US20080248853A1 - Gaming machine awarding special payout starting from star mark and playing method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine includes a gaming machine main body99 that executes a game, a plurality of terminal devices101 each of which receives a bet on the game and awards a payout, and a controller102 programmed to set, as a start mark88, a specific mark among the plurality of marks; to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet101; to randomly select one mark from the plurality of marks; to award a payout when the mark bet on corresponds to the selected mark, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and to award a privilege when the selected mark is the star mark88 and the mark bet is the star mark88.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-096451 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 gaming machine and a plying method thereof.
• 2. Description of Related Art
• A medal game that uses a medal as a game medium in a roulette gaming device and the like is a game that a player purchases or rents medals from a medal lending device and inserts the medals into a gaming machine to start the game. When the player wins a game, a predetermined number of medals are paid out. Accordingly, a player who has obtained the medals can continue to enjoy the game, without purchasing or renting a new medal. Particularly, in a roulette gaming device, a game is executed by betting (wagering) the medal, which is purchased or rent from a medal lending device, on a number that is predicted to win.
• Conventionally, when a player makes a bet in the roulette gaming device, a betting board displayed on a monitor display is used to make a bet. On the betting board, several numbers (including letters) serving as a figure letter including numbers such as numbers indicated on a wheel are arranged in a grid form. With the betting board arranged in the grid form, a player bets a chip while expecting a number to be bet from now (for example, Japanese Patent Unexamined Publication No. 2003-325726 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2005/0032570).
• However, in the above roulette gaming device, a game is progressed in a bet type relating to a general roulette. Further, the odds about which a player is most concerned are same every game, so that a game is apt to be monotonous.
• An object of the invention is to provide a roulette gaming device that awards a new game value to several numbers (including letters) serving as a figure letter including numbers such as numbers indicated on a wheel, thereby diversifying a game characteristic and increasing a player's game desire.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides a gaming machine including: a gaming machine main body which executes a game using a plurality of marks; a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet on the game and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (1a) to (1e).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (1a) to set a specific mark, among the plurality of marks, as a special game value award mark;
• (1b) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (1c) to randomly select one mark from the plurality of marks;
• (1d) to award a payout when the mark bet on corresponds to the selected mark, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and
• (1e) to award a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is given to the gaming machine. When it is determined that a mark selected by an execution of a game matches with a special game value award mark bet, a special privilege is awarded. Thereby, when a player plays a game, the player can expect a privilege accompanying a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a game is increased.
• Further, the invention provides a roulette gaming device including: a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (2a) to (2d). In the mean time, a roulette game is a series of operations that a player performs a bet in each of the terminal devices, a ball is dropped at a position of any mark and a game value is paid out based on a win number corresponding to the mark.
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (2a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (2b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;
• (2c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and
• (2d) to set the rate relative to the bet type to an increased rate, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area having bet on is also the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When it is determined that a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game matches with a special game value award mark bet, a roulette game is again executed. Then, when a win is again made, a game value obtained by multiplying a rate (special rate) having increased a base rate by the game value placed as a bet is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the invention provides a roulette gaming device including: a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (3a) to (3d).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (3a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (3b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;
• (3c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and
• (3d) to set the rate relative to the bet type to an increased rate in the next roulette game chance, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area having bet on is also the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When it is determined that a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game matches with a special game value award mark bet, a game value obtained by multiplying a rate having increased a predetermined rate by the game value placed as a bet is awarded when it is made a win in a next roulette game chance. Thereby, when a player plays a next roulette game, a player's expectation on a new payout can be deferred to a next game, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the invention provides a roulette gaming device including: a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (4a) to (4e).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (4a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (4b) to subtract a predetermined amount of value from the game value, and add the predetermined amount to an accumulated amount which is an amount having accumulated up to the very previous roulette game;
• (4c) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;
• (4d) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and
• (4e) to award a game value accumulated in every roulette game, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When it is determined that a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game matches with a special game value award mark bet, a game value accumulated by reserving a portion of the game value placed as a bet as well as a game value obtained by multiplying a predetermined rate based on the bet area by the game value placed as a bet is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a net payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the invention provides a roulette gaming device including: a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (5a) to (5e).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (5a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (5b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;
• (5c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as abet and a rate relative to abet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on;
• (5d) to randomly select a free spot from the plurality of marks, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark, wherein the free spot is a spot on which a predetermined value is unconditionally deemed as to be bet; and
• (5e) to award a game value resulted by multiplication of the predetermined game value by a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area, when the roulette game is again executed and the free spot is determined as to be a win spot.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game is determined as to match with a special game value award mark bet having been bet on, a free spot in which a predetermined game value is unconditionally bet is selected from the marks. After that, when the roulette game is again executed and it is thus made a win in the free spot, a game value obtained by multiplying a predetermined rate by the predetermined game value is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the invention provides a gaming machine including: a gaming machine main body which executes a game using a plurality of marks; a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet on the game and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (6a) to (6e).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (6a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet;
• (6b) to set, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark randomly selected from the plurality of marks, after a bet time is over;
• (6c) to randomly select one mark from the plurality of marks;
• (6d) to award a payout when the mark bet on corresponds to the selected mark, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and
• (6e) to award a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, after a bet time is over, a specific mark is selected as the special game value award mark, from the plurality of marks on the wheel. Thereby, since a player cannot know which mark will become a special game value award mark, it is possible to increase a player's expectation on a position determination of the special game value award mark.
• Further, the invention provides a roulette gaming device including: a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a side bet area corresponding to the special game value award mark, receives a bet on the side bet area and awards a payout; and a controller programmed to operate as described in steps of (7a) to (7d).
• Specifically, the controller operates:
• (7a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a game value bet on the side-bet areas;
• (7b) to add the game value bet on the side bet area to a game value accumulated up to the very previous roulette game;
• (7c) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; and
• (7d) to award the game value accumulated in every roulette game, when the win mark is the special game value award mark.
• According to the above structure, when it is made a win in the special game value award mark by an execution of a roulette game, a game value that is accumulated by reserving the game value bet on the side bet area is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased. Further, when the reserved game value is higher, a new player may take part in a game while expecting a payout of the reserved game value.
• The invention provides a playing method of a game including the below structures. A specific mark is set as a special game value award mark from a plurality of marks. A mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in a terminal device are stored. One mark is randomly selected from the plurality of marks. When the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, a payout is awarded, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet. When the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark, a privilege is awarded.
• According to the above structure, a special game value award mark is given to a gaming machine. When it is determined that a mark selected by an execution of a game matches with a special game value award mark bet, a special privilege is awarded. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a privilege accompanying a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
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 according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a BET screen on which a table-type betting board according to an embodiment is displayed;
• FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a roulette gaming device according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a station according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 8 is an odds table corresponding to a bet type according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a special rate award routine program according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a main process program that is performed in a station according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a second special rate award routine program according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a Prog routine program according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a free spot award routine program according to an embodiment;
• FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a star position determining routine program according to an embodiment; and
• FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a side-bet process routine program according to an embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.
• A gaming machine and a playing method thereof according to an embodiment of the invention will be described. As shown inFIG. 2, agaming machine99 includes a gaming machinemain body99 that uses a plurality of marks to execute a game;terminal devices101 each of which receives a bet on the game and awards a payout; and acontroller102. Thecontroller102 is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (1a) to (1e).
• Specifically, in the step of (1a), the controller sets, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark among marks. In the step of (1b), the controller stores a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in at least one of theterminal devices101. In the step of (1c), the controller randomly selects one mark from the marks. In the step of (1d), the controller awards a payout when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on. In the step of (1e), the controller awards a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark.
• Here, the “marks” are several numbers (including letters) serving as a figure letter including numbers such as numbers indicated on a gaming machine main body. The “special game value award mark” is a mark that becomes a starting point of a privilege award to a game execution. The “bet” is to wager a game value such as medal on a mark that is predicted to win. The “game value” includes a medal, a coin, money, bill, a magnetic card and the like. The “privilege” is a bonus that is awarded on the basis of an execution result of a game. Further, the “terminal device101” is structured to receive a bet to be used for a game and to award a payout and may include an image display device that displays a game result.
• The gaming machine structured as described above executes a playing method including the steps of: setting a specific mark as a special game value award mark among marks; storing a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in aterminal device101; randomly selecting one mark from the marks; awarding a payout when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and awarding a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark.
• According to the above gaming machine and the playing method, a special game value award mark is given to the gaming machine. When it is determined that a mark selected by an execution of a game matches with a special game value award mark bet on, a special privilege is awarded. Thereby, when a player plays a game, the player can expect a privilege accompanying a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a game is increased.
• Further, the gaming machine is aroulette gaming device1 including: aroulette unit100 including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark; a plurality ofterminal devices101 each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and acontroller102. Thecontroller102 is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (2a) to (2d).
• Specifically, in the step of (2a), the controller causes each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet. In the step of (2b), the controller rolls the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In the step of (2c), when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet. In the step of (2d), when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet on is also the special game value award mark, the controller sets the rate to an increased rate.
• Here, the “roulette game” is a series of operations that a player performs a bet in each of the terminal devices, a ball is dropped at a position of any mark and a credit is paid out based on a win number corresponding to the mark. Further, the “wheel” is a disc to which numbers used to determine a win number of a game are allotted.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 executes a playing method including the steps of storing a bet area bet and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal devices; rolling the ball, thereby determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, awarding a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet; and when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark, setting a rate having increased the rate.
• Like this, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game is determined as to match with a special game value award mark bet on, a roulette game is again executed. Then, when a win is again made, a game value obtained by multiplying a rate having increased a base rate by the game value placed as a bet is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the controller is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (3a) to (3d). In the step of (3a), the controller causes each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet. In the step of (3b), the controller rolls the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In the step of (3c), when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet on. In the step of (3d), to set the rate relative to the bet type to an increased rate in the next roulette game chance, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area having bet on is also the special game value award mark.
• Thereby, thecontroller1 executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal devices; rolling the ball, thereby determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, awarding a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet; and when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark, setting a rate having increased the rate corresponding to each bet type in a next roulette game chance.
• Like this, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game is determined as to match with a special game value award mark bet on, a game value obtained by multiplying a rate having increased a predetermined rate by the game value placed as a bet is awarded when it is made a win in a next roulette game chance. Thereby, when a player plays a next roulette game, a player's expectation on a new payout can be deferred to a next game, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the controller is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (4a) to (4e). In the step of (4a), the controller causes each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as abet101. In the step of (4b), the controller subtracts a predetermined ratio of a portion from the game value placed as a bet, thereby adding it to an accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous roulette game. In the step of (4c), the controller rolls the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In the step of (4d), when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet. In the step of (4e), when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark, the controller awards a game value accumulated every roulette game.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet and a game value placed as a bet in theterminal devices101; subtracting a predetermined ratio of a portion from the game value placed as a bet, thereby adding it to an accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous roulette game; rolling the ball, thereby determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, awarding a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet; and when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark, awarding a game value accumulated every roulette game.
• Like this, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game is determined as to match with a special game value award mark bet on, a game value accumulated by reserving a portion of the game value placed as a bet as well as a game value obtained by multiplying a predetermined rate based on the bet area by the game value placed as a bet is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a net payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, the controller is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (5a) to (5e). In the step of (5a), the controller causes each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet. In the step of (5b), the controller rolls the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In the step of (5c), when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet. In the step of (5d), when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark, the controller randomly selects, from the plurality of marks, a free spot in which a predetermined game value is unconditionally bet. In the step of (5e), when the roulette game is again executed and it is thus made a win in the free spot, the controller awards a game value obtained by multiplying a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area by the predetermined game value.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal devices; rolling the ball, thereby determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, awarding a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area bet; when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark, randomly selecting, from the plurality of marks, a free spot in which a predetermined game value is unconditionally bet; and when the roulette game is again executed and it is thus made a win in the free spot, awarding a game value obtained by multiplying a rate relating to a bet type corresponding to the bet area by the predetermined game value.
• Like this, a special game value award mark is disposed on a wheel. When a win mark determined by an execution of a roulette game is determined as to match with a special game value award mark bet on, a free spot is selected from the marks. The free spot is a spot on which a predetermined value is unconditionally deemed as to be bet. After that, when the roulette game is again executed and the free spot is determined as to be the win spot, a game value obtained by multiplying a predetermined rate by the predetermined game value is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased.
• Further, thecontroller102 is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (6a) to (6e). In the step of (6A), the controller stores a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in at least one of the terminal devices. In the step of (6b), the controller sets, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark randomly selected from the plurality of marks, after a bet time is over. In the step of (6c), the controller randomly selects one mark from the plurality of marks. In the step of (6d), when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on. In the step of (6e), the controller awards a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in at least one of the terminal devices; setting, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark randomly selected from the plurality of marks, after a bet time is over; randomly selecting one mark from the plurality of marks; awarding a payout when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and awarding a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark.
