Gaming machine

A gaming machine includes a bet rate setting device with which a value of game medium per unit bet is set as a bet rate, a setting sound output device outputting a setting sound when the bet rate is set by the bet rate setting device, and a setting sound control device controlling the setting sound, to be outputted from the setting sound output device, depending on the bet rate set by the bet rate setting device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2004-284772 and 2004-284774, filed on Sep. 29, 2004 and Nos. 2005-225395 and 2005-225423, filed on Aug. 3, 2005 in the Japanese Patent Office; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a gaming machine with which a bet rate, which is a value of coin per 1 BET, can be set.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gaming machines of the related art include a slot machine arranged to perform a notification effect on winning upon variation of a volume of a gaming sound. That is, as the winning occurs, an operation sound volume is varied to notify the winning every time a stop switch is actuated to stop reels, while when it is turned out that the winning is not determined, the operation sound volume is further varied in a subsequent stage giving notification that the wining is not yet determined (as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Publication No. 2002-355359 on pages 17 and 18 and in FIG. 10).

However, it has been not achieved to discriminate the bet rate with the sound.

Further, the gaming machines of the related art include a slot machine arranged to perform a notification effect on winning over a liquid crystal display device, or the like, provided on a front panel. Furthermore, with such a slot machine, after all the reels have been stopped, inserting a medal causes an insertion signal to be generated to make a start request for a subsequent game, enabling a player at his own discretion to close down a notification effect associated with the winning in mid-course thereof (as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid Open Publication No. 2003-180921 on page 2).

However, it has been not achieved to discriminate the bet rate by closing the notification effect in mid-course thereof.

Therefore, the present invention has been completed with the above view in mind and has an object to provide a gaming machine that is able to discriminate a bet rate with a setting sound or a setting image.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the first feature of the present invention, a gaming machine (for instance, a slot machine1) comprises a bet rate setting device (for instance, a “BET RATE” button301) with which a value of a currency for the number of unit bet is set as a bet rate, a setting sound output device (for instance, speaker80) outputting a setting sound when the bet rate is set with the bet rate setting device, and a setting sound control device (for instance, a sound control CPU312) controlling the setting sound, to be outputted from the setting sound output device, depending on the bet rate set with the bet rate setting device.

According to the second feature of the present invention, a gaming machine (for instance, a slot machine1) comprises a bet rate setting device (for instance, a “BET RATE” button301) with which a value of a currency for the number of unit bet is set as a bet rate, a setting image output device (for instance, upper liquid crystal display3) outputting a setting image when the bet rate is set with the bet rate setting device, and a setting image control device (for instance, image control CPU83) controlling the setting image, to be outputted from the setting image output device, depending on the bet rate set with the bet rate setting device.

Also, as used herein, the term “game medium” includes medal-shaped gaming media that include coins monetized from metal and alternative coins such as so-called gaming medals. Further, the term “game medium” includes “bills”.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereunder, a gaming machine, according to the present invention, is described below in detail in connection with an embodiment, in which the present invention is concretized as a slot machine, with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, a schematic structure of the slot machine of the presently filed embodiment is described with reference toFIGS. 8 to 10.FIG. 8is a perspective view of the slot machine.FIG. 9is a front view of an operation table.FIG. 10is a block diagram typically showing a control system of the slot machine.

InFIG. 8, a slot machine1includes a cabinet2by which a whole of the slot machine1is formed. The cabinet2has a front and upper area, on which an upper liquid crystal display3is located, and a front and central area provided with a unit front panel20on which a lower liquid crystal display4is located. The upper liquid crystal display3is comprised of a general-purpose liquid crystal display and, also, the lower liquid crystal display4is comprised of the general-purpose liquid crystal display. The upper liquid crystal display3provides a display of information such as gaming processes, kinds and associated awards of winning combinations and various effects related to games and further provides a display of an insertion image, indicative of a kind of inserted coin and setting image indicative of a bet rate (a value of coin per 1 BET). As shown inFIG. 8, the lower liquid crystal display4provides a display of credits and fundamentally provides a display of five variable display devices21,22,23,24and25. Variable displays (hereinafter also referred to as “scrolling displays”) are provided in the various display devices21to25, respectively, while scrolling various symbols, described later, each in a direction from an upper area toward a lower area.

Accordingly, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, slot-games (with a base game and a bonus game) are practiced with video reels realized upon displays of the variable display devices21to25in the lower liquid crystal display4. The slot-games (with the base game and the bonus game) have three symbols to be stopped for display in the variable display devices21to25, respectively. That is, as shown inFIG. 15, the respective variable display devices21to25are divided into first stop display areas211,221,231,241,251, second stop display areas212,222,232,242,252and third stop display areas213,223,233,243,253, respectively, with the symbols being stopped and displayed in the stop display areas211to213,221to223,231to233,241to243,251to253, respectively.

Further, the slot-games (with the base game and the bonus game) include twenty-five pay-lines formed of five areas in the stop display areas211to213,221to223,231to233,241to243,251to253, respectively. When activated, each pay-line allows a player to be awarded upon alignment of specified symbols on a specific mode when the symbols are stopped and displayed, respectively. Here, for the sake of simplicity in description, three among the twenty-five pay-lines concretely described with reference toFIGS. 16 to 18.FIGS. 16 to 18are views showing one pay-line in shaded portions.

That is, as shown inFIG. 16, the first pay-line L1is formed of the second stop display areas212,222,232,242, and252.

Further, as shown inFIG. 17, the second pay-line L2is formed of the first stop display areas211,221,231,241, and251.

Likewise, as shown inFIG. 18, the third pay-line L3is formed of the third stop display areas213,223,233,243, and253.

Also, as used herein, those, among the twenty-five pay-lines, which are activated, refer to “activated pay-lines”.

Turning back toFIG. 8, an operation table5is provided in a lower area of the lower liquid crystal display4so as to protrude in a front area thereof. As shown inFIG. 9, the operation table5has an upper stage on which a “COLLECT” button31and a “GAME RULES” button32are located in the leftmost area, an intermediate stage provided with a “BET1 PER LINE” button33, a “BET2 PER LINE” button34, a “BET3 PER LINE” button35, a “BET5 PER LINE” button36, a “BET8 PER LINE” button37and a “WIN START FEATURE” button38in this order from the leftmost side, and a lower stage provided with a “BET RATE” button301, a “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, a “PLAY2 LINES” button40, a “PLAY5 LINES” button41, a “PLAY20 LINES” button42, a “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43and a “GAMBLE RESERVE” button44. Moreover, as shown inFIG. 8, a coin insertion slot9and a bill insertion slot10are provided on a right side of the operation table5and, in addition, a reader/writer70is located on the operation table5at a left and lower side thereof.

