Dice gaming machine

A dice gaming machine executes a dice game using a plurality of dice. Gaming values are bet with respect to bet areas making up a betting board. Each bet area is associated with a winning condition based on the spots on the dice and a payout magnification ratio. The prize in the dice game is determined based on the amount of gaming values bet on a bet area whose winning condition is satisfied, and a payout magnification ratio. Once acceptance of bets is ended, the dice gaming machine carries out a lottery. The dice gaming machine changes the payout magnification ratio for the bet area(s) based on the lottery result. Changing of the payout magnification ratio is adopted in the terminal(s) constituting the dice gaming machine.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

One or more aspects of the present invention relate to a dice gaming machine for carrying out a game wherein bets are placed on spots on a plurality of dice.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, dice gaming machines are installed in game arcades. In the dice gaming machines, a game is carried out using a plurality of dice. For instance, one game which is played in such dice gaming machines is the so-called “Sic Bo” game.

In the dice game represented by “Sic Bo”, a player bets a gaming value with respect to the spots on a plurality of dice. Once the rolled dice have stopped, the player can win a prize (for instance, payout) based on the spots on the stopped dice. In such a dice game, a player hopes for more various winning prize setting.

The present invention provides a novel dice gaming machine which can accommodate the demands of the players as described above.

SUMMARY

A dice gaming machine related to one or more aspects of present invention has a constitution described hereinafter. More specifically, the dice gaming machine includes a dice box in which a plurality of dice are rolled and stopped, a betting board having a plurality of bet areas each associated with a dice-winning condition based on spots on any of the plurality of dice stopped and with a predetermined payout magnification ratio, a plurality of terminals each accepting an input by a player, a processor executing processes of: (a) accepting a bet of a gaming value to any of the plurality of bet areas at any of the plurality of the terminals; (b) carrying out a lottery based on a lottery-winning probability previously determined when acceptance of the bet of the gaming value ends; (c) changing all payout magnification ratios of the plurality of bet areas making up a betting board for all the plurality of terminals when the lottery is won; (d) rolling and stopping the plurality of dice; (e) identifying a bet area which satisfies the dice-winning condition based on spots on the plurality of dice stopped; and (f) awarding a prize based on an amount of the gaming value bet at the bet area identified and a payout magnification ratio of the bet area.

Thus, in such dice gaming machines, if a player wins in the lottery, he/she can win an even larger amount of prize than usual. Accordingly, such dice gaming machines can accommodate the demands of the players as described above.

A dice gaming machine related to one or more aspects of present invention has a constitution described hereinafter. More specifically, the dice gaming machine includes a dice box in which a plurality of dice are rolled and stopped, a plurality of terminals each of which has a betting board having a plurality of bet areas each associated with a dice-winning condition based on spots on any of the plurality of dice stopped and a payout magnification ratio previously determined, and accepts an input by a player, and a processor executing processes of: (a) accepting a bet of a gaming value on any of the plurality of bet areas at any of the plurality of the terminals; (b) carrying out a lottery based on a lottery-winning probability previously determined when acceptance of the bet of the gaming value ends; (c) determining a target terminal from among participant terminals at which gaming values are bet, in a case of a win in the lottery; (d) changing payout magnification ratio of all of the plurality of bet areas making up the betting board of the target terminal; (e) rolling and stopping the plurality of dice; (f) identifying a bet area which satisfies the dice-winning condition based on spots on the plurality of dice stopped; and (g) awarding a prize based on an amount of the gaming value bet at the bet area identified at the process (f) and a payout magnification ratio of the bet area.

Thus, in the case of a win in the lottery, the dice gaming machine can award to the target terminal an even larger amount of prize than usual. Accordingly, such dice gaming machines can accommodate the demands of the players as described above.

A dice gaming machine related to one or more aspects of present invention has a constitution described hereinafter. More specifically, the dice gaming machine includes a dice box in which a plurality of dice are rolled and stopped, a plurality of terminals each of which has a betting board having a plurality of bet areas each associated with a dice-winning condition based on spots on any of the plurality of dice stopped and a payout magnification ratio previously determined, and accepts an input by a player, and a processor executing processes of: (a) accepting a bet of a gaming value on any of the plurality of bet areas at any of the plurality of the terminals; (b) carrying out a lottery with respect to each of all the plurality of bet areas making up the betting board of each of the plurality of terminals independently, based on a lottery winning probability previously determined, when acceptance of the bet of the gaming value ends; (c) changing a payout magnification ratio of a bet area which has won in the lottery with respect to each of the plurality of terminals; (d) rolling and stopping the plurality of dice; (e) identifying a bet area which satisfies the dice-winning condition based on spots on the plurality of dice stopped; and (f) awarding a prize based on an amount of the gaming value bet at the bet area identified at the process (e) and payout magnification ratio of the bet area.

Thus, in the case of a win in the lottery, the dice gaming machine can award to the target terminal an even larger amount of prize than usual. Accordingly, such dice gaming machines can accommodate the demands of the players as described above.

One or more aspects of the present invention as described above may be sufficiently grasped by reading the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, the purpose of the drawings is solely for exemplification and it should be clearly understood that they are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various aspects summarized previously may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows by way of illustration of various combinations and configurations in which the aspects may be practiced. It is understood that the described aspects and/or embodiments are merely examples, and that other aspects and/or embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

A dice gaming machine according to one or more aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment embodying one or more aspects of the invention. However, it is appreciated that one or more aspects of the present invention may be embodied in distributable (via CD and the like) or downloadable software games, console games, and the like. In this regard, the dice gaming machine may be a virtual dice gaming machine that is displayed on a multi-purpose computer and/or dedicated kiosk. Aspects of the invention are described by way of hardware elements. However, it is appreciated that these elements may also be software modules that are executable in a computer. The software modules may be stored on a computer readable medium, including but not limited to a USB drive, CD, DVD, computer-readable memory, tape, diskette, floppy disk, and the like. For instance, aspects of the invention may be embodied in a JAVA-based application or the like that runs in a processor or processors. Further, the terms “CPU”, “processor”, and “controller” are inclusive by nature, including at least one of hardware, software, or firmware. These terms may include a portion of a processing unit in a computer (for instance, in multiple core processing units), multiple cores, a functional processor (as running virtually on at least one of processor or server, which may be local or remote). Further, in network-based gaming systems, the processor may include only a local processor, only a remote server, or a combination of a local processor and a remote server.

It is contemplated that one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented as computer executable instructions on a computer readable medium such as a non-volatile memory, a magnetic or optical disc. Further, one or more aspects of the invention may be implemented with a carrier signal in the form of, for instance, an audio-frequency, radio-frequency, or optical carrier wave.

Hereinafter, the dice gaming machine according to the present invention will now be described in detail in a first to fourth embodiments relating to a dice gaming machine, while referring to the drawings.

Here, characteristics of a dice gaming machine1will next be described.FIG. 1is an exemplary view showing characteristics of a dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment.

A dice game which is called “Sic Bo” is played in the dice gaming machine1. In “Sic-Bo”, three dice40are rolled. Players predict the result of dice rolling (specifically, the spots on the three dice40). Also, the players bet gaming values on a betting board30based on their prediction.

Here, the betting board30is made up of a plurality of bet areas35(refer toFIG. 1, etc.). Each bet area35is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio. The winning condition is a condition defined by spot(s) on some or all of the three dice40. If the spots on the rolled dice40satisfy the winning condition, the player who placed a bet on this bet area35wins a prize. The payout magnification ratio is used for determining the contents of the prize which is thus awarded. More specifically, the payout magnification ratio defines the magnification ratio of the prize (payout amount) to be awarded with respect to a unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) thus bet. Specifically, players bet gaming values with respect to a bet area35corresponding to their prediction as described above.

If the spots on the rolled dice40satisfy the winning condition defined for the bet area that is placed a bet by the player, the player wins a prize. The prize in this case is determined by multiplying the amount of gaming value bet by the player by the payout magnification ratio of the bet area35in question.

Here, once reception of gaming value bets ends, the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment executes a chance lottery process (S6). If the result of the chance lottery is “chance lottery result: win”, the dice gaming machine1changes the payout magnification ratio to be used in determining the prize contents. More specifically, the dice gaming machine1multiplies the payout magnification ratio set for all bet areas by a special magnification ratio (for instance, “332”). Accordingly, in the case of a chance lottery win, a player can be awarded twice the payout amount as compared to normal times (specifically, in the case of no win in chance lottery).

The result of this chance lottery is applied to all terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1. Specifically, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, players at the plurality of terminals5can win a larger payout amount than usual on condition that the winning condition of the bet area35placed a bet by each of the player is satisfied.

In the first embodiment, the payout magnification ratio includes a base payout magnification ratio and a special payout magnification ratio. The base payout magnification ratio is the payout magnification ratio set for each bet area35. The base payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize (e.g., payout amount) in the case no win occurs in the chance lottery. The special payout magnification ratio is the changed payout magnification ratio directed to the bet area35. The changed payout magnification ratio is obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize in the case of a win in the chance lottery.

Next, a schematic configuration of the dice gaming machine1will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 2is a schematic diagram showing an outer appearance of the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 2, the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment has a cabinet2, a dice rolling device3and a plurality of terminals5(in the first embodiment, ten terminals). The cabinet2makes up the main part of the dice gaming machine1. The cabinet2houses mechanical components and electrical components such as a main control unit50and the like as will be described later.

The dice rolling device3is installed at a central portion on an upper face of the cabinet2. The dice rolling device3has a dice box. The dice box houses three dice40therein. The three dice40are rolled inside the dice box and are then stopped. The configuration of the dice rolling device3will be described in detail later.

The terminals5are installed at the periphery of the dice rolling device3. The terminals5each have a liquid crystal display8. The terminals5are used in a player's operation with respect to the dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) played in the dice gaming machine1. Specifically, players enter the dice game played in the dice gaming machine1by using the terminals5.

The terminals5each have a medal acceptance device6, a control panel7and a liquid crystal display8. The medal acceptance device6accepts medals ,am exemplary type of gaming value, inserted by the player. Specifically, in the case of playing the dice game, the player inserts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, in the medal acceptance device6. The gaming values thus inserted are stored as credit. The player places a bet onto a bet area35using such credit.

The control panel7is installed at a lower side of the medal acceptance device6. This control panel7has a plurality of operation buttons. More specifically, the control panel7also has a BET determination button20, a CASHOUT button21and a HELP button22.

The BET determination button20is operated by the player to determine a bet operation. Specifically, the player operates the BET determination button20to determine the bet area35which will be the bet target and the amount of gaming values to be bet with respect to the bet area35(hereinafter referred to as bet amount).

The CASHOUT button21is operated by the player to request payout of the credits he/she possesses. When this CASHOUT button21is operated, medals are paid out from a cash out port9in accordance with the number of credits that the player possesses.

The HELP button22is operated in the case the operation method and the rules of the game are unclear. When the HELP button22is operated, the dice gaming machine1displays a HELP screen containing explanations with respect to the game operation method and the like onto the liquid crystal display8.

The liquid crystal display8is a display device for displaying information with respect to the dice game. When the dice game is started, each liquid crystal display8displays an image of the betting board30. The touch panel25is arranged at a front face of the liquid crystal display8in each terminal5. Accordingly, the player carries out a bet operation with respect to the bet area35using this touch panel25.

Each terminal5has a cash out port9and a speaker10. The cash out port9is arranged at a lower side of the liquid crystal display8. This cash out port9serves to output medals. For instance, once the CASHOUT button21is operated, a number of medals corresponding to the credits the player possesses are paid out to the cash out port9. Speaker10is installed at a right upper side of the liquid crystal display8. The speaker10outputs sounds based on the progress of the game.

Next, the dice rolling device3installed in the dice gaming machine1will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 2, the dice rolling device3is installed at an upper face of the cabinet2. The dice rolling device3houses three dice40therein. The three dice40are rolled inside the dice rolling device3by controlling the operation of the dice rolling motor12as will be described later. The rolled dice40are then stopped on a dice rolling board11. The dice rolling device3is installed at a central portion of the cabinet2. Accordingly, players who are seated at the terminals5can see the dice40as they are being rolled inside the dice rolling device3and the spots on the dice40after these are stopped inside the dice rolling device3.

As shown inFIG. 3andFIG. 4, the dice rolling device3has a dice rolling board11, a dice rolling motor12, a cover member13and a rolling result detection unit15. The dice rolling board11moves up and down within a predetermined range inside the dice rolling device3(refer toFIG. 4). The dice rolling board11is connected to the dice rolling motor12. Specifically, the dice rolling board11moves up and down within the predetermined range based on driving and control of the dice rolling motor12.

As shown inFIG. 4, in the case of rolling the dice40, the dice rolling motor12causes the dice rolling board11to move upwards at a certain speed or faster. Once the dice rolling board11moves over a predetermined range, the board stops moving. Accordingly, the dice40on the dice rolling board11are thrown upwards and are thus rolled inside the dice rolling device3. As shown inFIG. 4, an inclined face is formed at the periphery of the dice rolling board11. Accordingly, the three dice40thus roll on the inclined face and then stop on the dice rolling board11.

The cover member13is formed in a hemispherical shape to cover the three dice40and the dice rolling board11(refer toFIG. 3andFIG. 4). Specifically, the three dice40are rolled inside a space defined by the upper face of the dice rolling board11and the inner face of the cover member13. The cover member13is made of a transparent acrylic material. Accordingly, the player can sufficiently see the dice40while being rolled inside the dice rolling device3and the dice40as stopped on the dice rolling board11.

The rolling result detection unit15is installed at a top of the cover member13(refer toFIG. 3andFIG. 4). The rolling result detection device15detects the spots on each die40which is stopped on the dice rolling board11(hereinafter referred to as rolling result). More specifically, the rolling result detection unit15acquires an image of each die40which is stopped on the dice rolling board11. The rolling result detection unit15identifies the spots on each die40by carrying out a predetermined image process with respect to the images thus acquired. Here, information showing the identified spots on the three dice40is referred to as rolling result information.

The image processing for identifying the spots on dice40is heretofore known in the art. Therefore, further description thereof will hereby be omitted.

Next, the internal configuration of the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment will be further described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 5is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the dice gaming machine according to the first embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 5, the dice gaming machine1has a main control unit50. The main control unit50controls the entire dice gaming machine1. The main control unit50has a CPU51, a ROM52and a RAM53.

The CPU51is a central processing unit with respect to control by the main control unit50. Specifically, the CPU51plays a central role in the control by the main control unit50. In other words, the CPU51controls the entire dice gaming machine1by executing the various programs stored in the ROM52. For instance, the CPU51progresses the dice game in the dice gaming machine1by executing a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 8andFIG. 9) as will be described later.

The ROM52stores various types of programs to be executed in the CPU51. More specifically, the ROM52stores a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 8andFIG. 9), a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 10) and a lottery program and the like. The ROM52also stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon executing various programs. Accordingly, the payout table and the chance lottery table as will be described later (refer toFIG. 11) are also stored in the ROM52.

The ROM52stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine1, the CPU51executes the BIOS stored in the ROM52. As a result, the CPU51initializes the peripheral devices constituting the dice gaming machine1. The CPU51authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the CPU51checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of applying power.

The RAM53temporarily stores the results of the processing executed by the CPU51. Specifically, the RAM53temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, lottery results of the chance lottery process and the like). The RAM53temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, bet information transmitted from the terminals5, rolling result information transmitted from the rolling result detection device15and the like).

The main control unit50has a timer54and a communication interface55. The timer54is a clock device which is connected to the CPU51. The CPU51references the measurement result of the timer54in the case of judging the lapse of the bet period and in the case of judging the arrival of rolling timing.

The bet period refers to the period of accepting the bet operation made by the players at the terminals5. Specifically, lapse of the bet period indicates that acceptance of bets for gaming values with respect to the bet area35has ended. Rolling timing indicates the timing when rolling of dice40inside the dice rolling device3is started.

The communication interface55is connected to the CPU51. The communication interface55is also connected to the terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1. Specifically, the CPU51transmits various types of information and control signals with respect to the terminals5through the communication interface55. Further, the CPU51can receive the information (for instance, bet information) and the control signals from the terminals5through the communication interface55.

Further, the CPU51constituting the main control unit50is connected to the dice rolling device3. As was described earlier, the dice rolling device3has a dice rolling motor12and a rolling result detection device15. Accordingly, the CPU51can drive and control the dice rolling motor12by transmitting a predetermined control signal to the dice rolling device3. Specifically, the CPU51can cause the dice40to roll and stop in the dice rolling device3. The rolling result detection device15can identify a rolling result indicating the spots on the stopped dice40. Accordingly, the CPU51can acquire the rolling result information based on the spots on the dice40as identified by the rolling result detection device15(S11).

Next, the terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1will be described in detail while referring to the drawing.FIG. 6is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a terminal5.

The terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1all have the same configuration. Accordingly, the internal configuration of one terminal5will be described in detail. Description of the other terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1will hereby be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 6, the terminal5has a terminal controller70. This terminal controller70controls the various functions of the terminal5. The terminal controller70has a terminal CPU71, a terminal ROM72and a terminal RAM73.

The terminal CPU71is a central processing unit with respect to control made by the terminal controller70. Specifically, the terminal CPU71plays a central role in the control with respect to the terminal5. More specifically, the terminal CPU71controls the terminal5by executing various types of programs stored in the terminal ROM72. For instance, the terminal CPU71carries out control with respect to the dice game (for instance, control with respect to acceptance of bet operation and payment of payout) by executing the dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 8andFIG. 9) as will be described later.

The terminal ROM72stores various types of programs to be executed in the terminal CPU71. More specifically, the terminal ROM72stores dice game execution process programs (refer toFIG. 8andFIG. 9) and the like. The terminal ROM72stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon execution of the various programs.

The terminal ROM72also stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine1, the terminal CPU71executes the BIOS stored in the terminal ROM72. As a result, the terminal CPU71initializes the peripheral devices constituting the terminals5. The terminal CPU71authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the terminal CPU71checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of power application.

The terminal RAM73temporarily stores the results of the processing executed in the terminal CPU71. Specifically, the terminal RAM73temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, bet information based on the players' bet operation). The terminal RAM73temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, payout information transmitted from the main control unit50and the like).

The terminal CPU71is connected with the control panel7. As was described earlier, the control panel7has a BET determination button20, a CASHOUT button21and a HELP button22. Specifically, the BET determination button20, the CASHOUT button21and the HELP button22are each connected to the terminal CPU71. Accordingly, when a player operates the BET determination button20, the CASHOUT button21and the HELP button22, a control signal based on each such operation can be inputted to the terminal CPU71. The terminal CPU71can thus carry out control in accordance with the button that was operated, based on the operation signal thus inputted.

The terminal CPU71is connected with the liquid crystal display8through a liquid crystal driving circuit74. The liquid crystal driving circuit74serves as a control circuit with respect to display on the liquid crystal display8. The liquid crystal driving circuit74is made up of a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM, etc. The program ROM stores various types of selection tables and image control programs regarding display on the liquid crystal display8. The image ROM stores dot data. This dot data is used for forming images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display8. The image control CPU determines images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display8from the dot data stored in the image ROM, based on the parameters set in the terminal CPU71and the image control program. The work RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. The VDP forms images in accordance with the display contents determined by the image control CPU. The VDP outputs the images thus formed to the liquid crystal display8. The video RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time images are formed in the VDP.

As was described earlier, the liquid crystal display8has a touch panel25provided at a front face thereof. As is shown inFIG. 6, the terminal CPU71is connected with the touch panel25. The touch panel25detects the coordinate information corresponding to a portion touched by the player. Accordingly, the touch panel25can identify a player's operation with respect to the touch panel25based on the coordinate information. The operation information indicating a player's operation with respect to the touch panel25is transmitted from the touch panel25to the terminal CPU71.

In the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment, when the betting board30is displayed on the liquid crystal display8(refer toFIG. 7), the players select the bet areas35making up the betting board30and depress the unit BET button31using the touch panel25. Accordingly, information with respect to the bet areas35thus selected and the unit BET button31is transmitted from the touch panel25to the terminal CPU71.

The terminal CPU71is connected with the speaker10through a sound circuit75. The sound circuit75carries out control with respect to sound output from speaker10based on the control signal transmitted from the terminal CPU71. The speaker10outputs various effect sounds in accordance with the progress of the dice game. As a result, the dice gaming machine1can execute effects in accordance with the progress of the dice game at each terminal5.

The terminal CPU71is connected with a hopper76and a medal sensor77. The hopper76pays out medals to the cash out port9based on the control signal from the terminal CPU71. The medal sensor77detects the medals paid out from the hopper76. As a result, the terminal CPU71can pay out a predetermined number of medals to the players by controlling the hopper76and the medal sensor77.

Next, a detailed description will be given with respect to the game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display8in the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment, while referring to the drawings.FIG. 7is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display8.

As shown inFIG. 7, the game screen displayed on the liquid crystal display8includes the betting board30. Here, when a dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) is played, the players bet gaming values with respect to the spots on the stopped three dice40. The betting board30is used by the player in betting the gaming values.

The betting board30has a plurality of bet areas35. Each bet area35is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio (e.g., base payout magnification ratio). The winning condition is the condition determined by the stopped three dice40. The base payout magnification ratio shows the payout amount to be paid out in return to the unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) bet, in a case where the winning condition of the bet area35is satisfied.

More specifically, the betting board30has eight types of bet areas35. Specifically, the betting board30has a small bet area35A, a big bet area35B, a specific double bet area35C, a specific triple bet area35D, an any triple bet area35E, a total bet area35F, a combination bet area35G and a number bet area35H.

The small bet area35A and the big bet area35B are bet areas in each of which a condition is defined with a range of values as a result of adding up the spots on the stopped dice40(hereinafter referred to as total value). More specifically, the winning condition of the small bet area35A is that “the total value is in a range between 4 and 10”. The base payout magnification ratio of the small bet area35A is set to 1:1 (two medals are paid out in return to a win with one medal placed as a bet). Alternatively, the winning condition of the big bet area35B is that “the total value is in a range between 11 and 17”. The base payout magnification ratio of the big bet area35B is also set to 1:1.

The specific double bet area35C is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of spots on the stopped dice40. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific double bet area35C is satisfied if “amongst the three dice40which are stopped, the spots on two dice40are the same, and the spots on these two dice40correspond to specific spots”. The betting board30has six specific double bet areas35C. Accordingly, if the spots on two dice40from amongst the three dice40are “1,1”, “2,2”, “3,3” . . . or “6,6”, the winning condition for one specific double bet area35C is satisfied (refer toFIG. 7). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific double bet area35C is set to 1:10.

The specific triple bet area35D is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined a combination of the stopped three dice40. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific triple bet area35D is satisfied if “the spots on the three dice40which are stopped are the same and the spots on the three dice40correspond to specific spots”. The betting board30has six specific triple bet areas35D. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice40are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning condition for one specific triple bet area35D is satisfied (refer toFIG. 7). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific triple bet area35C is set to 1:180.

The any triple bet area35E is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped three dice40. More specifically, the winning combination of the any triple bet area35E is satisfied if “the spots on the stopped dice40are all the same”. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice40are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning combination of the any triple bet area35E is satisfied (refer toFIG. 7). The base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area35E is set to 1:30.

The total bet area35F is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a total value of the spots on the stopped three dice40. More specifically, the winning combination of the total bet area35F is satisfied if “the total value is a specific value”. As shown inFIG. 7, the betting board30has fourteen total bet areas35F. Specifically, the betting board30has a total bet area35F corresponding to each total value “4”, “5” . . . “17”. As shown inFIG. 7, the base payout magnification ratio of each total bet area35F is set in accordance with the appearance frequency of the total value for each winning condition. For instance, if the winning condition for the total value “16” is the total bet area35F thus set, the base payout magnification ratio is 1:30.

The combination bet area35G is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped dice40. More specifically, the winning condition of the combination bet area35G is satisfied if “the spots on two dice40from amongst the stopped three dice40correspond to a specific combination”. As shown inFIG. 7, the betting board30has fifteen combination bet areas35G. The base payout magnification ratio for the combination bet area35G is set to 1:5.

The combination for the case that the spots on two dice40are the same is excluded from the combination bet area35G.

The number bet area35H is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with the spots' numbers on the dice40. More specifically, the winning combination of the number bet area35H is satisfied if “a specific spot is included in the spots on the stopped three dice40”. As shown inFIG. 7, the betting board30has six number bet areas35H. One number bet area35H corresponds to any of “1”, “2” . . . “6”. The base payout magnification ratio of the number bet area35H is set to “1:1”, “1:2”, “1:3”, in accordance with the number of dices showing the spots corresponding to the winning combination.

The game screen can include a cursor32and a chip mark33. The cursor32and the chip mark33are displayed on the betting board30in accordance with a player's operation. The cursor32shows the bet area35which is currently selected by the player. The chip mark33shows the amount of gaming values bet with respect to the bet area35(hereinafter referred to as bet amount). As shown inFIG. 7, the chip mark33shows the above-mentioned bet amount through the number displayed at the center of the chip mark33. The chip mark33is displayed on the bet area35. Specifically, the chip mark shows the bet area35onto which the bet is made through the location of its display.

Further, as shown inFIG. 7, the game screen includes a unit BET button31, a CORRECT button36, a payout result display portion37and a credit amount display portion38.

The unit BET button31is formed at a lower left side of the betting board30. The unit BET button31is used to set the bet amount with respect to the bet area35selected by the player.

As shown inFIG. 7, the unit BET button31is made up of 1 BET button31A, 5 BET button31B, 10 BET button31C and 100 BET button31D. The 1 BET button31A is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area35selected by the player by “1”. The 5 BET button31B is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area35selected by the player by “5”. The 10 BET button31C is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area35selected by the player by “10”. The 100 BET button31D is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area35selected by the player by “100”.

Each time the player carries out such operation, the unit BET button31adds a bet amount in accordance with such operation to the current bet amount.

The CORRECT button36is operated to cancel the bet area35already selected and the setting of the bet amount. If selection of the bet area35and setting of the bet amount are incorrect, the player can correct the bet area35and the bet amount by operating this CORRECT button36.

The payout result display portion37displays the total bet amount in the previous game and the payout amount in the previous game (the payout credit amount).

The credit amount display portion38displays the credit amount possessed by the player. The display contents of the credit amount display portion38are updated based on the bet with respect to the bet area35and award of the payout in the dice game.

Next, the bet operation carried out by the player using the game screen will be described. As was described earlier, the touch panel25is installed at a front face of the liquid crystal display8. The touch panel25transmits the coordinate information corresponding to the portion touched by the player to the terminal CPU71. Accordingly, if the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display8, the player can select the bet area35and set the bet amount using the touch panel25.

More specifically, the player first touches with his/her finger the touch panel25at the portion corresponding to the desired bet area35. As a result, the player selects the desired bet area35. At this time, the cursor32is displayed on the bet area35thus selected. Thereafter, the player touches with his/her finger the touch panel25at the portion corresponding to the unit BET button31. As a result, the player selects the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area35. Once the bet amount is selected, the chip mark33is displayed on the bet area35.

Next, a dice game execution process program to be executed in the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 8andFIG. 9are flow charts of the dice game execution process program.

The initial setting process executed in the main control unit50and the initial setting process executed in the terminal controller70of each terminal5are executed prior to the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the main control unit50and the terminal controller70end initialization of the peripheral devices and the program authentication process. These initial setting processes are heretofore known in the art. Therefore, description of the contents of such processes is hereby omitted.

First, the dice game execution process program in the main control unit50will be described in detail.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is started, the CPU51first executes the bet start signal transmission process (S1). In the bet start signal transmission process (S1), the CPU51transmits the bet start signal to the terminals5through the communication interface55. The bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the terminals5. The bet period is the period for accepting the players' bets for the gaming values with respect to the bet areas35at each terminal5. After the bet start signal is transmitted to the terminals5, the CPU51shifts the process to S2.

Once the bet start signal is received, the terminal CPU71executes the game screen display process (S102) and the bet operation acceptance process (S103). This will be described in more detail later.

After shifting to S2, the CPU51starts measuring the bet period. More specifically, the CPU51transmits the control signal to the timer54. As a result, the timer54starts measurement. After the control signal is transmitted to the timer54, the CPU51shifts the process to S3.

