Abstract:
A gaming machine includes a display device, a memory and a controller. The display device displays an image related to a game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) cause the display device to display winning combinations so as to provide a player with a chance to select in a basic game; (b) cause the memory to store a winning combination selected by the player; (c) randomly determine symbol data corresponding to the symbols to be displayed on the display device among the symbol data; (d) determine whether the symbols to be displayed on the display device match a winning combination, and simultaneously determine whether the determined winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (e) provide a normal award when the winning combination occurs; and (f) provide a service award when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player.

Description:
[0001]    This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-002454, filed on 10 Jan. 2007, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a display for displaying a plurality of symbols and providing an award corresponding to a combination of symbols displayed on the display. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventionally, as a gaming machine, for example, a so-called slot machine in which an award is provided when a symbol is rearranged on an active pay line, an award is provide based on the number of symbols displayed, and a poker game is mainly used, are commonly known. 
         [0006]    In addition, many of the gaming machines have the characteristic for changing from a normal game status called a basic game in which a award is provided to a player when a predetermined winning combination is displayed during a game status called, for example, a bonus game such as a free game that increases payout to the player. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,392 discloses a technique which improves the winning probability of the bonus game based on a result of the basic game. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Although the technique disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,392 improves entertainment properties by reflecting the result of the basic game into the bonus game, the award provided to the player when the winning combination is achieved is always the same. In addition, a wager is influenced only if the winning combination is achieved on the active pay line. Thus, the technique disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,052,392 does not sufficiently improve entertainment properties. 
         [0008]    The present invention has an object of providing a gaming machine which can further improve entertainment properties. 
         [0009]    In an aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a display device, a memory and a controller. The display device displays an image related to a game including a basic game and a bonus game. The memory stores symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used for the game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) cause the display device to display winning combinations formed by symbols so as to provide a player with a chance to select in a basic game; (b) cause the memory to store a winning combination selected by the player; (c) randomly determine symbol data corresponding to the symbols to be displayed on the display device among the symbol data stored in the memory; (d) determine whether the symbols to be displayed on the display device match a winning combination, and simultaneously determine whether the determined winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (e) provide a normal award when the winning combination occurs; and (f) provide a service award when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player. 
         [0010]    By providing the abovementioned configuration, two types of games, i.e. the game that executes the normal prize and the game that executes the service award, can be performed concurrently in the basic game. Moreover, a player can be involved in the game that executes the service award by selecting the winning combination. 
         [0011]    In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a display device, a memory and a controller. The display device displays an image related to a game including a basic game and a bonus game. The memory stores symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used for the game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) cause the display device to display winning combinations formed by symbols so as to provide a player with a chance to select in a basic game; (b) cause the memory to store a winning combination selected by the player; (c) randomly determine symbol data corresponding to the symbols to be displayed on the display device among the symbol data stored in the memory; (d) determine whether the symbols to be displayed on the display device match a winning combination, and simultaneously determine whether the determined winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (e) provide a normal award when the winning combination occurs; (f) provide a service award when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; and (g) cause the normal award to be higher when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player. 
         [0012]    By providing the abovementioned configuration, two types of games, i.e. the game that executes the normal award and the game that executes the service award, can be performed concurrently in the basic game. Moreover, a player can be involved in the game that executes the service award by selecting the winning combination. Furthermore, in a case where the winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination can be increased. 
         [0013]    In still another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a display device, a memory and a controller. The display device displays an image related to a game including a basic game and a bonus game. The memory stores symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used for the game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) cause the display device to display winning combinations formed by symbols so as to provide a player with a chance to select in a basic game; (b) cause the memory to store a winning combination selected by the player; (c) randomly determine symbol data corresponding to the symbols to be displayed on the display device among the symbol data stored in the memory; (d) determine whether the symbols to be displayed on the display device match a winning combination, and simultaneously determine whether the determined winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (e) provide a normal award when the winning combination occurs; (f) provide a service award when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (g) cause the normal award to be higher when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; and (h) cause the normal award that has been rendered higher to be lower when the winning combination agrees with a predetermined special winning combination. 
