USRE46473E1 - Slot-type gaming machine with improved cabinet - Google Patents

Abstract

A gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, an input device and a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, and opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed on the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess.

Description

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-160632, filed on 18 Jun. 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine, in which a gaming medium (a gaming value) such as a coin is used to play a game and a gaming value such as credit is provided to a player.

2. Related Art

Generally, a slot machine has a reel unit inside an upper portion of a cabinet, which performs a variable display of a plurality of symbols. On the other hand, inside a lower portion of the cabinet, a hopper that stores and discharges medals as gaming media and a power box are placed. An operation table that allows a player to operate the slot machine is attached to the front door.

Among such slot machines, a slot machine is disclosed, which has an opening in the front face of a cabinet, and a front door. The front door can open and close the opening such that an inspection of various units inside the cabinet such as a reel unit and easy and smooth filling of medals are performed (for example, refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,612, hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1).

However, when the slot machine disclosed inPatent Document 1 is installed in a hall where slot machines are juxtaposed, the slot machine is required to be installed with enough spacing with respect to an adjacent slot machine. The reason for this is that an operation table provided on the front door collides against the other operation table of the adjacent slot machine when the front door is opened for maintenance of the slot machine.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the abovementioned problems, and provides a novel gaming machine.

To solve the abovementioned problems, the present invention provides the following.

In an aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, an input device and a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, and opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet and displays information related to a game. The input device allows a player to perform operation related to the game. The controller performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed at the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess.

The gaming machine described above that can allow the operation table to avoid collision with an operation table of an adjacent gaming machine while the front door is in an open position. In this way, the gaming machine allows the front door to be opened enough to perform an easy maintenance inside the cabinet. In addition, since it is possible to save spacing between juxtaposed gaming machines, the number of gaming machines installed in a given area available for installation can be increased. Since the cutout is arranged to be on the closer side with respect to the hinge, the cutout comes close to an operation table of an adjacent gaming machine when the front door is in an open position. The gaming machine allows the operation table to be spaced a certain distance from the operation table of the adjacent gaming machine so as to avoid collision. In this way, the gaming machine allows the front door to be opened enough to perform easy maintenance inside the cabinet.

In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, in which the cutout is configured such that the operation table becomes hollow toward the cabinet.

The gaming machine, which has the cutout configured as described above, allows the operation table to avoid collision with an operation table of an adjacent gaming machine even if the cutout comes close to the operation table of the adjacent gaming machine. In this way, the gaming machine allows the front door to be opened enough to perform easy maintenance inside the cabinet. In addition, the gaming machine allows spacing relative to an adjacent gaming machine to be saved, thereby increasing the number of gaming machines to be installed in a given area available for installation.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a cabinet having a front opening, a front door, a display device, a bet button, a start button, an input device, a controller. The front door is pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet. The front door opens and closes the front opening. The display device is placed in the front face of the cabinet and displays information related to a game. The bet button allows a player to bet an arbitrary amount of bets. The start button allows a game to start in response to betting through the bet button. The input device has at least the bet button and the start button. The controller performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device. The front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet. The input device is placed at the operation table. A cutout is arranged such that a first side portion of the operation table closer to the hinge has a recess. A rest portion for allowing a player to rest a wrist is provided at a second side portion opposite to the first side portion. The start button is arranged so as to be on a closer side with respect to the rest portion on the operation table.

The gaming machine described above, which has the frequently used start button on the closer side with respect to the rest portion, allows the player to continue the game for a longer period of time by alleviating fatigue of the player.

According to the present invention, it is possible to open the front door enough to perform easy maintenance inside the cabinet. Also, it is possible to save spacing between adjacent gaming machines so as to increase the number of gaming machines installed in a given area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an enlarged view illustrating juxtaposed gaming machines with a front door of one gaming machine in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a gaming machine according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a front door of the gaming machine in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating gaming machines juxtaposed with a front door of one gaming machine in an open position;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of a speaker; and