The “COLLECT” button31plays a role as a button that is pressed at the end of the base game. As the “COLLECT” button31is pressed, the reader/writer70stores the number of credits, acquired in the games, in an IC card (not shown), thereby paying out the number of coins equivalent to the number of credits acquired in the games. Also, the “COLLECT” button31additionally includes a “COLLECT” switch45that is operative such that when the “COLLECT” button31is pressed, a switch signal, generated by the “COLLECT” switch45, is outputted to a CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “GAME RULES” button32plays a role as a button that is pressed when an operational method or the like of the game is unclear. As the “GAME RULES” button32is pressed, a variety of help information are displayed in the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4. Also, the “GAME RULES” button32additionally includes a “GAME RULES” switch46that is operative such that when the “GAME RULES” button32is pressed, a switch signal, generated by the “GAME RULES” switch46, is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The coin insertion slot9is configured to allow the insertion of five kinds of coins such as a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, a 25-cent, a 50-cent coin and one-dollar coin. Based on diameters, thicknesses, and weights of coins being inserted into the coin insertion slot9, a coin sensor49generates a coin detection signal, specifying the kind of an inserted coin, which in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10), thereby permitting the credits to be added by the number of inserted coin. Also, the five kinds of coins, inserted into the coin insertion slot9, are accumulated in a hopper (now shown) located inside the cabinet2. In contrast, if other coins than the coins of five kinds are inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the coin sensor49distinguishes the relevant coins (seeFIG. 10), which in turn are returned from a coin payout opening15to a coin-receiving portion16.

Further, the bill insertion slot10is provided with a bill sensor67that is able to discriminate a kind of bills based on widths, lengths and watermarks of bills, whereby as a bill is inserted into the bill insertion slot10, the bill sensor67generates a bill detection signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10) to allow credits to be added by a value of inserted bills.

The “BET1 PER LINE” button33plays a role as a button that every time the “BET1 PER LINE” button33is pressed, the pay-lines are activated by one, respectively. The “BET1 PER LINE” button33additionally includes a “1-BET” switch57that is operative such that when the “BET1 PER LINE” button33is pressed, the “1-BET” switch57generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). The “BET2 PER LINE” button34plays a role as a switch that when pressed, allows a game to start with two bets on the respective pay-lines. The “BET2 PER LINE” button34additionally includes a “2-BET” switch58that is operative such that when the “BET2 PER LINE” button34is pressed, a switch signal, generated by the “2-BET” switch58, is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “BET3 PER LINE” button35plays a role as a button that when pressed, the pay-lines are activated by three bets. The “BET3 PER LINE” button35additionally includes a 3-BET switch59that is operative such that when the “BET3 PER LEE” button35is pressed, the 3-BET switch59generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). The “BET5 PER LINE” button36plays a role as a switch that when pressed, allows the game to start with five bets on the respective pay-lines. The “BET5 PER LINE” button36additionally includes a “5-BET” switch60that is operative such that when the “BET5 PER LINE” button36is pressed, a switch signal, generated by the “5-BET” switch60, is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “BET8 PER LINE” button37plays a role as a button that when pressed, the pay-lines are activated by 8 bets. The “BET8 PER LINE” button37additionally includes a “8-BET” switch61that is operative such that when the “BET8 PER LINE” button37is pressed, the “8-BET” switch61generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). Accordingly, pressing “BET1 PER LINE” button33, the “BET2 PER LINE” button34, the “BET3 PER LINE” button35, the “BET5 PER LINE” button36and the “BET8 PER LINE” button37enables a player to make betting with a bet number in 1, 2, 3, 5 and 8 bets.

The “WIN START FEATURE” button38plays a role as a button to begin a bonus game while permitting an award, acquired in the bonus game, to be added to the credit. The “WIN START FEATURE” button38additionally includes a “WIN START” switch47that is operative such that when pressed, the “WIN START” switch47generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “BET RATE” button301plays a role as a button by which a “BET RATE” (a value of coin per one BET) is set. The “BET RATE” button301additionally includes a “BET RATE” switch302that is operative such that when pressed, the “BET RATE” switch302generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). Here, the “BET RATE” is described. As used herein, the term “BET RATE” is meant by the fact that the number of credits, needed for increasing the number of bets by one, is represented by the amount of coins and includes “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”. Each time the “BET RATE” button301is pressed, the “BET RATE” is cyclically altered in an order expressed as “5-cent”→“10-cent”→“25-cent”→“50-cent”→“one dollar”→“5-cent”→“10-cent”→ . . . .

The “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39plays a role as a button by which a game is started with “1” activated pay-line. The “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39additionally includes a “1-LINE” switch62that is operative such that when pressed, the “1-LINE” switch62generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). Further, the “PLAY2 LINES” button40plays a role as a button by which the game is started with “2” activated pay-lines. The “PLAY2 LINES” button40additionally includes a “2-LINES” switch63operative such that when pressed, the “2-LINES” switch63generates a switch signal to be outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “PLAY5 LINES” button41plays a role as a button by which the game is started with “5” activated pay-lines. The “PLAY5 LINES” button41additionally includes a “5-LINES” switch64operative such that when pressed, the “5-LINES” switch64generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10). Further, a “PLAY20 LINES” button42plays a role as a button by which the game is started with “20” activated pay-lines. The “PLAY20 LINES” button42additionally includes a “20-LINES” switch65operative such that when pressed, the “20-LINES” switch65generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

The “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43plays a role as a button by which the game is started with “25” activated pay-lines. The “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43additionally includes a “25 LINES” switch66operative such that when pressed, the “25 LINES” switch66generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

Further, the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, the “PLAY2 LINES” button40, the “PLAY5 LINES” button41, the “PLAY20 LINES” button42and the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43play roles as buttons that begin variable displays of respective symbols with the associated variable display devices21to25in the lower liquid crystal display4.

Also, the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39and the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43are also used when selecting red and black colors during play in a double down game that is practiced using credits obtained in the bonus game.

The “GAMBLE RESERVE” button44plays a role as a button that is pressed when leaving a seat or allows the game to shift to the double down game after the bonus game has been finished. The “GAMBLE RESERVE” button44additionally includes a “GAMBLE RESERVE” switch48operative such that when pressed, the “GAMBLE RESERVE” switch48generates a switch signal that in turn is outputted to the CPU50(seeFIG. 10).

Further, the coin payout opening15is formed in the cabinet2at a lower area thereof in which the coin-receiving portion16is provided for receiving coins returned from the coin payout opening15.

Referring toFIG. 12, description is made of exemplary symbols, to be variably displayed over the lower liquid crystal display device4during play in the base game, appearing upon scrolling of the respective variable display devices21to25. InFIG. 12, a column of symbols displayed on the first reel strip101represents a column of symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device21; a column of symbols displayed on the second reel strip102represents a column of symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device22; a column of symbols displayed on the third reel strip103represents a column of symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device23; a column of symbols displayed on the fourth reel strip104represents a column of symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device24; and a column of symbols displayed on the fifth reel strip105represents a column of symbols that are variably displayed on the variable display device25.

Here, the rows of symbols shown on the reel strips101to105include layouts of the symbols different from each other, with each column of these symbols including twelve symbols in suitable combination of “LOBSTER”, “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J” and “SARDINE”.

As used herein, the term “LOBSTER” refers to a symbol of a lobster. Further, the terms “SHARK”, “FISH”, “PUNK”, “OCTOPUS”, “CRAB”, “WORM”, “A”, “K”, “Q”, “J” and “SARDINE” represent symbols of a shark, a fish, a person with a guitar, an octopus, a crab, a worm and a sardine, respectively. Moreover, as used herein, the terms “A”, “K”, “Q” and “J” represent symbols of alphabetic characters, respectively.