         [0014]    By providing the abovementioned configuration, two types of games, i.e. the game that executes the normal award and the game that executes the service award, can be performed concurrently in the basic game. Moreover, a player can be involved in the game that executes the service award by selecting the winning combination. Furthermore, in a case where the winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination can be increased. Moreover, in a case where the winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination can be increased. In addition, in a case where a predetermined specified winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination for which the normal prize that was increased can be lowered. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided, which includes a display device, a memory and a controller. The display device displays an image related to a game including a basic game and a bonus game. The memory stores symbol data corresponding to a plurality of types of symbols used for the game. The controller is configured with logic to: (a) cause the display device to display winning combinations formed by symbols that have a same probability to occur so as to provide a player with a chance to select in a basic game; (b) cause the memory to store a winning combination selected by the player; (c) randomly determine symbol data corresponding to the symbols to be displayed on the display device among the symbol data stored in the memory; (d) determine whether the symbols to be displayed on the display device match a winning combination, and simultaneously determine whether the determined winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player; (e) provide a normal award when the winning combination occurs; and (f) provide a service award when the winning combination agrees with the winning combination selected by the player. 
         [0016]    By providing the abovementioned configuration, two types of games, i.e. the game that executes the normal award and the game that executes the service award, can be performed concurrently in the basic game. Moreover, in regards to the game performing the service award, a player can be involved in the game so as to select any one of a plurality of the winning combinations, in which each of the winning probability is equal. 
         [0017]    According to the present invention, a player can be involved in a basic game so as to change an award to be provided when a winning combination is achieved. In addition, the present invention can provides a gaming machine which can pluralize a wager in the basic game by way of the player&#39;s involvement, thereby further improving entertainment properties. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart showing operations according to the present embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram showing a general view of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram showing an electronic configuration of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a diagram showing an example of an image displayed on the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  shows symbols used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  shows a symbol arrangement table used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  shows a random number table used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 8  shows a payout table used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIGS. 9A to 9C  show examples of images displayed on the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  shows a service payout table used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 13  shows a payout multiplication table used for the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating a process flow of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is a main flow chart illustrating a process flow of the video slot machine according to the present embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0033]    Embodiments of the present invention are described below. 
       a. Summary of Embodiments of the Present Invention 
       [0034]    As a detailed description of an embodiment of the one of the gaming machines of the present invention, a so-called video slot machine is exemplified.  FIG. 1  shows an example of an operation in a basic game of the video slot machine  10 . When the basic game is started, a main control circuit  60  of the video slot  10  displays a plurality of winning combinations on the display  32  (Step S 51 ). More specifically, the main control circuit  60  displays, for example, a winning combination which achieves five “A&#39;s” (hereafter, a winning combination A), a winning combination which achieves five “K&#39;s” (hereafter, a winning combination K), a winning combination which achieves five “Q&#39;s” (hereafter, a winning combination Q), and then displays only the winning combination A brighter ( FIG. 9A ), thereby rendering the winning combination A selectable. At certain intervals, the main control circuit  60  displays only the winning combination K brighter ( FIG. 9B ), thereby rendering the winning combination K selectable. Then, at certain intervals, the main control circuit  60  displays only the winning combination Q brighter ( FIG. 9C ), thereby rendering the winning combination Q selectable. The main control circuit  60  stores a winning combination selected by a player in RAM  70  (Step S 53 ). In addition, the winning probabilities of the winning combinations A, K, and Q are equal. 
         [0035]    Subsequently, the main control circuit  60  randomly determines a plurality of symbol data to be displayed among the symbol data stored in a memory ( FIG. 6 ) (Step S 55 ). Upon receiving an operational signal of a start switch (Step S 57 ), the main control circuit  60  performs processing for rotating a video reel (Step S 59 ). Then, the main control circuit  60  stops rotating thereof after a certain period of time. 
