Gaming apparatus and playing method thereof

Abstract

A roulette gaming machine determines another control data which is different from one control data among a plurality of control data as the reference data when a ratio of the number of times of receiving a ball into a specific pocket to the number of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/873,578, filed on Dec. 8, 2006; 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 apparatus such as a roulette gaming machine and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

With conventional roulette games, a game was usually performed by the dealer's ball throw-in onto the roulette wheel. In recent years, with the progress of automation, gaming apparatuses are proposed which advance the roulette game in a fully automatic manner without requiring the dealer to throw-in the ball.

Such gaming apparatuses include one that launches the ball using air, as disclosed in International Patent Publication WO2004/094013. With gaming apparatuses that advance the roulette game in a fully-automatic manner, it is preferred that the ball falls on and is received into respective pockets with a uniform probability. To this end, such gaming apparatuses include one designed to disturb the behavior of the ball by providing irregularities on the surface of a ball track so that the ball falls into respective pockets with a uniform probability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus comprising a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets; a bet switch for making a bet on any of the pockets; and a controller. The controller is operable to (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, and (b) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data, when the ratio of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket to the number of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The gaming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention determines the other control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data, when the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket” to “the number of executing the roulette game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus comprising a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets; a plurality of stations having bet switches for making a bet on any of the pockets; and a controller. The controller is operable to (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, (b) calculate ratios of the number of times of receiving the ball into a specific pocket on which the bet has been made to the number of executing the games with respect to each of the stations, and (c) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The gaming apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention calculates ratios (ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket” to “the number of executing the roulette game”) with respect to each of stations when the bet on the specific pocket and determines the other control data which is different from the one control data as the reference data among the plurality of control data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming apparatus comprising a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets; a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets; a bet switch for making a bet on any of the pockets; and a controller. The controller is operable to (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet, by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, and by controlling payout of credits when the ball is received into the pocket on which the bet has been made, (b) accumulate value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made, and (c) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when the calculated value by dividing the accumulated value by the number of times of executing the games is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The gaming apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention accumulates the value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made and determines the other control data which is different from the one control data as the reference data among the plurality of control data when the calculated value (the calculated value by dividing “the accumulated value” by “the number of times of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising; (a) controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets; and (b) determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data, when the ratio of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket to the number of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The playing method of the gaming apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention determines the other control data which is different from the one control data as the reference data among the plurality of control data when the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket” to “the number of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising; (a) controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets; (b) calculating ratios of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made to the number of executing the game with respect to each of the stations; and (c) determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The playing method of the gaming apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention calculates the ratios (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket” to “the number of executing the game”) with respect to each of the stations and determines the other control data which is different from the one control data as the reference data among the plurality of the control data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising; (a) controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets; (b) accumulating value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made; and (c) determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when the calculated value by dividing the accumulated value by the number of times of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

The playing method of the gaming apparatus of the sixth aspect of the present invention accumulates the value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made and determines the other control data which is different from the one control data as the reference data among the plurality of control data when the calculated value (the calculated value by dividing “the accumulated value” by “the number of times of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary control data.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a roulette apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view illustrating general structure of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary image displayed by a display panel.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a ROM of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a RAM of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the roulette apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a ROM of the roulette apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an overall gaming process of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating the gaming process of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the gaming process of the roulette gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a roulette apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view illustrating the general structure of the roulette gaming machine according to the present embodiment. Here, a roulette gaming machine 1 is a stand-alone type gaming apparatus which is not connected to a network. However, the present invention can be applied to a gaming apparatus connected to a network.

As shown in FIG. 2, a roulette apparatus 3 provided in the roulette gaming machine 1 includes a frame 21 which is fixed to a housing 2 (see FIG. 3) and a roulette wheel 22 which is rotatably accommodated and supported inside the frame 21. On the top surface of the roulette wheel 22, multiple (a total of 38 in the present embodiment) number pockets 23 are formed. Furthermore, each of the number pockets 23 has one of numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”. The number of respective number pockets 23 is described on number plates 25 which are formed along the outer peripheral of the number pockets 23.

A ball throw-in opening 36 is formed inside the frame 21. A ball throw-in apparatus 104 (see FIG. 8) is coupled to the ball throw-in opening 36, so that a ball 27 is thrown onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball throw-in opening 36 as the ball throw-in apparatus 104 is driven. In addition, the upside of the entire roulette apparatus 3 is covered by a hemispheric cover member 28 (see FIG. 3) made of transparent acryl.

The roulette wheel 22 has a wheel drive motor 106 (see FIG. 8) provided at its lower part, so that the roulette wheel 22 rotates as the wheel drive motor 106 is driven.

In addition, the roulette wheel 22 has, at its lower part, metal plates (not shown) attached on to the back surface of the roulette wheel 22 at predetermined intervals. The position of the number pocket 23 is identified by detecting the metal plate with a proximity sensor of a pocket position detecting circuit 107 (see FIG. 8).

The frame 21 is slightly tilted inward and has a guide wall 29 formed in the intermediary part thereof. The thrown-in ball 27 is guided and rotates along the guide wall 29 by its centrifugal force. As the ball 27 reduces its rotation speed and loses its centrifugal force, it rolls down the slope of frame 21 inward and reaches the rotating roulette wheel 22. Then, the ball 27 which reached the roulette wheel 22 passes over the number plates 25 on the outer periphery of the rotating roulette wheel 22 and is received into one of the number pockets 23. As a result, the number on the number pocket 23 which received the ball (referred to as the “ball receiving pocket” hereinafter) is determined by a ball sensor 105. In the following, the number of the ball receiving pocket is also referred to as the “ball receiving number”.

Rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and launch of the ball 27 are controlled based on control data. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary table of control data.

As shown in FIG. 1, each control data includes motor driving time, initial velocity of the ball, and launch delay time.

The motor driving time is the time for driving the wheel drive motor 106 (see FIG. 8). The roulette wheel 22 is rotated by the wheel drive motor 106 at a predetermined rotational speed for the motor driving time. Here, the roulette wheel 22 gradually slows down its rotation and eventually comes to a stop after having been relieved of driving by the wheel drive motor 106. The initial velocity of the ball is the initial velocity when the ball 27 is thrown from the ball throw-in apparatus 104. The launch delay time is the time from when a launch timing reference number pocket (e.g., the number pocket 23 for “00”) passes a predetermined position to when the ball is launched during the rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

As shown in FIG. 2, the roulette wheel 22 is divided into six areas A to F. Each area is composed of six or seven adjacent number pockets 23.

Each control data is provided such that the probability of receiving the ball 27 into a specific one of areas A to F becomes higher. For example, controlling the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 and launch of the ball 27 based on the control data “motor driving time: 10 sec, initial velocity of the ball: a, launch delay time: zero”, will result in a higher probability of receiving the ball 27 into area A. In the following, an area having a higher receiving probability than other areas is also referred to as a “biased area”.

The control data may either be separately provided for each of the roulette apparatuses 3, or provided in common with all of the roulette gaming machines 1.

The reference control data is switched whenever a predetermined condition (the condition will be described below) is satisfied.

In the above-mentioned example, the areas A to F are composed of six or seven adjacent number pockets 23, respectively. However, the number of pockets belonging to a group is not particularly limited. In addition, the number of pockets composing each group may be identical to or different from each other.

Additionally, in the present embodiment, a number pocket 23 is divided into six areas (groups) A to F. However, the number of areas is not limited to six.

In the above-mentioned example, the areas A to F are not overlapping with each other. In other words, a pocket which belongs to one group does not belong to any of the other groups. However, one number pocket may belong to a plurality of groups.

In the above-mentioned example, a plurality of control data is associated with respective areas (groups). However, a plurality of control data doesn't have to be associated with areas (groups) respectively, so long as a plurality of control data is provided.

In the above-mentioned example, the control data is composed of motor driving time, initial velocity of the ball, and launch delay time. However, the control data may include any one or a combination of data relating to rotation control of the wheel (motor driving time), data relating to launch timing of the ball (launch delay time), or data relating to initial velocity of the ball (initial velocity of the ball).

As for the data relating to rotation control of the wheel, rotation speed of the roulette wheel 22 may be included other than motor driving time.

Next, the structure of the roulette gaming machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the roulette gaming machine 1 includes a housing 2 which is the main body, a roulette apparatus 3 provided almost in the central part of the top surface of the housing 2, a plurality (twelve in the present embodiment) of stations 4 provided surrounding the roulette apparatus 3, and an electroluminescence display 5 provided above the housing 2.

The station 4 includes, at least, a medal insertion slot 6 for inserting coins or game media (currency value) such as chips or medals to be used for the game, a console 7 composed of a plurality of control buttons by which the player inputs predetermined instructions, and a display panel 8 for displaying images of the roulette game. The station 4 accepts the player's bet. The player can advance the roulette game by operating the touch screen or the console 7 while watching the images displayed on the display panel 8.

In addition, a medal payout opening 9 is provided on each side of the stations 4 respectively. Furthermore, a speaker 10 for playing music or effect sound is mounted on the upper right side of the display panel 8 of each station 4.

A WIN lamp 11 is provided on the upper part of the display panel 8 of each station 4 respectively. If there exists a station 4 having bet on the number pocket 23 which received the ball 27 (precisely, bet on the number of the number pocket 23), the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 lights up. Also, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 which won a jackpot (referred to as JP, hereafter) in the JP bonus game lights up as well. Here, the WIN lamps 11 are provided on a position recognized visually from all (twelve in the present embodiment) of the installed stations 4. Another player who is playing on the same roulette gaming machine 1 can always check the WIN lamp 11 that lights up.

The medal insertion slot 6, having a medal sensor (not shown) provided inside, identifies the currency value of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medals. In addition, a hopper (not shown) is provided inside the medal payout opening 9 to payout a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9.

A server 13 is installed inside the corner 12 of the housing 2. The server 13 is accommodated inside the corner 12 so as to prevent operation by the player. When the door 14 provided on the corner 12 is opened using a key switch, the server 13 becomes operable. Then, various settings of the roulette gaming machine 1 can be performed by operating the server 13.

A JP credit display 15 for displaying the JP credits is provided on the electroluminescence display 5. There are provided three types of JPs, “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, and “MINI”, which will be described below, for the roulette gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment. In the roulette gaming machine 1, 0.15% of the credits which have been bet in all of the twelve stations 4 will be accumulatively stored as credits for “MEGA” (also referred to as “MEGA credit”, hereinafter). In the roulette gaming machine 1, 0.20% of the credits which have been bet in all of the twelve stations 4 will be accumulatively stored as credits for “MAJOR” (also referred to as “MAJOR credit”, hereinafter). In the roulette gaming machine 1, 0.30% of the credits which have been bet will be accumulatively stored as credits for “MINI” (also referred to as “MINI credit”, hereinafter). Hereafter, “MEGA credit”, “MAJOR credit”, and “MINI credit” will also be simply referred to as “JP credit”.

The roulette game machine 1 determines whether or not to payout JP credits and, upon determination of paying out credits, determines which of the JP credits will be paid out to which of the stations 4.

