US20090008874A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090008874A1
Application number: US12/057,038
Authority: US
Inventors: Katsuhiro Kido
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-02
Filing date: 2008-03-27
Publication date: 2009-01-08
Also published as: JP2008253383A

Abstract

In a unit game executed in a ratio of once per several times, a win is made in a DOUBLE ODDS lottery. When a win is made in a DOUBLE ODDS lottery, a payout ratio (ODDS) set for each bet type is switched from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. Thereby, when a winning is made in a unit game, with a win in a DOUBLE ODDS lottery, a payout to be awarded to a player is doubled.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese patent Application No. 2007-096314, filed on Apr. 2, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a roulette gaming machine that changes a payout ratio set for each bet type, and a playing method of a roulette game.

2. Description of Related Art

In a gaming machine where a player expects a win number to play a game, such as a roulette gaming machine, a bingo gaming machine, or a keno gaming machine, pockets having identification numbers (for example, “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” in a roulette gaming machine) are formed on a wheel, and a rolling object rolling on the wheel, such as a ball, is used to specify one of the pockets on the wheel, thereby determining a win number.

Here, in the gaming machine, a series of processes of rolling the ball on the wheel to determine a win number are basically common to every game. Accordingly, when a game is repeatedly played, a player may be gradually bored with the game.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,072B2 discloses a roulette gaming machine in which several wheels are provided and a win number is determined on each of the wheels. Like this, a game is played using several wheels, thereby providing a chance of obtaining a large amount of payout. At the same time, a game is played using the several win numbers determined, so that the game can be diversified.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Here, although the above-described roulette gaming machine uses the several wheels to increase a chance of obtaining a payout, the payout ratio (so-called, odds) is constant.

An object of the present invention is to provide a roulette gaming machine having an entertainment characteristic, which is not provided in the above prior art, and a playing method of a roulette game.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a roulette gaming machine having a new entertainment characteristic, in which a payout ratio (so-called odds) set for each bet type is changed to increase a player's expectation, without deteriorating a game characteristic of a conventional roulette gaming machine, and a playing method of a roulette game.

A roulette gaming machine according to the present invention includes: a roulette device in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon; a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on each of which a game value is bet; an input device that receives an operation from an outside; and a controller programmed to perform operations of: (a) betting a game value on a bet area associated with the operation received by the input device from the outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; (b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; (c) when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area; and (d) randomly switching the payout ratio set for each bet type between a base ratio and a specific ratio higher than the base ratio.

According to the above structure, the payout ratio set for each bet type can be randomly switched between the base ratio and the specific ratio. Thereby, when the payout ratio is switched into a specific ratio, a payout that is awarded at a time of winning is larger, as compared to a base. Therefore, a player's expectation can be increased without deteriorating a game characteristic of a conventional roulette gaming machine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a roulette gaming machine.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming machine.

FIG. 3 illustrates a display screen.

FIG. 4 illustrates a display screen.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a roulette gaming machine.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a roulette device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical structure of a roulette gaming machine.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing an electrical structure of a station;

FIG. 9 shows an ODDS management table.

FIG. 10 shows a DOUBLE ODDS incidence management table;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a game process.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a game process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of a roulette gaming machine and a playing method of a roulette game according to the present invention will be described. A roulette gaming machine means a gaming machine in which a player expects a number etc. to be determined in a roulette device and bets a possessed game value such as a chip on the expected number etc., and when the bet number etc. wins, a predetermined number of game medium such as amedal, or game value such as credit is awarded to the player.

As shown inFIG. 1, aroulette gaming machine1 repeatedly performs a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having many marks disposed thereon, and executes a playing method comprising the steps of: betting game value on a bet area, among many bet areas displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area; and switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game carried out in a ratio of once per several times.

Here, the “unit game carried out in a ratio of once per several times” means a “DOUBLE ODDS game” in this embodiment. The “DOUBLE ODDS game” is executed when a win in a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” is made. Here, the “lottery” means randomly selecting a win or a loss. The “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” is performed every unit game repeatedly carried out, and is configured to select a win in a ratio of once per several times. When the “DOUBLE ODDS game” is executed, the payout ratio (so-called odds) set for each bet type is switched from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. Due to this, in a unit game in which a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is executed, a payout is awarded to a player at a time of winning is doubled. In the mean time, the invention is not limited to the structure that the ratio is changed into the double, but the ratio may be changed into a ratio of three times or more, or a ratio less than one.

Theroulette gaming machine1 that executes the playing method includes aroulette device101, a display unit (display)102, an input unit (input device)103 and acontroller100, as shown inFIG. 2.

(Roulette Device101)

Theroulette device101 is a device that randomly selects one of the many marks and determines the selected mark as a specific mark. Theroulette device101 has a physical structure with a wheel having many marks disposed thereon and a ball rolling on the wheel. Meantime, theroulette device101 may have an electrical structure of displaying a roulette screen on which a ball rolling on a wheel is displayed. The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device and the like. The detailed structure of theroulette device101 will be described later.