         [0036]    Subsequently, the main control circuit  60  determines whether the displayed combination of symbols is a winning combination or not (Step S 61 ). Then, if so, the main control circuit  60  performs processing for payout of a normal award corresponding to the winning combination (Step S 63 ). Concurrently with this processing, the main control circuit  60  determines whether the displayed combination of symbols is the winning combination selected by the player (Step S 65 ). If so, the main control circuit  60  performs processing for payout of a service award corresponding to the winning combination ( FIG. 10 ) (Step S 67 ). As described above, two types of games are performed concurrently in the basic game. 
         [0037]    Next, the present embodiment is entirely described, including a configuration of the video slot machine  10 . The video slot machine  10  ( FIG. 2 ) is provided with the display  32  for displaying an image for a game, the ROM  68  ( FIG. 3 ) as a memory for storing symbol data ( FIG. 6 ) corresponding to the types of the symbols, the start switch  20  ( FIG. 2 ) for starting the game, and the main control circuit  60  ( FIG. 3 ) as a controller for randomly determining a plurality of symbol data so as to control the game. 
         [0038]    When a basic game is started, the main control circuit  60  displays a plurality of winning combinations ( FIG. 9 ), thereby transitioning to the state in which winning combinations are selectable by a player. “Winning combinations” refers to a plurality of combinations of symbols that provide awards. Then, the main control circuit  60  stores the winning combination selected by the player in the RAM  70 . The main control circuit  60  randomly determines a plurality of symbol data to be displayed among the symbol data ( FIG. 6 ) stored in the ROM  68 . The main control circuit  60  determines which winning combination is achieved corresponding to a plurality of symbols displayed in the display  32 , and simultaneously determines if the winning combination determined to be achieved is the winning combination that was selected by the player and stored in the RAM  70 . Then, the main control circuit  60  displays the plurality of symbols that was determined to be displayed ( FIG. 4 ). In cases in which the combination of symbols that were displayed is any of the winning combinations, the main control circuit  60  provides a normal award (for example, a value of payout, medals, and the like) corresponding to the type of the winning combination. In addition, in cases in which the winning combination is the one that was selected by a player and stored in RAM  70 , the main control circuit  60  provides a service award (for example, a valuable prize, medals, and the like). Furthermore, in cases in which the winning combination is the one that proceeds to a bonus game, the main control circuit  60  starts the bonus game. More details of the present embodiment are explained with reference to the figures as follows. 
       b. Video Slot Machine Configuration 
       [0039]    The external appearance of the video slot machine  10 , which is the first embodiment of the present invention, is described.  FIG. 2  is a perspective diagram showing a general view of the video slot machine  10 , which is the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a video slot machine using medals as a gaming medium is described as an example; however, a gaming medium for the gaming machine of the present invention may include coins, medals, tokens, cards storing valuable information of games, and the like. 
         [0040]    The display  32  for displaying images relating to a game is provided at the front of the video slot machine  10 . A plurality of the rearranged symbols is displayed on the display  32  of the video slot machine  10 . 
         [0041]    In addition, a medal slot  63  is provided in the vicinity of a right side at the front of the video slot machine  10 . A medal discharge slot  61  and a medal tray  67  are provided on the lower side at the front of the video slot  10 , respectively. A game can be started by a player inserting a medal into the medal slot  63 . Then, medals are discharged from the medal discharge slot  61  in response to the gaming result and collected in the medal tray  67 . As described later, a medal detecting sensor  31  (see  FIG. 3 ) is embedded inside the video slot machine  10  with which the medal slot  63  is provided. The medal detecting sensor  31  can detect the time a player inserts a medal into the video slot machine  10 . 
         [0042]    In addition, speakers  46   a  and  46   b  are provided on the upper side of the video slot machine  10 . The speakers  46   a  and  46   b  generate sound effects and the like in accordance with the progress of the game. Decorative lamps  36   a  and  36   b  are provided on both right and left sides of the substantially center portion of the video slot machine  10 . The decorative lamps  36   a  and  36   b  emit light in accordance with the progress of the game. 
