US20080242390A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20080242390A1
Application number: US12/056,843
Authority: US
Inventors: Katsuhiro Kido
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-02
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2008-10-02
Also published as: AU2008201299A1; JP2008253391A; ZA200802818B

Abstract

A gaming machine awards a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for stations4 each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout. Based on the bets in the respective stations4, a possible target for a special payout is set. When a possible target is set, the image data is displayed on a special payout symbol indicator62 so as to specify the station4 of the possible target. A special payout target is randomly selected from the possible targets and is displayed on a bonus win indicator63, and a special payout is awarded in the station4.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-096352 filed on Apr. 2, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a multi participant-type gaming machine in which several players can take part in a game.

2. Description of Related Art

There has been conventionally known a multi participant-type gaming machine in which several players make a bet from client terminals to play a game. For example, the

Patent Documents

1, 2 and 3 disclose a gaming machine in which several consoles, a central controller and a common indicator are associated with each other. For example, there are US2005/0059474 A1, US2005/0282618 A1 and US2005/0218590 A1.

There is a gaming machine having a function of awarding a special payout such as “JACKPOT” so as to further interest a player in a game, in addition to a base payout based on a game result and a game value bet. In the conventional multi participant-type gaming machine, it is needed to provide the gaming machine with a function of awarding a special payout to a player, so as to further interest the player in a game.

An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of awarding a special payout in a form suitable for a game in which several players take part, and a playing method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine main body (this is not limited to a roulette unit) that executes a game; a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for the game and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (a1) to (a5).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on an execution result of the game and a game value bet;

(a2) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(a4) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(b3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(b4) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(b5) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (c1) to (c7).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices,

respectively;

(c4) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(c5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(c6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmed to operate as described in steps of (d1) to (d7).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(d1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

(d4) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;

(d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(d6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

Furthermore, when the possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that is provided to each of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to the roulette game and the bet areas; a light transmissive touch panel that is provided to a front of the display device to be press-operable; and a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmed to operate as described in steps of (e1) to (e9).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(e1) to receive a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel;

(e2) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(e3) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area;

(e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, respectively;

(e5) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(e6) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the display device;

(e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target;

(e8) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

(e9) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. This enables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.

Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game value, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet. Further, when the possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is displayed on the display device, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of: awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices; when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of the possible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an operating state of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective showing a schematic structure of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a roulette wheel;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a server;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a station;

FIG. 8 illustrates a payout management table;

FIG. 9 illustrates a station management table;

FIG. 10 illustrates a variable state of a special payout symbol in a special payout symbol indicator;

FIG. 11 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 12 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 13 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 14 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 15 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a game process routine that is performed in a station;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a chance slot process routine;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a process that is performed in a server; and

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a bonus lottery process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 19. A gaming machine is structured to obtain a lottery right based on a bet and thus to perform a lottery while displaying the lottery right obtained. In other words, as shown inFIG. 1, agaming machine101 includes: a gaming machinemain body102 that executes a game; severalterminal devices103 each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout; adisplay device104 that displays image data relating to the game; and acontroller105 ofFIG. 2. Thecontroller105 is configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (a1) to (a5).

Specifically, in a step of (a1), the controller awards to each terminal device103 a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet. In a step of (a2), the controller determines whether to set each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103. In a step of (a3), when any one of the terminal devices103ais set as the possible target (the terminal device set as the possible target is hereinafter referred to as participating terminal103), the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 possible target as a possible target. In a step of (a4), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of possible target one or more possible targets. In a step of (a5), the controller awards a special payout in theterminal device103 selected as the special payout target.

Here, the “gaming machine101” may be a one player-type or a multi participant-type. For example, thegaming machine101 may include a gaming machine (roulette gaming device1) that executes a roulette game and the like, on condition that many players take part in the game. Furthermore, the gaming machines such as slot machine in which one player plays a game may be associated with each other so that via data communication is possible, thereby constituting a multi participant-type gaming machine.

The “gaming machinemain body102” may execute a game by means of a mechanical operation, an electrical operation or a combination of mechanical and electrical operations, as long as the game is a multiplayer-type game. The game executed by means of a mechanical operation can be a game using aroulette unit3 that rotates or moves an actual ball or wheel. The game executed by means of an electrical operation can be a game that virtually rotating or moving an image of a ball or wheel displayed on a display device such as liquid crystal display.

The “terminal device103” may be a gaming-only terminal device (station4) or an information processing device such as a personal computer used for multiple purposes, as long as it can receive a bet for a game and award a payout. The “image data” may be still image data or moving image data. Further, the image data may be the number of theterminal device103, a name or face specifying a player, animals and plants, motif and the like. The “display device104” may be provided in each of theterminal devices103 or may be a single large screen display shared among all theterminal devices103. For example, thedisplay device104 may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) device, a plasma display device and the like.

A method of specifying the participatingterminal103 possible target may be a method of outputting the image data of the number of theterminal device103 and the like on thedisplay device104, or a method of switching an image of a specialpayout symbol indicator62 in thedisplay device104 of the participatingterminal103 possible target from a still state to a moving state.

The “execution result of a game” is a state where a game could enter a “win” state as a result of executing a unit game. In this embodiment, the “execution result of a game” may be also referred to as a “game result.” For example, in a roulette game in which a ball is rolled on a wheel, an execution result is a mark on the wheel corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In a slot game, an execution result is a pattern of symbols stopped after rearrangement. Note that the “rearrangement” means arranging the symbols again after dismissing the arrangement of the symbols. The “arrangement” means a state in which the symbols are visible to an exterior player.

The “unit game” is a series of operations from a reception state of a bet (bet time) to the state where a game could enter a “win” state (i.e., game time, payout time). For example, in a roulette game, the unit game includes a bet time for receiving a bet, a game time during which a ball is rolled and then stopped and a payout time during which a payout is awarded.

The “game value” includes a medal, a coin, a gaming ball, money, bill, a magnetic card and the like. The “base payout” is a payout that is awarded based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet. For example, in a roulette game, the game value is a payout that is determined on the basis of a payout rate, which is set in a bet area corresponding to a mark (win mark) corresponding to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in a roulette unit, and a game value bet on the bet area.

The “special payout” means a bonus that is paid out irrespective of the game value bet. A JACKPOT may be set as a special payout. In the mean time, the “JACKPOT” means that some of the game values bet are subtracted and accumulated and all or a part of the game values accumulated is awarded when a “win” state is resulted.

