GAME SYSTEM AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

Abstract

A game system has roulette gaming devices that are connected to each other and an accumulator that accumulates progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices. Each gaming device includes terminals, a roulette wheel having pockets to which numbers are attached, respectively, and a first processor. The first processor operates to receive a bet on a game through the terminals, to determine whether or not a win of a result of the game for each of the terminals, and to determine whether to give a progressive bonus award different from an award based on the game result for the terminals. The game system further has a second processor that operates to control, when the first processor of any roulette gaming device determines to give the progressive bonus award to any terminal, the terminal to perform a payout for the progressive bonus award based on the accumulated scores.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-051717, filed on Mar. 1, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a game system having roulette gaming devices connected to each other and a control method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

An international Patent Publication No. WO04/094013 discloses a gaming machine that uses a roulette wheel and a ball to execute a so-called roulette game. To be more specific, in a roulette game, after a ball is introduced on a roulette wheel, it is received in one of pockets. Then, based on a number of the corresponding pocket, a payout is performed. In the gaming machine, a progressive bonus award is given in addition to an award based on a roulette game result. A payout amount for the bonus award is more than the payout amount based on the roulette game result.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, in the above gaming machine, since the payout rate for the award based on the roulette game result is relatively high, the payout amount for the progressive bonus award is inevitably lowered. Accordingly, an improvement of an entertainment characteristic is little realized, even though the progressive bonus award is provided.

An object of the invention is to provide a game system that can improve an entertainment characteristic resulting from a progressive bonus award, and a control method thereof.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a game system comprising: a plurality of roulette gaming devices that are connected to each other, each of the gaming devices including one or more terminals that are operated by players, respectively, a roulette wheel having a plurality of pockets to which numbers are attached, respectively, and a first processor that operates to receive a bet on a game, in which a pocket is expected into which a ball introduced on the roulette wheel is received, through the terminals, to determine whether or not a win of a result of the game for each of the terminals, and to determine whether to give a progressive bonus award different from an award based on the game result for the terminals; an accumulator that accumulates progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices; and a second processor that operates to control, when the first processor of any roulette gaming device determines to give the progressive bonus award to any terminal, the terminal to perform a payout for the progressive bonus award based on the scores accumulated by the accumulator.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method of a game system comprising the steps of: receiving a bet on a game, in which a pocket is expected into which a ball introduced on a roulette wheel is received, thorough one or more terminals that are included in each of a plurality of roulette gaming devices connected to each other and are operated by players, respectively, the roulette wheel being included in each of the roulette gaming devices and having a plurality of the pockets to which numbers are attached, respectively; determining whether or not a win of a result of the game for each of the terminals; determining whether to give a progressive bonus award different from an award based on the game result for the terminals; accumulating progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices; and performing a payout for the progressive bonus award, when it is determined to give the progressive bonus award to any terminal of any roulette gaming device, to the terminal, based on the accumulated scores.

According to the first and second aspects, the progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices are accumulated and a payout for a progressive bonus award is performed based on the accumulated scores. Thereby, as compared to a case where a payout for a progressive bonus award is performed based on a progressive bonus score in only one roulette gaming device, it is possible to increase a payout amount for a progressive bonus award. Due to this, it is possible to improve an entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a game system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a roulette gaming device included in the game system;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a roulette unit included in the roulette gaming device;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an image that is displayed on an image display device of each terminal included in the roulette gaming device;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the roulette gaming device;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of the roulette unit;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of a terminal;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an electrical structure of a controller included in the game system;

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of a large-scaled display included in the controller;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are flow charts showing game processes that are executed by the roulette gaming device;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a process that is executed by the controller;

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an image that is displayed on an image display device of each terminal, in a second embodiment of a game system of the invention; and

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing a process that is executed by a controller, in a third embodiment of a game system of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following, a certain preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a game system of the invention. The game system 1 of this embodiment has two roulette gaming devices 2 and a controller 3 which are connected to each other. The controller 3 has an accumulator 4 that accumulates progressive bonus scores transmitted from the respective roulette gaming devices 2.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the roulette gaming device 2. The roulette gaming device 2 includes a cabinet 12, a roulette unit 14, a total of twelve terminals 16, an electro-luminescent display 36, and a server 32. The roulette unit 14 is provided on an upper face of the cabinet 12, substantially at a center thereof. On the twelve terminals 16, respective players play games. The electro-luminescent display 36 is provided above the cabinet 12. Three of the terminals 16 are arranged at each of four sides of the cabinet 12, so as to surround the roulette unit 14. In other words, each of the roulette gaming devices 2 has the 12 terminals 16 in total, to which the numbers of 1 to 12 are attached, respectively.

The roulette unit 14 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. The roulette unit 14 has an annular frame 40 that is fixed to the cabinet 12 (see FIG. 2), and a roulette wheel 42 that is received and held inside the frame 40 in a rotatable manner. A total of thirty-eight number pockets 44 are annularly provided on an upper face of the roulette wheel 42. Each number pocket 44 has a recessed shape. On the upper face of the roulette wheel 42, number plates 46 are annularly provided outside the number pockets 44 so as to correspond to the number pockets 44. The number plates 46 indicate numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”, respectively.

A ball insertion slot 48 is formed within the frame 40. A ball inserter 98 (see FIG. 6) is connected to the ball insertion slot 48. Along with driving of the ball inserter 98, a ball 50 is inserted through the ball insertion slot 48 onto the roulette wheel 42. The roulette unit 14 is entirely covered from an upper side thereof by a transparent acrylic cover 15 having a hemispheric shape (see FIG. 2).