The JP credit display 15 displays the amount of accumulated “MEGA” JP (namely, the MEGA credit) among the three JP types. Here, JP credit display 15 is provided on the top of the electroluminescence display 5, whereby all the players who are playing on the station 4 can visually recognize the display contents.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary image displayed on the display panel. As shown in FIG. 4, a bet screen 61 having a betting board 60 is displayed on the display panel 8 during the roulette game. The player can bet chips using own credit by operating the touch screen 50 provided on the front face of the display panel 8.

First, the bet screen 61 displayed during the game will be described referring to FIG. 4. Thirty-eight numerals, i.e., “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”, are displayed in a grid-like array on the betting board 60 displayed in the bet screen 61. A special bet area is also displayed in a grid array for betting chips by specifying “odd-even number”, “type of color (red or black) of the number display plate”, and “a certain range of numbers (e.g., “1 to 12”)”.

At the lower part of betting board 60, a result history display 65, bet buttons 66, a payout result display 67, and a number of credits display 68 are displayed.

In the result history display 65, results of ball receiving numbers up to the previous roulette game are displayed as a list. Here, a game is meant to be a series of operations in which the player bets at each station 4, the ball 27 is received into one of the number pockets 23, and credits are paid out based on the number of the ball receiving pocket. In the result history display 65, each time a game is finished a new ball receiving number is additionally displayed from the top, where the history of ball receiving numbers of up to 16 games can be confirmed.

In addition, the bet buttons 66 are buttons for betting a chip(s) in a bet area 72 specified by the player (in a grid square of a number or mark of a number, or on a line forming the grid). The bet buttons 66 consist of four kinds of buttons, that are a 1-bet button 66A, a 5-bet button 66B, a 10-bet button 66C, and a 100-bet button 66D.

The player first specifies a bet position by directly touching the bet area 72 on the screen with his/her finger. The specified bet area 72 is indicated by the cursor 70.

In this condition, the player can bet one chip by touching the 1-bet button 66A. In other words, the number of bets increases in the order of “1”, “2”, “3” . . . each time the player touches the 1-bet button 66A with his/her finger. In addition, the player can bet five chips by touching the 5-bet button 66B. In other words, the number of bets increases in the order of “5”, “10”, “15” . . . each time the player touches the 5-bet button 66B with his/her finger. In addition, the player can bet ten chips by touching the 10-bet button 66C. In other words, the number of bets increases in the order of “10”, “20”, “30” . . . each time the player touches the 10-bet button 66C with his/her finger. Furthermore, the player can bet chips by touching the 100-bet button 66D. In other words, the number of bets increases in the order of “100”, “200”, “300” . . . each time the player touches the 100-bet button 66D with his/her finger.

The payout result display 67 displays the number of bets by the player and the number of credits to be paid out for that. Here, subtracting the number of bets from the number of payout credits gives the number of credits newly won by the player.

The number of credits display 68 displays the current number of credits of the current player. The number of credits decreases in accordance with the number of bets (one credit for one bet). Also, when credits are paid out, the number of credits increases in accordance with the payout. Here, the game is finished if the number of credits possessed by the player becomes zero.

In addition, a bet time display 69 is provided on the upper part of the betting board 60. The remaining time available for the player to bet is displayed on the bet time display 69. “20” is displayed on the bet time display 69 at the start of accepting bets, then the number is decreased by one per second, and accepting of bets is finished when the number becomes “0”. In addition, when the remaining betting time reaches five seconds, the ball throw-in apparatus is driven to throw in the ball 27 onto the roulette board.

In addition, on the right side of the bet time display 69 are provided a MEGA display 73 for displaying the MEGA credit number, a MAJOR display 74 for displaying the MAJOR credit number, and a MINI display 75 for displaying the MINI credit number. The MEGA credit is an accumulative sum of 0.15% of the credits which have been bet at all of the stations 4 for each single roulette game. The MAJOR credit is an accumulative sum of 0.20% of the credits which have been bet at all of the 12 stations 4 for each single roulette game. The MINI credit is an accumulative sum of 0.30% of the credits which have been bet at all of the 12 display stations 4 for each single roulette game. The numeric values displayed on the MEGA display 73, the MAJOR display 74, and the MINI display 75 are common to all of the stations 4.

When payout of any of the JP credits is made, the display corresponding to the paid-out JP credit displays the initial value (200 credits for “MINI”, 5000 credits for “MAJOR”, and 50000 credits for “MEGA”).

On the betting board 60, the cursor 70 indicative of the bet area 72 currently specified by the player is displayed. In addition, on the betting board 60, a chip mark 71 indicative of the number of chips already bet and the bet area 72 is displayed. The number displayed on the chip mark 71 indicates the number bet. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the chip mark 71 of “7” placed on the grid “18” indicates that seven chips are bet on the number “18”. Incidentally, betting on only one number is called “straight bet”.

The chip mark 71 of “1” placed on the intersection point of the grids “5”, “6”, “8”, and “9” indicates that one chip is bet on the four numbers “5”, “6”, “8”, and “9”. Incidentally, such betting on four numbers is called “corner bet”.

Other betting methods include “split betting” for betting on two numbers by placing a chip on the line between the two numbers, “street bet” for betting on three numbers (for example, “13”, “14”, and “15”) by placing a chip on the end of the horizontal line (a line in the longitudinal direction in FIG. 4), “five bet” for betting on five numbers of “0”, “00”, “1”, “2”, and “3” by placing a chip on the line between the numbers “00” and 3”, “line bet” for betting on six numbers (for example, “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17”, and “18”) by placing a chip between ends of two horizontal lines (two lines in the longitudinal direction in FIG. 5), “column bet” for betting on 12 numbers on the grid denoted by “2to1”, and “dozen bet” for betting on successive 12 numbers by placing a chip on the grid denoted by “1st 12”, “2nd 12” or “3rd 12”.

