Gaming Apparatus and Playing Method Thereof

Abstract

In a gaming machine of the present invention, a player places a bet by operating a gaming terminal for a roulette game displayed on a roulette device, for example. A betting operation of the player at the gaming terminal will not be accepted during a period in which it is not appropriate to accept the bet on the current roulette game in view of a proceeding of the roulette game. The player who is not participating in the roulette game can place a bet in a sub game which is related to a result of the currently proceeding roulette game, during a period in which the betting operation is not accepted.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/881,481, filed on Jan. 22, 2007; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which players participate in a game displayed by a game execution device through operations of gaming terminals connected to the game execution device via a network, and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of the Related Art

In U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0059474, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0282618, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0218590, a gaming machine in which players participate in a game displayed on a communal display through operations of the players at gaming terminals connected to the communal display via a network is disclosed.

The present invention has an object of providing new entertainment characteristics by adding a menu which is different from a menu for participating in a game displayed by a game execution device such as a communal display.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus which comprises a game execution device for executing a first game; a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted; and a game controller connected to the gaming terminals. The game controller is operable to: (a) set a betting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, and (d) execute the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when there is a period in which the players cannot make bets during the execution of the first game, the second game related to the first game is provided to the player who is not betting on the first game during that period. In this way, the waiting time of the players can be eliminated and a gaming machine in which players can make bets any time can be provided. The second game of which content is related to the first game is provided, so that the interests of the players in the first game can be aroused. In this way, it becomes easier for many players to participate in games, so that it is possible to provide energized games.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus which comprises a game execution device for executing a first game; a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted; a memory for storing payout data in which options on which the player's bet can be placed on the second game and payout rates for respective options are set in relation; a game controller connected to the gaming terminals. The game controller is operable to: (a) set a betting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, (d) display the options and the payout rates according to the payout data at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed, and (e) accept the player's bet of the game media on any of the options in the second game at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet in the first game is not placed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the options of which contents are related to the first game and the payout rates for these options are displayed in the second game. The player can bet credits on any of these options. As the payout rates are previously displayed, the player can enjoy the game by predicting whether the option will win or not while viewing the payout rates. Also, the player can receive the payout according to the bet credits and the payout rate.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus which comprises a game execution device for executing a first game; a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted; and a game controller connected to the gaming terminals. The game controller is operable to: (a) set abetting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, (d) accept the player's bet of the game media on any of options in the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet in the first game is not placed, (e) determine a payout rate for one of the options when the bet on any of the options for the second game is accepted, and (f) display the payout rate of the accepted option at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the payout rate of the second game is determined by a prescribed processing. In this way, it is possible to provide games with higher entertainment characteristics to the players.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine (the gaming machine has a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at a game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted) which comprises: betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game; executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game; and executing the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, even when there is a period in which the players cannot make bets during the execution of the first game, the second game related to the first game is provided to the player who is not betting on the first game during that period. In this way, the waiting time of the players can be eliminated and a gaming machine in which players can make bets any time can be provided. The second game of which content is related to the first game is provided, so that the interests of the players in the first game can be aroused. In this way, it becomes easier for many players to participate in games, so that it is possible to provide energized games.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine (the gaming machine has a game execution device and a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at the game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted) which comprises: betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game; executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game; displaying betting options and payout rates of the options for the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed; and accepting bets of the game media on any of the options in the second game, at those gaming terminals at which bets in the first game are not placed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the options of which contents are related to the first game and the payout rates for these options are displayed in the second game. The player can bet credits on any of these options. As the payout rates are previously displayed, the player can enjoy the game by predicting whether the option will win or not while viewing the payout rates. Also, the player can receive the payout according to the bet credits and the payout rate.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine (the gaming machine has a game execution device and a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at the game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted) which comprises: betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game; executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game; accepting the player's bet of the game media on any of options for the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed; determining a payout rate for one of the options when the bet on any of the options for the second game is accepted; and displaying the payout rate of the accepted option at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the payout rate of the second game is determined by a prescribed processing. In this way, it is possible to provide games with higher entertainment characteristics to the players.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing an outline of a processing of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a perspective view of a gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a perspective view of an outward appearance of a schematic configuration of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a plan view of a roulette device according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one example of a control data.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one example of an image to be displayed on a display.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a memory area of a ROM of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a memory area of a RAM of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is block diagram showing an internal configuration of a roulette device according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a memory area of a ROM of a roulette device according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of a gaming terminal, a server and a roulette device of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of a gaming terminal, a server and a roulette device of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of a server and a roulette device of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of a gaming terminal and a server of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing one example of an image to be displayed on a display of a gaming terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing an outline of a processing of a roulette game machine according to an exemplary modification of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing gaming processings of a gaming terminal and a server of a roulette game machine according to an exemplary modification of an embodiment of the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing one example of an image to be displayed on a display of a gaming terminal according to an exemplary modification of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing one example of a sub game selection screen to be displayed on a display of a gaming terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a flow chart showing a control method of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a roulette game machine in which a plurality of players can participate and a playing method thereof will be described as an example of a gaming machine. This roulette game machine has a plurality of gaming terminals that can be used by players. This roulette game machine is a stand-alone type game machine that is not connected to an external network such as the Internet. However, the present invention is also applicable to a gaming machine that is connected to an external network.

In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a betting accepting period and a game execution period are set previously for a roulette game which is a main game to be executed. The betting accepting period is a period during which it is possible to accept betting from each gaming terminal 4. The game execution period is a period during which a roulette game is executed after the betting accepting period.

Besides a main game, the gaming machine 1 executes a sub game related to a main game. This sub game is one in which the player(s) who is not betting on the main game can participate, during the game execution period of the main game. More specifically, in the case where the main game is a roulette game, this sub game is a game for betting on “would a ball fall into a pocket number 00 or not?” or “would a total payout of all participants of the roulette game be greater than 1000 chips or not?” and so on. The gaming machine 1 may determine which game is to be executed by the player. Also, the player himself may select the sub game that he wishes to play among a plurality of sub games. This sub game will be executed after the betting accepting period of the main game is ended.

In the present embodiment, in the course of the game as described above, the betting of the game media in the roulette game will be accepted during the betting accepting period at a plurality of gaming terminals 4 (step S101). Then, whether the betting acceptance in the roulette game is ended or not is judged (step S102). When it is judged that the betting acceptance is not ended, the processing returns to the step S101, and the betting on the roulette game will be accepted. On the other hand, when it is judged that the betting acceptance in the roulette game is ended, or more specifically, when it is in the game execution period, the gaming machine 1 proceeds with the roulette game (step S103). Here, the game media are cash, chips, medals, etc., that are used at the gaming machine 1.

When the betting accepting period in the roulette game is ended, the betting on the sub game will be accepted at the gaming terminals 4 (step S104). At this point, the gaming machine 1 displays the options and payout rates of the sub game at the gaming terminals 4 (step S105). The options are targets of betting on the sub game and related to a result of the roulette game (main game). The payout rate is payout credits per one gaming media when the bet gaming media wins. For example, in the case where the sub game is a game for betting on “would a ball fall into a pocket number 00 or not?” or “would a total payout of all participants of the roulette game be greater than 1000 chips or not?”, the options will be “YES” or “NO”.

When the betting information is determined at the gaming terminal 4, the betting information is transmitted to the server 13. The server 13 receives the betting information from the gaming terminal 4 (step S106).

Next, whether the roulette game is over or not is judged (step S107). In the case where it is judged that the roulette game is not over, the processing returns to the step S104. Then, the gaming machine 1 will accept the betting of the game media to the sub game from the gaming terminal 4 that is not participating in the roulette game.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the roulette game is over, the result of the roulette game is acquired (step S108). Here, the result of the roulette game is a pocket number into which the ball 27 fell. Next, the gaming machine 1 determines the winning option of the sub game according to the result of the roulette game acquired at the step S108. For example, in the case where the sub game is a game for predicting “would a ball fall into a pocket number 00 or not?”, the winning option is determined according to whether the roulette game result of the step S108 is “00” or not. On the other hand, in the case where the sub game is a game for predicting “would a total payout of all participants of the roulette game be greater than 1000 chips or not?”, the total payout to all the players who bet in the roulette game is calculated, and the winning option is determined according to that result. In addition, the payout credit for the betting on the winning option in the sub game is calculated according to the game result of the step S108. In addition, the gaming machine 1 transmits the calculated payout credit to each gaming terminal 4 (step S109).

