged, whereupon a new combination of the symbols is made along the active pay lines. In the case that a particular combination of the symbols for providing an award has been made along any one of the active pay lines when they are stationary, theCPU106 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the particular combination for providing the award.

Furthermore, theCPU106 controls the second game. With such an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied after the five video reels have been stopped, theCPU106 transmits a signal for executing the second game.

TheROM108 stores: a control program for central control of theslot machine13; a program for executing a routine shown inFIGS. 18 through 21 (which will be referred to as the “routine execution program” hereafter); initial data for executing the control program; and various data tables used for determination processing. Note that the routine execution program includes the aforementioned basic game program etc. On the other hand, examples of the data tables include tables such as those shown inFIGS. 14 and 15. TheRAM110 temporarily stores flags, variables, etc., used for the aforementioned control program.

Furthermore, acommunication interface circuit111 is connected to the input/output bus104. Thecommunication interface circuit111 is a circuit for communicating with thecentral controller14 etc., via thenetwork12 including various kinds of networks such as a LAN. With the present embodiment, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied in the basic game, theCPU106 switches the game to the second game. In this case, theCPU106 transmits the second game start signal to thecentral controller14 etc., via thecommunication interface circuit111. Furthermore, theCPU106 receives data necessary for displaying theBET screen70 from thecentral controller14 via thecommunication interface circuit111, and displays the image of theBET screen70 on theliquid crystal display30. Subsequently, with theliquid crystal display30, theslot machine13 serves as a terminal which allows the player to place a bet on the second game.

Furthermore, therandom number generator112 for generating a random number is connected to the input/output bus104. Therandom number generator112 generates a random number in a predetermined range, e.g., a range between 0 and 65535 (2¹⁶−1). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which theCPU106 generates a random number by computation.

Furthermore, the displayunit driving circuit128 for driving each of theaforementioned display units48 through50 is connected to the input/output bus104. TheCPU106 controls the operation of each of theaforementioned display units48 through50 via the displayunit driving circuit128 according to the occurrence of a predetermined event.

Furthermore, thespeaker driving circuit122 for driving thespeaker41 is connected to the input/output bus104. TheCPU104 reads out the sound data stored in theROM108, and transmits the sound data thus read out to thespeaker driving circuit122 via the input/output bus104, thereby providing predetermined sound effects generated by thespeaker41.

Furthermore, thehopper driving circuit124 for driving thehopper44 is connected to the input/output bus104. Upon reception of a cash out signal input from the cash outswitch26, theCPU106 transmits a driving signal to thehopper driving circuit124 via the input/output bus104. As a result, thehopper44 pays out an amount of coins corresponding to the credit remaining at the current point in time, as stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110.

Furthermore, the display/input controller140 is connected to the input/output controller104. TheCPU106 creates an image display command corresponding to the state and results of the game, and outputs the image display command thus created to the display/input controller140 via the input/output bus104. Upon reception of the image display command input from theCPU106, the display/input controller140 creates a driving signal for driving theliquid crystal display30 according to the image display command thus input, and outputs the driving signal thus created to theliquid crystal display30. As a result, a predetermined image is displayed on the transparentliquid crystal panel34 of theliquid crystal display30. The display/input controller140 transmits the signal input through thetouch panel32 provided on theliquid crystal display30 to theCPU106 via the input/output bus104 in the form of an input signal.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams which show the configuration of theliquid crystal display30 of theslot machine13. Theliquid crystal display30 displays game images for the basic game and the second game. Accordingly, theliquid crystal display30 comprises: thefront panel31 including thetouch panel32 and adisplay plate33; the transparentliquid crystal panel34; alight introducing plate35; a reflectingfilm36;

fluorescent lamps

37a,37b,38a, and38b, each of which is a so-called white light source;

lamp holders

39a,39b,39c,39d,39e,39f,39g, and39h; and a table carrier package (TCP) on which transparent liquid crystal driving ICs have been mounted. While the structure of the TCP is not shown in particular in eitherFIG. 6 orFIG. 7, the TCP is formed of a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to the terminal of the transparentliquid crystal panel34, for example.

Theliquid crystal display30 is provided at a position forward of the display regions ofmechanical reels3A through3E (forward of thedisplay screen31a) such that it covers themechanical reels3A through3E. Here, themechanical reels3A through3E and theliquid crystal display30 are provided with predetermined intervals. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement employing the video reels. With such an arrangement, an image of the reels is displayed on theliquid crystal display30, instead of themechanical reels3A through3E.

Thetouch panel32 is formed of a transparent member. Thedisplay plate33 has designs or the like formed at positions corresponding to the regions between theaforementioned display units48 through50. That is to say, the region of thedisplay plate33 where the designs or the like have been formed serves as thedesign formation area31bof thefront panel31. On the other hand, the region of thedisplay plate33 where no design or the like has been formed serves as thedisplay screen31aof the front panel31 (seeFIG. 4). Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which thedesign formation area31bis not formed on thefront panel31, and the entire area of thefront panel31 serves as thedisplay screen31a. With such an arrangement, there may be no design formed on thedisplay plate33. Alternatively, thedisplay plate33 may be eliminated.

Note that an electric circuit or the like is provided for operating thedisplay units48 through50 disposed on the rear face side of thedisplay plate33, which is not shown inFIG. 6 and inFIG. 7.

The transparentliquid crystal panel34 has a structure in which a transparent substrate such as a glass substrate, upon which a thin film transistor layer is formed, and another transparent substrate are mounted so as to face each other with a certain gap between them, and the gap between the substrates is filled with a liquid crystal. The display mode of theliquid crystal panel34 is set to be normally white. The term “normally white” as used here represents a mode in which the liquid crystal panel displays a white image (i.e., allows the player to visually confirm the light passing through the liquid crystal panel toward the side of the display screen) in the state in which the liquid crystal is not driven. As described above, with the present embodiment, the transparentliquid crystal panel34 is set to the normally white state. Such an arrangement allows the player to visually confirm the symbols on themechanical reels3A through3E in a stage when they are in motion and a stage when they are stationary, even if a situation arises in which the liquid crystal cannot be driven, thereby allowing the player to continue the game even if such a situation has occurred. That is to say, even in the case that such an accident has occurred, the player can play the basic game in which predetermined sets of the symbols are made along the active pay lines.

Thelight introducing plate35 introduces the light emitted from the

fluorescent lamps

37aand37bto the transparent liquid crystal panel34 (in other words, the transparentliquid crystal panel34 is illuminated). Thelight introducing plate35 is provided on the rear face side of the transparentliquid crystal panel34, and is formed of a transparent member (having a light introducing function) such as acrylic resin or the like, with a thickness of around 2 cm.

The reflectingfilm36 has a structure in which an evaporated silver film is formed on a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film. The reflectingfilm36 reflects the light introduced via thelight introducing plate35 toward the front side of thelight introducing plate35. The reflectingfilm36 comprises a reflectingregion36A and a non-reflecting region (transmissible region)36B. Here, thenon-reflecting region36B is formed of a transparent member, and is provided to the region of thefront panel31 that covers the front face of themechanical reels3A through3E.

The

fluorescent lamps

37aand37bare respectively disposed along the upper end and the lower end of thelight introducing plate35, with the ends of thefluorescent lamp37aheld by the

lamp holders

39aand39b, and the ends of thefluorescent lamp37bheld by the

lamp holders

39gand39h. The light emitted from the

fluorescent lamps

37aand37bare reflected by the reflectingregion36A of the reflectingfilm36, thereby illuminating the transparentliquid crystal panel34. On the other hand, the

fluorescent lamps

38aand38bare provided at an upper position and a lower position on the rear side of the reflectingfilm36 such that they face themechanical reels3A through3E, with the ends of thefluorescent lamp38aheld by the

lamp holders

39cand39d, and the ends of thefluorescent lamp38bheld by the

lamp holders

39eand39f. The light emitted from these

fluorescent lamps

38aand38bis reflected by the surfaces of themechanical reels3A through3E, and is input to the non-reflecting region36b, thereby illuminating the transparentliquid crystal panel34. As described above, with theliquid crystal display30, the transparentliquid crystal panel34 is illuminated by the light which is emitted from the

fluorescent lamps

37aand37band which is reflected by the reflectingregion36A of the reflectingfilm36, and by the light which is emitted from the

fluorescent lamps

38aand38b, which is reflected by the surfaces of themechanical reels3A through3E, and which is input to thenon-reflecting region36B. Accordingly, the region of theliquid crystal display30 that corresponds to thenon-reflecting region36B of the reflectingfilm36 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state according to whether or not the liquid crystal is being driven. On the other hand, the region of theliquid crystal display30 that corresponds to the reflectingregion36A of the reflectingfilm36 remains in the opaque state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is being driven.

A description is being given regarding theslot machine13 in which a part of the display screen of theliquid crystal display30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the entire area of the display screen of theliquid crystal display30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state. With such an arrangement in which the entire area of the display screen of theliquid crystal display30 has a function of switching its state between a transparent state and an opaque state, the reflectingfilm36 is formed of thenon-reflecting region36B alone. Alternatively, the reflectingfilm36 may be eliminated.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of thecontroller100 of theslot machine13 for controlling the mechanical reels. As shown inFIG. 8, the controller of theslot machine13 is a micro computer, and includes theinterface circuit group102, the input/output bus104, theCPU106, theROM108, theRAM110, thecommunication interface circuit111, therandom number generator112, themotor driving circuit120, thespeaker driving circuit122, thehopper driving circuit124, the displayunit driving circuit128, and the display/input controller140. Note that theaforementioned controller100 has the same configuration as that for controlling the video reels described with reference toFIG. 5, except for a part of the configuration. Accordingly, a description will be given regarding only that which differs from an arrangement for controlling the video reels described with reference toFIG. 5.