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a player playing a game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the present embodiment, agaming machine1 has: acabinet2 having anopening29 provided in a front face thereof; afront door22 pivotally coupled to thecabinet2 by way of ahinge30 provided at a left side end of the front face of thecabinet2, used for opening and closing theopening29; a display disposed in a front face of thecabinet2, which displays information related to a game (amain display4 described later); an input device for carrying out operations related to the game (a 1-bet button11, a 3-bet button12, a 5-bet button13 and aspin button14 described later); and a controller that performs operations to execute a game in response to an input to the input device. Thefront door22 projecting forward from thecabinet2 has an operation table5 on which the input device is provided. Acutout21 is arranged to lie on a closer side of the front periphery of the operation table5 with respect to thehinge30. When a plurality ofgaming machines1 is juxtaposed and afront door22 is opened, an operation table5a of afirst gaming machine1a does not collide with an operation table5b of asecond gaming machine1b which is adjacent to thefirst gaming machine1a. Accordingly, thegaming machine1 allows thefront door22 to be opened enough for an easy maintenance inside the cabinet. Furthermore, this can make spacing between the adjacent gaming machines smaller, and increase the number ofgaming machines1 which can be installed in a given installation area.

Thegaming machine1 according to the present embodiment is described hereinafter with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6. First, a schematic configuration of thegaming machine1 of the present embodiment is described with reference toFIG. 1.

Outline ofGaming Machine1

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of thegaming machine1.FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating afront door22 of thegaming machine1 in an open position. InFIGS. 2 and 3, thegaming machine1 is an upright slot machine to be installed in game halls such as a casino, having acabinet2 for storing electronic and mechanical components for performing a game. Thecabinet2 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped having anopening29 in a front face thereof. Thefront door22 that closes theopening29 is pivotally attached to thecabinet2 by way of ahinge30 provided on a left side end portion of the front face of thecabinet2. Asub display3 is disposed in an upper portion of the front face of thecabinet2, and amain display4 is disposed in a central portion of the front face of thecabinet2.

Thesub display3 constituted of a liquid crystal display displays an award table, which shows odds and the like indicating an award per single medal provided for a player winning the game, while thegaming machine1 is in a base game or a standby state. Thesub display3 is tilted forward with respect to thegaming machine1 so as to be more visually beneficial to the player, whose line of sight lies substantially at a height of themain display4. A detailed configuration of themain display4 is described later.

An operation table5, which projects forward from the front face of thecabinet2, is disposed below themain display4. On the operation table5, aCHANGE button6, aCASH OUT button7, and aHELP button8 are disposed from the left. Acoin slot9 and abill slot10 are disposed on the right side of the HELP button B. In addition, in a front portion of the operation table5, a 1-bet button11, a 3-bet button12, and a 5-bet button13 are disposed from the left. In a right portion of the operation table5, a SPIN/REPEAT-bet button (hereinafter referred to as a “spin button”)14 is disposed.

Here, theCHANGE button6 is pressed by a player to change a bill inserted into thebill slot10. The changed coins are discharged through acoin payout opening15 to acoin tray16 provided in a lower portion of thecabinet2. A CHANGE switch is connected to theCHANGE button6. When theCHANGE button6 is pressed by a player, the CHANGE switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

The CASH OUTbutton7 is pressed by a player at the end of a base game to cash out coins obtained in the game to thecoin tray16 through thecoin payout opening15. A CASH OUT switch is connected to theCASH OUT button7. When theCASH OUT button7 is pressed by a player, the CASH OUT switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

TheHELP button8 is pressed by a player when she is unfamiliar with how to play the game. When theHELP button8 is pressed, thesub display3 and themain display4 display various kinds of help information. A HELP switch is connected to theHELP button8. When theHELP button8 is pressed, the HELP switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

In addition, when an award table is not displayed on thesub display3 during a game, the award table appears on thesub display3 in response to theHELP button8 pressed by a player.

A coin sensor is disposed at thecoin slot9. When a coin is inserted into thecoin slot9, the coin sensor outputs a coin detection signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1. A bill sensor is disposed at thebill slot10. When a bill is inserted into thebill slot10, the bill sensor outputs a bill detection signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

The 1-bet button11 is used to bet a coin one by one and can be pressed to bet up to three times. A 1-bet switch is connected to the 1-bet button11. When the 1-bet button11 is pressed, the 1-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

The 3-bet button12 is pressed to start a game with 3 coins bet. A 3-bet switch is connected to the 3-bet button12. When the 3-bet button12 is pressed, the 3-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1. The 5-bet button13 is pressed to start a game with 5 coins bet or to start a bonus game which provides a special gaming mode which is advantageous to the player. A 5-bet switch is connected to the 5-bet button13. When the 5-bet button13 is pressed, the 5-bet switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1.