At S3, the CPU51judges whether the bet period has lapsed. More specifically, the CPU51references the measurement results of the timer54. The CPU51judges whether the predetermined period (e.g., bet period) has lapsed based on the measurement result of the timer54. If the bet period has lapsed (S3: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to S4. Alternatively, if the bet period has not lapsed yet (S3: NO), the CPU51puts the process in stand-by until the bet period lapses.

At S4, the CPU51executes the bet end signal transmission process. In the bet end signal transmission process (S4), the CPU51transmits a bet end signal to the terminals5. The bet end signal serves to instruct ending of the bet period in each terminal5. In other words, the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets for gaming values in the terminal5is ended. After the bet end signal is transmitted to each terminal5, the CPU51shifts the process to S5.

Once the bet end signal is received, the terminal CPU71ends the bet operation acceptance process (S103). Accordingly, the terminal5ends acceptance of bets with respect to the bet area35. Thereafter, the terminal CPU71transmits the bet information based on the bet operation carried out in the bet operation acceptance process (S103) to the main control unit50(S105). This bet information includes information showing the bet area35on which the gaming value has been bet and information showing the bet amount bet on the bet area35in question. The bet information includes identification information showing the terminal5from which the bet information is transmitted.

After shifting to S5, the CPU51executes the bet information reception process. In the bet information reception process (S5), the CPU51receives the bet information transmitted from each terminal5through the communication interface55. The CPU51stores the bet information thus received in the RAM53. At this time, the CPU51classifies the bet information for each terminal5based on the identification information included in the bet information. Once the bet information reception process (S5) ends, the CPU51shifts the process to S6.

At S6, the CPU51executes a chance lottery process. In this chance lottery process (S6), the CPU51determines whether to change the payout magnification ratio of the bet areas35, by the lottery. In other words, the CPU51determines whether to use either the “base payout magnification ratio” or the “special payout magnification ratio” as the payout magnification ratio of each bet area35. More specifically, the CPU51first samples one random number value from a predetermined random number value range by executing a lottery program stored in the ROM52. Then, the CPU51determines the chance lottery result based on the random number value thus sampled and the chance lottery result determination table (refer toFIG. 11). The “chance lottery result: win” means that the payout magnification ratio of all bet areas35constituting the betting board30changes in all terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1. As was described earlier, the payout magnification ratio is changed by multiplying the payout magnification ratio set for that bet area35by the special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Specifically, in this case, the payout magnification ratio of the bet area35is changed from the “base payout magnification ratio” to the “special payout magnification ratio”. The “chance lottery result: lose” means using the base payout magnification ratio set for that bet area35in the payout amount calculation process as will be described later. After the lottery in the chance lottery process (S6), the CPU51stores the lottery result information in the RAM53. The lottery result information shows the lottery result of the change lottery process (S6). After storing the lottery result information in the RAM53, the CPU51shifts the process to S7.

Here, the chance lottery result determination table used in the chance lottery process (S6) will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 11is an explanatory diagram showing one example of the chance lottery result determination table.

The chance lottery result determination table shown inFIG. 11is set so that an expected value of all bet areas35when the special payout magnification ratio is used does not exceed “1” (e.g., 100%). Here, the expected value of the bet area35is calculated by multiplying the amount of unit gaming values (specifically, “bet amount: 1”) and the payout magnification ratio of the bet area35by the dice winning probability of the bet area35. The dice winning probability of the bet area35is the probability that the winning condition of the bet area35will be satisfied in one dice game. For instance, the dice winning probability of a certain specific triple bet area35D is “1/216”.

The expected value of each bet area35at a normal time (specifically, in the case of no win in the chance lottery) on the betting board30according to the first embodiment ranges from “0.65 to 0.9722” (e.g., 65% to 97.22%). Specifically, in the case of using the base payout magnification ratio, the maximum expected value is “97.22%”. Accordingly, if, as a result of changing the payout magnification ratio, the expected value of the bet area35corresponding to this maximum value does not exceed “100%”, none of the expected values for all the bet areas35will exceed “100%”.

In the chance lottery result determination table shown inFIG. 11, the “chance lottery result: win” corresponds to “0 to 40” from a random number value range “0 through 2047”. Specifically, the probability of the “chance lottery result: win” is approximately 2.00%. Accordingly, even in the case of using the chance lottery result table as shown inFIG. 11, the expected value of the bet area35corresponding to the maximum value does not exceed “100%”. Specifically, in the case of using this chance lottery result determination table (refer toFIG. 11), the expected value of all bet areas35is equal to or lower than “1”, even if the chance lottery process (S6) is executed. As a result, the dice gaming machine1does not severely impair the game characteristics of the dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) even if a large payout is awarded following the chance lottery process (S6). Since the expected value of each bet area35does not exceed “1”, the dice gaming machines1can reliably ensure a profit at the game arcade where such dice gaming machines1are installed.

At S7, the CPU51judges whether the dice rolling timing has arrived. The dice rolling timing shows the timing at which rolling of the three dice40is started in the dice rolling device3. More specifically, at S7, the CPU51first references the measurement results of the timer54. Specifically, the CPU51carries out the judgment process at S7based on the measurement result of timer54. When the dice rolling timing arrives (S7: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to S8. Alternatively, if the dice rolling timing has not yet arrived (S7: NO), the CPU51puts the process in stand-by until such dice rolling timing arrives.

At S8, the CPU51executes a dice rolling process. In this dice rolling process (S8), the CPU51transmits a control signal to the dice rolling device3. As a result, the dice rolling motor12is driven and controlled. Accordingly, the three dice40are rolled inside the dice rolling device3. The three dice40which have been rolled are then stopped on the dice rolling board11. Once the dice rolling process ends, the CPU51shifts the process to S9.

After shifting to S9, the CPU51judges whether a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6). More specifically, the CPU51carries out the judgment process at S9, by referencing the lottery result information stored in the RAM53. In the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S9: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to S10. Alternatively, in the case of no win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6) (S9: NO), the CPU51shifts the process to S11.

At S10, the CPU51executes a winning information transmission process. In this winning information transmission process (S10), the CPU51transmits the winning information to all terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1. This winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery in the chance lottery process (S6). In the winning information transmission process (S10), the CPU51first generates the winning information based on the lottery result information stored in the RAM53. Thereafter, the CPU51transmits the winning information thus generated to all terminals5through the communication interface55. After transmitting the winning information to all terminals5, the CPU51shifts the process to S11.

At S11, the CPU51executes a rolling result acquisition process. In this rolling result acquisition process (S11), the CPU51acquires the rolling result information showing the spots on the stopped three dice40, by controlling the rolling result detection device15of the dice rolling device3. More specifically, the CPU51transmits the control signal to the dice rolling device3. Upon receiving the control signal, the dice rolling device3acquires an image with an imaging device provided in the dice rolling device3. The acquired image includes the image of the stopped three dice40on the dice rolling board11. Thereafter, the dice rolling device3carries out a predetermined image process with respect to the acquired image by controlling the rolling result detection device15. As a result, the dice rolling device3can identify the spots on the three dice40which are stopped on the dice rolling board11. The dice rolling device3generates rolling result information showing the spots on the three dice40thus identified. The dice rolling device3then transmits the rolling result information thus generated to the CPU51. Once the rolling result information acquired from the dice rolling device3is stored in the RAM53, the CPU51shifts the process to S12.

After shifting to S12, the CPU51executes a payout amount determination process. In this payout amount determination process (S12), the CPU51executes a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 10) as will be described later. In this payout amount determination process, the CPU51calculates the payout amount of each terminal5based on the rolling result information and the bet information of each terminal5. Here, in the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6), the CPU51changes the payout magnification ratio used in the payout amount determination process (S12) from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. The contents of the payout amount determination process (S12) will next be described in detail. Once the payout amount determination process ends, the CPU51shifts the process to S13.

At S13the CPU51executes a payout information transmission process. In this payout information transmission process (S13), the CPU51transmits the payout information to each terminal5through the communication interface55. This payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S12). After transmitting the payout information to each terminal5, the CPU51ends the payout information transmission process. The CPU51then ends the dice game execution process program in the main control unit50.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is ended, the CPU51restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the CPU51repeatedly executes the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine1.

Next, the dice game execution process program at each terminal5will next be described in detail.

Upon starting the dice game execution process program, the terminal CPU71first judges whether the bet start signal has been received (S101). As was described earlier, the bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the dice gaming machine1. The bet start signal is transmitted from the main control unit50to each terminal5(S1). If the bet start signal is received (S101: YES), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S102. As a result, the bet period in each terminal5is started. Alternatively, if the bet start signal has not yet been received (S101: NO), the terminal CPU71puts the process in stand-by until the bet start signal is received.

After shifting to S102, the terminal CPU71executes a game screen display process. In this game screen display process (S102), the terminal CPU71transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit74. The game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display8based on the control of the liquid crystal driving circuit74(refer toFIG. 7). Once the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display8, the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S103.

At S103, the terminal CPU71executes a bet operation acceptance process. In this bet operation acceptance process (S103), the terminal CPU71accepts a player's operation using the touch panel25. More specifically, the terminal CPU71carries out various types of controls corresponding to a player's operation based on the operation signal transmitted from the touch panel. Such controls include control with respect to selecting the bet area35, control with respect to setting the bet amount corresponding to the selected bet area35and control corresponding to operation of the CORRECT button36.

If the bet area35is selected and the bet amount with respect to the selected area35is set, the terminal CPU71stores the bet information in the terminal RAM73. The bet information includes information with respect to the selected bet area35and information showing the bet amount of the bet area35.

In the next step S104, the terminal CPU71judges whether the bet end signal has been received. As was described earlier, the bet end signal shows the end of the bet period. Specifically, reception of the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets in the current dice game ends. The bet end signal is transmitted from the main control unit50(S4). If the bet end signal is received (S104: YES), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S105. Alternatively, if the bet end signal has not yet been received (S104: NO), the terminal CPU71returns the process to the bet operation acceptance process (S103). Thus, the player at each terminal can bet a gaming value in the current game until the end of the bet period.

After shifting to S105, the terminal CPU71executes a bet information transmission process. In this bet information transmission process (S105), the terminal CPU71transmits the bet information stored in the terminal RAM73to the main control unit50. Here, the terminal CPU71adds identification information showing the terminal5in question to the bet information. After receiving the bet information including the identification information, the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S106.

At S106, the terminal CPU71judges whether the winning information has been received. As was described earlier, the winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6). This winning information is transmitted from the main control unit50to each terminal5through the communication interface55(S10). If the winning information is received (S106: YES), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S107. Alternatively, if the winning information has not been received (S106: NO), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to the payout process (S108). If the winning information is received (S106: YES), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S107. Alternatively, if the winning information is not received (S106: NO), the terminal CPU71shifts the process to the payout process (S108).

At S107, the terminal CPU71executes the chance winning notification process. In the chance winning notification process (S107), the terminal CPU71notifies the player that he/she won in the chance lottery, through the display on the liquid crystal display8. More specifically, the terminal CPU71transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit74. As a result, the liquid crystal display8displays the chance lottery winning image80on the game screen (refer toFIG. 12).

As shown inFIG. 12, the chance lottery winning image80includes displaying a message that “as a result of winning in the chance lottery, the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas35is multiplied by the special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2)”. Specifically the chance lottery winning image80notifies the player of the fact that the payout magnification ratio used in calculating the payout has been changed from the “base payout magnification ratio” to the “special payout magnification ratio”. Accordingly, the player can understand that a win occurred in the chance lottery by looking at the chance lottery winning image80. As a result, the dice gaming machine1can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout. Once the chance winning notification process (S107) ends, the terminal CPU71shifts the process to S108.

After shifting to S108, the terminal CPU71executes a payout process. In this payout process (S108), the terminal CPU71awards to the player a payout in the current dice game based on the payout information. As was described earlier, the payout information is transmitted from the main control unit50to each terminal5(S13). The payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S12). Accordingly, the terminal CPU71adds the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S12) to the credit amount possessed by the player. The payout amount can also be awarded in the form of medals which are paid out from the cash out port9. Once the payout process ends, the terminal CPU71ends the dice game execution process program in the terminal5.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program ends, the terminal CPU71restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the terminal CPU71can repeatedly execute the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine1.

Next, the payout amount determination process program to be executed by the CPU51in the payout amount determination process (S12) will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 10is a flow chart of the payout amount determination process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit50, after shifting to the payout amount determination process (S12), the CPU51executes a winning bet area identification process. In the winning bet area identification process (S21), the CPU51identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition set for each bet area35. The winning bet area is the bet area35whose specified winning condition is satisfied by the spots on the stopped dice40. As was described earlier, the rolling result information shows the spots on the three stopped dice40which have been identified by the rolling result detection unit15. Accordingly, the CPU51identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition of each bet area35. After identifying the winning bet area, the CPU51shifts the process to S22.

After shifting to S22, the CPU51judges whether or not any of the bets are winning bets. The winning bet refers to the gaming values bet on the winning bet area identified in the winning bet area identification process (S21). More specifically, the CPU51carries out the judgment process at S22based on the bet information of each terminal5stored in the RAM53. If a winning bet has been made (S22: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to S23.

Alternatively, if none of the bets are winning bets (S22: NO), the CPU51sets the payout amount at each terminal5to “0”. Thereafter, the CPU51ends the payout amount determination process program. Here, the case that none of the bets are winning bets includes the case that no bets for gaming values are made with respect to the bet area35and the case that all gaming values are bet with respect to a bet area35other than the winning bet area.

At S23, the CPU51judges whether or not the lottery result of the chance lottery process (S6) shows winning. More specifically, the CPU51carries out the judgment process at S23based on the lottery result information stored in the RAM53. In the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6) (S23: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to the payout magnification ratio change process (S24). Alternatively, in the case of no win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6) (S23: NO), the CPU51shifts the process to S25.

At S24, the CPU51executes the payout magnification ratio change process. In the payout magnification ratio change process (S24), the CPU51changes the payout magnification ratio of all bet areas35constituting the betting board30. At this time, the CPU51changes the payout magnification ratio of the bet area35with respect to all terminals5constituting the dice gaming machine1. More specifically the CPU51multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas35constituting the betting board30by the special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2). As a result, the payout magnification ratio of each bet area35is changed from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. After the payout magnification ratio of each bet area35is changed to the “special payout magnification ratio”, the CPU51shifts the process to S25.

After shifting to S25, the CPU51executes a payout amount calculation process. In this payout amount calculation process (S25), the CPU51calculates the payout amount in the current game with respect to all terminals5. More specifically, the CPU51calculates the payout amount at each terminal5in the current game by executing the following processes in each terminal5.

In the case of a win in the chance lottery, the CPU51calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “special payout magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU51multiplies the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. In the case of no win in the chance lottery, the CPU51calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “base payout magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU51multiplies the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. If bets of gaming values are made with respect to a plurality of winning bet areas, the CPU51calculates a payout amount corresponding to each winning bet area, respectively.

The CPU51sets the payout amount corresponding to the bet areas other than the winning bet area to “0”. The CPU51adds up the payout amounts of the bet areas calculated through the processes described above, for each terminal5. As a result, the CPU51calculates the resultant payout amount of each terminal5. The CPU51stores the information showing the payout amount at each terminal5in the RAM53, respectively. The information showing the payout amount of each terminal5makes up the payout information of each terminal5. Then, the CPU51ends the payout amount determination process program. As shown inFIG. 9, once the payout amount determination process (S12) ends, the CPU51shifts the process to the payout information transmission process (S13).

As was described earlier, in the payout information transmission process (S13), the CPU51respectively transmits the payout information showing the payout amount thus calculated from the main control unit50to each terminal5. In each terminal5, the terminal CPU71executes the payout process (S108) based on the payout information thus received.

Specifically, in the case of no win in the chance lottery, the player can win a payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. Alternatively, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the player can win a payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2)”. Accordingly, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the player can be awarded a larger payout amount as compared to the case no win occurs in the chance lottery.

As was described earlier, the dice gaming machine1according to the first embodiment executes the chance lottery process (S6) after acceptance of bets for gaming values with respect to the bet area35has ended. In the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6), the dice gaming machine1calculates the payout amount corresponding to the winning bet area by multiplying the bet amount with respect to the winning bet area by the special payout magnification ratio (S24, S25). Alternatively, in the case of no win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S6), the dice gaming machine1calculates the payout amount corresponding to the winning bet area by multiplying the bet amount with respect to the winning bet area by the base payout magnification ratio (S25). The special payout magnification ratio is obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2).

The player is awarded a payout amount calculated in the payout amount calculation process, as a prize in the current game (S25). Specifically, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the player can be awarded an even larger payout amount. As a result, the dice gaming machine1can accommodate a player's desire to receive a larger payout.

The dice gaming machine1carries out a lottery using the chance lottery result determination table (refer toFIG. 11) in the chance lottery process (S6). The chance lottery result determination table shown inFIG. 11is a table wherein the condition that the expected value of all bet areas35in the case of using the special payout magnification ratio does not exceed “1” is satisfied. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine1can ensure the possibility of increasing the profit from all bet areas35even in the case of granting to the player the chance of receiving a higher payout in the chance lottery. Specifically, the dice gaming machines1can sufficiently ensure profit at the game arcade where such dice gaming machines1are installed.

Further, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the dice gaming machine1displays the chance lottery winning image80on the game screen (S107). As shown inFIG. 12, the chance lottery winning image80shows a win in the chance lottery. Accordingly, the player can understand he/she won in the chance lottery by looking at the chance lottery winning image80on the game screen. As a result, the dice gaming machine1can increase the sense of expectancy of a player with respect to award of a large payout by notifying the player of the win in the chance lottery.

The present invention is not limited to the first embodiments described above, but various improvements and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For instance, a plurality of types of special magnification ratios can be used. The case in which such plurality of types of special magnification ratios (e.g., first special magnification ratio “×4”, second special magnification ratio “×2) are used is described in detail based onFIG. 13throughFIG. 15.

In this case, the basic configuration of the dice gaming machine1is the same as the configuration described in the above embodiments. The chance lottery process (S6) of the dice game execution process program in the main control unit50differs from the chance lottery process (S6) in the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, this chance lottery process (S6) will be described in detail while referring toFIG. 13.

In the chance lottery process in this case, the CPU51executes a chance lottery process program as shown inFIG. 13. Specifically, after shifting to the chance lottery process (S6), the CPU51first executes the first chance lottery process (S51). In the first chance lottery process (S51), the CPU51determines whether or not to use the “first special magnification ratio (i.e., ×4)” to change the payout magnification ratio by a lottery. More specifically, the CPU51executes the lottery program to sample one random number value.

In the following process S52, the CPU51judges whether or not a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the first chance lottery process (S51). More specifically, the CPU51judges the lottery results for the first chance lottery based on the sampled random value and the first chance lottery result determination table (refer toFIG. 14). In the case of a win in the first chance lottery (S52: YES), the CPU51stores the first winning information in the RAM53(S55). The first winning information shows a win has occurred in the first chance lottery. Thereafter, the CPU51ends the chance lottery process program. In this case, the CPU51multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of each bet area35by the “first special magnification ratio” in the payout magnification ratio change process (S23). Alternatively, in the case of no win in the first chance lottery (S52: NO), the CPU51shifts the process to S53.

At S53, the CPU51executes the second chance lottery process. In this second chance lottery process (S53), the CPU51determines whether or not to use the “second special magnification ratio (i.e.,332)” to change the payout magnification ratio by a lottery. More specifically, the CPU51executes the lottery program to sample one random value.

In the following step S54, the CPU51judges whether a win has occurred in the lottery in the second chance lottery process (S53). More specifically, the CPU51judges the lottery results of the second chance lottery based on the sampled random value and the second chance lottery result determination table (refer toFIG. 15). In the case of a win in the second chance lottery (S54:YES), the CPU51stores the second winning information in the RAM53(S56). The second winning information shows a win has occurred in the second chance lottery. Thereafter, the CPU51ends the chance lottery process program. In this case, the CPU51multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of each bet area35by the “second special magnification ratio” in the payout magnification ratio change process (S23). As a result, the payout magnification ratio of each bet area35is changed based on the “second special magnification ratio”. Alternatively, in the case of no win in the second chance lottery (S54: NO), the CPU51ends the chance lottery process program as is. The CPU51executes the payout amount calculation process (S24) without executing the payout magnification ratio change process (S23). Accordingly, in this case, the CPU51calculates the payout amount of each terminal5using the base payout magnification ratio.

In the case described above, if the player wins the second chance lottery, he/she can be awarded a larger payout than at a normal time (the case of no win in the first chance lottery and the second chance lottery). Further, in the case of a win in the first chance lottery, the player can be awarded a larger payout than in the case of a win in the second chance lottery. Accordingly, in such a case, the dice gaming machine1can award to the player an even higher payout. Specifically, the dice gaming machine1can accommodate the player's demands for a larger payout.

In this case as well, the first chance lottery result determination table and the second chance lottery result determination table are set so that the expected value of each bet area35in the case the magnification ratio is changed to the special payout magnification ratio becomes equal to or lower than “1”. Specifically, the dice gaming machines1can ensure sufficient profit for the game arcade wherein such dice gaming machines1are installed.

Further, in the first embodiments described above, the special magnification ratio is set to “×2” or “×4”. However, the special magnification ratio is not limited to the above values. Various other values can be adopted as the special magnification ratio as long as the player can be awarded a larger payout.

In the payout magnification ratio change process described in the first embodiments (S24), the CPU51changes the payout magnification ratio of each bet area35by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio. Multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio is not limited to the payout magnification ratio change process (S24). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio can be stored in advance in memory. In this case, in the payout magnification ratio change process (S24), the CPU51reads out the special payout magnification ratio from the memory and changes the “base payout magnification ratio” in each bet area35to the corresponding “special payout magnification ratio”. The dice gaming machine1can thus reduce the processing burden with respect to the payout magnification ratio change process (S24).

The present invention can also be realized as a gaming method for executing the above-described processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such gaming method, and a recording medium onto which such program is recorded.

Here, characteristics of a dice gaming machine1will next be described.FIG. 16is an exemplary view showing characteristics of a dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment.

A dice game which is called “Sic Bo” is played in the dice gaming machine101. In “Sic-Bo”, three dice140are rolled. Players predict the result of dice rolling (specifically, the spots on the three dice140). Also, the players bet gaming values on a betting board130based on their prediction.

Here, the betting board130is made up of a plurality of bet areas135(refer toFIG. 16, etc.). Each bet area135is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio. The winning condition is a condition defined by spot(s) on some or all of the three dice140. If the spots on the rolled dice140satisfy the winning condition, the player who placed a bet on this bet area135wins a prize. The payout magnification ratio is used for determining the contents of the prize which is thus awarded. More specifically, the payout magnification ratio defines the magnification ratio of the prize (payout amount) to be awarded with respect to a unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) thus bet. Specifically, players bet gaming values with respect to a bet area135corresponding to their prediction as described above.

If the spots on the rolled dice140satisfy the winning condition defined for the bet area on which a bet is placed by the player, the player wins a prize. The prize in this case is determined by multiplying the amount of gaming value bet by the player by the payout magnification ratio of the bet area135in question.

Here, once reception of gaming value bets ends, the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment executes a chance lottery process (S1006). If the result of the chance lottery is “chance lottery result: win”, the dice gaming machine101identifies one target terminal among from terminals105that participate in the dice game (S1026). After that, the dice gaming machine101changes the payout magnification ratio to be used in determining the prize contents of the target terminal (S1012). More specifically, for the target terminal only, the dice gaming machine101multiplies the payout magnification ratio set for all bet areas by a special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Accordingly, in the case of a win in a chance lottery, a player seated at the target terminal can be awarded twice the payout amount as compared to normal times (specifically, in the case of no win in chance lottery).

The result of this chance lottery is applied only to the target terminal identified at the chance lottery process (S1006). Specifically, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the player at the target terminal can win a larger payout amount than usual on condition that spots on the stopped three dice140satisfy the winning condition of the bet area135on which a bet is placed by the player. It is to be noted that players at non-target terminals can win a payout amount based on a base payout magnification ratio on condition that spots on the stopped three dice140satisfy the winning condition of the bet area on which a bet is placed by each of those players.

In the second embodiment, the payout magnification ratio includes a base payout magnification ratio and a special payout magnification ratio. The base payout magnification ratio is the payout magnification ratio set for each bet area135. The base payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize (e.g., payout amount) in the case no win occurs in the chance lottery. The special payout magnification ratio is the changed payout magnification ratio set for each bet area135, which is obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize set for the target terminal in the case of a win in the chance lottery.

Next, a schematic configuration of the dice gaming machine101will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 17is a schematic diagram showing an outer appearance of the dice gaming machine1according to the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 17, the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment has a cabinet102, a dice rolling device103and a plurality of terminals105(in the second embodiment, ten terminals). The cabinet102makes up the main part of the dice gaming machine101. The cabinet102houses mechanical components and electrical components such as a main control unit150and the like as will be described later.

The dice rolling device103is installed at a central portion on an upper face of the cabinet102. The dice rolling device103has a dice box. The dice box houses three dice140therein. The three dice140are rolled inside the dice box and are then stopped. The configuration of the dice rolling device103will be described in detail later.

The terminals105are installed at the periphery of the dice rolling device103. The terminals105each have a liquid crystal display108. The terminals105are used in a player's operation with respect to the dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) played in the dice gaming machine101. Specifically, players enter the dice game played in the dice gaming machine101by using the terminals105.

In the second embodiment, the ten terminals105each constituting the dice gaming machine101are termed “first terminal” through “tenth terminal”.

The terminals105each have a medal acceptance device106, a control panel107and a liquid crystal display108. The medal acceptance device106accepts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, inserted by the player. Specifically, in the case of playing the dice game, the player inserts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, in the medal acceptance device106. The gaming values thus inserted are stored as credit. The player places a bet onto a bet area135using such credit.

The control panel107is installed at a lower side of the medal acceptance device106. This control panel107has a plurality of operation buttons. More specifically, the control panel107also has a BET determination button120, a CASHOUT button121and a HELP button122.

The BET determination button120is operated by the player to determine a bet operation. Specifically, the player operates the BET determination button120to determine the bet area135which will be the bet target and the amount of gaming values to be bet with respect to the bet area135(hereinafter referred to as bet amount).

The CASHOUT button121is operated by the player to request payout of the credits he/she possesses. When this CASHOUT button121is operated, medals are paid out from a cash out port109in accordance with the number of credits that the player possesses.

The HELP button122is operated in the case the operation method and the rules of the game are unclear. When the HELP button122is operated, the dice gaming machine101displays a HELP screen containing explanations with respect to the game operation method and the like onto the liquid crystal display108.

The liquid crystal display108is a display device for displaying information with respect to the dice game. When the dice game is started, each liquid crystal display108displays an image of the betting board130. The touch panel125is arranged at a front face of the liquid crystal display108in each terminal105. Accordingly, the player carries out a bet operation with respect to the bet area135using this touch panel125.

Each terminal105has a cash out port109and a speaker110. The cash out port109is arranged at a lower side of the liquid crystal display108. This cash out port109serves to output medals. For instance, once the CASHOUT button121is operated, a number of medals corresponding to the credits the player possesses are paid out to the cash out port109. Speaker110is installed at a right upper side of the liquid crystal display108. The speaker110outputs sounds based on the progress of the game.

Next, the dice rolling device103installed in the dice gaming machine101will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 17, the dice rolling device103is installed at an upper face of the cabinet102. The dice rolling device103houses three dice140therein. The three dice140are rolled inside the dice rolling device103by controlling the operation of the dice rolling motor112as will be described later. The rolled dice140are then stopped on a dice rolling board111. The dice rolling device103is installed at a central portion of the cabinet102. Accordingly, players who are seated at the terminals105can see the dice140as they are being rolled inside the dice rolling device103and the spots on the dice140after these are stopped inside the dice rolling device103.

As shown inFIG. 18andFIG. 19, the dice rolling device103has a dice rolling board111, a dice rolling motor112, a cover member113and a rolling result detection unit115. The dice rolling board111moves up and down within a predetermined range inside the dice rolling device103(refer toFIG. 19). The dice rolling board111is connected to the dice rolling motor112. Specifically, the dice rolling board111moves up and down within the predetermined range based on driving and control of the dice rolling motor112.