(Display Unit102)

The display unit (display)102 is electrically structured to display many bet areas. Thedisplay unit102 may have a physical structure with a table having many bet areas depicted thereon, and the like. The electrical structure may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device and the like. The detailed structure of thedisplay unit102 will be described later.

(Input Unit103)

The input unit (input device)103 is operated for betting a chip (game value) on any of the many bet areas displayed on thedisplay unit102. As described below, theinput unit103 may be constructed from a touch panel provided on a front of thedisplay unit102, or constructed from several buttons.

(Controller100)

Thecontroller100 is configured to execute a first process of betting a game value (chip) on a bet area, among the many bet areas displayed on the display (display unit102), associated with an operation received by an input device (input unit103) from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; a second process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; and a third process of, when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout (credit) based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area. In other words, thecontroller100 has a first processing unit, a second processing unit and a third processing unit.

In addition, thecontroller100 is configured to execute a fourth process of switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game that is carried out in a ratio of once per several times. In other words, thecontroller100 has a fourth processing unit.

Thecontroller100 includes abet execution unit105 that executes a bet of a chip, based on an operation signal from theinput unit103, and adisplay control unit104 that controls thedisplay unit102 to display many bet areas. Thedisplay control unit104 displays bet information on a corresponding bet area when thebet execution unit105 executes a bet. A detailed display state will be described later. Meantime, the many bet areas are in association with respective bet types. The details of the bet types will be described later. In other words, thecontroller100 executes the first process of betting a game value (chip) on a bet area, among the many bet areas displayed on a display (display unit102), associated with an operation received by an input device (input unit103) from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area.

In addition, thecontroller100 includes agame execution unit110 that causes theroulette device101 to execute an operation of randomly selecting one of the many marks and determining the selected mark as a specific mark. To be more specific, thegame execution unit110 rolls the ball on the wheel having the many marks disposed thereon, thereby causing theroulette device101 to execute an operation of randomly selecting one of the many marks and determining the selected mark as a specific mark. In addition, thecontroller100 includes amark determining unit106 that determines a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball rolled in theroulette device101. Thecontroller100 sets, as a specific mark, the mark determined by themark determining unit106. That is, thecontroller100 executes the second process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball.

In addition, thecontroller100 includes: anODDS memory108 that stores a base ratio, which is a payout ratio (odds) set for each bet type and referred to in a unit game except a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, and stores a specific ratio (ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio), which is a payout ratio (odds) set for each bet type and referred to in a unit game of a “DOUBLE ODDS game”; apayout determining unit109 that determines a payout for a player; and apayout award unit111 that awards a payout to a player. Thepayout determining unit109 refers to a bet executed by thebet execution unit105 and a specific mark determined by themark determining unit109, and determines whether the specific mark and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation. Thepayout determining unit109 determines a winning when the specific mark and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation, and calculates a payout (credit), based on a payout ratio that is set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area on which a chip is bet, among the payout ratios (odds) stored in theODDS memory108, and the chip bet on the bet area. The calculated payout is awarded to a player by thepayout award unit111. That is, thecontroller100 executes the third process of, when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout (credit) based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area.

Furthermore, thecontroller100 includes a DOUBLEODDS execution unit107. The DOUBLEODDS execution unit107 executes a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” every unit game. The “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” is configured to make a win in a ratio of once per several times, in unit games repeatedly carried out. When a win is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery,” thedisplay control unit104 controls thedisplay unit102 to display an image showing a “DOUBLE ODDS game”. In addition, thepayout determining unit109 switches a payout ratio (odds), which is stored in theODDS memory108 and referred to payout ratio when calculating a payout (credit), from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. That is, thecontroller100 executes the fourth process of switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game that is carried out in a ratio of once per several times.

Each block of thecontroller100 may be embodied in hardware or software, as required.

(Operation of the Controller100)

An operation of thecontroller100 with the above-mentioned structure will be described. First, bet information is inputted to thebet execution unit105 from theinput unit103 and the inputted bet information is displayed on thedisplay unit102 by thedisplay control unit104. Thereby, thecontroller100 executes the first process of betting a game value (chip) on a bet area, among many bet areas displayed on a display (display unit102), associated with an operation received by an input machine (input unit103) from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area. As theroulette device101 is operated by thegame execution unit110, one of the many marks is randomly selected and is determined as a specific mark. The specific mark is determined by themark determining unit106. Thereby, thecontroller100 executes the second process of rolling a ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball.

Before or after the above process, a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” is executed by the DOUBLEODDS execution unit107. When a win is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery,” an image showing a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is displayed on thedisplay unit102 by thedisplay control unit104. In addition, a payout ratio (odds), which is stored in theODDS memory108 and referred to when calculating a payout (credit), is switched by thepayout determining unit109 from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. Thereby, thecontroller100 executes the fourth process of switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game that is carried out in a ratio of once per several times.

