Patent Publication Number: US-2009239659-A1

Title: Gaming machine accepting side bet and gaming method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/038,956 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a gaming machine accepting a side BET and a gaming method. 
     2. Discussion of the Background 
     Conventionally, there have been gaming machines capable of accepting a side BET different from a normal BET. For example, in Blackjack, when an up card out of dealer&#39;s two cards is an “A” card, a player can place a side BET in addition to a normal BET. In the case of placing the side BET, the player adds the bet by half of an initial bet. When the dealer&#39;s hand is “Natural 21”, a payout in an amount twice as large as the amount of the side BET is paid buck. Further, for example, in Caribbean Stud Poker, a side BET is cumulatively accumulated as a progressive jackpot. When a player places a side BET in addition to an ante (normal BET), he or she can acquire part or the whole of the progressive jackpot, in accordance with the established hand. A game capable of accepting a side BET of this kind is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786. 
     Further, as disclosed in US 2006/0287043-A1 and US 2006/0009283-A1, there exist gaming systems where a plurality of gaming machines (player terminals) are linked so that a plurality of players can play a common game. 
     However, the conventional gaming machine that accepts a side BET has not been capable of realizing both additions of high gaming properties to a game which becomes executable by placing a side BET (hereinafter also referred to as side game) and an increase of a possibility of conducting a payout in a large amount such as a progressive jackpot in the side game. For example, there has been a problem that it is not possible to have a player place a side BET willingly in the case that, even when a side BET is placed, an amount of payout to be conducted in the side game is small (e.g. a few times as much as an amount of a side BET) or the side game itself lacks interesting factors. 
     The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problem, and has an object to provide a gaming machine capable of making a player place a side BET willingly, and a gaming method. 
     The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525, U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786, US 2006/0287043-A1, and US 2006/0009283-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the above-mentioned gaming machine comprises a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; and a controller. The controller is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the input device, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the input device, (c) displaying player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards to the display, (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player&#39;s cards and the dealer&#39;s cards, (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (f) determining whether or not a specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards when the side BET has been placed, and (g) offering a special payout when determining in the processing (f) that the specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     According to the above gaming machine, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards, when a specific card (e.g. a playing card of “Ace of Spade”) is included in the player&#39;s cards, a special payout is offered. 
     Since a side game (game for determining whether or not the specific card is included) is played using the player&#39;s cards dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of determining whether or not the specific card is included is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced. 
     Moreover, since the special payout is offered when the specific card is included in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the side game (special payout). 
     Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of (h) determining the specific card when the side BET has been placed. 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined in each game, it is possible to enhance the game properties of the side game, and also increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of (i) determining the specific card based on an input from the input device when the side BET has been placed, and is programmed so as to execute the processing (c) after the processing (i). 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined by an input of the player in each game, it is possible to make the player strongly aware of being participating in the side game, in addition to enhancing the game properties of the side game so as to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming machine comprises a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; and a controller. The controller is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the input device, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the input device, (c) cumulatively accumulating a predetermined percentage of game media side-bet from the input device, (d) displaying player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards to the display, (e) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player&#39;s cards and the dealer&#39;s cards, (f) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (g) determining whether or not a specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards when the side BET has been placed, and (h) offering a special payout from the game media cumulatively accumulated in the processing (c), when determining in the processing (g) that the specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     According to the above gaming machine, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards, when a specific card (e.g. a playing card of “Ace of Spade”) is included in the player&#39;s cards, a special payout is offered. 
     Further, part of the side-bet game media is cumulatively accumulated, for example as a progressive jackpot, and the special payout in the side game is offered from the accumulated game media. 
     Since a side game (game for determining whether or not the specific card is included) is played using the player&#39;s cards dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of determining whether or not the specific card is included is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced. 
     Moreover, since the special payout is offered when the specific card is included in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the side game (special payout). 
     Further, since the special payout is part of the side-bet game media cumulatively accumulated, it is possible for the player to acquire a payout in a large amount in the side game. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of (i) determining the specific card when the side BET has been placed. 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined in each game, it is possible to enhance the game properties of the side game, and also increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of (j) determining the specific card based on an input from the input device when the side BET has been placed, and is programmed so as to execute the processing of the processing (d) after the processing (J). 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined by an input of the player in each game, it is possible to make the player strongly aware of being participating in the side game, in addition to enhancing the game properties of the side game so as to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a card game, the playing method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the playing method of a card game comprises steps of: (a) placing a normal BET; 
     (b) placing a side BET different from the normal BET; 
     (c) dealing cards to a player as player&#39;s cards, while dealing cards to a dealer as dealer&#39;s cards; 
     (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player&#39;s cards and the dealer&#39;s cards; 
     (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game; 
     (f) determining whether or not a specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards when the side BET has been placed; and 
     (g) offering a special payout when determining in the step (f) that the specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     According to the above playing method of a card game, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards, when a specific card (e.g. a playing card of “Ace of Spade”) is included in the player&#39;s cards, a special payout is offered. 