A reelposition detecting circuit46 is connected to theinterface circuit group102. The reelposition detecting circuit46 is a circuit for detecting the rotational position for each of themechanical reels3A through3E based upon the pulse signals received from a reel rotational position sensor (not shown). The detection signal output from the reelposition detecting circuit46 is also supplied to theinterface circuit group102, and is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group102. The detection signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus104.

Upon reception of the basic game start operation instruction input through thestart switch25, which serves as a trigger, theCPU106 reads out a basic game program, and executes the basic game. The basic game program has been programmed so as to instruct theCPU106 to perform the following operation. That is to say, according to the basic game program, theCPU106 instructs each of thestepping motors45A through45E so as to rotate all themechanical reels3A through3E, thereby commencing the scrolling of the symbols on thereels3A through3E. After a period of time has elapsed, theCPU106 stops the driving of thestepping motors45A through45E so as to stop the rotation of all themechanical reels3A through3E, whereupon a new combination of the symbols is made along the active pay lines. In the case that a particular combination of the symbols for providing an award has been made along any one of the active pay lines when they are stationary, theCPU106 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the particular combination for providing the award.

Furthermore, theCPU106 controls the second game. With such an arrangement, in the case that a predetermined condition has been satisfied after the symbols on all themechanical reels3A through3E have been displayed in the stationary state, theCPU106 transmits a signal for executing the second game.

Furthermore, amotor driving circuit120 for driving thestepping motors45A through45E is connected to the input/output bus104. Upon an occurrence of a predetermined event, theCPU106 controls the operation of thestepping motors45A through45E via themotor driving circuit120.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of the display/input controller140 of theslot machine13. The display/input controller140 of theslot machine13 is a sub-microcomputer for performing image display processing and input control for thetouch panel32. The display/input controller140 comprises aninterface circuit142, an input/output bus144, aCPU146,ROM148,RAM150, aVDP152,video RAM154,image data ROM156, a drivingcircuit158, and a touchpanel control circuit160.

Theinterface circuit142 is connected to the input/output bus144. The image display command output from theCPU106 of theaforementioned controller100 is supplied to the input/output bus144 via theinterface circuit142. The input/output bus144 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from theCPU146.

Furthermore, theROM148 and theRAM150 are connected to the input/output bus144. TheROM148 stores a display control program for generating a driving signal, which is to be supplied to theliquid crystal display30, according to an image display command received from theCPU106 of theaforementioned controller100. On the other hand, theRAM150 stores flags and variables used in the aforementioned display control program.

Furthermore, theVDP152 is connected to the input/output bus144. TheVDP152 includes a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, a palette circuit, etc., and can perform various kinds of processing for displaying images on theliquid crystal display30. With such an arrangement, the components connected to theVDP152 include: thevideo RAM154 for storing image data according to the image display command received from theCPU106 of theaforementioned controller100; and theimage data ROM156 for storing various kinds of image data including the aforementioned image data for visual effects, etc. Furthermore, the drivingcircuit158 for outputting a driving signal for driving theliquid crystal display30 is connected to theVDP152.

Theaforementioned CPU146 instructs thevideo RAM154 to store the image data which is to be displayed on theliquid crystal display30 according to the image display command received from theCPU106 of theaforementioned controller100 by reading out the display control program stored in theROM148 and by executing the program thus read out. Examples of the image display commands include various kinds of image display commands including the aforementioned image display commands for visual effects etc.

Theimage data ROM156 stores various kinds of image data including the aforementioned image data for visual effects, etc.

The touchpanel control circuit160 transmits the signals input via thetouch panel32 provided on theliquid crystal display30 to theCPU106 via the input/output bus144 in the form of an input signal.

FIG. 10 is a plan view which shows thesecond gaming device11. As shown inFIG. 2, thesecond gaming device11 principally comprises theroulette device60 and thedisplay69 for displaying theBET screen70, including the bettingboard71, etc.

Theroulette device60 basically comprises aframe61 fixed to thesecond gaming device11 and awheel62 rotatably held and stored within theframe61. Here, thewheel62 has a number of number pockets63 (a total of 38 number pockets in the present embodiment) formed in the shape of recesses on the upper face of thewheel62. Furthermore, each of the number pockets63 includes anumber display plate64, which display a number corresponding to therespective number pocket63 in the form of a design, formed at the outer part of therespective number pocket63 formed on the upper face of thewheel62. Such numbers provided at the number pockets63 include “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”. In other words, a total of 38 number pockets63 are formed on thewheel62, each of which has a corresponding number provided from among the numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”.

Furthermore, aball supply opening68 is formed within theaforementioned frame61. Here, a ball supply device (not shown) is connected to theball supply opening68, which allows aball65 to be supplied onto thewheel62 from theball supply opening68 by driving the ball supply device. Furthermore, the entire area above the roulette board is covered with a transparentacrylic cover member67 formed in a hemispherical shape (seeFIG. 2).

Furthermore, a win determination device (not shown) is provided below thewheel62. The win determination device is provided for determining which one of the number pockets63 has received theball65. Furthermore, a ball collecting device (not shown) is provided below thewheel62. The ball collecting device is provided for collecting theball65 remaining on thewheel62 after the game. Note that the ball supply device, the win determination device, and the ball collecting device are known devices, and, accordingly, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Here, theframe61 is formed such that it gently slopes downward toward the inner side, and has a guide wall66 formed along an intermediate region. The guide wall66 allows theball65 thus supplied to move around thewheel62 while guiding theball65 against its centrifugal force. As theball65 loses its centrifugal force due to reduction in its rotational speed, theball65 rolls down along the slope of theframe61, whereupon theball65 reaches therotating wheel62.

Then, theball65 rolling down to therotating wheel62 is received by any one among the number pockets63 through thenumber display plate64 provided to outer perimeter of thewheel62. As a result, theball65 is retained in thenumber pocket63, and the win determination device detects the number marked on thenumber display plate64 that corresponds to thenumber pocket63 that has retained theball65, thereby determining the winning number.

On the other hand, thedisplay69 for displaying theBET screen70 including the bettingboard71 is a liquid crystal display, for example. Upon the player betting chips using deposited credits and additional credits by operating theslot machine13 as described later, the chip value thus bet is displayed. Note that the gaming media such as coins or the like for theslot machine13 and thesecond gaming terminal15 serve as credits for the roulette game in the form of chips. Note that a description is being given regarding an arrangement in which theBET screen70 is displayed on thedisplay69. Also, an arrangement may be made in which theBET screen70 is displayed on a screen using a projector or the like installed on the ceiling such that it faces downward along the vertical direction, instead of thedisplay69. Such an arrangement permits the anticipation of visual effects that enable theBET screen70 to be displayed with a greater realism, such as a visual effect in which the chips thus bet are displayed in a three-dimensional manner.

The bettingboard71 displayed on theBET screen70 on thedisplay69 has numbers that match the 38 kinds of numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” which are displayed in the form of a matrix. Furthermore,special BET areas73, which allow the player to bet on “odd numbers”, “even numbers”, “the color of the number display plate64 (red or black)”, “a predetermined range of the numbers (e.g., “1” to “12”)”, are provided in the form of a matrix in the same way.

Furthermore, a resulthistory display unit72 is displayed on the right side of the bettingboard71. The resulthistory display unit72 displays the results of the winning numbers of the past games up to and including the preceding game in the form of a list. The term “one game” as used here represents a series of stages from a stage in which the player places bets via theslot machine13, up to a stage in which a credit is paid out according to the winning number after theball65 has dropped in thenumber pocket63. With such an arrangement, upon completion of one game, a new winning number is added to the top field of the list, which has the capacity to allow the players to confirm the history of the winning numbers of a maximum of 16 games.

Here, theBET area73 is an area (any one of the squares, each of which has a respective number or mark, or any one of the lines defining the squares) in which the player can place chips via theslot machine13.

Furthermore, a BETtime display unit74 is provided at an upper portion of the bettingboard71. The BETtime display unit74 displays time remaining during which the player can place bets. For example, the BETtime display unit74 displays the time remaining “100” at the time of starting to receive the betting. Then, the time remaining displayed by the BETtime display unit74 is reduced in decrements of 1 for each second. Upon the time remaining becoming zero, the period for receiving bets expires. Furthermore, when the time remaining for receiving bets from the players at theslot machines13 becomes 5 seconds, theball65 is supplied onto the roulette board by driving the ball supply device.

Furthermore, a participation-enabledtime display unit75 is provided on the right side of the BETtime display unit74, which provides a function of displaying the time remaining during which the gaming system permits the players to participate in the second game via thesecond gaming terminals15 and theslot machines13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode. With such an arrangement, the participation-enabledtime display unit75 displays the period of time remaining during which the players can participate in the second game via any one of a total of foursecond gaming terminals15 and a total of sevenslot machines13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode.

Furthermore, chip marks76 are displayed on the bettingboard71, each of which indicates the chip value and theBET area73 on which the chips have been bet up to the current point in time. Here, the number displayed on thechip mark76 represents the value of chips thus bet. For example, as shown inFIG. 10, the “10”chip mark76 on the number “7” identified by a double circle indicates that the chips are bet on only a single number “7”. Such a betting method in which a bet is placed on only a single number so as to cover a single number is referred to as “straight bet”. Note thatFIG. 10 shows three kinds of betting methods with the chip marks76. The “10”chip mark76 identified by a single circle bet on “19 to 36” represents the chip for the basic bet which has been provided without any particular conditions after theslot machine13 has entered the second game mode. On the other hand, the “10”chip mark76 identified by a double circle bet on “7” represents the chip for the additional chip placed by the player at theslot machine13. The gaming system permits the player at theslot machine13 to place the additional chip after the placement of the basic bet. On the other hand, the “10”chip mark76 identified by a hatched circle bet on the line between the number “16” and the number “17” represents the chip for the additional bet according to the credit data transmitted from any one of thesecond gaming terminals15 andother slot machines13. The gaming system permits the players at thesecond gaming terminals15 andother slot machines13 to place such a bet after the placement of the basic bet.