Thepayout determining unit109 determines whether the specific mark and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation. When the specific mark and the bet area on which a chip is bet have a corresponding relation, a winning is made and a payout (credit) is calculated, based on the chip bet on the bet area and the payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area. Then the calculated payout (credit) is awarded to a player by thepayout award unit111. Thereby, thecontroller100 executes the third process of, when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout (credit) based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area.

As clearly seen from the above operation, theroulette gaming machine1 repeatedly performs a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having many marks disposed thereon, and realizes a playing method including: betting a game value on a bet area, among many bet areas displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an input machine from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area; rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball; when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area; and switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game that is carried out in a ratio of once per several times, as shown inFIG. 1.

According to the above-mentioned playing method, in a unit game that is carried out in a ratio of once per several times, the payout ratio set for each bet type is switched from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. Thereby, when the payout ratio is switched into a specific ratio, a payout that is to be awarded at a time of winning is twice as high as a base payout. Therefore, a player's expectation may be increased without deteriorating a game characteristic of the conventional roulette gaming machine.

(Display State)

An example of a display state of the display unit (display)102 in the operating processes of the playing method of the roulette game and theroulette gaming machine1 will be specifically described. The display state will be described on the basis of an electrical structure that thedisplay unit102 displays aBET screen61 including many betareas72, and the like, as shown inFIG. 3.

While a roulette game is executed in theroulette gaming machine1, aBET screen61 having a table-type betting board60 is displayed on thedisplay unit102, as shown inFIG. 3. The table-type betting board60 is provided withmany bet areas72. In the mean time, at a front of thedisplay unit102, provided is a lighttransmissive touch panel50 that is operable by pressing from an outside, as an input unit (input device)103. Therefore, the description that various parts on theBET screen61, such asbet areas72, are pressed means that the various parts corresponding to thebet areas72 of thetouch panel50 are pressed by a player.

As shown inFIG. 3, in the table-type betting board60 displayed in theBET screen61, the thirty-eight kinds of numbers of “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” are arranged in a grid form. In addition, 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 from the table-type betting board60, a resulthistory display section65,unit BET buttons66, a cashoutresult display section67 and a credit-number display section68 are sequentially displayed from left of the screen.

The resulthistory display section65 displays, in a list form, results of win numbers up to the previous games (here, one game is a series of operations that a player makes a bet, a ball rolls and stops and a credit (payout) is paid out based on a win number (determined number, specific mark)). At this time, when one game is over, one combination of win numbers is additionally displayed from top and a history of the win numbers of maximum 10 games can be checked.

Theunit BET buttons66 are provided to bet a chip on abet area72 indicated by the player (on the grids of numbers and marks or on a line forming a grid). Theunit BET buttons66 are structured from four kinds of buttons, a 1BET button66A, a 5BET button66B, a 10BET button66C and a 100BET button66D.

First, a player pushes abet area72 with a finger etc., so that a cursor70 (described later) is indicated. In this state, whenever the 1BET button66A is pushed, a chip is bet in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1BET button66A is pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is increased in an order of “1”->“2”->“3” . . . ). When the 5BET button66B is pushed, the chips are bet in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5BET button66B is pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is increased in an order of “5”->“10”->“15” . . . ) When the 10BET button66C is pushed, the chips are bet in a unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10BET button66C is pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is increased in an order of “10”->“20”->“30” . . . ). Furthermore, when the 100BET button66D is pushed, the chips are bet in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100BET button66D is pushed with a finger etc., the bet-number is increased in an order of “100”->“200”->“300” . . . ). Accordingly, even when many chips are bet, an operation thereof can be simplified.

The cashoutresult display section67 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.

The credit-number display section68 displays the number of credits that are currently possessed by a player. When a chip is bet, the credit-number is decreased in accordance with the bet-number (one credit for one chip). In addition, when a winning is made for the number on which the bet is made and the cashout of credits is performed, the credit-number is increased by the number corresponding to the cashout-number. In the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player becomes 0, the game is over.

A BETtime display section69 is disposed above the table-type betting board60. The BETtime display section69 displays a remaining time period for which a player can bet. When reception of a bet operation starts, “20” is displayed and the number is decreased by 1 every one second. When the number becomes “0,” the reception of a bet operation ends. In addition, when the bet time of the player is 5 seconds, a ball insertion device that will be described later is driven to insert the ball into the wheel.

Furthermore, aJP display section73, which displays the credit-number accumulated up to now in a jackpot (JP) manner, is disposed at the right of the BETtime display section69. Here, the credit-number of a JP manner is a value to which 0.5% of credits bet in twelvestations4 are accumulatively added and theJP display section73 displays a common value in all thestations4. When a winning is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, a half of the payout to be awarded to a player is paid out from the credit-number of a JP manner. In the mean time, the credit-number that is accumulated up to now by the JP manner is also displayed on a JP amount display unit15 (refer toFIG. 5) of an electriclight display unit5 that will be described later, in addition to theJP display section73.