     Since a side game (game for determining whether or not the specific card is included) is played using the player&#39;s cards dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of determining whether or not the specific card is included is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced. 
     Moreover, since the special payout is offered when the specific card is included in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the side game (special payout). 
     Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned playing method of a card game has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the playing method of a card game further comprises steps of: (h) determining the specific card when the side BET has been placed. 
     According to the above playing method of a card game, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined in each game, it is possible to enhance the game properties of the side game, and also increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned playing method of a card game has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the playing method of a card game further comprises steps of (i) determining the specific card based on a selection by the player when the side BET has been placed, wherein the step (c) is executed after the step (i). 
     According to the above playing method of a card game, since the specific card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined by an input of the player in each game, it is possible to make the player strongly aware of being participating in the side game, in addition to enhancing the game properties of the side game so as to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in a station provided in a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a flowchart showing the card game processing executed in the station provided in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the station in the gaming machine. 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing an example of images displayed to a front display provided in the gaming machine in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of images displayed to a liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine. 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing main processing performed in a main control portion and the station. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15A  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in a station provided in a gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15B  is a flowchart showing the card game processing executed in the station provided in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. 
     In the following embodiment, the case of playing Pai Gow Poker is described. First, the rule of Pai Gow Poker is described. 
     In Pai Gow Poker, a deck (53 cards) of playing cards including one Joker is used, and a single or a plurality of players play against a dealer. 
     First, seven cards each are dealt to the dealer and the player. The dealer and the player divide their seven cards into a set of five cards and a set of two cards. At this time, the five-card hand (high hand) must rank as high as or higher than the two-card hand (low hand). Next, the dealer&#39;s five-card hand and the player&#39;s five-card hand are compared to determine which ranks higher. In the same manner, the dealer&#39;s two-card hand and the player&#39;s two-card hand are compared to determine which ranks higher. When both the dealer&#39;s five-card hand and two-card hand rank higher, the dealer wins. When both the player&#39;s five-card hand and two-card hand rank higher, the player wins. When, out of the five-card hand and the two-card hand, one of the player&#39;s hands ranks higher than the dealer&#39;s corresponding hand and the other of the dealer&#39;s hands ranks higher than the player&#39;s corresponding hand, the game ends in a tie. Further, when both the player&#39;s five-card hand and two-card hand rank as high as the dealer&#39;s respective corresponding hands, the dealer wins. It is to be noted that, as the five-card hand, there are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and No Pair, in order of strength. As the two-card hand, there are One Pair and No Pair in order of strength. 
     In the following embodiment, Pai Gow Poker accepting a normal BET and a side BET is executed. Here, the normal BET is a BET placed on winning or losing in Pai Gow Poker, and the side BET is a BET placed for receiving an offer of a special payout when a specific card (hereinafter also referred to as a payout card) is included in the player&#39;s cards (BET on a side game). Part of the side-bet game media is cumulatively accumulated as a jackpot (hereinafter also referred to as a JP), and the JP is offered as the special payout. 
     Further, the payout card is determined in each play of the game. 
     FIRST EMBODIMENT   
     In a first embodiment, the side BET is placed in the normal game, and when the payout card determined in each normal game is included in the player&#39;s cards, the JP (special payout) is offered. 
     First, processing executed by a station  3  (see  FIG. 2 ) in a gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment is described. 
       FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B  are flowcharts each showing card game processing executed in a station provided in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     First, a CPU  51  (see  FIG. 9 ) in the station  3  transmits to a main control portion  40  (see  FIG. 8 ) a signal indicating that Pai Gow Poker is to be played, upon detection of contact from a touch panel  11  (see  FIG. 3 ) or receipt of a signal indicating detection of coin insertion from an inserted coin detecting portion  68  (see  FIG. 9 ). Thereby, in the main control portion  40 , card game processing that is described later using  FIG. 12  proceeds. 
     In step S 201  in  FIG. 1A , the CPU  51  accepts input of a normal BET and a side BET. This enables the player to input a normal BET and a side BET via the touch panel  11  in the station  3 . 