In this way, according to the present embodiment, the sub game will be started to the player(s) who is not betting on the main game after the betting accepting period of the main game is ended. Namely, in the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an opportunity to play to even the player(s) who could not participate in the main game, by providing the sub game that is related to the main game to the player(s) who joined during a period when the betting on the main game cannot be placed.

Also, since the payout rate is previously displayed, the player can enjoy the game by predicting whether the betting to the sub game will win or not while watching the payout rate of the option.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gaming terminal used in the control method of the gaming machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an outward appearance showing a schematic configuration of the roulette game machine according to the embodiment of the present invention which has the gaming terminal of FIG. 2.

The gaming terminal 4 shown in FIG. 2 is provided in plurality at the roulette game machine 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 (corresponding to the gaming machine of the present invention). Besides these, the roulette game machine 1 has a roulette device 2 (corresponding to the game execution device of the present invention) and a server 13. The gaming terminals 4, the roulette device 2 and the server 13 can be connected by a local area network or the like.

At the roulette device 2, the roulette game will be executed under the control of the server 13, and the game will be displayed to the players. The players use a plurality of gaming terminals 4 that are arranged around the roulette device 2, in order to participate in the roulette game displayed by the roulette device 2. In the present embodiment, the roulette game machine 1 has nine gaming terminals 4. Consequently, at most nine players can participate in the communal roulette game simultaneously.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a roulette device provided in a roulette game machine of FIG. 3.

As shown in FIG. 4, the roulette device 2 has a frame 21, and a roulette wheel 22 which is accommodated and supported rotatably inside the frame 21. On an upper surface of the roulette wheel 22, a plurality (38 in total in the present embodiment) of number pockets 23 is formed. In addition, on an upper surface of the roulette wheel 22 on an outer side of the number pockets 23, number plates 25 are provided for displaying numbers “0”, “00”, “1” to “36” in correspondence to the respective number pockets 23.

A ball entering hole 36 is opened on the inner periphery of the frame 21. The ball entering hole 36 is connected to a ball entering device 104 (see FIG. 10). In conjunction with the activation of the ball entering device 104, a ball 27 will be entered onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball entering hole 36. Also, a hemispherical transparent acrylic cover 28 covers over the roulette device 2 (see FIG. 3).

A wheel driving motor 106 (see FIG. 10) is provided on a lower side of the roulette wheel 22. In conjunction with the activation of the wheel driving motor 106, the roulette wheel 22 will be rotated. Metal plates (not shown) are attached at prescribed intervals on a lower surface of the roulette wheel 22. As a proximity sensor of a pocket position detection circuit 107 (see FIG. 10) detects these metal plates, a position of the number pocket 23 is detected.

The frame 21 is gently inclined toward an inner side, and a guide wall 29 is formed on its middle section. The entered ball 27 is rolled by being guided by the guide wall 29 due to its centrifugal force. The ball 27 rolls down the slope of the frame 21 toward the inner side as the rotational speed decreases and the centrifugal force becomes weaker, and reaches to the rotating roulette wheel 22. Then, the ball 27 that reached to the roulette wheel 22 further falls into one of the number pockets 23 by passing over the number plates 25 on an outer side of the rotating roulette wheel 22. As a result, the number on the number plate 25 of the number pocket 23 into which the ball fell is judged by a ball sensor 105, and this number will become a winning number.

The rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the shooting of the ball 27 are controlled according to a control data. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exemplary control data.

As shown in FIG. 5, six control data 1 to 6 are provided in the present embodiment. Each of the control data 1 to 6 contains a motor driving time, a ball initial speed, and a shooting delay time.

The motor driving time is a time for activating the wheel driving motor 106 (see FIG. 10). The roulette wheel 22 is rotated at a prescribed rotational speed by the wheel driving motor 106 for duration of the motor driving time. Note that after the activation of the wheel driving motor 106 is released, the rotational speed of the roulette wheel 22 will gradually decrease and come to stop eventually. The ball initial speed is an initial speed at a time of shooting the ball 27 by the ball entering device 104. The shooting delay time is a time since a prescribed number pocket 23 passes a prescribed position until the ball is shot while the roulette wheel 22 is rotated.

The control data 1 to 6 to be referred in each game at a time of controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the shooting of the ball 27 are switched whenever a prescribed condition is met.

Here, the control data to be referred will be switched whenever it becomes a prescribed time (0-th minute of each hour, for example). In the present embodiment, the case where the control data are switched whenever it becomes a prescribed time will be described, but the prescribed condition is not limited to this case. For example, the prescribed condition can be a case where the ball 27 fell into a specific number pocket consecutively for a prescribed number of times, a case where the ball 27 fell into any of number pockets 23 of the same group (region) consecutively for a prescribed number of times, a case where a prescribed bonus (a mystery bonus or jackpot, for example) occurs, a case where the amount of chips bet on numbers belonging to a prescribed group reaches to a prescribed amount, a case where the amount of chips to be paid for the bets on numbers belonging to a prescribed group reaches to a prescribed amount, etc.

In the above described example, the case where the control data is formed by the motor driving time, the ball initial speed and the shooting delay time has been described, but the control data are not limited to this case. The control data may be data containing any of data regarding a rotation control of the roulette wheel 22 (the motor driving time), data regarding a timing for shooting the ball 27 (the shooting delay time), and data regarding an initial speed for shooting the ball 27 (the ball initial speed) or their combination. As the data regarding the rotation control of the roulette wheel 22, it is possible to use the rotation speed of the roulette wheel 22, for example, besides the motor driving time.

Next, the configuration of the gaming terminal 4 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming terminal 4 has a medal insertion slot 7 for inserting game media (currency value: such as cash, a chip, a medal, etc.) and a display 8 for displaying images related to the game on its upper face. The gaming terminal 4 accepts the betting operation by the player by using the medal insertion slot 7 and the display 8. The player can play the game by operating the touchscreen 50 (see FIG. 10) or the like that is provided on a front face of the display 8 while watching the images displayed on the display 8. Note that, in the following description, the game media may be referred as their representative “medals”.

Also, besides the medal insertion slot 7 and the display 8 described above, a payout button 5, a ticket printer 6, a bill insertion slot 9, and a speaker 10 are provided on an upper face of the gaming terminal 4. A medal payout opening 12 and a medal tray 14 are provided in a front face of the gaming terminal 4.

The payout button 5 is a button for inputting a command for paying out credited medals from the medal payout opening 12 to the medal tray 14. The ticket printer 6 prints out as the bar code ticket including the data such as the credits, the date, and the identification number of the gaming terminal 4. The player can use the bar code ticket at another gaming terminal 4 and the player can bet to the game at that gaming terminal 4. Or the player can exchange the bar code ticket to bills or the like at a prescribed location (a cashier in the casino, for example) in the gaming facility.

The bill insertion slot 9 judges whether the legitimacy of the bills, and accepts the legitimate bills. Note that the bill insertion slot 9 can read the bar code ticket 39. The speaker 10 outputs music, effect sounds and the like.

On an upper side of the display 8 of each gaming terminal 4, a WIN lamp 11 is provided respectively. In the case where the number (“0”, “00” and “1” to “36” in the present embodiment) bet at the gaming terminal 4 in the game becomes the winning number, the WIN lamp 11 of the winning gaming terminal 4 will be turned on. Also, in the jackpot (referred hereafter also as JP) bonus game for obtaining JP, the WIN lamp 11 of the gaming terminal 4 that obtained JP will be turned on similarly. Note that this WIN lamp 11 provided at a position that is visible from all of the arranged gaming terminals 4 (9 sets in the present embodiment), such that the other players who are playing at the same roulette game machine 1 can always check which WIN lamp 11 is turned on.

Inside the medal insertion slot 7, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided, and it identifies the currency values such as medals that are inserted at the medal insertion slot 7, and counts the inserted medals. Also, a hopper (not shown) is provided inside the medal payout opening 12 and it pays a prescribed number of medals from the medal payout opening 12.