In addition, acursor70 showing thebet area72 currently selected by a player is displayed on the table-type betting board60. Additionally, achip mark71 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and thebet area72 is displayed. The number shown on thechip mark71 indicates the number of chips bet. For example, as shown inFIG. 3, thechip mark71 of “7”, which is put on the grid of “18”, indicates that seven chips are bet on the number “18.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet is made on one number only is referred to as a “Straight bet.”

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

As the other bet types, there is a bet type of “Split bet” in which a bet is made while covering two numbers on a line between the two numbers. In addition, there is a bet type of “Street bet” in which a bet is made while covering three numbers (for example, “13, “14” and “15”) at ends of one row (one column in the vertical direction inFIG. 3). In addition, 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” on a line between “00” and “3”. Furthermore, 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 (two columns in the vertical direction inFIG. 3). In addition, there is a bet type of “Column bet” in which a bet is made while covering twelve numbers on the grid of “2 to 1”. Additionally, there is a bet type of “Dozen bet” in which a bet is made while covering twelve numbers on the grids of “1st 12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12”, respectively.

Furthermore, there are other bet types, using the six grids provided at the lowest part of the table-type betting board60, which are: “Red or Black bet” in which a bet is made on the red or black numbers of the numbered plates; “Odd or Even bet” in which a bet is made on the odd or even numbers; and “Low or High bet” in which a bet is made on the numbers of 18 or less or 19 or more.

In the mean time, the payout ratios (odds) set for respective bet types are different, respectively. Here, the payout ratio (odds) is a payout-number of credits for a winning per one chip. The payout ratio will be specifically described later.

When a bet is made on theBET screen61 structured as described above, a player presses abet area72 on which a bet is made (on a grid of number and mark or on a line forming a grid) with a finger etc. As a result, the pressedbet area72 becomes anindicated bet area72 and thecursor70 is moved to theindicated bet area72.

Then, the respective unit buttons of the unit BET buttons66 (1

66C, 100BET button66D) are pushed, and then the resulted unit numbers of chips are bet on theindicated bet area72. For example, when the 10BET button66C is pushed four times, the 5BET button66B is pushed once and the 1BET button66A is pushed three times, 48 chips are bet in total.

In addition, when a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is executed, a notifyingimage74 notifying that this game is a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is displayed on the display unit102 (image display device8) just before the credits are paid out, as shown inFIG. 4.

(Mechanical Structure of the Roulette Gaming Machine1)

Next, the mechanical structure of theroulette gaming machine1 will be described.

As shown inFIG. 5, theroulette gaming machine1 is configured to have acabinet2 that is a main body, a roulette device3 (roulette device101) provided at substantially center of an upper surface of thecabinet2, several stations4 (twelve stations in this embodiment) mounted so as to surround theroulette device3, and an electriclight display unit5 provided above thecabinet2.

Here, thestation4 is a bet unit in which a player's bet operation that is performed while expecting a win number of theroulette device3 is inputted. Thestation4 includes, at least, amedal insertion slot6 into which a game medium such as money and a medal is inserted, acontroller7 having control buttons and the like with which a player inputs a predetermined instruction, and an image display device8 (display unit (display)102) that displays an image relating to a game. Thestation4 is a game area that receives a player's bet operation.

Theimage display device8 is a liquid crystal display of a so-called touch panel type having thetouch panel50 attached to a front thereof, as an input unit (input device)103. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal screen is pressed with a finger etc. of a player, the icon is selected. A player who recognizes an image displayed on theimage display device8 operates thetouch panel50 orcontroller7, thereby proceeding with a game.

In addition,medal payout slots9 are respectively provided to sides of thecabinet2 having thestations4 mounted thereto. Furthermore,speakers10 that transmit music, effect sound and the like are provided on upper right sides of theimage display devices8 of thestations4, respectively.

Furthermore,WIN lamps11 are respectively provided above theimage display devices8 of therespective stations4. When a winning is made for the number (“00”, “0”, “1” to “36” in this embodiment) bet in thestations4, theWIN lamp11 of thestation4 in which the winning is made is turned on. In the mean time, theWIN lamps11 are disposed at positions that can be seen from all the stations4 (twelve stations in this embodiment). In other words, another player who plays a game in the sameroulette gaming machine1 can see a lighting state of theWIN lamps11.

In addition, 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. In addition, a hopper (not shown) is provided in themedal payout slot9, and the hopper pays out the predetermined number of medals from themedal payout slot9.

In addition, aserver13 is disposed in acorner12 that is located at a corner of thecabinet2. Theserver13 is connected to each of thestations4 and transmits a command signal to each of thestations4, thereby initiatively controlling each of thestations4 and proceeding with a game. Due to this, theserver13 is typically stored in thecorner12 so that a player cannot operate theserver13. However, if acorner door14 provided to thecorner12 is opened by means of a key, theserver13 can be operated.

Theserver13 is connected to a liquid crystal display and a keyboard, which are not shown. The liquid crystal display displays a menu screen or maintenance screen. In addition, the keyboard is an operating unit having several keys disposed thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display, an operator operates the keyboard, thereby performing a maintenance operation as well as various settings in theroulette gaming machine1.