     Next, in step S 202 , the CPU  51  transmits BET information as information on the inputted BET to the main control portion  40 . The BET information includes information showing whether or not the normal BET and the side BET have been placed and information showing amounts of a normal BET and a side BET. Upon receipt of the BET information, the main control portion  40  determines cards to be dealt to the player and the dealer (see step S 103  in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Next, in step S 203 , the CPU  51  receives to-be-dealt cards information showing cards to be dealt to the player and the dealer, from the main control portion  40 . 
     Next, in step S 204 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the side BET has been placed in step S 201 . 
     When determining that the side BET has not been placed, the CPU  51  displays card images showing seven player&#39;s cards in a dealt card display portion  83  (see  FIG. 7 ) of a liquid crystal display  10  based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S 203  (step S 212 ), and proceeds with the processing to step S 213 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 204  that the side BET has been placed, the CPU  51  displays in step S 205  a payout reel (see image  100  in  FIG. 5 ) for determining the payout card (specific card) to the liquid crystal display  10 . 
     A game played during a period of executing the processing of step S 205  to S 211  is a side game. 
     Next, in step S 206 , the CPU  51  receives payout card information from the main control portion  40 . The payout card information is information showing a result of a determination of the payout card. 
     Next, in step S 207 , the CPU  51  scroll-displays the payout reel, and then displays the payout card shown by the payout card information received in step S 206  (see card image  101  in  FIG. 5 ). 
     Next, in step S 208 , the CPU  51  displays card images showing seven player&#39;s cards to the dealt card display portion  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S 203 . 
     Next, in step S 209 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards displayed in step S 208 , and determines whether or not to offer the JP (special payout). Specifically, the CPU  51  determines to offer the JP when the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     Next, in step S 210 , the CPU  51  performs the effect of notifying a result of the side game for determining whether or not the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards (see  FIG. 6 ), and pays out coins corresponding to the JP when determining to offer the JP in step S 209 . 
     Next, in step S 211 , the CPU  51  transmits result information to the main control portion  40 . The result information is information showing an amount of the JP offered in the side game. 
     Next, in step S 213  in  FIG. 1B , the CPU  51  accepts input for selecting a high hand and a low hand. This enables the player to operate a high hand determination button  84  and a low hand determination button  85  (see  FIG. 7 ) via the touch panel  11  so as to determine a high hand and a low hand out of the dealt cards. 
     Next, in step S 214 , the CPU  51  transmits selection information based on selection of the high hand and the low hand, to the main control portion  40 . Upon receipt of the selection information, the main control portion  40  determines a high hand and a low hand of the dealer&#39;s cards, and executes processing of determining winning or losing (step S 113  in  FIG. 12 ). 
     Next, in step S 215 , the CPU  51  receives winning/losing information from the main control portion  40 . Subsequently, based on the received winning/losing information, the CPU  51  displays an image showing any one of “You won”, “You lost”, or “Tie” to the dealt card display portion  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  for a predetermined period (10 seconds in the present embodiment). 
     Next, in step S 216 , the CPU  51  receives normal BET payout information from the main control portion  40 . Upon receipt of the normal BET payout information, the CPU  51  stores credit data based on the normal BET payout information into a RAM  52 . 
     Next, in step S 217 , the CPU  51  pays out credits based on the normal BET payout information received in step S 216 . Processing of paying out credits based on the normal BET payout information from the main control portion  40  corresponds to the processing of offering the normal payout in the present invention. 
     After executing the processing of step S 217 , the CPU  51  completes the present subroutine. 
     It is to be noted that a game played during a period in which the processing of steps S 201  to S 204  and steps S 212  to S 217  are executed corresponds to the normal game in the present invention. 
     Next, the gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment is described. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  1  basically includes a main monitor  2  and five stations  3  (stations  3   a  to  3   e ). It is to be noted that, although the case of the gaming machine  1  including a plurality of (five) stations  3  in the present embodiment, the gaming machine may include only one station in the present invention. 
     A front display  21  is provided at the central portion of the main monitor  2  to which images showing a dealer, cards and the amount of the JP are displayed. The front display  21  corresponds to the display of the present invention. Above the main monitor  2 , there are provided: speakers  22  that output music or an effect sound in accordance with progress of a game being executed on the gaming machine  1 ; and LEDs  23  lighted at times of a variety of effects. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the station in the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the later-described liquid crystal display  10  that displays images regarding operations (see  FIGS. 5 to 7 ) and the like is provided at the center of the upper surface of the station  3 . The liquid crystal display  10  corresponds to the display of the present invention. Further, the touch panel  11  for inputting operations for placing a BET and the like are provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display  10 . The touch panel  11  corresponds to the input device in the present invention. 