Note that, in the roulette game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, three types of JP including “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINI” are provided. In the case of “MEGA” JP, 0.15% of the credits bet in the game at all the gaming terminals 4 will be accumulated and stored. In the case of “MAJOR” JP, 0.20% of the bet credits will be accumulated and stored. In the case of “MINI” JP, 0.30% of the bet credits will be accumulated and stored. Then, in the case where any one of JP is won in the JP bonus game to be described below, the credits that are accumulated for the corresponding JP will be paid to a prescribed gaming terminal 4. The JP amount display 15 displays the accumulated credits for “MEGA” JP among three types of JP. Note that the JP amount display 15 is provided at a top of the electroluminescence display 5, such that its display content is visible from all the players who are playing at the gaming terminals 4.

FIG. 6 shows one example of an image to be displayed on the display 8.

As shown in FIG. 6, during the roulette game, a bet screen 61 having a betting board 60 is displayed on the display 8. The player can place a bet by operating a touchscreen 50 (see FIG. 10) provided on a front surface of the display 8, by using own chips (that are credited as an electronic information at the gaming terminal 4).

First, the bet screen 61 displayed on the bet screen 61 during the roulette game will be described according to FIG. 6. On the betting board 60, 38 types of numbers “0”, “00” and “1” to “36” are arranged and displayed in lattice shaped grids. Also, special bet areas for betting chips by specifying “odd, even numbers”, “a color of the number plate (red or black)”, or “a range of numbers (“1” to “12”, for example)” are similarly arranged in lattice shaped grids.

On the lower side of the betting board 60, a bet confirmation button 65, bet buttons 66, a payout counter 67 and a credit counter 68 are displayed.

The bet buttons 66 are buttons for betting chips on a bet area 72 (on the grids of the numbers and the marks or on the lines forming grids) specified by the player. The bet buttons 66 comprise four types including a 1 bet button 66A, 5 bet button 66B, 10 bet button 66C, and 100 bet button 66D.

The player specifies a betting position with a cursor 70 by directly touching the bet area 72 on the display 8 by a finger or the like. By touching the 1 bet button 66A once in this state, the player can bet one chip (each time the 1 bet button 66A is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “1”-->“2”-->“3”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 5 bet button 66B once in this state, the player can bet five chips (each time the 5 bet button 66B is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “5”-->“10”-->“15”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 10 bet button 66C once in this state, the player can bet ten chips (each time the bet button 66C is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “10”-->“20”-->“30”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 100 bet button 66D once in this state, the player can bet one hundred chips (each time the 100 bet button 66D is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “100”-->“200”-->“300”--> . . . ).

After the above described betting operation, the betting content will be confirmed as the player touches the bet confirmation button 65. Consequently, the betting content can be corrected if it is before touching the bet confirmation button 65.

The payout counter 67 displays the number of bet chips and the payout credit in the last game. Here, the number to be obtained by subtracting the number of bet chips from the payout credit is the newly obtained credit by the player in the last game.

The credit counter 68 displays the current credits owned by the player. The credits will be decreased according to the number of bets (one credit for one bet). Also, when the payout of credits is provided by winning, the credits will be increased as much as the payout credit. Note that when the owned credit by the player becomes zero, the game is over.

Also, a bet time counter 69 is provided on the upper portion of the betting board 60. The bet time counter 69 displays a remaining time in which the players can bet within the betting accepting period that is set previously. On the bet time counter 69, “20” will be displayed at the start of the betting accepting period, and this number is decremented by one per each second. The acceptance of the betting is finished when this number becomes “0”. Also, when the remaining time becomes five seconds, the ball entering device is activated and the ball 27 is entered onto the roulette wheel 22. When the betting accepting period is ended, the game execution period is started.

When the betting accepting period is ended, the sub game bet screen 62 (FIG. 17) will be displayed on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4. Here, the sub game bet screen 62 will be displayed only at the gaming terminals 4 which did not participate in the roulette game (main game).

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the roulette game machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 7, the roulette game machine 1 has the server 13, the roulette device 2 and a plurality (9 sets in the present embodiment) of the gaming terminals 4. The roulette device 2 and the gaming terminals 4 are connected to the server 13. Note that an internal configuration of the roulette device 2 and an internal configuration of the gaming terminal 4 will be described below in detail.

The server 13 has a server CPU 81 for executing the overall control, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 32 connected through a LCD driving circuit 85, and a keyboard 33.

The server CPU 81 carries out various processings according to input signals supplied from each gaming terminals 4, and data & programs stored in the ROM 82 & the RAM 83. Also, the server CPU 81 transmits command signals to the gaming terminals 4 according to the processing results, to control each gaming terminal 4 by its initiative. Also, the server CPU 81 transmits control signals to the roulette device 2, to control the shooting of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

The server CPU 81 sets up the betting accepting period and the game execution period previously for each roulette. The betting accepting period is a period in which the betting of the game media on the roulette game at each gaming terminal 4 can be accepted. The game execution period is a period for executing the roulette game after the betting accepting period. The server CPU 81 does not accept the betting on the roulette game after the betting accepting period is ended. However, the server CPU 81 accepts the betting on the sub game of which content is related to the roulette game (main game). The server CPU 81 controls the betting accepting period and the game execution period for each of the roulette game and the sub game. Also, the game execution period of each of the main game and the sub game may be set up to be an appropriate period. As long as the betting on the sub game is accepted after the ending of the betting accepting period for the main game, the betting accepting periods and the game execution periods may be set up at any timing. More specifically, as described above, the roulette game may be started as the roulette ball is shot five seconds before the end of the betting accepting period.

The ROM 82 is formed by a semiconductor memory or the like and stores programs that implement basic functions of the roulette game machine 1, programs that execute the notification of the maintenance time and the setting & management of the notification condition, the payout rate data for the roulette game & the sub game (the payout credits with respect to the win per one chip), programs for controlling each gaming terminal 4, etc.

On the other hand, the RAM 83 temporarily stores the betting information supplied from each gaming terminal 4, the winning number of the roulette device 2 detected by the sensors, the accumulated JP credits, the data regarding the result of the processing executed by the server CPU 81 for the roulette game and the sub game, etc.

In addition, the timer 84 is connected to the server CPU 81. The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server CPU 81. The server CPU 81 executes the control of the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the shooting of the ball 27 based on the time information of the timer 84.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the memory region of the ROM of the roulette game machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 8, a roulette game payout memory area 82A and a sub game payout memory area 82B are secured in the ROM 82. The roulette game payout memory area 82A stores the payout rates regarding the roulette game. Note that the payout rates with respect to each bet area 72 stored in the roulette game payout memory area 82A are determined previously as rates of “×2” to “×36” depending on the types of the betting (“straight bet”, “cornet bet”, “split bet”, etc.).

In the sub game payout memory area 82B, the payout data related to options to be bet in the sub game are stored. The content of the sub game is related to the main game (roulette game). For example, the sub game can be a game for predicting the pocket number into which the ball 27 will fall in the roulette game, a game for predicting whether a total bet of all the players participating in the roulette game is higher than a prescribed value or lower, a game for predicting whether a total payout to all the players participating in the roulette game is higher than a prescribed value or lower, etc.

Here, the case in which the sub game is a game for predicting the pocket number into which the ball 27 will fall in the roulette game will be described. In this case, the options to be bet by the players and the payout rates with respect to the options are stored in correspondence in the sub game payout memory area 82B. For example, in the payout data of the sub game payout memory area 82B, the payout rate of “×10” is set for the option “00 or 0” as the pocket number into which the ball will fall. Similarly, in the payout data of the sub game payout memory area 82B, the payout rate “×2” is set for the options “1 to 6” and “13 to 18”, the payout rate “×3” is set for the options “19 to 24” and “25 to 30”, and the payout rate “×5” is set for the options “7 to 12” and “31 to 36”.

In the present embodiment, the payout data is stored in the ROM 82 so that it is handled as a fixed value, but it is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the payout data may be stored in the RAM 83 such that the payout rate is varies randomly. Also, the payout rate may be calculated dynamically depending on the progress of the roulette game or the deviation of the winning pockets.