As shown inFIG. 19, in the case of rolling the dice140, the dice rolling motor112causes the dice rolling board111to move upwards at a certain speed or faster. Once the dice rolling board111moves over a predetermined range, the board stops moving. Accordingly, the dice140on the dice rolling board111are thrown upwards and are thus rolled inside the dice rolling device103. As shown inFIG. 19, an inclined face is formed at the periphery of the dice rolling board111. Accordingly, the three dice140thus roll on the inclined face and then stop on the dice rolling board111.

The cover member113is formed in a hemispherical shape to cover the three dice140and the dice rolling board111(refer toFIG. 18andFIG. 19). Specifically, the three dice140are rolled inside a space defined by the upper face of the dice rolling board111and the inner face of the cover member113. The cover member113is made of a transparent acrylic material. Accordingly, the player can sufficiently see the dice140while being rolled inside the dice rolling device103and the dice140as stopped on the dice rolling board111.

The rolling result detection unit115is installed at a top of the cover member113(refer toFIG. 18andFIG. 19). The rolling result detection device115detects the spots on each die140which is stopped on the dice rolling board111(hereinafter referred to as rolling result). More specifically, the rolling result detection unit115acquires an image of each die140which is stopped on the dice rolling board111. The rolling result detection unit115identifies the spots on each die140by carrying out a predetermined image process with respect to the images thus acquired. Here, information showing the identified spots on the three dice140is referred to as rolling result information.

The image processing for identifying the spots on dice140is heretofore known in the art. Therefore, further description thereof will hereby be omitted.

Next, the internal configuration of the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment will be further described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 20is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the dice gaming machine according to the second embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 20, the dice gaming machine101has a main control unit150. The main control unit150controls the entire dice gaming machine101. The main control unit150has a CPU151, a ROM152and a RAM153.

The CPU151is a central processing unit with respect to control by the main control unit150. Specifically, the CPU151plays a central role in the control by the main control unit150. In other words, the CPU151controls the entire dice gaming machine101by executing the various programs stored in the ROM152. For instance, the CPU151progresses the dice game in the dice gaming machine101by executing a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 23andFIG. 24) as will be described later.

The ROM152stores various types of programs to be executed in the CPU151. More specifically, the ROM152stores a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 23andFIG. 24), a chance lottery process program (refer toFIG. 26), a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 29) and a lottery program and the like. The ROM152also stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon executing various programs. Accordingly, the payout table and the like are also stored in the ROM152.

The ROM152stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine1, the CPU151executes the BIOS stored in the ROM152. As a result, the CPU151initializes the peripheral devices constituting the dice gaming machine101. The CPU151authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the CPU151checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of applying power.

The RAM153temporarily stores the results of the processing executed by the CPU151. Specifically, the RAM153temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, lottery results of the chance lottery process and the like). The RAM153temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, bet information transmitted from the terminals105, rolling result information transmitted from the rolling result detection device115and the like).

The main control unit150has a timer154and a communication interface155. The timer154is a clock device which is connected to the CPU151. The CPU151references the measurement result of the timer154in the case of judging the lapse of the bet period and in the case of judging the arrival of rolling timing.

The bet period refers to the period of accepting the bet operation made by the players at the terminals105. Specifically, lapse of the bet period indicates that acceptance of bets for gaming values with respect to the bet area135has ended. Rolling timing indicates the timing when rolling of dice140inside the dice rolling device103is started.

The communication interface155is connected to the CPU151. The communication interface155is also connected to the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101. Specifically, the CPU151transmits various types of information and control signals with respect to the terminals105through the communication interface155. Further, the CPU151can receive the information (for instance, bet information) and the control signals from the terminals105through the communication interface155.

Further, the CPU151constituting the main control unit150is connected to the dice rolling device103. As was described earlier, the dice rolling device103has a dice rolling motor112and a rolling result detection device115. Accordingly, the CPU151can drive and control the dice rolling motor112by transmitting a predetermined control signal to the dice rolling device103. Specifically, the CPU151can cause the dice140to roll and stop in the dice rolling device103. The rolling result detection device115can identify a rolling result indicating the spots on the stopped dice140. Accordingly, the CPU151can acquire the rolling result information based on the spots on the dice140as identified by the rolling result detection device115(S1011).

Next, the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101will be described in detail while referring to the drawing.FIG. 21is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a terminal105.

The terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101all have the same configuration. Accordingly, the internal configuration of one terminal105will be described in detail. Description of the other terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101will hereby be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 21, the terminal105has a terminal controller170. This terminal controller170controls the various functions of the terminal105. The terminal controller170has a terminal CPU171, a terminal ROM172and a terminal RAM173.

The terminal CPU171is a central processing unit with respect to control made by the terminal controller170. Specifically, the terminal CPU171plays a central role in the control with respect to the terminal105. More specifically, the terminal CPU171controls the terminal105by executing various types of programs stored in the terminal ROM172. For instance, the terminal CPU171carries out control with respect to the dice game (for instance, control with respect to acceptance of bet operation and payment of payout) by executing the dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 23andFIG. 24) as will be described later.

The terminal ROM172stores various types of programs to be executed in the terminal CPU171. More specifically, the terminal ROM172stores dice game execution process programs (refer toFIG. 23andFIG. 24) and the like. The terminal ROM172stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon execution of the various programs.

The terminal ROM172also stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine1, the terminal CPU171executes the BIOS stored in the terminal ROM172. As a result, the terminal CPU171initializes the peripheral devices constituting the terminals105. The terminal CPU171authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the terminal CPU171checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of power application.

The terminal RAM173temporarily stores the results of the processing executed in the terminal CPU171. Specifically, the terminal RAM173temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, bet information based on the players' bet operation). The terminal RAM173temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, payout information transmitted from the main control unit150and the like).

The terminal CPU171is connected with the control panel107. As was described earlier, the control panel107has a BET determination button120, a CASHOUT button121and a HELP button122. Specifically, the BET determination button120, the CASHOUT button121and the HELP button122are each connected to the terminal CPU171. Accordingly, when a player operates the BET determination button120, the CASHOUT button121and the HELP button122, a control signal based on each such operation can be inputted to the terminal CPU171. The terminal CPU171can thus carry out control in accordance with the button that was operated, based on the operation signal thus inputted.

The terminal CPU171is connected with the liquid crystal display108through a liquid crystal driving circuit174. The liquid crystal driving circuit174serves as a control circuit with respect to display on the liquid crystal display108. The liquid crystal driving circuit174is made up of a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM, etc. The program ROM stores various types of selection tables and image control programs regarding display on the liquid crystal display108. The image ROM stores dot data. This dot data is used for forming images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display108. The image control CPU determines images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display108from the dot data stored in the image ROM, based on the parameters set in the terminal CPU171and the image control program. The work RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. The VDP forms images in accordance with the display contents determined by the image control CPU. The VDP outputs the images thus formed to the liquid crystal display108. The video RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time images are formed in the VDP.

As was described earlier, the liquid crystal display108has a touch panel125provided at a front face thereof. As is shown inFIG. 21, the terminal CPU171is connected with the touch panel125. The touch panel125detects the coordinate information corresponding to a portion touched by the player. Accordingly, the touch panel125can identify a player's operation with respect to the touch panel125based on the coordinate information. The operation information indicating a player's operation with respect to the touch panel125is transmitted from the touch panel125to the terminal CPU171.

In the dice gaming machine1according to the second embodiment, when the betting board130is displayed on the liquid crystal display108(refer toFIG. 22), the players select the bet areas135making up the betting board130and depress the unit BET button131using the touch panel125. Accordingly, information with respect to the bet areas135thus selected and the unit BET button131is transmitted from the touch panel125to the terminal CPU171.

The terminal CPU171is connected with the speaker110through a sound circuit175. The sound circuit175carries out control with respect to sound output from speaker110based on the control signal transmitted from the terminal CPU171. The speaker110outputs various effect sounds in accordance with the progress of the dice game. As a result, the dice gaming machine101can execute effects in accordance with the progress of the dice game at each terminal105.

The terminal CPU171is connected with a hopper176and a medal sensor177. The hopper176pays out medals to the cash out port109based on the control signal from the terminal CPU171. The medal sensor177detects the medals paid out from the hopper176. As a result, the terminal CPU171can pay out a predetermined number of medals to the players by controlling the hopper176and the medal sensor177.

Next, a detailed description will be given with respect to the game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display108in the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment, while referring to the drawings.FIG. 22is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display108.

As shown inFIG. 22, the game screen displayed on the liquid crystal display108includes the betting board130. Here, when a dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) is played, the players bet gaming values with respect to the spots on the stopped three dice40. The betting board130is used by the player in betting the gaming values.

The betting board130has a plurality of bet areas135. Each bet area135is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio (e.g., base payout magnification ratio). The winning condition is the condition determined by the stopped three dice140. The base payout magnification ratio shows the payout amount to be paid out in return to the unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) bet, in a case where spots on the stopped three dice140satisfy the winning condition of the bet area135.

More specifically, the betting board130has eight types of bet areas135. Specifically, the betting board130has a small bet area135A, a big bet area135B, a specific double bet area135C, a specific triple bet area135D, an any triple bet area135E, a total bet area135F, a combination bet area135G and a number bet area135H.

The small bet area135A and the big bet area135B are bet areas in each of which a condition is defined with a range of values as a result of adding up the spots on the stopped dice140(hereinafter referred to as total value). More specifically, the winning condition of the small bet area135A is that “the total value is in a range between 4 and 10”. The base payout magnification ratio of the small bet area135A is set to 1:1 (two medals are paid out in return to a win with one medal placed as a bet). Alternatively, the winning condition of the big bet area135B is that “the total value is in a range between 11 and 17”. The base payout magnification ratio of the big bet area135B is also set to 1:1.

The specific double bet area135C is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of spots on the stopped dice140. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific double bet area135C is satisfied if “amongst the three dice140which are stopped, the spots on two dice140are the same, and the spots on these two dice140correspond to specific spots”. The betting board130has six specific double bet areas135C. Accordingly, if the spots on two dice140from amongst the three dice140are “1,1”, “2,2”, “3,3” . . . or “6,6”, the winning condition for one specific double bet area135C is satisfied (refer toFIG. 22). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific double bet area135C is set to 1:10.

The specific triple bet area135D is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined a combination of the stopped three dice140. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific triple bet area135D is satisfied if “the spots on the three dice140which are stopped are the same and the spots on the three dice140correspond to specific spots”. The betting board130has six specific triple bet areas135D. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice140are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning condition for one specific triple bet area135D is satisfied (refer toFIG. 22). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific triple bet area135D is set to 1:180.

The any triple bet area135E is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped three dice140. More specifically, the winning combination of the any triple bet area135E is satisfied if “the spots on the stopped dice140are all the same”. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice140are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning combination of the any triple bet area135E is satisfied (refer toFIG. 22). The base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area135E is set to 1:30.

The total bet area135F is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a total value of the spots on the stopped three dice140. More specifically, the winning combination of the total bet area135F is satisfied if “the total value is a specific value”. As shown inFIG. 22, the betting board130has fourteen total bet areas135F. Specifically, the betting board130has a total bet area135F corresponding to each total value “4”, “5” . . . “17”. As shown inFIG. 22, the base payout magnification ratio of each total bet area135F is set in accordance with the appearance frequency of the total value for each winning condition. For instance, if the winning condition for the total value “16” is the total bet area135F thus set, the base payout magnification ratio is 1:30.

The combination bet area135G is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped dice140. More specifically, the winning condition of the combination bet area135G is satisfied if “the spots on two dice140from amongst the stopped three dice140correspond to a specific combination”. As shown inFIG. 22, the betting board130has fifteen combination bet areas135G. The base payout magnification ratio for the combination bet area135G is set to 1:5.

The combination for the case that the spots on two dice140are the same is excluded from the combination bet area135G.

The number bet area135H is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with the spots' numbers on the dice140. More specifically, the winning combination of the number bet area135H is satisfied if “a specific spot is included in the spots on the stopped three dice140”. As shown inFIG. 22, the betting board130has six number bet areas135H. One number bet area135H corresponds to any of “1”, “2” . . . “6”. The base payout magnification ratio of the number bet area135H is set to “1:1”, “1:2”, “1:3”, in accordance with the number of dices showing the spots corresponding to the winning combination.

The game screen can include a cursor132and a chip mark133. The cursor132and the chip mark133are displayed on the betting board130in accordance with a player's operation. The cursor132shows the bet area135which is currently selected by the player. The chip mark133shows the amount of gaming values bet with respect to the bet area135(hereinafter referred to as bet amount). As shown inFIG. 22, the chip mark133shows the above-mentioned bet amount through the number displayed at the center of the chip mark133. The chip mark133is displayed on the bet area135. Specifically, the chip mark shows the bet area135onto which the bet is made through the location of its display.

Further, as shown inFIG. 22, the game screen includes a unit BET button131, a CORRECT button136, a payout result display portion137and a credit amount display portion138.

The unit BET button131is formed at a lower left side of the betting board130. The unit BET button131is used to set the bet amount with respect to the bet area135selected by the player.

As shown inFIG. 22, the unit BET button131is made up of 1 BET button131A, 5 BET button131B, 10 BET button131C and 100 BET button131D. The 1 BET button131A is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area135selected by the player by “1”. The 5 BET button131B is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area135selected by the player by “5”. The 10 BET button131C is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area135selected by the player by “10”. The 100 BET button131D is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area135selected by the player by “100”.

Each time the player carries out such operation, the unit BET button131adds a bet amount in accordance with such operation to the current bet amount.

The CORRECT button136is operated to cancel the bet area135already selected and the setting of the bet amount. If selection of the bet area135and setting of the bet amount are incorrect, the player can correct the bet area135and the bet amount by operating this CORRECT button136.

The payout result display portion137displays the total bet amount in the previous game and the payout amount in the previous game (the payout credit amount).

The credit amount display portion138displays the credit amount possessed by the player. The display contents of the credit amount display portion138are updated based on the bet with respect to the bet area135and award of the payout in the dice game.

Next, the bet operation carried out by the player using the game screen will be described. As was described earlier, the touch panel125is installed at a front face of the liquid crystal display108. The touch panel125transmits the coordinate information corresponding to the portion touched by the player to the terminal CPU171. Accordingly, if the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display108, the player can select the bet area135and set the bet amount using the touch panel125.

More specifically, the player first touches with his/her finger the touch panel125at the portion corresponding to the desired bet area135. As a result, the player selects the desired bet area135. At this time, the cursor132is displayed on the bet area135thus selected. Thereafter, the player touches with his/her finger the touch panel125at the portion corresponding to the unit BET button131. As a result, the player selects the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area135. Once the bet amount is selected, the chip mark133is displayed on the bet area135.

Next, a dice game execution process program to be executed in the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 23andFIG. 24are flow charts of the dice game execution process program.

The initial setting process executed in the main control unit150and the initial setting process executed in the terminal controller170of each terminal105are executed prior to the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the main control unit150and the terminal controller170end initialization of the peripheral devices and the program authentication process. These initial setting processes are heretofore known in the art. Therefore, description of the contents of such processes is hereby omitted.

First, the dice game execution process program in the main control unit150will be described in detail.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is started, the CPU151first executes the bet start signal transmission process (S1001). In the bet start signal transmission process (S1001), the CPU151transmits the bet start signal to the terminals5through the communication interface155. The bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the terminals105. The bet period is the period for accepting the players' bets for the gaming values with respect to the bet areas135at each terminal105. After the bet start signal is transmitted to the terminals105, the CPU151shifts the process to S1002.

Once the bet start signal is received, the terminal CPU171executes the game screen display process (S1102) and the bet operation acceptance process (S1103). This will be described in more detail later.

After shifting to S1002, the CPU151starts measuring the bet period. More specifically, the CPU151transmits the control signal to the timer154. As a result, the timer154starts measurement. After the control signal is transmitted to the timer154, the CPU151shifts the process to S1003.

At S1003, the CPU151judges whether the bet period has lapsed. More specifically, the CPU151references the measurement results of the timer154. The CPU151judges whether the predetermined period (e.g., bet period) has lapsed based on the measurement result of the timer154. If the bet period has lapsed (S1003: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to S1004. Alternatively, if the bet period has not lapsed yet (S1003: NO), the CPU151puts the process in stand-by until the bet period lapses.

At S1004, the CPU151executes the bet end signal transmission process. In the bet end signal transmission process (S1004), the CPU151transmits a bet end signal to the terminals105. The bet end signal serves to instruct ending of the bet period in each terminal105. In other words, the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets for gaming values in the terminal105is ended. After the bet end signal is transmitted to each terminal105, the CPU151shifts the process to S1005.

Once the bet end signal is received, the terminal CPU171ends the bet operation acceptance process (S1103). Accordingly, the terminal105ends acceptance of bets with respect to the bet area135. Thereafter, the terminal CPU171transmits the bet information based on the bet operation carried out in the bet operation acceptance process (S1103) to the main control unit150(S1105). This bet information includes information showing the bet area135on which the gaming value has been bet and information showing the bet amount bet on the bet area135in question. The bet information includes identification information showing the terminal105from which the bet information is transmitted.

After shifting to S1005, the CPU151executes the bet information reception process. In the bet information reception process (S1005), the CPU151receives the bet information transmitted from each terminal5through the communication interface155. The CPU151stores the bet information thus received in the RAM153. At this time, the CPU151classifies the bet information for each terminal105based on the identification information included in the bet information. Once the bet information reception process (S1005) ends, the CPU151shifts the process to S1006.

At S1006, the CPU151executes a chance lottery process. In this chance lottery process (S1006), the CPU151first executes a chance lottery process program (refer toFIG. 26) to be described later. More specifically, the CPU151determines whether to change the payout magnification ratio of each bet area135by a lottery. Thereafter, in the case of a win in the lottery (i.e., in the case of changing the payout magnification ratio), the CPU151identifies one target terminal from among terminals which participate in the game. The target terminal is the only terminal wherein payout magnification ratio for game(s) is changed from the base payout magnification ratio to the special payout magnification ratio. After the lottery in the chance lottery process (S1006), the CPU151stores the lottery result information in the RAM153. The lottery result information shows the lottery result of the chance lottery process (S1006). After storing the lottery result information in the RAM153, the CPU151shifts the process to S1007. The details of the chance lottery process (S1006) will be described will be described later by referring to drawings.

At S1007, the CPU151judges whether the dice rolling timing has arrived. The dice rolling timing shows the timing at which rolling of the three dice140is started in the dice rolling device103. More specifically, at S1007, the CPU151first references the measurement results of the timer154. Specifically, the CPU151carries out the judgment process at S1007based on the measurement result of timer154. When the dice rolling timing arrives (S1007: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to S1008. Alternatively, if the dice rolling timing has not yet arrived (S1007: NO), the CPU151puts the process in stand-by until such dice rolling timing arrives.

At S1008, the CPU151executes a dice rolling process. In this dice rolling process (S1008), the CPU151transmits a control signal to the dice rolling device103. As a result, the dice rolling motor112is driven and controlled. Accordingly, the three dice140are rolled inside the dice rolling device103. The three dice140which have been rolled are then stopped on the dice rolling board111. Once the dice rolling process ends, the CPU151shifts the process to S1009.

After shifting to S1009, the CPU151judges whether a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S1006). More specifically, the CPU151carries out the judgment process at S1009, by referencing the lottery result information stored in the RAM153. In the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S1009: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to S1010. Alternatively, in the case of no win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S1006) (S1009: NO), the CPU151shifts the process to S1011.

At S1010, the CPU151executes a winning information transmission process. In this winning information transmission process (S1010), the CPU151transmits the winning information to the target terminal identified in the chance lottery process (S1006) through the lottery. This winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery in the chance lottery process (S1006) and the “special payout magnification ratio” is to be used for calculating payout amount for the target terminal. In the winning information transmission process (S1010), the CPU151first generates the winning information based on the lottery result information stored in the RAM153. Thereafter, the CPU151identifies the target terminal based on the lottery result information. Thereafter, the CPU151transmits the winning information thus generated to the target terminal through the communication interface155. After transmitting the winning information to the target terminal, the CPU151shifts the process to S1011.

At S1011, the CPU151executes a rolling result acquisition process. In this rolling result acquisition process (S1011), the CPU151acquires the rolling result information showing the spots on the stopped three dice140, by controlling the rolling result detection device115of the dice rolling device103. More specifically, the CPU151transmits the control signal to the dice rolling device103. Upon receiving the control signal, the dice rolling device103acquires an image with an imaging device provided in the dice rolling device103. The acquired image includes the image of the stopped three dice140on the dice rolling board111. Thereafter, the dice rolling device103carries out a predetermined image process with respect to the acquired image by controlling the rolling result detection device115. As a result, the dice rolling device103can identify the spots on the three dice140which are stopped on the dice rolling board111. The dice rolling device103generates rolling result information showing the spots on the three dice140thus identified. The dice rolling device103then transmits the rolling result information thus generated to the CPU151. Once the rolling result information acquired from the dice rolling device103is stored in the RAM153, the CPU151shifts the process to S1012.

After shifting to S1012, the CPU151executes a payout amount determination process. In this payout amount determination process (S1012), the CPU151executes a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 29) as will be described later. In this payout amount determination process, the CPU151calculates the payout amount of each terminal105based on the rolling result information and the bet information of each terminal105. Here, in the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S1006), the CPU151changes the payout magnification ratio used in the payout amount determination process (S1012) for only the target terminal from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. Meanwhile, for the other non-target terminals105, the CPU151calculates each of their payout amounts using the “base payout magnification ratio”. The contents of the payout amount determination process (S1012) will next be described in detail. Once the payout amount determination process ends, the CPU151shifts the process to S1013.

At S1013, the CPU151executes a payout information transmission process. In this payout information transmission process (S1013), the CPU151transmits the payout information to each terminal105through the communication interface155. This payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S1012). After transmitting the payout information to each terminal105, the CPU151ends the payout information transmission process. The CPU151then ends the dice game execution process program in the main control unit150.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is ended, the CPU151restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the CPU151repeatedly executes the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine101.

Next, the dice game execution process program at each terminal105will next be described in detail.

Upon starting the dice game execution process program, the terminal CPU171first judges whether the bet start signal has been received (S1101). As was described earlier, the bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the dice gaming machine101. The bet start signal is transmitted from the main control unit150to each terminal105(S1001). If the bet start signal is received (S1101: YES), the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1102. As a result, the bet period in each terminal105is started. Alternatively, if the bet start signal has not yet been received (S1101: NO), the terminal CPU171puts the process in stand-by until the bet start signal is received.

After shifting to S1102, the terminal CPU171executes a game screen display process. In this game screen display process (S1102), the terminal CPU171transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit174. The game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display108based on the control of the liquid crystal driving circuit174(refer toFIG. 22). Once the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display108, the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1103.

At S1103, the terminal CPU171executes a bet operation acceptance process. In this bet operation acceptance process (S1103), the terminal CPU171accepts a player's operation using the touch panel125. More specifically, the terminal CPU171carries out various types of controls corresponding to a player's operation based on the operation signal transmitted from the touch panel. Such controls include control with respect to selecting the bet area135, control with respect to setting the bet amount corresponding to the selected bet area135and control corresponding to operation of the CORRECT button136.

If the bet area135is selected and the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area135is set, the terminal CPU171stores the bet information in the terminal RAM173. The bet information includes information with respect to the selected bet area135and information showing the bet amount of the bet area135.

In the next step S1104, the terminal CPU171judges whether the bet end signal has been received. As was described earlier, the bet end signal shows the end of the bet period. Specifically, reception of the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets in the current dice game ends. The bet end signal is transmitted from the main control unit150(S1004). If the bet end signal is received (S1104: YES), the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1105. Alternatively, if the bet end signal has not yet been received (S1104: NO), the terminal CPU171returns the process to the bet operation acceptance process (S1103). Thus, the player at each terminal105can bet a gaming value in the current game until the end of the bet period.

After shifting to S1105, the terminal CPU171executes a bet information transmission process. In this bet information transmission process (S1105), the terminal CPU171transmits the bet information stored in the terminal RAM173to the main control unit150. Here, the terminal CPU171adds identification information showing the terminal105in question to the bet information. After transmitting the bet information including the identification information, the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1106.

At S1106, the terminal CPU171judges whether the winning information has been received. As was described earlier, the winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S1006) and the terminal105in question has been identified as target terminal. This winning information is transmitted from the main control unit150to the target terminal through the communication interface155(S1010). If the winning information is received (S1106: YES), the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1107. Alternatively, if the winning information has not been received (S1106: NO), the terminal CPU171shifts the process to the payout process (S1108).

At S1107, the terminal CPU171executes the chance winning notification process. In the chance winning notification process (S1107), the terminal CPU171notifies the player that he/she has won in the chance lottery and the terminal at which he/she is seated has been identified to be the target terminal, through the display on the liquid crystal display108. More specifically, the terminal CPU171transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit174. As a result, the liquid crystal display108displays the chance lottery winning image180on the game screen (refer toFIG. 25). Once the chance winning notification process (S1107) ends, the terminal CPU171shifts the process to S1108.

As shown inFIG. 25, the chance lottery winning image180includes displaying a message that “as a result of winning in the chance lottery, the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas135is multiplied by the special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2)”. Specifically the chance lottery winning image180notifies the player of the fact that the payout magnification ratio used in calculating the payout has been changed from the “base payout magnification ratio” to the “special payout magnification ratio”. Accordingly, the player can understand that a win occurred in the chance lottery by looking at the chance lottery winning image180. As a result, the dice gaming machine101can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout.

It is to be noted that the chance lottery winning image180is displayed at only the liquid crystal display108of the target terminal among terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101. That is, in the case of no win in the chance lottery process (S1006) or in the case of no terminal105being identified to be a target terminal, in either case, the chance lottery winning image180is not displayed in the liquid crystal display108. Accordingly, only the player seated at the target terminal can recognize that his/her terminal has got a chance to win a high amount of payout. Therefore, the dice gaming machine101can bring the player at the target terminal a sense of superiority over other players at non-target terminals.

After shifting to S1108, the terminal CPU171executes a payout process. In this payout process (S1108), the terminal CPU171awards to the player a payout in the current dice game based on the payout information. As was described earlier, the payout information is transmitted from the main control unit150to each terminal105(S1013). The payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S1012). Accordingly, the terminal CPU171adds the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S1012) to the credit amount possessed by the player. The payout amount can also be awarded in the form of medals which are paid out from the cash out port109. That is, in the case the terminal105in question has been identified to be the target terminal, the terminal CPU171pays out a payout amount calculated based on the “special payout magnification ratio”. Alternatively, in the case the terminal105in question has not been identified to be the target terminal, the terminal CPU171pays out a payout amount calculated based on the “base payout magnification ratio”. Once the payout process ends, the terminal CPU171ends the dice game execution process program in the terminal105.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program ends, the terminal CPU171restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the terminal CPU171can repeatedly execute the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine101.

Next, there will be described a chance lottery process program to be executed by the CPU151at the chance lottery process (S1006) by referring to drawings.FIG. 26is a flow chart of the chance lottery process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit150, the CPU151executes a participant terminal detecting process (S1021) upon shifting the process to the chance lottery process (S1006). In the participant terminal detecting process, the CPU151detects participant terminal(s) from among all the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101. A participant terminal corresponds to a terminal105which participates in a current dice game. That is, a participant terminal refers to a terminal105where a bet is placed on a bet area135in a current dice game. More specifically, the CPU151detects terminal(s)105where a gaming value is bet on a bet area135based on bet information stored in the RAM153. As was described earlier, the bet information received at the bet information reception process (S1005) includes identification information of the terminal105which has transmitted the bet information. Each piece of bet information stored in the RAM153is classified into each terminal105, based on the identification information. Accordingly, the CPU151can detect participant terminal(s) by referring to the bet information stored in the RAM153. Once the participant terminal detecting process ends, the CPU151shifts the process to S1022.

In S1022, the CPU151executes a chance-lottery-table making-up process. In this chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022), the CPU151makes up a chance lottery table to be used at a chance lottery execution process (S1023) to be described later, based on a detection result obtained at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021). The details of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022) will be described later. Upon storing the thus made up chance lottery table (e.g., refer toFIG. 27) in the RAM153, the CPU151shifts the process to S1023.