         [0043]    A start switch  20 , a bet max switch  26 , a bet two switch  24 , and a bet one switch  22 , which are used for advancing the game, are disposed on the lower side of the display  32 . The bet max switch  26 , the bet two switch  24 , and the bet one switch  22  are used by a player to start a game. 
       c. Control Unit of the Video Slot Machine Configuration 
       [0044]    Next, the constitution of the control unit of the video slot machine  10  is described below.  FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a control circuit of the video slot machine that is the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0045]    The main control circuit  60 , which is a controller, is configured to be connected to a central processing unit (hereafter, CPU)  66 , Read Only Memory (hereafter, ROM)  68 , Random Access Memory (hereafter, RAM)  70 , a random number generator  65 , and interface circuit groups  62  and  72  via an input/output bus  64 . The input/output bus  64  inputs and outputs a data signal, a control signal, and an address signal to the CPU  66 . 
         [0046]    The CPU  66  reads and writes data to each element and device connected to the input/output bus  64  based on a computer program stored in the ROM  68 , and processes in cooperation with each element and device. A timer (not shown) is also provided inside the CPU  66 . 
         [0047]    The ROM  68  and the RAM  70  as storing means are also connected to the input/output bus  64 . The ROM  68  stores a control program for controlling an entire flow of the game of the video slot machine  10 . The ROM  68  also stores initial data for executing a control program, a program for controlling an operational pattern of blinking of the decorative lamp  36  ( 36   a  and  36   b  (see  FIG. 2 )) embedded in the video slot machine  10 , a program for display control on the display  32 , and the like. Furthermore, the ROM  68  stores a symbol arrangement table ( FIG. 6 ), a random number table matching symbol data and the probability of symbol data to be randomly determined ( FIG. 7 ), a payout table ( FIG. 8 ), a service payout table ( FIG. 9 ), and the like. 
         [0048]    The random number generator  65  for generating a random number is also connected to the input/output bus  64 . When an instruction for generating a random number is transmitted to the random number generator  65  from the CPU  66 , the random number generator  65  generates a predetermined range of random numbers, and transmits a signal indicating the value of the random number to the input/output bus  64 . In the CPU  66 , random determinations, which are described below, are done according to the generated random numbers. The random numbers generated from the random number generator  65  are stored in the RAM  70 . 
         [0049]    In the present embodiment, random numbers are generated by the random number generator  65  connected through the CPU  66  and input/output bus  64 . However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment and may be configured to execute random number generation on an operational program of the CPU  66  as a means for generating random numbers. In this case, the random number generator  65  can be omitted. 
         [0050]    The start switch  20 , the bet max switch  26 , the bet two switch  24 , and the bet one switch  22  are connected with the interface circuit group  62 . When these switches are activated by a player&#39;s pressing operation, each switch transmits a pressing operation detection signal to the interface circuit group  62 . The interface circuit group  62  supplies the pressing operation detection signal to the input/output bus  64 . 
         [0051]    The abovementioned medal detecting sensor  31  is also connected with the interface circuit group  62 . A detection signal from the medal detecting sensor  31  is supplied to the input/output bus  64  after converting a certain signal by the interface circuit group  62 . 
         [0052]    A display control device  200  is also connected with the interface circuit group  72 . The display control device  200  transmits a drive signal for driving the display  32  connected with the display control device  200  based on an instruction for displaying images, which are generated from the main control circuit  60 . 
         [0053]    The speakers  46  ( 46   a  and  46   b ) and the decorative lamps  36  ( 36   a  and  36   b ) are connected with the interface circuit group  72 . The interface circuit group  72  controls each of the abovementioned devices by supplying a drive signal, electric power for driving, and the like to each device, in response to the result of processing by the CPU  66 . 