Thespin button14 is used as a game start button to start a game on condition that a bet has been made by way of thebet button11,12 or13. Thespin button14 is pressed by a player to start rotation of reels (described later) so as to execute a game with the present bet amount or the previous bet amount. Thespin button14, which must be pressed at the beginning of each game, is a frequently used button. Accordingly, thespin button14 is preferably provided on the right hand side of the operation table5 of agaming machine1 designed for right-handed players. On the contrary, thespin button14 is preferably provided on the left hand side agaming machine1 designed for left-handed players. A spin switch is connected to thespin button14. When thespin button14 is pressed, the spin switch outputs a switch signal to a CPU device and the like, which control thegaming machine1. In addition, bet amounts allowed for a player to wager by pressing thespin button14 are 1, 2, 3, and 5.

In a lower portion of thecabinet2, thecoin payout opening15 is formed and thecoin tray16 is provided, which receives coins discharged through thecoin payout opening15. A coin detector is provided inside thecoin payout opening15 for detecting the number of coins discharged through thecoin payout opening15.

Reels and Main Display

Subsequently, a description is given of a detailed configuration of themain display4 and five reels (not shown) rotatably provided behind themain display4 in thecabinet2.

Themain display4 is a panel that provides a display of rotation of symbols to which a player pays continuous attention. Themain display4 has atransparent touch panel31 disposed on the front face thereof and a transparent liquid crystal display, which is translucent and fixed to thefront door22 of thecabinet2. Five transparent display windows (not shown) are provided on themain display4. Behind themain display4, five mechanical reels are disposed in parallel, and supported independently and rotatably. Each of the five reels is disposed so as to face each of the display windows formed on themain display4.

A plurality of kinds of symbols is arranged on an outer peripheral surface of each reel. Three symbols are externally visible through each of the display windows for each of the five mechanical reels disposed inside thecabinet2. A plurality of pay lines (not shown) that traverses the five display windows horizontally and obliquely is also displayed on themain display4. Themain display4 is tilted back to allow a player, whose line of sight lies substantially at a height of themain display4, to turn her eyes slightly downward at themain display4 so as to allow her to have a comfortable posture. Although the mechanical reels disposed behind themain display4 to variably display the symbols have been described above, video reels can alternatively be displayed on themain display4. In addition, the number of reels is not limited to 5.

A winning combination is predetermined based on a combination of plurality of kinds of symbols. When a combination matching a winning combination of symbols is statically displayed along a pay line, coins are discharged through thecoin payout opening15 in accordance with the winning combination. Nine symbols printed on a long slip of sticker, which has a compatible width and circumferential length of a reel, is typically attached to the circumferential surface of the reel. However, it is apparent that the symbols may alternatively be provided in other ways.

In the present embodiment, only a center line is set as a pay line. The pay line is displayed on themain display4 when a player plays a game by rotating and stopping the reels by pressing the 1-bet button11, the 3-bet button12, or 5-bet button13, and then pressing thespin button14. On the contrary, when a player plays various bonus games obtained, which provide special gaming modes advantageous to the player, by pressing the 5-bet button13, the pay line disappears from themain display4.

Aticket printer34 is installed on the left, below themain display4, which outputs tickets with information in accordance with the displayed result on themain display4.

The operation table5 projecting from the front face of thecabinet2 is disposed below theticket printer34. In addition, alower panel17 is disposed below the operation table5, which is a plastic panel having a printed image related to the game. Thelower panel17 is illuminated by way of a cold-cathode tube. Furthermore, below thelower panel17, thecoin tray16 is provided for accumulating coins paid out according to a result of the game.

Front Door

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, thegaming machine1 has thefront door22 with themain display4 and the operation table5, and a lowerfront door33 with thelower panel17 and thecoin tray16. Thefront door22 and the lowerfront door33 are configured to swing open so as to implement better workability in opening and closing thesedoors22 and33. Thefront door22 is provided at the front of thecabinet2 and is supported on the left end portion of thecabinet2 by thehinge30. Since thefront door22 is attached to the left end portion of thecabinet2 via thehinge30 and the front face of thecabinet2 is tilted back, thefront door22 can be opened not less than 90 degrees while lifting up the right portion of thefront door22.