The “possible target” means aterminal device103 having obtained a right for participating in a lottery for the special payout (hereinafter, lottery right). The lottery right is a right that is determined by means of a random selection. The possible target is set based on a bet. A setting type based on a bet may be a type based on a degree of a game value bet or a type in which a bet is made on a side bet area provided for a possible target. The “special payout target” means aterminal device103 to which a special payout selected from the possible targets is awarded.

Thegaming machine101 structured as described above executes a playing method comprising the steps of awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality ofterminal devices103 each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103; when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify aterminal device103 of the possible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in theterminal device103 of the special payout target.

Thus, according to thegaming machine101 and the playing method, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103, the image data is outputted to the display device so as to specify theterminal device103 as the possible target. That way, a player who operates theterminal device103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type game having theterminal devices103.

Further, thegaming machine101 has such a structure that a lottery right to a special payout based on a bet for a roulette game is obtained and a lottery is performed while displaying the lottery right obtained. In other words, thegaming machine101 includes: a roulette unit (gaming machine main body102) that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks disposed thereon;terminal devices103 each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; adisplay device104 that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller105. Thecontroller105 is configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).

Specifically, in a step of (b1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (b2), the controller awards to each terminal device103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (b3), the controller determines whether to set each of theterminal devices103 as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103. In a step of (b4), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to the display device so as to specify theterminal device103 of the possible target. In a step of (b5), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (b6), the controller awards a special payout in theterminal device103 of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a special payout is set based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103, the image data is outputted to thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 of the possible target. That way, a player who operates theterminal device103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.

Furthermore, thegaming machine101 may have such a structure that a lottery right for a special payout is obtained by a bet of a predetermined number or more game value. To be more specific, thecontroller100 may have a structure to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (c1) to (c6).

In a step of (c1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (c2), the controller awards to each terminal device103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (c3), the controller calculates a summed value of game values bet placed by theterminal devices103, respectively. In a step of (c4), the controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more. In a step of (c5), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 as a possible target. In a step of (c6), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (c7), the controller awards a special payout in theterminal device103 set as the special payout target.

According to the above structure, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to a special payout by a bet of a predetermine or more game value as well as to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having theterminal devices103, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

Furthermore, thegaming machine101 may be structured to have a player be aware of the contents of the special payout by a special payout symbol. To be more specific, thecontroller100 may be configured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of (d1) to (d7).

In a step of (d1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit. In a step of (d2), the controller awards to each terminal device103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (d3), the controller determines whether to set each of theterminal devices103 as a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in theterminal devices103. In a step of (d4), when the possible target is set, the controller randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the one special payout symbol on thedisplay device104. In a step of (d5), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 as the possible target. In a step of (d6), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (d7), the controller awards a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in theterminal device103 set as the special payout target.

According to the above structure, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having theterminal devices103. Furthermore, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected among the special payout symbols and is displayed on thedisplay device104, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

(Structure of the Controller105)

As shown inFIG. 2, thegaming machine101 includes: a roulette unit3 (main body102 of the gaming machine) executing a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks arranged thereon;terminal devices103 each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; displaydevices104 each of which is provided to each of theterminal devices103 and displays image data and bet areas relating to a roulette game; lighttransmissive touch panels50 each of which is provided to a front side of eachdisplay device104 to be press-operable from an outside; and acontroller105.

Thecontroller105 includes: a specialpayout symbol memory121 that stores special payout symbols, as the image data; and apayout rate memory115 that stores a bet type and a payout rate. Further, thecontroller105 includes a winmark setting unit111 that receives a signal from aroulette unit3. The winmark setting unit111 has a function of setting, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of a ball after the ball rolls in theroulette unit3.

Further, thecontroller105 includes: abet receiving unit112 that receives a terminal signal outputted from theterminal device103. Thebet receiving unit112 has functions of receiving a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of thetouch panel50 and extracting the terminal data such as the terminal number of theterminal device103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like included in a terminal signal. Thebet receiving unit112 is associated with abet memory113. Thebet memory113 has a function of storing the terminal data outputted from thebet receiving unit112. Thebet memory113 outputs a terminal number, a bet type and a bet-number to a basepayout instruction unit114. Furthermore, thebet memory113 output a bet-number to a bet-number summing unit116.

The basepayout instruction unit114, to which the terminal data is inputted from thebet memory113, receives the terminal data from thebet memory113, a win mark from the winmark setting unit111 and a bet type and a payout rate from thepayout rate memory115. The basepayout instruction unit114 has functions of calculating a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to a win mark and a bet-number (game value) bet for the bet area, and instructing a terminal device corresponding to the terminal number to award a base payout.

Further, the bet-number summing unit116, to which a bet-number is inputted from thebet memory113, has a function of calculating a summed value of the bet-numbers bet in the respectiveterminal devices103. The bet-number summing unit116 is associated with a summed bet-number memory117. The summed bet-number memory117 has a function of storing a summed value calculated in the bet-number summing unit116, correspondingly to the terminal number of theterminal device103. The summed bet-number memory117 is associated with a possibletarget setting unit118. The possibletarget setting unit118 has functions of determining whether a summed value stored in the summed bet-number memory117 is a predetermined value or more and setting the terminal number of the terminal device, for which it is determined that a summed value is a predetermined value or more, as a possible target.

The possibletarget setting unit118 outputs a terminal number of a possible target to a special payouttarget determining unit119 and a special payoutsymbol determining unit122. The special payouttarget determining unit119 has a function of randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of the possible targets. In the mean time, the special payoutsymbol determining unit122 has functions of randomly selecting one special payout symbol among special payout symbols stored in a specialpayout symbol memory121 and outputting the one special payout symbol on thedisplay device104 of theterminal device103, when a possible target is set.

The special payouttarget determining unit119 and the special payoutsymbol determining unit122 are associated with the gaming machinemain body102. A specialpayout instruction unit120 has a function of instructing theterminal device103 having a terminal number of a special payout target inputted from the special payouttarget determining unit119 to award a special payout corresponding to a special payout symbol from the special payoutsymbol determining unit122.

Each block of thecontroller105 may be embodied in hardware or software, as required. When each block is embodied in software, thecontroller105 is structured by a program that operates as described in the steps of (e1) to (e9).

In a step of (e1), the controller receives a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel. In a step of (e2), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in theroulette unit3. In a step of (e3), the controller awards to each terminal device103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (e4), the controller calculates a summed value of bet-numbers (game values) bet in the respectiveterminal devices103, respectively. In a step of (e5), the controller sets, as a possible target, aterminal device103 having the summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more. In a step of (e6), when the possible target is set, the controller randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the one special payout symbol on theterminal device103. In a step of (e7), when the possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 of the possible target. In a step of (e8), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of (e9), the controller awards a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol in theterminal device103 of the special payout target.

