Patent Publication Number: US-2009239658-A1

Title: Gaming Machine Accepting Side Bet And Control Method Thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/037,417 filed on Mar. 18, 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 control method thereof. 
     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 control method of the gaming machine. 
     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 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) counting a number of side BETs every time the side BET is placed, the number of side BETs being the number of placement of the side BETs, (d) offering a normal payout, after executing a normal game, based on a result of the normal game and the normal BET, and (e) offering a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs, when the side BET is placed and a predetermined condition is satisfied. 
     According to the above gaming machine, every time a side BET is placed, the number of side BETs, which is the number of placement of a side BET, is counted. When a side BET is placed and a predetermined condition (e.g. establishment of a predetermined hand in a card game) is satisfied, a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs is offered. 
     The player can acquire a special payout when placing a side BET and further satisfying a predetermined condition. Accordingly, it is possible to make a game more interesting and make the player absorbed in placing a side BET and in satisfying the predetermined condition. 
     Further, the amount of the special payout varies in accordance with the cumulatively counted number of side BETs, e.g., the amount increasing with an increase in the number of side BETs. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have a high expectation about a change in the amount of the special payout, every time the number of side BETs increases. 
     Consequently, it is possible to have the player have an incentive to place a 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 (f) resetting the count value of the number of side BETs, when the side BET is not placed, when the special payout is offered, or when a play on the gaming machine by a player is terminated. 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the count value of the number of side BETs is reset when a side BET is not placed, the count value of side BETs indicates the number of side BETs having been successively placed. It is therefore possible to make the player successively place a side BET for acquiring a special payout in a varying amount. 
     Further, when the special payout is offered or the player terminates the game, the count value of the number of side BETs is reset. It is therefore possible to offer a special payout more accurately reflecting the number of side BETs successively placed by one player. 
     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 (g) changing a probability of offering the special payout in the processing (e) in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. 
     According to the above gaming machine, the probability of offering the special payout increases or decreases in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. Hence it is possible to make the game more interesting, and also to make the player have an incentive to place a side BET so that the special payout is offered with a high probability. 
     A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming machine comprises 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 placed as the side BET from the input device, (d) counting a number of side BETs every time the side BET is placed, the number of side BETs being the number of placement of the side BETs, (e) offering a normal payout, after executing a normal game, based on a result of the normal game and the normal BET, and (f) offering a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs, from the game media cumulatively accumulated in the processing (c), when the side BET is placed and a predetermined condition is satisfied. 
     According to the above gaming machine, every time a side BET is placed, the number of side BETs, which is the number of placement of a side BET, is counted. When a side BET is placed and a predetermined condition (e.g. establishment of a predetermined hand in a card game) is satisfied, a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs is offered. 
     Further, part of the side-bet game media is cumulatively accumulated as, for example, a progressive jackpot, and the special payout is offered from the accumulated game media. 
     The player can acquire a special payout when placing a side BET and further satisfying a predetermined condition. Accordingly, it is possible to make a game more interesting and make the player absorbed in placing a side BET and in satisfying the predetermined condition. 
     Further, the amount of the special payout varies in accordance with the cumulatively counted number of side BETs, e.g., the amount increasing with an increase in the number of side BETs. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have a high expectation about a change in the amount of the special payout, every time the number of side BETs increases. 
     Further, since the special payout is the part of the game media placed as a side BET, which has been cumulatively accumulated, the player has the possibility of acquiring a payout in a large amount when satisfying a predetermined condition. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have an incentive to place a 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 (g) resetting the count value of the number of side BETs, when the side BET is not placed, when the special payout is offered, or when a play on the gaming machine by a player is terminated. 
     According to the above gaming machine, since the count value of the number of side BETs is reset when a side BET is not placed, the count value of side BETs indicates the number of side BETs having been successively placed. It is therefore possible to make the player successively place a side BET for acquiring a special payout in a varying amount. 