Note that the amount of chips for the basic bet is determined beforehand based upon the credit amount in the basic game immediately before the game has been switched to the second game as described later.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of acontroller200 of thecentral controller14. As shown inFIG. 11, thecentral controller14 comprises thecontroller200 of thecentral controller14 and several peripheral devices. Furthermore, the multiple slot machines13 (eight slot machines in the present embodiment) and the multiple second gaming terminals15 (four second gaming terminals in the present embodiment) are connected to thecentral controller14 via a communication interface circuit212 of thecentral controller14.

Furthermore, thecontroller200 of thecentral controller14 includes an input/output bus204, aCPU206,ROM208,RAM210, a communication interface circuit212, atimer214, afloor driving circuit216, agaming controller218, and adisplay controller220.

TheROM208 and theRAM210 are connected to the input/output bus204.

TheCPU206 performs various kinds of processing according to an input signal supplied from each of theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15, and data and programs stored in theROM208 and theRAM210. Furthermore, theCPU206 transmits command signals to theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15 based upon the results of the processing thus performed. Thus, theCPU206 centrally controls each of theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15, thereby advancing the game. Furthermore, the input/output bus204 is connected to thesecond gaming device11 via thegaming controller218. TheCPU206 drives unshown driving motors provided to theroulette device60 of thesecond gaming device11, thereby allowing theball65 to be supplied, and allowing thewheel62 to be rotated. Furthermore, theCPU206 controls the win determination device for identifying the position at which theball65 has dropped. This allows the winning number to be determined based upon the position at which theball65 has dropped. TheCPU206 makes a win determination for each bet chip based upon the winning number thus obtained, and the bet information transmitted from each of theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15. Furthermore, theCPU206 calculates the credit amount which is to be paid out at each of theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15.

TheROM208 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for example. TheROM208 stores a program for providing basic functions of thesecond gaming device11, a program for centrally controlling each of theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15. Examples of such programs include a program shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B. Furthermore, theROM208 stores the payout rate for the roulette game (the credit amount for each chip to be paid out to a winning player).

Specifically, theROM208 includes a payout credit storage area (not shown) for storing each payout rate with respect to the roulette game using theBET screen70. Note that each payout rate that corresponds to arespective BET area73 of theBET screen70 is determined beforehand and stored in the payout credit storage area. Examples of such payout rates include from “×2” to “×36”, which are associated with the kind of betting method (“straight bet”, “corner bet”, “split bet”, etc.) as described later with reference to the second game payout table inFIG. 16.

On the other hand, theRAM210 temporarily stores bet information with respect to the chips supplied from theslot machines13 and thesecond gaming terminals15, the winning number of theroulette device60 determined by the win determination device, and the results of the processing executed by theCPU206, etc.

Specifically, theRAM210 includes: a bet information storage area for storing bet information with respect to the players who are playing; and a winning number storage area for storing the winning number of theroulette device60 determined by the win determination device. Note that, more specifically, the term “bet information” as used here represents the information with respect to each bet placed using theslot machine13 and thesecond gaming terminals15, such as the information with respect to theBET area73 specified via theBET screen70, the amount of chips thus bet (bet amount), the betting method, etc.

Thetimer214 for performing time measurement is connected to the input/output bus204. The time information supplied from thetimer214 is transmitted to theCPU206 via the input/output bus204. TheCPU206 rotates thewheel62 and supplies theball65 based upon the time information received from thetimer214. Furthermore, theCPU206 performs switching control based upon the time information from thetimer214, which switches the mode between a mode that permits the players to transmit credit data for the additional bets and a mode that does not permit such a bet via thesecond gaming terminals15 and theother slot machines13 that have not entered the second game mode, as described later.

Furthermore, thefloor driving circuit216 is connected to the input/output bus204. Upon reception of a signal for starting the second game from theslot machine13, theCPU206 performs control so as to raise themovable floor18 via thefloor driving circuit216. Also, upon reception of a signal for ending the second game from theslot machine13, theCPU206 performs control so as to lower themovable floor18 via thefloor driving circuit216.

Furthermore, thedisplay controller220 is connected to the input/output bus204. TheCPU206 performs various kinds of processing based upon the data and programs stored in theROM208 and theRAM210. TheCPU206 controls themonitor16 and displays images based upon the results of the processing thus performed.

Furthermore, themovable viewpoint cameras17 are connected to the input/output bus204. TheCPU206 performs various kinds of processing based upon the data and programs stored in theROM208 and theRAM210. TheCPU206 controls themovable viewpoint cameras17 and captures images based upon the results of the processing thus performed.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view which shows thesecond gaming terminal15. As shown inFIG. 12, thesecond gaming terminal15 includes at least: acoin insertion opening91 which allows the player to insert a gaming medium such as a coin or the like; acontrol unit92 comprising multiple control buttons etc., which allows the player to input instructions in a predetermined form; and adisplay93 for displaying an image with respect to the game. Thedisplay93 serves as a terminal which allows the player to place bets. Furthermore, such an arrangement allows the player to advance the game in progress by operating atouch panel99, thecontrol unit92, etc., while viewing the image displayed on thedisplay93. Note that the gaming medium used at thesecond gaming terminal15 is not restricted to coins.

Furthermore, acoin tray94 is provided on the side wall of thecabinet90 included in eachsecond gaming terminal15. Furthermore, aspeaker95 for providing music, sound effects, etc., is provided on the upper-right side of thedisplay93 of eachsecond gaming terminal15.

Furthermore, a coin sensor314 (seeFIG. 13) is provided within thecoin insertion opening91, which allows the gaming medium such as a coin thus inserted into thecoin insertion opening91 to be identified, and allows the coins to be counted. Furthermore, a hopper319 (seeFIG. 13) is provided within thecoin tray94, which allows a predetermined number of coins to be paid out from thecoin tray94.

As described above, thesecond gaming terminal15 employing thetouch panel99 improves the ease of operability for the user. Thus, such an arrangement allows other players in the amusement facility to comfortably participate in the roulette game using thesecond gaming terminals15.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram which shows an electrical configuration of acontroller300 of thesecond gaming terminal15. As shown inFIG. 13, thesecond gaming terminal15 comprises thecontroller300 of thesecond gaming terminal15 and several peripheral devices.

Thecontroller300 includes aninterface circuit group302, an input/output bus304, aCPU306,ROM308,RAM310, a liquidcrystal driving circuit316, ahopper driving circuit318, and asound output circuit320.

Theinterface circuit group302 is connected to the input/output bus304. The input/output bus304 performs input/output of data signals or address signals to/from theCPU306.

ABET determining button96, a cash outbutton97, and ahelp button98, each of which is provided for the control unit92 (seeFIG. 12), are connected to theinterface circuit group302. The operation signal output from each of these buttons is converted into a predetermined signal by theinterface circuit group302, and the signal thus converted is supplied to the input/output bus304. TheCPU306 performs control so as to execute various kinds of corresponding operations based upon the operation signals which are each output by pushing a corresponding button, and which are supplied via the input/output bus304.

Furthermore, thecoin sensor314 is connected to theinterface circuit group302 connected to theCPU306 via the input/output bus304. Thecoin sensor314 detects the coins inserted into the coin insertion opening91 (seeFIG. 12), counts the coins thus inserted, and transmits the results to theCPU306. Then, theCPU306 increments the credit amount which has been deposited by the player, and which is stored in theRAM310, according to the signal thus transmitted.

Furthermore, theROM308 and theRAM310 are connected to the input/output bus304.

TheCPU306 receives the command signals from theCPU206 included within thecontroller200 of thecentral controller14 via thecommunication interface circuit312 connected to the input/output bus304. TheCPU306 controls the peripheral devices, which are components of thesecond gaming terminal15, according to the command signals, thereby advancing the roulette game via thesecond gaming terminal15. TheCPU306 performs various kinds of processing based upon the input signals supplied from thecontrol unit92 according to the operation instructions input by the player, and the data and the programs stored in theROM308 and theRAM310, depending upon the type of processing. Then, theCPU306 transmits a signal based upon the results to theCPU206 included within thecontroller200 of the aforementionedcentral controller14 via thecommunication interface circuit312, and controls the peripheral devices which are components of thesecond gaming terminal15, thereby advancing the roulette game on thesecond gaming terminal15.

TheROM308 comprises semiconductor memory or the like, for example. TheROM308 stores a program for providing basic functions of thesecond gaming terminal15, various kinds of programs, data tables, etc., necessary for controlling thesecond gaming terminal15. Examples of such programs include a program shown inFIGS. 19A and 19B, andFIG. 21. On the other hand, theRAM310 is memory for temporarily storing various kinds of data computed by theCPU306, the credit amount possessed by the player at the current point in time (credit amount deposited in the second gaming terminal15), etc.

Furthermore, thehopper driving circuit318 is connected to the input/output bus304. Thehopper319 connected to thecontroller300 via thehopper driving circuit318 pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin tray94 (seeFIG. 12) according to a command signal received from theCPU306.