     In front of the liquid crystal display  10  are provided operation buttons  12  for performing a payout operation and a coin insertion slot  13  into which coins or medals are inserted. 
     On the upper right end of the front surface of the station  3 , there is provided a bill insertion slot  14  into which a bill is inserted. Below the bill insertion slot  14  is provided a coin payout exit  15 , from which coins or medals corresponding to the accumulated credits are paid out to the player when the payout operation is performed. 
       FIG. 4  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the front display in the gaming machine. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a JP display portion  33  for displaying an amount of a JP is provided on the upper side of the front display  21 . Further, a dealer image  30  that shows a dealer, a table image  31  that shows a table, and card images  32  that show seven dealer&#39;s cards are displayed to the front display  21 . The card images  32  are displayed face down when the cards are dealt to the dealer. When the high hand and the low hand are determined, the card images  32  are displayed face up. When facing to  FIG. 4 , the five cards on the left side show the high hand and the two cards on the right side show the low hand. 
       FIGS. 5 to 7  are views each showing an example of images displayed to a liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 5  shows an example of images displayed when the side BET is placed. 
     On the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 , the image  100  is displayed which shows the payout reel for determining the payout card in the side game. The card image  100  includes the card image  101  showing the payout card in the side game. The payout reel shown by the image  100  is scrolled at the start of the side game, and the card image  101  showing the payout card is displayed after a lapse of predetermined time. In the example shown in  FIG. 5 , the payout card is a “4 of Diamond” card. 
     To the right of the image  100 , an image  102  is displayed which notifies that the payout card has been determined. 
     Below the image  100  and the image  102 , the dealt card display portion  83  is provided. After the payout card is determined, card images showing the seven player&#39;s cards dealt to the player are displayed in seven parts surrounded by dotted lines in the dealt card display portion  83 . 
     A BET button display portion  86  is provided under the dealt card display portion  83 . BET buttons  87  for inputting the number of BETs is displayed in the BET button display portion  86 . The player operates the BET buttons  87  via the touch panel  11 , so as to input the number of normal BETs and the number of side BETs. 
     To the right of the BET button display portion  86 , a number-of-normal-BETs display portion  88  that displays the number of normal-bet coins is provided.  FIG. 5  shows that 28 coins have been bet. It is to be noted that in the case of inputting a BET of 28 coins, the player may operate the BET button  87  “10” twice, the BET button  87  “5” once, and the BET button  87  “1” three times. 
     To the right of the number-of-normal-BETs display portion  88 , a number-of-side-BETs display portion  89  that displays the number of side-bet coins is provided.  FIG. 5  shows that 10 coins have been bet. 
     To the right of the number-of-side-BETs display portion  89 , a number-of-credits display portion  90  is provided.  FIG. 5  shows that 500 coins have been credited. 
       FIG. 6  shows an example of images displayed when the player&#39;s cards are displayed in the side game. 
     In the dealt card display portion  83 , card images showing the seven player&#39;s cards dealt to the player are displayed face up. In the example of  FIG. 6 , since the “4 of Diamond” card as the specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards, an image  103  indicating that the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards is displayed around the payout card. Further, below the dealt card display portion  83 , an image  104  is displayed which notifies that the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards and the JP will be offered. 
       FIG. 7  shows an example of images displayed when the side BET is not placed, or when the high-hand and the low-hand are selected by the player after completion of the side game. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , a high hand display portion  80  that displays the high hand of the player and a low hand display portion  81  that displays the low hand of the player are provided on the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 . In the high hand display portion  80  and the low hand display portion  81 , card images  82  respectively showing the high-hand cards and the low-hand cards are displayed face up. The dealt card display portion  83  is provided below the high hand display portion  80 . The high hand determination button  84  and the low hand determination button  85  for determining cards constituting the high hand and the low hand are provided to the right of the dealt card display portion  83 . The player selects cards with which he or she wishes to create the high hand out of the cards displayed in the dealt card display portion  83 , via the touch panel  11 , and operates the high hand determination button  84  via the touch panel  11 , so as to determine the high hand. The cards determined as the high hand are displayed in the high hand display portion  80 . Similarly, the player selects cards with which he or she wishes to create the low hand out of the cards displayed in the dealt card display portion  83 , via the touch panel  11 , and operates the low hand determination button  85  via the touch panel  11 , so as to determine the low hand. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the main control portion  40  in the gaming machine  1  has a microcomputer  45  as the core, which basically includes a CPU  41 , a RAM  42 , a ROM  43 , a timer  95 , and a bus  44  that is for mutually transmitting data thereamong. The main control portion  40  corresponds to the controller in the present invention. 