         [0054]    Furthermore, a hopper control device  210  is also connected with the interface circuit group  72 . The hopper control device  210  transmits a drive signal for driving a hopper  50  connected to the hopper control device  210  based on an instruction for paying out medals, which is generated from the main control circuit  60 . 
       d. Pay Lines 
       [0055]    The slot machine  10  has nine pay lines L 1  through L 9  for providing prizes (pay lines) as shown in  FIG. 4 . Each of these pay lines L 1  through L 9  is formed such that it extends so as to pass through one of the symbols for each video reel  3 A to  3 E when the five video reels have stopped. Upon starting a basic game and a bonus game, at least one of the pay lines L 1  through L 9  is automatically activated. The pay line which is activated is referred to as an “active pay line”. When a winning combination is achieved on the active pay line, a prize is awarded. 
       e. Symbol Line 
       [0056]      FIG. 5  shows symbol lines on which 21 symbols arranged on each video reel  3 A to  3 E are represented. Code numbers of “00” to “20” refer to each symbol of the video reels  3 A to  3 E. These code numbers are converted according to  FIG. 6  to be data in a symbol data table so as to be stored in the aforementioned ROM  68  ( FIG. 3 ). On each video reel  3 A to  3 E, a symbol line is represented with symbols as follows: “Bonus” trigger symbol (hereafter, “Bonus”), “Wild” symbol (hereafter, “Wild”), “Treasure Chest” symbol (hereafter, “treasure chest”), “Golden Mask” symbol (hereafter, “Golden Mask”), “Holy Grail” symbol (hereafter, “Holy Grail”), “Compass and Map” symbol (hereafter, “Compasses and Map”), “Snake” symbol (hereafter, “Snake”), “Ace” symbol (hereafter, “Ace”), “King” symbol (hereafter, “King”), “Queen” symbol (hereafter, “Queen”), “Jack” symbol (hereafter, “Jack”), and “10” symbol (hereafter, “10”). The symbol line of each video reel  3 A to  3 E moves in the direction of the arrow in  FIG. 5  (moving in a top to bottom direction) by rotating each video reel  3 A to  3 E in a forward direction. 
         [0057]    Here in the present embodiment, each combination of “Bonus”, “Wild”, “Snake”, “Treasure Chest”, “Golden Mask”, “Holy Grail”, “Compass and Map”, “Ace”, “King”, “Queen”, “Jack” and “10” is set as a winning combination. A winning combination of “Bonus” indicates that five “Bonus” are achieved on an active line. The same is true of a winning combination such as “Wild”. 
         [0058]    In addition, executable games in the present embodiment includes a basic game in which symbols are achieved along the active pay line and a bonus game having a game configuration different from the basic game. In the basic game, two types of games, a game in which a winning combination may be achieved or not and a game in which winning combination is achieved, are performed concurrently. 
       f. Random Number Table 
       [0059]      FIG. 7  shows a random number table which matches symbol data and the probability of symbol data to be determined. “Symbol data” refers to symbol data which correspond to a plurality of types of symbols used in the game. “Probability” is a ratio of case of symbol data being randomly determined. In addition, the phrase “symbol data being randomly determined” is used in the same sense as the phrase “randomly determining a winning combination” in the present specification. In the random number table, a range of random numbers and the probability of winning are registered in relation to each of winning combinations. 
       g. Payout Table 
       [0060]      FIG. 8  shows a payout table that matches a winning combination and the amount of payout. In the payout table for the basic game, the coin amount to be paid out is registered in relation to each winning combination for providing a prize for each credit amount bet on one game. Therefore, in cases in which a determination is made that the combination thus generated matches any one of the winning combinations for providing a prize, for example, when the a combination thus generated matches the combination “Wild”, where the credit amount bet is “1”, 50 coins are paid out. In cases where the credit amount bet is “2”, 100 coins are paid out. In cases where the credit amount bet is “3”, 150 coins are paid out. In the basic game, the abovementioned payout performed when a winning combination is achieved is called “a normal prize”. 