The symbol “SARDINE” plays a role as a scatter symbol to allow the game to shift to the bonus game, as described later. When three or more “SARDINE” symbols are stopped and displayed in combination on the variable display devices21to25regardless of the activated payline, the game is shifted to the bonus game.

Also, under situations wherein the rows of the symbols shown on the reel strips101to105are stopped for display upon scrolling of the variable display devices21to25for display, the three symbols are caused to stop and displayed with the respective variable display devices.

Further, a variety of winning combinations are preliminarily set for a plurality of kinds of combinations of the respective symbols as set forth above. An award is added to a credit depending on a winning combination, when a combination of the symbols associated with the winning combination is caused to stop on an activated pay-line, in the same manner as that of the related art slot machine, and description of the same is herein omitted.

Now, a structure of a control system of the slot machine1is described with reference toFIG. 10.FIG. 10is a block diagram typically showing the control system of the slot machine1.

InFIG. 10, the control system of the slot machine1is basically comprised of the CPU50as a core to which a ROM51and a RAM52are connected. The ROM51stores a main process program, a base game program, a bonus game program, a sortition table based on which symbols to be stopped for display of the base game are drawn, a sortition table on which symbols to be stopped and displayed on the bonus game are drawn, other various programs needed for the slot machine1to be controlled, and data tables, etc., which are described later. Also, the RAM52plays a role as a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated when the CPU50executes the various programs.

Further, a clock pulse generating circuit53, which generates a train of reference clock pulses, and a frequency dividing circuit54are connected to the CPU50, to which a random number generating circuit55, by which a random number is generated, and a random number sampling circuit56are also connected. The random number, subjected to sampling through the random number sampling circuit56, is used for executing various sortitions on the winning combination, etc. In addition, connected to the CPU50are the “COLLECT” switch45additionally provided on the “COLLECT” button31, the “GAME/RULES” switch46additionally provided on the “GAME RULES” button32, the “1-BET” switch57additionally provided on the “BET1 PER LINE” button33, the “2-BET” switch58additionally provided on the “BET2 PER LINE” button34, the “3-BET” switch59additionally provided on the “BET3 PER LINE” button35, the “5-BET” switch60additionally provided on the “BET5 PER LINE” button36, the “8-BET” switch61additionally provided on the “BET8 PER LINE” button37, the “WIN/START” switch47additionally provided on the “WIN START FEATURE” button38, the “1-LE” switch62additionally provided on the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, the “2-LINES” switch63additionally provided on the “PLAY2 LINES” button40, the “5-LINES” switch64additionally provided on the “PLAYS5 LINES” button41, the “20-LINES” switch65additionally provided on the “PLAY20 LINES” button42, the “25-LINES” switch66additionally provided on the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43, the “GAMBLE RESERVE” switch48additionally provided on the “GAMBLE RESERVE” button44, and the “BET RATE” switch302additionally provided on the “BET RATE” button301. The CPU50performs control for executing various operations associated with the respective buttons in response to the switch signals outputted from the respective switches upon pressions thereof.

Further, the coin sensor49, disposed in the coin insertion slot9, and the bill sensor67, disposed in the bill insertion slot10, are connected to the CPU50. The coin sensor49detects a kind of and amount of coins inserted from the coin insertion slot9to calculate the number of credits equivalent to the amount of coins inserted in response to the coin detection signal outputted from the coin sensor49. The bill sensor67detects a kind of and amount of bills inserted from the bill insertion slot10to allow the CPU50to calculate the number of credits equivalent to the amount of inserted bills in response to the bill detection signal outputted from the bill sensor67.

The reader/writer70is connected to the CPU50. As a drive signal is outputted from the CPU50to the reader/writer70, the reader/writer70stores a given number of credits in an IC card (not shown), upon which a given number of coins are paid out. Also, the reader/writer70may be replaced with, for instance, a printing device that issues a receipt on which a given number of credits is printed.

Moreover, the coin detector73is connected to the CPU50via an accumulation completion signal circuit72. The coin detector73is mounted inside the hopper (not shown) and upon detection of the hopper (not shown) being full of the accumulated coins, a full coin detection signal is outputted from the coin detector73to the accumulation completion signal circuit72, which in turn outputs an accumulation completion signal to the CPU50. In addition, the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4are connected to the CPU50, by which the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4are controlled.

As shown inFIG. 11, the liquid crystal driving circuit74takes the form of a structure wherein a program ROM81, an image ROM82, an image control CPU83, a work RAM84, a video display processor (VDP)85and a video RAM86, etc., are mounted on a liquid crystal driving circuit board87. The program ROM81stores image control programs and various selection tables related to display contents of the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4. Further, the image ROM82stores dot data to form images such as, for instance, the rows of symbols on the reel strips101to105, shown inFIG. 12, which are displayed over the lower liquid crystal display4(or the variable display devices21to25). Furthermore, the image control CPU83serves to determine images, to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4from among dot data preliminarily stored in the image ROM82in response to parameters set by the CPU50, depending on the image control program preliminarily stored in the program ROM81. Moreover, the work RAM84is a temporary storage device used when executing the image control program with the image control CPU83. In addition, the VDP85serves to form images depending on displayed contents, determined by the image control CPU83, to be outputted to the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4, respectively. This allows the rows of the symbols, shown on the reel strips101to105, respectively, to be provided on the lower liquid crystal display4(or the variable display devices21to25) in scrolling displays, thereby providing a display of insertion images and setting images over the upper liquid crystal display3in a manner as described below. Also, the video RAM86is a temporary storage device for use in forming an image with the VDP85.

Further, LEDs78are connected to the CPU50via an LED driving circuit77. A large number of LEDs78are mounted on the front face of the slot machine1to be controllably turned on or turned off with the LED driving circuit77in response to drive signals from the CPU50when providing a variety of effects. Additionally, a speaker80, connected to the CPU50via a sound output circuit79, generates a variety of sound effects, when providing variable effects, in response to output signals from the sound output circuit79.

As shown inFIG. 26, the sound output circuit79is comprised of a program ROM313, a sound ROM314, a sound control CPU312, a work RAM315, a sound source IC316and a power amplifier317, etc., which are mounted on a sound output circuit board311. The program ROM313stores a sound control program, related to an output of the speaker80, and various selection tables. Further, the sound ROM314stores musical scale data or the like for a sound to be outputted by the speaker80. Furthermore, the sound control CPU312serves to determine the sound, to be outputted from the speaker80, from among musical scale data, preliminarily stored in the sound ROM314, in accordance with the sound control program preliminarily stored in the program ROM313. Moreover, the work RAM315is a temporary storage device for use in executing the sound control program with the sound control program CPU312. Also, the sound source IC316creates a wide variety of tones. In addition, the power amplifier317serves to amplify the sound to be created by the sound source IC316. This allows the speaker80to reproduce the insertion sound and setting sounds in a manner as will be described later.

Now, referring toFIG. 14, description is made of the sortition table for use in determining the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line L1, shown inFIG. 16, when playing a base game using the five variable display devices21to25in the slot machine1.FIG. 14is an illustrative view showing the sortition table of the stop and display symbols for use in playing on the base game using the five variable display devices.

The symbols, stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line defined by the second stop display areas212,222,232,242, and252of the variable display devices21to25, are determined for the variable display devices21to25, respectively. To this end, code Nos. from “00” to “29” are allotted to the symbols on the reel strips101to105as shown inFIG. 12, and on the other hand, a sortition table, shown inFIG. 14, is prepared. The five random numbers, associated with the respective variable display devices21to25, are subjected to the sampling via the random number sampling circuit56.