Furthermore, there are other betting methods using six grids provided in the lowest tier of the betting board 60, such as a method for betting on the color of the number display plate (“red” or “black”), a method for betting on odd or even numbers, and a method for betting on “1 to 18” and “19 to 36”. Here, these plural betting methods differ in the dividend of credits per chip (payout rate) when the game is won.

The player makes his/her bet as follows based on the bet screen 61 configured as described above. That is, the player first specifies a bet area 72 (a square of a number or a mark, or a line forming the square) on the screen by directly touching it with his/her finger. As a result, the cursor 70 moves to the specified bet area 72.

Subsequently, chips are bet on the specified bet area 72 when the player touches any of the bet buttons 66 (1-bet button 66A, 5-bet button 66B, 10-bet button 66C and 100-bet button 66D). For example, touching the 10-bet button 66C four times, the 5-bet button 66B once, and the 1-bet button 66A three times will result in a bet of 48 chips.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the roulette gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the roulette gaming machine 1 includes the server 13 and a plurality of the stations 4 (12 units in the present embodiment) connected to the server 13, and the roulette apparatus 3 and the electroluminescence display 5 (refer to FIG. 3) are connected to the server 13. By the way, the internal configuration of the roulette apparatus 3 and the internal configuration of the station 4 will be described in detail later.

The server 13 has a server CPU 81 that controls the whole, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 32 connected via an LCD drive circuit 85, and a keyboard 33.

The server CPU 81 executes various kinds of processing based on input signals supplied from each of the stations 4 and data & programs stored in the ROM 82 & the RAM 83. In addition, by transmitting command signals to the stations 4 based on the processing result, the server CPU 81 controls each of the stations 4 initiatively. Further, the server CPU 81 transmits control signals to the roulette apparatus 3 and controls the launching of the ball 27 and the rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

The ROM 82 is constituted by, for example, a semiconductor memory etc. The ROM 82 stores programs that implement basic functions of the roulette gaming machine 1, programs that execute the notification of the maintenance time and the setting & management of the notification condition, dividend rate data (the number of credits to be paid out for winning per chip) of the roulette game, programs that control each of the stations 4 and so on.

On the other hand, the RAM 83 temporarily stores data relating to bet information provided from respective stations 4, ball receiving number of the roulette apparatus 3 determined by the sensor, accumulated JP credits, and result of processing executed by the server CPU 81 and so on.

Furthermore, the timer 84 for time measurement is connected to the server CPU 81. The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server CPU 81 and the server CPU 81 controls the rotation of the roulette wheel 22 & the thrown-in of the ball 27 to be described later based on the time information of the timer 84.

Additionally, the electroluminescence display 5 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the server CPU 81. The electroluminescence display 5 controls light emission of LEDs or the like to provide electric spectacular effect as well as displaying predetermined characters on the electroluminescence display 5. Furthermore, the accumulated JP credits (MEGA credits in the present embodiment) are displayed on the JP credit display 15 of the electroluminescence display 5.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the ROM 82. As shown in FIG. 6, the ROM 82 has a dividend storage area 82A provided therein for storing the dividend rates relating to the game. Here, the dividend rates stored in the dividend storage area 82A for each bet area 72 has magnification ratio such as “×2” to “×36” preliminarily determined in accordance with the type of bets (“straight bet”, “corner bet”, “split” bet” or the like).

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the RAM 83. As shown in FIG. 7, the RAM 83 has a bet information storage area 83A for storing bet information of the player currently playing, a ball receiving number storage area 83B for storing the ball receiving number of the roulette apparatus 3 determined by the ball sensor 105, a “MINI” JP accumulation storage area 83C storing the number of accumulated credits of the “MINI” JP, a “MAJOR” JP accumulation storage area 83D storing the number of accumulated credits of the “MAJOR” JP, a “MEGA” JP accumulation storage area 83E storing the number of accumulated credits of the “MEGA” JP, and a current control data storage area 83F for storing current control data 1 to 6 provided therein. Specifically, the bet information is the information about the betting at the station 4, such as the bet area 72 specified on the bet screen 61 (refer to FIG. 5), the number of bet chips (number of bets), the kind of betting and so on.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the roulette apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the roulette apparatus 3 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, a pocket position detecting circuit 107, a ball throw-in apparatus 104, a ball sensor 105, a wheel drive motor 106, and a ball collecting apparatus 108. The controller 109 includes the CPU 101, the RAM 103, the server CPU 81, and the RAM 83.

The CPU 101 controls launch of the ball 27 and rotation of the roulette wheel 22 based on control signals provided from the server 13, or data & program stored in the ROM 102 & the RAM 103.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the ROM 102. As shown in FIG. 9, the ROM 102 has a control data storage area 102A, in which the control data shown in FIG. 1 is stored.

The pocket position detecting circuit 107 includes a proximity sensor. The pocket position detecting circuit 107 detects the rotation position of the roulette wheel 22 by detecting the metal plates attached on to the back surface of the roulette wheel 22. The pocket position detecting circuit 107 outputs the detection result to the CPU 101 as a detection signal.

The ball throw-in apparatus 104 throws the ball 27 onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball throw-in opening 36 (see FIG. 2). The ball throw-in apparatus 104 launches the ball 27 with an initial velocity of the control data. In addition, the ball throw-in apparatus 104 launches the ball 27 at a timing based on the launch delay time of the control data. In other words, the ball throw-in apparatus 104 throws in the ball 27 after the launch delay time elapsed after the pocket position detecting circuit 107 detected that the reference number pocket has passed a predetermined position (e.g., front of the ball throw-in opening 36).