As shown inFIG. 3, the lowerfront door33 swings open along with thefront door22. Accordingly, alarge opening29 appears at the front of thecabinet2. While thefront door22 is open, the reels and wiring disposed inside thecabinet2 can undergo maintenance, and a collection box (not shown) in thecabinet2 can be exposed. The collection box is used for collecting bills inserted through thebill slot10. In addition, a coin hopper (not shown) is also installed in theopening29, which accumulates the coins inserted from thecoin slot9. Thecoin tray16 receives the coins that are discharged by the coin hopper as necessary.

Thecoin tray16 is fixed at the bottom end of the front face of the lowerfront door33 that is mainly used for collecting bills and the like. Thecoin tray16 extends across substantially the entire width of the lowerfront door33 and accumulates the coins discharged from the coin hopper installed inside thecabinet2. When an internal maintenance operation of thegaming machine1 is required or collection of bills from the collection box in thegaming machine1 is required for a case where the accumulated coins reach above the upper rim of thecoin tray16, thefront door22 and the lowerfront door33 in an open position do not interfere with the operation carried out inside thecabinet2, thereby improving the efficiency of operation. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, this is implemented by the fact that thecoin tray16 moves to a position to avoid contact with an operator while thefront door22 and the lowerfront door33 are in an open position. Thecoin tray16 is used not only to accumulate the gaming medium discharged from thegaming machine1 such as medals, tokens, tickets and the like, but also to hold belongings of the player (for example, cigarettes and a hand bag).

Operation Table

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 6, the operation table5 is disposed in front of thecabinet2 and below themain display4. The operation table5 laterally extends along the width direction of thefront door22. The operation table5 projects forward from thefront door22, which is pivotally attached to thecabinet2 via thehinge30 provided on the left thereof.

The upper face of the operation table5 is tilted so as to make a portion closer to aplayer28 lower than that closer to thecabinet2, allowing theplayer28 to lean comfortably against the operation table5 by placing their hands thereon. The 1-bet button11, the 3-bet button12, the 5-bet button13 and the like, which are the input device for instructing the execution of a game, are provided on the operation table5. On the right of the operation table5, thespin button14 is provided, which is used as a game start button to start a game under the condition that a bet has been made by thebet button11,12 or13.

Acutout21, whose periphery is a concave recessed toward thecabinet2, is provided on the left side (a side closer to the hinge30) of the front end portion of the operation table5. Awrist rest36 for supporting a wrist of theplayer28 is provided on the right side of the operation table5. Thewrist rest36 projects from the front end portion of the operation table5 toward theplayer28. The front end of thewrist rest36 has a shape of a gentle arc swelling outwardly toward theplayer28. Since thespin button14, which is frequently used by theplayer28 to start each game, is provided in a portion of the operation table5 closer to thewrist rest36, as shown inFIG. 6, thegaming machine1 can alleviate fatigue experienced by theplayer28, allowing her to play a game for a longer time.

In the present embodiment, since a description has been given of thegaming machine1 designed for right-handed players, it has thewrist rest36 on the right portion. However, agaming machine1 designed for left-handed players preferably has awrist rest36 on the left portion of an operation table5. In this case, acutout21 is provided on the right portion of the operation table5, and afront door22 is pivotally attached to acabinet2 via ahinge30 disposed on the right portion of thecabinet2.

Thelower panel17 is provided below the operation table5. Thelower panel17 is formed by laminating a film having a logo showing the name of the gaming machine and an image of characters and the like thereon, and a transparent acrylic plate. Thelower panel17 is disposed at a lower front face of thecabinet2. A cold-cathode tube (not shown) is installed behind thelower panel17, and light irradiated from the cold-cathode tube penetrates thelower panel17 and lights up the logo and the image of characters and the like shown thereon. Accordingly, the image shown on thelower panel17 becomes more visible to the audience watching the slot game from behind theplayer28. In this way, thegaming machine1 can differentiate itself from other types of gaming machines and increase its attractiveness.

Speakers and Exterior Frames

As shown inFIG. 2,speakers20L and20R for generating sound effects for the game are provided at the front face of thecabinet2, between themain display4 and the operation table5.