(Operations of the Controller105)

An operation of agame controller100 will be described. First performed is an operation of a bet time ofFIG. 1. On thedisplay device104 of theterminal device103 are displayed image data and a bet area relating to a roulette game. When a bet on a bet area corresponding to a pressed location of thetouch panel50 is received, a terminal signal including the terminal data such as the terminal number of theterminal device103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like is outputted to thebet receiving unit112. When thebet receiving unit112 receives the terminal signal, the terminal data included in the terminal signal is stored in thebet memory113.

Next, the terminal data of the bet-number stored in thebet memory113 is read out by the bet-number summing unit116. Then, a summed value of the bet-numbers is calculated. When the calculation of the summed value of the bet-numbers for all theterminal devices103 is carried out, the summed value of the bet-numbers is stored in the summed bet-number memory117. The possibletarget setting unit118 determines whether the summed value stored in the summed bet-number memory117 is a predetermined value or more. When it is determined that the summed value is a predetermined value or more, the terminal number having the summed value is set as a possible target.

When a possible target is set, the special payoutsymbol determining unit122 randomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payout symbols stored in the specialpayout symbol memory121. Then, the determined special payout symbol is displayed on thedisplay device104 of theterminal device103. The detailed display will be described later. Meantime, a state of selecting a special payout symbol from the several types of the special payout symbols may be displayed on thedisplay device104.

Like this, when a possible target for a special payout is set on the basis of a summed value of the bet-numbers (game values) bet in the respectiveterminal devices103, the image data is outputted on thedisplay device104 so as to specify theterminal device103 of the possible target. That way, a player who operates theterminal device103 set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having theterminal devices103. Furthermore, since a lottery right to the special payout can be obtained by a predetermined or more bet-number, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

Further, when a possible target is set, the special payouttarget determining unit119 randomly selects a special payout target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of the possible targets. The determined special payout target is displayed on thedisplay device104 of theterminal device103. In the mean time, during a period for which a special payout target is selected, a premonition image may be displayed on thedisplay device104. The specific display will be described later.

Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbols and is displayed on thedisplay device104, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

Then, an operation is started in the game time from the middle of the bet time. In theroulette unit3, a roulette game is started. In other words, a ball rolls on a wheel having several marks disposed thereon. Then, when the ball is stopped and the roulette game is thus over, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball is obtained. The mark is outputted to the winmark setting unit111. When the winmark setting unit111 receives the mark outputted from theroulette unit3, it sets the mark as a win mark. Thus, the game time is over. Meantime, the bet time is over before the game time is over.

When the game time is over, an operation is started in a payout time. The win mark is outputted to the basepayout instruction unit114. When the win mark is inputted to the basepayout instruction unit114, the basepayout instruction unit114 obtains the terminal data from thebet memory113 and the bet type and the payout rate from thepayout rate memory115. Then, based on the payout rate set for the bet area corresponding to the win mark and the bet-number bet on the bet area, a base payout is calculated. Then, the base payout is paid out in theterminal device103 corresponding to the terminal number.

Further, when the win mark is set in the winmark setting unit111, a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol of the special payoutsymbol determining unit122 is paid out in theterminal device103 having the terminal number of the special payout target inputted from the special payouttarget determining unit119.

(Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)

In the followings, it will be specifically described a case where thegaming machine101 is applied to aroulette gaming device1.FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic structure of aroulette gaming device1 according to an embodiment. Theroulette gaming device1 has acabinet2, aroulette unit3,stations4 and an electriclight indicator5. Thecabinet2 fixes theroulette unit2, thestations4 and the electriclight indicator5 at predetermined positions and protects a device equipped therein such as electronic substrate.

Theroulette unit3 corresponds to the gaming machinemain body102 shown inFIG. 2 and is disposed substantially at a central part of thecabinet2. Thestations4 correspond to theterminal devices103 ofFIG. 2 and are disposed around theroulette unit2. To be more specific, 12 (twelve)stations4 are disposed to surround theroulette unit3. Thestation4 serves as a bet unit for receiving a bet operation of a player and a payout unit for awarding a medal. The bet operation is an operation that a player predicting a win number of theroulette unit3 inputs the contents such as number corresponding to the predicted win number.

The electriclight indicator5 has aJP amount indicator15. TheJP amount indicator15 is mounted on a top of the electriclight indicator5. Thus, theJP amount indicator15 allows all players who play a game in thestations4 to see the display contents.

TheJP amount indicator15 displays a jackpot (JP) amount that is a special payout. Here, theroulette gaming device1 accumulates 0.5% of credits that are bet in a roulette game using aBET screen61 in the twelvestations4 and stores the accumulated credit as a jackpot. The credit of the jackpot is paid out to apredetermined station4 when a special payout is determined by lot. Meanwhile, the “win” means that a “win” state is resulted.

Further, theroulette gaming device1 has aserver13. Theserver13 corresponds to thecontroller105 ofFIG. 2. Theserver13 is disposed at acorner part12 of thecabinet2. Theserver13 is received in an inner space of thecorner part12. The inner space of thecorner part12 can be opened/shut by means of acorner door14 having an authentication key attached. Thecorner door14 is typically shut so that a player cannot operate theserver13. In the mean time, in the operation of theserver13, thecorner door14 is opened by operating an authentication key. Thus, theserver13 is operated from an outside of thecabinet2, so that various settings of theroulette gaming device1 can be performed.

(Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit3)

A structure of theroulette unit3 will be described with reference toFIG. 4.FIG. 4 is a plan view of theroulette unit3 according to an embodiment. Theroulette unit3 includes aframe21 fixed to thecabinet2 and awheel22 disposed at an inner side of theframe21. As shown inFIG. 3, an entire upper part of theroulette unit3 is covered by means of ahemisphere cover member28 made of transparent acryl.

As shown inFIG. 4, thewheel22 is received in theframe21 and its upper surface is exposed to an outside. Thewheel22 is horizontally disposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is identical to a vertical direction, and is supported to freely rotate so that a center point thereof is a rotation center. Thewheel22 has several numbered pockets23 (38 pockets in this embodiment). The numbered pockets23 are disposed in a ring shape at a periphery of an upper surface of thewheel22. Each of the numbered pockets23 is shaped in a recess shape having a size and a depth capable of receiving aball27.

Further, thewheel22 has several numberedplates25. The numberedplates25 are set same as the numbered pockets23. The numberedplates25 indicate each number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” as figure letters. Each of the numberedplates25 is disposed at the periphery of the respective numbered pockets23. Thus, the numbered pockets23 are given with any number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” of the numberedplates25.