The ball sensor 105 determines the ball receiving pocket. The wheel drive motor 106 rotates the roulette wheel 22. After the start of driving, the wheel drive motor 106 stops driving at the elapse of the motor driving time of the control data. The ball collecting apparatus 108 collects the ball 27 in the roulette wheel 22 after the game is finished.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the station 4 according to the present embodiment. By the way, the provided twelve stations 4 have the same configuration basically and then one of the stations 4 will be described below as an example.

As shown in FIG. 10, the station 4 includes a station controller 90 constituted by a station CPU 91, a ROM 92, and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is constituted, for example, by a semiconductor memory or the like. The ROM 92 stores programs that implement basic functions of the station 4, various programs necessary for the control of the rest of the stations 4, data tables and so on. In addition, the RAM 93 temporarily stores various data operated by the station CPU 91, the number of credits possessed by the player (saved at the station 4), the state of betting by the player and so on.

In addition, a bet confirming button 47 provided on the console 7 (see FIG. 3), a payout button 48, and a help button 49 are connected to the station CPU 91, respectively.

The bet confirming button 47 is pressed down by the player when confirming his/her bet after bet operation on the display panel 8. Usually, the payout button 48 is pressed down by the player when the game is finished. When the payout button 48 is pressed down, a number of medals according to the credits possessed by the player (typically one medal per credit) are paid out from the medal payout opening 9. The help button 49 may be pressed down by the player if he/she is uncertain of how to operate the game. When the help button 49 is pressed down, a help screen showing a variety of operation information is displayed on the display panel 8.

The station CPU 91 controls execution of a variety of corresponding operations based on operational signals which are output by pressing down any of the button specifically, the station CPU 91 executes various kinds of processing based on input signals provided from the console 7 in response to the player's operation and the data & programs stored in the ROM 92 & RAM 93. The station CPU 91 transmits the processing result to the server CPU 81.

In addition, the station CPU 91 receives the command signal from the server CPU 81 and advances the game by controlling the peripheral devices constituting the station 4. The station CPU 91 executes various kinds of processing in accordance with the contents of the processing based on the input signal provided from the console 7 in response to the player's operation and the data & programs stored in the ROM 92 & the RAM 93. The station CPU 91 advances the game by controlling the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 based on the processing result.

Further, a hopper 94 is connected to the station CPU 91. The hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9 (refer to FIG. 3) by the command signal from the station CPU 91.

Furthermore, a display panel 8 is connected to the station CPU 91 via an LCD drive circuit 95. The LCD drive circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), and a video RAM. The program ROM stores an image control program relating to presentation on the display panel 8 and various selection tables. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming images to be displayed on the display panel 8. According to the image control program in the program ROM, the image control CPU determines the image to be displayed on the display panel 8 from the dot data in the image ROM, based on parameters which have been set in the station CPU 91. The work RAM is configured as a temporarily storage device when executing the image control program by the image control CPU. The VDP forms and outputs the display image determined by the image control CPU to the display panel 8. Here, the video RAM is configured as a temporary storage device when forming an image by the VDP.

In addition, the touch screen 50 is attached to the front face of the display panel 8 as stated above. The information of operation on the touch screen 50 is transmitted to the station CPU 91. Using the touch screen 50, the player performs bet operation on the bet screen 61. Specifically, operation of the touch screen 50 is performed by selecting the bet area 72, operating the bet buttons 66, and the information is transmitted to the station CPU 91. Then the bet information of the current player (bet area specified in the bet screen 61 and number of chips that have been bet) is stored at any time in the RAM 93 based on the information. Furthermore, the bet information is transmitted to the server CPU 81 and stored in the bet information storage area of the RAM 83.

Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are connected to the station CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates various effect sound based on output signals from the sound output circuit 96 when creating a variety of effects.

In addition, a medal sensor 97 is connected to the station CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 (see FIG. 3). At the same time, the medal sensor 97 counts the inserted medals and transmits the result to the station CPU 91. The station CPU 91 increases the number of the player's credits stored in the RAM 93 based on the transmitted signal.

In addition, the win lamps 11 are connected to the station CPU 91. The station CPU 91 lights up the win lamp 11 with a predetermined color in cases such as when the bet on the bet screen 61 gets a winning number or a JP.

Next, outline of the processes executed by the roulette gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described along the flow chart shown in FIG. 11. The roulette gaming machine 1 executes the roulette game (step S1000). The roulette gaming machine 1 determines whether or not a predetermined condition (the condition will be described below) is met (step S1001). The process flow proceeds to step S1002 if the predetermined condition is met. Otherwise, when the predetermined condition is not met, the process is terminated. The roulette gaming machine 1 changes the reference control data (step S1002). Subsequently, the roulette gaming machine 1 terminates the process.

The processes executed by the roulette gaming machine 1 can be divided into a server gaming process executed by the server CPU 81 and a station gaming process executed by the station CPU 91.

Now, the server gaming process executed by the server CPU 81 and the station gaming process executed by the station CPU 91 will be described referring to FIGS. 12 and 13. FIGS. 12 and 13 are flow charts illustrating the gaming process of the roulette gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

First, the station gaming process will be described referring to FIGS. 12 and 13. The station CPU 91 determines whether or not the player has inserted one or more medals or coins based on the detection signal of the medal sensor 97 (step S11). If no medal or coin has been inserted (NO in step S11), the station CPU 91 waits for insertion. If, on the other hand, one or more medals or coins have been inserted (YES in step S11), the process flow proceeds to step S12.

The station CPU 91 records credit data into the RAM 93 in accordance with the number of medals or coins inserted (step S12). Next, the station CPU 91 transmits a medal detection signal indicating that one or more medals or coins have been inserted to the server 13 (step S13).