Furthermore, thedisplay93 is connected to the input/output bus304 via the liquidcrystal driving circuit316. Here, the liquidcrystal driving circuit316 comprises program ROM, image ROM, an image control CPU, a working RAM, a VDP (video display processor), video RAM, etc., which are not shown. Here, the program ROM stores an image control program with respect to the display functions of thedisplay93, and various kinds of selection tables. The image ROM stores dot data for creating an image to be displayed on thedisplay93, for example. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on thedisplay93 from among the dot data sets stored beforehand in the image ROM according to the image control program stored beforehand in the program ROM based upon the parameters set by theCPU306. The working RAM is configured so as to serve as temporary storage device, which are used by the image control CPU for executing the aforementioned image control program. The VDP is a component for creating an image that accords with the display contents determined by the image control CPU, and for outputting the image thus created to thedisplay93. Note that the video RAM is configured as temporary storage device used by the VDP for creating an image.

Furthermore, thetouch panel99 is mounted at the front face of thedisplay93 as described above. The operation information input via thetouch panel99 is transmitted to theCPU306 via the input/output bus304. Thetouch panel99 allows the player to perform participation processing via the screen displayed on thedisplay93 described later with reference toFIG. 26. Specifically, upon pushing atransmission button82 via thetouch panel99 as described later with reference toFIG. 26, the information corresponding to the button thus pushed is transmitted to theCPU306. Then, the additional bet information (the chip amount for the additional bet) is stored in theRAM310 based upon the information thus received for each player. Furthermore, the additional bet information is transmitted to theCPU206 of thecentral controller14, and is stored in the bet information storage area of theRAM210.

Furthermore, thesound output circuit320 and thespeaker95 are connected to the input/output bus304. Here, thespeaker95 is a component for providing various kinds of sound effects according to the output signal received from thesound output circuit320.

FIG. 14 shows a basic game random number table used in the basic game performed by the slot-machine13 described later with reference toFIG. 18. In the basic game random number table, a range of random numbers and the probability of winning are registered in association with each of the particular winning combinations. Accordingly, in the combination determination processing (Step S5 shown inFIG. 18), in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “0” to “999”, for example, the internal component of theslot machine13 generates a particular combination for providing a “BONUS” winning which is the final result of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “1000/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches a particular combination for providing the “BONUS” winning. Also, in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “2000” to “3499”, for example, the internal component of theslot machine13 generates a particular combination for providing a “K” winning as the final result of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “1500/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches a particular combination for providing the “K” winning. On the other hand, in the case that a random number extracted from a range of numbers between “0” to “65535” is any one of the numbers in a range between “10000” to “65535”, the internal component of theslot machine13 determines to generate other combinations, i.e., losing combinations, as the final results of the basic game. In other words, the probability is “55536/65536” that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary matches any one of the losing combinations.

FIG. 15 shows a basic game payout table used in the basic game described later with reference toFIG. 18. In the basic game payout table, the coin amount to be paid out is registered in association with each particular combination for providing an award for each credit amount bet on one game. Let us consider a stage in which a determination is made for whether or not the combination thus generated matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award. In this stage, let us consider the case in which the combination thus generated matches the combination “K”. In this case, in the case that the credit amount bet is “1”, 10 coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is “2”, 20 coins are paid out. In the case that the credit amount bet is “3”, 30 coins are paid out. On the other hand, let us consider the case in which the combination thus generated matches the combination “BONUS”. In this case, coins are not paid out, and the credit data that corresponds to the credit amount thus bet is transmitted to thecentral controller14. The credit data thus transmitted is available as credit in the second game described later. For example, in the case that the credit amount bet is “1” in the basic game at theslot machine13, “10” chips are available in the second game. Also, in the case that the credit amount bet is “2”, “20” chips are available in the second game. In the case that the credit amount bet is “3”, “30” chips are available in the second game.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example of a second game payout table used with the roulette game described later with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B. This second game payout table shows that in the event that betting is to be performed with no more than the possible credits on transition from the basic game of theslot machine13 to the second game, there is no additional betting. In this case, the gaming system permits the player to place only the basic bet on only one position. That is to say, the betting methods thus permitted include: “straight bet”, “red/black”; “even/odd”; and “low/high”. The range of permissible betting methods is expanded according to the number of additional bets, and further, multiple bets are also permitted. For example, in the event that seven additional bets have been made at theslot machine13, the table shows that the betting methods in the column “6 or more” to the far right inFIG. 16 can be made, which allows the player to use any of the betting methods from the sixth bet on. Furthermore, the payout rate in the event of winning is also registered therein. For example, the rate in the event of placing a “corner bet” is “×9”. Note that the credits ultimately paid out from theslot machine13 are calculated by multiplying the number of credits bet by the rate determined beforehand based on the betting methods shown inFIG. 16, and further multiplied by the rate determined according to the number of additional bets made with regard to theslot machine13 shown later inFIG. 17. All figures are rounded down to the nearest decimal.

It should be noted that the arrangement shown inFIG. 16 is but an example of the present embodiment, and that the payout rates regarding theBET areas73 on theBET screen70 stored in the payout credit storage area may be different from those shown inFIG. 16.

A description has been given regarding an arrangement which permits the player to increases the betting methods by placing the basic bet that can be placed as a result of transition from the basic game of theslot machine13 to the second game, and the additional bets that can be placed after the placement of the basic bet. With such an arrangement, in the event of additional bets being placed, multiple bets are permitted. Also, another arrangement may be made in which the number of multiple bets which can be placed is restricted according to the number of additional bets placed.

As with the second game payout table shown inFIG. 16, the payout rate for the roulette game is set relatively high, so a high payout can be anticipated depending on how the player bets.

FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a second game payout determination table used with the roulette game described later with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B. With this second game payout determination table, the payout in the case of winning the second game is changed according to the number of additional bets at theslot machine13. For example, in the event that a player of theslot machine13 plays a game with only a basic bet which is the possible amount of credits on transition to the second game, and wins, the number of credits won is multiplied by a rate determined according to the betting method as shown inFIG. 16, and also by a weighting rate determined inFIG. 17, which is “×0.8” at the top row, due to no additional bets at theslot machine13. To give a specific example, if we say that the number of credits bet in the basic game at theslot machine13 is 1, and then 10 chips, which is the number of chips usable, are bet on a “straight bet” and the player wins, the number of chips, which is 10, is multiplied by the “straight bet” rate “×36” as shown inFIG. 16, and then further multiplied by the weighting rate “×0.8”, so a total of 288 chips is paid as credits.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart which shows the flow of the processing of theslot machine13 in the basic game, which is executed by thecontroller100 of theslot machine13. The processing is executed by calling a sub-program from a main program for theslot machine13 at a predetermined timing.

A description will be given below regarding the case in which theslot machine13 has been activated beforehand. Furthermore, let us say that the variables used by theCPU106 included in theaforementioned controller100 have been initialized to predetermined values, thereby operating theslot machine13 in a normal state.

First, theCPU106 included in theaforementioned controller100 determines whether or not any credits as coins inserted by the player are remaining (Step S1). Specifically, theCPU106 reads out the credit amount C stored in theRAM110, and performs processing based upon the credit amount C thus read out. In the case that the credit amount C is “0” (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S1), theCPU106 cannot start the game, and accordingly, theCPU106 ends this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in the case that the credit amount C is “1” or more (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S1), theCPU106 determines that there are credits remaining, and the flow proceeds to Step S2.

In the following Step S2, theCPU106 determines whether or not the spinrepeat bet switch24 has been pushed. In the case that the spinrepeat bet switch24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in the case that the operation signal has been input from the spin repeat bet switch24 (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S2), the flow proceeds to Step S12 according to the instruction from theCPU106. On the other hand, in the case that the operation signal has not been input from the spinrepeat bet switch24 within a predetermined period of time (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S2), theCPU106 determines that the spinrepeat bet switch24 has not been pushed, and the flow proceeds to Step S3.

In the following Step S3, theCPU106 sets the game conditions. Specifically, theCPU106 determines the amount of coins bet on the active pay lines in this game. TheCPU106 receives the operation signals generated by the player operating theBET switch23. Then, theCPU106 determines the BET amount to be bet on the active pay lines based upon the number of times the signals that indicate operation of theBET switch23 have been received, and stores the BET amount thus determined in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. TheCPU106 reads out the credit amount C stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110, and subtracts the total BET amount, which is the sum of the aforementioned BET amounts, from the credit amount C thus read out. Then, theCPU106 stores the subtracted value in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S4 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In the following Step S4, theCPU106 determines whether or not thestart switch25 is ON, i.e., waits for thestart switch35 to be operated. Upon thestart switch25 being operated, and accordingly, upon the operation signal being input from the start switch25 (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S4), theCPU106 determines that thestart switch25 has been operated, and the flow proceeds to Step S5.

On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded to Step S12, theCPU106 determines whether or not the credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet on the previous game. In other words, theCPU106 determines whether or not the player can start the game by pushing the spinrepeat bet switch24. Specifically, in the case that the spinrepeat bet switch24 has been pushed, and accordingly, in the case that the operation signal has been input from theaforementioned switch24, theCPU106 reads out the credit amount C and the BET amount bet on each of the active pay lines L1 to L9 in the previous game stored in the predetermined memory areas of theaforementioned RAM110. Then, theCPU106 determines whether or not the aforementioned credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet in the previous game based upon the relation between the credit amount C and the BET amount thus read out. In the case that determination has been made that the aforementioned credit amount C is less than the total bet amount bet on the previous game (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S12), theCPU106 cannot start the game, and accordingly, theCPU106 ends this routine without performing any processing. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the aforementioned credit amount C is equal to or greater than the total bet amount bet in the previous game (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S12), theCPU106 subtracts the total bet amount bet in the previous game from the aforementioned credit amount C, and stores the subtracted value in a predetermined area of theRAM110. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S5 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In the following Step S5, theCPU106 performs combination determination processing. A specific description will be given below regarding the combination determination processing.