Theframe21 that thewheel22 is disposed at the center of the frame is inclined downward at a small degree from the periphery to thewheel22. Theframe21 has aguide wall29. Theguide wall29 is disposed between the periphery of theframe21 and thewheel22. Theguide wall29 guides an insertedball27 against centrifugal force, thereby allowing theball27 to roll.

Further, theframe21 has aball insertion slot36. Theball insertion slot36 is opened to thewheel22. Theball insertion slot36 is associated with a ball insertion device (not shown) that is equipped in theframe21. The ball insertion device is structured to insert theball27 from theball insertion slot36 onto thewheel22.

Further, theroulette unit3 has awin determining device86 ofFIG. 6 and a ball collection device (not shown). Thewin determining device86 and the ball collection device are disposed below thewheel22. Thewin determining device86 is a device for determining the numberedpocket23 having received theball27. Further, theroulette unit3 has the ball collection device that is not shown. The ball collection device is a device for collecting theball27 on thewheel22 after a roulette game is over. In the mean time, since the ball insertion device, the win determining device and the ball collection device have been already known, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In theroulette unit3 structured as described above, when aball27 is introduced on theframe21 by the ball insertion device, theguide wall29 guides theball27 against the centrifugal force of theball27, thereby enabling theball27 to roll. When the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of theball27 is lowered, theball27 is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27, which is rolling-introduced onto thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23. As a result, the number indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 having theball27 received therein is determined by thewin determining device86, so that a win number is determined.

(Mechanical Structure: Server13)

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of theserver13 according to this embodiment. Here,FIG. 5 shows a state that thecorner door4 of thecorner part12 is opened.

Theserver13 is equipped in aspace31 opened at a wall surface of thecabinet2. Thesever13 is associated with eachstation4. Theserver13 transmits a command signal to each of thestations4 to initiatively control eachstation4, thereby progressing a game. Further, theserver13 performs a maintenance operation for theroulette gaming device1, in addition to the control of a game of theroulette gaming device1.

Aliquid crystal display32 and akeyboard33 are associated with theserver13. Theliquid crystal display32 displays a menu screen (not shown) or maintenance screen (not shown). Further, thekeyboard33 is an operating means having several keys disposed thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on theliquid crystal display32, when an operator operates thekeyboard33, the maintenance operation as well as various settings in theroulette gaming device1 can be made.

(Mechanical Structure: Station4)

Thestation4 has amedal insertion slot6, acontrol unit7 and animage display device8. Themedal insertion slot6 is used to insert money or a game medium used in a game such as chip, medal and the like. Thecontrol unit7 has several operating parts such as control button and the like. The operating parts are used to input an instruction by a player. Theimage display device8 displays an image relating to a game and has a game area that receives a bet operation by a player. Thus, theimage display device8 enables a player to operate the touch panel orcontrol unit7 while seeing an image.

Thecontrol unit7 is disposed at a side of theimage display device8. Thecontrol unit7 has buttons each of which is operated by a player. To be more specific, thecontrol unit7 has aBET decision button47, acashout button48 and ahelp button49. TheBET decision button47, thecashout button48 and thehelp button49 are disposed in an order from left, seen from a position opposite to thestation4.

TheBET decision button47 is a button that is pushed when deciding a bet after a bet operation is carried out by means of theimage display device8, which will be described later. Then, a bet is decided, and a “win” state is reached when the bet is made on the number indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket35 into which aball27 is received in theroulette unit3 during a game. When a “win” state is reached, the credits corresponding to the number of chips bet are added to the credits that a player possesses currently. In the mean time, the bet operation will be described more specifically.

Thecashout button48 is a button that is pushed typically when a game is over. When thecashout button48 is pushed, the medals (typically, one medal for one credit), which correspond to the credits obtained through a game and the like and currently possessed by a player, are cashed out from amedal payout slot9. Thehelp button49 is a button that is pushed when an operation method of a game is unclear, for example. When thehelp button49 is pushed, a help screen that displays variety of information on theimage display device8 is displayed.

Theimage display device8 is a liquid crystal display of a touch panel type having thetouch panel50 attached to a front thereof. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal is pushed with a finger and the like, the icon is selected. The display screen to be displayed on the image display device will be specifically described later.

Further, therespective stations4 havemedal payout slots9,speakers10 andWIN lamps11. Themedal payout slots9 are disposed at the sides of thecabinet2. Thespeakers10 are disposed above a right side of theimage display device8. TheWIN lamps11 are disposed at sides of thespeakers10. Thespeakers10 are used to output a music or effect music relating to a roulette game. TheWIN lamps11 are turned on/off when a number (“00”, “0”, “1” to “35” in this embodiment) bet in thestation4 is drawn.

In the mean time, theWIN lamps11 are disposed at positions that can be seen from all the stations4 (12 stations in this embodiment). Thus, theWIN lamps11 enable another player to easily check a lighting state during the game in the sameroulette gaming device1.

A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in themedal insertion slot6. The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into themedal insertion slot6 and counts the inserted medal. Further, themedal payout slot9 is associated with a hopper (not shown). The hopper pays out a predetermined number of medals from themedal payout slot9.

(Electrical Structure: Server13)

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control system of a roulette gaming device. As shown inFIG. 6, theroulette gaming device1 includes aserver13 and several stations4 (12 stations in this embodiment) associated with theserver13. Theserver13 is associated with theroulette unit3 and the electriclight indicator5. In the mean time, a control system of thestation4 will be specifically described later.

Further, theserver13 includes aserver control CPU81 serving as a calculation device performing an entire control and a control device, aROM82 and aRAM83, atimer84 associated with theserver control CPU81, aliquid crystal display32 associated with the CPU through a liquidcrystal driving circuit85 and akeyboard33.

Theserver control CPU81 executes a variety of processes, based on input signals supplied from therespective stations4 and data or program stored in theROM82 and theRAM83. Thus, theserver control CPU81 transmits a command signal to thestations4 based on execution results of the processes to initiatively control therespective stations4, thereby progressing a game. Further, theserver control CPU81 drives a drive motor provided to theroulette unit3, thereby shooting aball27 or rotating thewheel22. Furthermore, theserver control CPU81 controls thewin determining device86, thereby determining a win number based on a dropped position of the ball. Then, based on the win number obtained and the bet information transmitted from therespective stations4, the CPU determines a win of the chips bet and calculates the credit-number to be paid out in each of thestations4.

TheROM82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. TheROM82 stores a program for implementing basic functions of theroulette gaming device1, a payout rate for a roulette game (the number of credits to be paid out per one chip when a “win” state is reached), a program for initiatively controlling therespective stations4, and the like.