Thespeakers20L and20R are configured to add effects for the game by generating sound relating to the game in response to a signal from a controller, and are controlled by the controller to generate sound independently from each other. Therefore, the right and leftspeakers20R and20L can produce sound with enhanced stereo effects, allowing the player to feel excited.

Exterior frames19L and19R are provided on both sides of thefront door22 on the front face of thecabinet2, along a height direction. The exterior frames19L and19R have the same length as the length from the upper end of thefront door22 to the side portion of the operation table5. The exterior frames19L and19R are attached to be integral with both lateral end portions of thefront door22, and at the same time installed at the side portions of the operation table5.

As shown inFIG. 5, theexterior frame19R installed on the right of thefront door22 has a C-shapedspeaker space26R. The position of the C-shaped speaker space is arranged to lie between themain display4 and the operation table5. The C-shaped speaker space bulges out in the width direction of thefront door22.

Thespeaker20R includes: aspeaker body25 for outputting sound; aspeaker box24 for housing thespeaker body25; and aspeaker grill23 provided on the front face of thespeaker box24 for protection thereof. The front face of thespeaker body25 is fixed to the front wall of thespeaker box24, which is fixed inside the speaker space26 provided in theexterior frame19R. The size of thespeaker space26R provided in theexterior frame19R is substantially the same as the size of thespeaker20R. Thespeaker20R can thus be fixed inside the speaker space26. Therefore, thespeaker20R can easily be attached to thefront door22 by way of theexterior frame19R.

FIG. 5 is an exploded enlarged view of thespeaker20R disposed on the right of thecabinet2. It should be noted that thespeaker20L disposed on the left of thecabinet2 is similarly configured to have a mirrored image ofFIG. 5.

Thus, it is possible to easily integrate thespeakers20L and120R with thecabinet2 by way of theexterior frames19L and19R, restricting thespeakers20L and20R from projecting too much from the sides of thegaming machine1. This allows a plurality ofgaming machines1 to be closely juxtaposed in a hall and the like. In this way, it is possible to save spacing between theadjacent gaming machines1, thereby increasing the number ofgaming machines1 installed in a given installation area. In addition, since thespeakers20L and20R can be protected by the exterior frames19L and19R, it is possible to protect thespeakers20L and20R from possible damage during transportation of thegaming machine1.

Furthermore, the exterior frames19L and19R, which are formed of sheet metal and a chrome plated ABS resin disposed thereon, have high stiffness. In case a foreign object hits thegaming machine1 during transportation and the like, the exterior frames19L and19R protect thespeakers20L and20R installed in thespeaker spaces26L and26R from shock, thereby preventing damage to thespeakers20L and20R. In addition, the exterior frames19L and19R with high stiffness prevent a malicious person who tries forcefully open theexterior frames19L and19R from damaging thegaming machine1.

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 6, the exterior frames19L and19R extend from the upper end of thefront door22 to both sides of the operation table5. Thespeaker spaces26L and26R provided in the exterior frames19L and19R are arranged so as to lie between themain display4 and the operation table5. In addition, thespeaker spaces26L and26R arranged to lie at the front of thefront door22 and at the side portions of the operation table5.

Since thespeakers20L and20R are arranged to lie at the front face of thecabinet2, they are allowed to be closer to theplayer28 compared to when they are disposed on the side faces of thecabinet2. In this way, thespeakers20L and20R produce sound with presence that stimulates theplayer28. Also, the close location of thespeakers20L and20R relative to theplayer28, which is implemented without causing the operation table5 to project forward too much, contributes the production of sound with presence.

As shown inFIG. 6, thespeakers20L and20R are arranged to be parallel to themain display4 at the front of thecabinet2. Front faces of thespeakers20L and20R are tilted back so as to be oriented toward the ears of the player. This can orient the sound of the speakers to the player and improve sound effects.

When thefront door22 is opened for inspection and maintenance of the reels and wiring inside thecabinet2, thespeakers20L and20R, integrated with thefront door22 via the exterior frames19L and19R, move integrally with thefront door22.

In addition, if thespeakers20L and20R are arranged to lie substantially at the height of the ears of theplayer28, sound with more presence can be provided to the player, because the sound is produced at a position closer to the ears of the player.