In the aforementioned combination determination processing, first, theCPU106 determines the combinations of the symbols along the aforementioned active pay lines when they are stationary. Specifically, theCPU106 issues a command for therandom number generator112 to generate a random number, thereby extracting a random number in a predetermined range (in a range of “0” to “65535” in the present embodiment) generated by therandom number generator112. TheCPU106 stores the random number thus extracted in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Note that a description is being given in the present embodiment regarding an arrangement in which the random number is generated by therandom number generator112, which is a separate component from theaforementioned CPU106. Also, an arrangement may be made in which the random number is generated by computation processing by theCPU106 without involving therandom number generator112. TheCPU106 reads out a basic game random number table (seeFIG. 14), and a particular combination table (not shown) for providing an award, each of which is stored in theROM108. Then, theCPU106 stores the basic game random number table and the particular combination table thus read out in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Note that theCPU106 controls display of the symbols when they are stationary for each reel based upon the aforementioned basic game random number table. Furthermore, theCPU106 reads out the basic game random number table and the particular combination table for providing an award stored in the predetermined area of theaforementioned RAM110. Then, theCPU106 determines the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the aforementioned active pay lines with reference to the aforementioned basic game random number table, using the random number stored in the predetermined memory area of theaforementioned RAM110 as a parameter. Upon determination of particular combinations for providing an award, theCPU106 stores the particular combination data for providing an award thus determined in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Then, theCPU106 reads out the random number and the particular combination data for providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area of theRAM110, and determines the combination of the symbols to be displayed when they are stationary based upon the random number and the particular combination data for providing an award thus read out. In this stage, a symbol disposition table (not shown) stored in theROM108 is read out by theCPU106. The symbol disposition table thus read out is stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110, and used as reference data. TheCPU106 stores the data for the stationary symbols thus determined in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Alternatively, an arrangement may be made in which the symbols when they are stationary are determined for each reel using the aforementioned basic game random number table.

Upon determination of the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the aforementioned active pay lines, theCPU106 determines whether or not the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award. In the case that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the particular combinations for providing an award, theCPU106 activates a flag, which indicates that the player has won the award that corresponds to the kind of particular combination for providing an award, in order to provide the award that accords with the particular combination of symbols with respect to the active pay lines for providing the award. The activated flag, which indicates the player has won an award, is stored in a predetermined area of theRAM110 according to the instruction from theCPU106. On the other hand, in the case that the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines matches any one of the other combinations, i.e., the losing combinations, theCPU106 does not activate the flag which indicates that the player has won an award. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S6 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In the following Step S6, theCPU106 instructs themechanical reels3A through3E to start to rotate. Specifically, theCPU106 instructs themechanical reels3A through3E, in order or at the same time, based upon the symbol disposition table stored in theaforementioned RAM110. Let us consider an arrangement in which eachslot machine13 employs video reels. With such an arrangement, theCPU106 displays an image of the five video reels starting to rotate.

On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which eachslot machine13 employs mechanical reels. With such an arrangement, after themechanical reels3A through3E have started to rotate according to the instruction from theCPU106, theCPU106 counts the number of driving pulses transmitted to each of thestepping motors45A through45E, and the counted numbers are stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Furthermore, a reset pulse is acquired upon each rotation of each of themechanical reels3A through3E. The reset pulses of themechanical reels3A through3E are input to theCPU106 via the reelposition detecting circuit46. Each driving pulse counted value stored in theaforementioned RAM110 is cleared to “0” according to the corresponding reset pulse thus acquired. With such an arrangement, the counted value, which corresponds to the rotational position in a range of one cycle of the reel, is stored in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110 for each of themechanical reels3A through3E. In the symbol disposition table stored in theaforementioned RAM110, the rotational positions of themechanical reels3A through3E and the symbols on themechanical reels3A through3E are stored in association with one another. Before theCPU106 refers to the symbol disposition table, theCPU106 makes a combination of the code number assigned to each of themechanical reels3A through3E, in increments of predetermined rotational pitches of the reels, and the symbol code that indicates the symbol assigned to each code number, with the particular rotational position at which the aforementioned reset pulse has been generated as the reference position.

Upon themechanical reels3A through3E starting to rotate, theCPU106 waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse (Step S7). After the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S7), theCPU106 instructs themechanical reels3A through3E to automatically stop rotating (Step S8). Specifically, theCPU106 instructs themechanical reels3A through3E to stop rotating in order or at the same time such that the symbols when they are stationary, which correspond to the particular combinations for providing an award determined in the aforementioned Step S5, are displayed within a display region that has a visually interactive relationship with the player. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S9 according to the instruction from theCPU106. On the other hand, let us consider an arrangement in which eachslot machine13 employs video reels. With such an arrangement, theCPU106 waits for a predetermined period of time to elapse (Step S7). Then, after the predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S7), theCPU106 displays an image of the five video reels stopping to rotate (Step S8).

In the following Step S9, theCPU106 determines whether or not a predetermined symbol combination has been formed based upon the results of the combination determination processing performed in Step S5. Specifically, theCPU106 makes this determination based upon the state of the flag that indicates whether or not the player has won an award with respect to the active pay lines stored in the predetermined memory area of theaforementioned RAM110. In the case that the flag, which indicates that the player has won an award, has not been activated, i.e., in the case that the symbol combination matches any one of the “other” combinations, which are combinations other than the particular combinations for providing an award (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S9), theCPU106 determines that the particular combination for providing an award has not been formed, and ends this routine. On the other hand, in the case that the flag, which indicates that the player has won an award, has been activated, i.e., in the case that the symbol combination matches any one of the combinations other than the “other” combinations (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S9), the flow proceeds to Step10 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In the following Step S10, theCPU106 determines whether or not the particular combination for providing an award is “BONUS”. The term “BONUS” as used here represents a symbol combination in which “BONUS” designs are arranged along the active pay line as described later with reference toFIG. 22. In the present embodiment, in the case that the “BONUS” combination has been formed, the second game starts. TheCPU106 makes this determination based upon the particular combination data for providing an award stored in the predetermined memory area of theaforementioned RAM110. In the case that the particular combination data for providing an award does not match the “BONUS” combination (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S10), theCPU106 determines that the “BONUS” combination has not been formed with respect to the particular combination data for providing an award, and the flow proceeds to step S13 according to the instruction from theCPU106. On the other hand, in the case that the particular combination data for providing an award matches the “BONUS” combination (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S10), theCPU106 determines that the “BONUS” combination has been formed with respect to the particular combination data for providing an award, and the flow proceeds to step S11 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In the following Step S11, theCPU106 performs second game processing described later with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B. Specifically, theCPU106 transmits a second game start signal to thecentral controller14. After the second game processing, theCPU106 ends this routine.

On the other hand, in the case that the flow has proceeded to Step S13, theCPU106 pays out an amount of coins corresponding to the aforementioned particular combination for providing an award. Specifically, theCPU106 calculates the amount of coins to be paid out for the aforementioned particular combination for providing an award using the basic game payout table as a reference table as described above with reference toFIG. 15. TheCPU106 reads out the credit amount stored in the aforementioned predetermined memory area of theRAM110. Then, theCPU106 calculates the sum total amount of coins to be paid out thus calculated and the credit amount thus read out, and stores the sum thus calculated in a predetermined memory area of theRAM110. TheCPU106 displays the aforementioned value thus stored on the creditamount display unit49. Subsequently, theCPU106 ends this routine.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts which show the processing flow in the second game performed by thegaming system10. A description will be given regarding a second game processing program for theslot machine13 executed by theCPU106 of theslot machine13, a second game processing program for thecentral controller14 executed by theCPU206 of thecentral controller14, and a second game processing program for thesecond gaming terminal15 executed by theCPU306 of thesecond gaming terminal15, in that order, with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B. Note that each of the programs shown in the flowcharts inFIGS. 19A and 19B are stored in theROM108 and theRAM110 included in theslot machine13, theROM208 and theRAM210 included in thecentral controller14, and theROM308 and theRAM310 included in thesecond gaming terminal15. Also, these programs are executed by theCPU106 included in theslot machine13, theCPU206 included in thecentral controller14, and theCPU306 included in thesecond gaming terminal15.

First, description will be given regarding the second game processing program for theslot machine13 with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B. In Step S101 shown inFIG. 19A, theCPU106 transmits a second game start signal to thecentral controller14. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S102 according to the instruction from theCPU106. Here, the second game start signal includes at least: the data which allows theslot machine13 to be identified; the credit amount bet on the “BONUS” combination being formed in the basic game; and the information with respect to the active pay lines.

In Step S102, theCPU106 performs betting processing described later with reference toFIG. 20.

Subsequently, theCPU106 receives the credit payout results transmitted from theCPU206 of the central controller14 (Step S103 inFIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results match the payout results obtained according to whether or not the player has won the roulette game executed via theBET screen70. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S104 according to the instruction from theCPU106.

In Step S104, theCPU106 pays out the credit according to the payout results received in Step S103. Specifically, the credit data is stored in theRAM110 corresponding to the amount of the payout from the roulette game. In the case that there are any credits remaining in the roulette game, theCPU106 reads out the credit amount which is stored in a predetermined memory area for the basic game. Furthermore, theCPU106 calculates the sum of the credit amount thus read out and the credit data which corresponds to the payout for the roulette game and which is stored in theRAM110. Then, theCPU106 stores the sum in a predetermined memory area in theRAM110, and displays the sum on the creditamount display unit49 of theslot machine13. Subsequently, theCPU106 ends this routine. That is to say, the second game ends according to the instruction from theslot machine13, whereupon the roulette game ends.