Speaking of the column of the symbols designated on the first reel strip101, shown inFIG. 12, to be provided in scrolling display on the variable display device21, if the random number value, resulting upon sampling with the random number sampling circuit56, represents “0”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “J”, to which the code No. “00” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “1”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “Q”, to which the code No. “01” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “2”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “LOBSTER”, to which the code No. “02” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “3”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “J”, to which the code No. “03” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “4”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “Q”, to which the code No. “04” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “5”, a symbol “CRAB”, to which the code No. “05” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “6”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “A”, to which the code No. “06” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “7”, a symbol “WORM”, to which the code No. “07” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “8”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “K”, to which the code No. “08” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “9”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “FISH”, to which the code No. “09” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “10”, a symbol (PERSON WITH GUITAR) “PUNK”, to which the code No. “10” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line.

Further, if the relevant random number value represents “11”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “Q”, to which the code No. “11” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “12”, a symbol “SHARK”, to which the code No. “12” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “13”, a symbol “CRAB”, to which the code No. “13” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “14”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “K”, to which the code No. “14” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “15”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “A”, to which the code No. “15” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “16”, a symbol “OCTOPUS”, to which the code No. “16” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “17”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “3”, to which the code No. “17” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “18”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “Q”, to which the code No. “18” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “19”, a symbol “FISH”, to which the code No. “19” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line.

Further, if the relevant random number value represents “20”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “K”, to which the code No. “20” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “21”, a symbol (alphabetic character) “J”, to which the code No. “21” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “22”, a symbol “SARDINE”, to which the code No. “22” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “23”, a symbol “CRAB”, to which the code No. “23” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “24”, a symbol “J” (alphabetic character), to which the code No. “24” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “25”, a symbol “WORM”, to which the code No. “25” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “26”, a symbol “Q” (alphabetic character), to which the code No. “26” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “27”, a symbol “CRAB”, to which the code No. “27” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “28”, a symbol “A” (alphabetic character), to which the code No. “28” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line. If the relevant random number value represents “29”, a symbol “FISH”, to which the code No. “29” is allotted, is stopped and displayed on the relevant activated pay-line.

Also, these controls are similarly performed for the column of symbols, designated on the second reel strip102, to be provided in scrolling display with the variable display device22, the column of symbols, designated on the third reel strip103shown inFIG. 12, to be provided in scrolling display with the variable display device23, the column of symbols, designated on the fourth reel strip104shown inFIG. 12, to be provided in scrolling display with the variable display device24, and the column of symbols, designated on the fifth reel strip105shown inFIG. 12, to be provided in scrolling display with the variable display device25.

Next, the winning combination and the associated award are described with reference toFIG. 13in respect of a case wherein a base game is practiced using the five variable display devices21to25in the slot machine1.FIG. 13is an illustrative view showing the winning combination and the associated award for the case wherein the base game is practiced using the five variable display devices and shows a case wherein the number of bet is “1”. Accordingly, if the number of bet is “1”, a value of the credit, shown inFIG. 13, is added to the credit and if the number of bet is “2”, a value, resulting from multiplying the value of award, shown inFIG. 13, by the number of bet, is added to the credit.

Now, concrete description is made of the winning combination and the associated award for the case wherein the base game is executed. Saying of the symbol “LOBSTER”, as shown inFIG. 13, an award “10” is obtained when the relevant symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed in alignment with the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21and22(in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols consecutively appear from a left end). Further, an award “320” is obtained when the relevant symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed in alignment with the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “2500” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed in alignment with the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “6000” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed in alignment with the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “SHARK”, an award “3” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21and22(in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “25” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “150” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “1000” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “FISH”, an award “2” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21and22(in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “15” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “120” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “500” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed in the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “PUNK” (person with guitar), an award “2” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21and22(in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “10” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “120” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “400” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “OCTOPUS”, an award “2” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21and22(in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “8” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “50” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “300” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “CRAB”, an award “7” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “50” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “200” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the fifth symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “WORM”, an award “6” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “40” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “150” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “A” (alphabetic character), an award “5” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “25” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “120” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “K” (alphabetic character), an award “5” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “25” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “120” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “Q” (alphabetic character), an award “5” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “20” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “100” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

Further, saying of the symbol “3” (alphabetic character), an award “5” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to23(in case of “3K” wherein the three symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Further, an award “20” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to24(in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols consecutively appear from the left end). Furthermore, an award “100” is obtained when the symbols are consecutively stopped and displayed on the activated pay-line in the variable display devices21to25(in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols consecutively appear from the left end).

With the awards resulting from these symbols in alignment with the activated pay-lines, a total value of all the awards are added to the credit.

In the meanwhile, saying of the symbol “SARDINE”, an award “2” is obtained in case of “2K” wherein the two symbols appear (in stop and display) on the variable display devices21to25regardless of the activated pay-line; an award “5” is obtained in case of “3K” wherein three symbols appear (in stop and display); an award “10” is obtained in case of “4K” wherein the four symbols appear (in stop and display); and an award “125” is obtained in case of “5K” wherein the five symbols appear (in stop and display).

Also, only the award, resulting from the symbol “SARDINE”, allows a payout, obtained by a value of the award, shown inFIG. 13, multiplied by a total number of bets (a product of the number of bets multiplied by the number of activated pay-lines), to be added to the credit. In this moment, if an award also arises from the symbol aside from the symbol “SARDINE”, such an award is also added to the credit.

Further, in respect of the symbol “SARDINE”, if three or more symbols appear (in stop and display), the award, set forth above, is obtained regardless of the activated pay-line on the variable display devices21to25, enabling the operation to shift to the bonus game.

Further, as used herein, the term “bonus game” refers to a game that is practiced after the base games have been conducted and there are many probabilities in general for a player to win on bonus games with advantages. Here, upon a shift to the bonus games, 15 to 25 games are automatically practiced, without betting credits or the like, depending on sortition outcomes during the transition to the bonus game.

By the way, when practicing the bonus game in the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, the column of the symbols, to be variably displayed over the scrolling variable display device21of the lower liquid crystal display4, corresponds to the column of the symbols designated on the first reel strip123shown inFIG. 25; the column of the symbols, to be variably displayed over the scrolling variable display device22of the lower liquid crystal display4, corresponds to the column of the symbols designated on the second reel strip124shown inFIG. 25; the column of the symbols variably, to be variably displayed over the scrolling variable display device23of the lower liquid crystal display4, corresponds to the column of the symbols designated on the third reel strip125shown inFIG. 25; the column of the symbols variably, to be variably displayed over the scrolling variable display device24of the lower liquid crystal display4, corresponds to the column of the symbols designated on the fourth reel strip126shown inFIG. 25; and the column of the symbols, to be variably displayed over the scrolling variable display device25of the lower liquid crystal display4, corresponds to the column of the symbols designated on the fifth reel strip127shown inFIG. 25.