• Like this, after a bet time is over, a specific mark is selected as the special game value award mark, from the plurality of marks on the wheel. Thereby, since a player cannot know which mark will become a special game value award mark, it is possible to increase a player's expectation on a position determination of the special game value award mark.
• Further, theterminal device101 has a side-bet area corresponding to the special game value award mark and receives a side-bet on the side-bet area and awards a payout. Thecontroller102 is configured to execute a program to operate as described in steps of (7a) to (7d). In the step of (7a), the controller causes each of the terminal devices to store a game value bet on the side bet area. In the step of (7b), the controller adds the game value bet on the side bet area to a game value accumulated up to a previous roulette game. In the step of (7c), the controller rolls the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball. In the step of (7d), when the win mark is the special game value award mark, the controller awards the game value accumulated in every roulette game.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a game value bet on the side bet area in the terminal devices; adding the game value bet on the side bet area to a game value accumulated up to a previous roulette game; rolling the ball and determines, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; and when the win mark is the special game value award mark, awarding the game value accumulated in every roulette game.
• Like this, a side-bet means that bets on whether it is made a win in a special game value award mark is provided separately from a game progress. When it is made a win in the special game value award mark by an execution of a roulette game, a game value that is accumulated by reserving the game value bet on the side bet area is awarded to a player. Thereby, when a player plays a roulette game, the player can expect a new payout, so that a player's expectation on a roulette game is increased. Further, when the reserved game value is higher, a new player may take part in a game while expecting a payout of the reserved game value.
• As shown inFIG. 2, theroulette gaming device1 executing the above playing method includes aterminal device101, aroulette unit100 that executes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having marks and setting, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark among the marks, and acontroller102. Theterminal device101 is structured to dispose abet receiving unit103 that receives a game value, abet area unit104 that becomes a bet target and apayout award unit105 that pays out a payout. In the mean time, the terminal device has a display that displays a bet area and a touch panel for performing a bet operation.
• (Structure of the Controller102)
• Thecontroller102 includes amemory107 that stores information about a bet area and a game value, which are bet by a player through theterminal device101, agame value accumulator116 that subtracts a predetermined ratio of a portion from the game value placed as a bet and adds it to an accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous roulette game, an accumulatedgame value memory117 that stores the accumulated portion added, and arate memory115 that stores a payout rate corresponding to a bet type.
• Further, thecontroller102 includes aball rolling starter108 that rolls a ball on a wheel of theroulette unit100, a special game value awardmark setting unit109 that selects a special game value award mark from the marks, and a winnumber determining unit110 that determines a number determined to win in theroulette unit100. Further, the controller includes a betwin determining unit111 that determines whether a win number matches with a bet area stored in thememory107, a special game value award mark win determiningunit112 that determines whether it is made a win in a special game value award mark, and aprivilege unit113 that awards a privilege when the win number is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark. Furthermore, the controller includes apayout calculating unit114 that calculates a payout to be cashed out to a player.
• When theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it increases a payout rate, based on a payout rate of therate memory115. Further, when theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it awards a payout, based on the information of the accumulatedgame value memory117. Further, when theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it bets a predetermined game value on a bet area that is randomly selected from the marks.
• Further, thebet area unit104 has a function of receiving a side-bet. The bet area and game value memory has a function of storing a game value that is side-bet, which is received in the bet area unit. When theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it awards a game value accumulated every roulette game.
• Thecontroller102 may be embodied in hardware or software, as required. When it is embodied in software, thecontroller105 is structured by a program that operates as described in the steps of (1a) to (1e).
• In the step of (1a), the controller sets, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark among the plurality of marks. In the step of (1b), the controller stores a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in at least one of theterminal devices101. In the step of (1c), the controller randomly selects one mark from the plurality of marks. In the step of (1d), when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, the controller awards a payout, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on. In the step of (1e), when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark, the controller awards a variety of privileges.
• (Operation of the Controller102)
• In the followings, an operation of thecontroller102 will be described. In each of theterminal devices101, thebet receiving unit103 receives a game value. When a player bets the game value on the selectedbet area unit104, the information about the game value and the bet area bet by the player is stored in thememory107. Before and after a predetermined bet receiving time is over, a ball is rolled on the wheel of theroulette unit100 by a signal from theball rolling starter108. Then, a special game value award mark is selected from the marks by the special game value awardmark setting unit109. After that, the winnumber determining unit110 determines a number that the ball rolled in theroulette unit100 is stopped at the mark on the wheel. Then, the betwin determining unit111 determines whether the number determined in the win number determining unit1110 matches with the bet area stored in thememory107. When it is yes, thepayout calculating unit114 calculates a payout corresponding to the bet area bet, based on the payout rate relative to the bet type stored in therate memory115. Further, the special game value award mark win determiningunit112 determines whether the number determined in the winnumber determining unit110 is the special game value award mark and the mark bet on is also the special game value award mark. When it is yes, theprivilege unit113 awards a privilege and a payout of the privilege is calculated in thepayout calculating unit114. Then, the game value of the payout portion calculated in thepayout calculating unit114 is paid out from thepayout award unit105.
• Here, theprivilege unit113 performs an operation of awarding a variety of privileges. When theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it sets a special rate having increased the payout rate, based on the payout rate of therate memory115, and again executes a roulette game.
• Further, when theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it sets a special rate having increased the payout rate, based on the payout rate of therate memory115, and executes a roulette game with the special payout set in a next roulette game.
• Further, thegame value accumulator116 subtracts a predetermined ratio of a portion from the game value stored in thememory107 and adds it to an accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous game. The accumulated portion added is stored in the accumulatedgame value memory117. When theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it awards, as a payout, the game value stored in the accumulatedgame value memory117.
• Further, when theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it randomly selects a bet area among the marks. Then, theprivilege unit113 bets a predetermined game value on the bet area. The bet area randomly selected and the predetermined game value are stored in thememory107 and a roulette game is again executed.
• Further, thebet area unit104 receives a side-bet. Thememory107 stores the game value that is side-bet. Thegame value accumulator116 adds the game value stored in thememory107 to the accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous game. The accumulated portion added is stored in the accumulatedgame value memory117. When theprivilege unit113 obtains the win information from the special game value award mark win determiningunit112, it awards, as a payout, the game value stored in the accumulatedgame value memory117. In the mean time, the various privileges of theprivilege unit113 are set in advance, with regard to which privilege will be awarded to a player.
• (Display State of the Terminal Device)
• Based onFIG. 1, it will be described a state that is displayed on theterminal device101 when it is made a win in a special game value award mark in theroulette gaming device1.
• A player makes a bet, based on thebet area unit104 displayed on the image display device of theterminal device101. After a bet time is over, a ball is introduced into theroulette unit100 from theball rolling starter108. When the special game value award mark bet on is at the mark that the ball enters, a letter notifying the player that it is made a win in the special game value award mark is displayed on the image display device. Then, when there is a cashout of the privilege, the image display device displays the game value that is increased by the number of cashout pieces. Thus, the game is over and thebet area unit104 is displayed so as to receive a bet of a next game.
• In the mean time, when the special game value award mark bet on is not at the mark that the ball enters, a letter notifying the player that it is not made a win in the special game value award mark is displayed on the image display device. Then, the image display device displays the game value that is decreased by the bet-number. Thus, the game is over and thebet area unit104 is displayed so as to receive a bet of a next game.
• When the game value placed as a bet in each of theterminal devices101 wins in the special game value award mark, a letter of “STAR BONUS CHANCE” is displayed on the image display device so as to notify a player that it is made a win in the special game value award mark (privilege award). For example, when the privilege is such that the rate is doubled, a game is re-executed under state that a rate of the corresponding game is doubled. At this time, a letter of “STAR ROULETTE START” is displayed on the image display device, thereby notifying the player that a game is again executed. When the game value placed as a bet matches with a win number, a letter of “YOU WIN!” is displayed on the image display device and a player is notified that the player wins in a re-game. In the mean time, when the game value placed as a bet does not correspond to a win number, a letter of “YOU LOSE!” is displayed on the image display device and a player is notified of the loss.
• (Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)
• In the followings, it will be specifically described a case where thegaming machine99 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 a BET 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 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 slot35. Theball insertion slot35 is opened to thewheel22. Theball insertion slot35 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)