Also, in the sub game payout memory area 82B, the payout data for a plurality of sub games may be stored. In this case, the sub game to be played by the players who could not participate in the roulette game may be selected by the server 13, or may be selected by the players.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the memory region of the RAM of the roulette game machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 9, a betting information memory area 83A, a winning number memory area 83B, a “MINI” JP credit memory area 83C, a “MAJOR” JP credit memory area 83D, a “MEGA” JP credit memory area 83E, a sub game winning option memory area 83F, and a sub game betting period flag memory area 83G are secured in the RAM 83. The betting information memory area 83A stores the betting information of the currently playing players. The players here include those players who are participating in the roulette game which is the main game and those players who are participating in the sub game. The winning number memory area 83B stores the winning number of the roulette device 2 detected by the ball sensor 105. The “MINI” JP credit memory area 83C stores the credits accumulated for the “MINI” JP. The “MAJOR” JP accumulated credits memory area 83D stores the credits accumulated for the “MAJOR” JP. The “MEGA” JP accumulated credits memory area 83E stores the credits accumulated for the “MEGA” JP. The sub game winning option memory area 83F stores the winning option of the sub game. The winning option of the sub game is determined in relation to the result of the roulette game stored in the winning number memory 83B or the payout of the roulette game. The winning option of the sub game is any one of the options in the payout data stored in the winning number memory area 83B of FIG. 8. The sub game betting period flag memory area 83G stores a flag indicating whether the betting on the sub game is acceptable or not. This sub game betting period flag is normally set to be off. When the betting accepting period for the roulette game is ended, the sub game betting period flag is set to be on. When it becomes a timing at which the betting on the sub game becomes impossible, the sub game betting period flag is set to be off. The server CPU 81 accepts a request for starting the sub game from the gaming terminal 4 while proceeding with the usual roulette game. When this request is accepted, the server CPU 81 starts the interruption processing for the purpose of the sub game execution, and the sub game will be executed only while the sub game betting period flag is on.

Note that the game betting information is information regarding the betting by the player in the roulette game and the sub game. The game betting information regarding the roulette game is specifically information regarding the betting at the gaming terminals 4 such as the bet area 72 (see FIG. 6) specified on the bet screen 61, the number of chips which are bet (the number of bets), and the types of bets. The game betting information regarding the sub game is specifically an information regarding the betting at the other gaming terminals 4 such as the option specified at the sub game bet screen 62 and the number of chips which are bet (the number of bets).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the roulette device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the roulette device 2 has a controller 109, the pocket position detection circuit 107, the ball entering device 104, the ball sensor 105, the wheel driving motor 106, and a ball collecting device 108.

The controller 109 has a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 controls the shooting of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 according to the control signals supplied from the server 13, and data & programs stored in the ROM 102 & the RAM 103. In the RAM 103, one of the control data 1 to 6 in the ROM 102 that is to be referred at a time of rotating the roulette wheel 22 and shooting the ball 27 is stored.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a memory region of the ROM of the roulette device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the ROM 102, the control data memory areas 102A to 102F are secured, and the control data 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 5 are stored. Also, in the ROM 102, default control data to be referred at a time of the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the shooting of the ball 27 immediately after the activation of the roulette game machine 1 are stored.

The pocket position detection circuit 107 has a proximity sensor. It detects the rotation position of the roulette wheel 22 by detecting metal plates attached to the roulette wheel 22.

The ball entering device 104 is for entering the ball 27 onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball entering hole 36 (see FIG. 4). The ball entering device 104 shoots the ball 27 at the initial speed set in the control data. Also, the ball entering device 104 shoots the ball 27 at timing according to the shooting delay time set in the control data. Namely, after the shooting delay time has elapsed since it is detected that a prescribed number pocket 23 (“00”, for example) has passed a prescribed position (in front of the ball entering hole 36, for example) by the pocket position detection circuit 107, the ball 27 will be shot.

The ball sensor 105 is a device for detecting the number pocket 23 into which the ball 27 fell. The wheel driving motor 106 is for rotating the roulette wheel 22. The wheel driving motor 106 stops the activation after the motor driving time that is set in the control data has elapsed since the start of the activation. The ball collecting device 108 is for collecting the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22 after the game is over.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming terminal according to the present embodiment. Note that 9 sets of the gaming terminals 4 have basically the same configuration, and an example of one gaming terminal 4 will be described in the following.

As shown in FIG. 12, the gaming terminal 4 has a terminal controller 90 formed by a terminal CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is formed by a semiconductor memory or the like and stores programs that implement basic functions of the gaming terminal 4, and various programs, data table, etc., that are necessary for controlling the gaming terminal 4. Also, the RAM 93 is a memory for temporarily storing various data calculated by the terminal CPU 91, the owned credits by the player (deposited at the gaming terminal 4), the state of betting by the player, a flag F for indicating that it is under the betting accepting period or not, etc.

To the terminal CPU 91, a payout button 5 is connected. The payout button 5 is a button to be pressed by the player usually when the game is over. When the payout button 5 is pressed by the player, the medals according to the credits acquired in the game by the player will be paid from the medal payout opening 12 (usually one medal for one credit).

The terminal CPU 91 executes various corresponding operations according to the operation signals outputted by the payout button 5 as a result of pressing of the payout button 5. More specifically, the terminal CPU 91 executes various processings when signals associated with the pressing of the bet confirmation button 65 is inputted, according to the input signals and data & programs stored in the ROM 92 & the RAM 93. The terminal CPU 91 transmits their processing results to the server CPU 81.

Also, the terminal CPU 91 receives command signals from the sever CPU 81 and controls peripheral devices constituting the gaming terminal 4, so as to proceed with the game. Also, the terminal CPU 91 executes various processings according to the above described input signals and data & programs stored in the ROM 92 & the RAM 93, depending on the processing contents. The terminal CPU 91 controls the peripheral devices constituting the gaming terminal 4 according to the processing results, so as to proceed with the game.

Also, a hopper 94 is connected to the terminal CPU 91. The hopper 94 pays a prescribed number of medals from the medal payout opening 12 (see FIG. 2) according to a command signal from the terminal CPU 91.

In addition, the display 8 is connected to the terminal CPU 91 through a LCD driving circuit 95. The LCD driving circuit 95 has a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, VDP (Video Display Processor), and a video RAM. The program ROM stores an image controlling program and various selection tables regarding the display at the display 8. The image ROM stores dot data for forming an image to be displayed at the display 8, for example. The image control CPU makes the determination of an image to be displayed at the display 8 from the dot data in the image ROM, according to the image control program in the program ROM, based on parameters set up by the terminal CPU 91. The work RAM is provided as a temporary memory device at a time of executing the image control program at the image control CPU. The VDP forms a display image determined by the image control CPU and outputs it to the display 8. Note that the video RAM is provided as a temporary memory device at a time of forming an image by the VDP.

Also, the touchscreen 50 is attached on the front surface of the display 8. The operation information of the touchscreen 50 is transmitted to the terminal CPU 91. At the touchscreen 50, the betting operation by the player is carried out on the bet screen 61 or the sub game bet screen 62. More specifically, the operation of the touchscreen 50 on the bet screen 61 is carried out for the selection of the bet area 72 and the input via the bet buttons 66 and the bet confirmation button 65, etc. The operation of the touchscreen 50 on the sub game bet screen 62 is carried out for the selection of the options and the input via the bet buttons 66 and the bet confirmation button 65, etc. When the touchscreen 50 is operated, its operation information is transmitted to the terminal CPU 91. Then, according to that information, the betting information (the bet area and the number of bets specified on the bet screen 61, or the option and the number of bets specified on the sub game bet screen 62) is stored into the RAM 93. In addition, this betting information is transmitted to the server CPU 81, and stored in the betting information memory area of the RAM 83.

In addition, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are connected to the terminal CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates various effect sounds at a time of making various effects according to the output signals from the sound output circuit 96.

Also, a medal sensor 97 is connected to the terminal CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 7 (see FIG. 2). At the same time, the medal sensor 97 counts the inserted medals, and transmits its result to the terminal CPU 91. The terminal CPU 91 increases the amount of credits of the player that is stored in the RAM 93 according to the transmitted signal.

Also, a WIN lamp 11 is connected to the terminal CPU 91. The terminal CPU 91 turns on the WIN lamp 11 in a prescribed color, when the bet on the bet screen 61 or the sub game bet screen 62 won or when the JP is won.