After shifting the process to S1023, the CPU151executes a chance lottery execution process. In this chance lottery execution process, the CPU151determines whether to calculate a payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio” through a lottery. More specifically, the CPU151extracts a random number value from a predetermined range of random number values (e.g., between 0 and 2047) by executing a lottery program. Thereafter, the CPU151determines a chance lottery result based on the extracted random number value and the chance lottery table (e.g., refer toFIG. 27). It is to be noted that the chance lottery table is a table made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022). The chance lottery result includes both “chance lottery result: win” and “chance lottery result: lose”. This “chance lottery result: win” means that payout magnification ratio of all the bet area135constituting the betting board130is changed when payout amount is calculated with respect to one terminal105identified from participant terminals (i.e., target terminal). Meanwhile, the “chance lottery result: lose” means that the base payout magnification ratio defined for each of the bet area is used when payout amount is calculated with respect to all the terminals105. After storing the chance lottery result in the RAM153, the CPU151shifts the process to S1024.

At S1024, the CPU151judges whether the lottery results in a win or not in the chance lottery execution process (S1023). More specifically, the CPU151executes the judgment process of S1024by referring to the lottery result stored in the RAM153. In the case the lottery at the chance lottery execution process (S1023) results in a win (S1024: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to S1025. Alternatively in the case the lottery at the chance lottery execution process (S1023) results in no win (S1024: NO), the CPU151ends the chance lottery process program as is.

At S1025, the CPU151executes a target-terminal-identification-table making-up process. At this target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025), the CPU151makes up a target terminal identification table to be used at a target terminal identification process (S1026) to be described later. More specifically, the CPU151makes up the target terminal identification table (e.g., refer toFIG. 28) based on a detection result obtained at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021). That is, the CPU151associates each of the participant terminals detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021) with a random number value range (refer toFIG. 28). The details of the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025)will be described later. Once storing the thus made up target terminal identification table in the RAM153, the CPU151shifts the process to S1026.

After shifting the process to S1026, the CPU151executes a target terminal identification process. In this target terminal identification process (S1026), the CPU151identifies one target terminal from participant terminals by referring to the target terminal identification table made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025). More specifically, the CPU151extracts a random number value from a predetermined range of random number values (e.g., between 0 and 2047) by executing a lottery program. Thereafter, the CPU151identifies one target terminal from participant terminals by referring to the target terminal identification table. Thereafter, the CPU151makes up winning information based on both information indicating the thus identified target terminal and information indicating a win at the chance lottery execution process (S1023). Upon storing the winning information in the RAM153, the CPU151ends the chance lottery process execution program.

Here will be described making-up of the chance lottery table at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022) and making-up of the target terminal identification table at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025), by referring to drawings.

It is preferable not to exceed “1” (i.e., 100%) for any expected value of any of the bet areas135set for each of the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101according to the second embodiment, even if a target terminal is present. This is because a game arcade which installs the dice gaming machine101receives damage of expense more than necessary, if there is a bet area135of which expected value exceeds “1”.

Here, an expected value of each bet area135can be obtained by multiplying the following three factors: the amount of unit gaming value (specifically, “bet amount: 1”); the payout magnification ratio (either base payout magnification ratio or special payout magnification ratio) of the bet area135in question; and the dice winning probability of the bet area135. The winning probability of the bet area135is the probability that the winning condition of the bet area135in question is satisfied in one dice game. For instance, the probability of a certain specific triple bet area135D is “1/216”.

The expected value of each bet area135at a normal time (specifically, in the case of non-target terminal) on the betting board130according to the second embodiment ranges from “0.65 to 0.9722” (e.g., 65% to 97.22%). Specifically, in the case of using the base payout magnification ratio, the maximum expected value is “97.22%”. Accordingly, if, as a result of changing the payout magnification ratio, the expected value of the bet area135corresponding to this maximum value does not exceed “100%”, none of the expected values for all the bet areas135will exceed “100%”.

For instance, the dice gaming machine101can provide a dice game which makes a target terminal present with a probability that a total of expected values which is synthesis of expected values of respective bet areas135set for all the terminals105(referred as “synthetic expected value”, hereinafter) is made to increased by 2%. Following the above, a synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present is “0.9922” (i.e., 99.22%). That is, in this case, the synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present does not exceed “1” (i.e., 100%).

The probability that the synthetic expected value is made to increase by 2% is a probability obtained by dividing the number of target terminal(s) by that of all the participant terminals. That is, if it goes with a probability that one target terminal is identified from fifty participant terminals (i.e., 1/50), there is satisfied a condition that a synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present is smaller than “1”. In other words, the condition regarding the above-mentioned synthetic expected value is satisfied with a 1/50 (i.e., 2%) of probability that one target terminal is made present in the chance lottery process (S1006).

As was described earlier, in the chance lottery process (S1006), the CPU151executes the chance lottery execution process (S1023) and the target terminal identification process (S1026). The chance lottery execution process (S1023) is a process to determine whether or not a target terminal is made present based on the chance lottery table. The target terminal identification process (S1026) is a process to identify one target terminal from current participant terminals based on the target terminal identification table in the case it has been determined that a target terminal is made present. Accordingly, it is necessary that a probability based on the chance lottery table and a probability based on target terminal identification table be correlatively considered and set so that the above mentioned condition of “1/50” can be induced. The probability based on the chance lottery table is a probability that a target terminal is made present. The probability based on the target terminal identification table is a probability that a certain terminal105is identified to be a target terminal among from current participant terminals. That is, the probability based on the target terminal identification table corresponds to 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S1021)”. The probability based on the chance lottery table corresponds to “the number of current participant terminals”/50.

There will be specifically described on detailed contents of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022) and the chance lottery table based on a case where five current participant terminals have been detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021), in line with the above-mentioned probabilities. In this exemplary case, it is assumed that the CPU151has detected a “first terminal”, a “second terminal”, a “fifth terminal”, a “ninth terminal” and a “tenth terminal” at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021).

In this case, the probability based on the chance lottery table needs to be 5/50 for satisfying the condition with regard to the above-mentioned synthetic expected value. Accordingly, the CPU151associates “chance lottery result: win” with a random number value range of “0-204” out of the predetermined random number value range “0-2047”. The CPU151associates “chance lottery result: lose” with a random number value range of “205-2047” (refer toFIG. 27). As was described earlier, the thus made up chance lottery table is used for executing the chance lottery execution process (S1023). Accordingly, at the chance lottery execution process (S1023) in this case, the probability for one target terminal to be made present is approximately “5/50” (refer toFIG. 27).

Not to mention, contents of the chance lottery table to be made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S1021. For instance, in the case there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU151makes up a chance lottery table so that the probability for one target terminal to be made present should be “2/50” (S1022).

Next, there will be described on contents of the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025) and the target terminal identification table by referring to drawings.

As was described earlier, the probability based on the target terminal identification table needs to be 1/5 for satisfying the condition with regard to the above-mentioned synthetic expected value. Accordingly, the CPU151associates each participant terminal detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S1021) with a constant range of random number values (refer toFIG. 28). In this case, the CPU151associates the “fifth terminal” detected as a participant terminal with a “random number value range: 800-1199”. The thus made up target terminal identification table is used for executing the target terminal identification process (S1026). Accordingly, at the participant terminal detecting process (S1026) in this case, the probability that each of the five participant terminals is identified to be a target terminal should be equally set to “1/5” (refer toFIG. 28).

Not to mention, contents of the participant terminal identification table to be made up at the participant-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S1021. For instance, in the case there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU151makes up a participant terminal identification table so that the probability that each of the two participant terminal is identified to be a target terminal should be “1/2” (S1025).

As was described earlier, the CPU151executes the chance lottery execution process (S1023) based on the chance lottery table made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022), and further executes the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1026) based on the target terminal identification table made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025). Accordingly, in the dice gaming machine101, a synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present will not exceed “1” (i.e., 100%). That is, even if the chance lottery process (S1006) is executed, an expected value of any bet area135is equal to or lower than “1”. As a result, even if a chance lottery process (S1006) is configured to bring large amount of payout, the dice gaming machine101does not get rid of essential game characteristics from dice game (i.e., Sic Bo) seriously. Moreover, the dice gaming machine101can surely secure profit of a game arcade that installs the dice gaming machine101.

Next, the payout amount determination process program to be executed by the CPU151in the payout amount determination process (S1012) will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 29is a flow chart of the payout amount determination process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit150, after shifting to the payout amount determination process (S1012), the CPU151executes a winning bet area identification process (S1031). In the winning bet area identification process (S1031), the CPU151identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition set for each bet area135. The winning bet area is the bet area135whose specified winning condition is satisfied by the spots on the stopped dice140. As was described earlier, the rolling result information shows the spots on the three stopped dice140which have been identified by the rolling result detection unit115. Accordingly, the CPU151identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition of each bet area135. After identifying the winning bet area, the CPU151shifts the process to S1032.

After shifting to S1032, the CPU151sets one terminal selected from all the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101as payout amount calculation target. The terminal selected as payout amount calculation target will be termed as “calculation target terminal”, hereinafter. After setting the calculation target terminal, the CPU151shifts the process to S1033.

After shifting to S1033, the CPU151judges whether or not any of the bets placed by the calculation target terminal coincides with a winning bet. The winning bet refers to the gaming values bet on the winning bet area identified in the winning bet area identification process (S1031). More specifically, the CPU151carries out the judgment process at S1033based on the bet information of the calculation target terminal stored in the RAM153. If a winning bet has been made (S1033: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to S1034.

Alternatively, if none of the bets are winning bets (S1033: NO), the CPU151sets the payout amount of the calculation target terminal to “0”. Thereafter, the CPU151shifts the process to S1037. Here, the case that none of the bets are winning bets includes the case that no bets for gaming values are made with respect to the bet area135and the case that all gaming values are bet with respect to a bet area135other than the winning bet area.

At S1034, the CPU151judges whether or not the calculation target terminal coincides with a “target terminal”. More specifically, the CPU151judges whether or not the calculation target terminal has won in the chance lottery execution process (S1023) and coincides with a terminal105identified at the target terminal identification process (S1026). More specifically, the CPU151carries out the judgment process at S1034based on the winning information stored in the RAM153. In the case the calculation target terminal coincides with the “target terminal” (S1034: YES), the CPU151shifts the process to a payout magnification ratio change process (S1035). Alternatively, in the case the calculation target terminal dose not coincide with the “target terminal” (S1034: NO), the CPU151shifts the process to S1036.

At S1035, the CPU151executes the payout magnification ratio change process. In the payout magnification ratio change process (S1035), the CPU151changes the payout magnification ratio of all bet areas135constituting the betting board130. At this time, the CPU151changes the payout magnification ratio of all the bet areas135, with respect to only the calculation target terminal which corresponds to “target terminal”. More specifically, the CPU151multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas135constituting the betting board130by the special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2). As a result, the payout magnification ratio of each bet area135is changed from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. After the payout magnification ratio of each bet area135is changed to the “special payout magnification ratio”, the CPU151shifts the process to S1036.

After shifting to S1036, the CPU151executes a payout amount calculation process. In this payout amount calculation process (S1036), the CPU151calculates the payout amount in the current game with respect to the calculation target terminal. More specifically, the CPU151calculates the payout amount of the calculation target terminal in the current game by executing the following processes for the calculation target terminal.

In the case the calculation target terminal coincides with a “target terminal”, the CPU151calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “special magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU151multiplies the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. In the case the calculation target terminal does not coincide with a “target terminal”, the CPU151calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “base payout magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU151multiplies the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. If bets of gaming values are made with respect to a plurality of winning bet areas, the CPU151calculates a payout amount corresponding to each winning bet area.

The CPU151sets the payout amount corresponding to the bet areas other than the winning bet area to “0”. The CPU151adds up the payout amounts of the bet areas calculated through the processes described above so as to calculate payout amount of the calculation target terminal. Thereafter, the CPU151stores the information showing the payout amount of the calculation target terminal (termed as “payout amount information” hereinafter) in the RAM153. The payout amount6information constitutes payout information of the calculation target terminal. Thereafter, the CPU151shifts the process to S1037.

After shifting to S1037, the CPU151judges whether or not calculation of payout amounts has been finished with respect to all the terminals105constituting the dice gaming machine101. More specifically, the CPU151executes the judgment process of S1037by referring to the payout amount information stored in the RAM153. In the case calculation of payout amounts has been finished with respect to all the terminals105(S1037: YES), the CPU151finishes the payout amount determination process program. As shown inFIG. 24, after finishing the payout amount determination process (S1012), the CPU151shifts the process to the payout information transmission process (S1013). In the case calculation of payout amounts has not been finished with respect to all the terminals105(S1037: NO), the CPU151reverts the process to the payout-calculation-target setting process (S1032). In this case, the CPU151sets a terminal105of which payout amount has not yet been calculated, as new calculation target terminal. Then, the CPU151executes processes concerning payout amount calculation of the new calculation target terminal (S1033through S1036).

As was described earlier, in the payout information transmission process (S1013), the CPU151transmits the payout information showing the payout amount thus calculated, from the main control unit150to each terminal105. In each terminal105, the terminal CPU171executes the payout process (S1108) based on the payout information thus received.

In the case the terminal105in question does not coincides with a target terminal, the player of the terminal105can win a payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. Alternatively, in the case the terminal105in question coincides with a target terminal, the player can win a payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “special magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”. Accordingly, in the case the terminal in question coincides with a target terminal, the player at the target terminal can be awarded a larger payout amount as compared to the case of non-target terminal.

As described, once acceptance of bets of gaming values on bet areas135ends, the dice gaming machine101according the second embodiment executes the chance lottery process (S1006). At the chance lottery process (S1006), the dice gaming machine101first executes the chance lottery execution process (S1023) by referring to a chance lottery table made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022). In the chance lottery execution process (S1023), the dice gaming machine101determines whether or not a “chance to calculate a payout amount based on a special magnification ratio” is won in a lottery which refers to the chance lottery table. In the case of a win in the lottery of the chance lottery execution process (S1023), the dice gaming machine101then executes the target terminal identification process (S1026) by using a target terminal identification table made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025). In the target terminal identification process (S1026), the dice gaming machine101identifies one target terminal from participant terminals of a current dice game.

In the case of a win in the chance lottery execution process, the dice gaming machine101calculates payout amount of the target terminal (S1035and S1036). More specifically, the payout amount of the target terminal is obtained by multiplying bet amount bet on a winning bet area by the special payout magnification ratio. The dice gaming machine101also calculates payout amount of each of non-target terminals (S1036). More specifically, the payout amount of each of the non-target terminals is obtained by multiplying bet amount bet on a winning bet area by the base payout magnification ratio. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”.

As a result, each player acquires payout amount calculated at the payout amount calculation process (S1036) as a prize for the current game. That is, in the case a terminal105is identified to be a target terminal, the player at the target terminal can acquire larger amount of payout. As a result, the dice gaming machine101can meet players' desire to win larger amount of payout.

The dice gaming machine101executes the chance lottery execution process (S1023) by using the chance lottery table (refer toFIG. 27) made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S1022). Moreover, the dice gaming machine101executes the target terminal identification process (S1026) by using the target terminal identification table (refer toFIG. 28) made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S1025).

At S1022and S1025, the dice gaming machine101makes up a chance lottery table and the target terminal identification table while keeping the condition that “the synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present is smaller than ‘1’”. Therefore, even if the dice gaming machine1has awarded a chance to win large payout along with a chance lottery, the dice gaming machine101can keep the possibility to secure sufficient profit with respect to all the bet areas135. That is, the dice gaming machine101can sufficiently secure profit of a game arcade which installs the dice gaming machine101.

Moreover, in the case a target terminal is made present, the dice gaming machine101displays the chance lottery wining image180on the game screen of the target terminal (S1107). As shown inFIG. 25, the chance lottery winning image180serves to notify that this terminal has been identified to be a target terminal and this terminal has acquired a chance to win large amount of payout. Accordingly, the player at the target terminal can recognize that this terminal has been identified to be a target terminal and this terminal has acquired a chance to win large amount of payout by looking at the chance lottery winning image180. As a result, the dice gaming machine1can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout with the notification by the chance lottery winning image180.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various improvements and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For instance, the dice gaming machine101according to the present invention can use plural types of special magnification ratios when the base payout magnification ratio is changed to a special magnification ratio.

More specifically, a first special magnification ratio (e.g., “×2”) and a second special magnification ratio (e.g., “×4”) can be used. In this case, it is also preferable that a lottery winning probability satisfies the condition that a synthetic expected value when a target terminal is present is lower than “1”. For instance, provided that an occurrence probability to multiply the base payout magnification ratio of a target terminal by the first special magnification ratio is set to “1/100” and an occurrence probability to multiply the base payout magnification ratio of a target terminal by the second special magnification ratio is set to “1/400”, the dice gaming machine is allowed to identify a target terminal by applying proper one of lottery winning probabilities to make a synthetic expected value lower than “1”.

Further, in the example described above, the special magnification ratio is set to “×2” or “×4”. However, the special magnification ratio is not limited to the above values. Various other values can be adopted as the special magnification ratio as long as the player can be awarded a larger payout.

In the payout magnification ratio change process (S1035) described in the second embodiments, the CPU151changes the payout magnification ratio of each bet area135by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio. Multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio is not limited to the payout magnification ratio change process (S1035). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio can be stored in advance in a memory. In this case, in the payout magnification ratio change process (S1035), the CPU151reads out the special payout magnification ratio from the memory and changes the “base payout magnification ratio” in each bet area135to the corresponding “special payout magnification ratio”. The dice gaming machine101can thus reduce the processing burden with respect to the payout magnification ratio change process (S1035).

The dice gaming machine according to the second embodiment identifies one target terminal among from participant terminals based on a lottery (S1026). In the present invention, the manner to identify a target terminal, however, is not limited to lottery. The present invention can apply various manners of target-terminal identification as long as one target terminal can be identified anyhow.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the target terminal identification table is made up in such a fashion that probability that each participant terminal is identified to be a target terminal is set equally (refer toFIG. 28). In this regard, probability setting, however, is not limited to the above-mentioned fashion. For instance, the target terminal identification table may be made up in such a fashion that “identified-to-be-target-terminal probability” is made different by each participant terminal. For instance, the “identified-to-be-target-terminal probability” is made different depending on large or small of bet amount for a current game.

The present invention can also be realized as a gaming method for executing the above-described processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such gaming method, and a recording medium onto which such program is recorded.

Here, characteristics of a dice gaming machine201will be described. A dice game which is called “Sic Bo” is played in the dice gaming machine201. In “Sic-Bo”, three dice240are rolled. Players predict the result of dice rolling (specifically, the spots on the three dice240). Also, the players bet gaming values on a betting board230based on their prediction.

Here, the betting board230is made up of a plurality of bet areas235(refer toFIG. 36etc.). Each bet area235is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio. The winning condition is a condition defined by spot(s) on some or all of the three dice240. If the spots on the rolled dice240satisfy the winning condition, the player who placed a bet on this bet area235wins a prize. The payout magnification ratio is used for determining the contents of the prize which is thus awarded. More specifically, the payout magnification ratio defines the magnification ratio of the prize (payout amount) to be awarded with respect to a unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) thus bet. Specifically, players bet gaming values with respect to a bet area235corresponding to their prediction as described above.

If the spots on the rolled dice240satisfy the winning condition defined for the bet area on which a bet is placed by the player, the player wins a prize. The prize in this case is determined by multiplying the amount of gaming value bet by the player by the payout magnification ratio of the bet area235in question.

Here, once reception of gaming value bets ends, the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment executes a chance lottery process (S2008). If the result of the chance lottery is “chance lottery result: win”, the dice gaming machine201identifies one target terminal among from terminals205that participate in the current dice game (S2036). After that, the dice gaming machine201changes the payout magnification ratio to be used in determining the prize contents of the target terminal (S2045). More specifically, for the target terminal only, the dice gaming machine201multiplies the payout magnification ratio set for all bet areas by a special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Accordingly, in the case of a win in a chance lottery, a player seated at the target terminal can be awarded twice the payout amount as compared to normal times (specifically, in the case of no win in chance lottery).

The result of this chance lottery is applied only to the target terminal identified at the chance lottery process (S2008). Specifically, in the case of a win in the chance lottery, the player at the target terminal can win a larger payout amount than usual on condition that the winning condition is satisfied in a bet area235on which he/she placed a bet. It is to be noted that a player at a non-target terminal can win a payout amount based on a base payout magnification ratio on condition that the winning condition is satisfied in a bet area235on which he/she placed a bet.

In the third embodiment, the payout magnification ratio includes a base payout magnification ratio and a special payout magnification ratio. The base payout magnification ratio is the payout magnification ratio set for each bet area235. The base payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize (e.g., payout amount) if no win occurs in the chance lottery. The special payout magnification ratio is the changed payout magnification ratio set for each bet area235, which is obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize set for the target terminal in the case of a win in the chance lottery.

Here, the dice gaming machine201updates income information when the acceptance of bets from players ends. The income information refers to income based on the gaming values bet by players. The dice gaming machine201updates outgo information when awarding of a prize (prizes) (that is, payout amount) to a player (players) ends. The outgo information refers to outgo based on the prize-awarding to a player (players).

The dice gaming machine201then calculates a balance at the dice gaming machine201based on the income information and the outgo information (S2021). The dice gaming machine201changes a chance lottery table used at the chance lottery process (S2008) based on the balance. Specifically, the dice gaming machine201sets a condition for making-up a chance lottery table (i.e., later-described base probability, first reference probability or second reference probability) based on the calculated balance (S2001). Then, the dice gaming machine201makes up a chance lottery table based on the making-up condition thus set (S2033). Thus, the dice gaming machine can change the probability of awarding a chance to obtain larger amount of payout based on the balance of the dice gaming machine201.

Next, a schematic configuration of the dice gaming machine201will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 31is a schematic diagram showing an outer appearance of the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 31, the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment has a cabinet202, a dice rolling device203and a plurality of terminals205(in the third embodiment, ten terminals). The cabinet202makes up the main part of the dice gaming machine201. The cabinet202houses mechanical components and electrical components such as a main control unit250and the like as will be described later.

The dice rolling device203is installed at a central portion on an upper face of the cabinet202. The dice rolling device203has a dice box. The dice box houses three dice240therein. The three dice240are rolled inside the dice box and are then stopped. The configuration of the dice rolling device203will be described in detail later.

The terminals205are installed at the periphery of the dice rolling device203. The terminals205each have a liquid crystal display208. The terminals205are used in a player's operation with respect to the dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) played in the dice gaming machine201. Specifically, players enter the dice game played in the dice gaming machine201by using the terminals205.

In the third embodiment, the ten terminals205each constituting the dice gaming machine201are termed “first terminal” through “tenth terminal”.

The terminals205each have a medal acceptance device206, a control panel207and a liquid crystal display208. The medal acceptance device206accepts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, inserted by the player. Specifically, in the case of playing the dice game, the player inserts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, in the medal acceptance device206. The gaming values thus inserted are stored as credit. The player places a bet onto a bet area235using such credit.

The control panel207is installed at a lower side of the medal acceptance device206. This control panel207has a plurality of operation buttons. More specifically, the control panel207also has a BET determination button220, a CASHOUT button221and a HELP button222.

The BET determination button220is operated by the player to determine a bet operation. Specifically, the player operates the BET determination button220to determine the bet area235which will be the bet target and the amount of gaming values to be bet with respect to the bet area235(hereinafter referred to as bet amount).

The CASHOUT button221is operated by the player to request payout of the credits he/she possesses. When this CASHOUT button221is operated, medals are paid out from a cash out port209in accordance with the number of credits that the player possesses.

The HELP button222is operated in the case the operation method and the rules of the game are unclear. When the HELP button222is operated, the dice gaming machine1displays a HELP screen containing explanations with respect to the game operation method and the like onto the liquid crystal display208.

The liquid crystal display208is a display device for displaying information with respect to the dice game. When the dice game is started, each liquid crystal display208displays an image of the betting board230. The touch panel225is arranged at a front face of the liquid crystal display208in each terminal205. Accordingly, the player carries out a bet operation with respect to the bet area235using this touch panel225.

Each terminal205has a cash out port209and a speaker210. The cash out port209is arranged at a lower side of the liquid crystal display208. This cash out port209serves to output medals. For instance, once the CASHOUT button221is operated, a number of medals corresponding to the credits the player possesses are paid out to the cash out port209. Speaker210is installed at a right upper side of the liquid crystal display208. The speaker210outputs sounds based on the progress of the game.

Next, the dice rolling device203installed in the dice gaming machine201will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 31, the dice rolling device203is installed at an upper face of the cabinet202. The dice rolling device203houses three dice240therein. The three dice240are rolled inside the dice rolling device203by controlling the operation of the dice rolling motor212as will be described later. The rolled dice240are then stopped on a dice rolling board211. The dice rolling device203is installed at a central portion of the cabinet202. Accordingly, players who are seated at the terminals205can see the dice240as they are being rolled inside the dice rolling device203and the spots on the dice240after these are stopped inside the dice rolling device203.

As shown inFIG. 32andFIG. 33, the dice rolling device203has a dice rolling board211, a dice rolling motor212, a cover member213and a rolling result detection unit215. The dice rolling board211moves up and down within a predetermined range inside the dice rolling device203(refer toFIG. 33). The dice rolling board211is connected to the dice rolling motor212. Specifically, the dice rolling board211moves up and down within the predetermined range based on driving and control of the dice rolling motor212.

As shown inFIG. 33, in the case of rolling the dice240, the dice rolling motor212causes the dice rolling board211to move upwards at a certain speed or faster. Once the dice rolling board211moves over a predetermined range, the board stops moving. Accordingly, the dice240on the dice rolling board211are thrown upwards and are thus rolled inside the dice rolling device203. As shown inFIG. 33, an inclined face is formed at the periphery of the dice rolling board211. Accordingly, the three dice240thus roll on the inclined face and then stop on the dice rolling board211.

The cover member213is formed in a hemispherical shape to cover the three dice240and the dice rolling board211(refer toFIG. 32andFIG. 33). Specifically, the three dice240are rolled inside a space defined by the upper face of the dice rolling board211and the inner face of the cover member213. The cover member213is made of a transparent acrylic material. Accordingly, the player can sufficiently see the dice240while being rolled inside the dice rolling device203and the dice240as stopped on the dice rolling board211.

The rolling result detection unit215is installed at a top of the cover member213(refer toFIG. 32andFIG. 33). The rolling result detection device215detects the spots on each die240which is stopped on the dice rolling board211(hereinafter referred to as rolling result). More specifically, the rolling result detection unit215acquires an image of each die240which is stopped on the dice rolling board211. The rolling result detection unit215identifies the spots on each die240by carrying out a predetermined image process with respect to the images thus acquired. Here, information showing the identified spots on the three dice240is referred to as rolling result information.

The image processing for identifying the spots on dice240is heretofore known in the art. Therefore, further description thereof will hereby be omitted.

Next, the internal configuration of the dice gaming machine1according to the third embodiment will be further described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 34is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the dice gaming machine according to the third embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 34, the dice gaming machine201has a main control unit250. The main control unit250controls the entire dice gaming machine201. The main control unit250has a CPU251, a ROM252and a RAM253.

The CPU251is a central processing unit with respect to control by the main control unit250. Specifically, the CPU251plays a central role in the control by the main control unit250. In other words, the CPU251controls the entire dice gaming machine201by executing the various programs stored in the ROM252. For instance, the CPU251progresses the dice game in the dice gaming machine201by executing a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 37andFIG. 38) as will be described later.

The ROM252stores various types of programs to be executed in the CPU251. More specifically, the ROM252stores a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 37andFIG. 38), a reference probability setting process program (refer toFIG. 30), a chance lottery process program (refer toFIG. 40), a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 45) and a lottery program and the like. The ROM252also stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon executing various programs. Accordingly, the payout table and the like are also stored in the ROM252. In addition, the ROM252stores information representing a balance of the dice gaming machine201(i.e., later-described first reference value and second reference value).

The ROM252stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine201, the CPU251executes the BIOS stored in the ROM252. As a result, the CPU251initializes the peripheral devices constituting the dice gaming machine201. The CPU251authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the CPU251checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of applying power.

The RAM253temporarily stores the results of the processing executed by the CPU51. Specifically, the RAM253temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, lottery results of the chance lottery process and the like). The RAM253temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, bet information transmitted from the terminals205, rolling result information transmitted from the rolling result detection device215and the like).

Furthermore, the RAM253stores income information and outgo information. The income information refers to the total amount of gaming values bet by players through a predetermined number of games (for instance, 1,000 games). Accordingly, the income information is updated whenever the acceptance of bets for a new game (S2007) ends. The outgo information refers to the total amount of prizes paid out to players (i.e., payout amounts) through a predetermined number of games (for instance, 1,000 games). Accordingly, the outgo information is updated whenever payout for the new game is executed (S2016). The income information and the outgo information are referenced at the calculation of the balance in a reference probability setting process (S2001) to be later described.