• Theserver13 shown inFIGS. 3 and 6 is equipped in a space 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 is made, 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 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 the BET 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. 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. 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 the BET 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 the BET 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 the BET screen61. To be more specific, a player operates thetouch panel50 with regard to a selection of thebet area72, an operation of a unit 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 the BET 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 the BET 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, an odds table corresponding to the bet-type inFIG. 8 will be described. The odds table corresponding to the bet-type is stored in theROM82 of theserver13. The typical odds table corresponding to the bet-type has a column of bet types and a column of payout rates. 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. Thereby, when a bet is made in a bet type of “Straight”, 35 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece bet. Further, as shown in a base odds ofFIG. 8, the odds for each bet type are set with values based on a probability that aball27 will roll on thewheel22 and then be received in one numberedpocket23. As a special odds, there is an odds of a star bonus having doubled the odds for each bet type. In the mean time, the “odds” means a payout-number of credits for a win.
• In the followings, a station management table 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 targets 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 targets and “0” shows that it is not set as a possible targets.
• (Display States of the Image Display Device8)
• Firstly, theBET screen31 will be described with reference toFIG. 5. In the table-type betting board30 that is displayed in the BET screen61, the numbers such as “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” indicated on the numberedplates25 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 board30, aunit BET button36, a side-bet button43, a side-betnumber indicator60, acashout result indicator37 and a credit-number indicator68 are sequentially displayed from left of the screen.
• Further, theunit BET button36 is provided to select the number of chips to be bet on bet areas42 (above the grids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) indicated by the player. The unit BET button66 includes a 1BET button36A, a 5BET button36B, a 10BET button36C and a100BET button36D. A player first pushes the screen with a finger, thereby indicating abet area72, on which a bet is made, with a cursor70. At this state, when the player pushes the 1 BET button66A, the player bets a chip in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1 BET button66A is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “1”-->“2”-->“3” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 5 BET button66B, the player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5 BET button66B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “5”-->“10”-->“15” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 10 BET button66C, the player bets chips in a unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10 BET 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 100 BET button66D, the player can bet chips in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100 BET 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 indicator37 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 indicator38 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.
• Further, the side-betnumber indicator60 displays the credit-number that is accumulated up to a previous game by the side-bet button43.
• At an upper part of the table-type betting board30, aBET timer count39 is provided. TheBET timer count39 is to display a remaining time for which a player can make a bet. From the start of the bet time, a number of the count is gradually smaller. When the number becomes “0,” a time for which a bet can be made in a current game is over. Further, when theBET timer count39 reaches a specific number (for example, 10), aball27 is introduced into thewheel22, from the ball insertion device of the wheel.
• Further, acursor40 showing thebet area72 selected by a player is displayed on the table-type betting board30. Additionally, achip mark11 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and thebet area42 is displayed and the number shown on thechip mark41 indicates the number of chips bet. For example, as shown inFIG. 5, thechip mark41 of “7” put on the grid of “18” indicates that 7 chips are bet on the number “18.” Like this, the method of betting on one number is a bet type referred to as “Straight up”.
• When a player makes a general bet on theBET screen31 structured as described above, the player indicates abet area42 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, thecursor40 is moved to thebet area42 indicated. Then, when the respective unit buttons of the unit BET buttons36 (1BET button36A, 5BET button36B, 10BET button36C, 100BET button36D) are pushed, the chips as the unit number are bet on thebet area42 indicated. For example, when the 10BET button36C is pushed four times, the 5BET button36B is pushed one time and the 1BET button36A is pushed three times, 48 chips can be bet.
• (Display State of theImage Display Device8 when it is Made a Win in a Star Mark88)
• Based onFIG. 1 illustrating that it is made a win in astar mark88, it will be described a display screen in thefirst bet screen31 when it is made a win in astar mark88 in a special rate award routine, a second time special rate award routine, a Prog routine and a free spot award routine (hereinafter, referred to as various routines). In the mean time, the special rate award routine, the second time special rate award routine, the Prog routine and a free spot award routine, which are privilege processes will be described later.
• In the various routines, a player makes a bet, based on theBET screen31 displayed on theimage display device8 of thestation4. After a bet time is over, aball27 is introduced into thewheel22. When astar mark88 is at the numberedplate25 into which theball27 is received, a letter notifying the player of a privilege award based on the various routines is displayed on theimage display device8 so as to notify the player that it is made a win in the star mark88 (for example, when the routine is a special rate award routine, a re-game is executed under state that the odds of the corresponding unit game are doubled. At this time, a letter of “Privilege Award” is displayed on theimage display device8, thereby notifying the player that a re-game is executed. When the chip bet wins in a win number, a letter of “YOU WIN!” is displayed on theimage display device8, thereby notifying the player that it is made a win in a re-game.). After that, when there is a cashout of the privilege based on the various routines, the credit-number indicator38 displays the credit-number that is increased as the cashout-number. Thus, the roulette game is over and theBET screen31 is displayed so as to receive a bet of a next game.
• In the mean time, when thestar mark88 is not at the numberedplate25 into which theball27 is received, a letter for notifying the player that it is not made a win in thestar mark88 is displayed on the image display device8 (for example, a letter of “Regret” is displayed on theimage display device8, thereby notifying the player of the loss.). After that, the credit-number indicator38 displays the credit-number that is decreased as the bet-number. Thus, the roulette game is over and theBET screen31 is displayed so as to receive a bet of a next game.
• Further, the letter information is stored in a ROM of the liquidcrystal driving circuit95 and a letter control signal is transmitted to the liquidcrystal driving circuit95 so that thestation control CPU91 sequentially displays the letter information stored in the ROM of the liquidcrystal driving circuit95 on a screen of theimage display device8 in accordance with the game progress information being transmitted from theserver control CPU81. Further, thestation control CPU91 transmits a sound control signal to thesound output circuit96 so as to generate an effect sound from thespeaker10, accompanying the letter control signal. As described above, by generating the image information and the effect sound to notify a player of the privilege award information in this roulette game, it is possible to increase a player's expectation on the roulette game.
• (Bet Types)
• In the followings, it will be described a bet type using the table-type betting board30 ofFIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 5, thechip mark41 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 Up.” Further, thechip mark41 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 inFIG. 5). 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 inFIG. 5). 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 “1st 12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12”, 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 board30. 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, an operation of theroulette gaming device1 will be described, based on a game processing program of the server that is executed by theserver control CPU81 and a game processing program of the station that is executed by thestation control CPU81. In the mean time, each program shown in flow charts ofFIGS. 9 to 15 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theserver13 or theROM92 orRAM93 provided to thestation4 and is executed by theserver control CPU81 orstation control CPU91.
• (Operation1 of a Main Control System: Special Rate Award Routine)
• A special rate award routine that awards a privilege when it is made a win in thestar mark88 in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 9.FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a roulette game processing program of a roulette gaming device. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 9 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theroulette gaming device1 and is executed by theserver control CPU81. Further, in the process of the special rate award routine, a unit game is started under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance. Meantime, a unit game of this embodiment 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.
• As power is supplied to theroulette gaming device1, a special rate award routine is executed in theroulette gaming device1 and a bet time for which a player can bet on anybet area42 is started (B1). When a bet time is started, the number becomes smaller, as time goes by, in theBET timer count39 that displays a remaining time of the bet time for which a player can make a bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on thebet area42 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet time (refer toFIG. 5).
• As a predetermined time has elapsed after the bet time is started (B1), the ball insertion device is driven to introduce theball27 into the wheel22 (B2).
• Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not in a step of B3. Here, the bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39 and the number thereof becomes smaller, as time goes by after the bet time is started (B1). When the number becomes 0, the bet time in the current game is over.
• Here, when it is determined that the bet time is not over (B3, NO), the reception of bet is continued until the bet time is over. When it is determined that the bet time is over (B3, YES), a bet end signal is outputted to thestation control units90 of all thestations4. Further, an image notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of eachstation4 and a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is prohibited. After theserver control CPU81 ends the bet time and outputs the bet end signal to all the stations4 (B3, YES), it receives the bet information (thebet area42 indicated and the number of chips bet on thebet area42 indicated) that a player has performed the bet in each station4 (B4) and stores it in theRAM83. Here, when a bet is not made on thebet area42 in thestation4, the information that nobet area42 is indicated and the information that the number of chips bet is “0” are received as the bet information.