In the above described configuration, the server CPU 81, the ROM 82, the RAM 83, the terminal CPU 91, the ROM 92, the RAM 93, the CPU 101, the ROM 102, and the RAM 103 constitute a controller.

Next, the server gaming processing executed by the server CPU 81, the gaming terminal gaming processing executed by the terminal CPU 91, and the gaming processing executed by the CPU 101 of the roulette game machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 are flow charts showing the gaming processing of the roulette game in the roulette game machine according to the present embodiment.

First, the gaming processing of the gaming terminal will be described according to FIG. 13 and FIG. 14. The terminal CPU 91 judges whether any medals or coins are entered by the player or not according to the detection signal of the medal sensor 97 (step S10). In the case where it is judged that the medals or coins are not entered (step S10: NO), the processing of the step S10 is repeated until it is judged that it is entered.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the medals or coins are entered (step S10: YES), the terminal CPU 91 adds the credits according to the number of medals or coins entered (step S11). In this processing, the terminal CPU 91 stores the credit data corresponding to the entered medals or coins into the RAM 93. Next, the terminal CPU 91 transmits a medal detection signal to the server 13 (step S12).

After that, the terminal CPU 91 displays the bet screen 61 shown in FIG. 6 on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S13). Then, the terminal CPU 91 starts the measurement of the betting accepting period during which the bet can be placed (step S14). The player can bet on the bet area 72 predicted by the player (see FIG. 6), by operating the touchscreen 50 during the betting accepting period. It is also possible for the player to participate in a middle of the game for which the betting accepting period has already started. However, the betting on the roulette game cannot be placed when the betting accepting period is ended. In the roulette game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, at most 9 persons can play the game. In addition, in the case where the current game is to be executed in succession to the last game, the acceptance of the betting operation will start immediately after the last game is over.

Next, the terminal CPU 91 receives the betting accepting period end signal indicating that the betting accepting period has ended from the server CPU 81 (step S15). As a result, the terminal CPU 91 displays an image indicating that the betting accepting period has ended on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4, and finishes accepting the betting operation on the touchscreen 50 (step S16).

After that, the terminal CPU 91 transmits the betting information (the specified bet area 72, the bet number, and the type of betting) to the server 13 (step S17).

Next, the terminal CPU 91 receives a result of the processing for determining the JP bonus game which is executed by the server CPU 81, from the server 13 (FIG. 14: step 18). The JP determination result contains information as to whether or not to execute a JP bonus game at each gaming terminal 4. In the case of executing the JP bonus game, the determination result also contains information as to which gaming terminal 4 should win the JP (or all the gaming terminals 4 should lose) as well as which JP (“MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI”) should be won in the case of having the JP won.

After that, the terminal CPU 91 judges whether or not to execute the JP bonus game according to the result of the JP determination processing received at the step S18 (step S19). In the case where it is judged that the JP bonus game is not to be executed (step S19: NO), the processing proceeds to the step S21.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the JP bonus game is to be executed (step S19: YES), the terminal CPU 91 executes the prescribed selection-type JP bonus game and its game result (whether the JP is won or not) is displayed on the display 8 according to the determination result received at the step S19 (step S20). After that, the processing proceeds to the step S21.

The terminal CPU 91 receives the credit payout result transmitted from the server CPU 81 (step S21). The credit payout result comprises the payout result of the normal game and the payout result of the JP bonus game.

Next, the terminal CPU 91 payouts the credits according to the payout result received at the step S21 (step S22). More specifically, the terminal CPU 91 stores the credit data corresponding to the payout and the credit data corresponding to the payout of the accumulated JP (in the case where the JP is won) into the RAM 93. Then, when the payout button 48 is pressed, the medals corresponding to the credits stored in the RAM 93 (usually one medal for one credit) will be paid from the medal payout opening 9.

After that, in the case where the gaming is to be continued at any of the gaming terminal 4, the processing is returned to the step S13. The betting accepting period is started again, and a shift to the next game is made. On the other hand, in the case where the gaming is to be finished at all the gaming terminals 4, the gaming processing is terminated.

Next, the gaming processing of the server will be described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. First, the server CPU 81 receives the medal detection signal transmitted from the terminal CPU 91, and judges whether the medals or coins are entered by the player or not (step S30). In the roulette game machine 1 according to the present embodiment, when the medals or coins are entered at any of the gaming terminals 4, the medal detection signal is transmitted to the server CPU 81 from the terminal CPU 91 of the gaming terminal 4 at which the medals or coins are entered.

Next, the server CPU 81 starts the measurement of the betting accepting period from a timing at which the medals or coins are entered by the first participating player (step S31). The betting accepting period is a period during which a bet in the roulette game can be placed. The player who is participating in the game can bet on the bet area 72 predicted by the player by operating the touchscreen 50 during the betting accepting period.

Next, the server CPU 81 judges whether the remaining betting accepting period has become 5 seconds or not (step S32). The remaining betting accepting period is displayed on the bet time counter 69 (see FIG. 6). In the case where it is judged that it has not reached the last 5 seconds (step S32: NO), this processing will be repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that it has reached the last 5 seconds (step S32: YES), the server CPU 81 transmits the control signal for starting the operation of the roulette device 2 to the CPU 101 (step S33).

After that, the server CPU 81 judges whether the betting accepting period of the roulette game has ended or not (step S34). In the case where it is judged that the betting accepting period has not ended (step S34: NO), the processing will be repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the betting accepting period of the roulette game has ended (step S34: YES), the server CPU 81 transmits the betting accepting period end signal to the terminal CPU 91 (step S35). By receiving this end signal, the terminal CPU 91 ends the acceptance of the betting operation at the gaming terminal 4. At this point, the server CPU 81 sets the sub game betting period flag of the sub game betting period flag memory area 83G in the RAM 83 ON (step S36). In the case where the sub game betting period flag is ON, it becomes possible to accept the betting on the sub game by the interruption processing from the gaming terminal 4 which did not participate in the roulette game.

Next, the server CPU 81 receives the betting information (the specified bet area 72, the bet number, and the type of betting) at each gaming terminal 4 from the terminal CPU 91, and stores it into the betting information memory area 83A of the RAM 83.

After that, the server CPU 81 executes the JP accumulation processing according to the total credits bet at all the gaming terminals that are received at the step S37 (step S38).

Next, the server CPU 81 executes the JP determination processing (FIG. 14: step S39). In this processing, the server CPU 81 determines whether to execute the JP bonus game about the roulette game at each gaming terminal 4 or not, by using a random number value sampled by a sampling circuit or the like. In addition, the server CPU 81 determines which gaming terminal 4 is to win the JP (or all the gaming terminals 4 are to lose) in the case where it is determined to execute the JP bonus game. Also, the server CPU 81 determines which JP (“MEGA”, “MAJOR”, or “MINI”) is to be won in the case of having the JP won.

Next, the server CPU 81 transmits the JP determination result to each gaming terminal 4, according to the processing of the step S39 (step S40). After that, the server CPU 81 transmits a request signal for a detection signal of the ball sensor 105 to the roulette device 2 (step S41).

Then, when the result of the sub game related to the roulette game is ascertained, the server CPU 81 sets the sub game betting period flag OFF (step S42). In the present embodiment, the sub game for predicting “which pocket number does the ball fall into?” is carried out, so that a timing for setting the sub game betting period flag OFF is set to be before the ball 27 stops within the number pocket 23 completely.

In response to the request for the detection signal of the ball sensor that is transmitted at the step S41, the roulette device 2 transmits the detection signal of the ball sensor 105 to the server CPU 81. Then, the server CPU 81 receives the detection signal (step S43).

Then, the server CPU 81 judges which number pocket 23 has the ball 27 fell into (step S44). Next, the server CPU 81 judges whether the bet placed at each gaming terminal 4 has won or not, based on the betting information of each gaming terminal 4 received at the step S36 and the number pocket judged at the step S44 (step S45).

After that, the server CPU 81 executes the payout calculation processing for the roulette game (step S46). In the payout calculation processing, the server CPU 81 firstly recognizes the number of winning bets for each gaming terminal 4. Then, the server CPU 81 calculates the total payout credits for each gaming terminal 4 by using the payout rate (credits to be paid per one bet) that is stored in the roulette game payout memory area 82A of the ROM 82.