TheRAM83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips to be supplied from therespective stations4, a win number of theroulette unit3 determined by a sensor, a JP amount that is accumulated up to now, data relating to a result of a process that is executed by theserver control CPU81, and the like.

Further, theserver control CPU81 is associated with thetimer84 that measures time. The time information of thetimer84 is transmitted to theserver control CPU81. Theserver control CPU81 rotates thewheel22 or introduces theball27, based on the time information of thetimer84, which will be described later.

Further, theserver control CPU81 is associated with the electriclight indicator5. Theserver control CPU81 controls light emission of a light emitting member such as LED to perform an effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined letters on the electriclight indicator5. Furthermore, theserver control CPU81 displays the JP amount, which is accumulated up to now, on theJP amount indicator15 of the electriclight indicator5.

Further, theROM82 is provided with a payout credit memory area in which a payout rate relating to a roulette game using theBET screen61 is stored. The payout credit memory area stores data of a bet type or payout rate in a form of a payout management table shown inFIG. 8. The payout management table will be specifically described later.

Furthermore, theRAM83 is provided with a bet information memory area in which the bet information of a player who is playing a game is stored. The bet information memory area stores data of bet information or possible target in a form of a station management table shown inFIG. 9. The station management table will be specifically described later. Further, theRAM83 is provided with a win number memory area in which a win number of theroulette unit3 determined by the win determining device is stored, a JPaccumulation memory area83 in which a pool amount having pooled 0.5% of the credits bet on theBET screen61 is stored, and the like. In the mean time, the bet information is information about a bet that is made using thestations4, such as thebet area72 displayed on theBET screen61, the number of bet chips (bet-number) and bet type.

(Electrical Structure: Station4)

In the followings, a structure of a control system of thestation4 will be described.FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of the station according to an embodiment. In the mean time, the twelvestations4 have a same structure, so that onestation4 will be described as an example.

Thestation4 includes astation control unit90 and several peripheral devices. Thestation control unit90 includes astation control CPU91, aROM92 and aRAM93. TheROM92 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. TheROM92 stores a program for implementing basic functions of thestation4, various programs necessary for controlling thestation4, a data table and the like. Further, theRAM93 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated in thestation control CPU91, the number of credits that are currently possessed by a player (i.e., stored in the station4), a bet situation of chips by a player, and the like.

Further, thestation control CPU91 is associated with aBET decision button47, acashout button48 and ahelp button49, which are equipped in thecontrol unit7. Based on operation signals outputted as the buttons are pushed, thestation control CPU91 performs a control so as to execute the corresponding operations. To be more specific, based on an input signal that is supplied from thecontrol unit7 as an operation by a player is inputted and the data or program stored in theROM92 and theRAM93, the station control CPU executes a variety of processes and transmits the results thereof to theserver control CPU81. In the mean time, thestation control CPU91 receives a command signal from theserver control CPU81, controls the peripheral devices constituting thestation4 and progresses a roulette game in thestation4. Further, thestation control CPU91 executes a variety of processes, based on an input signal that is inputted from thecontrol unit7 as an operation by a player is inputted and the data or program stored in theROM92 and theRAM93, depending on contents of process, controls the peripheral devices constituting thestation4 based on the process results and progresses a roulette game in thestation4.

Further, thestation control CPU91 is associated with ahopper94. Thehopper94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from themedal payout slot9 in accordance with a command signal from thestation control CPU91. Furthermore, thestation control CPU91 is associated with animage display device8 through a liquidcrystal driving circuit95. With regard to this, the liquidcrystal driving circuit95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM and the like. The program ROM stores an image control program for display on theimage display device8, a variety of selection tables and the like.

Further, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an image to be displayed on theimage display device8, for example. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on theimage display device8 from the dot data previously stored in the image ROM, in accordance with an image control program previously stored in the program ROM, based on parameters set in thestation control CPU91. Further, the work RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. Further, the VDP forms an image relating to contents of display determined in the image control CPU and outputs the image on theimage display device8. In the mean time, the video RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when an image is formed in the VDP.

Further, atouch panel50 is attached on a front of theimage display device8. Operation information of thetouch panel50 is transmitted to thestation control CPU91. On thetouch panel50, a player makes a bet operation with chips in theBET screen61. To be more specific, a player operates thetouch panel50 with regard to a selection of thebet area72, an operation of aunit BET button61 and the like, and the operation information is transmitted to thestation control CPU91. Based on the information, the current bet information of a player (a bet area indicated in theBET screen61 and the number of chips bet) is stored in theRAM93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information is transmitted to theserver control CPU81 and is stored in the bet information memory area of theRAM83.

Furthermore, asound output circuit96 and aspeaker10 are associated with thestation control CPU91. Thespeaker10 generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various effects, based on an output signal from thesound output circuit96.

Further, amedal sensor97 is associated with thestation control CPU91. Themedal sensor97 detects medals inserted from themedal insertion slot6, calculates the inserted medals and transmits a result thereof to thestation control CPU91. Thestation control CPU91 increases the credit-number possessed by a player, which is stored in theRAM93, based on the transmitted signal.

Further, aWIN lamp11 is associated with thestation control CPU91. When the chip bet in theBET screen61 is determined to make a win or JP, thestation control CPU91 turns on/off theWIN lamp11 in a predetermined color.

(Data Table)

In the followings, a payout management table ofFIG. 8 will be described. The data of the payout management table is stored in theROM82 of theserver13 shown inFIG. 6. The payout management table has a column of numbers, a column of bet types and a column of payout rates. The data of numbers such as “1”, “2”, “3” and the like are stored in the column of numbers. The data showing bet types such as “Straight”, “Split”, “Street” and the like are stored in the column of bet types. The bet types will be specifically described later. The data showing the payout rates such as “35:1”, “17:1”, “11:1” and the like are stored in the column of payout rates, correspondingly to the bet types. Thus, when a bet is made in a bet type of “Straight”, 35 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece bet.

In the followings, a station management table ofFIG. 9 will be described. In the mean time, the data of the station management table is stored in theRAM83 of theserver13 shown inFIG. 6. The station management table has a column of stations, a column of bet information having a column of bet types and a column of bet-numbers and a column of possible targets. The column of stations stores the machine number data inherent to eachstation4. The column of bet types stores the bet type data such as “Straight” as described above. The column of bet-numbers stores the number of pieces bet such as “20.” The column of possible targets stores the data showing whether a possible target has a possibility that a special payout will be awarded thereto. In the mean time, the “1” in the column of possible targets shows that it is set as a possible target and “0” shows that it is not set as a possible target.