Next, the station CPU 91 displays the bet screen 61 shown in FIG. 4 on the display panel 8 of the station 4 (step S14). Next, the station CPU 91 starts to measure the betting time during which betting is allowed and starts accepting bets (step S15). Then the player can bet on the bet area 72 that he/she expects to win by operating the touch screen 50 during the betting time (see FIG. 4). Here, since a specific type of bet using the bet screen 61 has already been described, further description will be omitted. In addition, the player can participate in the middle of a game even when the betting time has been started. With the roulette gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, a maximum of 12 people can play the game. Furthermore, acceptance of the bet operation is started immediately after the previous game has been finished, in a case where the next game is played subsequent to the previous game.

Upon receiving a betting time expiration signal indicating the end of the betting time from the server CPU 81 (step S16), the station CPU 91 stops accepting bets via the touch screen 50 (step S17). Simultaneously, the station CPU 91 displays an image indicating the end of the betting time on the display panel 8 of the station 4. Subsequently, the station CPU 91 transmits the player's bet information (specified bet area 72, number of bets, or type of bet) to the server 13 (step S18).

Next, the station CPU 91 receives the result of the determination process of the JP bonus game from the server CPU 81 (step S19). The determination process of the JP bonus game is executed by the server CPU 81 and described below. The determination result of the JP bonus game includes whether or not to execute a predetermined JP bonus game in respective stations 4. The determination result of the JP bonus game also includes which of the stations 4 is supposed to have JP credits paid out, or which of the JP credits is supposed to be paid out.

Next, the station CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute the JP bonus game based on the result of the JP bonus game determination process received into step S19 (step S20 of FIG. 13). If it is determined that the JP bonus game will be executed on the station 4, a predetermined selective JP bonus game relating to winning JPs is executed, and the result of the game (whether or not a JP has been won, that is, whether or not JP credits are paid out) is displayed on the display panel 8 based on the determination result received into step S19.

If it is determined in step S20 that the bonus game will not be executed on the present station 4, or after the process of step S21, the station CPU 91 receives the result of credit payout information from the server CPU 81 (step S22). Here, the credit payout information indicates at least one of the credits calculated based on the roulette game result and the JP credits.

Next, the station CPU 91 executes payout of credits based on the payout information received in step S22 (step S23). Specifically, the credits calculated based on the roulette game result and the JP credits are stored in the RAM 93, respectively. Then, medals in numbers corresponding to the credits stored in the RAM 93 (typically one medal per credit) are paid out from the medal payout opening 9 when the payout button 48 is pressed down.

Subsequently, if the game is supposed to be continued on any of the stations 4, the process flow returns to step S14 to start the betting time again and proceeds to the next roulette game. If, on the other hand, the game is supposed to be finished on all of the stations 4, the gaming process is terminated.

Next, the server gaming process will be described referring to FIGS. 12 and 13. First, the server CPU 81 waits until it receives a medal detection signal from the station CPU 91 (step S101). If the server CPU 81 receives the medal detection signal from any of the station CPU 91, the game execution counter (this counter is stored in the RAM 83 with its initial value being “zero”) is incremented by one and the process flow proceeds to step S102.

The server CPU 81 starts to measure the betting time from the event when the first player inserted one or more medals or coins (step S102). The betting time is a period during which bets are allowed to be input. The player who participated in the game can bet on the bet area 72 that he/she expects to win, by operating the touch screen 50 during the betting time.

Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not there are five seconds left of the betting time (step S103). Here, the remaining betting time is displayed on the bet time display 69 (see FIG. 4). If it is determined that the remaining time is longer than five seconds, the process flow returns to step S103. Otherwise, if it is determined that the remaining time is five seconds, the process flow proceeds to step S104.

The server CPU 81 transmits a control signal to start operation of the roulette apparatus 3 to the CPU 101 (step S104). Upon receiving the control signal, the CPU 101 controls subsequent operations, referring to the control data stored in the RAM 101. Here, the CPU 101 stores one of the control data into RAM 101 at the activation of the roulette gaming machine 1.

First, the CPU 101 drives the wheel drive motor 106 for a motor driving time set in the control data to rotate the roulette wheel 22.

Next, when a predetermined time period (e.g., 20 seconds) has elapsed after the roulette wheel 22 started to rotate, the CPU 101 waits until the reference number pocket has passed a predetermined position. Then, the CPU 101 throws in the ball 27 after the launch delay time elapsed after the reference number pocket has passed a predetermined position. Determination of whether or not the reference number pocket has passed a predetermined position is made based on the detection signal from the pocket position detecting circuit 107. In this occasion, the ball is thrown in at an initial velocity set in the control data. In this manner, the CPU 101 executes a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific number pocket 23 (that is, number pocket 23 belonging to the biased area) is increased.

Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the betting time has expired (step S105). When it is determined that the betting time has not expired, it waits until the betting time is expired.

When, on the other hand, it is determined that the betting time has expired, the server CPU 81 transmits a betting time expiration signal to the station CPU 91 (step S106).

Next, the server CPU 81 receives bet information (specified bet area 72, number of bets, and type of bet) from the station CPU 91 in respective stations 4 (step S107) and stores it in the bet information storage area 83A of the RAM 83.

Next, the server CPU 81 adds 0.30% of the total credits received in step S107 and bet in the stations 4 to the MINI credits recorded in the “MINI” JP accumulation storage area 83C of the RAM 83 (step S108). Similarly, the server CPU 81 adds 0.20% of the total credits to MAJOR credits recorded in the “MAJOR” JP accumulation storage area 83D of the RAM 83. Furthermore, the server CPU 81 adds 0.15% of the total credits to MEGA credits recorded in the “MEGA” JP accumulation storage area 83E of the RAM 83. Also, the server CPU 81 updates the presentations on the JP amount display 15, the MEGA display 73, the MAJOR display 74, and the MINI display 75, based on these JP credits.