The electriclight display unit5 has a JPamount display unit15 that displays a credit-number of a JP manner. In the mean time, the JPamount display unit15 is mounted on a top of the electriclight display unit5, so that all players who play a game in therespective stations4 can see the contents of display.

As shown inFIG. 6, theroulette device3 is configured to include aframe21 that is fixed to thecabinet2 and awheel22 that is rotatably received and supported in theframe21. Many recessed numbered pockets23 (thirty-eight pockets in this embodiment) are formed on the upper surface of thewheel22. Further, on the upper surface of thewheel22, numberedplates25 are formed in outward directions of the respective numberedpockets23, the numbered plates respectively having numbers of “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” (as figure letters) indicated as a mark, so as to correspond to the respective numbered pockets23. In other words, thirty-eight numberedpockets23, each of which is given with one number out of “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” are formed on thewheel22.

In addition, theframe21 has aball insertion slot36 formed therein. Theball insertion slot36 is coupled with a ball insertion device (not shown). As the ball insertion device is driven, a ball is inserted on thewheel22 from theball insertion slot36. In addition, an entire upper part of theroulette device3 is covered with a hemisphere cover member28 (refer toFIG. 5) made of transparent acryl.

In addition, a win determining device86 (refer toFIG. 7) is provided below thewheel22. Thewin determining device86 is a device for determining the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received. Further, a ball collection device that is not shown is provided below thewheel22. The ball collection device is a device for collecting theball27 on thewheel22 after a 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.

Here, theframe21 is gently inclined inward and aguide wall29 is formed at a middle part thereof. Theguide wall29 guides an insertedball27 against centrifugal force, thereby allowing theball28 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 inwardly and reaches thewheel22 being rotated. Theball27, which is rolled onto thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being rotated 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 (specific mark) is determined.

As shown inFIG. 5, thecontroller7 is disposed on a side of theimage display device8 and has buttons each of which is operated by a player. To be more specific, thecontroller7 has aBET decision button47, acashout button48 and ahelp button49 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.

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 themedal payout slot9.

Thehelp button49 is a button that is pushed when an operation method of a game is unclear. Immediately after thehelp button49 is pushed, a help screen showing a variety of operation information is displayed on theimage display device8.

(Electrical Structure of the Roulette Gaming Machine1)

Next, an electrical structure of theroulette gaming machine1 will be described.

(Electrical Structure of the Server13)

As shown inFIG. 7, theroulette gaming machine1 includes aserver13 and several stations4 (twelve stations in this embodiment) connected to theserver13. Theserver13 is connected to theroulette device3 and the electriclight display unit5. In the mean time, a control system of thestation4 will be specifically described later.

Theserver13 is configured to include: aserver control CPU81

ROM

82, and aRAM83 that serve as a calculation device and a control device that control theentire server13; atimer84 connected to theserver control CPU81; aliquid crystal display32 connected to the CPU through a liquidcrystal driving circuit85; and akeyboard33.

Theserver control CPU81 executes a variety of processes, based on input signals supplied from each of thestations4 and data or program stored in theROM82 and theRAM83. Based on execution results of the processes, theserver control CPU81 transmits a command signal to thestations4 thereby initiatively controlling each of thestations4 and proceeding with a game. Further, theserver control CPU81 drives a drive motor provided to theroulette device3, thereby shooting aball27 or rotating thewheel22. Furthermore, theserver control CPU81 controls thewin determining device86 that specifies a drop position of a ball, thereby determining a win number based on the drop position of the ball. Then, based on the one win number obtained in theroulette device3 and the bet information transmitted from each of thestations4, a winning of the chips bet is determined and the credit-number to be paid out in each of thestations4 is calculated.

TheROM82 is structured from a semiconductor memory, or the like. TheROM82 stores a program for implementing basic functions of theroulette gaming machine1, a lottery program for performing a “DOUBLE ODDS lottery” that determines an execution of a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, a program for initiatively controlling each of thestations4, and the like. In addition, theROM82 stores a payout ratio set for each bet type (so-called odds, payout-number of credits for a winning per one chip), in a form of an ODDS management table ofFIG. 9.

On the other hand, theRAM83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips to be supplied from each of thestations4, a win number of theroulette device3 determined by a sensor, a credit-number of a JP manner accumulated up to now, a DOUBLE ODDS incidence management table that manages a incidence of a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, data relating to a result of a process that is executed by theserver control CPU81, and the like.

Further, to theserver control CPU81 thetimer84 that measures time is connected. The time information of thetimer84 is transmitted to theserver control CPU81. Theserver control CPU81 rotates thewheel22 or inserts theball27, based on the time information of thetimer84.

In addition, theserver control CPU81 is connected to the electric light display unit5 (refer toFIG. 5). Theserver control CPU81 controls light emission of a light emitter such as LED to perform an effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined letters on the electriclight display unit5. Furthermore, theserver control CPU81 displays the credit-number of a JP amount, which is accumulated up to now, on the JPamount display unit15 of the electriclight display unit5.