     Further, when the special payout is offered or the player terminates the game, the count value of the number of side BETs is reset. It is therefore possible to offer a special payout more accurately reflecting the number of side BETs successively placed by one player. 
     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) changing a probability of offering the special payout in the processing (f) in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. 
     According to the above gaming machine, the probability of offering the special payout increases or decreases in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. Hence it is possible to make the game more interesting, and also to make the player have an incentive to place a side BET so that the special payout is offered with a high probability. 
     A third aspect of the present invention provides a control method of a gaming machine, the control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the control method of a gaming machine comprises steps of: (a) accepting a normal BET; (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET; (c) counting a number of side BETs every time the side BET is placed, the number of side BETs being the number of placement of the side BETs; (d) offering a normal payout, after executing a normal game, based on a result of the normal game and the normal BET; and (e) offering a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETS, when the side BET is placed and a predetermined condition is satisfied. 
     According to the above control method of the gaming machine, every time a side BET is placed, the number of side BETs, which is the number of placement of a side BET, is counted. When a side BET is placed and a predetermined condition (e.g. establishment of a predetermined hand in a card game) is satisfied, a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs is offered. 
     The player can acquire a special payout when placing a side BET and further satisfying a predetermined condition. Accordingly, it is possible to make a game more interesting and make the player absorbed in placing a side BET and in satisfying the predetermined condition. 
     Further, the amount of the special payout varies in accordance with the cumulatively counted number of side BETs, e.g., the amount increasing with an increase in the number of side BETs. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have a high expectation about a change in the amount of the special payout, every time the number of side BETs increases. 
     Consequently, it is possible to have the player have an incentive to place a side BET. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned control method of a gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the control method further comprises a step of (f) resetting the count value of the number of side BETs, when the side BET is not placed, when the special payout is offered, or when a play on the gaming machine by a player is terminated. 
     According to the above control method of the gaming machine, since the count value of the number of side BETs is reset when a side BET is not placed, the count value of side BETs indicates the number of side BETs having been successively placed. It is therefore possible to make the player successively place a side BET for acquiring a special payout in a varying amount. 
     Further, when the special payout is offered or the player terminates the game, the count value of the number of side BETs is reset. It is therefore possible to offer a special payout more accurately reflecting the number of side BETs successively placed by one player. 
     Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned control method of a gaming machine has the following configuration. 
     Namely, the control method further comprising a step of (g) changing a probability of offering the special payout in the step (e) in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. 
     According to the above control method of the gaming machine, the probability of offering the special payout increases or decreases in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. Hence it is possible to make the game more interesting, and also to make the player have an incentive to place a side BET so that the special payout is offered with a high probability. 
    
    
     
       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 one 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 one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the gaming machine according to one 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. 
         FIG. 5  is a view showing an example of images displayed to a liquid crystal display provided in the station. 
         FIG. 6  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station. 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station. 
         FIG. 8  is a view showing the relation among the number of successive side BETs, an amount of jackpot payout and a probability of occurrence of the jackpot. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing main processing performed in a main control portion and the station. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing. 
         FIG. 13A  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13B  is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     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 the predetermined condition is satisfied (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, an amount and a probability of occurrence of a special payout (JP) to be offered varies in accordance with the number of successively placed side BETs (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of successive side BETs). 
     In the present embodiment, a predetermined condition is that the dealt player&#39;s cards include a “Joker” card and that a card image of “Joker” changes to an image showing an offer of a JP. 
     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 the station in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     First, a CPU  51  (see  FIG. 10 ) in the station  3  transmits to a main control portion  40  (see  FIG. 9 ) 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. 10 ). Thereby, in the main control portion  40 , card game processing that is described later using  FIG. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  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  determines whether or not the side BET has been placed in step S 201 . 
     When determining that the side BET has been placed, the CPU  51  adds in step S 203   1  to a value of the number of successive side BETs stored in a RAM  52 . When a game is played for the first time after an activation of the gaming machine  1 , the number of successive side BETs is set to 0. 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 202  that the side BET has not been placed, the CPU  51  clears in step S 204  a value of the number of successive side BETs stored in the RAM  52  (sets the value to 0). 