Next, the server CPU 81 executes the JP bonus game determination process (step S109). In this process, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not to execute the JP bonus game on respective stations 4, using a random number value sampled in a sampling circuit or the like. When executing the JP bonus game, it is determined whether or not to payout JP credits. If it is determined to payout JP credits, the server CPU 81 determines at which of the twelve stations 4 JP credits are paid out. The server CPU 81 further determines which of the JP credits are paid out.

Next, the server CPU 81 transmits the determination result of the JP bonus game to respective stations 4 based on the process of step S109 (step S110).

Next, the server CPU 81 transmits a control signal to the roulette apparatus 3 to drive the ball sensor 105 (step S111 of FIG. 13). The ball sensor 105 detects the ball receiving pocket and outputs a detection signal to the server CPU 81. The server CPU 81 determines the ball receiving pocket based on the detection signal from the ball sensor 105. Furthermore, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the ball receiving pocket belongs to the biased area based on the ball receiving pocket and the control data stored in the RAM 101 (also referred to as “reference control data” in the following). The value of the ball receiving counter (this counter is stored in the RAM 101 with an initial value of “0”) is incremented by one only when the ball receiving pocket belongs to the biased area.

Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the number which has been bet at each station 4 is the same as the number of the ball receiving pocket based on the bet information of each station 4 which has been received in step S107 and the ball receiving pocket which has been detected in step S111 (step S112).

Next, the server CPU 81 executes the dividend calculation process (step S113). In the dividend calculation process, the chips that have been bet on the number of the ball receiving pocket are counted for each of the stations 4 and the credits to be paid out are calculated for each of the stations 4 using the dividend rates stored in the dividend storage area 82A of the ROM 82.

Next, the server CPU 81 transmits the payout information of the credits calculated in step S113 (step S114). Furthermore, the server CPU 81 transmits the payout information of the JP credits to be paid out to the station 4 at which the JP credits are paid out.

Next, the server CPU 81 drives the ball collecting apparatus 108 installed at the lower part of the roulette wheel 22 to collect the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22 by transmitting a control signal to the roulette apparatus 3 (step S115). The collected ball 27 will be thrown onto the roulette wheel 22 again in subsequent games.

Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific number pocket 23” to “the number of executing the roulette game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (whether a predetermined condition has been met). Specifically, the server CPU 81 divides the value of the ball receiving counter by the value of the game execution counter to determine whether or not the ratio is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. When the predetermined condition is met, the process flow of the server CPU 81 proceeds to step S117 and when the predetermined condition is not met, the server gaming process is terminated.

The server CPU 81 transmits a change instruction signal to the CPU 101 of the roulette apparatus 3 (step S117). The CPU 101 which received the change instruction signal determines control data which is different from the current control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data stored in the ROM 102 based on the random number sampling. The current control data stored in the RAM 101 is replaced by the determined reference control data. Here, in the first embodiment, the control data is switched when a predetermined condition (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific number pocket 23” to “the number of executing the game” is equal to or larger than a predetermined value) is met. However, another predetermined condition can be adopted to switch the control data. The another predetermined condition may be such that, for example, the ball has been received into a specific one of number pockets 23 for a predetermined number of times consecutively; the ball has been received into number pockets 23 within the same group (area) for a predetermined number of times consecutively; a predetermined bonus (e.g., mystery bonus or JP) has occurred; or the currency value bet on a number belonging to a predetermined group (e.g., a group having a higher probability of receiving the ball) has reached a predetermined amount.

As stated above, the roulette gaming machine 1 of the first embodiment determines another control data which is different from one control data among a plurality of control data as the reference data, if the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into a specific pocket 23” to “the number of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Thus, the specific number pocket 23 changes when the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times of receiving the ball into a specific pocket 23” to “the number of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. As a result, the player can enjoy a new game such as predicting the timing when the specific number pocket 23 changes, or predicting which one of the pockets is the specific number pocket 23.

Second Embodiment

Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in steps S112 and S116, which will therefore be described.

In step S112, a server CPU 81 determines whether or not the number which has been bet at each station 4 is the same as the number of the ball receiving pocket based on the bet information of each station 4 received in step S107 and the ball receiving pocket detected in step S111. When there exits a station 4 in which these numbers are the same and the ball receiving pocket is the specific number pocket 23, the consistent counter (this counter is stored in the RAM 83 with its initial value being “zero”) is incremented by one. The consistent counter is stored in the RAM 83 with respect to each station 4.

In step S116, the server CPU 81 calculates the ratio with respect to each station 4 (the ratio of “the number of times the specific number pocket 23 has been bet and the ball has been received into the specific number pocket 23” to “the number of executing the games”). Furthermore, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (whether a predetermined condition has been met).

Specifically, the server CPU 81 divides “the value of each consistent counter” by “the value of the game execution counter” to determine whether or not any of the values is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

When the predetermined condition is met, the process flow of the server CPU 81 proceeds to step S117. When the predetermined condition is not met, the server terminates gaming process.

As stated above, the roulette gaming machine 1 of the second embodiment calculates the ratio with respect to each station 4. Furthermore, the server CPU 81 determines another control data which is different from one control data among a plurality of control data as the reference data, when any of the calculated ratios (the ratio of “the number of times the specific number pocket 23 has been bet and the ball has been received into the specific number pocket 23” to “the number of times the game has been executed”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Thus, the specific number pocket 23 changes when the ratio (the ratio of “the number of times the specific number pocket 23 has been bet and the ball has been received into the specific number pocket 23” to “the number of times the game has been executed”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. As a result, the player can enjoy a new game such as predicting the timing when the specific number pocket 23 changes, or predicting which one of the pockets is the specific number pocket 23.