• During the process of B3 and B4, theball27 introduced in the step of B2 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball is lowered, the ball is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27 rolls along thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being further rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23 (B5). The number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received becomes a win number.
• Continuously, after theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23, theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (B6).
• Furthermore, it is determined whether the chip bet in eachstation4 wins, from the bet information of eachstation4 received in the step of B4 and the win number determined in the step of B6 (B7).
• Based on the win determination in the step of B7, it is determined whether it is made a win in the star mark88 (B8). When it is determined that it is made a win in the star mark88 (B8, YES), the odds of the corresponding unit game are doubled (B11), as shown inFIG. 8. Then, a re-game is executed with being bet in the step of B3 when the game is started (B12: this is same as the processes of B2, B5, B6 and B7).
• Then, it is determined whether the chip bet wins in the win number determined in the step of B12 (B13). When it is made a win (B13, YES), theserver control CPU81 executes the special payout calculating process (B14). In the special payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated using the star bonus odds (refer toFIG. 8) that are two times as much as the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for eachbet area42, which are stored in theROM82. Further, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (B13, NO), the process is transited to a step of B16.
• In the mean time, when it is determined in the step of B8 that it is not made a win in the star mark88 (B8, NO), it is determined whether the chip bet in the at least onestation4 wins (B9), based on the win determination of B7. When it is made a win in the step of B9 (B9, YES), theserver control CPU81 executes a payout calculating process (B10). In the payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated using the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for each bet area42 (refer toFIG. 8), which are stored in theROM82. Further, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (B9, NO), the process is transited to a step of B15.
• After the process of B14, the process of B10 and the NO determination in the step of B9, it is executed in a step of B15 a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations4 a signal relating to a display change accompanying the payout of credits based on the payout calculating process of B10, the cashout of credits based on the special payout calculating process of B14 and the determination of a win number. When paying out the credits to thestation4, the credit data corresponding to the payout amount is outputted from theserver13 to thestation control unit9 of thestation4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to theRAM93 of thecorresponding station4.
• In a step of B16, the ball collection device below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on thewheel22. The collectedball27 will be again introduced on thewheel22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of B1 and is transited to a next game.
• (Operation2 of the Main Control System: Second Special Rate Award Routine)
• A second special rate award routine that awards a privilege when it is made a win in thestar mark88 in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 11.FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a roulette game processing program of a roulette gaming device. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 11 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theroulette gaming device1 and is executed by theserver control CPU81. Further, in the process of the second special rate award routine, a unit game is started under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance.
• As power is supplied to theroulette gaming device1, a special rate award routine is executed in theroulette gaming device1 and a bet time for which a player can bet on anybet area42 is started (C1). When a bet time is started, the number becomes smaller, as time goes by, in theBET timer count39 that displays a remaining time of the bet time for which a player can make a bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on thebet area42 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet time (refer toFIG. 5).
• As a predetermined time (in this embodiment, the time at which the number in theBET timer count39 reaches “0”) has elapsed after the bet time is started (C1), the ball insertion device is driven to introduce theball27 into the wheel22 (C2).
• Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not in a step of C3. Here, the bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39, and after the bet time is started (C1), the number of the count is decreased to 0. When the number of theBET timer count39 becomes 0, the bet time in the current game is over.
• Here, when it is determined that the bet time is not over (C3, NO), the reception of bet is continued until the bet time is over. When it is determined that the bet time is over (C3, YES), a bet end signal is outputted to thestation control units90 of all thestations4. Further, an image notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of eachstation4 and a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is prohibited. After theserver control CPU81 ends the bet time and outputs the bet end signal to all the stations4 (C3, YES), it receives the bet information (thebet area42 indicated and the number of chips bet on thebet area42 indicated) that a player has performed the bet in each station4 (C4) and stores it in theRAM83. Here, when a bet is not made on thebet area42 in thestation4, the information that nobet area42 is indicated and the information that the number of chips bet is “0” are received as the bet information.
• During the process of C3 and C4, theball27 introduced in the step of C2 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball is lowered, the ball is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27 rolls along thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being further rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23 (C5). The number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received becomes a win number.
• Continuously, after theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23, theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (C6).
• Furthermore, it is determined whether the chip bet in eachstation4 wins, from the bet information of eachstation4 received in the step of C4 and the win number determined in the step of C6 (C7).
• Based on the win determination in the step of C7, it is determined whether it is made a win in the star mark88 (C8). When it is determined that it is made a win in the star mark88 (C8, YES), the odds when a next unit game is executed are doubled as the odds of a star bonus (B12), as shown inFIG. 8. Then, the information of the double odds is temporarily stored in theRAM83. After that, a ball collecting process is performed in a step of C13 and the unit game is ended. Then, based on the information of the double odds as the odds of a star bonus, which is stored in theRAM83, a next unit game is executed.
• In the mean time, when it is determined that it is not made a win in the star mark88 (C8, NO), it is determined whether the chip bet in the at least onestation4 wins (C9), based on the win determination of C7. When it is made a win in the step of C9 (C9, YES), theserver control CPU81 executes a payout calculating process (C10). In the payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated using the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for each bet area42 (refer toFIG. 8), which are stored in theROM82. Then, it is executed in a step of C11 a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations4 a signal relating to a display change accompanying the payout of credits based on the payout calculating process of C10 and the determination of a win number. When paying out the credits to thestation4, the credit data corresponding to the payout amount is outputted from theserver13 to thestation control unit9 of thestation4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to theRAM93 of thecorresponding station4. Further, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (C9, NO), the process is transited to a step of C13.
• After the process of C12, the process of C11 and the NO determination in the step of C9, the ball collection device below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on thewheel22. The collectedball27 will be again introduced on thewheel22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of C1 and is transited to a next game.
• (Operation3 of the Main Control System: Prog Bonus Routine)
• A Prog bonus routine that awards a privilege when it is made a win in thestar mark88 in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 12.FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a roulette game processing program of a roulette gaming device. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 12 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theroulette gaming device1 and is executed by theserver control CPU81. Further, in the process of the Prog bonus routine, a unit game is started under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance.
• As power is supplied to theroulette gaming device1, a Prog bonus routine is executed in theroulette gaming device1 and a bet time for which a player can bet on anybet area42 is started (A1). When a bet time is started, the number becomes smaller, as time goes by, in theBET timer count39 that displays a remaining time of the bet time for which a player can make a bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on thebet area42 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet time (refer toFIG. 5).
• As a predetermined time (in this embodiment, the time at which the number in theBET timer count39 reaches “10”) has elapsed after the bet time is started (A1), the ball insertion device is driven to introduce theball27 into the wheel22 (A2).
• Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not in a step of A3. Here, the bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39, and after the bet time is started (A1), the number of the count is gradually decreased. When the number of theBET timer count39 becomes 0, the bet time in the current game is over.
• Here, when it is determined that the bet time is not over (A3, NO), the reception of bet is continued until the bet time is over. When it is determined that the bet time is over (A3, YES), a bet end signal is outputted to thestation control units90 of all thestations4. Further, an image notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of eachstation4 and a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is prohibited. After theserver control CPU81 ends the bet time and outputs the bet end signal to all the stations4 (A3, YES), it receives the bet information (thebet area42 indicated and the number of chips bet on thebet area42 indicated) that a player has performed the bet in each station4 (A4) and stores it in theRAM83. Here, when a bet is not made on thebet area42 in thestation4, the information that nobet area42 is indicated and the information that the number of chips bet is “0” are received as the bet information.