     After executing the processing of step S 203  or step S 204 , the CPU  51  transmits in step S 205  BET information, which is information on an inputted BET and the number of successive side BETs, 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, information showing amounts of a normal BET and a side BET, and information showing the number of successive side BETs. 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. 13A ). 
     Next, in step S 206 , 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 207 , based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S 206 , the CPU  51  displays a card image showing seven player&#39;s cards in a dealt card display portion  83  (see  FIG. 5 ) of a liquid crystal display  10 . 
     Next, in step S 208 , the CPU  51  determines again 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  shifts the processing to step S 215 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the side BET has been placed, the CPU  51  determines in step S 209  whether or not the dealt player&#39;s cards include the “Joker” card. When determining that the player&#39;s cards do not include the “Joker” card, the CPU  51  shifts the processing to step S 215 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the player&#39;s cards include the “Joker” card, in Step S 210 , the CPU  51  receives in step S 210  an effect instruction signal and JPpayout information from the main control portion  40 . 
     The effect instruction signal is a signal showing an instruction to change a display mode of the card image of “Joker” based on determination in the main control portion  40 . 
     The JP payout information is information showing an amount of JP payout. 
     Both the effect instruction signal and the JP payout information are determined by the main control portion  40  based upon the number of successive side BETs in the station  3  where the side BET has been placed. 
     Next, in step S 211 , the CPU  51  executes an effect based on the effect instruction signal received in step S 210 . Specifically, the CPU  51  reads necessary effect pattern data from the RAM  52  based on the effect instruction signal, and changes the display mode of the card image of “Joker” based on the effect pattern data. 
     Next, in step S 212 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not the amount of JP payout shown by the JP payout information received in step S 210  is 0. 
     When determining that the amount of JP payout is 0, namely when determining that a JP will not be paid out, the CPU  51  shifts the processing to step S 215 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the amount of JP payout is not 0, namely, a JP will be paid out, the CPU  51  pays out in step S 213  a JP in an amount shown by the JP payout information. 
     Next, in step S 214 , the CPU  51  clears the value of the number of the successive side BETs stored in the RAM  52  (sets the value to 0). 
     In the present embodiment, processing of steps S 209  to S 214  are performed in parallel with processing of and after step S 215  in  FIG. 1B . 
     Next, in step S 215  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. 5 ) 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 216 , 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 card, and executes processing of determining winning or losing (step S 114  in  FIG. 13A ). 
     Next, in step S 217 , 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 218 , 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 the RAM  52 . 
     Next, in step S 219 , the CPU  51  pays out credits based on the normal BET payout information received in step S 218 . 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. 
     Next, in step S 220 , the CPU  51  determines whether or not a play on the station  3  has been terminated. Specifically, the CPU  51  determines whether or not an input for terminating a play on the station  3  has been made from an operation button  12  provided in the station  3 . When determining that the play has not been terminated, namely, the same player will continue to play a game, the CPU  51  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the play has been terminated, the CPU  51  clears in step S 221  the value of the number of successive side BETs stored in the RAM  52  (the value is set to 0). After executing the processing of step S 221 , 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 208  and steps S 215  to S 221  are executed corresponds to the normal game in the present invention, and a game played during a period in which the processing of steps S 209  to S 214  are executed corresponds to the side game. 
     In the present embodiment, a case is described where a side game (steps S 209  to S 214 ) is played in parallel with a normal game (especially steps S 215  to S 221 ). However, in the present invention, there may adopt a configuration that a normal game is not played during a side game and a side game is not played during a normal game. 
     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 an 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 an amount of a JP are displayed. 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 , a 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 . Further, a 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 an operation to terminate a play on the station  3  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 a high hand and a 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 the liquid crystal display in the station. 