       h. Service Payout Table 
       [0061]      FIG. 10  shows a service payout table which relates a winning combination and the amount of payout. In the service payout table for the basic game, the coin amount to be paid out is registered in relation to each credit amount bet on one game when a winning combination displayed on the display  32  was selected by a player. For example, in cases in which “Treasure Chest” was selected, where the credit amount bet is “1”, 10 coins are paid out. In cases where the credit amount bet is “2”, 20 coins are paid out. In cases where the credit amount bet is “3”, 30 coins are paid out. In the basic game, the abovementioned payout executed when the selected winning combination is achieved is called “a service award”. 
       i. Operation of a Video Slot Machine 
       [0062]    Processing to be performed in the main control circuit  60  described above is explained.  FIG. 10  is a flow chart of a main processing to be performed in the main control circuit  60  of one embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0063]    First, the main control circuit  60  determines whether any credits (coins inserted by the player) are remaining (Step S 11 ). More specifically, the main control circuit  60  reads the amount of credits C stored in the RAM  70  and executes processing based on the amount of credits C. When the amount of credits C is “0” (NO determination in the processing of Step S 11 ), since the main control circuit  60  cannot start a game, the processing of Step S 11  is repeated until a YES determination results. When the number of credits C is not less than “1” (YES in Step S 11 ), the main control circuit  60  determines that coins remain as credits, and the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to Step S 13 . 
         [0064]    Upon moving to Step S 13 , the main control circuit  60  determines whether any one of the bet switches  22 ,  24 , and  26  has been pressed (Step S 13 ). When the bet switch  22 , etc. has been pressed, and then an operational signal from the bet switch  22 , etc. is input (YES determination in the processing of Step S 13 ), the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to Step S 15 . On the other hand, when the operational signal from the bet switch  24  has not been input after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed (NO in Step S 13 ), the main control circuit  60  determines that the bet switch  22 , etc. has not been pressed and moves the processing to Step S 13  again. 
         [0065]    In the following Step S 15 , the main control circuit  60  sets the game conditions. More specifically, the main control circuit  60  determines an active pay line, and then determines the amount of coins to be bet to the active pay line of the present game based on the operation of the bet switch  22 , etc. Then, the main control circuit  60  determines the bet amount to be bet on the active pay lines based upon the number of times signals that indicate operation of the bet switch  22 , etc. have been received, and stores the bet amount regarding the pay line to be activated in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . The main control circuit  60  reads the amount of credits C stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 , and subtracts the total bet amount, which is the sum of the aforementioned bet amounts, from the amount of credits C thus read. Then, the main control circuit  60  stores the subtracted value in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . Then, the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to Step S 17 , and a basic game is started. 
         [0066]    Upon starting a basic game, the main control circuit  60  reads winning combinations from the RAM  70  ( FIG. 7 ) and displays a plurality of winning combinations on the display  32 , thereby rendering it selectable to a player (Step S 51 ). More specifically, the state of displaying a winning combination A brighter ( FIG. 9A ), the state of displaying a winning combination K brighter ( FIG. 9B ), and the state of displaying a winning combination Q brighter ( FIG. 9C ) are repeated at certain intervals. Then, a player, for example, presses the start switch  20 , thereby rendering the winning combinations displayed brighter selectable to the player. In this case, the start switch serves a function as a switch for selecting a winning combination. The main control circuit  60  stores a winning combination selected by a player in the RAM  70  (Step S 53 ). 
         [0067]    Subsequently, the main control circuit  60  randomly determines a plurality of symbol data to be displayed among the symbol data ( FIG. 6 ) stored in the ROM  68  (Step S 55 ). Then, it is determined whether the start switch has been activated (Step S 57 ). Upon the start switch  25  being operated, and accordingly upon the operational signal being input from a start switch  25  (YES determination in processing of Step S 57 ), the main control circuit  60  determines that the start switch  25  has been operated, and advances processing to Step S 59 . If the processing of Step S 57  is a NO determination, the main control circuit  60  repeats the processing of Step S 57  until YES determination results. 
         [0068]    Upon receiving an operational signal of a start switch (Step S 57 ), the main control circuit  60  performs processing for rotating a video reel (Step S 59 ). Then, the main control circuit  60  stops rotation thereof after a certain period of time. In cases in which the operational signal of the start switch has not been received in Step S 57 , the processing of Step S 57  is repeated. 