The rows of the symbols, designated on the reel strips123to126shown inFIG. 25, are identical to the rows of the symbols designated on the reel strips101to104shown inFIG. 12, which is used in the base game. On the contrary, the column of the symbols designated on the reel strip127shown inFIG. 25is identical to the column of the symbols designated on the reel strip105, shown inFIG. 12, which is used in the base game with the exception of the symbol “LOBSTER” to which the code No. “10” is allotted

Also, the number of bets and the number of activated pay-lines at the time of the transition to the bonus game remains in the bonus game. Further, although the winning combination and the award used in the bonus game, are identical to those used in the base game mentioned above, the symbol “SHARK” is treated as the symbol “LOBSTER” and a play can be shifted to the bonus game again under situations where the three symbols “SARDINE” appear (in stop and display). Consequently, the player is able to have a lot of chances to get a large amount of credits.

Next, a main process program, to be executed with the slot machine1, is described below with reference toFIG. 19.FIG. 19is a flowchart of the main process program. InFIG. 19, a start acceptance process, shown inFIG. 20to be described below, is executed in step S (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”)11. The start acceptance process represents a process that allows the CPU50to accept switch signals delivered from the “1-BET” switch57, the “2-BET” switch58, the “3-BET” switch59, the “5-BET” switch60, the “8-BET” switch61, the “1-LINE” switch62, the “2-LINES” switch63, the “5-LINES” switch64, the “20-LINES” switch65, the “25-LINES” switch66and the “BET RATE” switch302depending on the results on operations through the “BET1 PER LINE” button33, the “BET2 PER LINE” button34, the “BET3 PER LINE” button35, the “BET5 PER LINE” button36, the “BET8 PER LINE” button37, the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, the “PLAY2 LINES” button40, the “PLAY5 LINES” button41, the “PLAY20 LINES” button42, the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43or the “BET RATE” button301, respectively.

Also, if the winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game, a repetition frequency of the bonus games is determined. For example, the repetition frequency is selected from any of 10 to 25 games upon execution of the sortition.

In succeeding step S13, a base game process, shown inFIG. 22to be described below, is executed. Subsequently, the operation proceeds to step S14to make discrimination as to whether or not the winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game. More particularly, under circumstances where the sortition process in S12reveals that three or more symbols “SARDINE” totally appear (in stop and display) on the variable display devices21to25regardless of the activated pay-line, the winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game (with “YES” in S14) and the operation goes to S15thereby completing this main process program after a bonus game process, shown inFIG. 23to be described later, has been completed. On the contrary, during the sortition process in S12, if three or more symbols “SARDINE” totally do not appear (in stop and display) on the variable display devices21to25regardless of the activated pay-line, no winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game (with “NO” in S14), thereby completing this main process program.

Now, the start acceptance process program, to be executed with the slot machine1, is described below with reference toFIG. 20.FIG. 20is a flowchart of the start acceptance process program. The start acceptance process program is executed in S11for the main process program, shown inFIG. 19mentioned above, and to this end, the operation goes to S21, shown inFIG. 20, to make discrimination as to whether or not a predetermined time interval (of, for instance, 15 seconds) has elapsed. This discrimination is executed based on an output of the clock pulse generating circuit53. In this moment, if discrimination is made that no predetermined time interval has elapsed (with “NO” in S21), the operation goes to S23doing nothing. In contrast, if discrimination is made that the predetermined time interval has elapsed (with “YES” in S21), the operation is executed in S22to perform demo effects on the upper liquid crystal display3and the lower liquid crystal display4, respectively, after which the operation goes to S23.

In S23, discrimination is made whether or not a coin (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin) is inserted into the coin insertion slot9. This discrimination is executed based on a coin detection signal delivered from the coin sensor49. In this moment, if discrimination is made that the coin (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin) is inserted into the coin insertion slot9(with “YES” in S23), a coin insertion effect process, shown inFIG. 1described below, is executed in S24, after which the operation goes to S25. In contrast, if discrimination is made that no coin (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin) is inserted into the coin insertion slot9(with “NO” in S23), nothing is done and the operation goes to S25.

In S25, discrimination is made whether or not the “BET RATE” button301is pressed. This discrimination is executed based on a switch signal delivered from the “BET RATE” switch302. In this moment, if discrimination is made that the “BET RATE” button301is pressed (with “YES” in S25), the operation is executed in S26to perform a bet rate setting effect process, shown inFIG. 2mentioned below, after which the operation goes to S27. On the contrary, if discrimination is made that no “BET RATE” button301is pressed (with “NO” in S25), nothing is done and the operation goes to S27.

In S27, discrimination is made whether or not any of the “BET” buttons33to37such as the “BET1 PER LINE” button33, the “BET2 PER LINE” button34, the “BET3 PER LINE” button35, the “BET5 PER LINE” button36and the “BET8 PER LINE” button37. This discrimination is executed based on a switch signal delivered from any of the “1-BET” switch57, the “2-BET” switch58, the “3-BET” switch59, the “5-BET” switch60and the “8-BET” switch61. In this moment, if discrimination is made that none of the BET buttons33to37is pressed (with “NO” in S27), the operation is routed back to S21to repeatedly execute the operations set forth above. On the contrary, if discrimination is made that any of the “BET” buttons33to37is pressed (with “YES” in S27), the operation is executed in S28to set the number of bets for the respective activated pay-lines based on those of the BET buttons33to37being pressed.

In S29, discrimination is made whether or not any of the “PLAY” buttons39to43, such as the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, the “PLAY2 LINES” button40, the “PLAY5 LINES” button41, the “PLAY20 LINES” button42and the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43, is pressed. This discrimination is executed based on a switch signal delivered from any of the “1-LINE” switch62, the “2-LINES” switch63, the “5-LINES” switch64, the “20-LINES” switch65and the “25-LINES” switch66. In this moment, if discrimination is made that none of the “PLAY” buttons39to43is pressed (with “NO” in S29), the operation is routed back to S21to repeatedly execute the operations set forth above. On the contrary, if discrimination is made that any of the “PLAY” buttons39to43is pressed (with “YES” in S29), the operation is executed in S30to set the number of activated pay-lines based on pressed ones of the “PLAY” buttons39to43, upon which the operation goes to S30-2.

In S30-2, discrimination is made whether or not a combination of various start conditions is active. This discrimination is made by judging whether or not the combination of the various start conditions, formed of the bet rate, the number of bets for the respective pay-lines and the number of activated pay-lines set in the process set forth above, is established with the number of current credits. When established with the number of current credits, the combination of the various start conditions is made active and if not, the combination of the various start conditions is made inactive. When this takes place, if discrimination is made that the combination of the various start conditions is made inactive (with “NO” in S30-2), the operation is routed back to S21for repeatedly executing the operations set forth above. In contrast, if discrimination is made that the combination of the various start conditions is made active (with “YES” in S30-2), the operation goes to S30-3for determining the various conditions for the bet rate, the bet rate for each activated pay-line and the number of activated pay-lines and even in the course of the demo effects mentioned above, the operation is returned to the main process program, shown inFIG. 19described above, upon which the operation proceeds to the sortition process in S12.

Next, the coin insertion effect process program, to be executed in S24shown inFIG. 20described above, is described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a flowchart of the coin insertion effect process program. That is, the coin insertion effect process program is executed in S24of the start acceptance process program, shown inFIG. 20mentioned above, and to this end, the operation initially goes to S101to obtain kinds of coins (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9in response to the coin detection signal delivered from the coin sensor49.