• A predetermined ratio of a portion (in this embodiment, 0.5%) of the chips bet is stocked as a payout portion to be paid out when it is made a win in thestar mark88 and is added to the accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous game (A5). This is stored as the privilege information in theRAM83.
• During the process of A3 and A4, theball27 introduced in the step of A2 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball is lowered, the ball is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27 rolls along thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being further rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23 (A5). The number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received becomes a win number.
• Continuously, after theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23, theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (A7).
• Furthermore, it is determined whether the chip bet in eachstation4 wins, from the bet information of eachstation4 received in the step of A4 and the win number determined in the step of A7 (A9).
• Based on the win determination in the step of A9, it is determined whether the chip bet in the at least onestation4 wins. When it is determined that the chip wins (A9, YES), it is further determined whether it is made a win in the star mark88 (A10). When it is determined that it is made a win in the star mark88 (A10, YES), the payout portion stocked in the step of A5 is awarded (A11).
• When the payout portion is awarded in the step of A1 and when it is not made a win in the star mark (A10, NO), theserver control CPU81 executes a payout calculating process (A12). In the payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 and the payout awarded in the step of A11 is calculated using the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for each bet area42 (refer toFIG. 8), which are stored in theROM82. In the mean time, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (A9, NO), the process is transited to a step of A14.
• In a step of A13, it is executed a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations4 a signal relating to a display change accompanying the payout of credits based on the payout calculating process of A12 and the determination of a win number. When paying out the credits to thestation4, the credit data corresponding to the payout amount is outputted from theserver13 to thestation control unit9 of thestation4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to theRAM93 of thecorresponding station4.
• In a step of A14, the ball collection device below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on thewheel22. The collectedball27 will be again introduced on thewheel22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of A1 and is transited to a next game.
• (Operation4 of the Main Control System: Free Spot Award Routine)
• A free spot award routine that awards a privilege when it is made a win in thestar mark88 in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 13.FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a roulette game processing program of a roulette gaming device. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 13 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theroulette gaming device1 and is executed by theserver control CPU81. Further, in the process of the free spot award routine, a unit game is started under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance.
• As power is supplied to theroulette gaming device1, a free spot award routine is executed in theroulette gaming device1 and a bet time for which a player can bet on anybet area42 is started (D1). When a bet time is started, the number becomes smaller, as time goes by, in theBET timer count39 that displays a remaining time of the bet time for which a player can make a bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on thebet area42 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet time (refer toFIG. 5).
• As a predetermined time (in this embodiment, the time at which the number in theBET timer count39 reaches “10”) has elapsed after the bet time is started (D1), the ball insertion device is driven to introduce theball27 into the wheel22 (D2).
• Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not in a step of D3. Here, the bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39, and after the bet time is started (D1), the number of the count is gradually decreased. When the number of theBET timer count39 becomes 0, the bet time in the current game is over.
• Here, when it is determined that the bet time is not over (D3, NO), the reception of bet is continued until the bet time is over. When it is determined that the bet time is over (D3, YES), a bet end signal is outputted to thestation control units90 of all thestations4. Further, an image notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of eachstation4 and a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is prohibited. After theserver control CPU81 ends the bet time and outputs the bet end signal to all the stations4 (D3, YES), it receives the bet information (thebet area42 indicated and the number of chips bet on thebet area42 indicated) that a player has performed the bet in each station4 (D4) and stores it in theRAM83. Here, when a bet is not made on thebet area42 in thestation4, the information that nobet area42 is indicated and the information that the number of chips bet is “0” are received as the bet information.
• During the process of D3 and D4, theball27 introduced in the step of D2 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball is lowered, the ball is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27 rolls along thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being further rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23 (D5). The number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received becomes a win number.
• Continuously, after theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23, theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (D6).
• Furthermore, it is determined whether the chip bet in eachstation4 wins, from the bet information of eachstation4 received in the step of D4 and the win number determined in the step of D6 (D7).
• Based on the win determination in the step of D7, it is determined whether it is made a win in the star mark88 (D8). When it is determined that it is made a win in the star mark88 (D8, YES), a free spot in which 10 chips are made to be bet is randomly selected from the numbers (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numbered plates25 (D11), in this embodiment. Then, a re-game is executed under state that a bet is made on the number of a free spot selected in the step of D11, in addition to thebet area42 bet in the step of D3 when this game is started (D12: this is same as the processes of D2, D5, D6 and D7).
• Then, it is determined whether the chip initially bet and the number of the free spot wins in the win number determined in the step of D12 (D13). When a win is determined (D13, YES), theserver control CPU81 executes a free spot payout calculating process (D14). In the free spot special payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated using the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for each bet area42 (refer toFIG. 8), which are stored in theROM82. Further, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (D13, NO), the process is transited to a step of D16.
• In the mean time, when it is determined in the step of D8 that it is not made a win in the star mark88 (D8, NO), it is determined whether the chip bet in the at least onestation4 wins (D9), based on the win determination of D7. When it is made a win in the step of D9 (D9, YES), theserver control CPU81 executes a payout calculating process (D10). In the payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4 and a sum of payout amounts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated using the base odds (credit-number per one chip) for each bet area42 (refer toFIG. 8), which are stored in theROM82. Further, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (D9, NO), the process is transited to a step of D16.
• After the process of D14 and the process of D10, in a step of D15, it is executed a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations4 a signal relating to a display change accompanying the payout of credits based on the payout calculating process of D14, the cashout of credits based on the free spot payout calculating process of D14 and the determination of a win number. When paying out the credits to thestation4, the credit data corresponding to the payout amount is outputted from theserver13 to thestation control unit9 of thestation4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to theRAM93 of thecorresponding station4.
• In a step of D16, the ball collection device below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on thewheel22. The collectedball27 will be again introduced on thewheel22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of D1 and is transited to a next game.
• (Operation5 of the Main Control System: Star Position Determining Process)
• Furthermore, the roulette unit starts a unit game under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance, in the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine. However, the roulette unit also has a function of randomly selecting a position of thestar mark88. In the followings, a star position determining process that is performed in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 14.FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a star position determining routine program of aroulette gaming device1. The star position determining routine can be set in the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine.
• In the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine, theserver control CPU81 starts a bet time (E1) and introduces theball27 to the wheel22 (E2). Then, in a step of B6, astar mark88, which becomes a starting point for awarding a privilege in each routine, is randomly selected from the numbers (one of “0”, “0” and “1” to “36) indicated on the numberedplates25 until the ball is stopped (E7) after the bet time is over (E3, YES). Then, a star mark is displayed on the number selected on the table-type betting board30. After that, each process of each routine is performed, starting from thestar mark88 randomly selected (E8, E9). Then, the process is transited to the step of B8 in the special rate award routine, the step of C8 in the second special rate award routine, the step of A9 in the Prog routine and the step of D8 in the free spot award routine. Accordingly, the descriptions thereof will be omitted.
• (Operation6 of the Main Control System: Side-Bet Processing Routine)
• A side-bet processing routine in theroulette gaming device1 will be described with reference toFIG. 15.FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a roulette game processing program of a roulette gaming device. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart ofFIG. 15 is stored in theROM82 orRAM83 provided to theroulette gaming device1 and is executed by theserver control CPU81. Further, this routine can be executed together with the special rate award routine, the second special rate ward routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine.
• As power is supplied to theroulette gaming device1, a side-bet processing routine is executed in theroulette gaming device1 and a bet time for which a player can bet on anybet area42 is started (F1). When a bet time is started, the number becomes smaller, as time goes by, in theBET timer count39 that displays a remaining time of the bet time for which a player can make a side-bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on thebet area42 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet time (refer toFIG. 5).