A wheel drive motor 102 (see FIG. 6) is provided below the roulette wheel 42. Along with driving of the motor 102, the roulette wheel 42 is rotated. A metal plate (not shown) is mounted at a predetermined position below the roulette wheel 42. As a sensor included in a pocket position detection circuit 104 (see FIG. 6) detects the metal plate, a position of the number pocket 44 is detected.

The frame 40 gently slopes inward, and a guide wall 52 is formed in the middle of the frame 40. A ball 50 inserted through the ball insertion slot 48 rolls against centrifugal force while being guided by the guide wall 52. As a rotational speed decreases to reduce centrifugal force, the ball 50 rolls on a slope of the frame 40 inside the guide wall 52, then passes through any one of the number plates 46 of the rotating roulette wheel 42, and then is received into a number pocket 44 corresponding to the number plate 46. Consequently, a ball sensor 100 (see FIG. 6) determines which number pocket 44 has received the ball 50.

Rotation of the roulette wheel 42 and insertion of the ball 50 are controlled based on a control signal that includes data about a driving period of the motor 102, an initial ball speed, and an insertion delay time. The roulette wheel 42 rotates at a predetermined speed for the driving period of the motor 102. When driving of the motor 102 is stopped, the rotation speed of the roulette wheel 42 gradually decreases and finally the roulette wheel 42 stops. The initial ball speed is an initial speed at a time when the ball 50 is inserted by driving of the ball inserter 98. The insertion delay time is a period of time during rotation of the roulette wheel 42 from when a predetermined number pocket 44 passes through a predetermined position to when the ball 50 is inserted.

Next, the terminal 16 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. Each terminal 16 includes a medal insertion slot 18 through which one or more medals are inserted, a control panel 20 having buttons, and an image display device 22 on which an image relating to a game is displayed. In playing a game, a player operates a touch panel 22a (see FIG. 7), the control panel 20 and the like while watching an image displayed on the image display device 22. The touch panel 22a is formed on a front face of the image display device 22.

Each terminal 16 further includes a medal discharge opening 24, a speaker 26, and a WIN lamp 28. The medal discharge opening 24 is formed on a side face of the cabinet 12. The speaker 26, which outputs music, effect sounds and the like, is provided on an upper-right side of the image display device 22. The WIN lamp 28 is disposed adjacent to the speaker 26.

In the gaming device 2, a progressive bonus award is given in addition to an award based on a result on a so-called roulette game (hereinafter simply referred to as a “game”). Win or loss of a game is determined, and also a payout amount is determined when the game is won, based on, in the roulette unit 14, in which number pocket 44 the ball 50 inserted onto the roulette wheel 42 is received and also based on a betting object selected by a player. In this embodiment, a progressive bonus award is given to the terminal 16 having the number same as that of the number pocket 44 in which the ball 50 is received. A payout amount for the progressive bonus award is equivalent to an accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (see FIG. 1). Here, “a game” means a series of operations that occur while a player makes a bet in the terminal 16, a ball 50 inserted onto the roulette wheel 42 is received into a number pocket 44, and a payout is performed. A bet includes selection of a betting object and determination of a bet amount on the betting object.

When a player at a certain terminal 16 wins a game, a WIN lamp 28 of this terminal 16 is turned on. When the progressive bonus award occurs as well, a WIN lamp 28 of a winning terminal 16 is turned on. In order that every player playing on the gaming device 2 can check win/lose of the other players, each WIN lamp 28 is positioned so as to be visible from players using the other terminals 16.

A medal sensor 116 (see FIG. 7) is provided inside the medal insertion slot 18. The medal sensor 116 detects a medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 18. The medal is converted into a credit, and reserved in the terminal 16. In this embodiment, one medal is equivalent to one credit. A hopper 114 (see FIG. 7) that ejects a predetermined number of medals through the medal discharge opening 24 is provided inside the medal discharge opening 24.

The serve 32 is accommodated within a corner 30 of the cabinet 12 so as not to be operated by a player. By opening a corner door 34 that is provided at the corner 30 using a keyswitch, a manager of the roulette gaming device 2 operates the sever 13 and makes various settings of the roulette gaming device 2.

The electro-luminescent display 36 has a bonus score indicator 38 that displays an accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (see FIG. 1). The bonus score indicator 38 is provided at a top of the electro-luminescent display 36 so that all players playing at the terminals 16 see and recognize indication.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an image that is displayed on the image display device 22. During a game, a BET screen 56 is displayed on the image display device 22. A player makes a bet by touching the touch panel 22a (see FIG. 7) provided on the front face of the image display device 22 while watching the BET screen 56.

The BET screen 56 has a table-type betting board 54, a winning number history indicator 58, a BET button 60, a last game result indicator 62, a credit indicator 64, a BET time indicator 70, and a bonus score indicator 72. The winning number history indicator 58, the BET button 60, the last game result indicator 62, the credit indicator 64 are provided below the betting board 54. The BET time indicator 70 and the bonus score indicator 72 are provided above the betting board 54.

On the betting board 54, thirty eight BET areas are arranged in a matrix. Numbers “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” are indicated in the thirty eight BET areas, respectively. BET areas for selecting an “odd number”, an “even number”, a “color of the number plate 46 (red or black)”, and “a predetermined range of numbers (“1” to “12” for example)” are also arranged in a matrix.

Every time a game ends, a winning number is added to a top in the winning number history indicator 58. The winning number history indicator 58 indicates a list of winning numbers in previous sixteen games at the maximum.