If the operation goes to S102after the operation has been executed in S101, the speaker80is activated to output insertion sounds depending on the kind of inserted coins (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin). When this takes place, the CPU50commands the sound control CPU312to select the insertion sounds based on the coin insertion sound selection table351described inFIG. 3, causing the resulting insertion sound to be outputted from the speaker80. Concretely speaking, if a 5-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then the sound control CPU312selects the first insertion sound and the first insertion sound is outputted from the speaker80. If a 10-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then the sound control CPU312selects the second insertion sound and the second insertion sound is outputted from the speaker80. If a 25-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then the sound control CPU312selects the third insertion sound and the third insertion sound is outputted from the speaker80. If a 50-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then the sound control CPU312selects the fourth insertion sound and the fourth insertion sound is outputted from the speaker80. If one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then the sound control CPU312selects the fifth insertion sound and the fifth insertion sound is outputted from the speaker80.

One example of the insertion sound, to be outputted from the speaker80, includes a voice to notify a player with information of a kind of inserted coins, a sound effect depending on the kind of inserted coins.

If the kind of coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9is a 5-cent coin, then the content of a voice to be outputted for informing the kind of coin includes an output of the speaker80notifying a player with “FIVE-CENT COIN HAS BEEN INSERTED”. If a 10-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then a voice “TEN-CENT COIN HAS BEEN INSERTED” is outputted from the speaker80. If a 25-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then a voice “TWENTY FIVE-CENT COIN HAS BEEN INSERTED” is outputted from the speaker80. If a 50-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then a voice “FIFTY-CENT COIN HAS BEEN INSERTED” is outputted from the speaker80. If one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, then a voice “ONE DOLLAR COIN HAS BEEN INSERTED” is outputted from the speaker80.

Further, if the kind of coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9is a 5-cent coin, the content of the sound effect depending on the kind of the coin includes an output of the speaker80giving a ring of a bell outputted one time. If a 10-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the ring of a bell is outputted from the speaker80twice. If a 25-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the ring of a bell is outputted from the speaker80three times. If a 50-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the ring of a bell is outputted from the speaker80four times. If one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the ring of a bell is outputted from the speaker80five times. Further, in an alternative, the kind of coins may be correlated to different melodies (insertion sounds) on one-to-one level to allow the speaker80to output the melodies in correspondence with the kinds of the coins inserted into the coin insertion slot9, respectively.

Also, the coin insertion sound selection table351is stored in the sound ROM314mounted on the sound output circuit board311.

With such a structure mentioned above, the sound control CPU312plays a role as an “insertion sound controller” when executing the operation in S102.

If the operation goes to S103after the operation has been executed in S102, the upper liquid crystal display3provides a display of insertion images depending on the kinds of inserted coins (any of five kinds of coins involving a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin and one dollar coin). When this takes place, the CPU50commands the image control CPU83to select an insertion image based on the coin insertion image selection table352described inFIG. 4, thereby permitting the insertion image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. More particularly, if the kind of the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9is a 5-cent coin, the image control CPU83selects the first insertion image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. If a 10-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the image control CPU83selects the second insertion image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. If a 25-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the image control CPU83selects the third insertion image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. If a 50-cent coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the image control CPU83selects the fourth insertion image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. If one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the image control CPU83selects the fifth insertion image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.

FIG. 7Ashows one example of an insertion image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.FIG. 7Ais a view showing one example of the first insertion image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3under a situation where the kind of coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9is a 5-cent coin. The first insertion image, shown inFIG. 7A, is comprised of a display frame3adisplayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, a character “COIN” displayed within the display frame3a, a display frame3bdisplayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, and a character “5¢” displayed within the display frame3b. Such a concept may be similarly applied to the other insertion images, though not shown. One example of the second insertion image has a character “10¢” displayed within the display frame3b; one example of the third insertion image has a character “25¢” displayed within the display frame3b; one example of the fourth insertion image has a character “50¢” displayed within the display frame3b; and one example of the fifth insertion image has a character “1$” displayed within the display frame3b. Further, in an alternative, the kinds of all different coins may be correlated to different images (insertion images) on one-to-one level, respectively, to allow an image, present in correspondence to the kind of coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9, to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.

Moreover, the coin insertion image selection table352is stored in the image ROM82mounted on the liquid crystal driving circuit board87.

Thus, the image control CPU83plays a role as an “insertion image control device” when executing the operation in S103.

The bet rate setting effect process program to be executed in S26shown inFIG. 20, set forth above, is described with reference toFIG. 2.FIG. 2is a flowchart of the bet rate setting effect process program. That is, the bet rate setting effect process program is executed in S26on the start acceptance process program shown inFIG. 20and, to this end, the operation goes to S111, shown inFIG. 2, wherein the operation is executed to obtain the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”) set in the “BET RATE” button301based on the switch signal from the “BET RATE” switch302.

As the operation goes to S112after the operation has been executed in S111set forth above, the speaker80outputs an insertion sound depending on the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”). When this takes place, the CPU50commands the sound control CPU312to select a setting sound based on the bet rate setting sound selection table353, described inFIG. 5, to allow the setting sound to be outputted from the speaker80. More particularly, under circumstances where the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “5-cent”, the sound control CPU312selects the first setting sound, which in turn is outputted from the speaker80. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “10-cent”, the sound control CPU312selects the second setting sound, which in turn is outputted from the speaker80. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “25-cent”, the sound control CPU312selects the third setting sound, which in turn is outputted from the speaker80. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “50-cent”, the sound control CPU312selects the fourth setting sound, which in turn is outputted from the speaker80. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “one dollar”, the sound control CPU312selects the fifth setting sound, which in turn is outputted from the speaker80.

One example of the setting sounds, to be outputted from the speaker80, may include a voice notifying the bet rate, a sound effect associated with the bet rate, etc.

If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “5-cent”, the content of the voice, by which the bet rate is notified, the speaker80is allowed to output a voice “BET RATE WITH 5-CENT IS SET”. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “10-cent”, a voice “BET RATE WITH 10-CENT IS SET” is outputted from the speaker80. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “25-cent”, a voice “BET RATE WITH 25-CENT IS SET” is outputted from the speaker80. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “50-cent”, a voice “BET RATE WITH 50-CENT IS SET” is outputted from the speaker80. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “one dollar”, a voice “BET RATE WITH ONE DOLLAR IS SET” is outputted from the speaker80.

Further, if the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “5-cent”, for instance, the content of a sound effect associated with the bet rate allows the speaker80to output a sound tone of a drum once. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “10-cent”, for instance, the speaker80outputs sound tones of the drum twice. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “25-cent”, for instance, the speaker80outputs sound tones of the drum three times. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “50-cent”, for instance, the speaker80outputs sound tones of the drum four times. If the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “one dollar”, for instance, the speaker80outputs sound tones of the drum five times. Moreover, all the different melodies (setting sounds) may be correlated to the bet rates on one-to-one level, respectively, to allow the speaker80to output a melody in correspondence to the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301.

Also, the bet rate setting sound selection table353is stored in the sound ROM314mounted on the sound output circuit board311.

Thus, the sound control CPU312plays a role as a “setting sound control device” when executing the operation in S112.