A description is given of a case where first andsecond gaming machines1a and1b are juxtaposed with reference toFIGS. 1 and 4. The description is focused on a relation between acutout21a of thefirst gaming machine1a and an operation table5b of thesecond gaming machine1b, while afront door22a of thefirst gaming machine1a is an open position.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating thefront door22a in an open position of thefirst gaming machine1a that is juxtaposed with thesecond gaming machine1b.FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the operation tables5a and5b ofFIG. 4.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 4, when inspection and maintenance of thefirst gaming machine1a are carried out, thefront door22a can be opened, which pivots about a hinge provided on the left of thefront door22a.

In this case, thecutout21a on the left of the operation table5a of the firstgamine machine1a is likely to collide with the right end of awrist rest36b on the right of the operation table5b of thesecond gaming machine1b. Since a curved recess provided by thecutout21a avoids interference with thewrist rest36b, and thecutout21a of thefirst gaming machine1a is spaced a given distance from thewrist rest36b of the adjacentsecond gaming machine1b, thefront door22a of thefirst gaming machine1a can be opened enough to perform easy maintenance inside the cabinet. Furthermore, since this can save spacing between theadjacent gaming machines1a and1b, it is possible to increase the number ofgaming machines1 that can be installed in a given area available for installation.

It should be noted that the present invention is not restricted to the above embodiments and various modifications and changes can be made.

Claims (29)

What is claimed is:

1. A gaming machine, comprising:

a cabinet having a front opening;

a front door pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, the front door opening and closing the front opening;

a display device that is placed in the front face of the cabinet and displays information related to a game;

an input device for allowing a player to perform an operation related to the game; and

a controller that performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device,

wherein the front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet,

wherein the input device is placed on the operation table,

wherein a side portion located at a front end of the operation table closer to the hinge is provided with a cutout portion such that a contour of the operation table is asymmetrically configured,

wherein the cutout portion is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table extends along the width direction of the front door,

wherein the side portion of the operation table including the cutout portion has a smaller lateral width than the remaining portions of the operation table when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,

wherein the operation table maintains a same position with respect to the front door regardless of whether the front door is opened or closed, and

wherein in the operation table, which maintains a same position with respect to the front door, the cutout portion maintains a same position with respect to the front door when the front door is closed.

2. The gaming machine according toclaim 1, wherein the cutout portion is concaved toward the cabinet.

3. The gaming machine according toclaim 1, wherein the cutout portion is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

4. The gaming machine according toclaim 1, wherein the cutout portion is formed so as to be concaved toward the cabinet, at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

5. The gaming machine according toclaim 1, wherein the cutout portion is formed at an end of the operation table distal to the front door.

6. A gaming machine, comprising:

a cabinet having a front opening;

a front door pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, the front door opening and closing the front opening;

a display device that is placed in the front face of the cabinet and displays information related to a game;

a bet button for allowing an arbitrary amount of bets;

a start button for allowing a game to start in response to betting through the bet button;

an input device that has at least the bet button and the start button;

a controller that performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device,

wherein the front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet,

wherein the input device is placed on the operation table,

wherein a first side portion located at a front end of the operation table closer to the hinge is provided with a cutout such that a contour of the operation table is asymmetrically configured,

wherein the cutout is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table extends along the width direction of the front door,

wherein the first side portion provided with the cutout has a smaller width of the operation table than the other portions of the operation table when viewed from the front of the gaming machine,

wherein a rest portion is provided at a second side portion opposite to the first side portion,

wherein the start button is arranged so as to be on a closer side with respect to the rest portion on the operation table,

wherein the operation table maintains a same position with respect to the front door regardless of whether the front door is opened or closed, and

wherein in the operation table, which maintains a same position with respect to the front door, the cutout portion maintains a same position with respect to the front door when the front door is closed.

7. The gaming machine according toclaim 6, wherein the cutout portion is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

8. The gaming machine according toclaim 6, wherein the cutout portion is formed so as to be concaved toward the cabinet, at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

9. The gaming machine according toclaim 6, wherein the cutout portion is formed at an end of the operation table distal to the front door.