As described above, in the case that the player has won the payout in the roulette game, the credit that has increased by the amount of the payout is added to the coins for theslot machine13, at the point that the roulette game ends. Such an arrangement allows the player to use the payout from the roulette game in the form of coins for the basic game after the second game. This provides a closer relation between the basic game and the second game, thereby improving the amusement value of the game provided by theoverall gaming system10.

Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case that the player has won the payout in the roulette game, the player can continue and play the roulette game that is a second game using the payout. In this case, theCPU106 transmits a second game start signal to thecentral controller14 as shown in Step S101 after the payout processing shown in Step S104.

Next, description will be given regarding the second game processing program for thecentral controller14 with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B.

In Step S201 shown inFIG. 19A, theCPU206 receives a second game start signal transmitted in the aforementioned Step S101 from theCPU106 of theslot machine13. Upon reception of the second game start signal, theCPU206 stores the second game start signal thus received in theRAM210. Furthermore, theCPU206 raises themovable floor18 on which theslot machine13 that has transmitted the second game start signal and theseat57 have been installed. Furthermore, theCPU206 displays an image on the large-size monitor16 which provides notice of the start of the second game. With such an arrangement, themovable floor18 on which theslot machine13 has been installed is raised, and a second game start message is displayed on the large-size monitor16. This notifies other persons in the amusement facility of the start of the second game, in addition to the players at theother slot machines13. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S202 according to the instruction from theCPU206.

In Step S202, theCPU206 transmits a second game start signal toother slot machines13 andsecond gaming terminals15. By theCPU206 transmitting the second game start signal to theother slot machines13 andsecond gaming terminals15, other players can participate in the roulette game using theother slot machines13 andsecond gaming terminals15. While the following description with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B will be made regarding an arrangement wherein thesecond gaming terminal15 is a terminal which participates in the roulette game, the processing flow forother slot machines13 is basically the same. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S203.

In Step S203, theCPU206 starts timing the betting period, which is the period in which the player at theslot machine13 can place bets, from the point in time that a second game start signal is transmitted from theslot machine13. In this bet period, the player at aslot machine13 participating in the game can operate thetouch panel32 of theliquid crystal display30 to bet his/her own chips on theBET area73 in correlation to the player's predicted number. Also, theCPU206 starts timing the participation period, which is the period in which the players of asecond gaming terminal15 can participate in the second game, from the point in time that the second game start signal is transmitted from theslot machine13. In this participation period, the player at asecond gaming terminal15 participating in the game can deposit a coin from thecoin insertion opening91 and operate thetouch panel99 of thedisplay93 to transmit credit data to thecentral controller14 so as to relegate betting thereof to theslot machine13. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the processing to Step S204.

In Step S204, theCPU206 receives the credit data transmitted from thesecond gaming terminal15. Furthermore, theCPU206 transmits the credit data received from thesecond gaming terminal15 to theslot machine13. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the processing to Step S205.

In Step S205, theCPU206 determines whether or not the participation period has ended. Note that the period wherein participation is allowed is displayed on thedisplay93 of thesecond gaming terminals15, and also on theBET screen70 of thesecond gaming device11 by a participation-enabled time display unit75 (seeFIG. 10). In the event that a determination is made that the participation period has not yet ended (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S205), theCPU206 returns the flow to Step S204, and credit data is received from thesecond gaming terminal15 until the participation period expires. On the other hand, in the event that a determination is made that the participation period has ended (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S205), theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S206.

In Step S206, theCPU206 transmits a participation period end signal to theCPU306 of thesecond gaming terminal15, and subsequently the flow proceeds to Step S207.

In Step S207, theCPU206 determines whether or not the time remaining in the betting period has become 5 seconds. Note that the time remaining in the betting period is also displayed on the BETtime display unit74 provided at theBET screen70 of the second gaming device11 (seeFIG. 10). In the case that determination has been made that the time remaining in the betting period has not reached 5 seconds (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S207), theCPU206 repeatedly performs the processing in Step S207 in order to wait for the time remaining in the betting period to become 5 seconds. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the time remaining in the betting period has become 5 seconds (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S207), the flow proceeds to Step S208 according to the instruction from theCPU206.

In Step S208, theCPU206 supplies theball65 to the inner portion of the roulette board. Specifically, first, theCPU206 drives the ball supply device so as to supply theball65 to the inner portion of the roulette board, whereby theroulette device60 performs the number determination processing according to the game execution program. More specifically, after theball65 is supplied, theCPU206 further drives the driving motor such that thewheel62 rotates at a predetermined rotational speed in the direction opposite to the ball supply direction. Theball65 thus supplied rolls onto the roulette board along the guide wall66. Subsequently, as theball65 loses its centrifugal force due to reduction in its rotational speed, theball65 rolls down along the slope of theframe61, whereupon theball65 reaches the rotating wheel62 (seeFIG. 10).

Then, theball65 rolling down to therotating wheel62 is received by any one among the number pockets63 through thenumber display plate64 provided to outer perimeter of thewheel62, which is still rotating. As a result, the number marked on thenumber display plate64 that corresponds to thenumber pocket63 retaining the ball65 (any one of the numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” shown inFIG. 10) is determined to be a winning number.

Furthermore, upon the supply of theball65 to the inner portion of the roulette board, theCPU206 instructs themovable viewpoint cameras17 to capture images of theroulette device60, and displays the images thus captured on themonitor16. Such an arrangement allows the players to visually confirm the stage in which the winning number is determined in the roulette game by viewing themonitor16 without the need to monitor thesecond gaming device11. Note that an arrangement may be made in which the screen displayed on themonitor16 is divided into multiple parts as necessary, and both theroulette device60 and theBET screen70 are displayed on themonitor16.

Subsequently, theCPU206 determines whether or not the betting period has expired (Step S209 inFIG. 19B). In the case that determination has been made that the betting period has not expired (in the case of “NO” in the determination processing in Step S209), theCPU206 repeatedly performs the processing in Step S209 in order to wait for the betting period to expire. On the other hand, in the case that determination has been made that the betting period has expired (in the case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S209), theCPU206 transmits a betting period end signal, which provides notice that the betting period has expired, to theCPU106 of each slot machine13 (Step S210).

Though not illustrated in the drawings in particular, theCPU206 receives bet information data from theslot machine13 as it arrives, up to the point that the betting period end signal is transmitted, and whether or not bets match betting methods corresponding to the second game payout table conditions stored in theROM208 is checked. Specifically, whether or not a betting method is permissible is checked based on information received from theslot machine13 regarding a bet which a player has made at the slot machine13 (whether or not a bet has been made, in the event that a bet has been made the specifiedBET area73, the number of chips (bets) bet on the specifiedBET area73 and the betting method thereof), and the bet information is stored in the bet information storage area of theRAM210 only for bets which are permissible. Note that in the event that information is received in Step S210 to the effect that no bet was made, theCPU206 lowers themovable floor18 to which theslot machine13 andchair57 are fixed. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S211.

In Step S211, finalized bet display is performed. Specifically, theCPU206 displays the bet information stored in the bet information storage area of theRAM210 on themonitor16. For example, the contents of the bettingboard71 shown inFIG. 10 are displayed on themonitor16. Displaying the bet information on themonitor16 allows the players participating via thesecond gaming terminal15 to know where the credit data, transmitted so as to relegate betting thereof to the player at theslot machine13, has been bet, in the form of chips. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S212.

In Step S212, theCPU206 detects that theball65 has been received by one of the number pockets63, following which the win determining device is activated so as to determine with which number thenumber pocket63 which theball65 has been stored in is correlated. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S213.

In Step S213, theCPU206 determines whether or not the chips bet at theslot machine13 have won, based on the number of the pocket where theball65 has been determined to have been stored in Step S212, and the bet information received from theslot machine13. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the flow to Step S214.

In Step S214, theCPU206 executes payout calculation processing. In the payout calculation processing, theCPU206 identifies the chip bet on the winning number. Furthermore, theCPU206 calculates the total payout of credits paid out to theslot machine13, and to thesecond gaming terminal15 in the event that there has been a bet from asecond gaming terminal15, using the payout rates corresponding to theBET areas73 specified in the second game payout table stored in the payout credit storage area of the ROM208 (the number of credits to be paid out per chip (per bet)), and the weighting values in the conditions specified in the second game payout determining table. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the processing to Step S215. In this case, themonitor16 may be arranged to display information such as the winning number, payouts, etc.

In Step S215, theCPU206 executes transmission processing of the credit payout results of the roulette game based on the payout calculation processing in Step S214. Specifically, theCPU206 transmits credit data equivalent to the payout amount to thesecond gaming terminal15, at the same time as transmitting the credit data equivalent to the payout amount to theslot machine13 which has won. Subsequently, theCPU206 advances the processing to Step S216.

In Step S216, theCPU206 drives the ball collecting device provided below thewheel62, thereby collecting theball65 remaining on thewheel62. Theball65 thus collected is supplied again to thewheel62 of theroulette device60 in the following games.

Subsequently, theCPU206 lowers themovable floor18, on which theslot machine13 and theseat57 have been installed, whereupon this routine ends.

Note that an arrangement may be made in which, in the case that all theslot machines13 are performing only the basic game, i.e., in the case that none of theslot machines13 is performing the second game, themonitor16 displays a demonstration image of the second game stored in theROM208.