As the operation goes to S113after the operation has been executed in S112set forth above, the upper liquid crystal display3provides a display of the setting image associated with the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”). When this takes place, the CPU50commands the image control CPU83to select a setting image based on the bet rate setting image selection table354, described inFIG. 6, to allow the setting image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. More particularly, under circumstances where the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “5-cent”, the image control CPU83selects the first setting image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “10-cent”, the image control CPU83selects the second setting image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “25-cent”, the image control CPU83selects the third setting image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “50-cent”, the image control CPU83selects the fourth setting image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3. When the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301is “one dollar”, the image control CPU83selects the fifth setting image, which in turn is displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.

FIG. 7Bshows one example of the setting image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.FIG. 7Bis a view showing one example of the fifth setting image to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3under a situation where the bet rate, set with the “BET RATE” button301, is “1$”. The fifth setting image, shown inFIG. 7B, is comprised of a display frame3cprovided in display over the upper liquid crystal display3, a character “BET RATE” displayed within the display frame3c, a display frame3dprovided in display over the upper liquid crystal display3, and a character “1$” displayed within the display frame3d. Such a concept may be similarly applied to the other setting images, though not shown, and the first setting image may have a character “5¢” to be displayed within the display frame3d; the second setting image may have a character “10¢” to be displayed within the display frame3d; and the third setting image may have a character “50¢” to be displayed within the display frame3d. Further, in an alternative, all the different images (setting images) may be correlated to the bet rates on one-to-one level, respectively, to allow an image, present in correspondence to the bet rate set with the “BET RATE” button301, to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3.

Moreover, the bet rate setting image selection table354is stored in the image ROM82mounted on the liquid crystal driving circuit board87.

Thus, the image control CPU83plays a role as a “setting image control device” when executing the operation in S113.

The sortition process program, to be executed with the slot machine1, is described with reference toFIG. 21.FIG. 21is a flowchart of the sortition process program. The sortition process program is executed in S12of the main process program shown inFIG. 19, set forth above, and to this end, the operation goes to S31, shown inFIG. 21, wherein a symbol determination process is executed. Here, with the base game, symbols, to be stopped and displayed in alignment with the first pay-line L1, are determined for the variable display devices21to25, respectively. More particularly, five random numbers are subjected to the sampling with the random number sampling circuit56in correlation to the respective variable display devices21to25as set forth above, thereby determining stop and display symbols based on the sortition table shown inFIG. 14in terms of the code No. As a symbol to be stopped and displayed in alignment with the activated pay-line is determined, a combination determination process is executed in S32after which the operation is returned to the main process program shown inFIG. 19, mentioned above, and the operation goes to the regular process in S13. Moreover, with the combination determination process, in particular, a winning combination and associated award are determined based on the table shown inFIG. 13in terms of the code No. in S31as set forth above.

Next, the base game process program, to be executed with the slot machine1, is described with reference toFIG. 22.FIG. 22is a flowchart of the base game process program. The base game process program is executed in S13of the main process program shown inFIG. 19and to this end, the scrolling of various symbols are performed in S41, shown inFIG. 22, with the variable display devices21to25. When this takes place, a player feels that immediately after any of the “PLAY” buttons39to43, among the “RED PLAY1 LINE” button39, the “PLAY2 LINES” button40, the “PLAY5 LINES” button41, the “PLAY20 LINES” button42and the “BLACK PLAY25 LINES” button43, has been pressed, the scrolling of the various symbols have been started with the variable display devices21to25.

In S42, the operation is executed to stop the scrolling of the various symbols with the variable display devices21to25by which the symbols have been scrolling.

In S43, the operation is executed to pay out the credit in value corresponding to an award determined based on the table, shown inFIG. 13, in accordance with a symbol combination of a winning combination, which is stopped and displayed in S42with the variable display devices21to25. Also, after the operation in S43has been executed, the operation is returned to the main process program, shown inFIG. 19, for executing a determination process in S14.

Now, the bonus game process program to be executed by the slot machine1is disclosed with reference toFIG. 23.FIG. 23is a flowchart of the bonus game process program. If discrimination is made that the winning occurs for shifting to a bonus game in the main process program, shown inFIG. 19, executed in S14(with “YES” in S14), the operation goes to S15inFIG. 19to execute the bonus game process program and to this end, the operation initially goes to S51inFIG. 23to execute the sortition process during the bonus game. During the bonus game, symbols, to be stopped and displayed in alignment with the first pay-line L1, are determined for the variable display devices21to25, respectively. More particularly, as set forth above, five random numbers are subjected to the sampling with the random number sampling circuit56in a way to be correlated with the variable display devices21to25, respectively, thereby determining stop and display symbols in terms of the code No. based on the sortition table shown inFIG. 14. Upon determination of the symbols to be stopped and displayed on the relevant pay-line, a winning combination and associated award are determined in terms of the code No. based on the table shown inFIG. 13.

During a rotation process in S52, the symbols are automatically scrolled with the variable display devices21to25, respectively.

During a stop and control process in S53, the scrolling of the symbols are automatically stopped on the respective variable display devices21to25with the symbols scrolling.

During a payout process in S54, the operation is executed to pay out credits in value equivalent to the award determined based on the table (the symbol “SHARK” is dealt with as the symbol “LOBSTER” here) in accordance with a symbol combination stopped and displayed on the variable display devices21to25in S53.

Subsequently, the operation goes to S55and discrimination is made whether or not the execution times of the bonus game reaches the number of times determined in S12ofFIG. 19set forth above. When this takes place, if discrimination is made that the execution times of the bonus game does not reach the number of times determined in S12ofFIG. 19(with “NO” in S55), the operation goes to S51to repeatedly execute the operations mentioned above. In contrast, if discrimination is made that the execution times of the bonus game reaches the number of times determined in S12ofFIG. 19(with “YES” in S55), the bonus game process is completed.

Also, if the winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game, the repetition times of the bonus game are newly determined to allow the determined repetition times to be added to the “times determined in S12ofFIG. 19set forth above” during discrimination in S55. This enables the operation to shift to the bonus game again upon winning on the bonus game during the bonus game. More particularly, for instance, under circumstances where the operation shifts to the bonus game of twenty times, if the winning occurs for shifting to the bonus game for seventeen times at a twelfth bonus game, then, the bonus game is executed on twenty-five times (=20 times−12 times+17 times).

Further, if the player finally had a capability to get the credits on the bonus game, a double down game is performed betting the relevant credits, after the relevant bonus games have been finished, and description of this point is herein omitted.

As set forth above in detail, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, if one of the kinds of the 5-cent coin, the 5-cent coin, the 10-cent coin, the 25-cent coin, the 50-cent coin and one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the coin sensor49discriminates the kind of the coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9(S23), the sound control CPU312selects an insertion sound (any of the first insertion sound, the second insertion sound, the third insertion sound, the fourth insertion sound and the or fifth insertion sound), outputted from the speaker80, depending on the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) discriminated by the coin sensor49(S102). This enables the player to discriminate the kind of the coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9with the insertion sound (the first insertion sound, the second insertion sound, the third insertion sound, the fourth insertion sound or the fifth insertion sound).

Further, by replacing or adding a whole of the sound output circuit board311, on which the sound ROM314storing the coin insertion sound selection table351is mounted, the coin insertion sound selection table351, which is referred to in S102by the sound control CPU312, can be simultaneously replaced or added. Thus, the correlation between the kinds of coins (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin), to be inserted into the coin insertion slot9, and the kinds of insertion sounds (the first insertion sound, the second insertion sound, the third insertion sound, the fourth insertion sound or the fifth insertion sound) can be altered upon replacing or adding the sound output circuit board311in simple work.