• As a predetermined time (in this embodiment, the time at which the number in theBET timer count39 reaches “0”) has elapsed after the bet time is started (F1), the ball insertion device is driven to introduce theball27 into the wheel22 (F2).
• Then, it is determined whether a side-bet time is over or not in a step of F3. Here, the side-bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39 and the number thereof becomes smaller, as time goes by after the bet time is started (F1). When the number becomes 0, the side-bet time in the current game is over.
• Here, when it is determined that the side-bet time is not over (F3, NO), the reception of side-bet is continued until the side-bet time is over. When it is determined that the side-bet time is over (F3, YES), a side-bet end signal is outputted to thestation control units90 of all thestations4. Further, an image notifying that the side-bet time is over is displayed on theimage display device8 of eachstation4 and a side-bet operation on thetouch panel50 is prohibited. After theserver control CPU81 ends the side-bet time and outputs the side-bet end signal to all the stations4 (F3, YES), it receives the side-bet information (the number of chips side-bet) that a player has performed the side-bet in each station4 (F4) and stores it in theRAM83. Here, when a side-bet is not made in thestation4, the information that the number of chips side-bet is “0” is received as the bet information.
• The chips side-bet are stocked as a payout portion to be paid out when it is made a win in thestart mark88 and is added to the accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous game (F5). This is stored as the privilege information in theRAM83.
• During the process of F3 and F4, theball27 introduced in the step of F2 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball is lowered, the ball is rolled down along the inclined surface of theframe21, is moved to the inside and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27 rolls along thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being further rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23 (F6). The number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36”) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received becomes a win number.
• Continuously, after theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23, theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (F7).
• Furthermore, it is determined whether the chip side-bet in eachstation4 wins, from the side-bet information of eachstation4 received in the step of F4 and the win number determined in the step of F7 (F8).
• Based on the win determination in the step of F8, it is determined whether the chip side-bet wins in thestar mark88 in the at least one station4 (F9). When it is determined that it is made a win in the star mark88 (F9, YES), a payout portion of the accumulated portion accumulated up to a previous game, which is stocked in the step of F5, is awarded (F10).
• Then, When a payout is awarded in the step of F10, theserver control CPU81 executes the payout calculating process (F11). In the payout calculating process, the win chip is recognized in eachstation4, and a sum of payouts awarded in the step of F10, which is paid out to eachstation4, is calculated. In the mean time, when it is determined that there is no win chip in all the stations4 (F9, NO), the process is transited to a step of F13.
• In a step of F12, it is executed a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations4 a signal relating to a display change accompanying the payout of credits based on the payout calculating process of F12 and the determination of a win number. When paying out the credits to thestation4, the credit data corresponding to the payout amount is outputted from theserver13 to thestation control unit9 of thestation4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to theRAM93 of thecorresponding station4.
• In a step of F13, the ball collection device below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on thewheel22. The collectedball27 will be again introduced on thewheel22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of F1 and is transited to a next game.
• As described above, theroulette gaming device1 has the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine, which is selectable, as a privilege of when it is made a win in thestar mark88. Further, theroulette gaming device1 has the star position determining routine, so that it selectively executes the process that is performed when a unit game is started under state that a position of thestar mark88 is set in advance, and the process that is performed when a position of thestar mark88 is randomly selected after the bet time is over. Furthermore, theroulette gaming device1 has the side-bet processing routine and can execute it together with the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the Prog routine and the free spot award routine.
• Thereby, theroulette gaming device1 can freely set a privilege of when it is made a win in thestar mark88 and a position determination of thestar mark88.
• (Operation of a Sub-Control System: Game Process that is Performed in the Station)
• A main process program in thestation4 will be described with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a main process program of a station. In the mean time, each program shown in the flow chart is stored in theROM92 orRAM93 provided to thestation4 and is executed by thestation control CPU91.
• First, in a step of S20, thestation control CPU91 determines whether a screen currently displayed on theimage display device8 is theBET screen31.
• When theBET screen31 is displayed (S20, YES), a bet process of a chip is performed by the BET screen31 (S21). In the mean time, when theBET screen31 is not displayed (S20, NO), a wait state is sustained until theBET screen31 is displayed. Meanwhile, the bet process (S21) in theBET screen31 will be described later.
• Continuously, in a step of S22, a result of the bet information (thebet area72 indicated and the bet-number indicated) performed in the bet process of S21 is transmitted to theserver control CPU81. In the mean time, as described above, theserver control CPU81 of theroulette gaming device1 stores the bet information transmitted in the RAM83 (S4). Meanwhile, the bet information transmitted to theserver control CPU81 is stored in theRAM83 in the bet process of S21.
• After that, in theroulette gaming device1, a game is started on thewheel22 and a win number on which theball27 is dropped is detected by thewin determining device86. In a step of S24, the win number determined in theroulette gaming device1 and the credit-number to be paid out to eachstation4 are received and the received data is stored in theRAM93.
• Continuously, based on the information received in the step of S24, the credits are paid out and the credits that are currently possessed by a player is added (S25). The credit-number to be stored in the credit-number area of theRAM93 is changed, and at the same time, thecashout result indicator37 that shows the income and expenditure of the credits in a previous game, which are displayed on theimage display device8, the credit-number indicator38 that shows a current credit-number and the side-betnumber indicator60 are updated. Further, a player can know the credit-number currently possessed and the like by seeing therespective indictors37,38,60. After the above process (S25) is ended, the main process program of thestation4 is ended.
• Continuously, it will be described the bet process of S21 in the BET screen31 (refer toFIG. 5). Each program that executes the bet process in theBET screen31 is stored in theROM92 orRAM93 provided to thestation4 and is executed by thestation control CPU91.
• First, theBET screen31 displays the table-type betting board30 in which the numbers and the marks are arranged on the grids. A player bets a chip based on the table-type betting board30.
• On thebet area42 selected, it is set a bet-number of chips when a bet is made. When a player pushes each unit button (1BET button36A, 5BET button36B, 10BET button36C, 100BET button36D) of theunit BET button36, the chips are bet as the unit number thereof on thebet area42. On the table-type betting board30, it is displayed achip mark41 showing the number of chips bet up to now and thebet area42. By the number indicated on thechip mark71, the bet-number of chips is shown (refer toFIG. 5). In the mean time, the bet information (theindicated bet area42, the bet-number indicated) by the process is stored in the bet information memory area of theRAM93 at any time.
• Then, thestation control CPU91 determines whether theBET decision button47 is pushed or not. As shown inFIGS. 3 and 7, theBET decision button47 is a button that is provided to thecontrol unit7 and is pushed when deciding a series of bet operations.
• When theBET decision button47 is pushed, abet is decided. After the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be done until a next game is started. Further, after the bet is decided, it is made a win when the bet is made on the number indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received, in thewheel22 for which a game is started. When a win is determined, the credits relating to the number of chips bet are added to the credits that are currently possessed by a player.
• When theBET decision button47 is not pushed, it is continuously determined whether the bet time is over. The bet time is displayed by theBET timer count39 provided at the upper part of the table-type betting board30. TheBET timer count39 is a count that displays a remaining bet time. The number thereof is gradually decreased after a game is started. When the number becomes “0,” the bet time is over.
• When the bet time is not over, i.e., when theBET timer count39 does not display “0,” a bet process can be again done. By repeating the corresponding process, a bet process can be done on several parts on the table-type betting board30.
• In the mean time, when the bet time is over, a bet is decided by a current bet situation. After the bet is decided, the bet process program by theBET screen31 is ended and the process returns to the main process program of thestation4. Meanwhile, after the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be made until a next game is started.
Modified Embodiment of this Embodiment
• In the mean time, the invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in this embodiment, the special rate award routine, the second special rate award routine, the free spot award routine, the Prog routine and the side-bet process routine are exemplified as a privilege that is awarded when it is made a win in thestar mark88. However, it may be possible that the privilege is selected by a player in theroulette gaming device1. Further, the above privileges may be combined.
• Further, in this embodiment, theroulette gaming device1 has thestations4 each of which receives a bet and awards a payout. In other words, theroulette gaming device1 is a multi-participant type. Meanwhile, although theroulette gaming device1 is a multi-participant type having thestations4 and thecontroller102, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, theroulette gaming device1 may be a single-participant type that includes a bet device and a payout device having the functions of thestation4, theimage display device8 and thecontroller102 in one cabinet. Further, it may be possible that the multi-participant type and single-participant type of theroulette gaming devices1 are connected in a data communication manner via the internet, thereby forming a large-scaled multi-participant gaming system.
• Further, theimage display device8 in thestation4 may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube) device, a plasma display device and the like, as an electrical structure. Further, in this embodiment, the numberedplates25 having the numbers of “0”, “00” and “1” to “36” as a figure letter so as to correspond to the numbered pockets23 are formed on the surface of thewheel22. However, the number thereof may be less or more than 38.