The main control unit250has a timer254and a communication interface255. The timer254is a clock device which is connected to the CPU251. The CPU251references the measurement result of the timer254in the case of judging the lapse of the bet period and in the case of judging the arrival of rolling timing.

The bet period refers to the period of accepting the bet operation made by the players at the terminals205. Specifically, lapse of the bet period indicates that acceptance of bets for gaming values with respect to the bet area235has ended. Rolling timing indicates the timing when rolling of dice240inside the dice rolling device203is started.

The communication interface255is connected to the CPU251. The communication interface255is also connected to the terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201. Specifically, the CPU251transmits various types of information and control signals with respect to the terminals5through the communication interface255. Further, the CPU251can receive the information (for instance, bet information) and the control signals from the terminals205through the communication interface255.

Further, the CPU251constituting the main control unit250is connected to the dice rolling device203. As was described earlier, the dice rolling device203has a dice rolling motor212and a rolling result detection device215. Accordingly, the CPU251can drive and control the dice rolling motor212by transmitting a predetermined control signal to the dice rolling device203. Specifically, the CPU251can cause the dice240to roll and stop in the dice rolling device203. The rolling result detection device215can identify a rolling result indicating the spots on the stopped dice240. Accordingly, the CPU251can acquire the rolling result information based on the spots on the dice240as identified by the rolling result detection device215(S2011).

Next, the terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201will be described in detail while referring to the drawing.FIG. 35is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a terminal205.

The terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201all have the same configuration. Accordingly, the internal configuration of one terminal205will be described in detail. Description of the other terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201will hereby be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 35, the terminal205has a terminal controller270. This terminal controller270controls the various functions of the terminal205. The terminal controller270has a terminal CPU271, a terminal ROM272and a terminal RAM273.

The terminal CPU271is a central processing unit with respect to control made by the terminal controller270. Specifically, the terminal CPU271plays a central role in the control with respect to the terminal205. More specifically, the terminal CPU271controls the terminal205by executing various types of programs stored in the terminal ROM272. For instance, the terminal CPU271carries out control with respect to the dice game (for instance, control with respect to acceptance of bet operation and payment of payout) by executing the dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 37andFIG. 38) as will be described later.

The terminal ROM272stores various types of programs to be executed in the terminal CPU271. More specifically, the terminal ROM272stores dice game execution process programs (refer toFIG. 37andFIG. 38) and the like. The terminal ROM272stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon execution of the various programs.

The terminal ROM272also stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine201, the terminal CPU271executes the BIOS stored in the terminal ROM272. As a result, the terminal CPU271initializes the peripheral devices constituting the terminals205. The terminal CPU271authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the terminal CPU271checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of power application.

The terminal RAM273temporarily stores the results of the processing executed in the terminal CPU271. Specifically, the terminal RAM273temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, bet information based on the players' bet operation). The terminal RAM273temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, payout information transmitted from the main control unit250and the like).

The terminal CPU271is connected with the control panel207. As was described earlier, the control panel207has a BET determination button220, a CASHOUT button221and a HELP button222. Specifically, the BET determination button220, the CASHOUT button221and the HELP button222are each connected to the terminal CPU271. Accordingly, when a player operates the BET determination button220, the CASHOUT button221and the HELP button222, a control signal based on each such operation can be inputted to the terminal CPU271. The terminal CPU271can thus carry out control in accordance with the button that was operated, based on the operation signal thus inputted.

The terminal CPU271is connected with the liquid crystal display208through a liquid crystal driving circuit274. The liquid crystal driving circuit274serves as a control circuit with respect to display on the liquid crystal display208. The liquid crystal driving circuit274is made up of a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM, etc. The program ROM stores various types of selection tables and image control programs regarding display on the liquid crystal display208. The image ROM stores dot data. This dot data is used for forming images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display208. The image control CPU determines images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display208from the dot data stored in the image ROM, based on the parameters set in the terminal CPU271and the image control program. The work RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. The VDP forms images in accordance with the display contents determined by the image control CPU. The VDP outputs the images thus formed to the liquid crystal display208. The video RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time images are formed in the VDP.

As was described earlier, the liquid crystal display208has a touch panel225provided at a front face thereof. As is shown inFIG. 35, the terminal CPU271is connected with the touch panel225. The touch panel225detects the coordinate information corresponding to a portion touched by the player. Accordingly, the touch panel225can identify a player's operation-with respect to the touch panel225based on the coordinate information. The operation information indicating a player's operation with respect to the touch panel225is transmitted from the touch panel225to the terminal CPU271.

In the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment, when the betting board230is displayed on the liquid crystal display208(refer toFIG. 36), the players select the bet areas235making up the betting board230and depress the unit BET button231using the touch panel225. Accordingly, information with respect to the bet areas235thus selected and the unit BET button231is transmitted from the touch panel225to the terminal CPU271.

The terminal CPU271is connected with the speaker210through a sound circuit275. The sound circuit275carries out control with respect to sound output from speaker210based on the control signal transmitted from the terminal CPU271. The speaker210outputs various effect sounds in accordance with the progress of the dice game. As a result, the dice gaming machine201can execute effects in accordance with the progress of the dice game at each terminal205.

The terminal CPU271is connected with a hopper276and a medal sensor277. The hopper276pays out medals to the cash out port209based on the control signal from the terminal CPU271. The medal sensor277detects the medals paid out from the hopper276. As a result, the terminal CPU271can pay out a predetermined number of medals to the players by controlling the hopper276and the medal sensor277.

Next, a detailed description will be given with respect to the game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display208in the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment, while referring to the drawings.FIG. 36is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display208.

As shown inFIG. 36, the game screen displayed on the liquid crystal display208includes the betting board230. Here, when a dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) is played, the players bet gaming values with respect to the spots on the stopped three dice240. The betting board230is used by the player in betting the gaming values.

The betting board230has a plurality of bet areas235. Each bet area235is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio (e.g., base payout magnification ratio). The winning condition is the condition determined by the stopped three dice240. The base payout magnification ratio shows the payout amount to be paid out in return to the unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) bet, in a case where spots on the stopped three dice240satisfy the winning condition of the bet area235.

More specifically, the betting board230has eight types of bet areas235. Specifically, the betting board230has a small bet area235A, a big bet area235B, a specific double bet area235C, a specific triple bet area235D, an any triple bet area235E, a total bet area235F, a combination bet area235G and a number bet area235H.

The small bet area235A and the big bet area235B are bet areas in each of 'which a condition is defined with a range of values as a result of adding up the spots on the stopped dice240(hereinafter referred to as total value). More specifically, the winning condition of the small bet area235A is that “the total value is in a range between 4 and 10”. The base payout magnification ratio of the small bet area235A is set to 1:1 (two medals are paid out in return to a win with one medal placed as a bet). Alternatively, the winning condition of the big bet area235B is that “the total value is in a range between 11 and 17”. The base payout magnification ratio of the big bet area235B is also set to 1:1.

The specific double bet area235C is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of spots on the stopped dice240. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific double bet area235C is satisfied if “amongst the three dice240which are stopped, the spots on two dice240are the same, and the spots on these two dice240correspond to specific spots”. The betting board230has six specific double bet areas235C. Accordingly, if the spots on two dice240from amongst the three dice240are “1,1”, “2,2”, “3,3” . . . or “6,6”, the winning condition for one specific double bet area235C is satisfied (refer toFIG. 36). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific double bet area235C is set to 1:10.

The specific triple bet area235D is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined a combination of the stopped three dice240. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific triple bet area235D is satisfied if “the spots on the three dice240which are stopped are the same and the spots on the three dice240correspond to specific spots”. The betting board230has six specific triple bet areas235D. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice240are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning condition for one specific triple bet area235D is satisfied (refer toFIG. 36). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific triple bet area235D is set to 1:180.

The any triple bet area235E is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped three dice240. More specifically, the winning combination of the any triple bet area235E is satisfied if “the spots on the stopped dice240are all the same”. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice240are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning combination of the any triple bet area235E is satisfied (refer toFIG. 36). The base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area235E is set to 1:30.

The total bet area235F is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a total value of the spots on the stopped three dice240. More specifically, the winning combination of the total bet area235F is satisfied if “the total value is a specific value”. As shown inFIG. 36, the betting board230has fourteen total bet areas235F. Specifically, the betting board230has a total bet area235F corresponding to each total value “4”, “5” . . . “17”. As shown inFIG. 36, the base payout magnification ratio of each total bet area235F is set in accordance with the appearance frequency of the total value for each winning condition. For instance, if the winning condition for the total value “16” is the total bet area235F thus set, the base payout magnification ratio is 1:30.

The combination bet area235G is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped dice240. More specifically, the winning condition of the combination bet area235G is satisfied if “the spots on two dice240from amongst the stopped three dice240correspond to a specific combination”. As shown inFIG. 36, the betting board230has fifteen combination bet areas235G. The base payout magnification ratio for the combination bet area235G is set to 1:5.

The combination for the case that the spots on two dice240are the same is excluded from the combination bet area235G.

The number bet area235H is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with the spots' numbers on the dice240. More specifically, the winning combination of the number bet area235H is satisfied if “a specific spot is included in the spots on the stopped three dice240”. As shown inFIG. 36, the betting board230has six number bet areas235H. One number bet area235H corresponds to any of “1”, “2” . . . “6”. The base payout magnification ratio of the number bet area235H is set to “1:1”, “1:2”, “1:3”, in accordance with the number of dices showing the spots corresponding to the winning combination.

The game screen can include a cursor232and a chip mark233. The cursor232and the chip mark233are displayed on the betting board230in accordance with a player's operation. The cursor232shows the bet area235which is currently selected by the player. The chip mark233shows the amount of gaming values bet with respect to the bet area235(hereinafter referred to as bet amount). As shown inFIG. 36, the chip mark233shows the above-mentioned bet amount through the number displayed at the center of the chip mark233. The chip mark233is displayed on the bet area235. Specifically, the chip mark shows the bet area235onto which the bet is made through the location of its display.

Further, as shown inFIG. 36, the game screen includes a unit BET button231, a CORRECT button236, a payout result display portion237and a credit amount display portion238.

The unit BET button231is formed at a lower left side of the betting board230. The unit BET button231is used to set the bet amount with respect to the bet area235selected by the player.

As shown inFIG. 36, the unit BET button231is made up of 1 BET button231A, 5 BET button231B, 10 BET button231C and 100 BET button231D. The 1 BET button231A is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area235selected by the player by “1”. The 5 BET button231B is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area235selected by the player by “5”. The 10 BET button231C is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area235selected by the player by “10”. The 100 BET button231D is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area235selected by the player by “100”.

Each time the player carries out such operation, the unit BET button231adds a bet amount in accordance with such operation to the current bet amount.

The CORRECT button236is operated to cancel the bet area235already selected and the setting of the bet amount. If selection of the bet area235and setting of the bet amount are incorrect, the player can correct the bet area235and the bet amount by operating this CORRECT button236.

The payout result display portion237displays the total bet amount in the previous game and the payout amount in the previous game (the payout credit amount).

The credit amount display portion238displays the credit amount possessed by the player. The display contents of the credit amount display portion238are updated based on the bet with respect to the bet area235and award of the payout in the dice game.

Next, the bet operation carried out by the player using the game screen will be described. As was described earlier, the touch panel225is installed at a front face of the liquid crystal display208. The touch panel225transmits the coordinate information corresponding to the portion touched by the player to the terminal CPU271. Accordingly, if the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display208, the player can select the bet area235and set the bet amount using the touch panel225.

More specifically, the player first touches with his/her finger the touch panel225at the portion corresponding to the desired bet area235. As a result, the player selects the desired bet area235. At this time, the cursor232is displayed on the bet area235thus selected. Thereafter, the player touches with his/her finger the touch panel225at the portion corresponding to the unit BET button231. As a result, the player selects the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area235. Once the bet amount is selected, the chip mark233is displayed on the bet area235.

Next, a dice game execution process program to be executed in the dice gaming machine201according to the third embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 37andFIG. 38are flow charts of the dice game execution process program.

The initial setting process executed in the main control unit250and the initial setting process executed in the terminal controller270of each terminal205are executed prior to the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the main control unit250and the terminal controller270end initialization of the peripheral devices and the program authentication process. These initial setting processes are heretofore known in the art. Therefore, description of the contents of such processes is hereby omitted.

First, the dice game execution process program in the main control unit250will be described in detail.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is started, the CPU251first executes a reference probability setting process (S2001). In the reference probability setting process (S2001), the CPU251executes a reference probability setting process program (refer toFIG. 30). The CPU251calculates, in the reference probability setting process (S2001), the balance with respect to the dice gaming machine1from the income information and the outgo information stored in the RAM253. Then the CPU251sets a condition for making up a chance lottery table based on the balance calculated. The detail of the reference probability setting process (S2001) will later be described referring to drawings. When the reference probability setting process (S2001) ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2002.

In S2002, the CPU251executes the bet start signal transmission process (S2002). In the bet start signal transmission process (S2002), the CPU251transmits the bet start signal to the terminals205through the communication interface255. The bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the terminals205. The bet period is the period for accepting the players' bets for the gaming values with respect to the bet areas235at each terminal205. After the bet start signal is transmitted to the terminals205, the CPU251shifts the process to S2003.

Once the bet start signal is received, the terminal CPU271executes the game screen display process (S2102) and the bet operation acceptance process (S2103). This will be described in more detail later.

After shifting to S2003, the CPU251starts measuring the bet period. More specifically, the CPU251transmits the control signal to the timer254. As a result, the timer254starts measurement. After the control signal is transmitted to the timer254, the CPU251shifts the process to S2004.

At S2004, the CPU251judges whether the bet period has lapsed. More specifically, the CPU251references the measurement results of the timer254. The CPU251judges whether the predetermined period (e.g., bet period) has lapsed based on the measurement result of the timer254. If the bet period has lapsed (S2004: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2005. Alternatively, if the bet period has not lapsed yet (S2004: NO), the CPU251puts the process in stand-by until the bet period lapses.

At S2005, the CPU251executes the bet end signal transmission process. In the bet end signal transmission process (S2005), the CPU251transmits a bet end signal to the terminals205. The bet end signal serves to instruct ending of the bet period in each terminal205. In other words, the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets for gaming values in the terminal205is ended. After the bet end signal is transmitted to each terminal205, the CPU251shifts the process to S2006.

Once the bet end signal is received, the terminal CPU271ends the bet operation acceptance process (S2103). Accordingly, the terminal205ends acceptance of bets with respect to the bet area235. Thereafter, the terminal CPU271transmits the bet information based on the bet operation carried out in the bet operation acceptance process (S2103) to the main control unit250(S2105). This bet information includes information showing the bet area235on which the gaming value has been bet and information showing the bet amount bet on the bet area235in question. The bet information includes identification information showing the terminal205from which the bet information is transmitted.

After shifting to S2006, the CPU251executes the bet information reception process. In the bet information reception process (S2006), the CPU251receives the bet information transmitted from each terminal205through the communication interface255. The CPU251stores the bet information thus received in the RAM253. At this time, the CPU51classifies the bet information for each terminal205based on the identification information included in the bet information. Once the bet information reception process (S2006) ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2007.

After shifting to S2007, the CPU251executes an income information update process. In the income information update process (S2007), the CPU251updates the income information stored in the RAM253based on the bet information received at the bet information reception process (S2006). More specifically, the CPU251calculates the total amount of gaming values bet in the current game. The total amount of gaming values bet in the current game represents the income of the dice gaming machine201in this game. The CPU251calculates the total amount of gaming values bet through the most recent 1,000 games including the current game. The CPU251then stores in the RAM253the income information which indicates the total amount of gaming values bet through the most recent 1,000 games including the current game. Once the income information update process (S2007) ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2008.

At S2008, the CPU251executes a chance lottery process. In this chance lottery process (S2008), the CPU251executes a chance lottery process program (refer toFIG. 40) to be described later. More specifically, the CPU251first executes a lottery based on the chance lottery table made up based on the settings of the reference probability setting process (S2001), so as to determine whether to change the payout magnification ratio of each bet area235. Thereafter, in the case of a win in the lottery (i.e., in the case of changing the payout magnification ratio), the CPU251identifies one target terminal from among terminals which participate in the game. The target terminal is the terminal whose payout magnification ratio in any bet area235thereof is changed from the “base payout magnification ratio” to the “special payout magnification ratio”. After the lottery in the chance lottery process (S2008), the CPU251stores the lottery result information in the RAM253. The lottery result information shows the lottery result of the chance lottery process (S2008). After storing the lottery result information in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2009. The details of the chance lottery process (S2008) will be described later by referring to drawings.

At S2009, the CPU251judges whether the dice rolling timing has arrived. The dice rolling timing shows the timing at which rolling of the three dice240is started in the dice rolling device203. More specifically, at S2009, the CPU251first references the measurement results of the timer254. Specifically, the CPU251carries out the judgment process at S2009based on the measurement result of timer254. When the dice rolling timing arrives (S2009: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2010. Alternatively, if the dice rolling timing has not yet arrived (S2009: NO), the CPU251puts the process in stand-by until such dice rolling timing arrives.

At S2010, the CPU251executes a dice rolling process. In this dice rolling process (S2010), the CPU251transmits a control signal to the dice rolling device203. As a result, the dice rolling motor212is driven and controlled. Accordingly, the three dice240are rolled inside the dice rolling device203. The three dice240which have been rolled are then stopped on the dice rolling board211. Once the dice rolling process ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2011.

After shifting to S2011, the CPU251judges whether a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S2008). More specifically, the CPU251carries out the judgment process at S2011, by referencing the lottery result information stored in the RAM253. In the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S2011: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2012. Alternatively, in the case of no win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S2008) (S2011: NO), the CPU251shifts the process to S2013.

At S2012, the CPU251executes a winning information transmission process. In this winning information transmission process (S2012), the CPU251transmits the winning information to the target terminal identified in the chance lottery process (S2008). This winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery in the chance lottery process (S2008) and the “special payout magnification ratio” is to be used for calculating payout amount for the target terminal. In the winning information transmission process (S2012), the CPU251first generates the winning information based on the lottery result information stored in the RAM253. Thereafter, the CPU251identifies the target terminal based on the lottery result information. Thereafter, the CPU251transmits the winning information thus generated to the target terminal through the communication interface255. After transmitting the winning information to the target terminal, the CPU251shifts the process to S2013.

At S2013, the CPU251executes a rolling result acquisition process. In this rolling result acquisition process (S2013), the CPU251acquires the rolling result information showing the spots on the stopped three dice240, by controlling the rolling result detection device215of the dice rolling device203. More specifically, the CPU251transmits the control signal to the dice rolling device203. Upon receiving the control signal, the dice rolling device203acquires an image with an imaging device provided in the dice rolling device203. The acquired image includes the image of the stopped three dice240on the dice rolling board211. Thereafter, the dice rolling device203carries out a predetermined image process with respect to the acquired image by controlling the rolling result detection device215. As a result, the dice rolling device203can identify the spots on the three dice240which are stopped on the dice rolling board211. The dice rolling device203generates rolling result information showing the spots on the three dice240thus identified. The dice rolling device203then transmits the rolling result information thus generated to the CPU251. Once the rolling result information acquired from the dice rolling device203is stored in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2014.

After shifting to S2014, the CPU251executes a payout amount determination process. In this payout amount determination process (S2014), the CPU251executes a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 45) as will be described later. In this payout amount determination process, the CPU251calculates the payout amount of each terminal205based on the rolling result information and the bet information of each terminal205. Here, in the case of a win in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S2008), the CPU251changes the payout magnification ratio used in the payout amount determination process (S2014) for only the target terminal from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. Meanwhile, for the other non-target terminals205, the CPU251calculates each of their payout amounts using the “base payout magnification ratio”. The contents of the payout amount determination process (S2014) will next be described in detail. Once the payout amount determination process ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2015.

At S2015, the CPU251executes a payout information transmission process. In this payout information transmission process (S2015), the CPU251transmits the payout information to each terminal205through the communication interface255. This payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S2014). After transmitting the payout information to each terminal205, the CPU251ends the payout information transmission process. Once the payout information transmission process (S2015) ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2016.

At S2016, the CPU251executes a outgo information update process. In the outgo information update process (S2016), the CPU251updates the outgo information stored in the RAM253based on the payout information transmitted in the payout information transmission process (S2015). More specifically, the CPU251calculates the total amount of prizes (i.e., payouts) to be awarded to a player (players) in the current game based on the payout information transmitted in the payout information transmission process (S2015). The total amount of prizes (i.e., payouts) to be awarded to a player (players) (i.e., payout) in the current game represents the outgo of the dice gaming machine201in the current game. The CPU251stores in the RAM253the outgo information indicating the total amount of prize (i.e., payouts) to be awarded to a player (players) through the most recent 1,000 games including the current game. Once the outgo information update process (S2016) ends, the CPU251ends the dice game execution process program in the main control unit250.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is ended, the CPU251restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the CPU251repeatedly executes the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine201.

Next, the dice game execution process program at each terminal205will be described in detail.

Upon starting the dice game execution process program, the terminal CPU271first judges whether the bet start signal has been received (S2101). As was described earlier, the bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the dice gaming machine201. The bet start signal is transmitted from the main control unit250to each terminal205(S2002). If the bet start signal is received (S2101: YES), the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2102. As a result, the bet period in each terminal205is started. Alternatively, if the bet start signal has not yet been received (S2101: NO), the terminal CPU271puts the process in stand-by until the bet start signal is received.

After shifting to S2102, the terminal CPU271executes a game screen display process. In this game screen display process (S2102), the terminal CPU271transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit274. The game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display208based on the control of the liquid crystal driving circuit274(refer toFIG. 36). Once the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display208, the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2103.

At S2103, the terminal CPU271executes a bet operation acceptance process. In this bet operation acceptance process (S2103), the terminal CPU271accepts a player's operation using the touch panel225. More specifically, the terminal CPU271carries out various types of controls corresponding to a player's operation based on the operation signal transmitted from the touch panel. Such controls include control with respect to selecting the bet area235, control with respect to setting the bet amount corresponding to the selected bet area235and control corresponding to operation of the CORRECT button236.

If the bet area235is selected and the bet amount with respect to the selected area235is set, the terminal CPU271stores the bet information in the terminal RAM273. The bet information includes information with respect to the selected bet area235and information showing the bet amount of the bet area235.

In the next step S2104, the terminal CPU271judges whether the bet end signal has been received. As was described earlier, the bet end signal shows the end of the bet period. Specifically, reception of the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets in the current dice game ends. The bet end signal is transmitted from the main control unit250(S2005). If the bet end signal is received (S2104: YES), the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2105. Alternatively, if the bet end signal has not yet been received (S2104: NO), the terminal CPU71returns the process to the bet operation acceptance process (S2103). Thus, the player at each terminal205can bet a gaming value in the current game until the end of the bet period.

After shifting to S2105, the terminal CPU271executes a bet information transmission process. In this bet information transmission process (S2105), the terminal CPU271transmits the bet information stored in the terminal RAM273to the main control unit250. Here, the terminal CPU271adds identification information showing the terminal205in question to the bet information. After transmitting the bet information including the identification information, the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2106.

At S2106, the terminal CPU271judges whether the winning information has been received. As was described earlier, the winning information shows that a win has occurred in the lottery carried out in the chance lottery process (S2008) and the terminal205in question has been identified as target terminal. This winning information is transmitted from the main control unit250to the target terminal through the communication interface255(S2012). If the winning information is received (S2106: YES), the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2107. Alternatively, if the winning information has not been received (S2106: NO), the terminal CPU271shifts the process to the payout process (S2108).

At S2107, the terminal CPU271executes the chance winning notification process. In the chance winning notification process (S2107), the terminal CPU271notifies the player that he/she has won in the chance lottery and the terminal at which he/she is seated has been identified to be the target terminal, through the display on the liquid crystal display208. More specifically, the terminal CPU271transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit274. As a result, the liquid crystal display208displays the chance lottery winning image280on the game screen (refer toFIG. 39). Once the chance winning notification process (S2107) ends, the terminal CPU271shifts the process to S2108.

As shown inFIG. 39, the chance lottery winning image280includes displaying a message that “as a result of winning in the chance lottery, the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas235is multiplied by the special magnification ratio (e.g., ×2)”. Specifically the chance lottery winning image280notifies the player of the fact that the payout magnification ratio used in calculating the payout has been changed from the “base payout magnification ratio” to the “special payout magnification ratio”. Accordingly, the player can understand that a win occurred in the chance lottery by looking at the chance lottery winning image280. As a result, the dice gaming machine201can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout.

It is to be noted that the chance lottery winning image280is displayed at only the liquid crystal display208of the target terminal among terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201. That is, in the case of no win in the chance lottery process (S2008) or in the case of no terminal205being identified to be a target terminal, in either case, the chance lottery winning image280is not displayed in the liquid crystal display208. Accordingly, only the player seated at the target terminal can recognize that his/her terminal has got a chance to win a high amount of payout. Therefore, the dice gaming machine201can bring the player at the target terminal a sense of superiority over other players at non-target terminals.

After shifting to S2108, the terminal CPU271executes a payout process. In this payout process (S2108), the terminal CPU271awards to the player a payout in the current dice game based on the payout information. As was described earlier, the payout information is transmitted from the main control unit250to each terminal205(S2015). The payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S2014). Accordingly, the terminal CPU271adds the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S2014) to the credit amount possessed by the player. The payout amount can also be awarded in the form of medals which are paid out from the cash out port209. That is, in the case the terminal205in question has been identified to be the target terminal, the terminal CPU271pays out a payout amount calculated based on the “special payout magnification ratio”. Alternatively, in the case the terminal205in question has not been identified to be the target terminal, the terminal CPU271pays out a payout amount calculated based on the “base payout magnification ratio”. Once the payout process ends, the terminal CPU271ends the dice game execution process program in the terminal205.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program ends, the terminal CPU271restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the terminal CPU271can repeatedly execute the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine1.

Next, the reference probability setting process program to be executed by the CPU251in the reference probability setting process (S2001) will be described in detail, referring to drawings.FIG. 30is a flowchart of the reference probability setting process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit50, the CPU251executes a balance calculation process upon shifting to the reference probability setting process (S2001). In the balance calculation process (S2021), the CPU251first obtains income information and outgo information from the RAM253. Then, the CPU251calculates the balance through the most recent 1,000 games, based on the income amount through the most recent 1,000 games indicated by the income information and the outgo amount through the most recent 1,000 games indicated by the outgo information. After storing balance information indicating the balance through the most recent 1,000 games in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2022.

In S2022, the CPU251determines whether the calculated balance exceeds a first reference value. The first reference value indicates that the balance through the most recent 1,000 games is in deficit by a predetermined amount. If the balance according to the balance information exceeds the first reference value (S2022: YES), the CPU51shifts the process to S2023. It is to be noted that the cases in which the balance exceeds the first reference value include a case in which the balance is in surplus and also a case in which the balance is in deficit by an amount smaller than the deficit amount of the first reference value. Meanwhile, if the balance according to the balance information is equal to or lower than the first reference value (S2022: NO), the CPU251shifts the process to S2025. The case in which the balance according to the balance information is equal to or lower than the first reference value means that the balance is in deficit by an amount equal to or larger than the deficit amount of the first reference value.

In S2023, the CPU251determines whether the balance calculated is lower than a second reference value. The second reference value indicates that the balance through the most recent 1,000 games is in surplus by a predetermined amount. If the balance according to the balance information is lower than the second reference value (S2023: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2024. It is to be noted that the cases in which the balance is lower than the second reference value include a case in which the balance is in deficit and also a case in which the balance is in surplus by an amount smaller than the surplus amount of the second reference value. Meanwhile, if the balance according to the balance information is equal to or higher than the second reference value (S2023: NO), the CPU251shifts the process to S2026. The case in which the balance according to the balance information is equal to or larger than the second reference value means that the balance is in surplus by an amount equal to or larger than the surplus amount of the second reference value.