Next, the server CPU 81 judges whether the bet placed at each gaming terminal 4 has won or not, based on the betting information of each gaming terminal 4 for the sub game and the number pocket judged at the step S44 (step S47).

In addition, the server CPU 81 executes the payout calculation processing for the sub game (step S48). In the payout calculation processing, the server CPU 81 first recognizes the number of winning bets for each gaming terminal 4. Then, the server CPU 81 calculates the total payout credits to be paid for each gaming terminal 4 by using the payout rate (credits to be paid per one bet) of each option that is stored in the sub game payout memory area 82B of the ROM 82.

Next, the server CPU 81 executes the transmission processing of the credit payout result according to the payout calculation processings of the steps S46 and S48 and the JP payout result according to the JP bonus game determination processing of the step S39 (Step S49). More specifically, the server CPU 81 outputs the credit data corresponding to the payout credits of the roulette game and the sub game to the terminal CPU 91 of the winning gaming terminal 4.

After that, the server CPU 81 activates the ball collecting device 108 provided beneath the roulette wheel 22 by transmitting the control signal to the roulette device 2, and collects the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22 (step S50). The collected ball 27 will be entered onto the roulette wheel 22 again in the subsequent games.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the server CPU 81 executes a confirmation processing for confirming whether the condition for changing the control data 1 to 6 used for the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and the shooting of the ball 27 has been met or not (step S51). Then, the server CPU 81 transmits the setting signal for requesting the setting of the control data 1 to 6 to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 2 (step S52).

Here, specifically, the server CPU 81 judges whether a prescribed time (0-th minute of each hour, in the present embodiment) has passed or not in the confirmation processing of the step S51. In the case where it is confirmed that the prescribed time has not passed yet, the server CPU 81 transmits a control signal indicating that the condition for changing is not met to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 2. On the other hand, in the case where it is confirmed that the prescribed time has already passed, the server CPU 81 transmits a control signal indicating that the condition for changing is met to the CPU 101 of the roulette device 2.

Next, the server CPU 81 receives the control data 1 to 6 to be referred in the next game from the CPU 101 of the roulette device 2 and stores it in the RAM 83 (step S53). After the processing of the step S53, this sub routine will be terminated.

Here, the timing for setting the sub game betting period flag ON or OFF is not limited to the timing described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15, and changed according to the types of the main game and the sub game. For example, in the case of the sub game for predicting “which pocket number does the ball fall into?”, it is preferable to set the timing for setting the sub game betting period flag OFF to be before the timing at which the ball 27 stops in the number pocket 23 completely. On the other hand, in the case of the sub game for predicting “whether a total payout amount to all the players participating in the roulette game is greater than 1000 chips or not?”, the timing to set the sub game betting period flag OFF may be after the ball 27 stops in the number pocket 23 completely as long as it is before the payout amounts for all the players are displayed on the display 8. In this way, it is preferable to set the timing for setting the sub game betting period flag ON or OFF appropriately according to the type of the sub game.

Next, the gaming processing of the roulette device 2 will be described with references to FIGS. 13 to 15. Firstly, when the operation signal from the roulette device 2 is received from the server 13, the CPU 101 rotates the roulette wheel 22 by driving the wheel driving motor 106 for the motor driving time set in the current control data (step S60).

Then, the CPU 101 judges whether or not a prescribed time (20 seconds, for example) has elapsed since the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 has started (step S61). In the case where it is judged that the prescribed time has not elapsed (step S61: NO), this processing will be repeated.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the prescribed time has elapsed (step S61: YES), the CPU 101 judges whether a specific pocket 23 (“00”, for example) has passed a specific position (in front of the ball entering hole 36, for example) or not by the pocket position detection circuit 107 (step S62). In the case where it is judged that the specific pocket 23 has not passed the specific position (step S62: NO), this processing will be repeated.

Also, in the case where it is judged that the specific pocket 23 has passed the specific position (step S62: YES), the CPU 101 enters the ball 27 by activating the ball entering device 104 after the delay time set in the current control data has elapsed (step S63). At this point, the ball entering device 104 enters the ball 27 at the initial speed set in the control data.

After that, the CPU 101 receives the request signal described at the step S41 from the server 13 (FIG. 14: step S64). In this way, the CPU 101 transmits the detection signal of the ball sensor 105 to the server 13 (step S65).

Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 101 receives the control data setting signal transmitted from the server CPU 81 of the server 13 (step S66). Then, the CPU 101 determines one of the control data 1 to 6 to be referred in the next game according to the received control data setting signal (step S67).

Herein, in the case where the control data setting signal received at the step S66 indicates that the control data changing condition has been met, the CPU 101 judges that it is necessary to change the control data to be referred in the next game. And the CPU 101 selects the control data different from the current control data. Note that the CPU 101 uses a random number value sampled by the sampling circuit or the like to select one of the control data 1 to 6 to be referred in the next game.

On the other hand, in the case where the control data setting signal received at the step S66 indicates that the changing condition is not met, the CPU 101 judges that it is unnecessary to change the control data to be referred in the next game, and refers to the current control data in the next game.

Then, the CPU 101 transmits the control signal including one of the control data 1 to 6 to be referred in the next game determined at the step S67 to the server CPU 81 of the server 13 (step S68). After the processing of the step S68, this sub routine will be terminated.

Next, the server gaming processing executed by the server CPU 81 and the gaming terminal gaming processing executed by the terminal CPU 91 of the roulette game machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the gaming processing of the sub game of the roulette game machine according to the present embodiment.

First, the gaming processing of the gaming terminal 4 will be described according to FIG. 16. The gaming terminal 4 that executes each processing shown in FIG. 16 is not betting on the roulette game (main game).

First, according to the control of the server CPU 81, the terminal CPU 91 displays the sub game bet screen 62 shown in FIG. 17, on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S201). This sub game bet screen 62 is a screen for betting on the sub game of which content is related to the main game. Here, it is the screen for betting on the sub game, but there are also cases where it is not necessary to bet credits.

On the sub game bet screen 62, the options in the sub game, the payout rates of the options, and the bet buttons 63 for the options are displayed as set in relation to each other. The combination of the options, the payout rates and the bet buttons 63 are displayed as many as the number of the options. In an example shown in FIG. 17, seven options are shown. In addition, in correspondence with the options, the payout rates and the bet buttons 63A to 63G are shown on the sub game bet screen 62.

In addition, on this sub game bet screen 62, similarly as the bet screen 61, a bet confirmation button 65, bet buttons 66, a payout counter 67 and a credit counter 68 are displayed on the display 8. The bet buttons 66 are buttons for betting on the options (bet buttons 63A to 63G) specified by the player. The bet buttons 66 comprise four types including a 1 bet button 66A, 5 bet buttons 66B, 10 bet button 66C, and 100 bet button 66D.

The player first specifies the option to be bet by touching the bet buttons 63A to 63G with a finger or the like. By touching the 1 bet button 66A once in this state, the player can bet one chip (each time the 1 bet button 66A is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “1”-->“2”-->“3”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 5 bet button 66B once in this state, the player can bet five chips (each time the 5 bet button 66B is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “15”-->“10”-->“15”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 10 bet button 66C once in this state, the player can bet ten chips (each time the 10 bet button 66C is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “10”-->“20”-->“30”--> . . . ). Also, by touching the 100 bet button 66D once in this state, the player can bet one hundred chips (each time the 100 bet button 66D is touched, the number of bets increases in the order of “100”-->“200”-->“300”--> . . . ).

After the above described betting operation, the betting content in the sub game will be confirmed as the player touches the bet confirmation button 65. Consequently, the betting content can be corrected if it is before touching the bet confirmation button 65.

The payout counter 67 displays the number of bets and the payout credits in the last game. Here, the number that can be obtained by subtracting the number of bets from the payout credits is the credits obtained by the player in the last game.

The credit counter 68 displays the number of credits currently owned by the player. The credits will be decreased according to the number of bets (one credit for one bet). Also, when the credits are paid out as a result of the winning, the credits will be increased as much as the payout credits. Note that when the credits owned by the player become zero, the game is over.

