Patent Publication Number: US-8113949-B2

Title: Gaming machine and game play method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims a priority from the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/058,727 filed on Jun. 4, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a gaming machine and a game play method wherein a bet with respect to numbers which appear on a plurality of dice is made. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Games which are conventionally played in casinos include one game wherein a bet with respect to numbers which appear on a plurality of dice is made. A representative example of such a game is Sic Bo. Other examples of such a game are disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,563, the U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,955, the US Patent Application Publication No. 2001/0030393 and the US Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0036380. 
     In such a game, a player cannot place a bet on numbers other than the numbers which appear on the plurality of dice. Specifically, the player cannot make a new bet which differs from a base bet with respect to the numbers which appear on the plurality of dice. 
     Casinos have eagerly awaited the creation of a new game which can be progressed by simultaneously using a plurality of dice in such a game. The newly created game would allow a player to make a new bet which differs from the base bet. 
     SUMMARY 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an unprecedented novel gaming machine and game play method, by allowing bets with respect to numbers and directions which appear on a plurality of dice. 
     To achieve the object of the disclosure, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: a first symbol indicative of a number; a second symbol indicative of a standard for direction; a display device which displays an image showing a plurality of dice in a rolled state, the plurality of dice comprising faces, each face having the first symbol and the second symbol marked thereon; an operation portion which enables a player to designate a number of bets on any of a plurality of betting spots, with respect to numbers or directions that appear on the plurality of dice; a memory which stores a number of credits which a player owns; a processor which is programmed so as to execute each of processings from the processing of (1) below to the processing of (4-2) below, in a case where a player operates the operation portion to designate the number of bets both with respect to a betting spot concerning numbers which appear on the plurality of dice and with respect to a betting spot concerning directions which appear on the plurality of dice: (1) determining randomly numbers and directions which appear on the plurality of dice with respect to each die; (2) displaying an image which coincided with a result of the determination upon completing the player&#39;s operation which designates the number of bets by using the operation portion; (3) determining, based on the numbers which appear on the plurality of dice as shown in the image displayed on the display device, whether or not the player wins a bet with respect to numbers which appear on the plurality of dice; and (4) on condition that a determination has been made that the player wins the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the plurality of dice: (4-1) determining, based on the directions which appear on the plurality of dice as shown in the image displayed on the display device, a payout amount; and (4-2) adding the number of credits corresponding to the payout amount, and storing a result of the adding in the memory. 
     Furthermore, according to another aspect, there is provided a game play method, wherein a dealer progresses a game using a plurality of dice, each die comprising faces, each face on which both a first symbol indicative of a number and a second symbol indicative of a standard for a direction are marked, and in a case where a player designates a number of bets both for a betting spot with respect to numbers which appear on the plurality of dice and a betting spot with respect to directions which appear on the plurality of dice, the dealer progresses the game in accordance with each of procedures from the procedure of (1) below to the procedure of (3-3) below: (1) rolling the plurality of dice inside a container upon completing the player&#39;s designating the number of bets; (2) determining, based on the numbers which appear on the plurality of dice inside the container, whether or not the player wins a bet with respect to numbers which appear on the plurality of dice; and (3) on condition that a determination has been made that the player wins the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the plurality of dice: (3-1) identifying, based on the second symbol, the directions which appear on the plurality of dice inside the container; (3-2) determining, based on a result of the identification, a payout amount; and (3-3) awarding the payout amount to the player. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a view showing characteristics of the present invention and is a view showing an example wherein the present invention is applied to a multiple player-type table game; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing 3 dice; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view showing a betting board which is used for making bets with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice; 
         FIG. 4  is a front view showing a betting board which is used for making bets with respect to directions which appear on the 3 dice; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing a die machine; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing a dice machine; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing an example wherein the present invention is applied to a multiple player-type player video game and is an outline view of a dice gaming machine according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an outline view of a terminal according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing a control system of the dice gaming machine according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing a control system of a terminal according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is view showing a bet screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of a terminal according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is view showing a bet screen displayed on a liquid crystal display of a terminal according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is view showing a main screen displayed on a front display according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart of a game processing program in the dice gaming machine according to the present embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart of a game processing program in the dice gaming machine according to the present embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart of a game processing program in the dice gaming machine according to the present embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     1. Characteristics of Invention 
     The game which will be described in an embodiment of the present invention is Sic Bo. In Sic Bo, a player makes a bet with respect to numbers which appear on 3 dice. If the player wins the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice, he/she can earn a payout in accordance with the bet. 