After shifting to S2024, the CPU251executes a base probability setting process. In the base probability setting process (S2024), the CPU251sets a base probability (i.e., 2%) as a condition for making up a chance lottery table. That is, the CPU251sets the base probability (i.e., 2%) as a condition for making up the chance lottery table if the balance according to the balance information belongs to the numerical range defined by the first and second reference values. In other words, the dice gaming machine201makes up the chance lottery table based on the base probability in a case where the balance of the most recent 1,000 game is in surplus smaller than a predetermined amount, or in deficit smaller than (a predetermined amount (including a case where the balance is “0”). This will be explained later in more detail. After storing in the RAM53the information indicating the base probability, the CPU251ends the reference probability setting process program.

After shifting to S2025, the CPU251executes a first reference probability setting process. In the first reference probability setting process (S2025), the CPU251sets a first reference probability (i.e., 1%) as a condition for making up a chance lottery table. That is, the CPU251sets the first reference probability (i.e., 1%) as a condition for making up the chance lottery table if the balance according to the balance information is in deficit by an amount larger than the deficit amount of the first reference value. In other words, the dice gaming machine201makes up the chance lottery table based on the first reference probability if the balance of the most recent 1,000 games is in deficit larger than the predetermined amount. This will be explained later in more detail. After storing in the RAM253the information indicating the first reference probability, the CPU251ends the reference probability setting process program.

After shifting to S2026, the CPU251executes a second reference probability setting process. In the second reference probability setting process (S2026), the CPU251sets a second reference probability (i.e., 4%) as a condition for making up a chance lottery table. That is, the CPU251sets the second reference probability (i.e., 4%) as a condition for making up the chance lottery table if the balance according to the balance information is in surplus by an amount larger than the surplus amount of the second reference value. In other words, the dice gaming machine201makes up the chance lottery table based on the second reference probability if the balance of the most recent 1,000 games is in surplus larger than a predetermined amount. This will be explained later in more detail. After storing in the RAM253the information indicating the second reference probability, the CPU251ends the reference probability setting process program.

Next, there will be described a chance lottery process program to be executed by the CPU251at the chance lottery process (S2008) by referring to drawings.FIG. 40is a flow chart of the chance lottery process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit250, the CPU251executes a reference probability acquisition process upon shifting the process to the chance lottery process (S2008). In the reference probability acquisition process (S2031), the CPU251obtains a condition for making up a chance lottery table set at the reference probability setting process (S2001) (i/e., one of the base probability, the first reference probability and the second reference probability). When the reference probability acquisition process (S2031) ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2032.

The CPU251executes a participant terminal detecting process upon shifting the process to S2032. In the participant terminal detecting process (S2032), the CPU251detects participant terminal(s) from among all the terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201. A participant terminal corresponds to a terminal205which participates in a current dice game. That is, a participant terminal refers to a terminal205where a bet is placed on a bet area235in a current dice game. More specifically, the CPU251detects terminal(s)205where a gaming value is bet on a bet area235based on bet information stored in the RAM253. As was described earlier, the bet information received at the bet information reception process (S2006) includes identification information of the terminal205which has transmitted the bet information. Each piece of bet information stored in the RAM253is classified into each terminal205, based on the identification information. Accordingly, the CPU251can detect participant terminal(s) by referring to the bet information stored in the RAM253. Once the participant terminal detecting process ends, the CPU251shifts the process to S2033.

In S2033, the CPU251executes a chance-lottery-table making-up process. In this chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033), the CPU251makes up a chance lottery table, based on the condition for generation set at the reference probability setting process (S2001) and a detection result obtained at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032). The chance lottery table is to be used at a later-described chance lottery execution process (S2034). The details of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) will be described later. Upon storing the thus made up chance lottery table (e.g., refer toFIG. 41throughFIG. 43) in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2034.

After shifting the process to S2034, the CPU251executes a chance lottery execution process. In this chance lottery execution process (S2034), the CPU251determines whether to calculate a payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio” through a lottery. More specifically, the CPU251extracts a random number value from a predetermined range of random number values (e.g., between 0 and 2047) by executing a lottery program. Thereafter, tne CPU251determines a chance lottery result based on the extracted random number value and the chance lottery table (e.g., refer toFIG. 41throughFIG. 43). It is to be noted that the chance lottery table is a table made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) based on the making-up condition set at the reference probability setting process (S2001). The chance lottery result includes both “chance lottery result: win” and “chance lottery result: lose”. This “chance lottery result: win” means that payout magnification ratio of all the bet area235constituting the betting board230is changed when payout amount is calculated with respect to one terminal205identified from participant terminals (i.e., target terminal). Meanwhile, the “chance lottery result: lose” means that the base payout magnification ratio defined for each of the bet area is used when payout amount is calculated with respect to all the terminals205. After storing the chance lottery result in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2035.

At S2035, the CPU251judges whether the lottery results in a win or not in the chance lottery execution process (S2034). More specifically, the CPU251executes the judgment process of S2035by referring to the lottery result stored in the RAM253. In the case the lottery at the chance lottery execution process (S2034) results in a win (S2035: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2036. Alternatively in the case the lottery at the chance lottery execution process (S2034) results in no win (S2035: NO), the CPU251ends the chance lottery process program as is.

At S2036, the CPU251executes a target-terminal-identification-table making-up process. At this target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036), the CPU251makes up a target terminal identification table to be used at a target terminal identification process (S2037) to be described later. More specifically, the CPU251makes up the target terminal identification table (e.g., refer toFIG. 44) based on a detection result obtained at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032). That is, the CPU251associates each of the participant terminals detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032) with a random number value range (refer toFIG. 44). The details of the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036) will be described later. Once storing the thus made up target terminal identification table in the RAM253, the CPU251shifts the process to S2037.

After shifting the process to S2037, the CPU251executes a target terminal identification process. In this target terminal identification process (S2037), the CPU251identifies one target terminal from participant terminals by referring to the target terminal identification table made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036). More specifically, the CPU251extracts a random number value from a predetermined range of random number values (e.g., between 0 and 2047) by executing a lottery program. Thereafter, the CPU251identifies one target terminal from participant terminals by referring to the extracted random number value and the target terminal identification table. Thereafter, the CPU251makes up winning information based on both information indicating the thus identified target terminal and information indicating a win at the chance lottery execution process (S2034). Upon storing the winning information in the RAM253, the CPU251ends the chance lottery process execution program.

Here will be described making-up of the chance lottery table at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) and making-up of the target terminal identification table at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036), by referring to drawings.

Here, a lottery-winning probability (i.e., the base probability, the first reference probability or the second reference probability) set at the reference probability setting process (S2001) refers to a probability that one certain terminal205is identified as a target terminal. That is, the lottery-winning probability set at the reference probability setting process (S2001) is obtained by dividing the number of target terminals by the number of total participant terminals corresponding to the lottery-winning probability set at the reference probability setting process (S2001).

As was described earlier, in the chance lottery process (S2008), the CPU251executes the chance lottery execution process (S2034) and the target terminal identification process (S2037). The chance lottery execution process (S2034) is a process to determine whether or not a target terminal is made present based on the chance lottery table. The target terminal identification process (S2037) is a process to identify one target terminal from current participant terminals based on the target terminal identification table in the case it has been determined that a target terminal is made present.

Accordingly, it is necessary that a probability based on the chance lottery table and a probability based on the target terminal identification table be correlatively considered and set so that the above mentioned “lottery-winning probability set at the reference probability setting process (S2001)” can be obtained. The probability based on the chance lottery table is a probability that a target terminal is made present. The probability based on the target terminal identification table is a probability that a certain terminal205is identified to be a target terminal among from current participant terminals. That is, the probability based on the target terminal identification table corresponds to 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S2032)”. The probability based on the chance lottery table corresponds to “the number of current participant terminals”/“the number of total participant terminals corresponding to the lottery-winning probability set at the reference probability setting process (S2001)”.

First, the making-up of a chance lottery table in a case where the base probability is set is described in detail referring toFIG. 41. As above mentioned, the base probability of the third embodiment is assumed to be “2%”. In this case, the base probability represents a probability that one target terminal is identified among fifty participant terminals in total in the chance lottery process (S2008). That is, the probability based on the target terminal identification table here corresponds to 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S2032)”. The probability based on the chance lottery table corresponds to “the number of current participant terminals”/50.

Here will be specifically described detailed contents of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) and the chance lottery table made up based on the base probability (hereinafter referred to as a base chance lottery table) in a case where five current participant terminals have been detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032), as an example. In this exemplary case, it is assumed that the CPU251has detected a “first terminal”, a “second terminal”, a “fifth terminal”, a “ninth terminal” and a “tenth terminal” as participant terminals at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032).

In this case, the probability based on the base chance lottery table is 5/50. Accordingly, the CPU251associates “chance lottery result: win” with a random number value range of “0-204” out of the predetermined random number value range “0-2047”. The CPU251associates “chance lottery result: lose” with a random number value range of “205-2047” (refer toFIG. 41). As was described earlier, the thus made up base chance lottery table is used for executing the chance lottery execution process (S2034). Accordingly, at the chance lottery execution process (S2034) in this case, the probability for one target terminal to be made present is approximately “5/50” (refer toFIG. 41).

It goes without saying that, contents of the base chance lottery table to be made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S2032. For instance, if there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU251makes up a chance lottery table so that the probability for one target terminal to be made present should be “2/50” (S2033).

Here, the expected value of a bet area235is calculated by multiplying a dice-winning probability of the bet area235by amount of unit gaming value (i.e., “bet amount: 1”) and the payout magnification ratio of the bet area235(base payout magnification ratio or special payout magnification ratio). The dice-winning probability of the bet area235is a probability that a winning condition of the bet area235is satisfied in one dice game. For instance, a dice-winning probability of a specific triple bet area235D is “1/216”.

In the betting board230according to the third embodiment, an expected value of each bet area235belongs to a range of “0.65 through 0.9722” (i.e., 65% through 97.22%) in a base case (specifically, in the case where the terminal is not identified as a target terminal). That is, when the base payout magnification ratio is used, the maximum expected value is “97.22%”. Accordingly, the expected values of all bet areas235will never exceed “100%”, if the expected value of the bet area235according to the above maximum value does not exceed “100%” as a result of changing a payout magnification ratio.

If the base chance lottery table is used, the expected value obtained by synthesis of expected values of respective bet areas235set for all the terminals205(referred to as synthetic expected value, hereinafter) is increased by 2%. Accordingly, even if a target terminal is present, the synthetic expected value of the dice gaming machine201is smaller than “100%”. Thus, the dice gaming machine201can prevent the outgo of more than necessary amount in a game arcade installing the dice gaming machine201.

Next, the making-up of a chance lottery table when a first reference probability is set will be explained in detail referring toFIG. 42. As has been described above, the first reference probability is “1%” in the third embodiment. In this case, the first reference probability represents a probability that one target terminal is identified among one hundred participant terminals in total in the chance lottery process (S2008). That is, the probability based on the target terminal identification table here corresponds to 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S2032)”. The probability based on the chance lottery table here corresponds to “the number of current participant terminals”/100.

Here will be specifically described detailed contents of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) and the chance lottery table made up based on the first reference probability (hereinafter referred to as a first chance lottery table) in a case where five current participant terminals have been detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032), for instance. The participant terminals detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032) in this exemplary case are also the same as those detected in the exemplary case of the above-mentioned base chance lottery table.

In this case, the probability based on the first chance lottery table is 5/100. Accordingly, the CPU251associates “chance lottery result: win” with a random number value range of “0-102” out of the predetermined random number value range “0-2047”. The CPU251associates “chance lottery result: lose” with a random number value range of “103-2047” (refer toFIG. 42). As was described earlier, the thus made up first chance lottery table is used for executing the chance lottery execution process (S2034). Accordingly, at the chance lottery execution process (S2034) in this case, the probability for one target terminal to be made present is approximately “5/100” (refer toFIG. 42).

It goes without saying that contents of the first chance lottery table to be made up at the chance lottery table making-up process (S2033) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S2032. For instance, in the case there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU251makes up a chance lottery table so that the probability for one target terminal to be made present should be “2/100” (S2033).

Here, if the first chance lottery table is used, the synthetic expected value is increased by 1%. Accordingly, even in this case, the synthetic expected value of the dice gaming machine201is smaller than “100%”. Thus, the dice gaming machine201can prevent the outgo of more than necessary amount in a game arcade installing the dice gaming machine201. In addition, the synthetic expected value when the first chance lottery table is used is smaller than the synthetic expected value when the base chance lottery table is used. Here, the case where the first chance lottery table is made up is the case where the dice gaming machine201has a deficit larger than the predetermined amount. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine201can compensate a loss accompanying the execution of games in an appropriate manner while maintaining the possibility of the presence of a target terminal.

Next, the making-up of a chance lottery table when a second reference probability is set will be explained in detail referring toFIG. 43. As has been described above, the second reference probability is “4%” in the third embodiment. In this case, the second reference probability represents a probability that one target terminal is identified among twenty-five participant terminals in total in the chance lottery process (S2008). That is, the probability based on the target terminal identification table here corresponds to 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S2032)”. The probability based on the chance lottery table here corresponds to “the number of current participant terminals”/25.

Here will be specifically described detailed contents of the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) and the chance lottery table made up based on the second probability (hereinafter referred to as a second chance lottery table) in a case where five current participant terminals have been detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032), for instance. The participant terminals detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032) in this exemplary case are also the same as those detected in the exemplary case of the above-mentioned base chance lottery table.

In this case, the probability based on the second chance lottery table is 5/25. Accordingly, the CPU251associates “chance lottery result: win” with a random number value range of “0-409” out of the predetermined random number value range “0-2047”. The CPU251associates “chance lottery result: lose” with a random number value range of “409-2047” (refer toFIG. 43). As was described earlier, the thus made up second chance lottery table is used for executing the chance lottery execution process (S2034). Accordingly, at the chance lottery execution process (S2034) in this case, the probability for one target terminal to be made present is approximately “5/25” (refer toFIG. 43).

It goes without saying that contents of the second chance lottery table to be made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S2002. For instance, in the case there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU251makes up a chance lottery table so that the probability for one target terminal to be made present should be “2/25” (S2033).

Here, if the second chance lottery table is used, the synthetic expected value is increased by 4% . Accordingly, in this case, the synthetic expected value of the dice gaming machine201exceeds “100%”. In other words, the synthetic expected value when the second chance lottery table is used is larger than the synthetic expected value when the base chance lottery table is used. Thus, the dice gaming machine201can offer a player a chance to win a larger amount of payout with a higher probability. Here, the case where the second chance lottery table is made up is the case where the dice gaming machine201has a surplus larger than the predetermined amount. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine201will not cause a loss to a game arcade installing the dice gaming machine201even offering a chance to win a larger amount of payout with a higher probability. Thus, the dice gaming machine201can answer the demand of players for a larger amount of payout by offering a chance to win a larger amount of payout with a higher probability.

Next, based on the above-mentioned exemplary case, there will be described contents of the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036) and the target terminal identification table by referring to drawings.

As was described earlier, the probability based on the target terminal identification table is 1/“the number of current participant terminals (i.e., the number of participant terminals detected at S2032)”. Accordingly, in the above exemplary case, the probability based on the target terminal identification table needs to be 1/5. Accordingly, the CPU251associates each participant terminal detected at the participant terminal detecting process (S2032)) with a constant range of random number values (refer toFIG. 44). In this case, the CPU251associates the “fifth terminal” detected as a participant terminal with a “random number value range: 800-1199”. The thus made up target terminal identification table is used for executing the target terminal identification process (S2037). Accordingly, at the target terminal identification process (S2037) in this case, the probability that each of the five participant terminals is identified to be a target terminal should be equally set to “1/5” (refer toFIG. 44).

It goes without saying that contents of the target terminal identification table to be made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036)) are subject to vary depending on the number of participant terminals detected at S2032. For instance, in the case there are detected two participant terminals, the CPU251makes up a target terminal identification table so that the probability that each of the two participant terminal is identified to be a target terminal should be “1/2” (S2036)).

Next, the payout amount determination process program to be executed by the CPU251in the payout amount determination process (S2014) will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 45is a flow chart of the payout amount determination process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit250, after shifting to the payout amount determination process (S2014), the CPU251executes a winning bet area identification process (S2041). In the winning bet area identification process (S2041), the CPU251identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition set for each bet area235. The winning bet area is the bet area235whose specified winning condition is satisfied by the spots on the stopped dice240. As was described earlier, the rolling result information shows the spots on the three stopped dice240which have been identified by the rolling result detection unit215. Accordingly, the CPU251identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition of each bet area235. After identifying the winning bet area, the CPU251shifts the process to S2042.

After shifting to S2042, the CPU251executes a payout-calculation-target setting process. In the payout-calculation-target setting process (S2042), the CPU251sets one terminal selected from all the terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201as payout amount calculation target. The terminal selected as payout amount calculation target will be termed as “calculation target terminal”, hereinafter. After setting the calculation target terminal, the CPU251shifts the process to S2043.

After shifting to S2043, the CPU251judges whether or not any of the bets placed by the calculation target terminal coincides with a winning bet. The winning bet refers to the gaming values bet on the winning bet area identified in the winning bet area identification process (S2041). More specifically, the CPU251carries out the judgment process at S2043based on the bet information of the calculation target terminal stored in the RAM253. If a winning bet has been made (S2043: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to S2044.

Alternatively, if none of the bets are winning bets (S2043: NO), the CPU251sets the payout amount of the calculation target terminal to “0”. Thereafter, the CPU251shifts the process to S2047. Here, the case that none of the bets are winning bets includes the case that no bets for gaming values are made with respect to the bet area235and the case that all gaming values are bet with respect to a bet area235other than the winning bet area.

At S2044, the CPU251judges whether or not the calculation target terminal coincides with a “target terminal”. More specifically, the CPU251judges whether or not the calculation target terminal has won in the chance lottery execution process (S2034) and coincides with a terminal205identified at the target terminal identification process (S2037). More specifically, the CPU251carries out the judgment process at S2044based on the winning information stored in the RAM253. In the case the calculation target terminal coincides with the “target terminal” (S2044: YES), the CPU251shifts the process to a payout magnification ratio change process (S2045). Alternatively, in the case the calculation target terminal dose not coincide with the “target terminal” (S2044: NO), the CPU251shifts the process to S2046.

At S2045, the CPU251executes the payout magnification ratio change process. In the payout magnification ratio change process (S2045), the CPU251changes the payout magnification ratio of all bet areas235constituting the betting board230. At this time, the CPU251changes the payout magnification ratio of all the bet areas235, with respect to only the calculation target terminal which corresponds to “target terminal”. More specifically, the CPU251multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of all bet areas235constituting the betting board230by the special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2). As a result, the payout magnification ratio of each bet area235is changed from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. After the payout magnification ratio of each bet area235is changed to the “special payout magnification ratio”, the CPU251shifts the process to S2046.

After shifting to S2046, the CPU251executes a payout amount calculation process. In this payout amount calculation process (S2046), the CPU251calculates the payout amount in the current game with respect to the calculation target terminal. More specifically, the CPU251calculates the payout amount of the calculation target terminal in the current game by executing the following processes for the calculation target terminal.

In the case the calculation target terminal coincides with a “target terminal”, the CPU251calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “special magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU251multiplies the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. In the case the calculation target terminal does not coincide with a “target terminal”, the CPU251calculates the payout amount related to the winning bet area by using the “base payout magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU251multiplies the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. If bets of gaming values are made with respect to a plurality of winning bet areas, the CPU251calculates a payout amount corresponding to each winning bet area.

The CPU251sets the payout amount corresponding to the bet areas other than the winning bet area to “0”. The CPU251adds up the payout amounts of the bet areas calculated through the processes described above so as to calculate payout amount of the calculation target terminal. Thereafter, the CPU251stores the information showing the payout amount of the calculation target terminal (termed as “payout amount information” hereinafter) in the RAM253. The payout amount information constitutes payout information of the calculation target terminal. Thereafter, the CPU251shifts the process to S2047.

After shifting to S2047, the CPU251judges whether or not calculation of payout amounts has been finished with respect to all the terminals205constituting the dice gaming machine201. More specifically, the CPU251executes the judgment process of S2047by referring to the payout amount information stored in the RAM253. In the case calculation of payout amounts has been finished with respect to all the terminals205(S2047: YES), the CPU251finishes the payout amount determination process program. As shown inFIG. 38, after finishing the payout amount determination process (S2014), the CPU251shifts the process to the payout information transmission process (S2015). In the case calculation of payout amounts has not been finished with respect to all the terminals205(S2047: NO), the CPU251reverts the process to the payout-calculation-target setting process (S2042). In this case, the CPU251sets a terminal205of which payout amount has not yet been calculated, as new calculation target terminal. Then, the CPU251executes processes concerning payout amount calculation of the new calculation target terminal (S2043through S2046).

As was described earlier, in the payout information transmission process (S2015), the CPU251transmits the payout information showing the payout amount thus calculated, from the main control unit250to each terminal205. In each terminal205, the terminal CPU271executes the payout process (S2108) based on the payout information thus received.

In the case the terminal205in question does not coincides with a target terminal, the player of the terminal205can win a payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “base payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. Alternatively, in the case the terminal205in question coincides with a target terminal, the player can win a payout amount based on the “special payout magnification ratio”. The payout amount based on the “special magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “special payout magnification ratio” of the winning bet area by the bet amount bet on the winning bet area in question. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”. Accordingly, in the case the terminal in question coincides with a target terminal, the player at the target terminal can be awarded a larger payout amount as compared to the case of non-target terminal.

As described, once acceptance of bets of gaming values on bet areas235ends, the dice gaming machine201according the third embodiment executes the chance lottery process (S2008). At the chance lottery process (S2008), the dice gaming machine201first executes the chance lottery execution process (S2034) by referring to a chance lottery table made up at the chance-lottery-table making-up process (S2033). In the chance lottery execution process (S2034), the dice gaming machine201determines whether or not a “chance to calculate a payout amount based on a special magnification ratio” is won in a lottery which refers to the chance lottery table. In the case of a win in the lottery of the chance lottery execution process (S2034), the dice gaming machine201then executes the target terminal identification process (S2037) by using a target terminal identification table made up at the target-terminal-identification-table making-up process (S2036). In the target terminal identification process (S2037), the dice gaming machine201identifies one target terminal from participant terminals of a current dice game.

In the case of a win in the chance lottery execution process, the dice gaming machine201calculates payout amount of the target terminal (S2045and S2046). More specifically, the payout amount of the target terminal is obtained by multiplying bet amount bet on a winning bet area by the special payout magnification ratio. The dice gaming machine201also calculates payout amount of each of non-target terminals (S2046). More specifically, the payout amount of each of the non-target terminals is obtained by multiplying bet amount bet on a winning bet area by the base payout magnification ratio. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”.

As a result, each player acquires payout amount calculated at the payout amount calculation process (S2046) as a prize for the current game. That is, in the case a terminal205is identified to be a target terminal, the player at the target terminal can acquire larger amount of payout. As a result, the dice gaming machine201can meet players' desire to win larger amount of payout.

In addition, the dice gaming machine201updates the income information and the outgo information in every execution of a game (S2007, S2016). The dice gaming machine201then calculates the balance of the dice gaming machine201through the most recent 1,000 games based on the updated income information and outgo information (S2021). The dice gaming machine201sets a condition for making up a chance lottery table (i.e., base probability, first probability and second probability) (S2024through S2026). Then, the dice gaming machine201executes a chance lottery execution process (S2034) using a chance lottery table made up based on the balance. Thus, the dice gaming machine201changes the probability for awarding a chance to win a larger amount of payout based on the balance of the dice gaming machine201. As a result, the dice gaming machine201can award a player a chance to win a larger amount of payout in an appropriate manner while securing a profit of a game arcade installing the dice gaming machine201.

Moreover, in the case a target terminal is made present, the dice gaming machine201displays the chance lottery wining image280on the game screen of the target terminal (S2107). As shown inFIG. 39, the chance lottery winning image280serves to notify that this terminal has been identified to be a target terminal and this terminal has acquired a chance to win large amount of payout. Accordingly, the player at the target terminal can recognize that this terminal has been identified to be a target terminal and this terminal has acquired a chance to win large amount of payout by looking at the chance lottery winning image280. As a result, the dice gaming machine201can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout with the notification by the chance lottery winning image280.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but various improvements and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For instance, the dice gaming machine201according to the present invention can use plural types of special magnification ratios when the base payout magnification ratio is changed to a special magnification ratio. Further, the special magnification ratio is not limited to the above value (i.e., “×2”). Various other values can be adopted as the special magnification ratio as long as the player can be awarded a larger payout.

In the payout magnification ratio change process (S2045) described in the third embodiments, the CPU251changes the payout magnification ratio of each bet area235by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio. Multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio is not limited to the payout magnification ratio change process (S2045). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio can be stored in advance in a memory. In this case, in the payout magnification ratio change process (S2045), the CPU251reads out the special payout magnification ratio from the memory and changes the “base payout magnification ratio” in each bet area235to the corresponding “special payout magnification ratio”. The dice gaming machine201can thus reduce the processing burden with respect to the payout magnification ratio change process (S2045).

The dice gaming machine according to the third embodiment identifies one target terminal among from participant terminals based on a lottery (S2037). In the present invention, the manner to identify a target terminal, however, is not limited to lottery. The present invention can apply various manners of target-terminal identification as long as one target terminal can be identified anyhow.

Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the target terminal identification table is made up in such a fashion that probability that each participant terminal is identified to be a target terminal is set equally (refer toFIG. 44). In this regard, probability setting, however, is not limited to the above-mentioned fashion. For instance, the target terminal identification table may be made up in such a fashion that “identified-to-be-target-terminal probability” is made different by each participant terminal. For instance, the “identified-to-be-target-terminal probability” is made different depending on large or small of bet amount for a current game.

The numerical values of the base probability, the first probability and the second probability directed to the present invention is not limited to the values described in the third embodiment. In the present invention, various other values can be adopted as long as the values of the first probability, the base probability, and the second probability are in ascending order.

The present invention can also be realized as a gaming method for executing the above-described processes. The present invention can also adopt as a program for causing a computer to execute such gaming method, and a recording medium onto which such program is recorded.

Here, characteristics of a dice gaming machine301will next be described.FIG. 46is an exemplary view showing characteristics of a dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment.

A dice game which is called “Sic Bo” is played in the dice gaming machine301. In “Sic-Bo”, three dice340are rolled. Players predict the result of dice rolling (specifically, the spots on the three dice340). Also, the players bet gaming values on a betting board330based on their prediction.

Here, the betting board330is made up of a plurality of bet areas335(refer toFIG. 46, etc.). Each bet area335is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio. The winning condition is a condition defined by spot(s) on some or all of the three dice340. If the spots on the rolled dice340satisfy the winning condition, the player who placed a bet on this bet area335wins a prize. The payout magnification ratio is used for determining the contents of the prize which is thus awarded. More specifically, the payout magnification ratio defines the magnification ratio of the prize (payout amount) to be awarded with respect to a unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) thus bet. Specifically, players bet gaming values with respect to a bet area335corresponding to their prediction as described above.

If the spots on the rolled dice340satisfy the winning condition defined for the bet area on which a bet is placed by the player, the player wins a prize. The prize in this case is determined by multiplying the amount of gaming value bet by the player by the payout magnification ratio of the bet area335in question.

Here, once acceptance of gaming value bets ends, the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment executes a chance area determination process (S3006). The dice gaming machine301determines whether or not to change it into a chance area385by a lottery with respect to all of the bet areas335constituting the betting board330. The dice gaming machine301determines chance area(s)385in a betting board330with respect to each terminal305constituting the dice gaming machine301. Accordingly, a kind of a bet area335changed into a chance area385differs by betting boards330of respective terminals305.

As described, if spots on the three rolled dice340satisfy a winning condition defined with the bet area335on which a bet is placed by the player, the player wins a prize based on bet amount bet on the bet area335in question and payout magnification ratio thereof.

If the bet area335in question corresponds to a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301changes payout magnification ratios for determining prize contents of the chance area385. More specifically, the dice gaming machine301calculates the prize contents of the chance area385by multiplying a payout magnification ratio defined for the bet area335in question by a special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Accordingly, in the case of a win by betting on a chance area385, the player can win twice a larger payout amount than the case of a normal win (i.e., in the case the bet area335in question does not correspond to a chance area385).