         [0069]    Subsequently, the main control circuit  60  determines whether the displayed combination of symbols is a winning combination (Step S 61 ). Then, if so, the main control circuit  60  performs processing for payout of a normal award corresponding to the winning combination (Step S 63 ). If the symbol combination displayed on the display is not any one of the winning combinations, the processing terminates. 
         [0070]    Concurrently with the abovementioned processing of the normal award, the main control circuit  60  reads the winning combination selected by the player from the RAM  70  and determines whether the displayed combination of symbols is the winning combination selected by the player (Step S 65 ). If so, the main control circuit  60  reads a service payout table, ( FIG. 10 ) and performs processing for payout of a service award corresponding to the winning combination ( FIG. 10 ) (Step S 67 ). Then, the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to Step S 19 . On the other hand, if it is not the winning combination selected by the player, the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to Step S 19 . 
         [0071]    In Step S 19 , the main control circuit  60  determines whether a bonus combination for a bonus award was achieved. If the main control circuit  60  determines that a bonus combination has been achieved, the main control circuit  60  advances the processing to Step S 21 . If not, the main control circuit  60  advances the processing to Step S 23 .  FIG. 12  shows detailed descriptions of Step S 23 . 
         [0072]    Upon advancing the processing to Step S 23 , the main control circuit  60  determines whether a start switch is activated (Step S 101  of  FIG. 12 ). Upon the start switch  25  being operated, and accordingly upon the operational signal being input from the start switch  25  (in a case of “YES” in the determination processing in Step S 101 ), the main control circuit  60  determines that the start switch  25  has been operated, and advances the processing to Step S 103 . If it is a NO determination, the main control circuit  60  repeats the processing of Step S 101  until a YES determination results. 
         [0073]    In Step S 103 , the main control circuit  60  performs processing for determining the combination of a bonus game. A specific description is provided below regarding processing for determining the combination of a bonus game. 
         [0074]    Firstly, in processing for determining the combination of a bonus game, the main control circuit  60  determines a combination of symbols when they are stationary along the abovementioned active pay line. Specifically, the main control circuit  60  issues a command for the random number generator  65  to generate a random number, thereby extracting a random number in a predetermined range (in a range of “0” to “65535” in the present embodiment) generated by the random number generator  65 . The main control circuit  60  stores the random number thus extracted in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . The main control circuit  60  reads a random number table (see  FIG. 7 ) stored by the ROM  68 , and stores the random number table thus read in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . In addition, the abovementioned random number table is provided to each real. Furthermore, the main control circuit  60  reads the abovementioned random number table for a basic game stored in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . Then, the main control circuit  60  determines the combination of the symbols when they are stationary with respect to the active pay lines with reference to the abovementioned random number table, using the random number stored in the predetermined memory region of the abovementioned RAM  70  as a parameter. Upon determination of the combination, the main control circuit  60  stores the combination data thus determined in a predetermined memory area of the RAM  70 . 
         [0075]    Subsequently, in Step S 105 , the main control circuit  60  starts rotation of the video reels  3 A to  3 E. Specifically, the main control circuit  60  rotates the video reels  3 A to  3 E in sequence or simultaneously based upon the symbol arrangement table stored in the aforementioned RAM  110 , and stops them after a predetermined amount of time elapses. 
         [0076]    Subsequently, in Step S 105 , the main control circuit  60  determines whether a combination for a bonus award on the active pay line has been achieved. When the combination for a bonus award has not been achieved, the main control circuit  60  advances the processing to Step S 111 . When the combination for a bonus award has not been achieved, the main control circuit  60  advances the processing to Step S 109 , and performs processing for a payout corresponding to the combination (Step S 109 ). 
         [0077]    Subsequently, the main control circuit  60  determines whether the bonus game has been terminated (Step S 111 ). If not, the main control circuit  60  advances the processing to Step S 101 . If so, the main control circuit  60  moves the processing to return. When, for example, the predetermined number of bonus games have been carried out, the main control circuit  60  terminates the processing. 