     In this game, if a player makes a bet with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice, he/she is also allowed to make a bet with respect to directions which appear on the 3 dice. 
     Here, if the player wins the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice, and also wins the bet with respect to directions which appear on the 3 dice, he/she can earn a payout in accordance with the bet with respect to directions on the 3 dice, in addition to a payout in accordance with the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice. Alternatively, if the player wins the bet with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice but loses the bet with respect to directions on the 3 dice, no payout is awarded. 
     An embodiment of the present invention will next be described while referring to the drawings. 
     2.-1 Table Game 
       FIG. 1  is a view showing the characteristics of the present invention. More specifically,  FIG. 1  is a view showing a frame format of an example wherein the present invention is applied to a multiple player-type table game. Specifically, the game play method according to the present invention can also be applied to Sic Bo (so-called table game) wherein a dealer  302  and players (not shown) play at a gaming table  301 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     The table game shown in  FIG. 1  uses two betting boards  303  and  304  and three die machines  500 , in addition to 3 dice which are for use in Sic Bo. 
     2.-2 Dice 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing 3 dice  400  which are used in the table game. The dice  400  each have 6 square faces  401 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Faces  401  each have pips  402  within 6 and have one triangle mark  403  marked thereon. Pips  402  are indicative of the numbers on the dice  400 . Triangle marks  403  help identify the directions of the dice  400 . 
     2.-3 Betting Board 
       FIG. 3  is a front view showing the betting board  303 . The betting board  303  is used for making bets with respect to numbers which appear on the 3 dice  400 . On the betting board  303 , total sum and combinations of numbers which appear on the 3 dice  400  are divided into betting spots. An odds value is designated in each betting spot. 
       FIG. 4  is a front view showing the betting board  304 . The betting board  304  is used for making bets with respect to directions which appear on the 3 dice  400 . On the betting board  304 , combinations of directions which appear on the 3 dice  400  are divided into betting spots. On the betting board  304 , directions which appear on the dice  400  are shown by a triangle mark and an under line. Directions which appear on the dice  400  include 4 types. An odds value is designated in each betting spot. 
     2.-4 Dice Machine 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view showing the die machine  500 . The die machine  500  is used for rolling one die  400 . The die machine  500  has a base  501 , a body  502 , a bottom plate  503 , a cap  504 , a concave portion  505 , a shaking board  506 , a switch button  507  and an under line U. 
     The body  502  is installed on the base  501 . The bottom plate  503  is installed inside the body  502 . The concave portion  505  which has a regular tetragon shape is installed at the center of the bottom plate  503 . The shaking board  506  is installed on the bottom of the concave portion  505 . A lower part of the die  400  is placed in a cubic clearance defined by the concave portion  505  and the shaking board  506 . The shaking board  506  is shaken in an irregular fashion until the lapse of a predetermined period of time following depression of the switch button  507 . The colorless cap  504  having light transmitting properties is installed on the upper side of the body  502 . The die machine  500  is hermetically sealed by the cap  504 . The dealer  302  and the players can see the die  400  through the cap  504 . 
     The die  400  is rotated in the concave portion  505  where it has been placed, by the vibrations of the shaking board  506 . The die  400  can be rotated on the bottom plate  503  along an axis corresponding to a line which is parallel with the sides defining the concave portion  505 . However, the die  400  cannot be rotated along an axis corresponding to a perpendicular line on the shaking plate  506 . This type of rotation is impossible due to the relative relationship between the concave portion  505  and the size and shape of the die  400 . Thus, when rotation is completed, the side faces of the die  400  (4 faces which are perpendicular to the shaking board  506 ) always face the inner side surfaces of the concave portion  505 . As a result of such rotation, the die  400  is rolled. The number on the rolled die  400  becomes apparent from the number of pips  402  marked on the upper faces of the rolled die  400  (face which is entirely exposed from the concave portion  505 ). 