In the fourth embodiment, the payout magnification ratio includes a base payout magnification ratio and a special payout magnification ratio. The base payout magnification ratio is the payout magnification ratio set for each bet area335. The base payout magnification ratio is used in calculating the prize (e.g., payout amount) in the case the bet area335in question does not correspond to a chance area385. The special payout magnification ratio is the changed payout magnification ratio set for each bet area335, which is obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio (for instance, “×2”). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio is used when the bet area335in question corresponds to the chance area385.

Next, a schematic configuration of the dice gaming machine301will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 47is a schematic diagram showing an outer appearance of the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 47, the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment has a cabinet302, a dice rolling device303and a plurality of terminals305(in the fourth embodiment, ten terminals). The cabinet302makes up the main part of the dice gaming machine301. The cabinet302houses mechanical components and electrical components such as a main control unit350and the like as will be described later.

The dice rolling device303is installed at a central portion on an upper face of the cabinet302. The dice rolling device303has a dice box. The dice box houses three dice340therein. The three dice340are rolled inside the dice box and are then stopped. The configuration of the dice rolling device303will be described in detail later.

The terminals305are installed at the periphery of the dice rolling device303. The terminals305each have a liquid crystal display308. The terminals305are used in a player's operation with respect to the dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) played in the dice gaming machine301. Specifically, players enter the dice game played in the dice gaming machine301by using the terminals305.

In the fourth embodiment, the ten terminals305each constituting the dice gaming machine301are termed “first terminal” through “tenth terminal”.

The terminals305each have a medal acceptance device306, a control panel307and a liquid crystal display308. The medal acceptance device306accepts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, inserted by the player. Specifically, in the case of playing the dice game, the player inserts medals, an exemplary type of gaming value, in the medal acceptance device306. The gaming values thus inserted are stored as credit. The player places a bet onto a bet area335using such credit.

The control panel307is installed at a lower side of the medal acceptance device306. This control panel307has a plurality of operation buttons. More specifically, the control panel307also has a BET determination button320, a CASHOUT button321and a HELP button322.

The BET determination button320is operated by the player to determine a bet operation. Specifically, the player operates the BET determination button320to determine the bet area335which will be the bet target and the amount of gaming values to be bet with respect to the bet area335(hereinafter referred to as bet amount).

The CASHOUT button321is operated by the player to request payout of the credits he/she possesses. When this CASHOUT button321is operated, medals are paid out from a cash out port309in accordance with the number of credits that the player possesses.

The HELP button322is operated in the case the operation method and the rules of the game are unclear. When the HELP button322is operated, the dice gaming machine301displays a HELP screen containing explanations with respect to the game operation method and the like onto the liquid crystal display308.

The liquid crystal display308is a display device for displaying information with respect to the dice game. When the dice game is started, each liquid crystal display308displays an image of the betting board330. The touch panel325is arranged at a front face of the liquid crystal display308in each terminal305. Accordingly, the player carries out a bet operation with respect to the bet area335using this touch panel325.

Each terminal305has a cash out port309and a speaker310. The cash out port309is arranged at a lower side of the liquid crystal display308. This cash out port309serves to output medals. For instance, once the CASHOUT button321is operated, a number of medals corresponding to the credits the player possesses are paid out to the cash out port309. Speaker310is installed at a right upper side of the liquid crystal display308. The speaker310outputs sounds based on the progress of the game.

Next, the dice rolling device303installed in the dice gaming machine301will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.

As shown inFIG. 47, the dice rolling device303is installed at an upper face of the cabinet302. The dice rolling device303houses three dice340therein. The three dice340are rolled inside the dice rolling device303by controlling the operation of the dice rolling motor312as will be described later. The rolled dice340are then stopped on a dice rolling board311. The dice rolling device303is installed at a central portion of the cabinet302. Accordingly, players who are seated at the terminals305can see the dice340as they are being rolled inside the dice rolling device303and the spots on the dice340after these are stopped inside the dice rolling device303.

As shown inFIG. 48andFIG. 49, the dice rolling device303has a dice rolling board311, a dice rolling motor312, a cover member313and a rolling result detection unit315. The dice rolling board311moves up and down within a predetermined range inside the dice rolling device303(refer toFIG. 49). The dice rolling board311is connected to the dice rolling motor312. Specifically, the dice rolling board311moves up and down within the predetermined range based on driving and control of the dice rolling motor312.

As shown inFIG. 49, in the case of rolling the dice340, the dice rolling motor312causes the dice rolling board311to move upwards at a certain speed or faster. Once the dice rolling board311moves over a predetermined range, the board stops moving. Accordingly, the dice340on the dice rolling board311are thrown upwards and are thus rolled inside the dice rolling device303. As shown inFIG. 49, an inclined face is formed at the periphery of the dice rolling board311. Accordingly, the three dice340thus roll on the inclined face and then stop on the dice rolling board311.

The cover member313is formed in a hemispherical shape to cover the three dice340and the dice rolling board311(refer toFIG. 48andFIG. 49). Specifically, the three dice340are rolled inside a space defined by the upper face of the dice rolling board311and the inner face of the cover member313. The cover member313is made of a transparent acrylic material. Accordingly, the player can sufficiently see the dice340while being rolled inside the dice rolling device303and the dice340as stopped on the dice rolling board311.

The rolling result detection unit315is installed at a top of the cover member313(refer toFIG. 48andFIG. 49). The rolling result detection device315detects the spots on each die340which is stopped on the dice rolling board311(hereinafter referred to as rolling result). More specifically, the rolling result detection unit315acquires an image of each die340which is stopped on the dice rolling board311. The rolling result detection unit315identifies the spots on each die340by carrying out a predetermined image process with respect to the images thus acquired. Here, information showing the identified spots on the three dice340is referred to as rolling result information.

The image processing for identifying the spots on dice340is heretofore known in the art. Therefore, further description thereof will hereby be omitted.

Next, the internal configuration of the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment will be further described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 50is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the dice gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 50, the dice gaming machine301has a main control unit350. The main control unit350controls the entire dice gaming machine301. The main control unit350has a CPU351, a ROM352and a RAM353.

The CPU351is a central processing unit with respect to control by the main control unit350. Specifically, the CPU351plays a central role in the control by the main control unit350. In other words, the CPU351controls the entire dice gaming machine301by executing the various programs stored in the ROM352. For instance, the CPU351progresses the dice game in the dice gaming machine301by executing a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 53andFIG. 54) as will be described later.

The ROM352stores various types of programs to be executed in the CPU351. More specifically, the ROM352stores a dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 53andFIG. 54), a chance area determination process program (refer toFIG. 55), a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 58) and a lottery program and the like. The ROM352also stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon executing various programs. Accordingly, the payout table and chance lottery table (refer toFIG. 56andFIG. 57) are also stored in the ROM352. Specifically, the ROM352stores fifty-three chance lottery tables. A chance lottery table is associated with a bet area335constituting a part of the betting board330. For instance, a chance lottery table shown inFIG. 56is associated with a total bet area335F directed to a total value “4” to be described later. Furthermore, a chance lottery table shown inFIG. 57is associated with an any triple bet area335E to be described later. Each chance lottery table is referred upon execution of the chance area determination process (S3006). Contents of those chance lottery tables will be described in detail.

The ROM352stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine1, the CPU351executes the BIOS stored in the ROM352. As a result, the CPU351initializes the peripheral devices constituting the dice gaming machine301. The CPU351authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the CPU351checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of applying power.

The RAM353temporarily stores the results of the processing executed by the CPU351. Specifically, the RAM353temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, lottery results of the chance lottery process and the like). The RAM353temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, bet information transmitted from the terminals305, rolling result information transmitted from the rolling result detection device315and the like).

The main control unit350has a timer354and a communication interface355. The timer354is a clock device which is connected to the CPU351. The CPU351references the measurement result of the timer354in the case of judging the lapse of the bet period and in the case of judging the arrival of rolling timing.

The bet period refers to the period of accepting the bet operation made by the players at the terminals305. Specifically, lapse of the bet period indicates that acceptance of bets for gaming values with respect to the bet area335has ended. Rolling timing indicates the timing when rolling of dice340inside the dice rolling device303is started.

The communication interface355is connected to the CPU351. The communication interface355is also connected to the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301. Specifically, the CPU351transmits various types of information and control signals with respect to the terminals305through the communication interface355. Further, the CPU351can receive the information (for instance, bet information) and the control signals from the terminals305through the communication interface355.

Further, the CPU351constituting the main control unit350is connected to the dice rolling device303. As was described earlier, the dice rolling device303has a dice rolling motor312and a rolling result detection device315. Accordingly, the CPU351can drive and control the dice rolling motor312by transmitting a predetermined control signal to the dice rolling device303. Specifically, the CPU351can cause the dice340to roll and stop in the dice rolling device303. The rolling result detection device315can identify a rolling result indicating the spots on the stopped dice340. Accordingly, the CPU351can acquire the rolling result information based on the spots on the dice340as identified by the rolling result detection device315(S3011).

Next, the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301will be described in detail while referring to the drawing.FIG. 51is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a terminal305.

The terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301all have the same configuration. Accordingly, the internal configuration of one terminal305will be described in detail. Description of the other terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301will hereby be omitted.

As shown inFIG. 51, the terminal305has a terminal controller370. This terminal controller370controls the various functions of the terminal305. The terminal controller370has a terminal CPU371, a terminal ROM372and a terminal RAM373.

The terminal CPU371is a central processing unit with respect to control made by the terminal controller370. Specifically, the terminal CPU371plays a central role in the control with respect to the terminal305. More specifically, the terminal CPU371controls the terminal305by executing various types of programs stored in the terminal ROM372. For instance, the terminal CPU371carries out control with respect to the dice game (for instance, control with respect to acceptance of bet operation and payment of payout) by executing the dice game execution process program (refer toFIG. 53andFIG. 54) as will be described later.

The terminal ROM372stores various types of programs to be executed in the terminal CPU371. More specifically, the terminal ROM372stores dice game execution process programs (refer toFIG. 53andFIG. 54) and the like. The terminal ROM372stores various types of data tables. These data tables are referenced upon execution of the various programs.

The terminal ROM372also stores a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an authentication program. When power is applied to the dice gaming machine301, the terminal CPU371executes the BIOS stored in the terminal ROM372. As a result, the terminal CPU371initializes the peripheral devices constituting the terminals305. The terminal CPU371authenticates the dice game execution process program and the like by executing an authentication program. At this time, the terminal CPU371checks the presence of any alterations with respect to the dice game execution process program and the like. These processes are executed in an initial setting process executed at the time of power application.

The terminal RAM373temporarily stores the results of the processing executed in the terminal CPU371. Specifically, the terminal RAM373temporarily stores the processing results following execution of the above-mentioned programs (for instance, bet information based on the players' bet operation). The terminal RAM373temporarily stores various types of information regarding the dice game (for instance, payout information transmitted from the main control unit350and the like).

The terminal CPU371is connected with the control panel307. As was described earlier, the control panel307has a BET determination button320, a CASHOUT button321and a HELP button322. Specifically, the BET determination button320, the CASHOUT button321and the HELP button322are each connected to the terminal CPU371. Accordingly, when a player operates the BET determination button320, the CASHOUT button321and the HELP button322, a control signal based on each such operation can be inputted to the terminal CPU371. The terminal CPU371can thus carry out control in accordance with the button that was operated, based on the operation signal thus inputted.

The terminal CPU371is connected with the liquid crystal display308through a liquid crystal driving circuit374. The liquid crystal driving circuit374serves as a control circuit with respect to display on the liquid crystal display308. The liquid crystal driving circuit374is made up of a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM, etc. The program ROM stores various types of selection tables and image control programs regarding display on the liquid crystal display308. The image ROM stores dot data. This dot data is used for forming images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display308. The image control CPU determines images to be displayed on the liquid crystal display308from the dot data stored in the image ROM, based on the parameters set in the terminal CPU371and the image control program. The work RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. The VDP forms images in accordance with the display contents determined by the image control CPU. The VDP outputs the images thus formed to the liquid crystal display308. The video RAM serves as a temporary storage device at the time images are formed in the VDP.

As was described earlier, the liquid crystal display308has a touch panel325provided at a front face thereof. As is shown inFIG. 51, the terminal CPU371is connected with the touch panel325. The touch panel325detects the coordinate information corresponding to a portion touched by the player. Accordingly, the touch panel325can identify a player's operation with respect to the touch panel325based on the coordinate information. The operation information indicating a player's operation with respect to the touch panel325is transmitted from the touch panel325to the terminal CPU371.

In the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment, when the betting board330is displayed on the liquid crystal display308(refer toFIG. 52), the players select the bet areas335making up the betting board330and depress the unit BET button331using the touch panel325. Accordingly, information with respect to the bet areas335thus selected and the unit BET button331is transmitted from the touch panel325to the terminal CPU371.

The terminal CPU371is connected with the speaker310through a sound circuit375. The sound circuit375carries out control with respect to sound output from speaker310based on the control signal transmitted from the terminal CPU371. The speaker310outputs various effect sounds in accordance with the progress of the dice game. As a result, the dice gaming machine301can execute effects in accordance with the progress of the dice game at each terminal305.

The terminal CPU371is connected with a hopper376and a medal sensor377. The hopper376pays out medals to the cash out port309based on the control signal from the terminal CPU371. The medal sensor377detects the medals paid out from the hopper376. As a result, the terminal CPU371can pay out a predetermined number of medals to the players by controlling the hopper376and the medal sensor377.

Next, a detailed description will be given with respect to the game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display308in the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment, while referring to the drawings.FIG. 52is an explanatory diagram showing one example of a game screen to be displayed on the liquid crystal display308.

As shown inFIG. 52, the game screen displayed on the liquid crystal display308includes the betting board330. Here, when a dice game (e.g., Sic Bo) is played, the players bet gaming values with respect to the spots on the stopped three dice340. The betting board330is used by the player in betting the gaming values.

The betting board330has a plurality of bet areas335. Each bet area335is associated with a winning condition and a payout magnification ratio (e.g., base payout magnification ratio). The winning condition is the condition determined by the stopped three dice340. The base payout magnification ratio shows the payout amount to be paid out in return to the unit gaming value (specifically, one credit) bet, in a case where spots on the stopped three dice340satisfy the winning condition of the bet area335.

More specifically, the betting board330has eight types of bet areas335. Specifically, the betting board330has a small bet area335A, a big bet area335B, a specific double bet area335C, a specific triple bet area335D, an any triple bet area335E, a total bet area335F, a combination bet area335G and a number bet area335H.

The small bet area335A and the big bet area335B are bet areas in each of which a condition is defined with a range of values as a result of adding up the spots on the stopped dice340(hereinafter referred to as total value). More specifically, the winning condition of the small bet area335A is that “the total value is in a range between 4 and 10”. The base payout magnification ratio of the small bet area335A is set to 1:1 (two medals are paid out in return to a win with one medal placed as a bet). Alternatively, the winning condition of the big bet area335B is that “the total value is in a range between 11 and 17”. The base payout magnification ratio of the big bet area335B is also set to 1:1.

The specific double bet area335C is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of spots on the stopped dice340. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific double bet area335C is satisfied if “amongst the three dice340which are stopped, the spots on two dice340are the same, and the spots on these two dice340correspond to specific spots”. The betting board330has six specific double bet areas335C. Accordingly, if the spots on two dice340from amongst the three dice340are “1,1”, “2,2”, “3,3” . . . or “6,6”, the winning condition for one specific double bet area335C is satisfied (refer toFIG. 52). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific double bet area335C is set to 1:10.

The specific triple bet area335D is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined a combination of the stopped three dice340. More specifically, the winning condition of the specific triple bet area335D is satisfied if “the spots on the three dice340which are stopped are the same and the spots on the three dice340correspond to specific spots”. The betting board30has six specific triple bet areas335D. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice340are “1,1,1,”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning condition for one specific triple bet area335D is satisfied (refer toFIG. 52). The base payout magnification ratio of each specific triple bet area335D is set to 1:180.

The any triple bet area335E is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped three dice340. More specifically, the winning combination of the any triple bet area335E is satisfied if “the spots on the stopped dice340are all the same”. Accordingly, if the spots on the three dice340are “1,1,1”, “2,2,2”, “3,3,3” . . . or “6,6,6”, the winning combination of the any triple bet area335E is satisfied (refer toFIG. 52). The base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area335E is set to 1:30.

The total bet area335F is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a total value of the spots on the stopped three dice340. More specifically, the winning combination of the total bet area335F is satisfied if “the total value is a specific value”. As shown inFIG. 52, the betting board330has fourteen total bet areas335F. Specifically, the betting board330has a total bet area335F corresponding to each total value “4”, “5” . . . “17”. As shown inFIG. 52, the base payout magnification ratio of each total bet area335F is set in accordance with the appearance frequency of the total value for each winning condition. For instance, if the winning condition for the total value “16” is the total bet area335F thus set, the base payout magnification ratio is 1:30.

The combination bet area335G is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with a combination of the spots on the stopped dice340. More specifically, the winning condition of the combination bet area335G is satisfied if “the spots on two dice340from amongst the stopped three dice340correspond to a specific combination”. As shown inFIG. 52, the betting board330has fifteen combination bet areas335G. The base payout magnification ratio for the combination bet area335G is set to 1:5.

The combination for the case that the spots on two dice340are the same is excluded from the combination bet area335G.

The number bet area335H is a bet area in which a winning condition is defined with the spots' numbers on the dice340. More specifically, the winning combination of the number bet area335H is satisfied if “a specific spot is included in the spots on the stopped three dice340”. As shown inFIG. 52, the betting board330has six number bet areas335H. One number bet area335H corresponds to any of “1”, “2” . . . “6”. The base payout magnification ratio of the number bet area335H is set to “1:1”, “1:2”, “1:3”, in accordance with the number of dices showing the spots corresponding to the winning combination.

The game screen can include a cursor332and a chip mark333. The cursor332and the chip mark333are displayed on the betting board330in accordance with a player's operation. The cursor332shows the bet area335which is currently selected by the player. The chip mark333shows the amount of gaming values bet with respect to the bet area335(hereinafter referred to as bet amount). As shown inFIG. 52, the chip mark333shows the above-mentioned bet amount through the number displayed at the center of the chip mark333. The chip mark333is displayed on the bet area335. Specifically, the chip mark shows the bet area335onto which the bet is made through the location of its display.

Further, as shown inFIG. 52, the game screen includes a unit BET button331, a CORRECT button336, a payout result display portion337and a credit amount display portion338.

The unit BET button331is formed at a lower left side of the betting board330. The unit BET button331is used to set the bet amount with respect to the bet area335selected by the player.

As shown inFIG. 52, the unit BET button331is made up of 1 BET button331A, 5 BET button331B, 10 BET button331C and 100 BET button331D. The 1 BET button331A is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area335selected by the player by “1”. The 5 BET button331B is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area335selected by the player by “5”. The 10 BET button331C is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area335selected by the player by “10”. The 100 BET button331D is operated by the player to increase the bet amount with respect to the bet area335selected by the player by “100”.

Each time the player carries out such operation, the unit BET button331adds a bet amount in accordance with such operation to the current bet amount.

The CORRECT button336is operated to cancel the bet area335already selected and the setting of the bet amount. If selection of the bet area335and setting of the bet amount are incorrect, the player can correct the bet area335and the bet amount by operating this CORRECT button336.

The payout result display portion337displays the total bet amount in the previous game and the payout amount in the previous game (the payout credit amount).

The credit amount display portion338displays the credit amount possessed by the player. The display contents of the credit amount display portion338are updated based on the bet with respect to the bet area335and award of the payout in the dice game.

Next, the bet operation carried out by the player using the game screen will be described. As was described earlier, the touch panel325is installed at a front face of the liquid crystal display308. The touch panel325transmits the coordinate information corresponding to the portion touched by the player to the terminal CPU371. Accordingly, if the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display308, the player can select the bet area335and set the bet amount using the touch panel325.

More specifically, the player first touches with his/her finger the touch panel325at the portion corresponding to the desired bet area335. As a result, the player selects the desired bet area335. At this time, the cursor332is displayed on the bet area335thus selected. Thereafter, the player touches with his/her finger the touch panel325at the portion corresponding to the unit BET button331. As a result, the player selects the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area335. Once the bet amount is selected, the chip mark333is displayed on the bet area335.

Next, a dice game execution process program to be executed in the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 53andFIG. 54are flow charts of the dice game execution process program.

The initial setting process executed in the main control unit350and the initial setting process executed in the terminal controller370of each terminal305are executed prior to the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the main control unit350and the terminal controller370end initialization of the peripheral devices and the program authentication process. These initial setting processes are heretofore known in the art. Therefore, description of the contents of such processes is hereby omitted.

First, the dice game execution process program in the main control unit350will be described in detail.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is started, the CPU351first executes the bet start signal transmission process (S3001). In the bet start signal transmission process (S3001), the CPU351transmits the bet start signal to the terminals305through the communication interface355. The bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the terminals305. The bet period is the period for accepting the players' bets for the gaming values with respect to the bet areas335at each terminal305. After the bet start signal is transmitted to the terminals305, the CPU351shifts the process to S3002.

Once the bet start signal is received, the terminal CPU371executes the game screen display process (S3102) and the bet operation acceptance process (S3103). This will be described in more detail later.

After shifting to S3002, the CPU351starts measuring the bet period. More specifically, the CPU351transmits the control signal to the timer354. As a result, the timer354starts measurement. After the control signal is transmitted to the timer354, the CPU351shifts the process to S3003.

At S3003, the CPU351judges whether the bet period has lapsed. More specifically, the CPU351references the measurement results of the timer354. The CPU351judges whether the predetermined period (e.g., bet period) has lapsed based on the measurement result of the timer354. If the bet period has lapsed (S3003: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3004. Alternatively, if the bet period has not lapsed yet (S3003: NO), the CPU351puts the process in stand-by until the bet period lapses.

At S3004, the CPU351executes the bet end signal transmission process. In the bet end signal transmission process (S3004), the CPU351transmits a bet end signal to the terminals305. The bet end signal serves to instruct ending of the bet period in each terminal305. In other words, the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets for gaming values in the terminal305is ended. After the bet end signal is transmitted to each terminal305, the CPU351shifts the process to S3005.

Once the bet end signal is received, the terminal CPU371ends the bet operation acceptance process (S3103). Accordingly, the terminal305ends acceptance of bets with respect to the bet area335. Thereafter, the terminal CPU371transmits the bet information based on the bet operation carried out in the bet operation acceptance process (S3103) to the main control unit350(S3105). This bet information includes information showing the bet area335on which the gaming value has been bet and information showing the bet amount bet on the bet area335in question. The bet information includes identification information showing the terminal305from which the bet information is transmitted.

After shifting to S3005, the CPU351executes the bet information reception process. In the bet information reception process (S3005), the CPU351receives the bet information transmitted from each terminal305through the communication interface355. The CPU351stores the bet information thus received in the RAM353. At this time, the CPU351classifies the bet information for each terminal305based on the identification information included in the bet information. Once the bet information reception process (S3005) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3006.

At S3006, the CPU351executes a chance area determination process. In the chance area determination process (S3006), the CPU351first executes a chance area determination process program (refer toFIG. 55) to be described later. Next, in the chance area determination process (S3006), the CPU351determines a chance area385in the betting board330with respect to each terminal305. More specifically, the CPU351carries out a lottery for bet area335constituting a part of the betting board330based on chance lottery tables (refer toFIG. 56andFIG. 57). Then, based on the lottery result, the CPU351determines whether or not the lottery target bet area335coincides with a chance area385. After storing chance area information in the RAM353, the CPU351shifts the process to S3007. A piece of chance area information indicates one or more of chance areas385in a betting board330with respect to a terminal305.

The contents of the chance area determination process will be described in detail later by referring to drawings. Accordingly, the details of the chance area determination process will be omitted here.

At S3007, the CPU351judges whether the dice rolling timing has arrived. The dice rolling timing shows the timing at which rolling of the three dice340is started in the dice rolling device303. More specifically, at S3007, the CPU351first references the measurement results of the timer354. Specifically, the CPU351carries out the judgment process at S3007based on the measurement result of timer354. When the dice rolling timing arrives (S3007: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3008. Alternatively, if the dice rolling timing has not yet arrived (S3007: NO), the CPU351puts the process in stand-by until such dice rolling timing arrives.

At S3008, the CPU351executes a dice rolling process. In this dice rolling process (S3008), the CPU351transmits a control signal to the dice rolling device303. As a result, the dice rolling motor312is driven and controlled. Accordingly, the three dice340are rolled inside the dice rolling device303. The three dice340which have been rolled are then stopped on the dice rolling board311. Once the dice rolling process ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3009.

After shifting to S3009, the CPU351executes a chance area information transmission process. In the chance area information transmission process (S3009), the CPU351transmits chance area information to all of the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301. The chance area information is information indicating bet area(s)335determined to be chance area(s)385at the chance area determination process (S3006). In the case a chance area385is not present, the chance area information indicates absence of a chance area385. In the chance area information transmission process (S3009), the CPU351first obtains every piece of chance area information stored in the RAM353of each terminal305. Thereafter, the CPU351transmits an individual piece of chance area information to each terminal305through the communication interface355. At this moment, the CPU351transmits chance area information to a terminal305which has been designated to receive the chance area information in question. Once the chance area information transmission process ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3010.

At S3010, the CPU351executes a rolling result acquisition process. In this rolling result acquisition process (S3010), the CPU351acquires the rolling result information showing the spots on the stopped three dice340, by controlling the rolling result detection device315of the dice rolling device303. More specifically, the CPU351transmits the control signal to the dice rolling device303. Upon receiving the control signal, the dice rolling device303acquires an image with an imaging device provided in the dice rolling device303. The acquired image includes the image of the stopped three dice340on the dice rolling board311. Thereafter, the dice rolling device303carries out a predetermined image process with respect to the acquired image by controlling the rolling result detection device315. As a result, the dice rolling device303can identify the spots on the three dice340which are stopped on the dice rolling board311. The dice rolling device303generates rolling result information showing the spots on the three dice340thus identified. The dice rolling device303then transmits the rolling result information thus generated to the CPU351. Once the rolling result information acquired from the dice rolling device303is stored in the RAM353, the CPU351shifts the process to S3011.

After shifting to S3011, the CPU351executes a payout amount determination process. In this payout amount determination process (S3011), the CPU351executes a payout amount determination process program (refer toFIG. 58) as will be described later. In this payout amount determination process, the CPU351calculates the payout amount of each terminal305based on the rolling result information and the bet information of each terminal305. Here, in the case of calculating a payout amount of the chance area385, the CPU351changes the payout magnification ratio used in the payout amount determination process (S3011) from “base payout magnification ratio”to “special payout magnification ratio”. The contents of the payout amount determination process (S3011) will next be described in detail. Once the payout amount determination process ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3012.

At S3012, the CPU351executes a payout information transmission process. In this payout information transmission process (S3012), the CPU351transmits the payout information to each terminal305through the communication interface355. This payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S3011). After transmitting the payout information to each terminal305, the CPU351ends the payout information transmission process. The CPU351then ends the dice game execution process program in the main control unit350.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program is ended, the CPU351restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the CPU351repeatedly executes the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine301.

Next, the dice game execution process program at each terminal305will be described in detail.

Upon starting the dice game execution process program, the terminal CPU371first judges whether the bet start signal has been received (S3101). As was described earlier, the bet start signal serves to instruct start of the bet period in the dice gaming machine301. The bet start signal is transmitted from the main control unit350to each terminal305(S3001). If the bet start signal is received (S3101: YES), the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3102. As a result, the bet period in each terminal305is started. Alternatively, if the bet start signal has not yet been received (S3101: NO), the terminal CPU371puts the process in stand-by until the bet start signal is received.

After shifting to S3102, the terminal CPU371executes a game screen display process. In this game screen display process (S3102), the terminal CPU371transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit374. The game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display308based on the control of the liquid crystal driving circuit374(refer toFIG. 52). Once the game screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display308, the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3103.

At S3103, the terminal CPU371executes a bet operation acceptance process. In this bet operation acceptance process (S3103), the terminal CPU371accepts a player's operation using the touch panel325. More specifically, the terminal CPU371carries out various types of controls corresponding to a player's operation based on the operation signal transmitted from the touch panel325. Such controls include control with respect to selecting the bet area335, control with respect to setting the bet amount corresponding to the selected bet area335and control corresponding to operation of the CORRECT button336.

If the bet area335is selected and the bet amount with respect to the selected bet area335is set, the terminal CPU371stores the bet information in the terminal RAM373. The bet information includes information with respect to the selected bet area335and information showing the bet amount of the bet area335.