Third Embodiment

Next, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in steps S113 and S116, which will therefore be described.

In step S113, the server CPU 81 executes the dividend calculation process. In the dividend calculation process, the chips that have been bet on the ball receiving number are counted with respect to each station 4. And the credits to be paid out are calculated with respect to each station 4 based on the dividend rates stored in the dividend storage area 82A of the ROM 82. If the ball receiving pocket is the specific number pocket 23, the server CPU 81 sums up all the credits to be paid out at all stations 4. Furthermore, the server CPU 81 adds the sum to the value of the accumulation counter. In this manner, the value of the accumulation counter (this accumulation counter is stored in the RAM 101 with its initial value being “zero”) will be accumulated. In other words, the server CPU 81 accumulates the value of all the paid-out credits in accordance with bets on the specific number pocket 23 when the ball has been received into the specific number pocket 23.

In step S116, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the value (the value resulting from dividing “the value accumulated in step S113” by “the number of executing the games”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value (whether a predetermined condition has been met). Specifically, the server CPU 81 divides “the value of the accumulation counter” by “the value of the game execution counter” to determine whether or not the value is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

When the predetermined condition is met, the process flow of the server CPU 81 proceeds to step S117. And when the predetermined condition is not met, the server terminates gaming process.

As stated above, the roulette gaming machine 1 of the third embodiment accumulates the paid-out credits in accordance with bets on the specific number pocket 23 which has been receive the ball. Furthermore, the server CPU 81 determines another control data which is different from one control data among a plurality of control data as the reference data, when the calculated value (the calculated value by dividing “the accumulated value” by “the number of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. Thus, the specific number pocket 23 changes when the calculated value (the calculated value by dividing “the accumulated value” by “the number of executing the game”) is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. As a result, the player can enjoy a new game such as predicting the timing when the specific number pocket 23 changes, or predicting which one of the pockets is the specific number pocket 23.

The embodiments of the present invention that have been described above merely present specific examples and by no means limit the present invention particularly. Specific implementation of the arrangements can be modified in design as appropriate. In addition, the effects set forth in the embodiments of the present invention are merely an enumeration of the most preferred effects resulting from the present invention. The effects of the present invention are by no means limited to those set forth in the embodiments of the present invention.

Also, in the above detailed description, mainly characteristic portions have been set forth so that the present invention can be understood more easily. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth in the above detailed description and can be applied to other embodiments, with a wide range of applications. In addition, terms and wordings used in the present specification are used to precisely explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the interpretation of the present invention. Also, those skilled in the art will easily conceive, from the concept of the invention set forth in the present specification, other arrangements, systems or methods included in the concept of the present invention. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the scope of the claims includes equivalent arrangements without deviating from the scope of technical ideas of the present invention. In addition, the purpose of the abstract is to facilitate the Patent Office and general public institutions, or engineers in the technological field who are not familiar with patent and legal terms or specific terms to quickly evaluate technical contents and the essence of this application by simple investigation. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which should be evaluated by descriptions of the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it is desirable to take into consideration the already disclosed literatures sufficiently in order to completely understand the objects and specific effects of the present invention.

The above detailed description includes processes executed by a computer. The aforementioned descriptions and expressions are described with a purpose that those skilled in the art will understand them most efficiently. In the present specification, each step used for deriving one result should be understood as a self-consistent process. Also, transmission, reception and recording of electric or magnetic signals are executed in each step. In the processes in respective steps, although such signals are expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms or numerals, it should be noted that these are merely used for convenience of description. Additionally, although the processes in respective steps may be described using an expression common to human activities, the processes described in the present specification is executed, in principle, by a variety of devices. Furthermore, other arrangements required to execute respective steps are self-evident from the aforementioned description.

Claims

1. A gaming apparatus comprising:

a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets;

a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets;

a bet switch for making a bet on any of the pockets; and

a controller operable to: (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, and (b) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data, when the ratio of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket to the number of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

2. A gaming apparatus comprising:

a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets;

a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets;

a plurality of stations having bet switches for making a bet on any of the pockets; and

a controller operable to: (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, (b) calculate ratios of the number of times of receiving the ball into a specific pocket on which the bet has been made to the number of executing the games with respect to each of the stations, and (c) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

3. A gaming apparatus comprising:

a roulette wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets;

a memory for storing a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of a probability of receiving a ball into each of the pockets;

a bet switch for making a bet on any of the pockets; and

a controller operable to: (a) control execution of a roulette game so that the probability of receiving the ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting the bet, by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data, and by controlling payout of credits when the ball is received into the pocket on which the bet has been made, (b) accumulate value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made, and (c) determine another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when the calculated value by dividing the accumulated value by the number of times of executing the games is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

4. A playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising:

controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets; and

determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data, when the ratio of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket to the number of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

5. A playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising:

controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets;

calculating ratios of the number of times of receiving the ball into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made to the number of executing the game with respect to each of the stations; and

determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when any of the calculated ratios is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.

6. A playing method of a gaming apparatus, comprising:

controlling execution of a roulette game so that a probability of receiving a ball into a specific pocket is increased, by controlling accepting a bet on any of a plurality of numbered pockets on a roulette wheel at each of stations, and by controlling rotation of the roulette wheel and launch of the ball with reference to one control data as the reference data among a plurality of control data for controlling biasing of the probability of receiving the ball into each of the pockets;

accumulating value of the credits paid out when the ball is received into the specific pocket on which the bet has been made; and

determining another control data which is different from the one control data among the plurality of control data as the reference data when the calculated value by dividing the accumulated value by the number of times of executing the game is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.