         [0078]    Subsequently, in Step S 23  ( FIG. 11 ), the main control circuit  60  determines whether processing for payout should be performed. If not, the main control circuit  60  terminates the processing. If so, the main control circuit  60  performs processing for payout, and then terminates the processing (Step S 25 ). 
         [0079]    According to the present embodiment, the following operations and effects are made. 
         [0080]    According to the video slot machine  10  described in the present embodiment, two types of games, a game that executes the normal prize and the game that executes the service award, can be performed concurrently in the basic game. Moreover, a player can be involved in the game that executes the service award by selecting the winning combination. Furthermore, in the case where the winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination can be increased. 
       j. Example of a First Variation 
       [0081]    Next, an example of a first variation of the abovementioned embodiment is described below. The video slot machine  10  according to the example of the first variation stores a payout multiplication table ( FIG. 13 ) in the ROM  68  ( FIG. 3 ). An exemplary operation of the video slot machine  10  of the example of the first variation is described with reference to  FIG. 14 , and is described mainly through differences with the abovementioned embodiment. 
         [0082]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating processing in the basic game. Upon terminating Step S 67  in a basic game, the main control circuit  60  increases the normal award of the winning combination selected by a player (Step S 81 ). Specifically, in cases in which the winning combination selected by the player is achieved, regarding this winning combination, in the subsequent basic game, not the payout table ( FIG. 8 ) but the payout multiplication table ( FIG. 13 ) is applied. For example, in cases in which a winning combination A is selected, and then the winning combination A is achieved, the payout multiplication table ( FIG. 13 ) is applied to the subsequent basic game. Then, if the bet amount is 1, 10 coins are paid out. In cases of another winning combination such as a winning combination K, the payout table ( FIG. 8 ) is applied. Then, if the bet amount is 1, 4 coins are paid out. 
         [0083]    Furthermore, according to the example of the first transformation, in the case where the winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination can be increased. 
       k. Example of a Second Variation 
       [0084]    Next, an example of a second variation of the abovementioned embodiment is described below. The configuration of the video slot machine  10  of the example according to the second variation is similar to the abovementioned example of the first variation, but the operation thereof is different. An exemplary operation of the video slot machine  10  of the example of the second variation is described with reference to  FIG. 15 , and is described mainly through differences with the abovementioned example of the first variation. 
         [0085]      FIG. 15  is a flow chart illustrating processing in the basic game. The main control circuit  60  determines whether the achieved winning combination is the one which was selected by the player and stored in the RAM  70  (Step S 65 ). If the main control circuit  60  determines that the winning combination is not the one that was stored in RAM  70 , the main control circuit  60  determines whether the achieved winning combination is one that lowers an award (Step S 91 ). A winning combination that lowers an award is the predetermined specified winning combination in order to lower an award for which the winning combination that the award was increased in Step S 81  (for example, a winning combination achieving “Wild”). 
         [0086]    If the main control circuit  60  determines that it is the winning combination that lowers an award, the main control circuit  60  lowers the award of the winning combination for which the award was increased (Step S 93 ). More specifically, the definition of the award of the winning combination for which the award was increased is changed from the payout multiplication table ( FIG. 13 ) to the payout table ( FIG. 8 ). In addition, in contrast to the abovementioned example, when the main control circuit  60  determines that it is the winning combination that lowers an award, the award may be lowered gradually, such as decreasing the number of coins by two, which is defined by the payout multiplication table ( FIG. 13 ), and not changing to the payout table ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0087]    As described above, according to the example of the second embodiment, in cases in which the winning combination is achieved, a normal award of the winning combination can be increased. Moreover, in cases in which the predetermined specified winning combination is achieved, the normal award of the winning combination for which the normal award was increased, can be lowered. 
         [0088]    Although the embodiments are explained in the above descriptions, the present invention is not limited to those, and various changes and modifications of design can be made within the scope of the claims.