In the next step S3104, the terminal CPU371judges whether the bet end signal has been received. As was described earlier, the bet end signal shows the end of the bet period. Specifically, reception of the bet end signal means that acceptance of bets in the current dice game ends. The bet end signal is transmitted from the main control unit350(S3004). If the bet end signal is received (S3104: YES), the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3105. Alternatively, if the bet end signal has not yet been received (S3104: NO), the terminal CPU371returns the process to the bet operation acceptance process (S3103). Thus, the player at each terminal305can bet a gaming value in the current game until the end of the bet period.

After shifting to S3105, the terminal CPU371executes a bet information transmission process. In this bet information transmission process (S3105), the terminal CPU371transmits the bet information stored in the terminal RAM373to the main control unit350. Here, the terminal CPU371adds identification information showing the terminal305in question to the bet information. After transmitting the bet information including the identification information, the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3106.

At S3106, the terminal CPU371judges whether the chance area information has been received. As was described earlier, the chance area information indicates a bet area335which has been determined to be chance area385at the chance area determination process (S3006). This chance area information is transmitted from the main control unit350to each terminal305through the communication interface355(S3009). If the chance area information is received (S3106: YES), the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3107. Alternatively, if the chance area information is not received (S3106: NO), the terminal CPU371puts the process in stand-by until receiving the chance area information.

At S3107, the terminal CPU371executes the chance area notification process. In the chance area notification process (S3107), the terminal CPU371notifies the player of bet area(s)335corresponding to chance area(s)385, through the display on the liquid crystal display308. More specifically, the terminal CPU371transmits the control signal to the liquid crystal driving circuit374. As a result, the liquid crystal display308displays the chance area notification image380on the game screen (refer toFIG. 46). Once the chance area notification process (S3107) ends, the terminal CPU371shifts the process to S3108.

In the chance area notification process (S3107), the terminal CPU371notifies the player that “which bet area(s) is/are the “chance area(s)385in the current game” and “win with the chance area(s)385will double payout at a normal time”.

For instance, as shown inFIG. 46, bet areas335corresponding to chance areas385are indicated in a certain color different from a color applied to other bet areas335in the game screen. Furthermore, frames of the bet areas335corresponding to the chance areas385are indicated more boldly than those of other bet areas335(refer toFIG. 46). It is to be noted that “other bet areas335” here means bet areas335which do not correspond to chance areas385. Accordingly, the player can easily grasp which one(s) is/are chance area(s)385in a current dice game by observing the liquid crystal display308. As a result, the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to payout for a winning chance area385.

The chance area notification image380includes indication that “normal magnification ratio of each of the bet areas335corresponding to chance areas385will be multiplied by special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”. That is, the chance area notification image380notifies the player that payout magnification ratio to be used for calculating payout has been changed from “normal payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. Accordingly, the player can understand that payout for the chance areas385will be larger payout by looking at the chance area notification image380. As a result, the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout.

After shifting to S3108, the terminal CPU371executes a payout process. In this payout process (S3108), the terminal CPU371awards to the player a payout in the current dice game based on the payout information. As was described earlier, the payout information is transmitted from the main control unit350to each terminal305(S3012). The payout information shows the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S3011). Accordingly, the terminal CPU371adds the payout amount calculated in the payout amount determination process (S3011) to the credit amount possessed by the player. The payout amount can also be awarded in the form of medals which are paid out from the cash out port309. Once the payout process ends, the terminal CPU371ends the dice game execution process program in the terminal305.

Once execution of the dice game execution process program ends, the terminal CPU371restarts execution of the dice game execution process program. Specifically, the terminal CPU371can repeatedly execute the dice game execution process program while power is being supplied to the dice gaming machine301.

Next. There will be described on a chance area determination process program to be executed by the CPU351at the chance area determination process (S3006) by referring to drawings.FIG. 55is a flow chart of the chance area determination process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit350, the CPU351executes a target terminal setting process (S3021) upon shifting the process to the chance area determination process (S3006). In the target terminal setting process (S3021), the CPU351sets one of all the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301to a target terminal. Here, a “target terminal” refers to a terminal305which is subject to process for determining chance area(s)385. Once the target terminal setting process (S3021) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3022.

After shifting to S3022, the CPU351judges whether or not the target terminal is a participant terminal. Here, a participant terminal corresponds to a terminal305which participates in a current dice game. That is, a participant terminal refers to a terminal305which has placed a bet on a bet area335in a current dice game. More specifically, at S3022, the CPU351judges whether the target terminal is a participant terminal or not based on bet information received at the bet information reception process (S3005). In the case the target terminal is a participant terminal (S3022: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3023. Alternatively, in the case the target terminal is not a participant terminal (S3022: NO), the CPU351shifts the process to S3027. In this case, the CPU351associates the target terminal with chance area information indicating absence of a chance area385and stores the chance area information in the RAM353. Accordingly, a chance area385is not included in the betting board330of the target terminal which is not a participant terminal.

In S3023, the CPU351executes a target bet area setting process. In the target bet area setting process (S3023), the CPU351selects a bet area335from among all the bet areas335constituting the betting board330of the target terminal. Then, the CPU351sets the thus selected bet area335as a target bet area. Here, a “target bet area” refers to a bet area335which is subject to a series of processes (S3023through S3025) for judging whether to coincide with a chance area385. Once the target bet area setting process (S3023) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3024.

In S3024, the CPU351executes a lottery table acquisition process. In the lottery table acquisition process (S3024), the CPU351reads out a chance lottery table with respect to the target bet area from among chance lottery tables of respective bet areas stored in the ROM352. For instance, an any triple bet area335E is the target bet area, the CPU351reads out a chance lottery table as shown inFIG. 57from the ROM352. Once the lottery table acquisition process (S3024) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3025.

Shifting to S3025, the CPU351executes a chance area lottery process. In the chance area lottery process (S3025), a lottery based on the readout chance lottery table is carried out so as to determine whether the target bet area corresponds to a chance area385. More specifically, the CPU351first executes a lottery program to extract a random number value from a predetermined random number value range. Thereafter, the CPU351determines a lottery result based on the extracted random number value and the chance lottery table (e.g., refer toFIG. 56andFIG. 57) read out at the lottery table acquisition process (S3024). In the case it is “lottery result: win”, the target bet area in question is determined to be a chance area385. Alternatively, in the case it is “lottery result: lose”, the target bet area in question is determined to be a bet area335which does not corresponds to a chance area385. After that, the CPU351creates lottery result information based on the thus determined lottery result. At this time, the CPU351adds identification information of the target terminal to the lottery result information. The lottery result information constitutes the earlier-mentioned chance area information. After storing the lottery result information in the RAM353, the CPU351shifts the process to S3026.

In S3026, the CPU351judges whether the chance area lottery process (S3025) has been made with respect to all the bet areas335constituting the betting board330of the target terminal. More specifically, the CPU351executes the judgment process of S3026based on the lottery result information stored in the RAM353with respect to the target terminal. In the case the chance area lottery process has been made with respect to all the bet areas335(S3026: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3027. At this time, the CPU351creates chance area information of the target terminal based on all of the lottery result information with respect to the target terminal. Accordingly, the chance area information indicates all the chance area(s)385included in the betting board330of the target terminal. Then, the CPU351adds identification information of the target terminal to the chance area information. After that, the CPU351stores the resultant chance area information in the RAM353.

Alternatively, in the case the chance area lottery process has not been made with respect to all the bet areas335(S3026: NO), the CPU351returns the process to the target bet area setting process (S3023). In this case, at the latest target bet area setting process (S3023), the CPU351sets another bet area335of which lottery result has not been stored as a new target bet area. Thereby, the CPU351executes the chance area lottery process (S3025) with respect to the new target bet area.

In S3027, the CPU351judges whether or not a series of processes (S3022through S3026) concerning determination of chance area(s)385has been made with respect to all of the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301. More specifically, the CPU351executes the judgment process of S3027based on chance area information stored in the RAM353. In the case the series of judgment processes has been made with respect to all of the terminals305(S3027: YES), the CPU351ends the chance area determination process program.

Alternatively, in the case the series of judgment processes has not been made with respect to all of the terminals305(S3027: NO), the CPU351returns the process to the target terminal setting process (S3021). In this case, the CPU351sets another terminal305of which chance area information has not been stored as a new target terminal. Thereby, the CPU351executes the series of processes (S3022through S3026) concerning determination of chance area(s)385with respect to the new target terminal.

Next, there will be described on chance lottery tables used at the chance area determination process (S3006) by referring to drawings.FIG. 56andFIG. 57are exemplary diagrams of chance lottery tables.

As described earlier, a chance lottery table for each of all the bet areas335constituting the betting board330is stored in the ROM352. Each chance lottery table is used when the chance area lottery process (S3023) is executed for a bet area335associated with the chance lottery table. Each chance lottery table is defined so as to make a winning probability of the associated bet area335proper for its chance lottery process. More specifically, each chance lottery table indicates a winning probability which satisfies conditions to be described later (namely, a first condition and a second condition).

Hereinafter, a bet area335associated with a certain chance lottery table will be termed as a “corresponding bet area”.

The first condition concerning a winning probability of each chance lottery table is that “an expected value to win a payout for a corresponding bet area is equal to or larger than a predetermined reference expected value (0.975 in the fourth embodiment)”. A chance lottery table is configured to define a winning probability which satisfies the first condition so that the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout with the corresponding bet area.

As was earlier described, in the case a certain bet area335coincides with a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301awards payout for said bet area335which has been calculated by using the “special payout magnification ratio”. Alternatively, in the case a certain bet area335does not coincides with a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301awards payout for said bet area335which has been calculated by using the “base payout magnification ratio”. That is, when payout is awarded for a certain bet area335, there are classified into two payout awarding patterns: awarding a payout calculated based on the special payout magnification ratio; and awarding payout calculated based on the base payout magnification ratio. Accordingly, “an expected value to win a payout for a corresponding bet area” directed to the first condition is calculated by summing up “an expected value concerning acquisition of payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” and “an expected value concerning acquisition of payout based on base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area”.

The “expected value concerning acquisition of payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is obtained by multiplying the following three multiplication factors: “a probability to acquire payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area”; “unit gaming value (i.e., 1 credit); and “special payout magnification ratio with respect to the corresponding bet area”. The “probability to acquire payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is a probability to satisfy the following two conditions: satisfying a winning condition with respect to the corresponding bet area; and winning in a chance area lottery process (S3025) with respect to the corresponding bet area. That is, the “probability to acquire payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” corresponds to a lottery winning probability with a chance lottery table directed to the corresponding bet area. It is to be noted that “special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is obtained by multiplying “base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” by “special magnification ratio”.

The “expected value concerning acquisition of payout based on base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is obtained by multiplying the following three multiplication factors: “a probability to acquire payout based on base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area”; “unit gaming value (i.e., 1 credit); and “base payout magnification ratio with respect to the corresponding bet area”. The “probability to acquire payout based on base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is a probability to satisfy the following two conditions: satisfying a winning condition with respect to the corresponding bet area; and losing in a chance area lottery process (S3025) with respect to the corresponding bet area. That is, the “probability to acquire payout based on base payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is obtained by subtracting “probability to acquire payout based on special payout magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” from “probability to satisfy a winning condition with respect to the corresponding bet area”. It is to be noted that the “probability to satisfy a winning condition with respect to the corresponding bet area” is obtained by dividing “the number of combinations of spots on the stopped three dice340satisfying a winning condition of a corresponding bet area” by “the number of all the combinations of spots on the stopped three dice340”.

Accordingly, among the numerical values used for calculating an “expected value concerning acquisition of payout with respect to a corresponding bet area”, only the numerical value directed to a “probability to acquire payout based on special magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is an uncalculable value. The above-mentioned reference expected value is a calculable one. Accordingly, a “chance-lottery-table-based winning probability” for satisfying the first condition can be calculated by using the above-mentioned numerical values.

The second condition concerning an each-chance-lottery-table-based winning probability corresponds to a condition that “an expected value concerning acquisition of payout with respect to a corresponding bet area is smaller than 1”. By defining a chance lottery table which indicates a lottery winning probability to satisfy the second condition, the dice gaming machine301can secure profit of a game arcade and the like which install the dice gaming machine301.

As was described earlier, among the numerical values used for calculating an “expected value concerning acquisition of payout with respect to a corresponding bet area”, only the numerical value directed to a “probability to acquire payout based on special magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is an uncalculable one. Accordingly, a “chance-lottery-table-based winning probability” which satisfies the second condition can be calculated by using the above-mentioned various numerical values appropriately.

A numerical range for chance-lottery-table-based winning probability with reference to a corresponding bet area is fixed by a “lottery winning probability referenced with a chance-lottery-table-based winning probability” which satisfies both the first condition and the second condition. Accordingly, by using a winning probability within the numerical range, the chance-lottery-table-based winning probability with respect to a corresponding bet area satisfies the first condition and the second condition.

There will be described on a specific example of a chance lottery table which satisfies both the first condition and the second condition.FIG. 56is an exemplary diagram showing one example of a chance lottery table with respect to a total bet area335F directed to a total numerical value of “4”.

As was described earlier, among the numerical values used for calculating an “expected value concerning acquisition of payout with respect to a corresponding bet area”, only the numerical value directed to a “probability to acquire payout based on special magnification ratio with respect to a corresponding bet area” is an uncalculable one. As was described earlier, the base payout magnification ratio of the total bet area335F for the total numerical value of “4” is “1:60”. That is, in the case 1 credit is bet on the total bet area335F, payout corresponding to 61 credits will be awarded in return for winning thereat. In other words, the base payout magnification ratio of the total bet area335F is 61 times. Furthermore, “special payout magnification ratio” is calculated by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special payout magnification ratio (e.g., ×2)”. Accordingly, the special payout magnification ratio of the total bet area335F turns to be 122 times. Furthermore, a probability to satisfy the winning condition of the total bet area335F for the total value of “4” is “3/216”.

By using those numerical values, namely, the “reference expected value (i.e., 0.975)” and “1”, there can be calculated a numerical range for a chance-lottery-table-based winning probability directed to the total bet area335F that satisfies both the first condition and second condition. In the case calculation is based on the above-mentioned conditions, a winning probability to coincide with the total value “4” directed to the total bet area35is same as or larger than 0.21. Moreover, if the probability is smaller than 0.25%, it is regarded that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

According to the chance lottery table shown inFIG. 56, “chance lottery result: win” is associated with a “random number value range between 0 and 4”. Furthermore, “chance lottery result: lose” is associated with a “random number value range between 5 and 2047”. Accordingly, the chance-lottery-table-based winning probability shown inFIG. 56is “5/2048 (i.e., approximately 0.244%). Therefore, it is regarded that the chance lottery table of the total bet area335F for the total value of “4” (refer toFIG. 56) corresponds to a lottery winning probability which satisfies both the first condition and the second condition with respect to the total bet area335F.

Next, there will be described on a specific example of a chance lottery table with respect to an any triple bet area335E shown inFIG. 57in detail while referring to drawings.

As was earlier described, the base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area335E is “1:30”. That is, the base payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area335E is 31 times. Furthermore, the special payout magnification ratio of the any triple bet area335E is 62 times. Furthermore, the probability to satisfy the winning condition of the any triple bet area332is “6/216”.

By using those numerical values, the “reference expected value (i.e., 0.975)” and “1”, there can be calculated a numerical range for a chance-lottery-table-based winning probability directed to the total bet area335E that satisfies both the first condition and second condition. In the case calculation is based on the above-mentioned conditions, a winning probability to coincide with the condition of the total bet area335E is same as or larger than 0.37. Moreover, if the probability is smaller than 0.44%, it is regarded that both the first condition and the second condition are satisfied.

According to the chance lottery table shown inFIG. 57, “chance lottery result: win” is associated with a “random number value range between 0 and 7”. Furthermore, “chance lottery result: lose” is associated with a “random number value range between 8 and 2047”. Accordingly, the chance-lottery-table-based winning probability shown inFIG. 57is “8/2048 (i.e., approximately 0.39%). Therefore, it is regarded that the chance lottery table of the total bet area335E (refer toFIG. 57) corresponds to a lottery winning probability which satisfies both the first condition and the second condition with respect to the total bet area335E.

Each chance lottery table stored in the ROM352indicates a lottery winning probability which satisfies both the first condition and the second condition. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout. Furthermore, the dice gaming machine301can secure profit of a game arcade which installs the dice gaming machine301.

Next, the payout amount determination process program to be executed by the CPU351in the payout amount determination process (S3011) will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.FIG. 58is a flow chart of the payout amount determination process program.

In the dice game execution process program of the main control unit350, after shifting to the payout amount determination process (S3011), the CPU351executes a winning bet area identification process (S3031). In the winning bet area identification process (S3031), the CPU351identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition set for each bet area335. The winning bet area is the bet area335whose specified winning condition is satisfied by the spots on the stopped dice340. As was described earlier, the rolling result information shows the spots on the three stopped dice340which have been identified by the rolling result detection unit315. Accordingly, the CPU351identifies the winning bet area based on the rolling result information and the winning condition of each bet area335. After identifying the winning bet area, the CPU351shifts the process to S3032.

In S3032, the CPU351executes a calculation-target-terminal setting process. In the calculation-target-terminal setting process (S3032), the CPU351selects a terminal305among from all the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301. After that, the CPU351sets the thus selected terminal305as a calculation target terminal. Accordingly, the CPU351calculates payout amount of the calculation target terminal in a current game by executing a series of processes S3033through S3039to be described later. Once the calculation-target-terminal setting process (S3032), the CPU351shifts the process to S3033.

In S3033, the CPU351executes a calculation-target-bet-area setting process. In the calculation-target-bet-area setting process (S3033), the CPU351selects a bet area335among from all the bet areas335constituting the betting board330with respect to the calculation target terminal. After that, the CPU351sets the thus selected bet area335as a calculation target bet area. Accordingly, the CPU351calculates the payout amount of the calculation target bet area by executing a series of processes S3034through S3038to be described later. Once the calculation-target-bet-area setting process (S3033) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to S3034.

At S3034, the CPU351judges whether the calculation target bet area coincides with a winning bet area. More specifically, the CPU351executes the judgment process of S3034based on a processing result at the winning bet area identification process (S3031) and the processing contents at calculation-target-bet-area setting process (S3033). In the case the calculation target bet area coincides with a winning bet area (S3034: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3035. Alternatively, in the case the calculation target bet area does not coincide with a winning bet area (S3034: NO), the CPU351shifts the process to S3039.

A case that a calculation target bet area does not coincide with a winning bet area means that a rolling result does not satisfy a winning condition of the calculation target bet area. Accordingly, in this case, the CPU351sets payout amount of the calculation target bet area to “0”. Thereafter, the CPU351stores payout information indicating “payout amount: 0” in the RAM353.

After shifting to S3035, the CPU351judges whether or not there is a winning bet on the calculation target bet area. The winning bet refers to the gaming values bet on the winning bet area identified in the winning bet area identification process (S3031). More specifically, the CPU351carries out the judgment process at S3035based on the bet information of the calculation target terminal stored in the RAM353. If a winning bet has been made (S3035: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3034. Alternatively, if no winning bet has been made (S3035: NO), the CPU351shifts the process to S3039.

A case that no winning bet has been made means a case that the calculation target terminal has not bet on a calculation target bet area. As was earlier described, the calculation target bet area at S3035should be a winning bet area. Accordingly, in this case, the CPU351sets payout amount of the calculation target bet area with respect to the calculation target terminal to “0”. After that, the CPU351stores payout information indicating “payout: 0”, in the RAM353.

At S3036, the CPU351judges whether or not the calculation target bet area coincides with a chance area385. More specifically, the CPU351carries out the judgment process at S3036based on the chance area information of the calculation target terminal stored in the RAM353and setting contents at the calculation target bet area setting process. In the case the calculation target bet area coincides with the chance area385(S3036: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to a payout magnification ratio change process (S3037). Alternatively, in the case the calculation target bet area terminal does not coincide with the chance area385(S3036: NO), the CPU351shifts the process to S3038.

At S3037, the CPU351executes the payout magnification ratio change process. In the payout magnification ratio change process (S3037), the CPU351changes the payout magnification ratio of the calculation target bet area. More specifically, the CPU351multiplies the base payout magnification ratio of the calculation target area by the special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2). As a result, the payout magnification ratio of the calculation target area is changed from “base payout magnification ratio” to “special payout magnification ratio”. After the payout magnification ratio of the calculation target bet area is changed to the “special payout magnification ratio”, the CPU351shifts the process to S3038.

After shifting to S3038, the CPU351executes a payout amount calculation process. In this payout amount calculation process (S3038), the CPU351calculates the payout amount with respect to the calculation target bet area of the calculation target terminal. More specifically, the CPU351calculates the payout amount of the calculation target bet area by executing the following processes.

In the case the calculation target bet area coincides with a chance area385, the CPU351calculates the payout amount with respect to the calculation target bet area of the calculation target terminal by using the “special magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU351multiplies the “special payout magnification ratio” of the calculation target bet area directed to the calculation target terminal by the bet amount bet on the calculation target bet area. Alternatively, in the case the calculation target bet area does not coincide with a chance area385, the CPU351calculates the payout amount related to the calculation target bet area of the calculation target terminal by using the “base payout magnification ratio”. More specifically, the CPU351multiplies the “base payout magnification ratio” of the calculation target bet area by the bet amount bet on the target calculation bet area directed to the calculation target terminal. Then, the CPU351stores information concerning payout amount of the calculation target bet area (termed as payout amount information hereinafter) in the RAM353. At this time, the CPU351adds identification information of the calculation target terminal to the payout amount information. The payout amount information constitutes payout information of the calculation target terminal. After storing the payout amount information of the calculation target bet area in the RAM353, the CPU351shifts the process to S3039.

In S3039, the CPU351judges whether or not a series of payout amount calculation processes (S3034through S3038) has been finished with respect to all the bet areas335constituting the betting board330of the calculation target terminal. More specifically, the CPU351carries out the judgment processes of S3039based on the payout amount information of the calculation target terminal stored in the RAM353. In the case the series of payout amount calculation processes has been finished with respect to all the bet areas335(S3039: YES), the CPU351shifts the process to S3040. At this time, the CPU351makes up payout information by summing up all the payout amounts indicated as payout amount information with respect to the calculation target terminal. Accordingly, the payout information indicates total payout amount to be awarded to the calculation target terminal in the current game. Thereafter, the CPU351adds identification information of the calculation target terminal to the payout information. After that, the CPU351stores the payout information in the RAM353.

Alternatively, in the case the series of payout amount calculation processes has not been finished with respect to all the bet areas335(S3039: NO), the CPU351returns the process to the calculation-target-bet-area setting process (S3033). In this case, at the calculation-target-bet-area setting process (S3033), the CPU351sets a bet area of which payout amount has not been calculated as a new calculation target bet area. Thereby, the CPU351executes the series of payout amount calculation processes (S3034through S3038) with respect to the new calculation target bet area.

After shifting to S3040, the CPU351judges whether or not a series of payout amount calculation processes for a terminal (S3033through S3039) has been finished with respect to all the terminals305constituting the dice gaming machine301. More specifically, the CPU351carries out the judgment process of S3040based on plural pieces of payout information stored in the RAM353. In the case the series of payout amount calculation process has been finished with respect to all the terminals305(S3040: YES), the CPU351ends the payout amount determination process program. As shown inFIG. 54, once the payout amount determination process (S3011) ends, the CPU351shifts the process to payout information transmission process (S3012).

Alternatively, in the case the series of payout amount calculation process has not been finished with respect to all the terminals305(S3040: NO), the CPU351returns the process to the calculation-target-terminal setting process (S3032). In this case, at the calculation-target-terminal setting process (S3032), the CPU351sets a terminal305in which payout information has not been stored, as a new calculation target terminal. Thereby, the CPU351newly executes the series of payout amount calculation processes (S3033through S3039) with respect to the new calculation target terminal.

As was described earlier, in the payout information transmission process (S3012), the CPU351transmits the payout information showing the payout amount thus calculated, from the main control unit350to each terminal305. In each terminal305, the terminal CPU371executes the payout process (S3107) based on the payout information thus received.

In the case there is awarded payout for a winning bet area335which does not correspond to a chance area385, the player can win a payout amount which is equal to a product of the number of bets placed on the chance area385and “base payout magnification ratio” of the chance area385. Alternatively in the case there is awarded payout for the winning chance area385, the player can win a payout amount which is equal to a product of the number of bets placed on the chance area385and “special payout magnification ratio” defined for the chance area385. The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”. Accordingly, in the case the player wins payout for the chance area385, he/she can be awarded a larger payout amount as compared to the case of win with a bet area335which does not corresponds to a chance area385.

As was described earlier, after finishing acceptance of bet of gaming values on any bet areas335, the dice gaming machine301according to the fourth embodiment executes a chance area determination process (S3006). At the chance area determination process (S3006), the dice gaming machine301determines a chance area385for each terminal305. More specifically, the dice gaming machine301determines the chance area385by executing a lottery based on a chance lottery table previously set for each bet area335constituting a part of the betting board330. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine301can diversify identification of a chance area385of each terminal305.

When awarding payout for the winning bet area, the dice gaming machine301changes to-be-awarded payout amount based on whether or not the winning bet area corresponds to a chance area385. More specifically, in the case the winning bet area corresponds to a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301calculates payout amount of the winning bet area by multiplying bet amount bet on the winning bet area by the special payout magnification ratio (S3037and S3038). Alternatively, in the case the winning bet area does not correspond to a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301calculates payout amount of the winning bet area which does not coincides with the chance area385by multiplying bet amount bet on the winning bet area by the base payout magnification ratio (S3038). The “special payout magnification ratio” is obtained by multiplying the “base payout magnification ratio” by the “special magnification ratio (i.e., ×2)”.

Thereafter, the player acquires payout amount calculated at the payout amount calculation process (S3038) as a prize for the current game. That is, payout for the winning chance area385is awarded, the player who has won with bet on the chance area385can acquire larger amount of payout. As a result, the dice gaming machine301can meet players' desire to win larger amount of payout.

Furthermore, at the chance area determination process (S3006), the dice gaming machine301executes a lottery using a chance lottery table (refer toFIG. 56andFIG. 57). Each chance lottery table indicates a winning probability to satisfy the above mentioned first condition and second condition. Accordingly, the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout. Even in a case of giving a chance to win large payout with a chance area385, the dice gaming machine301can secure the possibility to gain profit by running the dice game. That is, the dice gaming machine301can secure sufficient profit of a game arcade which installs the dice gaming machine301.

Furthermore, the dice gaming machine301indicates a chance area385distinctively from other bet areas335in the liquid crystal display308(refer toFIG. 46). Furthermore, the dice gaming machine301also displays the chance area notification image380in the liquid crystal display308(S3107). Accordingly, the player can understand that presence of a chance area385and a chance to win larger payout by looking at indication of the chance area385and the chance area notification image380on the game screen. As a result, the dice gaming machine301can increase the sense of expectancy of the player with respect to a larger payout.

The present invention is not limited to the fourth embodiments described above, but various improvements and modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For instance, plural types of special magnification ratios (e.g., “×2”, “×4”, “×8” “×10”, and the like) can be used. Such plural types of special magnification ratios may be applied simultaneously in a single dice game. Alternatively, type of special magnification ratio may be changed every dice game. In the case of changing special magnification ratio every game, it is preferable that the RAM352stores a plurality of chance lottery tables reflecting applicable special magnification ratios with respect to each bet area335. Furthermore, types of special magnification ratios are not limited to the above-mentioned examples. Various numerical values can be used as special magnification ratios as long as larger payout amount can be awarded to the player.

In the payout magnification ratio change process (S3037) described in the fourth embodiments, the CPU351changes the payout magnification ratio of each bet area335by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio. Multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio is not limited to the payout magnification ratio change process (S3037). Specifically, the special payout magnification ratio obtained by multiplying the base payout magnification ratio by the special magnification ratio can be stored in advance in a memory. In this case, in the payout magnification ratio change process (S3037), the CPU351reads out the special payout magnification ratio from the memory and changes the “base payout magnification ratio” in each bet area335to the corresponding “special payout magnification ratio”. The dice gaming machine301can thus reduce the processing burden with respect to the payout magnification ratio change process (S3037).

The present invention can also be realized as a gaming method for executing the above-described processes. Further, the present invention can also be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute such gaming method, and a recording medium onto which such program is recorded.