     An under line U is marked on the bottom plate  503 . The under line U defines the direction of die  400 . Specifically, the direction of the rolled die  400  becomes apparent from the under line U and the triangle mark  403  marked on the upper surface of the die  400  which has been rotated (face which is entirely exposed from the concave portion  505 ). 
     2.-5 Progress Procedure 
     The table game as shown in  FIG. 1  progresses in accordance with the following procedure. 
     First, a player decides the target for betting by placing chips on any of the betting spots on the betting boards  303  and  304  provided on the gaming table  301 . The player is allowed to place chips on the betting board  304  only if he/she has placed chips on the betting board  303 . 
     Once the player has finished placing the chips, the dealer  302  rolls 3 dice  400  inside the three die machines  500  installed on the gaming table  301 . Once the dealer  302  depresses the switch buttons  507 , the dice  400  are rolled in the die machines  500 . 
     The dealer  302  awards a payout with respect to a player who placed chips only on the betting board  303 , as described below. If the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice  400  coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips on the betting board  303 , the dealer  302  awards a payout to the player. This payout corresponds to chips amounting to a value obtained by multiplying the value of the chips by an odds value of the betting spots of the coincidence. If the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice  400  do not coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips, the dealer  302  takes all the chips that the player has placed. 
     Alternatively, a payout is awarded to a player who placed chips on both betting boards  303  and  304  in the following manner. If the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice  400  coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips on the betting board  303 , and the combination of directions which appear on the rolled dice  400  coincides with any of the betting sports on which the player has placed chips on the betting board  304 , the dealer  302  awards a payout to the player. This payout corresponds to chips amounting to a value obtained by multiplying the value of the chips by an odds value of the betting spots of the coincidence. 
     Contrary to this, if the total sum and the combinations of numbers which appear on the rolled dice  400  do not coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips, the dealer  302  takes all the chips that the player has placed. If the total sum and the combinations of numbers which appear on the rolled dice  400  coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips, but the combination of directions which appear on the rolled dice  400  does not coincide with any of the betting spots on which the player has placed chips on the betting board  304 , the dealer  302  takes all the chips that the player has placed. 
     3.-1 Video Game 
       FIG. 7  is a view showing a frame format of an example wherein the present embodiment is applied to a multiple player-type video game. 
     Specifically, the game play method according to the present invention can also be applied with respect to Sic Bo (so-called video game) conducted in a dice gaming machine  1  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Accordingly, the dice gaming machine  1  as shown in  FIG. 7  corresponds to a gaming machine according to the present invention. 
     3.-2 Structural Overview of Dice Gaming Machine 
     First, a structural overview of the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment will be described based on  FIG. 7 . The dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment generally comprises a table unit  2  at which a player sits and plays a game, and a panel unit  3  which is provided behind the table unit  2 . 
     In the table unit  2 , a plurality (five in  FIG. 7 ) of terminals  4  which are referred to as station arranged in generally a fan-like manner. Here,  FIG. 8  is an outline view of one of the terminals  4 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a terminal  4  comprises a liquid crystal display  10 , a touch panel  11 , operation buttons  12 , a coin insertion slot  13 , a bill insertion slot  14  and a coin payout opening  15 . A liquid crystal display  10  displays a bet screen (refer to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 ) described below and a game result and the like. A touch panel  11  is provided on a front surface of a liquid crystal display  10 . A touch panel  11  is used for selecting a bet target (betting spot). A touch panel  11  is used for selecting a button displayed on a liquid crystal display  10  while the number of bets is set. A payout operation and the like are performed by operation buttons  12 . Coins or medals are inserted into a coin insertion slot  13 . Bills are inserted into a bill insertion slot  14 . Coins or medals corresponding to accumulated credits are paid to a player through a coin payout opening  15  when a payout operation is performed. 