Thus, for example, in thestation4 having a machine number of “1”, a bet is made in the bet type of “Straight” and “Corner”, a bet-number for each bet type is 20 pieces and it is shown the possible target is “1.” Further, in thestation4 having a machine number of “2”, a bet is made in the bet type of “Red”, a bet-number for the bet type is 15 pieces and it is shown the non-possible target is “0.”

(Display States of the Image Display Device8)

In the followings, display states of theimage display device8 will be specifically described with reference toFIGS. 10 to 15.FIG. 11 shows a state that a possible target is set and a special payout symbol is determined by lot, resulting from a predetermined number or more bet. In a display screen of the state, aBET screen61 having a table-type betting board60 is displayed. A player can operate theBET screen61 to bet a chip using the credits possessed.

In the table-type betting board60 that is displayed in theBET screen61, the 38 numbers of “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” are arranged in a grid form. Further, special bet areas for indicating “odd number”, “even number”, “types of colors of numbered plates (red or black)” and “a predetermined range of numbers (for example, “1” to “12”) to bet a chip are also arranged in a grid form.

At a lower part of the table-type betting board60, aresult history indicator65, a specialpayout symbol indicator62, aunit BET button66, acashout result indicator67 and a credit-number indicator68 are sequentially displayed from left of the screen. Theresult history indicator65 displays, in a list form, results of win numbers up to the previous games (here, one game is a series of operations that a player performs a bet in each of thestations4, aball27 is dropped in the numberedpocket23 and a credit is paid out based on a win number)

At this time, when one game is over, a win number is additionally displayed from top and a history of maximum 16 win numbers can be checked.

The letters of “CHANCE SLOT” are displayed near to the specialpayout symbol indicator62. When a possible target is set, the specialpayout symbol indicator62 variably displays the special payout symbols in a time period for which it randomly selects one special payout symbol from the several types of special payout symbols, and stops the determined special payout symbol. To be more specific, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 10, a summed value of bet-numbers is 15 pieces or more, the four types of image data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” are sequentially switching-displayed in the specialpayout symbol indicator62. The condition of starting the switching-display, i.e., the condition of setting a possible target is such that a summed value of bet-numbers is a predetermined number or more, such as 15 pieces or more.

This enables a player who operates thestation4 to recognize that a possible target for which a special payout will be awarded is set. As a result, it is possible to have a player be aware during the roulette game that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on the game result. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined game value or more, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

In the mean time, “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” indicate a payout degree. In other words, “MEGA” means a maximum payout-number, “MAJOR” means a middle degree of a payout-number, “MINI” means a small degree of a payout-number and “LOSS” means no payout. For example, for “MEGA”, a payout is performed using all of JP (100%). For “MAJOR”, a payout is performed using 70% of JP. For “MINI”, a payout is performed using 40% of JP.

Further, theunit BET buttons66 are provided for a player to bet a chip on bet areas72 (above the grids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) indicated by the player. Theunit BET button66 includes a 1BET button66A, a 5BET button66B, a 10BET button66C and a 100BET button66D. A player first pushes the screen with a finger, thereby indicating abet area72, on which a bet is made, with acursor70. At this state, when the player pushes the 1BET button66A, the player bets a chip in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1BET button66A is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “1”-->“2”-->“3” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 5BET button66B, the player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5BET button66B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “5”-->“10”-->“15” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 10BET button66C, the player bets chips in a unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10BET button66C is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “10”-->“20”-->“30” . . . ). Furthermore, Further, when the player pushes the 100BET button66D, the player can bet chips in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100BET button66D is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “100”-->“200”-->“300” . . . ). Accordingly, even when many chips are bet, an operation thereof stays simple.

Further, thecashout result indicator67 displays the number of chips bet by a player in a previous game and the cashout credit-number. Here, the subtraction of the bet-number from the cashout credit-number results in a credit-number that is newly obtained by a player in a previous game.

Furthermore, the credit-number indicator68 displays the number of credits possessed by a current player. When a chip is bet, the credit-number is decreased in proportional to the bet-number (one credit for one bet). Further, when a win is determined for the chip bet and the cashout of credits is performed, the credit-number is increased as the cashout-number. In the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player is 0, the game is over.

ABET time indicator69 is disposed above the table-type betting board60. TheBET time indicator69 displays a remaining time period for which a player can make a bet. When a bet operation is received, “20” is displayed and the number is decreased by 1 every one second. When the number is “0,” a bet operation is not received. Further, in each of thestations4, when the bet time of the player is 5 seconds, the ball insertion device is driven to insert theball27 on the roulette wheel.

Furthermore, aJP indicator73, which displays the credit-number of JP accumulated up to now, is disposed at the right of theBET time indicator69. Here, theJP indicator73 displays a value to which 0.5% of credits bet in the twelvestations4 is accumulatively added and is common to all thestations4. When a special payout, which is carried out in combination with a roulette game under predetermined condition, is made, a win of JP is determined and the credit-number corresponding to a special payout symbol among the JP is paid out. In the mean time, the credit-number of JP that is accumulated up to now is also displayed on theJP amount indicator15 of the electriclight indicator5.

Further, acursor70 showing thebet area72 selected by a player is displayed on the table-type betting board60. Additionally, achip mark71 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and thebet area72 is displayed and the number shown on thechip mark71 indicates the number of chips bet.

When a player wants to make a bet in theBET screen71 structured as described above, the player indicates abet area72 to be bet (above the grids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) and directly pushes it with a finger. As a result, thecursor70 is moved to thebet area72 indicated. Then, when the unit buttons of the unit BET buttons66 (1

66C, 100BET button66D) are pushed, the chips as the unit number are bet on thebet area72 indicated. For example, when the 10BET button66C is pushed four times, the 5BET button66B is pushed one time and the 1BET button66A is pushed three times, 48 chips can be bet.

FIG. 12 shows a state that a special payout symbol is determined by lot. In the display screen of the state, abonus win indicator63 appears on the table-type betting board60. Thebonus win indicator63 displays a special payout symbol that is determined by lot in the specialpayout symbol indicator62. In other words, thebonus win indicator63 displays a letter image having combined the “special payout symbol”, which is determined by lot, and “JACKPOT CHANCE”.

Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbols and is displayed on the specialpayout symbol indicator62 and thebonus win indicator63, so that contents of the special payout can be recognized to a player. This further interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

FIG. 13 shows a state that a special payout target is being determined by lot among the possible targets. In the display screen of the state, a letter image displayed on thebonus win indicator63 is rotated, thereby displaying whether a payout corresponding to the special payout symbol will be awarded or not. Thus, during the roulette game, it is possible to enable a player to recognize a possibility that a special payout corresponding to a special payout symbol will be awarded, in addition to a possibility that a base payout based on a game result will be awarded. In the mean time, the rotation of a letter image on thebonus win indicator63 is continued until the game time is over.