Finally, a description will be given regarding a second game processing program for thesecond gaming terminal15 with reference toFIGS. 19A and 19B.

In step S301 shown inFIG. 19A, theCPU306 of thesecond gaming terminal15 receives a second game start signal transmitted in the aforementioned Step S202 from thecentral controller14. Upon reception of this signal, the player can operate thesecond gaming terminal15 for the roulette game. At the same time, the screen as described later with reference toFIG. 25 is displayed on thedisplay93 of thesecond gaming terminal15. Subsequently, the flow proceeds to Step S302 according to the instruction from theCPU306.

In Step S302, theCPU306 performs participation processing described later with reference toFIG. 21.

Subsequently, theCPU306 receives the payout results of the credits transmitted from theCPU206 of the central controller14 (Step S303 inFIG. 19B). Note that the credit payout results are payout results corresponding to winning/loosing at the roulette game which theslot machine13 has played using theBET screen70, based on the credit data transmitted from thesecond gaming terminal15. Subsequently, theCPU306 advances the processing to Step S304.

In Step S304, theCPU306 performs credit payout based on the payout results received in Step S303. Specifically, credit data of an amount corresponding to the payout from the roulette game is recorded in theRAM310, and further, thehopper319 connected via thehopper driving circuit318 pays out a predetermined amount of coins corresponding to the credit data from the coin tray94 (seeFIG. 12), in response to a command signal from theCPU306. Subsequently, theCPU306 ends the routine.

Thus, in the event of winning a payout with the roulette game, credit data is transmitted to thesecond gaming terminal15 as payout of the roulette game, at the point that the roulette game ends. Accordingly, payout can be obtained at thesecond gaming terminal15, thereby improving the amusement value of the game using thegaming system10.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of betting processing executed by thecontroller100 of theslot machine13.

First, in Step S401, theCPU106 receives initial credit data from thecentral controller14. The term “initial credit data” as used here represents the credit data that can be bet on the basic bet in the second game according to the credit amount from the basic game. Subsequently, theCPU306 advances the processing to Step S402.

In Step S402, theCPU106 displays theBET screen70 shown in the later-describedFIG. 24 on theliquid crystal display30 of the slot machine13 (Step S402), and starts reception of betting operations, i.e., starts a betting period wherein a player can bet chips (Step S403). The player can operate thetouch panel32 during this period during which bets can be received so as to place bets using the chips of the player, which are the initial credit data received in Step S401, onBET areas73 corresponding to numbers which the player has predicted. Specific methods of betting using theBET screen70 will be described later with reference toFIG. 24. Also, in the event that a bet has been placed, theCPU106 transmits data relating to betting to thecentral controller14.

Subsequently, theCPU106 determines whether or not a bet has been placed using the initial credit data. In the event that a bet has been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S404), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S407. On the other hand, in the event that no bet has been placed using the initial credit data (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S404), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S405.

In Step S405, theCPU106 determines whether or not a betting period end signal has been received. In the event that a betting period end signal has been received (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S405), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S406. In the event that a betting period end signal has not been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S405), theCPU106 returns the flow to Step S404.

In Step S406, theCPU106 ends reception of betting operations, and then ends the routine.

In Step S407, theCPU106 determines whether or not coins have been inserted. Specifically, whether or not coins for additional bets have been inserted from thecoin insertion opening22 of theslot machine13 is determined. Note that an arrangement may be made in which basic game credits displayed on the creditnumber display unit49 are used instead of the coins thus inserted. In the event that coins have been deposited (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S407), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S408. On the other hand, in the event that coins have not been deposited (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S407), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S409.

In Step S408, theCPU106 performs additional betting processing. Specifically, a betting operation is performed using theBET screen70, based on the deposited coins. Also, in the event that a bet has been placed, theCPU106 transmits data relating to the bet, to thecentral controller14. Subsequently, theCPU106 advances the processing to Step S409.

In Step S409, theCPU106 determines whether or not credit data has been received from thesecond gaming terminal15. In the event that credit data has been received from the second gaming terminal15 (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S409), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S410. On the other hand, in the event that credit data has not been received from the second gaming terminal15 (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S409), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S411. Note that while the present embodiment describes an arrangement in which credit data is transmitted from asecond gaming terminal15, it is needless to say that credit data may be transmitted from anotherslot machine13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode.

In Step S410, theCPU106 performs additional betting processing with the credit data transmitted from thesecond gaming terminal15. Specifically, betting operations are performed using theBET screen70, based on the credit data transmitted from thesecond gaming terminal15 via thecentral controller14. Also, in the event that a bet is placed, theCPU106 transmits data relating to the bet to thecentral controller14. Subsequently, theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S411.

In Step S411, determination is made regarding whether or not a betting period end signal has been received from thecentral controller14. In the event that a betting period end signal has been received from the central controller14 (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S411), theCPU106 advances the flow to Step S412. On the other hand, in the event that no betting period end signal has been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S411), theCPU106 returns the flow to Step S407. Accordingly, the gaming system allows the player to repeatedly place additional bets before the betting period expires.

In Step S412, theCPU106 ends reception of betting operations, following which theCPU106 ends the routine.

As mentioned earlier, following betting processing having been performed, theCPU106 transmits data relating to the bet to theCPU206 of thecentral controller14, with theCPU206 of thecentral controller14 determining whether each bet is within the permissible range.

Also, in the event that a bet was not placed using the initial credit data, this means that a bet was not placed using the credits given to theslot machine13 at the time of transition to the second game, and in such cases the credit data is forfeited, it being deemed that betting using the credit data has been abandoned. Also, in the event that no bet was made using the initial credit data, betting cannot be performed using credit data for additional bets transmitted fromother slot machines13 orsecond gaming terminals15. Accordingly, the credit data for additional bets is returned to theother slot machines13 andsecond gaming terminals15.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of participation processing executed by thecontroller300 of asecond gaming terminal15.

First, in Step S501, a determination is made regarding whether or not theCPU306 has received a participation period end signal. The participation period is a period during which thesecond gaming terminal15 can participate in the roulette game, and is timed by thecentral controller14. In the event that a participation period end signal has been received (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S501), theCPU306 advances the flow to Step S506. On the other hand, in the event that no participation period end signal has been received (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S501), theCPU306 advances the flow to Step S502.

In Step S502, theCPU306 determines whether or not a coin has been deposited. Specifically, the determination is made regarding whether or not a coin for an additional bet has been deposited from thecoin insertion opening91 of thesecond gaming terminal15. In the event that a coin has been deposited (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S502), theCPU306 advances the flow to Step S503. On the other hand, in the event that no coin has been deposited (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S502), theCPU306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S503, theCPU306 displays a transmission screen for transmitting credit data for additional bets on thedisplay93. Subsequently, theCPU306 advances the flow to Step S504.

In Step S504, theCPU306 determines whether or not the transmission button has been pushed. Specifically, a determination is made regarding whether or not thetransmission button82 on the transmission screen, such as shown inFIG. 26, displayed on thedisplay93 by the processing in Step S503, has been pushed by the player. In the event that the transmission button has been pushed (in the case of “YES” in the processing in Step S504), theCPU306 advances the flow to Step S505. On the other hand, in the event that the transmission button has not been pushed even after a predetermined amount of time (in the case of “NO” in the processing in Step S504), theCPU306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S505, theCPU306 transmits the credit data to theCPU206 of thecentral controller14. The credit data transmitted from thesecond gaming terminal15 is ultimately transmitted to theslot machine13 via thecentral controller14, whereby theslot machine13 is able to perform additional bets using the credit data. Subsequently, theCPU306 returns the flow to Step S501.

In Step S506, the processing makes a transition upon receiving the participation period end signal. In this case, theCPU106 ends the reception of coin depositing, and ends the routine.

FIGS. 22 and 23 show examples of what is displayed on theslot machine13 for the basic game according to the present embodiment of the present invention. In the example shown inFIG. 22, the symbols when they are stationary are displayed on theliquid crystal display30 of theslot machine13. In this example, the “BONUS” symbols are arranged along the middle portion of the horizontal line, i.e., the “BONUS” winning combination is formed along the active pay line L5. As described above, in the case that the “BONUS” winning combination has been formed, the game is switched to the second game. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 23, the liquid a text reading “CONGRATULATIONS!! LET'S START THE ROULETTE GAME”. Such visual effects notify the player that the “BONUS” symbols have been arranged along a particular active pay line, and that the roulette game will start soon.

FIG. 24 shows an example of what is displayed on theliquid crystal display30 of theslot machine13, which allows the player to place a bet on the roulette game during the second game. A description will be given below regarding the example of what is displayed for the second game with reference toFIG. 24, except for the same components described above with reference toFIG. 10.

First, theBET screen70 is displayed on theliquid crystal display30 of theslot machine13. The components of theBET screen70 include: the resulthistory display unit72; a BETbutton display unit77; apayout display unit78; and a creditamount display unit79, which are displayed, in that order, starting from the upper left of the portion below the bettingboard71, which is also displayed on theBET screen70. Thepayout display unit78 and the creditamount display unit79 are dedicated components provided for the roulette game, instead of thepayout display unit48 and the creditamount display unit49 provided to theslot machine13.

A BETbutton display unit77 displays chips which have been deposited and which are to be bet on the BET areas73 (number and letter squares, or on lines defining the squares) according to instructions from the player. The BETbutton display unit77 comprises an initialchip storage portion77A for displaying chips that can be bet as a result of transition from the basic game to the second game, these chips being represented by single circles; a first additionalchip storage portion77B for displaying chips for additional bets to be made by theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode, these chips being represented by double circles, and a second additionalchip storage portion77C for displaying chips for additional betting based on credit data transmitted from asecond gaming terminal15 or from anotherslot machine13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode, these chips being represented by circles with hatching. At first, only thechip mark76 which corresponds to the initially-provided chips is displayed in the initialchip storage portion77A. After the placement of the initial bet of the initial chip on abet area73, the additional bets are permitted. In this case, the chip marks76 are displayed in the first additionalchip storage portion77B and the second additionalchip storage portion77C in conjunction with the credit data.