When a player selects a betting object by touching the touch panel 22a with his/her finger or the like (see points 66 in the BET area or on a boundary line between the BET areas), the betting object is indicated by a cursor 68.

The BET button 60 is pressed after a player selects a betting object. The BET button 60 includes a 1-BET button 60A, a 5-BET button 60B, a 10-BET button 60C, and a 100-BET button 60D. Every time the 1-BET button 60A is pressed, a bet amount increases by one. Every time the 5-BET button 60B is pressed, a bet amount increases by five. Every time the 100-BET button 60D is pressed, a bet amount increases by 100.

The last game result indicator 62 indicates a bet amount and a payout amount in the last game. An amount obtained by subtracting the bet amount from the payout amount is a credit the player has acquired in the last game.

The credit indicator 64 indicates a credit amount currently held by a player, that is, a credit reserved in the terminal 16. When a bet is made, an amount indicated in the credit indicator 64 decreases by a bet amount. When a betting object wins and a payout is made, a credit increases by an amount corresponding to a payout amount. A game ends when a credit held by a player becomes zero.

The BET time indicator 70 indicates a rest of a predetermined bet period during which a bet can be received by the second. At a start of the bet period, the BET time indicator 70 indicates “20”. The value decreases by one per second, and the bet period ends when “zero” is indicated. At a time when a rest time becomes five seconds, the ball inserter 98 (see FIG. 6) is driven and a ball 50 is inserted onto the roulette wheel 42.

The bonus score indicator 72 indicates an accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (see FIG. 1), like the indicator 38 (see FIG. 2). When a player wins a progressive bonus award, an amount equivalent to the accumulated score displayed on the indicator 72 is paid out. After the payout, the indicator 72 displays an initial score, e.g., 500.

A cursor 68 and marks 74 are shown on the betting board 54. The cursor 68 indicates a betting object selected by a player. The marks 74 show betting objects selected by now, and bet amounts on the betting objects. For example, a “7” mark 74, which is shown in an “18” BET area (though the figure “18” is hidden under the mark 74 in FIG. 4), shows that seven credits are bet on the number “18”. Betting on only one number like this is called a “straight bet”.

In FIG. 4, a “1” mark 74, which locates at a point of intersection of the “5” BET area, the “6” BET area, the “8” BET area, and the “9” BET area, shows that one credit is bet on each of the four numbers “5”, “6”, “8” and “9”. Betting on four numbers like this is called a “corner bet”. Other bet methods such as a “street bet”, a “five bet”, a “dozen bet” may be applied.

Next, an electrical construction of the roulette gaming device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

First, an electrical construction of the serve 32 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the serve 32 is connected to each of the twelve terminals 16, the roulette unit 14, and the electro-luminescent display 36. The serve 32 has a CPU 78, a ROM 80, a RAM 82, a timer 84, a liquid crystal drive circuit 86, and a keyboard 90. The ROM 80, the RAM 82, the timer 84, the liquid crystal drive circuit 86, and the keyboard 90 are respectively connected to the CPU 78. The CPU 78 controls a whole of the serve 32 and serves as a first processor of the present invention. The liquid crystal drive circuit 86 is connected to a liquid crystal display 88.

The CPU 78 executes various processings based on input signals from the terminal 16 or the roulette unit 14, data and programs stored in the ROM 80 or the RAM 82, and the like. Based on the result of the processings, the CPU 78 transmits a control signal to the terminals 16, the roulette unit 14, and the electro-luminescent display 36, to thereby leadingly control the terminals 16, the roulette unit 14, and the electro-luminescent display 36. For example, the CPU 78 transmits a control signal to the roulette unit 14, to control insertion of a ball 50 and rotation of the roulette wheel 42.

The ROM 80 is made of a semiconductor memory for example. The ROM 80 stores therein a program for implementing basic functions of the roulette gaming device 2, a program for notifying a maintenance timing of the gaming device 2, a program for setting a condition of the notification, a program for performing a maintenance, payout rate data depending on the bet method, a program for calculating a payout amount, a program for leadingly controlling the respective terminals 16.

The RAM 82 temporarily stores therein bet information received from the respective terminals 16, winning number data received from the roulette unit 14, data about results of processings executed by the CPU 78, and the like.

The timer 84 measures time, and transmits time data to the CPU 78. Based on the time data, the CPU 78 controls rotation of the roulette wheel 42 and insertion of the ball 50.

The CPU 78 presents an illumination effect by controlling light emission from an LED or the like of the electro-luminescent display 36. Also, the CPU 78 controls the electro-luminescent display 36 so as to display a predetermined character and the like. The CPU 78 controls the bonus score indicator 38 of the electric indicator 36 to display the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4. The score displayed on the indicator 38 is initialized after performing the payout for the progressive bonus award, like the indicator 72.

Next, an electrical construction of the roulette unit 14 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the roulette unit 14 has a CPU 92, a ROM 94, a RAM 96, a ball inserter 98, a ball sensor 100, a wheel drive motor 102, a pocket position detection circuit 104 and a ball collector 106. The ROM 94, the RAM 96, the ball inserter 98, the ball sensor 100, the wheel drive motor 102, the pocket position detection circuit 104, and the ball collector 106 are respectively connected to the CPU 92.

The CPU 92 controls insertion of the ball 50 and rotation of the roulette wheel 42 based on a control signal supplied from the serve 32, data and programs stored in the ROM 94 or the RAM 96, and the like.

The pocket position detection circuit 104 detects a position of the number pocket 44 by using a sensor thereof to detect a metal plate mounted on the roulette wheel.

The ball inserter 98 inserts the ball 50 through the ball insertion slot 48 (see FIG. 3) onto the roulette wheel 42, at an initial speed that is included in a control signal supplied from the CPU 92 and at a timing that is based on an insertion delay time included in the control signal. To be more specific, the ball 50 is inserted after the insertion delay time has elapsed since the pocket position detection circuit 104 detects that a predetermined number pocket 44, for example “00”, passed before the ball insertion slot 48 for example.

The ball sensor 100 determines which number pocket 44 has received the ball 50, and outputs a detection signal indicating a result of this determination. The wheel drive motor 102 rotates the roulette wheel 42, and stops driving after a driving period included in the control signal has elapsed since the driving started. The ball collector 106 collects the ball 50 existing on the roulette wheel 42 after a game.

Next, an electrical construction of the terminal 16 will be described. The twelve terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2 basically have the same constructions. In the following, therefore, one terminal 16 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, the terminal 16 has a CPU 108, a ROM 110, and a RAM 112. The ROM 110 is made of a semiconductor memory for example. The ROM 110 stores therein a program for implementing basic functions of the terminal 16, other various programs necessary for controlling the terminal 16, a data table, and the like. The RAM 112 temporarily stores therein data about results of processings executed by the CPU 108, a credit value currently held by a player, a state of betting by a player, and the like.

A BET fix button 20a, a payout button 20b, and a help button 20c, which are provided on the control panel 20 (see FIG. 2), are connected to the CPU 108. The BET fix button 20a is pressed in order to fix the bet. The payout button 20b is pressed when a game ends for example. When the payout button 20b is pressed, medals equivalent to a credit currently held by a player are discharged from the medal discharge opening 24. The help button 20c is pressed when a game rule and how to operate the terminal 16 are unclear. When the help button 20c is pressed, a help screen is displayed on the image display device 22.

Based on a signal outputted from the control panel 20, and data and programs stored in the ROM 110 and/or the RAM 112, the CPU 108 executes various processings, and transmits data about a result of the processings to the serve 32. In addition, the CPU 108 receives a control signal from the serve 32, and controls respective parts of the terminal 16 based on the control signal.

A hopper 114 is connected to the CPU 108. The hopper 114 ejects a predetermined number of medals from the medal discharge opening 24 (see FIG. 2), based on a control signal from the CPU 108.

The image display device 22 is also connected to the CPU 108 through the liquid crystal drive circuit 118. The liquid crystal drive circuit 118 has a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (Video Display Processor), and a video RAM. The image display device 22 displays the image based on a signal outputted from the liquid crystal drive circuit 118.

When a player selects a betting object, determines a bet amount, and the like, the touch panel 22a transmits a signal indicating a touched position to the CPU 108.

The speaker 26 is also connected to the CPU 108 through a sound output circuit 120. The speaker 26, which generates an effect sound based on a signal outputted from the sound output circuit 120, presents various effects.

The medal sensor 116 is also connected to the CPU 108. The medal sensor 116 detects a medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 18 (see FIG. 2), and transmits a detection signal to the CPU 108. The CPU 108 counts the number of medals based on the detection signal, increases a credit held by a player by an amount equivalent to the number of medals, and stores the credit thus increased into the RAM 112.

The WIN lamp 28 is also connected to the CPU 108. When a game or progressive bonus award is won, the CPU 108 controls the WIN lamp 28 so as to emit light of a predetermined color.

Next, an electrical construction of the controller 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 3 has a CPU 122 and a ROM 124, a RAM 126, a large-scaled display 127 and a communication interface 128, which are respectively connected to the CPU 122.

The CPU 122 controls the controller 3 based on an input signal from any one of the roulette gaming machines 2, data and programs stored in the ROM 124 or the RAM 126, and the like. The CPU 122 serves as a second processor of the present invention.

The ROM 124 is made of a semiconductor memory for example. The ROM 124 stores therein various programs necessary for controlling the controller 3. The RAM 126 temporarily stores therein various data, and includes the accumulator 4.

When any terminal 16 of any roulette gaming device 2 wins a progressive bonus award, the CPU 122 transmits to the corresponding roulette gaming device 2 data of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4. Thereby, an amount equivalent to the accumulated score is paid out to the corresponding terminal 16.

As shown in FIG. 9, the large-scaled display 127 has an electro-luminescent display 127a. The electro-luminescent display 127a displays an accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4, like the indicator 38 (see FIG. 2) and the indicator 72 (see FIG. 4).

The communication interface 128 communicates with the two roulette gaming devices 2, respectively. Through the communication interface 128, the data of a progressive bonus score to be accumulated in the accumulator 4, a signal to request a data transmission of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 and the like are transmitted to the controller 3 from each of the roulette gaming devices 2. Through the communication interface 128, the data of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 and the like are transmitted to a corresponding roulette gaming device 2 from the controller 3.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a description will be given to game processings executed by each of the roulette gaming device 2.

First, a game processing executed by the terminal 16 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 108 of the terminal 16 determines based on a detection signal from the medal sensor 116 whether a medal has been inserted by a player or not (S10). When the CPU 108 determines that a medal has not been inserted (S10: NO), the CPU 108 proceeds to a step of S13.

When the CPU 108 determines that a medal has been inserted (S10: YES), the CPU 108 converts the medal into a credit (S11). In this embodiment, one medal is converted into one credit, and a credit value corresponding to the number of medals is stored in the RAM 112. Then, the CPU 108 transmits a medal detection signal indicating medal insertion to the serve 32 (S12). Then, the CPU 108 proceeds to a step of S13.

In step of S13, the CPU 108 displays the BET screen 56 (see FIG. 4) on the image display device 22. After the step of S13, the CPU 108 starts to receive a bet (S14). A player is permitted to make a bet by operating the touch panel 22a within a predetermined bet period. When a bet is made, the CPU 108 subtracts the bet amount from the credit-number stored in the RAM 112 and updates the credit-number. In a case where a game is played in continuation with the last game, a bet reception is started immediately after the last game ends.

After the step of S14, the CPU 108 receives a bet period end signal indicating that the bet period ends from the serve 32 (S15). Then, the CPU 108 displays an image indicating that the bet period ends on the image display device 22, and ends the bet reception (S16). The CPU 108 transmits bet information to the serve 32 (S17).

After the step of S17, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 108 receives payout amount data (S18) transmitted from the serve 32 in S46 as later-described. Then, based on the payout amount data received in S18, the CPU 108 pays out a credit (S19). At this time, a payout amount is added to a credit, and stored into the RAM 112. In a case where the payout button 20b is pressed, medals equivalent to the credit currently stored in the RAM 112 are discharged from the medal discharge opening 24. After the step of S19, the CPU 108 ends the game processing.

Next, a game processing executed by the serve 32 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, the CPU 78 of the serve 32 receives a medal detection signal transmitted from the CPU 108 of any terminal 16 (S30).

The CPU 78 starts a bet period at a time when a first player to enter a game inserts a medal, that is, at a time when a medal detection signal is received from the CPU 108 of any terminal 91 for the first time, and the CPU 78 drives the timer 84 (see FIG. 5) to start measuring a time (S31).

After the step of S31, based on a time measurement by the timer 84, the CPU 78 determines whether a rest of the bet period has become five seconds or not (S32). When the CPU 78 determines that a rest of the bet period has not become five seconds (S32: NO), the same processing is repeated until the rest of the bet period becomes five seconds.

When the CPU 78 determines that a rest of the bet period has become five seconds (S32: YES), the CPU 78 transmits to the roulette unit 14 a control signal for starting operations of the roulette unit 14 (S33).

After the step of S33, based on the time measurement by the timer 84, the CPU 78 determines whether the bet period has expired or not (S34). When the CPU 78 determines that the bet period has not expired (S34: NO), the same processing is repeated until the bet period expires.

When the CPU 78 determines that the bet period has expired (S34: YES), the CPU 78 transmits a bet period end signal to the terminal 16 (S35).

After the step of S35, the CPU 78 receives bet information from the respective terminals 16 (S36). The bet information is stored in the RAM 82.

After the step of S36, the CPU 78 transmits to the roulette unit 14 a signal commanding transmission of a detection signal from the ball sensor 100 (S37). Then, the CPU 78 receives a detection signal from the roulette unit 14 (S38).

Then, based on the detection signal received in S38, the CPU 78 determines which number pocket 44 has received the ball 50 (S39). Then, based on the bet information of the respective terminals 16 received in S36 and the number pocket 44 determined in S39, the CPU 78 determines win or lose of a base game in each of the terminals 16 (S40).

After the step of S40, the CPU 78 calculates the payout amounts for game results, for each of the terminals 16 included in the corresponding roulette gaming device 2 (S41). To be more specific, the CPU 78 calculates a payout amount for the game result, using the bet information received in the step of S36, the number pocket 44 determined in the step of S39, the payout rate stored in the ROM 80 and the like, in accordance with the payout amount calculation program stored in the ROM 80.

After the step of S41, the CPU 78 transmits the data of the progressive bonus score to the controller 3 (S42). Here, the progressive bonus score is equivalent to a part of the total sum to be paid out for the terminal 16 that has won a game result, among all the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2, for example ten percent of the total sum to be paid out.

After the step of S42, the CPU 78 determines whether each of the terminals 16, which have won a game in the roulette gaming device 2, wins a progressive bonus award (S43). As described above, the progressive bonus award is given to the terminal 16 having the number same as that of the number pocket 44 in which the ball 50 is received.

When there is no terminal 16 that wins a progressive bonus award (S43: NO), the CPU 78 proceeds to a step of S46.

When there is the terminal 16 that wins a progressive bonus award (S43: YES), the CPU 78 transmits to the controller 3 a signal to request the data transmission of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (S44). Then, the CPU 78 determines whether the data of the accumulated score is received from the controller 3 (S45). When it is determined that the data of the accumulated score is not received (S45: NO), the CPU 78 repeats the step of S45. When it is determined that the data of the accumulated score is received (S45: YES), the CPU 78 proceeds to a step of S46.

In the step of S46, the CPU 78 transmits the data of payout amount to each of the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2. Here, the CPU 78 transmits the data of the payout amount calculated in the step of S41 to the terminal that does not win a progressive bonus award. The CPU 78 transmits to the terminal 16 that wins a progressive bonus award a sum of the amount calculated in the step of S41 and the amount indicated by the data of the accumulated score received in the step of S45, as a payout amount.

After the step of S46, the CPU 78 transmits a signal to request the withdrawal of the ball 50 to the roulette unit 14 (S47). Then, the CPU 78 ends the game process.

Next, a game processing executed by the roulette unit 14 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, based on a control signal received from the serve 32, the CPU 92 of the roulette unit 14 drives the wheel drive motor 102 (see FIG. 6) for a predetermined period of time to rotate the roulette wheel 42 (S60).

Then, the CPU 92 determines whether a predetermined period of time, for example twenty seconds, has elapsed since the roulette wheel 42 started to rotate, or not (S61). When the CPU 92 determines that the predetermined period of time has not elapsed (S61: NO), the same processing is repeated until it is determined that the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

When the CPU 92 determines that the predetermined period of time has elapsed (S61: YES), the CPU 92 drives the pocket position detection circuit 104. Then, the CPU 92 determines whether the pocket position detection circuit 104 has detected that a predetermined number pocket 44, for example “00”, passed through a predetermined position such as the front of the ball insertion slot 48, or not (S62). When the CPU 92 determines that it has not been detected (S62: NO), the same processing is repeated until the CPU 92 determines that it has been detected.

When the CPU 92 determines that it has been detected (S62: YES), the CPU 92 controls the ball inserter 98 so as to insert the ball 50 after an insertion delay time has elapsed, based on a control signal received from the serve 32 (S63). At this time, the ball inserter 98 inserts the ball 50 at an initial speed corresponding to initial speed data included in the control signal.

After the step of S63, the CPU 92 receives a signal that is transmitted by the serve 32 in S37, as shown in FIG. 11 (S64). In response to the signal, the CPU 92 transmits a detection signal by the ball sensor 100 to the serve 32 (S65).

After the step of S65, the CPU 92 receives the signal transmitted from the server 32 in S47, and drives the ball collector 106 to collect the ball 50 on the roulette wheel 42 (S66). The ball 50 thus collected is used in a next and subsequent games, too. After the step of S66, the CPU 92 ends the game process.

In the followings, a process that is executed by the controller 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, the CPU 122 of the controller 3 determines whether the data of the progressive bonus score is received from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2 (S80). When it is determined that the data is not received (S80: NO), the CPU 122 ends the process. When it is determined that the data is received (S80: YES), the CPU 122 controls the accumulator 4 to store the bonus score (S81).

After the step of S81, the CPU 122 controls the large-scaled display 127 to display the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (S82). After the step of S82, the CPU 122 determines whether a signal to request the data transmission of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 is received from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2 (S83). When it is determined that the request signal is not received (S83: NO), the CPU 122 ends the process.

When it is determined that the request signal is received (S83: YES), the CPU 122 transmits the data of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 to the server 32 of the roulette gaming device 2 that has transmitted the request signal (S84). After the step of S84, the CPU 122 initializes the data of the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (S85). Then, the CPU 122 ends the process.

According to this embodiment, as described above, the progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices 2 are accumulated and a payout for a progressive bonus award is performed based on the accumulated scores. Thereby, as compared to a case where a payout for a progressive bonus award is performed based on a progressive bonus score in only one roulette gaming device 2, it is possible to increase a payout amount for a progressive bonus award. Due to this, it is possible to improve an entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award.

In the first embodiment, for only the terminals 16, which have won a game, it is determined whether a progressive bonus award is won, in the step of S43 (see FIG. 11). Thereby, an interest of a player in the roulette game is further increased.

In the mean time, the payout amount for the progressive bonus award is not limited to an amount equivalent to the accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4. For example, the payout amount may be 20 or 50 percent of the accumulated score.

In the first embodiment, the payout amount for the progressive bonus award for the one terminal 16 may be determined in accordance with the payout amount for the game result of the terminal 16. For example, the more payout amount for the progressive bonus award may be set to the terminal 16 for which the more amount for the game result is paid out. In this case, for a player who has made a more bet and a player who has made a less bet, the payout amounts for the progressive bonus award are different, so that the entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award is further improved.

Here, not only for the terminals 16 which have won a game but for all the terminals 16, it may be determined whether the progressive bonus award is won.

In the followings, a second embodiment of the game system of the invention will be described with reference to FIG. 13. The game system according to the second embodiment has the structure approximately same as the game system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the differences in the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 13 illustrates an example of an image that is displayed on the image display device 22 of each terminal 16, in the second embodiment. The BET screen 156 of the second embodiment is different from the BET screen 56 of FIG. 4, in that it has a bonus bet button 130. A player presses the bonus bet button 130 to make a bet on a progressive bonus award. The determination of whether or not a win of a progressive bonus award is made for only the terminal 16 that has won a game in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, is made for only the terminal 16 in which the bonus bet button 130 is pressed.

In the second embodiment, the bet amount of at least “5” is required to make a bet on a progressive bonus award, as a game rule. When the bonus bet button 130 is pressed one time, the bet amount on a progressive bonus award is increased by 5 and the value to be displayed on the indicator 64 of the credit-number is decreased by 5.

In the second embodiment, the terminal 16, the server 32 and the roulette unit 14 of the roulette gaming device 2 perform the game process that is approximately same as the process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In the second embodiment, the controller 3 performs the process shown in FIG. 12. Hereinafter, the differences in the first embodiment will be described.

In the step of S17, the terminal 14 transmits the bet information about a progressive bonus award as well as the bet information about a game. The data of a progressive bonus score that is transmitted by the server 43 in the step of S42 is equivalent to a total sum of the bet amounts on a progressive bonus award in all the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2. In the step of S43, only for the terminal 16 in which the bonus bet button 130 is pressed in the roulette gaming device 2, the server 32 determines whether the terminal 16 wins a progressive bonus award.

As described above, in the second embodiment, the contents of the progressive bonus scores in the respective roulette gaming devices 2 are different from the first embodiment. However, the second embodiment is same as the first embodiment, in that the progressive bonus scores are accumulated in each of the two roulette gaming devices 2 and a payout for a progressive bonus award is performed on the basis of the accumulated scores. Therefore, as the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the payout amount for the progressive bonus award and to improve the entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award.

In the second embodiment, the payout amount for the progressive bonus award for one terminal 16 may be determined depending on a bet amount for the progressive bonus award in the terminal 16. For example, the more payout amount for the progressive bonus award may be set to the terminal 16 in which the more amount is bet for the progressive bonus award. In this case, for a player who has made a more bet and a player who has made a less bet on the progressive bonus award, the payout amounts for the progressive bonus award are different, so that the entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award is further improved.

In the followings, a third embodiment of the game system of the invention will be described. The game system according to the third embodiment has the structure approximately same as the game system 1 of the first embodiment. Hereinafter, only the differences in the first embodiment will be described.

In the third embodiment, first and second progressive bonus awards, which respectively serve as a progressive bonus and another progressive bonus of the present invention, are given in addition to an award based on a game result. Like the progressive bonus award in the first embodiment, it is determined whether or not a win of the first progressive bonus award for only the terminal 16 that has won a game. Like the progressive bonus award in the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not a win of the second progressive bonus award for only the terminal 16 in which the bonus bet button 130 is pressed. The first and second progressive bonus awards are given to the terminal 16 having the number same as that of the number pocket 44 in which the ball 50 is received.

The accumulator 4 accumulates first and second progressive bonus scores corresponding to the first and second progressive bonus awards, respectively, thus storing first and second accumulated scores. The first and second progressive bonus scores respectively serve as a progressive bonus score and another progressive bonus score.

In the third embodiment, the terminal 16, the server 32 and the roulette unit 14 of the roulette gaming device 2 perform the game process that is approximately same as the process shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Hereinafter, the differences in the first embodiment will be described.

In the step of S17, the terminal 14 transmits the bet information about the progressive bonus awards as well as the bet information about a game. In the step of S42, the server 32 transmits the data of the first and second progressive bonus scores. The first progressive bonus score is equivalent to a part of the total sum that is paid out for the terminal 16 having won a game result, among all the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2, for example 10 percent of the total sum paid out. The second progressive bonus score is equivalent to a total sum of the bet amounts on the progressive bonus award in all the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2. In the step of S43, the server 32 determines whether or not a win of the first and second progressive bonus awards, respectively.

In the step of S44, the server 32 requests the data transmission of the accumulated score corresponding to the progressive bonus award that is determined as a win in the step of S43. To be more specific, when the first progressive bonus award is determined as a win, the server requests the data of first accumulated score. When the second progressive bonus award is determined as a win, the server requests the data of second accumulated score.

In the step of S46, the server 32 transmits the data of the payout amount calculated in the step of S41 to the terminal 16 that has not won any of the first and second progressive bonus awards. The server 32 transmits to the terminal 16 that has won the first progressive bonus award a sum of the amount calculated in the step of S41 and the amount that is indicated by the data of the first accumulated score received in the step of 45, as a payout amount. The server 32 transmits to the terminal 16 that has won the second progressive bonus award a sum of the amount calculated in the step of S41 and the amount that is indicated by the data of the second accumulated score received in the step of 45, as a payout amount.

In the third embodiment, the controller 3 executes the process shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 14, the CPU 122 of the controller 3 determines whether it receives the data of the first progressive bonus score from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2 (S151). When it is determined that the data is not received (S151: NO), the CPU 122 proceeds to a step of S157.

When it is determined that the data is received (S151: YES), the CPU 122 controls the accumulator 4 to accumulate and store the bonus score (S152).

After the step of S152, the CPU 122 controls the large-scaled display 127 to display the first accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4, i.e., the accumulated score of the first bonus score (S153). After the step of S153, the CPU 122 determines whether a request signal for the data transmission of the first accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 is received from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2 (S154). When it is determined that the request signal is not received (S154: NO), the CPU 122 ends the process.

When it is determined that the request signal is received (S154: YES), the CPU 122 transmits the data of the first accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 to the server 32 of the roulette gaming device 2 that has transmitted the request signal (S155). After the step of S155, the CPU 122 initializes the data of the first accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (S156). Then, the CPU 122 ends the process.

In the step of S157, the CPU 122 determines whether it receives the data of the second progressive bonus score from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2. When it is determined that the data is not received (S157: NO), the CPU 122 ends the process. When it is determined that the data is received (S157: YES), the CPU 122 controls the accumulator 4 to accumulate and store the second bonus score (S158).

After the step of S158, the CPU 122 controls the large-scaled display 127 to display the second accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4, i.e., the accumulated score of the second bonus score (S159). After the step of S159, the CPU 122 determines whether a request signal for the data transmission of the second accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 is received from the server 32 of any roulette gaming device 2 (S160). When it is determined that the request signal is not received (S160: NO), the CPU 122 ends the process.

When it is determined that the request signal is received (S160: YES), the CPU 122 transmits the data of the second accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 to the server 32 of the roulette gaming device 2 that has transmitted the request signal (S161). After the step of S161, the CPU 122 initializes the data of the second accumulated score stored in the accumulator 4 (S162). Then, the CPU 122 ends the process.

As described above, the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment, in that two types of the progressive bonus awards are provided. However, the third embodiment is same as the first embodiment, in that the progressive bonus scores in each of the two roulette gaming devices 2 are accumulated and the payout for the progressive bonus awards is performed on the basis of the accumulated scores. Therefore, as the first embodiment, it is possible to increase the payout amount for the progressive bonus award and to improve the entertainment characteristic resulting from the progressive bonus award.