(Electrical Structure of the Station4)

Next, a structure of a control system of thestations4 connected to theserver13 according to this embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 8.FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the station according to the embodiment. In the mean time, the twelvestations4 have a basically same structure, so that one of thestations4 will be described as an example.

As shown inFIG. 8, thestation4 is structured from astation control unit90 and several peripheral devices. Thestation control unit90 includes astation control CPU91, aROM92 and aRAM93. TheROM92 is structured from 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. In addition, 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 situation of chips bet by a player, and the like.

In addition, thestation control CPU91 is connected to aBET decision button47, acashout button48 and ahelp button49, which are provided in the controller7 (refer toFIG. 5). Based on operation signals outputted by pushing the respective buttons, 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 thecontroller7 in response to an operation by a player, as well as 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.

On the other hand, thestation control CPU91 receives a command signal from theserver control CPU81, controls the peripheral devices constituting thestation4 based on the command signal, and proceeding with a unit game in thestation4. In addition, thestation control CPU91 executes a variety of processes, based on an input signal that is inputted from thecontroller7 in response to an operation by a player and the data or program stored in theROM92 and theRAM93, depending on contents of the process, controls the peripheral devices constituting thestation4 based on the process results, and proceeding with a unit game in thestation4.

In addition, thestation control CPU91 is connected to ahopper94. Thehopper94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot9 (refer toFIG. 5) in accordance with a command signal from thestation control CPU91.

Furthermore, thestation control CPU91 is connected to animage display device8 through a liquidcrystal driving circuit95. The liquidcrystal driving circuit95 is structured from 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. In addition, 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. In addition, the work RAM is structured as a temporary memory to be used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. In addition, 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 is structured as a temporary memory to be used when an image is formed in the VDP.

In addition, atouch panel50 is attached on a front of theimage display device8, as described above. Operation information of thetouch panel50 is transmitted to thestation control CPU91. As a player operates thetouch panel50 by pressing, abet operation of chips is performed in theBET screen61. To be more specific, a selection of thebet area72, an operation of aunit BET button61, or the like, is made, and the operation information thereof is transmitted to thestation control CPU91. Based on the information, the current bet information of a player (abet area72 indicated in theBET screen61, the number of chips bet and a bet type) 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, thestation control CPU91 is connected to aspeaker10 through asound output circuit96. Thespeaker10 generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various effects, based on an output signal from thesound output circuit96. In addition, aWIN lamp11 is connected to thestation control CPU91 through alamp control circuit98. When a winning is made for the number bet is made, theWIN lamp11 is turned on by thelamp control circuit98.

In addition, amedal sensor97 is connected thestation control CPU91. Themedal sensor97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot6 (refer toFIG. 5), 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.

(Odds Management Table)

Next, an ODDS management table that is referred to when calculating a payout at a time of winning will be described with reference toFIG. 9. The ODDS management table is stored in theROM82 of theserver13, and a base ODDS and a specific ODDS correspond to a bet type. In the mean time, a base ODDS is a base ratio that is referred to in a unit game except a “DOUBLE ODDS game” and a specific ODDS is a specific ratio that is referred to in a unit game that is a “DOUBLE ODDS game”.

For example, a base ODDS corresponding to the bet type of “Straight” is “35:1”. “35:1” means that when a credit (chip) of “1” is bet and a winning is made, the credits of “35” are paid out in addition to the original credit of “1”. That is, when a winning is made in the odds of “35:1”, the credits thirty-six times as much as an amount bet are paid out. In addition, a base ODDS corresponding to the bet type of “Dozen” is “2:1”.

In addition, a specific ODDS corresponding to the bet type of “Straight” is “71:1”. In other words, when a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is executed, thecredits 72 times as much as an amount bet are paid out at a time of winning. That is, the specific ODDS is set to be twice as high as the base ODDS.

(DOUBLE ODDS Incidence Management Table)

Next, a DOUBLE ODDS incidence management table that manages an incidence of a “DOUBLE ODDS game” will be described with reference toFIG. 10. The DOUBLE ODDS incidence management table is stored in theRAM83 of theserver13 and has a BASE ODDS column, a TARGET PAYOUT column, a DOUBLE ODDS usage rate column and a DOUBLE ODDS incidence column. The BASE ODDS column stores the odds that are bases in a current unit game. The TARGET PAYOUT column changeably stores the payout ratios that are target values in theroulette gaming machine1. The DOUBLE ODDS usage rate column stores a difference between the BASE ODDS and the TARGET PAYOUT, as a percentage that is usable in a “DOUBLE ODDS game”. The DOUBLE ODDS incidence column stores incidences of a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, which are calculated on the basis of the DOUBLE ODDS usage rates, in a percentage and a game-number.

For example, when the BASE ODDS is “94.70%” and the TARGET PAYOUT is “95.70%”, the DOUBLE ODDS usage rate is “1.00%” and the DOUBLE ODDS incidence is “1.06000%”. Converting the percentage into a game-number, a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is generated in a ratio of once per 94 times. Likewise, when the BASE ODDS is “94.70%” and the TARGET PAYOUT is “96.70%”, the DOUBLE ODDS usage rate is “2.00%” and the DOUBLE ODDS incidence is “2.11000%”. Converting the percentage into a game-number, a “DOUBLE ODDS game” is generated in a ratio of once per 47 times.