     The ROM  43  stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the gaming machine  1 , a data table, and the like. The RAM  42  is a memory that temporarily stores a variety of data calculated in the CPU  41 . Further, the RAM  42  stores as credit data an amount of a JP comprising part of side-BET credits cumulatively added. 
     Moreover, the timer  95  performs time measurement. 
     Furthermore, the CPU  41  is connected, through an I/O interface  46 , to an image processing circuit  47 , a sound circuit  48 , an LED driving circuit  49 , and a communication interface  50 . 
     The image processing circuit  47  is connected with the front display  21  forming the main monitor  2 ; the sound circuit  48  is connected with the speakers  22  forming the main monitor  2 ; and the LED driving circuit  49  is connected with the LEDs  23  forming the main monitor  2 . The communication interface  50  is connected with five stations  3 . 
     The CPU  41  proceeds with games (Pai Gow Poker and the side game) that progress on the gaming machine  1 , based on game programs (including game programs for Pai Gow Poker and the side game) stored in the ROM  43  and on a variety of signals received from the stations  3 . Further, based on the game programs, the CPU  41  displays an image to the front display  21 , outputs a sound from the speakers  22 , and lights the LEDs  23 . Moreover, the CPU  41  transmits a variety of signals to the respective stations  3  based on the game programs. 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the station  3  has a microcomputer  55  as the core, which basically includes the CPU  51 , the RAM  52 , a ROM  53 , and a bus  54  that is for mutually transmitting data thereamong. 
     The ROM  53  stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the station  3 , a data table, and the like. Further, the RAM  52  temporarily stores the number of credits currently accumulated in the station  3  and a variety of data calculated in the CPU  51 . 
     Moreover, the CPU  51  is connected, through an I/O interface  56 , to a liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57 , a touch panel driving circuit  58 , a hopper driving circuit  59 , a payout completion signal circuit  60 , an inserted coin detecting signal circuit  67 , a bill detecting signal circuit  64 , an operation signal circuit  66 , and a communication interface  61 . 
     The liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57  is connected with the liquid crystal display  10 , the touch panel driving circuit  58  is connected with the touch panel  11 , the hopper driving circuit  59  is connected with a hopper  62 , the payout completion signal circuit  60  is connected with the coin detecting portion  63 , the inserted coin detecting signal circuit  67  is connected with the inserted coin detecting portion  68 , the bill detecting signal circuit  64  is connected with a bill detecting portion  65 , and the operation signal circuit  66  is connected with the operation buttons  12 . 
     The hopper  62  is provided inside the station  3 , and pays out coins from the coin payout exit  15  based on a control signal outputted from the CPU  51 . 
     The coin detecting portion  63  is provided inside the coin payout exit  15 , and transmits a signal to the CPU  51  when detecting that coins in a predetermined number have been paid out from the coin payout exit  15 . 
     When detecting insertion of coins from the coin insertion slot  13 , the inserted coin detecting portion  68  detects the amount of the coins, and transmits a detecting signal showing the detected amount to the CPU  51 . The detected coins are stored in the RAM  52 , with a predetermined amount as one credit. 
     The bill detecting portion  65  detects an amount of a bill when receiving the bill, and transmits a signal showing the detected amount to the CPU  51 . The detected bill is stored in the RAM  52 , with a predetermined amount as one credit. 
     The operation buttons  12  are buttons for performing the payout operation when payout of coins is determined. 
     Next, processing performed in the main control portion  40  and the station  3  is described. 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing main processing performed in the main control portion and the station. 
     The following main processing is performed in the main control portion  40 . 
     The CPU  41  of the main control portion  40  executes activation processing (step S 500 ). The activation processing performed in step S 500  is described later using  FIG. 11 . After executing the activation processing, the CPU  41  executes card game processing (step S 501 ). The card game processing executed in step S 501  is described later using  FIG. 12 . 
     Meanwhile, the following main processing is performed in the station  3 . 
     The CPU  51  of the station  3  executes activation processing (step S 600 ). The activation processing performed in step S 600  is described later using  FIG. 11 . After executing the activation processing, the CPU  51  executes card game processing (step S 601 ). The card game processing executed in step S 601  is the processing that has been described using  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a procedure of the activation processing. 
     This activation processing is processing performed in the main control portion  40  and the station  3 , as triggered by power-on (see step S 500  and step S 600  in  FIG. 10 ). 