The player first operates thechip mark76 displayed in the initialchip storage portion77A by operating thetouch panel32, making a drag-and-drop operation with a finger, so as to specify aBET area73 to place the bet. At this time acursor80 is displayed. Clicking on thechip mark76 with the chip stopped at the position where a bet is to be placed removes thecursor80 from the screen, thereby finalizing the bet. Note that one coin used with the basic game at theslot machine13 is equivalent to one chip used in the second game.

The present invention is not restricted to such an arrangement in which the chips are bet on one location. Rather, the gaming system allows the player to bet the chips on multiple locations by repeatedly making the drag-and-drop operation on theBET areas73 in increments of chip marks.

Also, an arrangement may be made in which multiple roulette games can be performed as long as there are credits remaining. With such an arrangement, a payoutamount display unit78 displays the number of chips which the player has bet in the previous game, and the credit amount to be paid out. Here, a number obtained by subtracting the amount bet from the payout credits is the credits which the player has newly obtained by the previous game. This display example shows the first instance of the second game after theslot machine13 has entered the second game mode, so the amount bet and the payout credits both show “0”.

Furthermore, a creditamount display unit79 displays the amount of credits which the player currently has. This credit amount decreases as chips are bet (one credit for one bet). Also, in the event that a chip which has been bet wins, and credits are paid out, achip mark76 representing the amount paid out is displayed. In the event that the number of credits which the player has becomes zero, the game is over. Let us consider a case in which theslot machine13 has entered the second game mode with one credit. The example here shows the screen of theslot machine13 in this case with 10 chips which is the initial chips being displayed at a location saying “19 to 36”, and with a remaining twenty chips being displayed not bet at the BETbutton display unit77. Accordingly, “20” is displayed at the creditamount display unit79.

FIG. 25 shows an example of a second game at asecond gaming terminal15, illustrating an example of a display made on thedisplay93 of thesecond gaming terminal15 at the time of thesecond gaming terminal15 receiving a second game start signal from thecentral controller14.

Thedisplay93 displays a message to the effect that the roulette game will start, and aterminal number83 indicating the player of whichslot machine13 is going to bet in the second game. Depositing predetermined coins from thecoin insertion opening91 brings up a screen such as shown inFIG. 26, which will be described next, on thedisplay93.

FIG. 26 illustrates a display example displayed on thedisplay93 upon a coin having been deposited from thecoin insertion opening91 of thesecond gaming terminal15, as an example of a display of the second game at thesecond gaming terminal15.

Acountdown number81 is displayed on thedisplay93, indicating the amount of time in which participation can be made. Thiscountdown number81 displays the amount of time left in which participation can be made, based on the participation period timed by thecentral controller14. Also, atransmission button82 is provided toward the bottom of thedisplay93, and pushing thistransmission button82 transmits credit data for additional betting to thecentral controller14.

FIG. 27 illustrates a screen displayed on theliquid crystal display30 at the time of making an additional bet at aslot machine13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode but is capable of communication with thecentral controller14, as an example of a display of the second game at aslot machine13.

Upon theslot machine13 receiving a second game start signal, asmall window85 comes up toward the top of theliquid crystal display30. Acountdown number81 is displayed toward the left side of thesmall window85, indicating the amount of time in which participation can be made. Thiscountdown number81 displays the amount of time left in which participation can be made, based on the participation period timed by thecentral controller14. Also, atransmission button82 is provided toward the right side of thesmall window85, and pushing thistransmission button82 transmits credit data for additional betting to thecentral controller14. Note that with theother slot machine13, credits already displayed at the creditamount display unit49 for the basic game may be used, or coins may be used by newly depositing the coins from thecoin insertion opening22. Furthermore, as with the case of thesecond gaming terminal15, a second game starting screen such as shown inFIG. 25 may first be displayed and then the screen shown inFIG. 27 displayed on theliquid crystal display30.

Thus, with the gaming system and the gaming control method according to the present embodiment, in the event that a predetermined symbol combination, such as “BONUS” symbol combination or the like, has come to a stop along the pay line L5 in the basic game at theslot machine13, the roulette game performed at thesecond gaming device11 separate from theslot machine13 is started. In this case, theslot machine13 becomes a terminal capable of betting operations of the roulette game, and can use credits provided by the “BONUS” combination in the basic game for basic bets in the roulette game. Furthermore, additional bets can be made from not only theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode but also additional bets can be made by additional credits fromslot machines13 other than theslot machine13 that has entered the second game mode, andsecond gaming terminals15. Such additional bets enable multiple betting, and also the payout of the roulette game also increases due to the additional betting.

Moreover, in the event of a win, thesecond gaming terminals15 andother slot machines13 which have provided credit data for additional bets each can receive payouts.

While the gaming system according to the present invention has been described above by way of embodiments, it should be clearly understood that the embodiments are exemplary of the invention and in no way restrict the present invention, and that the specific configurations such as the means and components may be modified and altered as suitable. Moreover, it should be understood that the advantages described in association with the embodiments are merely a listing of most preferred advantages, and that the advantages of the present invention are by no means restricted to those described in connected with the embodiments.

While description has been made regarding an arrangement in which the roulette game is performed as a second game using a real roulette device, the present invention is not restricted to such an arrangement. Also, the roulette game may be performed using a virtual roulette. Also, the second game may be other forms of gaming, such as a card game like poker, quizzes, or the like. Moreover, other conceivable arrangements include, but are not restricted to, competing with a computer or other players using devices which involve physical exertion, such as cycling machines, horseback riding machines, and so forth.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above, it is to be understood that they are exemplary of the invention and are not to be considered to be limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered to be limited by the foregoing description and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A gaming system comprising:

slot machines each of which executes a basic game and, under a predetermined condition, transmits a signal for switching to a second game;

a second gaming device, which is a separate device from said slot machines, and which executes the second game;

second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for the second game; and

a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, and which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

2. A gaming system according toclaim 1, wherein said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

3. A gaming system according toclaim 1, wherein said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet.

4. A gaming system according toclaim 1, wherein said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet.

5. A gaming system according toclaim 1, wherein any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals transmits the data concerning the additional bets in the form of credit data, and receives data from said central controller concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data thus being transmitted.

6. A gaming system comprising:

a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet, which increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the received data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet, and which provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

7. A gaming system comprising:

a central controller, which can communicate with said slot machines, said second gaming device, and said second gaming terminals, which transmits a start signal, according to a switching signal being received from any one of said slot machines, to start the second game on said second gaming device, which receives data from said slot machine concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition, which receives data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data being received concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet, which permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets thus being received, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified according to the basic bet, and which transmits data to said slot machine, any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data that corresponds to the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any one of other slot machines that differ from said slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals.

8. A gaming system comprising:

9. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising:

a step in which, under a predetermined condition, a controller of one of said slot machines transmits a signal for switching to the second game executed by said second gaming device;

a step in which, a central controller transmits a start signal for the second game according to the switching signal being received from said slot machine;

a step in which said central controller starts the second game on said second gaming device;

a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning a basic bet permitted under the predetermined condition;

a step in which said central controller receives the data concerning the basic bet from said slot machine;

a step in which the controller of said slot machine, a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet; and

a step in which said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

10. A gaming control method according toclaim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

11. A gaming control method according toclaim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet.

12. A gaming control method according toclaim 9, further comprising a step in which said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, which differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet.

13. A gaming control method according toclaim 9, further comprising:

a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals transmits the data concerning the additional bets in the form of credit data;

a step in which said central controller receives the credit data from any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals;

a step in which said central controller transmits data concerning the payout that corresponds to the result of the second game on which bets have been placed via said slot machine using the credit data; and

a step in which the controller of any one of said other slot machines and said second gaming terminals receives the data concerning the payout from said central controller.

14. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising:

a step in which the controller of said slot machine, a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine, or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet;

a step in which said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game, according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet;

a step in which said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet; and

a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets, being received from said slot machine, any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed.

15. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising:

a step in which the controller of said slot machine transmits data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet, or a controller of any other slot machine that differs from said slot machine or a controller of any one of said second gaming terminals transmits credit data concerning additional bets that differs from the data concerning the basic bet;

a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any other slot machine or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller increases the number of bets that can be specified by a player in the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the number of bets that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet;

a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any one of said other slot machines or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller permits the player to specify additional betting methods that differ from the betting methods permitted according to the basic bet, in addition to the betting methods that can be specified by the player according to the basic bet;

16. A gaming control method, which employs a system including slot machines for executing a basic game, a second gaming device which is a separate device from said slot machines, and second gaming terminals each of which is used as a dedicated terminal for a second game that differ from the basic game, said gaming control method comprising:

a step in which, upon reception of the data concerning the additional bets from said slot machine, or upon reception of the credit data concerning the additional bets from any other slot machine or any one of said second gaming terminals, said central controller increases the credit amount bet on the second game according to the data concerning the additional bets, in addition to the credit amount for the basic bet;

a step in which said central controller provides a greater payout amount for the second game based upon the data concerning the additional bets being received from said slot machine, or the credit data concerning the additional bets being received from any other slot machine, or any one of said second gaming terminals, than in the case in which only the basic bet has been placed;