In the mean time, the incidence of a “DOUBLE ODDS game” can be changed when an operator who operates theserver13 changes the setting of the TARGET PAYOUT of the DOUBLE ODDS incidence management table.

(Processing Operations of the Roulette Gaming Machine1)

Next, the process operations carried out in theroulette gaming machine1 will be described. Thestation control CPU91 of eachstation4 and theserver control CPU81 of theserver13 cooperate with each other to execute a game process, thereby proceeding with a unit game.

(Game Process at the Station)

Thestation control CPU91 of eachstation4 executes a game process routine for the station, which is shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. First, as shown inFIG. 11, thestation control CPU91 determines whether a medal or money is inserted by a player, based on a detection signal of the medal sensor97 (S1). When a medal or money is not inserted (S1: NO), the step of S1 is repeated and the wait state is sustained until a medal or money is inserted. On the other hand, when a medal or money is inserted (S1: YES), the credit data of an amount corresponding to the number of pieces inserted is recorded in the RAM93 (S2). Then, a medal insertion signal notifying the detection of a medal or money inserted is transmitted to the server13 (S3).

Then, in theimage display device8 of thestation4, theBET screen61 ofFIG. 3 is displayed (S4) and a reception of a player's bet operation is started (S5). A player who participates in a game operates thetouch panel50 to make a bet on aBET area72 relating to a number that the player expects, during the bet period for which a bet operation is allowed (refer toFIG. 3). In the mean time, the player can participate in a game in the course of the game after the bet period is started. In theroulette gaming machine1 according to this embodiment, maximum twelve players can play a game.

When a bet period end signal notifying that the bet period is over is received from the server13 (S6), the reception of a bet operation on thetouch panel50 is ended (S7). Then, bet information (theindicated bet area72, the number of chips (bet-number) bet on theindicated bet area72 and a bet type) about the bet that is performed by the player in thestation4 is transmitted to the server13 (S8).

Then, as shown inFIG. 12, thestation control CPU91 receives a result of a DOUBLE ODDS lottery from the server13 (S9). Here, the result of a DOUBLE ODDS lottery is a win or a loss in a “DOUBLE ODDS game”. Then, it is determined whether a win is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, based on the result of a DOUBLE ODDS lottery (S10). When it is determined that a win is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game” (S10: YES), a notifyingimage74 is displayed on the image display device8 (S11), as shown inFIG. 4.

After that, or when it is determined a loss is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game” (S10: NO), a payout result of credits, which is transmitted from theserver13, is received (S12). Then, based on the payout result, the credits are paid out (S13). To be more specific, the credit data is recorded in theRAM93, and when thecashout button48 is pushed, the medals according to the credit-number that is currently stored in the RAM93 (typically, one medal per one credit) are paid out from themedal payout slot9. Then, a process of turning on the WIN lamp is performed (S14) and theWIN lamp11 is turned on at a time of winning. After that, when a game is played continuously in any one ofstations4, the process returns to the step of S4, so that a bet period is again started to transit to a next game. On the other hand, when a game is ended in all thestations4, the game process routine for the station is ended.

(Game Process in the Server)

Theserver control CPU81 of theserver13 executes a game process routine for the server, which is shown inFIGS. 11 and 12. First, as shown inFIG. 11, a medal detection signal transmitted from any of thestations4 is received (S101) and a bet period for which a bet operation of a player is received is started (S102). Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet period becomes 5 seconds (S103). Meantime, the remaining bet period is displayed in the BETtime display section69, on the image display device8 (refer toFIG. 3). When it is determined that the remaining bet period does not become 5 seconds (S103: NO), the step of S103 is repeated and a wait state is sustained until the remaining bet period becomes 5 seconds. On the other hand, when it is determined that the remaining bet period becomes 5 seconds (S103: YES), the ball insertion device is driven to insert aball27 into the wheel22 (S104). Furthermore, the drive motor is driven to rotate thewheel22 at a predetermined rotating speed in a direction opposite to the ball inserting direction. The insertedball27 rolls on thewheel22 along theguide wall29. Then, 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 inwardly and reaches the center part of thewheel22 being rotated (refer toFIG. 6).

Then, it is determined whether the bet period is over or not (S105). When it is determined that the bet period is not over (S105: NO), the step of S105 is repeated and a wait state is sustained until the bet period is over. On the other hand, when it is determined that the bet period is over (S105: YES), a bet period end signal notifying that the bet period is over is transmitted to each of the stations4 (S106). Then, the bet information (theindicated bet area72, the number of chips (bet-number) bet on theindicated bet area72 and a bet type) about the bet that is performed by the player in each of thestations4 is received and stored in the RAM83 (S107.