     At power-on, first, the CPU  41  of the main control portion  40  executes a BIOS stored in the ROM  43 , and expands compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM  42  (step S 1 - 1 ). The CPU  41  then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM  42 , and diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices. 
     Specifically, the CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes the main monitor  2  (step S 1 - 2 ). In this processing, the CPU  41  transmits a request signal to the main monitor  2  and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal, and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage region, and the like. 
     Next, the CPU  41  diagnoses and initializes the other peripheral devices connected to the CPU  41  (step S 1 - 3 ). 
     Next, the CPU  41  reads an authentication program stored in the ROM  43 , and also performs processing of storing the read authentication program into the RAM  42  (step S 1 - 4 ). At this time, the CPU  41  obtains a checksum by ADDSUM system (standard checking function) in accordance with the standard BIOS function of the BIOS, and stores the authentication program into the RAM  42  while performing processing of checking whether or not the storage is performed without an error. 
     Next, the CPU  41  reads the card game program from the ROM  43 . In this case, the CPU  41  reads data constituting the card game program by four bytes at a time. Subsequently, the CPU  41  performs authentication for checking and verifying that the read authentication program is authentic (not broken) in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM  42  (step S 1 - 5 ). When properly completing this authentication processing, the CPU  41  writes and stores the card game program having been an object to be authenticated (having been authenticated) into the RAM  42  (step S 1 - 6 ). 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  51  of the station  3  first executes a BIOS stored in the ROM  53 , and expands compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM  52  (step S 2 - 1 ). The CPU  51  then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM  52  and diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices. 
     Specifically, the CPU  51  diagnoses and initializes the liquid crystal display  10  (step S 2 - 2 ). In this processing, the CPU  51  transmits a request signal to the liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57 , and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal. 
     Next, the CPU  51  diagnoses and initializes the touch panel  11  (step S 2 - 3 ). In this processing, the CPU  51  transmits a request signal to the touch panel  11 , and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal. 
     Next, the CPU  51  diagnoses and initializes the other peripheral devices connected to the CPU  51  (step S 2 - 4 ). 
     Next, the CPU  51  transmits an initial setting signal to the main control portion  40  (step S 2 - 5 ). The initial setting signal is a signal showing completion of diagnosis and initialization of the variety of peripheral devices in the station  3 . 
     After executing the processing of step S 2 - 5 , the CPU  51  completes the present subroutine. 
     The CPU  41  of the main control portion  40  receives the initial setting signal transmitted by the station  3  in step S 2 - 5  (step S 1 - 7 ). Subsequently, the CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received the initial setting signals from all the stations  3  (step S 1 - 8 ). 
     When determining that the initial setting signal has not been received from some station  3 , the CPU  41  returns the processing to step S 1 - 7 . On the other hand, when determining that the initial setting signals have been received from all the stations  3 , the CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     Next, the card game processing performed on the gaming machine  1  is described. However, since the processing performed in the station  3  has already been described in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , only processing performed in the main control portion  40  is described here. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 
     First, in step S 101 , the CPU  41  in the main control portion  40  receives BET information from the station  3 . 
     Next, in step S 102 , the CPU  41  cumulatively stores 50% of side-BET credits, as a JP, based on the BET information received in step S 101 . 
     Next, in step S 103 , the CPU  41  determines seven cards each to be dealt to the player and the dealer, out of a deck of playing cards, by means of random numbers. The seven cards determined to be dealt to the player in step S 103  correspond to the player&#39;s cards of the present invention, and the seven cards determined to be dealt to the dealer in step S 103  correspond to the dealer&#39;s cards of the present invention. 
     Next, in step S 104 , the CPU  41  transmits to-be-dealt cards information to the station  3 . The to-be-dealt cards information includes information showing types (ranks and suits: Hearts, Clubs, Spades, Diamonds) of the cards determined to be dealt to the player and the dealer. 
     Next, in step S 105 , the CPU  41  determines whether or not the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is present based on the BET information received in step S 101 . 
     When determining that the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is not present, the CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 110 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the station  3 , where the side BET has been placed is present, the CPU  41  determines the payout card in the side game in step S 106 . Specifically, the CPU  41  determines one card as the payout card out of a deck of playing cards by means of a random number. 
     It is to be noted that the payout card may be determined so as to be different among each station  3  where the side BET has been placed. 
     Next, in step S 107 , the CPU  41  transmits payout card information showing a result of the determination of the payout card in step S 106  to the station  3  where the side BET has been placed. 