     Returning to  FIG. 7 , the panel unit  3  comprises a front display  21 , speakers  22  and LEDs  23 . The front display  21  displays a dealer who delivers chips or rolls dice and displays the rolled dice. The speakers  22  are provided on the upper part of the front display  21  and output music or sound effects along a progress of a game. The LEDs  23  light up when a variety of effects are performed. 
     3.-3 Example of Construction of Dice Gaming Machine 
     Next, a control system of the dice gaming machine  1  will be described based on  FIG. 9 .  FIG. 9  is a block diagram schematically showing the control system of the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 9 , the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment comprises a main control unit  31 , the plurality of terminals  4  which are connected to the main control unit  31 , a variety of peripheral devices. 
     The main control unit  31  is composed of a micro computer  45  as a kernel. The micro computer  45  is basically composed of a CPU  41 , a RAM  42 , a ROM  43  and a bus  44  for transmitting data mutually between these elements. The RAM  42  is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data which have been operated in the CPU  41 . The ROM  43  stores a variety of programs, data tables and the like to execute necessary processes to control the dice gaming machine  1 . Furthermore, the ROM  43  stores image data of 3 dice (refer to  FIG. 13  described below), image data of the under line U (refer to  FIG. 13  described below) and image data of a dealer  102  shown in  FIG. 13  described below. 
     The CPU  41  is connected, via an I/O interface  46 , to an image processing circuit  47 , a sound circuit  48 , a LED driving circuit  49 , and a communication interface  50 . The front display  21  is connected to the image processing circuit  47 , the speakers  22  are connected to the sound circuit  48 , the LEDs  23  are connected to the LED driving circuit  49 , and each of the terminals  4  is connected to the communication interface  50 , respectively. With this, the CPU  41  outputs signals of images displayed on the front display  21 , and the CPU  41  also controls driving of the speakers  22  and the LEDs  23 . 
     Next, a control system of a terminal  4  will be described based on  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 10  is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a terminal  4  according to the present embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a terminal  4  according to the present embodiment is composed of a micro computer  55  as a kernel. The micro computer  55  is basically composed of a CPU  51 , a RAM  52 , a ROM  53  and a bus  54  for transmitting data mutually between these elements. The RAM  52  is a memory for temporarily storing a variety of data which have been operated in the CPU  51 , such as the number of credits currently accumulated on the terminal  4  (more specifically, the number of credits owned by a player who is playing at the terminal  4 ), a bet target (betting spot) which the player has made, the number of bets which has been made with respect to the bet target (betting spot), and the like. The ROM  53  includes a variety of programs, data tables and the like to execute necessary processes to control the terminal  4 . The ROM  53  stores image data of 3 dice (refer to  FIG. 12  described below), image data of the under line U (refer to  FIG. 12  described below) and image data of the betting boards  303  and  304  (refer to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 ). 
     The CPU  51  is connected, via 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  and a communication interface  61 . A liquid crystal display  10  is connected to the liquid crystal panel driving circuit  57 , a touch panel  11  is connected to the touch panel driving circuit  58 , a hopper  62  is connected to the hopper driving circuit  59 , a coin detecting portion  63  is connected to the payout completion signal circuit  60 , the main control unit  31  is connected to the communication interface  61 . With this, the CPU  51  outputs signals of images displayed on the liquid crystal display  10 , and the CPU  51  also controls paying coins from the coin payout opening  15  by the hopper  62  and the coin detecting portion  63 . Furthermore, the CPU  51  also controls communicating with the main control unit  31 . 
     Next, a bet screen  70  which is displayed on a liquid crystal display  10  of a terminal  4  when Sic Bo is executed on the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment will be described based on  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 . 
       FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12  are views showing a bet screen  70  displayed on a liquid crystal display  10  of a terminal  4 . 
     In the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment, the players can set the number of bets corresponding to a predetermined amount to any of the betting spots by using a bet screen  70  and a touch panel  11 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a bet screen  70  is formed of a dice display area  71 , a chip display area  88 , various types of operation buttons and an information display area for displaying players&#39; information. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the dice display area  71  displays an under line and 3 dice which were rolled. 
     The 3 dice which are displayed on the dice display area  71  are the same as dice  400  as shown in  FIG. 2  above. Accordingly, the numbers on the rolled dice become apparent from the number of pips marked on the upper faces of the dice on the dice display area  71 . Further, the directions on the rolled dice become apparent from the under line displayed on the dice display area  71  and the triangle marks marked on the upper faces of the dice on the dice display area  71 . 
     The chip display area  88  displays the betting board  303  shown in  FIG. 3  above and the betting board  304  shown in  FIG. 4  above side by side. A player can select any of the total sums and combinations of numbers which appear on the 3 dice and set such as a bet target by touching any of the betting spots provided on the betting board  303  displayed on the chip display area  88 . A player can select any of the direction combinations which appear on the 3 dice and set such as a bet target by touching any of the betting spots provided on the betting board  304  displayed on the chip display area  88 . 
     A plurality of bet buttons  75  (three kinds of “one credit”, “10 credits” and “100 credits”) are provided on the lower right hand side of the chip display area  88 . A player can select the number of bets which is set with respect to a bet target (betting spot) by touching the bet buttons  75 . Once the number of bets which is set with respect to the bet target (betting spot) is selected, the number of bets which the player set with respect to the bet target (betting spot) is displayed on the betting boards  303  and  304  on the chip display area  88 . 
     A Repeat bet button  76  and an UNDO bet button  77  are provided above the bet buttons  75 . By touching the Repeat bet button  76 , a player can set repeatedly a bet target (betting spot) which is the same bet target (betting spot) as the previous game and can set repeatedly the number of bets which is the same number of bets as the previous game. A player can cancel a bet target (betting spot) which has been selected once or the number of bets which has been selected once, by touching the UNDO bet button  77 . 
     A HELP button  84  is provided below the chip display area  88 . The HELP button  84  is a button which is touched when displaying operation methods of the dice gaming machine  1  on a liquid crystal display  10 . A message area  85  for displaying messages that support progress of a game is provided on the right hand side of the HELP button  84 . 
     At the lower part of a bet screen  70 , a bet amount display area  90  for displaying the total number of bets currently being set by a player, an acquisition amount display area  91  for displaying the amount which has been provided to a player as an award, an owned credit display area  92  for displaying the number of credits currently being owned by a player, a lower-limit-of-bet-amount display area  93  displaying the lower limit of the number of bets which a player can set, and an upper-limit-of-bet-amount display area  94  displaying the upper limit of the number of bets which a player can set, are provided. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , a win-or-lose display area  95  which displays a win-lose against a bet of the current game for a player is provided below the chip display area  88 . If the player wins the bet, a character string of “YOU WON!” is displayed in the win-or-lose display area  95 . Otherwise, if the player loses the bet, a character string of “YOU LOST!” is displayed in the win-or-lose display area  95 . 
     Next, a main screen  101  displayed on the front display  21  will be described referring to  FIG. 13 . A main screen  101  is displayed on the front display  21  when the dice gaming machine  1  executes Sic Bo. 
       FIG. 13  is view showing a main screen  101  displayed on the front display  21 . In the dice gaming machine  1 , so as to enhance realistic sensation, a main screen  101  displays the dealer  102  who rolls 3 dice along progress of a game. 
     An under line, and 3 dice which were rolled by the dealer  102  are displayed in an enlarged display area  103  which is positioned roughly in the center of a main screen  101 . 
     3.-4 Example of Operation of Dice Gaming Machine 
     Next, a game processing program conducted by the CPU  41  of the main control unit  31 , and a game processing program conducted by a CPU  51  of a terminal  4 , will be described based on  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 . The two game processing programs are executed respectively in the dice gaming machine  1  according to the present embodiment which has the above composition. 
     Each program, which is shown in flowcharts of  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , is stored in the RAM  42  or the ROM  43  which are provided in the main control unit  31 . Also, each program, which is shown in the flowcharts of  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , is stored in a RAM  52  or a ROM  53  which are provided in a terminal  4 . 
     A program, which is shown in the flowcharts of  FIG. 16 , is stored in a RAM  52  or a ROM  53  which are provided in a terminal  4  and is conducted by a CPU  51  of a terminal  4 . 
     First, the game processing program to be conducted in the main control unit  31  will be described based on  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . At step (hereinafter referred to as S)  1 - 1 , the CPU  41  conducts a first dice lottery processing. In this processing, the CPU  41  draws numbers which will appear on dice. Specifically, the CPU  41  associates any of numbers 1 through 6 which coincide with the number of pips marked on the faces of the dice to the respective faces of the dice. The CPU  41  draws one number between 1 through 6 at random. The CPU  41  conducts this drawing with respect to all 3 dice. The numbers which will appear on the 3 dice and the combinations and total sum value thereof are decided based on the numbers which were drawn. 
     In S 1 - 2 , the CPU  41  conducts a second dice lottery processing. In this processing, the CPU  41  draws directions which will appear on the dice. More specifically, the CPU  41  associates 4 types of directions to a number from 11 to 14, pair by pair. The CPU  41  draws one number from 11 through 14 at random. The CPU  41  conducts this drawing with respect to all 3 dice. The directions which will appear on the 3 dice and the combinations thereof are decided based on the numbers which were drawn. 
     In S 2 , the CPU  41  transmits a bet period start command to each terminal  4 . 
     In S 3 , the CPU  41  receives bet information transmitted from each of the terminals  4 . The bet information includes information with respect to bet targets (betting spots) and the number of bets set by a player. 
     In S 4 , the CPU  41  transmits dice information to each of the terminals  4  based on the lottery results in S 1 - 1  above and S 1 - 2  above. At this time, the CPU  41  includes information concerning the numbers which will appear on the 3 dice and combinations and total sum value thereof, and information concerning the directions which will appear on the 3 dice and combinations thereof in the dice information, as lottery results for S 1 - 1  above and S 1 - 2  above. 
     In S 5 , the CPU  41  conducts a dealer&#39;s image effect processing. In this processing, the CPU  41  displays a main screen  101  on the front display  21 , as shown in  FIG. 13  above. The main screen  101  displays the dealer  102  who rolls the dice. Further, the CPU  41  selects an image coinciding with the lottery results in S 1 - 1  above and S 1 - 2  above, as an image to be displayed in the enlarged display area  103  inside the main screen  101 . The CPU  41  displays the selected image in the enlarged display area  103  inside the main screen  101 . As a result, the enlarged display area  103  inside the main screen  101  displays an under line and the 3 dice which the dealer  102  has rolled. The 3 dice are displayed in a sequence of images showing the dice while being rotated and then stopped. 
     In S 6  of  FIG. 15 , the CPU  41  conducts a win/lose determination processing. In this processing, the CPU  41  determines the win/lose status of each player, by comparing the lottery results in S 1 - 1  above and S 1 - 2  above and the bet information. 
     The CPU  41  determines the win/lose status of each player who sets the number of bets with respect to a betting board  303  only, as will be described next. If the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on the betting board  303 , the CPU  41  determines that the player has won. On the contrary, if the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice do not coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on a betting board  303 , the CPU  41  determines that the player has lost. 
     Alternatively, the CPU  41  determines the win/lose status of each player who set the number of bets with respect to both betting boards  303  and  304 , as will be described next. If the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on a betting board  303 , and the combination of directions which appear on the rolled dice coincides with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on a betting board  304 , the CPU  41  determines that the player has won. On the contrary, if the combination of directions which appear on the rolled dice does not coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on a betting board  304 , the CPU  41  determines that the player has lost, irrespective of whether the total sum and the combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice coincide or not with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player set the number of bets on a betting board  303 . 
     In S 7 , the CPU  41  transmits the win/lose determination results in S 6  above to each of the terminals  4 . 
     In S 8 , the CPU  42  displays a notification image notifying the win/lose determination results of terminals  4  on the main screen  101  of the front display  21 . 
     As a result, the game processing program to be conducted by the CPU  41  of the main control unit  31  ends. 
     Next, a game processing program to be conducted by each of the terminals  4  will be described based on  FIGS. 14 ,  15  and  16 . In S 101  of  FIG. 14 , a CPU  51  receives the bet period start command from the main control unit  31 . 
     In S 102 , the CPU  51  starts acceptance of bet operation. The CPU  51  displays a bet screen  70  (refer to  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 ) on a liquid crystal display  10 . The CPU  51  identifies betting spots (bet targets) and the number of bets set by a player based on operation information from a touch panel  11 . If the identification operation of the betting spots (bet targets) and the number of bets is not conducted with respect to a betting board  303 , the CPU  51  will not conducted identification operation of the betting spots (bet targets) and the number of bets with respect to a betting board  304 . The CPU  51  displays chips corresponding to the number of bets thus identified on the identified betting spots (bet targets), in the betting boards  303  and  304  provided on the bet screen  70 . 
     In S 103 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not a bet period has terminated. More specifically, the CPU  51  determines whether or not a predetermined period set in advance (for instance, 20 seconds) has passed since the start of the acceptance of bet operation in S 102  above. 
     If the CPU  51  determines that the bet period has not terminated (S 103 : NO), the acceptance of bet operation is continued. In contrast, if the CPU  51  determines that the bet period has terminated (S  103 : YES), the flow is shifted to S 104 . 
     In S 104 , the CPU  51  transmits bet information to the main control unit  31 . At this time, the CPU  51  includes information with respect to the betting spots (bet targets) and the number of bets set by the player in the bet information. 
     In S 105 , the CPU  51  receives the dice information from the main control unit  31 . The dice information includes information concerning the numbers which will appear on the 3 dice and combinations and the total sum value thereof, and information concerning the directions which will appear on the 3 dice and combinations thereof. 
     In S 106 , the CPU  51  selects an image which coincides with the lottery results in S 1 - 1  above and S 1 - 2  above, which are included in the dice information, as an image to be displayed on a dice display area  71 . The CPU  51  displays the selected image on the dice display area  71  of the bet screen  70 . As a result, the dice display area  71  of the bet screen  70  displays an under line and the 3 dice which were rolled. The 3 dice are displayed in a sequence of images showing the dice while being rotated and then stopped. 
     In S 107  of  FIG. 15 , the CPU  51  receives the win/lose determination results transmitted from the main control unit  31 . 
     In S 108 , the CPU  51  displays the win/lose determination results for the player who plays at that terminal  4  on the liquid crystal display  10  based on that win/lose determination results. More specifically, if the player has won, the CPU  51  displays a message [YOU WON!] on the win/lose display area  95  of the bet screen  70 . In contrast, if the player has lost, the CPU  51  displays a message [YOU LOST!] on the win/lose display area  95  of the bet screen  70 . 
     In S 109 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the player has won the bet with respect to numbers, based on the dice information and the bet information. In this determination, the CPU  51  determines that the player has won the bet with respect to numbers if the total sum and the combinations of numbers which appear on the rolled dice coincide with any of the betting spots (bet target) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  303 . In contrast, the CPU  51  determines that the player has lost the bet with respect to numbers if the total sum and the combinations of numbers which appear on the rolled dice do not coincide with any of the betting spots (bet target) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  303 . 
     The game processing program which is conducted in the terminal  4  is ended if the CPU  51  determines that the player has lost the bet with respect to numbers (S 109 : NO). In contrast, the flow is shifted to S 110  if the CPU  51  determines that the player has won the bet with respect to numbers (S 109 : YES). 
     In S 110 , the CPU  51  conducts a payout processing as shown in  FIG. 16 . In this processing, in S 121 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the player has won the bet with respect to directions based on the dice information and the bet information. In this determination, the CPU  51  determines that the player has won the bet with respect to directions, if the combinations of directions which appear on the rolled dice coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  304 . The CPU  51  determines that the player has won the bet with respect to directions, even if the player does not set the number of bets on the betting board  304 . In contrast, the CPU  51  determines that the player has lost the bet with respect to directions, if the combinations of directions which appear on the rolled dice do not coincide with any of the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  304 . 
     If the CPU  51  determines that the player has won the bet with respect to directions (S 121 : YES), the flow is shifted to S 122 . In S 122 , the CPU  51  conducts a first payout amount determination processing. In this processing, the CPU  51  calculates all the amounts by multiplying an odds value of the betting spot which coincides with the total sum or combination of numbers which appear on the rolled dice, from amongst the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  303 , by the number of bets thereof. 
     In S 123 , the CPU  51  conducts a second payout amount determination processing. In this processing, the CPU  51  calculates all the amounts by multiplying an odds value of the betting spot which coincides with the combination of directions which appear on the rolled dice, from amongst the betting spots (bet targets) with respect to which that player has set the number of bets on the betting board  304 , by the number of bets thereof. If the player does not set the number of bets on the betting board  304 , the CPU  51  sets the amount to be calculated in this processing to “0”. 
     In S 124 , the CPU  51  conducts a total amount calculation processing. In this processing, the CPU  51  adds up the amount calculated in S 122  above and the amount calculated in S 124  above. Thereafter, the CPU  51  proceeds to S 125  described below. 
     In contrast, if the CPU  51  determines that the player lost the bet with respect to directions (S 121 : NO), the flow is shifted to S 126 . In S 126 , the CPU  51  conducts a third payout amount determination processing. In this processing, the CPU  51  calculates the amount to be paid out to the player as “0”. Thereafter, the CPU  51  proceeds to S 125 . 
     In S 125 , the CPU  51  conducts an adding-and-storing processing. In this processing, the CPU  51  awards to the player a payout in the current game by adding the amount calculated in S 124  above or the amount calculated in S 126  above to the number of credits which is stored in a RAM  52  and storing the resulting amount. 
     Thereafter, the game processing program which is conducted by a CPU  51  of each terminal  4  is ended. 
     4. Other 
     The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
     For instance, in the table game shown in  FIG. 1 , the dealer  302  can used one dice machine  600  as shown in  FIG. 6 , in place of the 3 die machines  500  as shown in  FIG. 5 .  FIG. 6  is a perspective view showing the dice machine  600 . In the dice machine  600 , 3 dice  400  are rolled together. The dice machine  600  has a base  601 , a body  602 , a bottom plate  603 , a cap  604 , a concave portion  605 , a shaking board  606 , a switch button  607  and an under line U, etc. 
     The body  602  is installed on the base  601 . The bottom plate  603  is installed inside the body  602 . The concave portion  505  which has a regular tetragon shape is installed at the center of the bottom plate  603 . The shaking board  606  is installed on the bottom of the concave portion  605 . The 3 dice  400  are placed in a cubic clearance defined by the concave portion  605  and the shaking board  606 . The shaking board  606  is shaken in an irregular fashion until the lapse of a predetermined period of time after depression of the switch button  607 . The colorless cap  604  having light transmitting properties is installed on the upper side of the body  602 . The dice machine  600  is hermetically sealed by the cap  604 . The dealer  302  and players can see the dice  400  through the cap  604 . 
     The vibrations of the shaking board  606  cause the 3 dice  400  which are fitted in the concave portion  605  to rotate. In turn, the 3 dice  400  are rolled together as a result of being rotated. The number which appears on each rolled die  400  corresponds to the number of pips  402  marked on the upper faces of the rolled die  400 . 
     The under line U is marked on the bottom plate  603 . The under line U defines the directions of dice  400 . Specifically, the directions of the rolled dice  400  become apparent from the under line U and the triangle mark  403  marked on the upper face of each die  400  which has been rotated. 
     The number and the direction which appear simultaneously on one die  400  may also be identified as one event. In such a case, bets are made both with respect to the number and direction which appear simultaneously on one die  400 . Here, assuming the directions which appear on each die  400  are represented by “up”, “down”, “right” and “left”, a bet may be made with respect to “up” and “6”, “left” and “3”, “down” and “1” or a combinations thereof, for instance. Accordingly, it is no longer necessary to separately calculate a payout in accordance with a bet with respect to numbers and a payout in accordance with a bet with respect to directions. It may also be possible to calculate one payout in accordance with a bet with respect to an event including both numbers and directions.