After that, the credits corresponding to 0.5% of a sum of the credits bet in therespective stations4 are accumulatively added to the credit-number of a JP manner, which is recorded in the RAM83 (S108). Correspondingly, the display of the JPamount display unit15 orJP display section73 is updated.

Here, theball27, which is rolled onto thewheel22, passes over the numberedplates25 at the periphery of thewheel22 being rotated and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets23. As a result, the number (any one of “00”, “0” and “1” to “36” inFIG. 6) indicated on the numberedplate25 corresponding to the numberedpocket23 having theball27 received therein becomes a win number. After theball27 is received in the numberedpocket23 theserver control CPU81 drives thewin determining device86 to determine the numberedpocket23 into which theball27 is received (S109). Thereby, a win number is determined.

Then, as shown inFIG. 12, the severcontrol CPU81 performs a DOUBLE ODDS lottery (S10). A result of the DOUBLE ODDS lottery is transmitted to each station4 (S111). Then, it is determined whether a winning is made for the chips bet in eachstation4, based on the bet information received from eachstation4 and the win number (S112).

Then, a payout calculating process is executed (S113). In the payout calculating process, a win chip that is bet on the win number is recognized for eachstation4. When a winning is made, the ODDS management table (refer toFIG. 9) stored in theROM82 is referred to. Herein, for a game other than a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, the base ODDS is used and for a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, the specific ODDS is used, so that a sum of the payouts of credits to be paid out to eachstation4 is calculated.

After that, the payout result of credits based on the payout calculating process is transmitted to each station4 (S114). Then, the credit-number of a JP manner is subtracted, as required (S115). In other words, when a winning is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game”, a half of the payout to be paid out to a player is paid out from the credit-number of a JP manner. Correspondingly, the display of the JPamount display unit15 orJP display section73 is updated. Then, the ball collection device provided below thewheel22 is driven to collect theball27 on the wheel22 (S116). After that, when a game is continuously played in any one of thestations4, the process returns to the step of S102, so that abet period is again started. On the other hand, when the game is ended in all thestations4, the game process for the server is ended.

As described above, in a unit game that is executed in a ratio of once per several times, the payout ratio set for each bet type is switched from the base ratio to the specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio. Thereby, when the payout ratio is switched into the specific ratio, a payout that is awarded when a winning is made is doubled, as compared to a base. Therefore, a player's expectation can be increased without deteriorating a game characteristic of the conventional roulette gaming machine.

In the above embodiment, all players who participate in a unit game can enjoy a benefit that a payout to be awarded at a time of winning is larger than a base, through the “DOUBLE ODDS game.” However, it may be possible that only a player who pays an entry fee separately from the chip can enjoy a benefit that a payout to be awarded at a time of winning is higher than a base. In other words, it may be possible: when a winning is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game,” if a player having the winning has not paid an entry fee in advance, a payout for the player is calculated using the base ODDS. On the other hand, if a player having the winning has paid an entry fee in advance, a payout for the player is calculated using the specific ODDS.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when a winning is made in a “DOUBLE ODDS game,” a half of the payout is paid out from the credit-number of a JP manner. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, as described above, for a case where only a player who have paid an entry fee separately from the chip can enjoy a benefit that a payout to be awarded at a time of winning is larger than a base, the entry fee paid by the player may be accumulated and a part or all of the payout may be paid out from the total sum of the accumulated entry fees.

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

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

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A roulette gaming machine comprising:

a roulette device in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon;

a display that displays a plurality of bet areas each of which corresponding to at least one mark and one bet type and on each of which a game value is bet;

an input device that receives an operation from an outside; and

a controller programmed to perform operations of:

(a) betting a game value on a bet area associated with the operation received by the input device from the outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area;

(b) rolling the ball, thereby setting, as a specific mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ball;

(c) when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout on the basis of the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area; and

(d) randomly switching the payout ratio set for each bet type between a base ratio and a specific ratio higher than the base ratio.

2. A roulette gaming machine comprising:

an input device that receives an operation from an outside; and

a controller programmed to perform operations of:

(d) randomly switching the payout ratio set for each bet type between a base ratio and a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio.

3. A roulette gaming machine comprising:

an input device that receives an operation from an outside; and

a controller programmed to perform operations of:

(d) switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio higher than the base ratio, in a unit game that is executed in a ratio of once per a plurality of times.

4. A roulette gaming machine comprising:

an input device that receives an operation from an outside; and

a controller programmed to perform operations of:

(d) switching the payout ratio set for each bet type from a base ratio to a specific ratio that is twice as high as the base ratio, in a unit game that is executed in a ratio of once per a plurality of times.

5. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) betting a game value on a bet area, among a plurality of bet areas displayed on a display, associated with an operation received by an input device from an outside, in a bet type corresponding to the bet area;

(c) when the specific mark and the bet area on which the game value is bet have a corresponding relation, awarding a payout based on the game value bet on the bet area and a payout ratio set for the bet type corresponding to the bet area; and

6. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of:

7. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of:

8. A playing method of a roulette game that repeatedly executes a unit game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposed thereon, the method comprising the steps of: