Gaming Machine Accepting Bet Applicable To A Series Of Games And Control Method Thereof

Abstract

A gaming machine of the present invention includes: a memory; an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of plural numerals; and a controller programmed to execute the processing of: (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral having the BET placed thereon, into the memory; (C) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plural numerals, for plural games, after having accepted the BET; (D) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals, into the memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in processing (C); and (E) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored into the memory in processing (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of specific-numeral information stored into the memory in processing (D).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine accepting a BET applicable to a series of games and a control method thereof.

2. Discussion of the Background

Conventionally, there are known various games (e.g. WO 07/016,776-A, US 2007/0026947-A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,351). Further, in Asia, KENO is known as a familiar game from old times.

KENO is widely known as a game of ancient China, and is a game in which a player predicts 20 numerals to be chosen by lottery out of 80 numerals from 1 to 80 and places a BET. At the time of placing a BET, the player selects between 1 and 15 numerals from the numerals ranging from 1 to 80. Then, a payout will be offered according to the number of numerals matched between the numerals selected by the player and the numerals determined by the lottery.

When the player selects numerals in KENO, a payout is determined based on one lottery result. The payout is generally determined based on the probability of occurrence. Hence, the payout tends to be small in the conventional KENO, and the payout offered has not always been attractive to the player.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of offering a payout attractive to the player, and a control method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the gaming machine includes: a memory capable of storing data about a game; an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute the processing of: (A) accepting a BET from the input device; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the processing (A) has been placed, into the memory; (C) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for a series of games, after having accepted the BET in the processing (A); (D) storing apiece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals, into the memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the processing (C); and (E) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored into the memory in the processing (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored into the memory in the processing (D) after having accepted in the processing (A) the BET becoming a basis of the BET-numeral information.

After the BET has been accepted, the processing (lottery processing) of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals is repeatedly executed for the series of games. Further, the specific-numeral information, showing the specific number of numerals that have been determined by the lottery processing, is stored into the memory. Then, the payout is offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals having the BET placed thereon and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored in the memory.

The probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information determined by multiple-times lottery processing and stored in the memory is lower than the probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information determined by one-time lottery processing and stored into the memory. Hence, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

According to the gaming machine, the series of games are executed after the BET has been accepted. As a result, since the player having placed a BET is to play the game until the series of games ends, it is possible to make the player play the game for a long time.

The present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the gaming machine comprises: a memory capable of storing data about a game; an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute the processing of: (A) accepting a BET from the input device; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the processing (A) has been placed, into the memory; (C) accepting input of the number of games to which the BET accepted in the processing (A) is applied, from the input device; (D) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of the number of games in the processing (C); (E) storing apiece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals into the memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the processing (D); and (F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored into the memory in the processing (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored into the memory in the processing (E) after having accepted in the processing (A) the BET becoming a basis of the BET-numeral information.

After the BET has been accepted, the processing (lottery processing) of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals is repeatedly executed for games in number equal to the inputted number of games. Further, the specific-numeral information, showing the specific number of numerals that have been determined by the lottery processing, is stored into the memory. Then, the payout is offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals having the BET placed thereon and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored in the memory.

The probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information determined by multiple-times lottery processing and stored in the memory is lower than the probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information determined by one-time lottery processing and stored into the memory. Hence, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

Further, the player can select the number of games in consideration of his or her schedule. Thus, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the player play the game until the last moment that he or she can play the game.

It is desirable that the gaming machine further has the following configuration.

The controller is further programmed to execute the processing of (G) accepting input of the number of extra games from the input device, after having executed the processing (D), and the processing (D) includes the processing of repeatedly executing the processing of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of extra games, after having accepted the input of the number of extra games in the processing (G).

After games in number equal to the number of games inputted by the player have been executed, input of the number of extra games is accepted. When the player has inputted the number of extra games, the processing of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals is repeatedly executed for games in number equal to the number of extra games. Hence, even when the player has inputted only a small number of games, it is possible to make the player play the game for a long time by getting him or her to input the number of extra games. Further, since the increase of the number of games decreases the probability of winning the numerals having the BET placed thereon, the profits of the game parlor can be increased.

It is desirable that the gaming machine further has the following configuration.

The payout offered in the processing (F) is different according to the number of games accepted in the processing (C).

The payout is different according to the inputted number of games. Therefore, the player can decrease or increase the payout multiplying factor by inputting the number of games, thereby being able to play the game with the payout multiplying factor that meets his or her preference. Thus, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to let the player play the game with a payout multiplying factor that is different in accordance with the number of games selected by the player, and to let the player play the game with the payout multiplying factor that meets his or her preference.

The present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the gaming machine comprises: a memory capable of storing data about a game; an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; and a controller. The controller is programmed to execute the processing of: (A) accepting a BET from the input device; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the processing (A) has been placed, into the memory; (C) accepting input of the number of games to which the BET accepted in the processing (A) is applied, from the input device; (D) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of the number of games in the processing (C); (E) storing, into the memory, information showing numerals overlapping between the determined specific number of numerals and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory, as updated BET-numeral information, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the processing (D); and (F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory, after having executed the processing (D).

Only the numerals overlapping between the specific number of numerals determined by the lottery processing and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory become the numerals having the BET placed thereon which are applicable to the subsequent games. It is therefore possible to excite the player every time the lottery processing is conducted.

Also, the probability of winning the numerals having the BET placed thereon decreases as the number of games inputted by the player increases. Hence, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

Further, the player can select the number of games in consideration of his or her schedule. Thus, according to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the player play the game until the last moment that he or she can play the game.

It is desirable that the gaming machine further has the following configuration.

The gaming machine further includes an image display capable of displaying an image, the memory is further capable of storing data for displaying images each showing a numeral, in different colors, and the controller is further programmed to execute the processing of: (G) counting the number of times of executing the processing (E); and (H) displaying the images each showing a numeral, in colors that are different according to the number counted in the processing (G), to the image display.

The images showing the numerals are displayed to the image display, in colors different according to the number of times that the lottery processing has been executed. That is, since the number of times that the lottery processing has been executed is informed to the player by the colors, it is possible to make the player recognize the number of times that the BET placed by him or her has been won, and to fuel the emotional excitement of the player.

The present invention further provides a control method of a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the control method comprises the steps of: (A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game; (C) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for a series of games, after having accepted the BET in the step (A); (D) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals, into the memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the step (C); and (E) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored into the memory in the step (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored into the memory in the step (D) after having accepted in the step (A) the BET becoming a basis of the BET-numeral information.

According to the control method of a gaming machine, after the BET has been accepted, the processing (lottery processing) of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals is repeatedly executed for the series of games. Further, the specific-numeral information, showing the specific number of numerals that have been determined by the lottery processing, is stored into the memory. Then, the payout is offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals having the BET placed thereon and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored in the memory.

The probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information determined by multiple-times lottery processing and stored in the memory is lower than the probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information determined by one-time lottery processing and stored into the memory. Hence, according to the control method of a gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

According to the control method of a gaming machine, the series of games are executed after the BET has been accepted. As a result, since the player having placed a BET is to play the game until the series of games ends, it is possible to make the player play the game for a long time.

The present invention further provides a control method of a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, (A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game; (C) accepting input of the number of games to which the BET accepted in the step (A) is applied, from the input device; (D) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of the number of games in the step (C); (E) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals into the memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the step (D); and (F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored into the memory in the step (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored into the memory in the step (E) after having accepted in the step (A) the BET becoming a basis of the BET-numeral information.

According to the control method of a gaming machine, after the BET has been accepted, the processing (lottery processing) of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals is repeatedly executed for games in number equal to the inputted number of games. Further, the specific-numeral information, showing the specific number of numerals that have been determined by the lottery processing, is stored into the memory. Then, the payout is offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals having the BET placed thereon and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored in the memory.

The probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information determined by multiple-times lottery processing and stored in the memory is lower than the probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information determined by one-time lottery processing and stored into the memory. Hence, according to the control method of a gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

Further, the player can select the number of games in consideration of his or her schedule. Thus, according to the control method of a gaming machine, it is possible to make the player play the game until the last moment that he or she can play the game.

The present invention further provides a control method of a gaming machine having the following configuration.

Namely, the control method comprises the steps of: (A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; (B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which the BET accepted in the step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game; (C) accepting input of the number of games to which the BET accepted in the step (A) is applied, from the input device; (D) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of the number of games in the step (C); (E) storing, into the memory, information showing numerals overlapping between the determined specific number of numerals and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory, as updated BET-numeral information, every time determining the specific number of numerals in the step (D); and (F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory, after having executed the step (D).

According to the control method of a gaming machine, only the numerals overlapping between the specific number of numerals determined by the lottery processing and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the memory become the numerals having the BET placed thereon which are applicable to the subsequent games. It is therefore possible to excite the player every time the lottery processing is conducted.

Also, the probability of winning the numerals having the BET placed thereon decreases as the number of games inputted by the player increases. Hence, according to the control method of a gaming machine, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

Further, the player can select the number of games in consideration of his or her schedule. Thus, according to the control method of a gaming machine, it is possible to make the player play the game until the last moment that he or she can play the game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing an exemplary display screen displayed to an image display.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an exemplary gaming machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing game execution processing executed by a CPU included in the main control portion shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing game execution processing executed by a CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart showing the game execution processing executed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an exemplary display screen displayed to the image display.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing BET-image display processing executed by the CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing BET-numeral information update processing executed by the CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a view showing characteristics of a gaming machine of the present embodiment, and a view showing an exemplary display screen displayed to an image display.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an exemplary gaming machine according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a cabinet 2 to be a body portion, and a plurality of stations 4 provided so as to surround the central part of the cabinet 2. Each of the stations 4 includes an image display 7. A player having a seat at each station 4 takes part in a game by placing a BET on a predetermined number (15 in the present embodiment) or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals (numerals from 1 to 80 in the present embodiment).

The stations 4 correspond to the input device of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a BET screen 40 is displayed to a liquid crystal screen 36 provided in the image display 7. During a game, a table-type betting board (BET screen) 40, enabling the player to place a BET on 15 or less numerals out of the numerals from 1 to 80, is displayed to the image display 7 at a predetermined timing.

The BET screen 40 is a screen used for placing a BET on 15 or less numerals out of the numerals from 1 to 80. It is to be noted that the image display 7 is a touch-panel type liquid crystal display having a touch panel 35 mounted on its front surface, and selection of numerals and the like displayed to the liquid crystal screen 36 and press of a button and the like displayed to the liquid crystal screen 36 become possible by touching the touch panel 35 with a finger or the like (see FIG. 4). That is, by touching a portion having a numeral displayed thereto within the liquid crystal screen 36 with a finger or the like, this numeral can be selected. Further, by touching a portion having a button displayed thereto within the liquid crystal screen 36 with a finger or the like, this button can be pressed.

On the left side of the BET screen 40, a plurality of BET areas 41 (BET area 41A, BET area 41B) are displayed.

The BET area 41A is a BET area 41 used for selecting numerals from 1 to 40.

The BET area 41B is a BET area 41 used for selecting numerals from 41 to 80.

Check-mark images 250 displayed in the BET areas 41 show that the numerals displayed under the respective check-mark images 250 are selected. In FIG. 1, numerals 1, 18, 24, 44, 61, 63, and 68 are selected. It is to be noted that the number of numerals that can be selected at once is 15.

At the upper portion on the right side of the BET screen 40, a BET button 241 is displayed.

The BET button 241 is buttons that become pressable when one or more numerals are selected.

At the central portion on the right side of the BET screen 40, number-of-games selection buttons 243 (number-of-games selection button 243A, number-of-games selection button 243B, number-of-games selection button 243C, number-of-games selection button 243D, and number-of-games selection button 243E) are displayed.

The number-of-games selection buttons 243 are buttons that become selectable after the BET button 241 has been pressed. When the number-of-games selection button 243A has been pressed, “1” is inputted as the number of games. When the number-of-games selection button 243B has been pressed, “2” is inputted as the number of games. When the number-of-games selection button 243C has been pressed, “3” is inputted as the number of games. When the number-of-games selection button 243D has been pressed, “4” is inputted as the number of games. When the number-of-games selection button 243E has been pressed, “5” is inputted as the number of games.

In a case where the BET button 241 is pressed after the respective numerals 1, 18, 24, 44, 61, 63, and 68 have been selected and then the number-of-games selection button 243C is pressed, it means that “3” is inputted as the number of games to which this BET is applicable. Processing (lottery processing) of determining a specific number (20 in the present embodiment) of numerals is then executed three times. A payout is to be offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the selected respective numerals (1, 18, 24, 44, 61, 63, 68) and every set of the 20 numerals that has been determined by three-time lottery processing.

In the present embodiment, input of the number of games becomes possible after the BET button 241 has been pressed. Since the probability of winning the BET decreases when the number of games selected is two or more, the amount of payout becomes larger. In the present embodiment, the amount of payout to be offered becomes large as the inputted number of games becomes larger.

Below the BET button 241 on the BET screen 40, there are displayed a Bet Against button 242A, a Catch All button 242B, a High Roller button 2420, a Top/Bottom button 242D, a Repeat button 242E, and a Clear button 242F.

The Bet Against button 242A is a bottom that becomes pressable when eight or more numerals have been selected. When the Bet Against button 242A has been pressed, a payout is to be offered in a case where there is no identical numeral between the selected numerals and the determined 20 numerals.

The Catch All button 242B is a button that becomes pressable when 2 to 7 numerals have been selected. When the Catch All button 242B has been pressed, a payout is to be offered in a case where all of the selected numerals are identical to the numerals in the determined 20 numerals.

The High Roller button 242C is a button that becomes pressable when one or more numerals have been selected. When the High Roller button 242C has been pressed, a payout larger than that in a case where the BET button 241 has been pressed is to be offered. However, numerals more than that in a case where the BET button 241 has been pressed need to be hit.

The Top/Bottom button 242D is a button that is pressable before selection of numerals. When the Top/Bottom button 242D has been pressed, the more the 20 numerals determined by the lottery processing are concentrated in either Top (1 to 40) or Bottom (41 to 80), the larger the amount of payout to be offered becomes.

The Repeat button 242E is a button that is pressed in a case of selecting the same numerals as the numerals that have been selected at the time of the previous BET. For example, when the respective numerals 1, 18, 24, 44, 61, 63, and 68 have been selected in the previous game, the numerals 1, 18, 24, 44, 61, 63, and 68 will be selected in a case where the Repeat bottom 242E is pressed in the next game.

The Clear button 242F is a button used for clearing the selected numerals. When the Clear button 242F has been pressed, all of the check mark images 250 displayed to the BET areas 41 disappear.

A BET region 244 is displayed below the number-of-games selection buttons 243 displayed on the central portion on the right side of the BET screen 40. Making a chip image 48 displayed to the BET region 244 enables a BET of chips in number equal to the number displayed within the chip image 48.

Unit-BET buttons 43 are buttons used for betting chips in the BET region 244. The unit-BET buttons 43 include four types of buttons, namely a 1-BET button 43A, a 5-BET button 433, a 10-BET button 43C, and a 100 BET button 43D. It is to be noted that touching a Re-BET button 43E enables a BET operation to be redone, when the BET operation has been wrongly done.

Touching the 1-BET button 43A with a finger or the like enables a BET of one chip at a time (the number of BETs increases in order of 1, 2, 3 and so forth every time the 1-BET button 43A is touched with a finger or the like). Similarly, touching the 5-BET button 43B with a finger or the like enables a BET of five chips at a time (the number of BETs increases in order of 5, 10, 15 and so froth every time the 5-BET button 43B is touched with a finger or the like). Similarly, touching the 10-BET button 43C enables a BET of ten chips at a time (the number of BETs increases in order of 10, 20, 30 and so forth every time the 10-BET button 43C is touched with a finger or the like) Similarly, touching the 100-BET button 43D enables a BET of hundred chips at a time (the number of BETs increases in order of 100, 200, 300 and so forth every time the 100-BET button 43D is touched). In the BET region 244, the number of chips betted up to this time is displayed as a chip mark 48, and the numeral displayed to the chip mark 48 shows the number of BETs of chips.

To a number-of-credits display portion 46, the number of credits owned by the player is displayed. When the player bets chips, this number of credits decreases according to the number of BETs (one credit per one chip). Further, when credits have been paid back due to winning of the betted chips, the number of credits increases according to the number of credits paid back. It is to be noted that the game is ended when the number of credits owned by the player has become zero.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an exemplary gaming machine according to the present invention.

The gaming machine 1 includes the cabinet 2 to be the body portion, and the plurality (ten units in the present embodiment) of stations 4 provided so as to surround the central part of the cabinet 2.

Each of the stations 4 includes: a game media accepting device 5 into which game media such as medals for use in a game are inserted; a control portion 6 having a plurality of control buttons with which a player inputs predetermined commands, and the like; and the image display 7 to which an image related to a BET table, and the like are displayed. The player can participate in a game by operating the control portion 6 and the like while watching the image displayed to the image display 7.

On the side surfaces of the cabinet 2 where the stations 4 are installed, there are provided for each station 4 a payout exit 8 from which the game media are paid out. Further, on the right side above the image display 7 of each station 4, speakers 9 capable of outputting sounds are provided.

The control portion 6 is provided beside the image display 7 of the station 4. In the control portion 6, a confirmation button 30, a payback button 31 and a help button 32 are arranged in the order from the left, when seen from a position facing to the station 4.

The confirmation button 30 is pressed when a BET operation is confirmed after the BET operation has been performed. Further, for operations other than the BET operations, the player also presses the confirmation button 30 to confirm an input that the player has entered.

The payback button 31 is usually pressed after a game has been ended. When the payback button 31 is pressed, game media according to credits owned by the player are paid back from the payout exit 8.

The help button 32 is pressed when how to play the game or the like is unclear. Immediately after the help button 32 has been pressed, a help screen showing information on a variety of operations is displayed to the image display 7.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2.

A main control portion 80 of the gaming machine 1 has a microcomputer 85, which mainly comprises a CPU 81, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, and a bus 84 that transfers data mutually thereamong.

The CPU 81 is connected through an I/O interface 90 to a timer 131 capable of measuring time. Moreover, the I/O interface 90 is connected with a communication interface 95, and through this communication interface 95, the main control portion 80 transmits and receives data such as a BET start signal, a BET end signal, specific-numeral information, and the like, to and from each station 4.

The ROM 82 of the main control portion 80 stores programs (e.g. a numerals determination program that determines 20 numerals out of numerals from 1 to 80) for realizing a basic function of the gaming machine 1, and also stores data showing predetermined time T, data showing predetermined time TT, and the like.

The RAM 83 is a memory temporarily storing various data calculated in the CPU 81, and temporarily stores, for example, specific-numeral information showing the determined 20 numerals, data about the result of processing executed by the CPU 81, and the like.

In addition to the control processing associated with the progress of the game, the CPU 81 has the function of controlling each station 4 so as to make the game progress, by transmitting and receiving data to and from each station 4. Specifically, the CPU 81 transmits and receives data such as a BET start signal, a BET end signal, and specific-numeral information, to and from each station 4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station shown in FIG. 2.

The station 4 includes a body portion 100 provided with the image display 7 and the like, and the game media accepting device 5 installed on the body portion 100. Further, the body portion 100 includes a station-controlling portion 110 and several peripheral devices.

The station-controlling portion 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, and a RAM 113.

The ROM 112 stores a program for realizing a basic function of the station 4, a variety of programs (e.g. a color determination program that determines a color based on the number of updates) necessary for controlling the station 4, a payout table, a data table, and the like.

The RAM 113 is a memory that temporarily stores a variety of data calculated in the CPU 111, the number of credits owned by the player, the state of BETs placed by the player, and the like.

The RAM 113 corresponds to the memory in the present invention.

The CPU 111 is connected separately with the confirmation button 30, the payback button 31, and the help button 32 which are provided in the control portion 6. Further, based on an operation signal outputted at the press of each button or the like, the CPU 111 performs control so as to execute a variety of operations corresponding to the signal. Specifically, the CPU 111 executes a variety of processing, based on an input signal that is supplied from the control portion 6 when the player has inputted an operation and on the data and programs stored in the ROM 112 and the RAM 113, and transmits the results of the processing to the CPU 81 of the main control portion 80.

Further, the CPU 111 receives a command signal from the CPU 81 of the main control portion 80 and controls the peripheral devices forming the station 4. Moreover, the CPU 111 executes a variety of processing, based on input signals supplied from the control portion 6 and the touch panel 35 and on the data and programs stored in the ROM 112 and the RAM 113. Based on the results of the processing, the CPU 111 controls the peripheral devices forming the station 4. It is to be noted that which method should be applied in performing the processing is set for each processing, according to the content of the processing. For example, the BET operation processing by the player corresponds to the latter.

The CPU 111 is connected with a hopper 114, and the hopper 114 pays out a predetermined number of game media from the payout exit 8 based on a command signal from the CPU 111.

The CPU 111 is connected with the image display 7 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 120. The liquid crystal driving circuit 120 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM, and the like. The program ROM stores an image control program related to display to the image display 7, a program for displaying images showing numerals in different colors, and a variety of selection tables. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming an image displayed to the image display 7. Further, the image control CPU is a CPU which, based on parameters set in the CPU 111, determines an image to be displayed to the image display 7 out of the dot data previously stored in the image ROM, according to the image control program previously stored in the program ROM. Moreover, the work RAM is configured as a temporary storage device in execution of the image control program by the image control CPU. Further, the VDP forms an image according to the display contents determined by the image control CPU, and outputs the image to the image display 7. It is to be noted that the video RAM is configured as a temporary storage device in formation of an image by the VDP.

The touch panel 35 is installed on the front surface of the image display 7 as described above, and information on the operation of the touch panel 35 is transmitted to the CPU 111. The touch panel 35 detects an input operation performed by the player on the BET screen 40 and the like.

Specifically, selection of numerals displayed to the BET area 41 of the BET screen 40, input using the unit BET buttons 43, and the like are performed by the operation of touching the touch panel 35, and the information of the operation is transmitted to the CPU 111. Based on the information, BET information of the player is stored in the RAM 113. It is to be noted that the BET information includes BET-numeral information showing the numerals on which the BET has been placed.

Further, a sound output circuit 126 and the speakers 9 are connected to the CPU 111, and the speakers 9 generate a variety of effect sounds when a variety of effects are produced based on output signals from the sound output circuit 126. Moreover, the CPU 111 is connected, through a data receiving portion 127, with the game media accepting device 5 functioning as a device into which game media such as medals or money is inserted. The data receiving portion 127 receives a credit signal transmitted from the game media accepting device 5, and the CPU 111 increases the number of credits of the player stored in the RAM 113 based on the transmitted credit signal.

Subsequently, the processing executed in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 10.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing game execution processing executed by a CPU included in the main control portion shown in FIG. 3.

In the main control portion 80, the following game execution processing is conducted.

It is to be noted that one game in the present embodiment means executing the game execution processing once.

First, in step S11, the CPU 81 transmits a BET start signal to each station 4.

In step S12, the CPU 81 starts measurement of elapsed time t by using the timer 131. Next, the CPU 81 compares the elapsed time t measured by the timer 131 with data showing predetermined time T stored in the ROM 82, and then determines whether or not the elapsed time t measured by the timer 131 has reached the predetermined time T (step S13).

When determining in step S13 that the elapsed time t has not reached the predetermined time T, the CPU 81 returns the processing to step S13. On the other hand, when determining in step S13 that the elapsed time t has reached the predetermined time T, the CPU 81 transmits a BET end signal to each station (step S14).

The CPU 81 compares the elapsed time t measured by the timer 131 with data showing predetermined time TT which is stored in the ROM 82, and determines whether or not the elapsed time t measured by the timer 131 has reached the predetermined time TT (step S15).

When determining in step S15 that the elapsed time t has not reached the predetermined time TT, the CPU 81 returns the processing to step S15. On the other hand, when determining in step S15 that the elapsed time t has reached the predetermined time TT, the CPU 81 determines a specific number (20 in the present embodiment) of numerals out of the numerals 1 through 80 (step S16). In the processing, the CPU 81 executes the numerals determination program so as to determine 20 numerals out of the numerals 1 through 80.

The CPU 81 transmits specific-numeral information showing 20 numerals determined in step S16, to each station 4 (step S17). After executing the processing of step S17, the CPU 81 completes the game execution processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing game execution processing executed by a CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is another flowchart showing the game execution processing executed by the CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

First, in step S100, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a BET start signal has been received from the main control portion 80. When determining that the BET start signal has not been received, the CPU 111 returns the processing to step S100. On the other hand, when determining that the BET start signal has been received, the CPU 111 shifts the processing to step S101.

The CPU 111 executes BET-image display processing in step S101. In the processing, the CPU 111 displays the BET screen 40 shown in FIG. 1 to the image display 7. The BET-image display processing is described later with reference to the drawing.

The CPU 111 executes BET-operation acceptance processing in step S102. In the processing, the CPU 111 accepts a BET input by the player through the touch panel 35.

The CPU 111 stores information (which at least includes information on the number of BETs) on the BET input accepted in step S102 into the RAM 113 (step S103), as BET information. The BET information includes BET-numeral information showing the numerals (the numerals on which the BET has been placed) selected by the player in step S102.

In step S102, the CPU 111 stores into the RAM 113 the number of games inputted by the player, in association with the BET-numeral information stored in the RAM 113 in step S103 (step S104).

The CPU 111 determines whether or not a BET end signal has been received from the main control portion 80 (step S105). When determining that the BET end signal has not been received, the CPU 111 returns the processing to step S102. On the other hand, when determining that the BET end signal has been received, the CPU 111 shifts the processing to step S106.

In step S106, the CPU 111 determines whether or not specific-numeral information has been received from the main control portion 80. When the CPU 111 determines that the specific-numeral information has not been received, the CPU 111 returns the processing to step S106. On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines that the specific-numeral information has been received, the CPU 111 stores the received specific-numeral information into the RAM 113 (step S107).

Next, the CPU 111 executes BET-numeral information update processing (step S108). In the processing, the CPU 111 stores into the RAM 113 the information showing the numerals overlapping between the 20 numerals shown by the specific-numeral information stored into the RAM 113 in step S107 and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the RAM 113, as updated BET-numeral information, in association with the number of updates. The BET-numeral information update processing is described later using the drawings.

The CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a piece of BET-numeral information that the number of updates associated with this piece of BET-numeral information matches the number of games associated with this piece of BET-numeral information (step S109). When the CPU 111 determines in step S109 that there is not a piece of BET-numeral information that the number of updates matches the number of games, the CPU 111 completes the game execution processing.

When the CPU 111 determines in step S109 that there is a piece of BET-numeral information that the number of updates matches the number of games, the CPU 111 executes amount-of-payout determination processing (step S110). In the processing, the CPU 111 determines the amount of payout, based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information having been determined that the number of updates matches the number of games in step S109, the number of games associated with the BET-numeral information, the number of BETs shown by the BET information included in the BET-numeral information, and the payout table stored in the ROM 112.

First, the CPU 111 determines the amount of normal payout based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information, the number of BETs shown by the BET information including the BET-numeral information, and the payout table stored in the ROM 112. The amount of normal payout is the same as the amount of the payout in the conventional KENO. Then, the CPU 111 determines as the amount of payout the amount obtained by multiplying the determined amount of normal payout by the number of games associated with the BET-numeral information and the multiplying factor. The multiplying factor is 1.2 when the number of games is 2. The multiplying factor is 1.3 when the number of games is 3. The multiplying factor is 1.4 when the number of games is 4. The multiplying factor is 1.5 when the number of games is 5. The multiplying factor is 2.0 when the number of games is 10. It is to be noted that the digits after the decimal point are truncated.

For example, when the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information is 1, the number of games associated with the BET-numeral information is 2, and the number of BETs shown by the BET information including the BET-numeral information is 1, the amount of payout is determined as described below. First, the amount of normal payout is determined as 3, based on the payout table stored in the ROM 112. Subsequently, the amount “7.2” is obtained by multiplying 3 (the amount of normal payout) by 2 (the number of games) and 1.2 (the multiplying factor), and then 7, obtained by truncating the digit after the decimal point, is determined as the amount of payout.

Next, the CPU 111 executes the processing for displaying the number-of-extra-games input screen (step S111). In the processing, the CPU 111 displays to the image display 7 an image prompting input of the number of extra games.

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating an exemplary display screen displayed to the image display.

In FIG. 8, a number-of-extra-games input screen 60 is displayed to the liquid crystal screen 36 included in the image display 7.

The number-of-extra-games input screen 60 is a screen for making the player select whether to receive the payout or to add the number of games.

The number-of-extra-games input screen 60 displays a plurality of letter images.

Number-of-extra-games selection buttons 303 (number-of-extra-games selection button 303A, number-of-extra-games selection button 303B, number-of-extra-games selection button 3030, number-of-extra-games selection button 303D, and number-of-extra-games selection button 3033) are displayed at the center of the number-of-extra-games input screen 60.

A payout button 304 is displayed on the lower side of the number-of-extra-games input screen 60.

A letter image 300 shows the amount of payout determined in step S110.

A letter image 301 shows that one of the number-of-extra-games selection buttons 303 has to be pressed when adding the number of games.

When the number-of-extra-games selection button 303A has been pressed, 1 is inputted as the number of extra games. When the number-of-extra-games selection button 303B has been pressed, 2 is inputted as the number of extra games. When the number-of-extra-games selection button 303C has been pressed, 3 is inputted as the number of games. When the number-of-extra-games selection button 303D has been pressed, 4 is inputted as the number of extra games. When the number-of-extra-games selection button 303E has been pressed, 5 is inputted as the number of extra games.

A letter image 302 shows that the payout button 304 has to be pressed when not adding the number of games, i.e. when receiving the payout.

As described above, the number-of-extra-games input screen 60 makes the player select whether to receive the payout or to add the number of games, after notifying the player of the current amount of payout.

Descriptions are returned to FIG. 7, and the CPU 111 determines whether or not the number of extra games has been inputted (step S112). When the CPU 111 determines in step S112 that the number of extra games has been inputted, the CPU 111 adds the inputted number of extra games to the number of games associated with the piece of BET-numeral information having been determined that the number of updates matches the number of games, sets the number of games obtained by the addition as the updated number of games, and stores the updated number of games into the RAM 113 in association with this piece of BET-numeral information (step S113). After executing the processing of step S113, the CPU 111 completes the game execution processing.

On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines in step S112 that the number of extra games has not been inputted, the CPU 111 determines whether or not the payout button 304 has been pressed (step S114). When the CPU 111 determines in step S114 that the payout button 304 has not been pressed, the CPU 111 returns the processing to step S112.

On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines in step S114 that the payout button 304 has been pressed, the CPU 111 executes payout processing (step S115). In the processing, the CPU 111 updates the number of credits of the player stored in the RAM 113 and updates display of the number-of-credits display portion 46, based on the amount of payout determined in step S110. After executing the processing of step S115, the CPU 111 completes the game execution processing.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating BET-image display processing executed by the CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

First, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a piece of BET-numeral information with the number of updates associated with the piece of BET-numeral information being 1 or more (step S120). When the CPU 111 determines in step S120 that there is a piece of BET-numeral information with the number of updates associated with the piece of BET-numeral information being 1 or more, the CPU 111 identifies a piece of BET-numeral information with the maximum number of updates associate with the piece of BET-numeral information (step S121).

The CPU 111 executes the color determination program, and determines a color for displaying the numerals, based on the number of updates associated with the piece of BET-numeral information identified in step S121 (step S122). When the number of updates is 1, purple is determined as the color for displaying the numerals. When the number of updates is 2, blue is determined as the color for displaying the numerals. When the number of updates is 3, light blue is determined as the color for displaying the numeral. When the number of updates is 4, green is determined as the color for displaying the numerals. When the number of updates is 5, yellow is determined as the color for displaying the numerals. When the number of updates is 6, red is determined as the color for displaying the numerals.

The CPU 111 determines the numerals to be displayed in the color determined in step S122, based on the piece of BET-numeral information identified in step S121 (step S123). In the processing, the CPU 111 determines the numerals shown by the piece of BET-numeral information identified in step S121 as the numerals to be displayed in the color determined in step S122.

On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines in step S120 that there is not apiece of BET-numeral information with the number of updates associated with the piece of BET-numeral information being 1 or more, the CPU 111 determines black as the color for displaying the numerals (step S125). It is to be noted that the case of the number of updates associated with the piece of BET-numeral information being less than 1 is the case where later-described processing of step S131 has never been executed for the piece of BET-numeral information.

After executing the processing of step S123 or step S125, the CPU 111 executes the BET-image display processing (step S124). In the processing, the CPU 111 displays the BET screen 40 shown in FIG. 1 to the image display 7. At this time, the CPU 111 displays the numerals in the color determined in step S122 or step S125. It is to be noted that the numerals other than the numerals determined in step S123 are displayed in black.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating BET-numeral information update processing executed by the CPU included in the station shown in FIG. 4.

It is to be noted that the BET-numeral information update processing is conducted for each piece of BET-numeral information when a plurality of pieces of BET-numeral information are stored in the RAM 113.

The CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a numeral overlapping between the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information stored in the RAM 113 and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the RAM 113 (step S130). In the processing, the CPU 111 determines whether or not there is a numeral overlapping between the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information stored in the RAM 113 in step S107 and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the RAM 113.

When the CPU 111 determines in step S130 that there is an overlapping numeral, the CPU 111 stores the overlapping numeral into the RAM 113 as the updated BET-numeral information, in association with the number of updates and the number of games originally associated with the BET-numeral information (step S131). A piece of BET-numeral information, which is subject to the processing of step S131 for the first time, is stored into the RAM 113 in association with the number of updates “1” in step S131. A piece of BET-numeral information, which is stored in the RAM 113 originally in association with the number of updates “1”, is stored in the RAM 113 in association with the number of updates “2” in step S131.

On the other hand, when the CPU 111 determines in step S130 that there is no overlapping numeral, the CPU 111 deletes the piece of BET-numeral information with no overlapping numeral (step S132).

As thus described, according to the gaming machine 1 and the control method of the gaming machine 1, after the BET has been accepted, the processing (lottery processing) of determining 20 numerals out of the numerals from 1 to 80 is repeatedly executed for games in number equal to the inputted number of games. Further, the specific-numeral information, showing the 20 numerals that have been determined by lottery, is stored into the RAM 113. Then, the payout is offered based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals having the BET placed thereon and the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information stored in the RAM 113.

The probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by every piece of the specific-numeral information determined by multiple-times lottery processing and stored in the RAM 113 is lower than the probability that the numerals having the BET placed thereon overlap with the numerals shown by the specific-numeral information determined by one-time lottery processing and stored into the RAM 113. Hence, according to the gaming machine 1 and the control method 1 of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to make the payout large as the probability decreases, and also to offer a payout attractive to the player.

Further, the player can select the number of games in consideration of his or her schedule. Thus, according to the gaming machine 1 and the control method 1 of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to make the player play the game until the last moment that he or she can play the game.

Only the numerals overlapping between the 20 numerals determined by the lottery processing and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in the RAM 113 become the numerals having the BET placed thereon which are applicable to the subsequent games. It is therefore possible to excite the player every time the lottery processing is conducted.

After games in number equal to the number of games inputted by the player have been executed, input of the number of extra games is accepted. When the player has inputted the number of extra games, the processing of determining 20 numerals out of the numerals from 1 to 80 is repeatedly executed for games in number equal to the number of extra games. Hence, even when the player has inputted a small number of games, it is possible to make the player play the game for a long time by getting him or her to input the number of extra games. Further, since the increase of the number of games decreases the probability of winning the numeral having the BET placed thereon, the profits of the game parlor can be increased.

The payout is different according to the inputted number of games. Therefore, the player can decrease or increase the payout multiplying factor by inputting the number of games, thereby being able to play the game with the payout multiplying factor that meets his or her preference. Thus, according to the gaming machine 1 and the control method 1 of the gaming machine 1, it is possible to let the player play the game with a payout multiplying factor that is different in accordance with the number of games selected by the player, and to let the player play the game with the payout multiplying factor that meets his or her preference.

The images showing the numerals are displayed to the image display 7, in colors different according to the number of times that the lottery processing has been executed. That is, since the number of times that the lottery processing has been executed is notified to the player by the colors, it is possible to make the player recognize the number of times of winning the BET that he or she has placed, and to fuel the emotional excitement of the player.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the number of games that can be inputted is from 1 to 5, the number of games that can be inputted is not particularly limited in the present invention; for example, input of any desired number of games may be allowed.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the number of extra games that can be inputted is from 1 to 5, the number of extra games that can be inputted is not particularly limited in the present invention; for example, input of any desired number of extra games may be allowed.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which input of the number of extra games is always accepted before the payout is offered, there may be a case in which input of the number of extra games is not accepted before the payout is offered, in the present invention. For example, input of the number of extra games may be accepted only when the inputted number of games is 3 or less. Alternatively, for example, it may be determined whether or not input of the number of extra games should be accepted by lottery with random numbers, and input of the number of extra games may be accepted only when it has been determined that the input should be accepted. Alternatively, for example, input of the number of extra games may be accepted only when the number of BETs is equal to or more than the predetermined number.

Provision of a case in which the number of extra games is not accepted by not accepting input of the number of extra games before the payout is offered makes it possible to make the player want to try to input the number of extra games, and it is possible to encourage the player to input the number of extra games.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which input of the number of games becomes possible after the BET button 241 has been pressed, input of the number of games may become possible after the Bet Against button 242A, the Catch All button 242B, the High Roller button 242C, or the Top/Bottom button 242D has been pressed, in the present invention.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the number of the stations 4 corresponding to the input device is 10, the number of the input devices is not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be 1. In this case, all the processing conducted by the CPU 81 included in the main control portion 80 may be executed by the CPU 111 included in the station 4.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the controller of the present invention is comprised of the CPU 81 included in the main control portion 80 and of the CPU 111 included in the station 4, the controller of the present invention may be comprised of a single CPU.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the predetermined number is 15, the predetermined number is not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be 10.

Although in the present embodiment a case has been described in which the specific number is 20, the specific number is not particularly limited in the present invention, and may be 15.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, not restrict the present invention. The specific structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling the patent office and public institutions, and engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention.

In the aforementioned detailed description, there has been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory capable of storing data about a game;

an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals; and

a controller,

said controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) accepting a BET from said input device;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said processing (A) has been placed, into said memory;

(C) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for a series of games, after having accepted said BET in said processing (A);

(D) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals, into said memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said processing (C); and

(E) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by said BET-numeral information stored into said memory in said processing (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of said specific-numeral information stored into said memory in said processing (D) after having accepted in said processing (A) the BET becoming a basis of said BET-numeral information.

2. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory capable of storing data about a game;

an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; and

a controller,

said controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) accepting a BET from said input device;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said processing (A) has been placed, into said memory;

(C) accepting input of the number of games to which said BET accepted in said processing (A) is applied, from said input device;

(D) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of said number of games in said processing (C);

(E) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals into said memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said processing (D); and

(F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by said BET-numeral information stored into said memory in said processing (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of said specific-numeral information stored into said memory in said processing (E) after having accepted in said processing (A) the BET becoming a basis of said BET-numeral information.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2,

wherein

said controller is further programmed to execute the processing of

(G) accepting input of the number of extra games from said input device, after having executed said processing (D), and

said processing (D) includes the processing of

repeatedly executing the processing of determining the specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of extra games, after having accepted the input of said number of extra games in said processing (G).

4. The gaming machine according to claim 2,

wherein

the payout offered in said processing (F) is different according to said number of games accepted in said processing (C).

5. A gaming machine comprising:

a memory capable of storing data about a game;

an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied; and

a controller,

said controller programmed to execute the processing of:

(A) accepting a BET from said input device;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said processing (A) has been placed, into said memory;

(C) accepting input of the number of games to which said BET accepted in said processing (A) is applied, from said input device;

(D) repeatedly executing processing of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of said number of games in said processing (C);

(E) storing, into said memory, information showing numerals overlapping between the determined specific number of numerals and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in said memory, as updated BET-numeral information, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said processing (D); and

(F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in said memory, after having executed said processing (D).

6. The gaming machine according to claim 5,

wherein

said gaming machine further includes

an image display capable of displaying an image,

said memory is further capable of storing data for displaying images each showing a numeral, in different colors, and

said controller is further programmed to execute the processing of:

(G) counting the number of times of executing said processing (E); and

(H) displaying the images each showing a numeral, in colors that are different according to the number counted in said processing (G), to said image display.

7. A control method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:

(A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game;

(C) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for a series of games, after having accepted said BET in said step (A);

(D) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals, into said memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said step (C); and

(E) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by said BET-numeral information stored into said memory in said step (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of said specific-numeral information stored into said memory in said step (D) after having accepted in said step (A) the BET becoming a basis of said BET-numeral information.

8. A control method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:

(A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game;

(C) accepting input of the number of games to which said BET accepted in said step (A) is applied, from said input device;

(D) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of said number of games in said step (C);

(E) storing a piece of specific-numeral information showing the determined specific number of numerals into said memory, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said step (D); and

(F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals overlapping between the numerals shown by said BET-numeral information stored into said memory in said step (B) and the numerals shown by every piece of said specific-numeral information stored into said memory in said step (E) after having accepted in said step (A) the BET becoming a basis of said BET-numeral information.

9. A control method of a gaming machine, comprising the steps of:

(A) accepting a BET from an input device capable of placing a BET on a predetermined number or less of numerals out of a plurality of numerals and capable of inputting the number of games to which this BET is applied;

(B) storing BET-numeral information showing the numeral on which said BET accepted in said step (A) has been placed, into a memory capable of storing data about a game;

(C) accepting input of the number of games to which said BET accepted in said step (A) is applied, from said input device;

(D) repeatedly executing a step of determining a specific number of numerals out of the plurality of numerals, for games in number equal to the inputted number of games, after having accepted the input of said number of games in said step (C);

(E) storing, into said memory, information showing numerals overlapping between the determined specific number of numerals and the numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in said memory, as updated BET-numeral information, every time determining the specific number of numerals in said step (D); and

(F) offering a payout, based on the number of numerals shown by the BET-numeral information stored in said memory, after having executed said step (D).