FIG. 14 shows a state that a special payout target is determined by lot. In other words, a letter image of “WIN” is displayed with a special payout symbol on thebonus win indicator63.FIG. 15 shows a state that a special payout target is not determined. In other words, a letter image of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on thebonus win indicator63.

(Bet Types)

In the followings, the bet types will be described with reference to the bettingboard60 ofFIG. 12. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, thechip mark71 of “7”, which is put on the grid of “18”, indicates that 7 chips are bet on the number “18.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet is made on one number only is referred to as a “Straight bet.”

Thechip mark71 of “1”, which is put on an intersection of the grids of “5”, “6”, “8” and “9”, indicates that one chip is bet while covering the four numbers of “5”, “6”, “8” and “9.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet is made while covering the four numbers is referred to as a “Corner bet.”

Further, there is a bet type of “Split bet” in which a bet is made while covering two numbers above a line between the two numbers. Further, there is a bet type of “Street bet” in which a bet is made while covering three numbers at ends of the one row of the numbers (one column in the vertical direction). Further, there is a bet type of “Five bet” in which a bet is made while covering five numbers of “0”, “00”, “1”, “2” and “3” above a line between “00” and “3”.

There is a bet type of “Line bet” in which a bet is made while covering six numbers (for example, “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17” and “18”) between two rows of the numbers (two columns in the vertical direction). There is a bet type of “Column bet” in which a bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grid of “2 to 1”. There is a bet type of “Dozen bet” in which a bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grids of “1st12”, “2nd12” and “3rd12”, respectively.

Furthermore, there is a bet type of “Red or Black bet” in which a bet is made on the color of the numbered plate (“red” or “black”) using the six grids provided at the lowest end of the table-type betting board60. There is a bet type of “Odd or Even bet” in which a bet is made on the odd or even numbers. There is a bet type of “Low or High bet” in which a bet is made while 18 numbers using the numbers of 18 or less or 19 or more. Here, the bet types have different payouts (payout rates) of the credits per one chip, which are awarded when the chip bet is determined as a win.

(Processing Operations)

In the followings, the operations will be described, based on a game processing program of the server that is executed by means of theserver control CPU81 of theroulette gaming device1, and a game processing program of the station that is executed by thestation control CPU91 of thestation4. In the mean time, the programs that are shown in flow charts ofFIGS. 16 to 19 are stored in theROM82 orRAM83 of theserver13 or theROM92 orRAM93 of thestation4 and executed by theserver control CPU81 orstation control CPU91.

(Station Side Game Process)

In the followings, a station side game process will be described with reference toFIG. 16. Firstly, it is determined whether a medal or bill is inserted by a player, based on a detection signal of the medal sensor97 (S1). When a medal or bill is not inserted (S1, NO), this routine is ended, and the step of S1 is repeatedly executed and the standby mode is continued until a medal or bill is inserted.

In the mean time, when a medal or bill is inserted (S1, YES), the credit data of an amount of money corresponding to the number of pieces inserted is recorded in theRAM93, so that the credit is added (S2). Then, a medal detection signal indicating that a medal or bill is inserted is transmitted to the server13 (S3).

Then, in theimage display device8 of thestation4, theBET screen61 ofFIG. 11 is displayed and a bet time for which a player can bet a chip is started (S4). Then, a bet operation is executed (S5). Thus, a player who takes part in a game can operate thetouch panel50 to make a bet on theBET area72 relating to a number that the player predicts, during the bet time for which a bet operation can be received. In the mean time, the detailed bet types using theBET screen61 have been already described. Therefore, the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Further, the player can take part in a game in the course of the game after the bet time is started. In theroulette gaming device1 of this embodiment, maximum 12 players can play a game. Furthermore, when this time game is carried out following the previous game, a bet operation is received just after the previous game is over.

When a bet operation is carried out, a bet information signal including the contents of the bet operation is transmitted to the server13 (S6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not (S7). When the bet time is not over (S7, NO), the process is transited to the step of S5 and the state of receiving a bet operation is maintained. When the bet time end signal is received from theserver13, an image showing that the bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of thestation4 and the process of receiving a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is ended (S8).

Then, when a win number signal, which is a game result of the roulette game, is received from theserver13, a process such as one which emphasizes the win number is carried out, so that an effect for notifying the win number of the roulette game is performed (S9). When a payout result signal is received from theserver13, a credit is paid out on the basis of the payout result signal. To be more specific, the credit data of a base payout and a special payout is stored in theRAM93. When thecashout button48 is pressed, the medals (typically, one medal per one credit) according to the credit-number currently stored in theRAM93 are paid out from the medal payout slot9 (S10). Then, a standby mode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server13 (S11), this routine is ended. Then, a process of receiving a bet operation in a next unit game is re-started.

(Chance Slot Process)

While the station side game process is performed, a chance slot process ofFIG. 17 is performed in thestation4 at the same time. In other words, depending on whether a possible target signal from theserver13 is received, it is determined whether to participate in a bonus (A1). When it is determined not to participate in a bonus (A1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the step of A1 is re-executed, so that the determination of whether to participate in a bonus is repeated.

When it is determined to participate in a bonus (A1, YES), a slot rotation is started in the specialpayout symbol indicator62, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 12. To be more specific, as shown inFIG. 10, the four types of the image data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS”, which are special payout symbols, are sequentially switching-displayed. Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not (A3). When a bet time is not over (A3, NO), the step of S2 is re-executed and the slot rotation of the special payout symbols is continued on the specialpayout symbol indicator62.

In the mean time, when a bet time is over (A3, YES), a bonus type corresponding to the special payout symbol is registered, based on a bonus type signal transmitted from theserver13. In other words, one of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” is registered (A4). Then, as shown inFIG. 12, the slot rotation of the specialpayout symbol indicator62 is stopped and the special payout symbol corresponding to the bonus type registered is stopped on the special payout symbol indicator62 (A5).

Then, thebonus win indicator63 appears on the table-type betting board60. Then, a letter image having combined the special payout symbol” stopped on the specialpayout symbol indicator62 and “JACKPOT CHANCE” is displayed on the bonus win indicator63 (A6). Thus, a player is able to be aware of standing a chance of winning a special payout corresponding to the “special payout symbol”.