     Next, in step S 108 , the CPU  41  receives result information showing the amount of JP offered in the side game from the station  3  where the side BET has been placed. 
     Next, in step S 109 , the CPU  41  subtracts credits in amount shown by the result information received in step S 108  from credits of the JP stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, in step S 110 , the CPU  41  receives selection information from the station  3 . The selection information is information showing which card is selected to be in the high hand and which card is selected to be in the low hand. 
     Next, in step Sill, the CPU  41  executes processing of dividing the cards dealt to the dealer into the high hand and the low hand. 
     Next, in step S 112 , the CPU  41  displays card images showing the high hand and the low hand determined in step S 111  face up to the front display  21 . 
     Next, in step S 113 , the CPU  41  executes processing of determining winning or losing based on the selection information received in step S 110  and on the high hand and the low hand determined in step S 111 . Specifically, the CPU  41  compares the ranks of the player&#39;s high hand and the dealer&#39;s high hand so as to determine which is higher, and compares the ranks of the player&#39;s low hand and the dealer&#39;s low hand so as to determine which is higher; based on these determination results, winning or losing is determined. More specifically, the player wins when the player&#39;s high hand ranks higher than the dealer&#39;s high hand and the player&#39;s low hand ranks higher than the dealer&#39;s low hand. The dealer wins when the dealer&#39;s high hand ranks higher than the player&#39;s high hand and the dealer&#39;s low hand ranks higher than the player&#39;s low hand. The game is tied when one of the player&#39;s hands ranks higher than the dealer&#39;s corresponding hand and the other of the dealer&#39;s hands ranks higher than the player&#39;s corresponding hand. 
     Next, in step S 114 , the CPU  41  transmits information showing winning or losing determined in step S 113  (hereinafter also referred to as “winning/losing information”) to the station  3 . In the station  3 , when the winning/losing information is received, any one of images “Yon won”, “You lost” and “Tie” is displayed to the liquid crystal display  10 , based on the winning/losing information. 
     Next, in step S 115 , the CPU  41  transmits normal BET payout information to the station  3 . The normal BET payout information is information showing an amount of credits (currency value) to be paid out with respect to the normal BET. Specifically, the CPU  41  transmits information showing credits in amount twice as large as the amount of the normal BET when the player wins, and transmits information showing credits in the same amount as the amount of the normal BET when the game is tied. Further, when the dealer wins, the CPU  41  transmits information showing that the amount of credits to be offered is 0. 
     After executing the processing of step S 115 , the CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above described, the gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment comprises the front display  21  and the liquid crystal display  10  (display) each capable of displaying a plurality of cards; the touch panel  11  (input device); and the main control portion  40  (controller). The main control portion  40  is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the touch panel  11 , (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the touch panel  11 , (c) cumulatively accumulating a predetermined percentage of game media side-bet from the touch panel  11 , (d) displaying player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards respectively to the liquid crystal display  10  and the front display  21 , (e) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player&#39;s cards and the dealer&#39;s cards, (f) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (g) determining whether or not a specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards when the side BET has been placed, and (h) offering a special payout from the game media cumulatively accumulated in the processing (c), when determining in the processing (g) that the specific card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     According to the gaming machine  1 , since a side game (game for determining whether or not the specific card is included) is played using the player&#39;s cards dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of determining whether or not the specific card is included is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced. 
     Moreover, since the special payout is offered when the specific card is included in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the side game (special payout). 
     Further, since the special payout is part of the side-bet game media cumulatively accumulated, it is possible for the player to acquire a payout in a large amount in the side game. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET. 
     SECOND EMBODIMENT   
     Next, a gaming machine according to a second embodiment is described. It is to be noted that constituents corresponding to those of the gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment are described as provided with the same symbols. 
     There has been described the case of determining the payout card in the side game by means of a random number in the first embodiment, but in the second embodiment, there is described the case of determining the payout card by an input from the player. 
     Since the gaming machine according to the second embodiment has an appearance, circuit configuration, and the like, which are similar to those of the gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted here. In the following, images displayed to the liquid crystal display  10 , and card game processing executed in the main control portion  40  and the station  3  are described. 
       FIG. 13  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station where the side BET has been placed in the second embodiment. 
     When the side BET is placed, a payout card selection screen is displayed. 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 13 , on the upper side of the liquid crystal display  10 , an image  105  for prompting the player to determine the payout card is displayed, and below the image  105 , a selection button display portion  106  for selecting a number or an alphabet (rank) of the payout card and a selection button display portion  107  for selecting a suit (Heart, Club, Spade, Diamond) of the payout card are displayed. Further, to the right of the selection button display portion  107 , a Joker selection button  108  for selecting “Joker” as the payout card, and a set button  109  for determining the selected card as the payout card. 