Claims (8)

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a gaming machine main body which executes a game using a plurality of marks;

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

a controller which operates:

(1a) to set a specific mark, among the plurality of marks, as a special game value award mark;

(1b) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(1c) to randomly select one mark from the plurality of marks;

(1d) to award a payout when the mark bet on corresponds to the selected mark, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and

(1e) to award a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is the special game value award mark.

2. A roulette gaming device comprising:

a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark;

a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and

a controller which operates:

(2a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(2b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;

(2c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and

(2d) to set the rate relative to the bet type to an increased rate, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area having bet on is also the special game value award mark.

3. A roulette gaming device comprising:

a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark;

a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and

a controller which operates:

(3a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(3b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;

(3c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and

(3d) to set the rate relative to the bet type to an increased rate in the next roulette game chance, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area having bet on is also the special game value award mark.

4. A roulette gaming device comprising:

a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark;

a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and

a controller which operates:

(4a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(4b) to subtract a predetermined amount of value from the game value, and add the predetermined amount to an accumulated amount which is an amount having accumulated up to the very previous roulette game;

(4c) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;

(4d) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as abet and a rate relative to abet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on; and

(4e) to award a game value accumulated in every roulette game, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the bet area bet is also the special game value award mark.

5. A roulette gaming device comprising:

a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark;

a plurality of terminal devices each having a plurality of bet areas, wherein each of the terminal devices receives a bet placed on at least one of the bet areas each corresponding to at least one of the marks, and awards a payout; and

a controller which operates:

(5a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(5b) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;

(5c) to award a payout when the win mark corresponds to the bet area having been bet on, based on the game value placed as abet and a rate relative to abet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area having been bet on;

(5d) to randomly select a free spot from the plurality of marks, when the win mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark, wherein the free spot is a spot on which a predetermined value is unconditionally deemed as to be bet; and

(5e) to award a game value resulted by multiplication of the predetermined game value by a rate relative to a bet type, which rate corresponds to the bet area, when the roulette game is again executed and the free spot is determined as to be a win spot.

6. A gaming machine comprising:

a gaming machine main body which executes a game using a plurality of marks;

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

a controller which operates:

(6a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet;

(6b) to set, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark randomly selected from the plurality of marks, after a bet time is over;

(6c) to randomly select one mark from the plurality of marks;

(6d) to award a payout when the mark bet on corresponds to the selected mark, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on; and

(6e) to award a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark.

7. A roulette gaming device comprising:

a roulette unit including a wheel on which a ball is rolled at a time of executing a roulette game, the wheel having thereon a plurality of marks including a specific mark set as a special game value award mark;

a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a side bet area corresponding to the special game value award mark, receives a bet on the side bet area and awards a payout; and

a controller which operates:

(7a) to cause each of the terminal devices to store therein a game value bet on the side-bet areas;

(7b) to add the game value bet on the side bet area to a game value accumulated up to the very previous roulette game;

(7c) to roll the ball and determining, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; and

(7d) to award the game value accumulated in every roulette game, when the win mark is the special game value award mark.

8. A playing method of a game of randomly selecting one mark from a plurality of marks and guessing whether or not the selected mark matches with a mark bet on in advance, the method comprising the steps of:

setting, as a special game value award mark, a specific mark among a plurality of marks;

storing a mark bet on and a game value placed as a bet in a terminal device;

randomly selecting one mark from the plurality of marks;

awarding a payout when the selected mark corresponds to the mark bet on, based on the game value placed as a bet and a rate corresponding to the mark bet on;

awarding a privilege when the selected mark is the special game value award mark and the mark bet is also the special game value award mark.

Images