Furthermore, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, if the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”) is set with the “BET RATE” button301(S25), the setting sound (any of the first setting sound, the second setting sound, the third setting sound, the fourth setting sound and the fifth setting sound), to be outputted from the speaker80, is selected depending on the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301(S112). This enables the player to discriminate the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”), set with the “BET RATE” button301, with the occurrence of the setting sound (any of the first setting sound, the second setting sound, the third setting sound, the fourth setting sound and the fifth setting sound).

Moreover, by replacing or adding a whole of the sound output circuit board311, on which the sound ROM314storing the setting sound selection table353is mounted, the bet rate setting sound selection table353, which is referred to in S112by the sound control CPU312, can be simultaneously replaced or added. Thus, the correlation between the bet rates (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”), to be set with the “BET RATE” button301, and the kinds of setting sounds (any of the first setting sound, the second setting sound, the third setting sound, the fourth setting sound and the fifth setting sound), to be outputted from the speaker80, can be altered upon replacing or adding the sound output circuit board311in simple work.

In addition, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, if one of the kinds of the 5-cent coin, the 10-cent coin, the 25-cent coin, the 50-cent coin and one dollar coin is inserted into the coin insertion slot9, the coin sensor49discriminates the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9(S23), the image control CPU83selects an insertion image (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image or the fifth insertion image), to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, depending on the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) discriminated by the coin sensor49(S103). This enables the player to discriminate the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9with the insertion image (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image or the fifth insertion image) on the kind of coin inserted into the coin insertion slot9.

Moreover, by replacing or adding a whole of the liquid crystal driving circuit board87, on which the image ROM82storing the coin insertion image selection table352is mounted, the coin insertion image selection table352, which is referred to in S103by the image control CPU83, can be simultaneously replaced or added. Thus, the correlation between the kinds of coins (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin), to be inserted into the coin insertion slot9, and kinds of insertion images (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image or the fifth insertion image), to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, can be altered upon replacing or adding the liquid crystal driving circuit board87in simple work.

Furthermore, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, if the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”) is set with the “BET RATE” button301(S25), the setting image (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image or the fifth setting image), to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, is selected depending on the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301(S113). This enables the player to discriminate the bet rate (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”), set with the “BET RATE” button301, with the setting image (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image or the fifth setting image).

Moreover, by replacing or adding a whole of the liquid crystal driving circuit board87, on which the image ROM82storing the bet rate setting image selection table354is mounted, the bet rate setting image selection table354, which is referred to by the image control CPU83, can be simultaneously replaced or added. Thus, the correlation between the bet rates (any of “5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” and “one dollar”), to be set with the “BET RATE” button301, and kinds of setting images (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image or the fifth setting image), to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, can be altered upon replacing or adding the liquid crystal driving circuit board87in simple work.

Also, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment, set forth above, and various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from a scope of the present invention.

For instance, while the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment is configured in a structure wherein: the speaker80provides the insertion sound (the first insertion sound, the second insertion sound, the third insertion sound, the fourth insertion sound or the fifth insertion sound) in correlation to the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) discriminated with the coin sensor49(S102); the speaker80provides the setting sounds (the first setting sound, the second setting sound, the third setting sound, the fourth setting sound or the fifth setting sound) in correlation to the bet rate (“5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” or “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301; the upper liquid crystal display3provides a display of the insertion image (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image or the fifth insertion image) in correlation to the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) discriminated with the coin sensor49(S103); the upper liquid crystal display3provides a display of the setting image (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image or the fifth setting image) in correlation to the bet rate (“5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” or “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301(S113). No need arises for all of the controls, related to the insertion sound, the setting sound, the insertion image and the setting image, to be combined in operation and the controls, mentioned above, may be executed for at least the operations related to the setting sound or the setting image.

Under a situation where the slot machine1is configured to perform the control, associated with the insertion sound or insertion image related to the insertion of the coin, with no control executed for the setting sound or setting image related to the setting of the bet rate, a single bet rate may be determined.

Besides, under a situation where the slot machine1is configured in another structure with no ability to perform the control, associated with the insertion sound or insertion image related to the insertion of the coin, but with an ability to perform the control associated with the setting sound or setting image related to the setting of the bet rate, a kind of coin, to be inserted into the coin insertion slot9, may be a single coin.

Also, while the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment is configured in a structure wherein the insertion image (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image or the fifth insertion image) and the setting image (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image or the fifth setting image) are displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3, these contents may be displayed over the lower liquid crystal display4.

Further, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, for the base game and the bonus game, the symbols, to be stopped and displayed on the pay-line formed of the second stop and display areas212,222,232,242,252of the variable display devices21to25, are determined for the variable display devices21to25, respectively, using the sortition table, shown inFIG. 14, in which one of the random number values, resulting from the sampling with the random number sampling circuit56, and one of the code Nos., are correlated. However, the symbols, to be stopped and displayed on the pay-line formed of the second stop and display areas212,222,232,242,252of the variable display devices21to25, may be determined for the variable display devices21to25, respectively, using the sortition table, shown inFIG. 24, in which a specified range of the random number values, resulting from the sampling with the random number sampling circuit56, and one of the code Nos., are correlated.

Furthermore, although the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment has been described in conjunction with a structure wherein the games of the video-slot with five reels are practiced, it may be altered in such a way to practice the games of the video-slot with three reels or nine reels.

Moreover, with the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment, the sound ROM314mounted on the sound output circuit board311, is arranged to store the insertion sound (the first insertion sound, the second insertion sound, the third insertion sound, the fourth insertion sound and the fifth insertion sound), to be outputted from the speaker80in correlation to the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9, and the setting sound (the first setting sound, the second setting sound, the third setting sound, the fourth setting sound and the fifth setting sound), to be outputted from the speaker80in correlation to the bet rate (“5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” or “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301, while the image ROM82, mounted on the liquid crystal driving circuit board87, is arranged to store the insertion image (the first insertion image, the second insertion image, the third insertion image, the fourth insertion image and the fifth insertion image), to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3in correlation to the kind of coin (a 5-cent coin, a 10-cent coin, 25-cent coin, a 50-cent coin or one dollar coin) inserted into the coin insertion slot9, and the setting image (the first setting image, the second setting image, the third setting image, the fourth setting image and the fifth setting image) to be displayed over the upper liquid crystal display3in correlation to the bet rate (“5-cent”, “10-cent”, “25-cent”, “50-cent” or “one dollar”) set with the “BET RATE” button301.

In contrast to such an arrangement, as shown inFIG. 27, the slot machine1of the presently filed embodiment may be configured to further include an external information storage circuit401, which is simply and detachably connectable via an expansion slot (not shown) and includes a storage device (such as, for instance, a flush memory like a Compact Flush (under a registered Trade Mark) or the like and a ROM, etc.) that stores the insertion sound, the setting sound, the insertion image and the setting image, which are mentioned above, thereby permitting these contents to be downloaded to the work RAM315mounted on the sound output circuit board311, and the work RAM84mounted on the liquid crystal driving circuit board87.