     After selecting a number or an alphabet from the selection button display portion  106  through the touch panel  11  and then selecting a suit from the selection button display portion  107 , the player can press the set button  109 , to determine a payout card. Further, the player can press the set button  109  after pressing the Joker selection button  108 , to determine “Joker” as the payout card. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion provided in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
     Since processing of steps S 301  to S 304  in  FIG. 14  is similar to the processing of steps S 101  to S 104  in  FIG. 12  in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. 
     In step S 305 , the CPU  41  determines whether or not the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is present, based on the BET information received in step S 301 . When determining that the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is not present, the CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 308 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is present, the CPU  41  receives in step S 306  result information showing the amount of JP offered in the side game, from the station where the side BET has been placed. 
     Next, in step S 307 , the CPU  41  subtracts credits in amount shown by the result information received in step S 306  from the credits of the JP stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Since processing of subsequent steps S 308  to S 313  is similar to the processing of steps S 110  to S 115  in  FIG. 12  in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. 
     After execution of the processing of step S 313 , the present subroutine is completed. 
       FIG. 15A  and  FIG. 15B  are flowcharts each showing a subroutine of card game processing executed in the station according to the second embodiment. 
     Since the processing of steps S 401  to S 403  in  FIG. 15A  are similar to the processing of steps S 201  to S 203  in  FIG. 1A  in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. 
     Next, in step S 404 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the side BET has been placed in step S 401 . 
     When determining that the side BET has not been placed, the CPU  51  displays card images showing seven player&#39;s cards in the dealt card display portion  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  based on the dealt card information received in step S 403  (step S 411 ), and proceeds with the processing to step S 412 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 404  that the side BET has been placed, the CPU  51  displays in step S 405  a selection screen for determining the payout card (specific card) to the liquid crystal display  10  (see  FIG. 13 ). 
     Next, in step S 406 , the CPU  51  accepts a selection of the payout card by the player through the touch panel  11 . 
     Next, in step S 407 , the CPU  51  displays card images showing seven player&#39;s cards in the dealt card display portion  83  of the liquid crystal display  10  based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S 403 . 
     Next, in step S 408 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the payout card selected in step S 406  is included in the player&#39;s cards displayed in step S 407 , and determines whether or not to offer the JP (special payout). Specifically, the CPU  51  determines to offer the JP when the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards. 
     Next, in step S 409 , the CPU  51  performs the effect of notifying the result of the side game for determining whether or not the payout card is included in the player&#39;s cards, and pays out coins corresponding to the JP when determining to offer the JP in step S 408 . 
     Next, in step S 410 , the CPU  51  transmits result information to the main control portion  40 . The result information is information showing the amount of the JP offered in the side game. 
     Since processing of subsequent steps S 412  to S 416  in  FIG. 15B  is similar to the processing of steps S 213  to S 217  in  FIG. 1B  in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted here. 
     After execution of the processing of step S 416 , the present subroutine is completed. 
     As above described, according to the gaming machine  1  of the second embodiment, since the payout card is not a fixed card previously determined, but a card determined by an input of the player in each game, it is possible to make the player strongly aware of being participating in the side game, in addition to enhancing the game properties of the side game so as to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout. 
     In the first and second embodiments, the case of determining the payout card in each play of the side game has been described, but in the present invention, the specific card may be a card previously determined. Further, the specific cards may include a plurality of cards. 
     Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case has been described where the special payout is the JP comprising part of the side-bet game media cumulatively accumulated, but the special payout in the present invention may be a predetermined amount of game media. 
     Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case of playing Pai Gow Poker as the normal game has been described. However, in the present invention, the game is not particularly limited so long as it is a game for determining winning or losing by using player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards, e.g. by comparing hands of player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards. 
     Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case of using playing cards has been described. However, the cards (player&#39;s cards and dealer&#39;s cards) in the present invention are not limited to playing cards. For example, tarot cards may be used. 
     Moreover, in the first and second embodiments, the case has been described where the player plays Pai Gow Poker while visually checking the main monitor  2  and the liquid crystal display  10  provided in the station. However, the gaming machine in the present invention may be provided with either the main monitor or the liquid crystal display (display provided in the station). In the case of such a configuration, dealer&#39;s cards and player&#39;s cards may be displayed to the main monitor or the display of the station. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, not restrict the present invention. The specific structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention. 
     In the aforementioned detailed description, there has been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description.