When the sub game bet screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed at the gaming terminal 4, the terminal CPU 91 starts accepting the bets on the sub game (step S202). During this period, the player can bet desired credits on the option of the sub game by touching the bet buttons 63A to 63G and the bet buttons 66 as described above.

When the bet confirmation button 65 is touched, the terminal CPU 91 transmits the bet number and the selected option on the sub game bet screen 62 as the betting information to the server 13 (step S203).

After that, according to the control of the server CPU 81, the terminal CPU 91 receives a signal that indicates the betting period for the sub game is ended from the server 13 (step S204). When the betting period for the sub game is ended, the terminal CPU 91 exits the display of the sub game bet screen 62 of FIG. 17 on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S205).

Next, the gaming processing of the server regarding the sub game will be described with reference to FIG. 16. The gaming processing of the server shown in FIG. 16 is processed in parallel to the gaming processing of the server regarding the main game described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15.

First, the server CPU 91 judges whether the sub game betting period flag stored in the sub game betting period flag memory area 83G of the RAM 83 is ON or not (step S251). This sub game betting period flag is set by the server CPU 91 during the main game described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. The server CPU 91 sets this flag ON while it is possible to bet on the sub game, and sets it OFF while it is not possible to bet. In the case where the sub game betting period flag is not ON, the processing waits until the sub game betting period flag becomes ON.

When the sub game betting period flag becomes ON, the server CPU 91 displays the sub game bet screen 62 at the gaming terminal 4 (step S252). More specifically, the server CPU 91 extracts the gaming terminals 4 at which the betting on the roulette game (main game) has not been placed, and transmits a command for displaying the sub game bet screen 62 shown in FIG. 17 to the extracted gaming terminals 4.

When the betting information entered at this sub game bet screen 62 is transmitted to the server 13, the server CPU 91 receives this betting information from the gaming terminal 4 (step S253). In addition, the server CPU 91 judges whether the sub game betting period flag is OFF or not (step S254). In the case where the sub game betting period flag is not OFF, the server CPU 91 returns the processing to the step S253 and waits for a new betting information.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the sub game betting period is OFF, the server CPU 91 proceeds the processing to the step S255. The server CPU 91 transmits a command for exit the display of the sub game bet screen 62 on the display 8 to the gaming terminal 4 (step S255).

As described, the gaming machine 1 and its playing method according to the present embodiment, even when there is a period in which the players cannot make bets during the execution of the main game offered by the gaming machine 1, the sub game of which content is related to the main game is provided to those players who are not betting on the main game during that period. In this way, the waiting time of the players can be eliminated and a gaming machine in which players can make bets any time can be provided. Also, it is easy to participate in the game so that it is possible to attract attentions of many players.

Also, the gaming machine 1 and its playing method according to the present embodiment provide a game of which content is related to the main game as the sub game, so that the interests of the players in the main game can be aroused. In this way, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment can make it easier for many players to participate in main game, so that it is possible to provide lively games.

Also, the gaming machine 1 and its playing method according to the present embodiment may allow the player to select a favorite sub game among a plurality of sub games and play it. In this way, the player can select a game which is easier to participate, so that the player can participate in the game easily.

Also, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the period in which the bet on the sub game can be placed is judged by using the sub game betting period flag, but it is not limited to this method. Depending on the rules of the main game, the game execution period of the main game may be set as a period in which the betting on the main game cannot be placed. In this case, this game execution period may be set as a period in which the betting on the sub game can be placed. Also, in the case where the sub game is a game for predicting the total payout amount of all the players who bet in the main game, it may be made possible to bet in the sub game even when the result of the main game is calculated, as long as the total payout amount of all the players is not notified.

Also, in the gaming machine 1 and its playing method according to the present embodiment, the options and the payout rates are displayed in the sub game and the player can bet credits on these options. In this way, the player can receive the payout according to the number of credits bet and the payout rate.

In this way, a period in which the bet on the sub game can be placed may be changed arbitrarily according to the types of the main game and the sub game. By changing the timing for setting the sub game betting period flag shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 ON or OFF, it is possible to deal with any types of the main game and the sub game.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described hereinabove, the embodiments are only showing specific examples, and do not particularly limit the present invention. Accordingly, the specific configuration of each means or the like can be modified in design appropriately. In addition, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only listing the most preferable effects that can arise from the present invention. For this reason, the effects produced by the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Also, in the detailed description above, the characteristic portions are mainly described in order to make the present invention easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in the detailed description above, and can be applied to the other embodiments, and its range of application is wide. Also, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are used only for the purpose of explaining the present invention precisely, and not used for the purpose of limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Also, for those skilled in the art, it should be easy to contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., that are contained in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the invention described in the present specification. Consequently, the description of the scope of claims should be construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of not deviating from a range of the technical ideas of the present invention.

In addition, in the foregoing detail description, the characteristic portions of the present invention have been mainly described in order to make the present invention easily understandable. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above in the foregoing detail description, and can be applied to other embodiments, and its applicable range is wide. Moreover, the terms and the terminology used in the present specification are used for the purpose of precisely explaining the present invention, and not used for the purpose of limiting interpretations of the present invention. Further, it should be easy for those skilled in the art to contemplate other configurations, systems, methods, etc., which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. For this reason, the description of the appended claims must be construed as containing equivalent configurations within a range of not departing from a range of the technical ideas of the present invention.

Modified Embodiment

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a control method of the gaming machine 1 according to the modified case of the embodiment of the present invention. The gaming machine 1 according to the modified case of the embodiment of the present invention differs from the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment described above in that the payout rate of the sub game can be determined based on the player's operation. Namely, only the options in each sub game will be stored in the sub game winning option memory area 83F of the RAM 83 of the gaming machine 1. The payout rate of the sub game is not previously stored on the sub game payout memory area 82B of the ROM 82 in the server 13 (the sub game payout memory area 82B is not provided in this embodiment).

First, the betting of the game media in the roulette game will be accepted during the betting accepting period at a plurality of gaming terminals 4 (step S301). Then, whether the betting acceptance on the roulette game is ended or not is judged (step S302). When it is judged that the betting acceptance is not ended, the processing returns to the step S301 and the betting on the roulette game is accepted. On the other hand, when it is judged that the betting acceptance on the roulette game is ended (more specifically, when it is in the game execution period), the gaming machine 1 proceeds with the roulette game (step S303). Here, the game media are cash, chips, medals, etc., that are used at the gaming machine 1.

When the betting accepting period on the roulette game is ended, the betting on the sub game will be accepted at a plurality of gaming terminals 4 (step S304). The gaming machine 1 displays the options at the gaming terminals 4 at which the bettings on the roulette game has not been placed (step S305). The options are targets of the betting of the sub game and the contents of the options are related to a result of the roulette game.

Next, when the betting information is determined at the gaming terminal 4, the betting information is transmitted to the server 13. The server 13 receives the betting information from the gaming terminal 4 (step S306). In addition, the server 13 determines the payout rate of the option by a prescribed processing, and displays the payout rate on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S307). The payout rate may be determined by the gaming terminal 4. In this case, the gaming terminal 4 transmits the payout rate to the server 13. The payout rate is payout credits per one gaming media when the bet gaming media wins.

Next, whether the roulette game is over or not is judged (step S308). In the case where it is judged that the roulette game is not over, the processing is returned to the step S304 and the betting on the sub game at the gaming terminal 4 which is not participating in the roulette game is accepted.

On the other hand, in the case where it is judged that the roulette game is over, the result of the roulette game is acquired (step S309). Here, the result of the roulette game is a pocket number 23 into which the ball 27 fell. Next, the gaming machine 1 determines the winning option of the sub game according to the result of the roulette game acquired at the step S309, and calculates the payout credits for this winning option. In addition, the gaming machine 1 transmits the calculated payout credits to the gaming terminal 4 (step S310).

As described, according to the modified case of the present embodiment, the payout rate of the sub game is determined by a prescribed processing. In this way, it is possible to provide games with higher entertainment characteristics to the players.

Next, the server gaming processing executed by the server CPU 81 and the gaming terminal gaming processing executed by the terminal CPU 91 of the roulette game machine 1 according to the modified embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the gaming processing of the sub game according to this modified embodiment.