10. A gaming machine, comprising:

a cabinet having a front opening;

a front door pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge that is attached to a lateral end portion at a front face of the cabinet, the front door opening and closing the front opening;

a display device that is placed in the front face of the cabinet and displays information related to a game;

an input device for allowing a player to perform an operation related to the game; and

a controller that performs processing related to execution of the game in response to an input to the input device,

wherein the front door has an operation table that projects forward from the cabinet,

wherein the input device is placed on the operation table,

wherein the operation table including an asymmetrically contoured front face comprises a cutout portion and a protruding portion,

wherein the cutout portion is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table extends along the width direction of the front door,

wherein the cutout portion is disposed proximate a lateral side of the cabinet including the hinge,

wherein the protruding portion is disposed distal a lateral side of the cabinet including the hinge,

wherein the cutout portion is disposed toward the cabinet relative to the protruding portion,

wherein the cutout portion allows the front door to be opened so as to minimize interference of the operation table with a structure adjacent the cabinet and proximate the hinge,

wherein the operation table maintains a same position with respect to the front door regardless of whether the front door is opened or closed, and

wherein in the operation table, which maintains a same position with respect to the front door, the cutout portion maintains a same position with respect to the front door when the front door is closed.

11. The gaming machine according toclaim 10, wherein the cutout portion is formed at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

12. The gaming machine according toclaim 10, wherein the cutout portion is formed so as to be concaved toward the cabinet, at a front and toward a periphery of the operation table, which operation table has substantially the same width as the front door.

13. The gaming machine according toclaim 10, wherein the cutout portion is formed at an end of the operation table distal to the front door.

14. A gaming machine, comprising:

a cabinet having a front opening and a front door pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge disposed on a lateral side thereof, the front door including an operation table that maintains a fixed position relative to the front door and projects forward from the front door; wherein,

the operation table extends along a width of the front door and includes an asymmetrical front edge perimeter, which forms an operation table side corresponding to a recess and an operation table side corresponding to a projection; and wherein,

the operation table side corresponding to the recess is substantially disposed on that side of the front door including the hinge and the operation table side corresponding to the projection is substantially disposed on that side of the front door opposite the hinge.

15. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the operation table extends from the front door in a direction that is substantially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the front door.

16. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the operation table includes a substantially planar upper surface inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the front door.

17. The gaming machine of claim 16, wherein the operation table includes an input device for performing a gaming machine operation.

18. The gaming machine of claim 17, wherein the gaming machine comprises a wagering-type gaming machine including:

a display device that displays game information;

a controller that executes game operations in response to an input to the input device; and,

a value-addition mechanism comprising at least one of a bill sensor and a ticker printer.

19. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the operation table substantially extends along the entire width of the front door.

20. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the operation table side corresponding to the recess has a length that is less than that of the operation table side corresponding to the projection.

21. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the operation table side corresponding to the recess has a depth from the front door that is less than that of the operation table side corresponding to the projection.

22. The gaming machine of claim 14, wherein the asymmetrical front edge corresponding to the operation table side corresponding to the recess includes a portion thereof that is concave relative to the front door and the asymmetrical front edge corresponding to the operation table side corresponding to the projection includes a portion thereof that is convex relative to the front door.

23. A gaming machine enclosure comprising:

a cabinet having a front opening and a front door pivotably coupled to the cabinet via a hinge disposed on a lateral side thereof, the front door including an operation table that extends forward from the front door and that maintains a fixed position relative to the front door, the operation table including a substantially planar upper surface that is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the front door; wherein,

the operation table extends along a width of the front door and includes an asymmetrical front edge perimeter, which forms an operation table side corresponding to a recess and an operation table side corresponding to a projection; and wherein,

the operation table side corresponding to the recess is substantially disposed on that side of the operation table proximate the hinge, and the operation table side corresponding to the projection is substantially disposed on that side of the operation table opposite the hinge.

24. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the operation table extends from the front door in a direction that is substantially transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of the front door.

25. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the operation table includes an input button for performing a gaming machine operation.

26. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the operation table substantially extends along the entire width of the front door.

27. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the operation table side corresponding to the recess has a length that is less than that of the operation table side corresponding to the projection.

28. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the operation table side corresponding to the recess has a depth from the front door that is less than that of the operation table side corresponding to the projection.

29. The gaming machine enclosure of claim 23, wherein the asymmetrical front edge corresponding to the operation table side corresponding to the recess includes a portion thereof that is concave relative to the front door, and the asymmetrical front edge corresponding to the operation table side corresponding to the projection includes a portion thereof that is convex relative to the front door.

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