In the third embodiment, the two types of the progressive bonus awards are provided, so that an interest of a player in the roulette game is further increased.

In the third embodiment, the payout amount for the second progressive bonus award for the one terminal 16 may be determined depending on a bet amount for the second progressive bonus award in the terminal 16. For example, the more payout amount for the second progressive bonus award may be set to the terminal 16 in which the more amount is bet for the second progressive bonus award. In this case, for a player who has made a more bet and a player who has made a less bet on the second progressive bonus award, the payout amounts for the second progressive bonus award are different, so that the entertainment characteristic resulting from the second progressive bonus award is further improved.

Here, not only for the terminals 16 which have won a game but for all the terminals 16, it may be determined whether the first progressive bonus award is won.

A condition to give a progressive bonus award may be diverse. For example, an occurrence probability of the condition may be extremely low, as a condition that the ball 50 is consecutively received three times in the number pocket 44 same as the number of the terminal 16.

The number of the roulette gaming devices 2 included in the game system of the invention is not limited two. For example, three or more roulette gaming devices may be provided. In addition, the number of the terminals 16 included in the roulette gaming device 2 is not particularly limited as long as one or more terminals are provided.

In the above-described embodiment, a game medium is a medal and a credit stored in the terminal 16. However, this is not limitative. A game medium may be cash such as coins or bills.

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

Claims

1. A game system comprising:

a plurality of roulette gaming devices that are connected to each other, each of the gaming devices including one or more terminals that are operated by players, respectively, a roulette wheel having a plurality of pockets to which numbers are attached, respectively, and a first processor that operates to receive a bet on a game, in which a pocket is expected into which a ball introduced on the roulette wheel is received, through the terminals, to determine whether or not a win of a result of the game for each of the terminals, and to determine whether to give a progressive bonus award different from an award based on the game result for the terminals;

an accumulator that accumulates progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices; and

a second processor that operates to control, when the first processor of any roulette gaming device determines to give the progressive bonus award to any terminal, the terminal to perform a payout for the progressive bonus award based on the scores accumulated by the accumulator.

2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the first processor operates to determine whether to give the progressive bonus award for the terminal that has won the game result, among the terminals.

3. The game system according to claim 1, wherein a payout amount for the progressive bonus award for one terminal is determined depending on a payout amount for the game result for the terminal.

4. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the first processor further operates to receive a bet on the progressive bonus award through the terminals, and operates to determine whether to give the progressive bonus award for the terminal in which the bet on the progressive bonus award is made, among the terminals.

5. The game system according to claim 4, wherein a payout amount for the progressive bonus award for one terminal is determined depending on a bet amount for the progressive bonus award in the terminal.

6. The game system according to claim 1, wherein:

the first processor further operates to receive a bet on another progressive bonus award different from the progressive bonus award through the terminals, and operates to determine whether to give the another progressive bonus award for the terminal in which the bet on the another progressive bonus award is made, among the terminals;

the accumulator further accumulates another progressive bonus score, which is different from the progressive bonus score, in each of the roulette gaming devices; and

the second processor further operates to control, when the first processor of any roulette gaming device determines to give the another progressive bonus award to any terminal, the terminal to perform a payout for the another progressive bonus award based on the another progressive bonus score accumulated by the accumulator.

7. The game system according to claim 6, wherein a payout amount for the another progressive bonus award for one terminal is determined depending on a bet amount for the another progressive bonus award in the terminal.

8. A control method of a game system comprising the steps of:

receiving a bet on a game, in which a pocket is expected into which a ball introduced on a roulette wheel is received, thorough one or more terminals that are included in each of a plurality of roulette gaming devices connected to each other and are operated by players, respectively, the roulette wheel being included in each of the roulette gaming devices and having a plurality of the pockets to which numbers are attached, respectively;

determining whether or not a win of a result of the game for each of the terminals;

determining whether to give a progressive bonus award different from an award based on the game result for the terminals;

accumulating progressive bonus scores in each of the roulette gaming devices; and

performing a payout for the progressive bonus award, when it is determined to give the progressive bonus award to any terminal of any roulette gaming device, to the terminal, based on the accumulated scores.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein the step of determining whether to give the progressive bonus award is performed to the terminal that has won the game result, among the terminals.

10. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of determining a payout amount for the progressive bonus award for one terminal depending on a payout amount for the game result for the terminal.

11. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of receiving a bet on the progressive bonus award through the terminals,

wherein the step of determining whether to give the progressive bonus award is performed to the terminal in which the bet on the progressive bonus award is made, among the terminals.

12. The control method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of determining a payout amount for the progressive bonus award for one terminal depending on a bet amount for the progressive bonus award in the terminal.

13. The control method according to claim 8, further comprising the step of:

receiving a bet on another progressive bonus award different from the progressive bonus award through the terminals;

determining whether to give the another progressive bonus award for the terminal in which the bet on the another progressive bonus award is made among the terminals;

accumulating another progressive bonus score, which is different from the progressive bonus score, in each of the roulette gaming devices; and

performing a payout for the another progressive bonus award, when it is determined to give the another progressive bonus award to any terminal of any roulette gaming device, to the terminal, based on the another progressive bonus score accumulated in the accumulating step.

14. The control method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of determining a payout amount for the another progressive bonus award for one terminal depending on a bet amount for the another progressive bonus award in the terminal.