The display of the letter image on thebonus win indicator63 is continued until a first effect time has elapsed, through a waiting of the first effect time (A7). After that, an effect of a bonus win is performed. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 13, the letter image displayed on thebonus win indicator63 is rotated (A8). When a special payout target signal is received from theserver13, a display based on the special payout target signal is made. To be more specific, when a special payout is determined by lot, a letter image of “WIN” is displayed with the special payout symbol on thebonus win indicator63, as shown inFIG. 14. In the mean time, when a special payout is not determined, a letter image of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on thebonus win indicator63, as shown inFIG. 15 (A9). Then, the station enters the standby mode. When a unit game end signal is received from the server13 (A10), this routine is over.

(Server Side Game Processing)

In the followings, a server side game processing will be described with reference toFIG. 18. It is determined whether a player inserts a coin or bill by receiving a medal detection signal transmitted from the station4 (B1). When a medal detection signal is not received (B1, NO), this routine is ended. Thus, the step of B1 is repeated until a medal and the like is inserted in thestation1.

When a medal and the like is inserted in the station3 (B1, YES), there is started a measurement of a bet time period, which is a reception period for which a player can make a bet, from the time at which the first player inserts a medal or bill (B2). In the mean time, when this time game is executed following the previous game, a bet time is started just after the previous game is over. A player who takes part in a game can operate thetouch panel50 for the bet time period, thereby betting the chips on thebet area72 related to the number predicted by the player.

Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3). In the mean time, the remaining bet time is also displayed on theimage display device8 by means of theBET time indicator69. When it is determined that the remaining bet time is not 5 seconds (B3, NO), the step of S3 is re-executed, so that the standby mode is kept until the remaining bet time is 5 seconds. Meantime, when it is determined that the remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3, YES), a roulette lottery process is executed in theroulette unit3.

To be more specific, the ball insertion device is driven, so that theball27 is inserted into the roulette wheel (B4). Then, the driving motor is driven, so that thewheel22 is rotated at a predetermined rotation speed in a direction opposite to the ball insertion direction. The insertedball27 rolls on the roulette wheel along theguide wall29. Then, when the rotation speed is lowered and the centrifugal force is thus reduced, the ball is dropped along the inclined surface of theframe21 and thus reaches thewheel22 being rotated (refer toFIG. 4). Theball27, which reaches thewheel22, continues to pass over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 and is introduced into one of the numbered pockets23 and the number (any one of “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” inFIG. 4) shown on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is introduced becomes a win number.

When the roulette lottery process is carried out as described above, a bet information signal is received from the station4 (B5). The bet-number and the bet type included in the bet information signal are registered in the station management table ofFIG. 9 (B6). Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over (B7). When it is determined that the bet time is not over (B7, NO), the standby mode continues until the bet time is over. In the mean time, when it is determined that the bet time is over (B7, YES), a bet time end signal is transmitted to the station4 (B8).

Then, a jackpot accumulation process is executed (B9) To be more specific, the bet information made by a player in each of thestations4, i.e., the information of the indicatedbet area72 and the number of chips (bet-number) bet on theindicated bet area72 and the bet type is received and stored in the bet information memory area of theRAM83. Then, the credits, which correspond to 0.5% of the total credits bet in thestations4, are accumulated and added to the JP amount that is recorded in the JP accumulation memory area83V of theRAM83. Correspondingly to this, the display of theJP amount indicator15 and theJP indicator73 is updated.

Then, when theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23 in theroulette unit3, awin determining device86 is driven. Thus, it is detected a win number of theroulette unit3 in this time game (B10).

Then, the win number signal including the information of the win number is transmitted to the stations4 (B11). Then, the bet information and the win number of thestations4 are used to determine whether the chips respectively bet in thestations4 are determined as a win (B12). Continuously, a payout calculation process is executed. In the payout calculation process, the won chips bet on the win number are recognized for eachstation4 and a sum of the payouts of the credits to be respectively paid out to thestations4 is calculated with the payout rates for eachbet area72, which are stored in theROM82 in a payout management table form ofFIG. 8, i.e., the credit-number to be paid out per one chip (one bet) (B13).

Then, it is executed a process of transmitting a payout result signal including a payout result of the credits of the roulette game, based on the payout calculation process. To be more specific, the payout result signal including the credit data of a base payout corresponding to the payout amount of the roulette game is transmitted to thestation control CPU91 of thestation4 that is determined to be a win in the roulette game (B14).

Then, the ball collection device provided below thewheel22 is driven, so that theball27 on thewheel22 is collected. The collectedball27 is adapted to be inserted in thewheel22 of theroulette unit3 in a next or more game (B15). Then, a unit game end signal is transmitted to the station4 (B16) and this routine is ended.

(Bonus Lottery Process)

While the game process is performed in theserver13, a bonus lottery process ofFIG. 19 is performed at the same time. In other words, the station management table ofFIG. 9 is referred to and it is determined whether the bet-number in eachstation4 is a predetermined value or more, such as “15” (C1). When it is determined the bet-number is not a predetermined value (C1, NO), this routine is over and the step of C1 is repeatedly executed.

When it is determined the bet-number is a predetermined value (C1, YES), a possible target is determined for which a special payout will be awarded and “1” is set in the corresponding location of the possible target column ofFIG. 9 (C2). Then, a possible target signal is transmitted to thestation4 having the machine number for which “1” is set (C3).

Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not (C4). When a bet time is not over (C4, NO), the step of C1 is re-executed. When a bet time is over (C4, YES), a bonus lottery is performed. To be more specific, one bonus type is randomly selected from the four bonus types of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” (C5). Then, the determined bonus type is determined (C6) and a bonus type signal is then transmitted to the station4 (C7).

Then, a lottery is made to determine whether a special payout target is determined by lot, for all the possible targets. Thereby, depending on the lottery result, all the possible targets may become a special payout target, or alternatively, several possible targets may become a special payout target (C8). Then, a special payout target signal including the lottery result of the special payout target is transmitted to thestation4 that is set as a possible target (C9). After that, a standby mode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server13 (C10), this routine is over.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. Further, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. Further, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the steps or blocks. Although the respective processes in the steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the respective processes in the steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. Further, the other structures necessary for the steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a gaming machine main body that executes a game;

a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for the game and awards a payout;

a display device that displays image data relating to the game; and

a controller operates:

(a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specify the terminal device as the possible target;

2. A gaming machine comprising:

a roulette unit that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon;

a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout;

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller operates:

3. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller operates:

(c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respective terminal devices, respectively;

(c6) to randomly select a special payout target from one or more possible targets; and

4. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and

a controller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and operates:

5. A gaming machine comprising:

a display device that is provided to each of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to the roulette game and the bet areas;

a light transmissive touch panel that is provided to a front of the display device to be press-operable; and

6. A playing method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:

awarding a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout;

setting a possible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices;

when the possible target is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of the possible target;

randomly selecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and

awarding a special payout in the terminal device of the special payout target.