First, the gaming processing of the gaming terminal will be described according to FIG. 19. The gaming terminal 4 that executes each processing shown in FIG. 19 is not betting on the roulette game (main game).

First, according to the control of the server CPU 81, the terminal CPU 91 displays the sub game bet screen 62a shown in FIG. 20, on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S401). This sub game bet screen 62a is a screen for betting on the sub game of which content is related to the main game.

Options of the sub game, a game area 64 for determining the payout rate of the selected options, and the bet buttons 63 for the options are displayed on the sub game bet screen 62a as set in relation to each other. In correspondence to the options, the bet buttons 63A to 63G are shown on the sub game bet screen 62a. The combination of the options and the bet buttons 63 are shown as many as the number of the options. In an example shown in FIG. 20, seven options are shown.

In addition, on the sub game bet screen 62a shown in FIG. 20, a slot machine 64D is displayed in order to determine the payout rate of each option. The terminal CPU 91 of the gaming terminal 4 rearranges symbols on each column of the slot machine 64D. When the player touches a stop button 64B, the terminal CPU 91 stops scrolling of a left column. When the player touches a stop button 64C, the terminal CPU 91 stops scrolling of a center column. When the player touches a stop button 64D, the terminal CPU 91 stops scrolling of a right column. At a result, in the case where it becomes a prescribed symbol arrangement such as symbols are aligned on a row, the payout rate will be determined corresponding to the arrangement.

In addition, on the sub game bet screen 62a, similarly as the bet screen 61, a bet confirmation button 65, bet buttons 66, a payout counter 67 and a credit counter 68 are displayed on the display 8.

When the sub game bet screen 62a shown in FIG. 20 is displayed at the gaming terminal 4, the terminal CPU 91 starts accepting the bets in the sub game (step S402). During this period, the player can bet credits on the option of the sub game by touching the bet buttons 63A to 63G and the bet buttons 66 as described above.

In addition, the terminal CPU 91 executes a payout determination processing to determine a payout rate for the selected option (step S403). In the example shown in FIG. 20, the payout determination processing is executed by using the slot machine 64D. When the bet confirmation button 65 is touched, the terminal CPU 91 transmits the number of bets and the selected option on the sub game bet screen 62a as the betting information to the server 13 (step S404). At this point, the terminal CPU 91 also transmits the payout rate determined by the above payout rate determination processing as the betting information to the server 13.

After that, according to the control of the server CPU 81, the terminal CPU 91 receives a signal that indicates the betting period for the sub game is ended from the server 13 (step S405). When the betting period for the sub game is ended, the terminal CPU 91 exits the display of the sub game bet screen 62a of FIG. 20 on the display 8 of the gaming terminal 4 (step S406).

Next, the gaming processing of the server regarding the sub game will be described with reference to FIG. 19. The gaming processing of the server shown in FIG. 19 is processed in parallel to the gaming processing of the server regarding the main game described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15.

First, the server CPU 91 judges whether the sub game betting period flag stored in the sub game betting period flag memory area 83G of the RAM 83 is ON or not (step S451). This sub game betting period flag is set by the server CPU 91 during the main game described with references to FIG. 13 to FIG. 15. The server CPU 91 sets this flag ON while it is possible to bet on the sub game, and sets it OFF while it is not possible to bet. In the case where the sub game betting period flag is not ON, the processing waits until the sub game betting period flag becomes ON.

When the sub game betting period flag becomes ON, the server CPU 91 displays the sub game bet screen 62a at the gaming terminal 4 (step S452). More specifically, the server CPU 91 extracts the gaming terminals 4 at which the betting on the roulette game (main game) has not been placed, and transmits a command for displaying the sub game bet screen 62a shown in FIG. 20 to the extracted gaming terminals 4.

When the betting information entered at this sub game bet screen 62a is transmitted to the server 13, the server CPU 91 receives this betting information from the gaming terminal 4 (step S453). In addition, the server CPU 91 judges whether the sub game betting period flag is OFF or not (step S454). In the case where the sub game betting period flag is not OFF, the server CPU 91 returns the processing to the step S453 and waits for a new betting information.

On the other hand, when it is judged that the sub game betting period is OFF, the server CPU 91 proceeds the processing to the step S455. The server CPU 91 transmits a command for exit the display of the sub game bet screen 62a on the display 8 to the gaming terminal 4 (step S455).

Here, in the case where the server CPU 81 determines the payout rate of the sub game, the payout rate is determined by executing the above prescribed payout determination processing when the betting information of the sub game is received from the gaming terminal 4 at the step S453, and it is displayed at the gaming terminal 4.

As described, according to the present modified embodiment, it is possible to determine the payout rate of the sub game by a prescribe processing. In this way, it is possible to provide games with higher entertainment characteristics to the players. Also, the server 13 may determine the payout rate to be assigned to each player by accounting for the total payout or the winning log. In this way, it is possible to assign the payout more evenly.

Note that, as described above, it is possible to make the player to select the sub game to be played by providing a plurality of sub games. In this case, at the step S201 of FIG. 16 or the step S401 of FIG. 19, a sub game selection screen 62b of FIG. 21 is displayed on the display 8 first. Here, three options 80A to 80C of the sub game will be displayed. In order to attract the interests of the player to the slot game (main game), the contents of the three sub games are all related to the slot game. The player selects one from the options. For example, when the option 80A of FIG. 21 is selected, it proceeds to the sub game bet screen 62 or 62a of FIG. 17 or FIG. 20.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a game execution device for executing a first game;

a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted; and

a game controller connected to the gaming terminals, operable to: (a) set a betting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, and (d) execute the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game controller is operable to:

(a) store plural types of the second game, and

(b) make the player to select any one of the plural types of the second game at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

3. A gaming machine comprising:

a game execution device for executing a first game;

a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted;

a memory for storing payout data in which options on which the player's bet can be placed on the second game and payout rates for respective options are set in relation;

a game controller connected to the gaming terminals, operable to: (a) set a betting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, (d) display the options and the payout rates according to the payout data at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed, and (e) accept the player's bet of the game media on any of the options in the second game at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet in the first game is not placed.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the game controller is operable to:

(a) store plural types of the second game, and

(b) make the player to select any one of the plural types of the second game at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

5. A gaming machine comprising:

a game execution device for executing a first game;

a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for the first game or a second game related to the first game are inputted; and

a game controller connected to the gaming terminals, operable to: (a) set a betting accepting period and a game execution period for the first game, (b) accept the player's bet of game media on the first game during the betting accepting period, (c) execute the first game at the game execution device during the game execution period, (d) accept the player's bet of the game media on any of options in the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet in the first game is not placed, (e) determine a payout rate for one of the options when the bet on any of the options for the second game is accepted, and (f) display the payout rate of the accepted option at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein the game controller is operable to:

(a) store plural types of the second game, and

(b) make the player to select any one of the plural types of the second game at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

7. A playing method of a gaming machine having a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at a game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted, comprising:

betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game;

executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game; and

executing the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

8. The playing method of a gaming machine according to claim 7, further comprising:

making the player to select any one of plural types of the second game stored in the gaming machine at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

9. A playing method of a gaming machine having a game execution device and a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at the game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted, comprising:

betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game;

executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game;

displaying betting options and payout rates of the options for the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed; and

accepting bets of the game media on any of the options in the second game, at those gaming terminals at which bets in the first game are not placed.

10. The playing method of a gaming machine according to claim 9, further comprising:

making the player to select any one of plural types of the second game stored in the gaming machine at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

11. A playing method of a gaming machine having a game execution device and a plurality of gaming terminals at which operations by players for a first game executed at the game execution device or a second game related to the first game are inputted, comprising:

betting game media on the first game at the gaming terminal within a betting accepting period set for the first game;

executing the first game at the game execution device within a game execution period set for the first game;

accepting the player's bet of the game media on any of options for the second game at time other than the betting accepting period at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed;

determining a payout rate for one of the options when the bet on any of the options for the second game is accepted; and

displaying the payout rate of the accepted option at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.

12. The playing method of a gaming machine according to claim 11, further comprising:

making the player to select any one of plural types of the second game stored in the gaming machine at the gaming terminal at which the player's bet on the first game is not placed.