       FIG. 5  shows an example of images displayed when the player selects a high hand and a low hand. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , 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 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. In the example of  FIG. 5 , the dealt player&#39;s cards include “JOKER”, and “JOKER” is selected as a low hand and displayed in the low hand display portion  81  (e.g. card image  100 ). When the side BET has been placed, the display mode of the card image  100  of “Joker” variously changes (see  FIGS. 6 and 7 ). 
     The dealt card display portion  83  is provided below the high hand display portion  80 . In seven portions surrounded by dotted lines in the dealt card display portion  83 , card images showing seven player&#39;s cards dealt to the player are displayed face up. 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. 
     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. 
     On the number-of-credits display portion  90 , a number-of-successive-side-BETs display portion  101  is provided.  FIG. 5  shows that the side BET has been placed for two consecutive times. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  each shows an example of images displayed when the side BET is placed and the player&#39;s cards include “Joker”. 
     The “Joker” card may remain unchanged depending on a result of the determination in the main control portion  40 , or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 6 , it may change to another card. In the case of “Joker” having changed to another card, the card can be used in determining a high hand or a low hand. 
     In  FIG. 6 , “Joker” has changed to “6 of diamond”, and the low hand has changed from “No Pair” to “One Pair”. Under the dealt card display portion  83 , an image  102  notifying that “Joker” has changed to another card is displayed. 
     Further, depending upon the determination result in the main control portion  40 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , “Joker” may be changed to an image indicating that the JP will be offered (hereinafter also referred to as JP symbol). When “Joker” changes to the JP symbol, the JP in the amount corresponding the number of successive side BETs at that time is offered. To the liquid crystal display  10 , as shown in  FIG. 7 , an image  103  notifying that the JP will be offered is displayed under the dealt card display portion  83 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view showing the relation among the number of successive side BETs, an amount of jackpot payout and a probability of an occurrence of the jackpot. 
     As described later using  FIG. 13A , the main control portion  40  determines whether or not to offer the JP in the station  3 , where the side BET has been placed and the player&#39;s cards include “Joker”, and determines the amount of the JP to be offered when determining to offer the JP, based on the number of successive side BETs in the station  3 . At that time, the main control portion  40  refers to a data table showing the corresponding relation shown in  FIG. 8 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the amount of JP payout and the probability of occurrence of the JP vary in accordance with the number of successive side BETs. It is to be noted that the amount of JP payout is shown by a percentage (%) of a total amount of the JP cumulatively stored in the RAM  42 . 
     The data table indicative of the corresponding relation shown in  FIG. 8  is stored in the ROM  43 . 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , 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. 10  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , the station  3  has a microcomputer  55  as the core, which basically includes a CPU  51 , a 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 , the number of successive side BETs, 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 the 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 the 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. 11  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. 12 . 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. 13A  and  FIG. 13B . 
     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. 12 . 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. 12  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. 11 ). 
     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. 13A  and  FIG. 13B  are flowcharts showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     First, in step S 101  of  FIG. 13A , 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. 
     Further, card images showing the seven dealer&#39;s cards are displayed face down to the front display  21  in the gaming machine  1 . 
     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 111 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the station  3  where the side BET has been placed is present, the CPU  41  determines in step S 106  whether or not the player&#39;s cards on the station  3  where the side BET has been placed include “Joker” in accordance with the determination result in step S 103 . When determining that the player&#39;s cards do not include “Joker”, the CPU  41  shifts the processing to step S 111 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the player&#39;s cards include “Joker”, the CPU  41  determines in step S 107  the number of successive side BETs in the station  3  based on the BET information received in step S 101 . 
     Next, in step S 108 , the CPU  41  determines the change mode of the display of the card image of “Joker” based on the number of successive side BETs determined in step S 107 . Specifically, first, the CPU  41  determines whether or not to offer the JP based on the corresponding relation shown in  FIG. 8 . When determining to offer the JP, the CPU  41  determines the change mode for changing “Joker” ultimately to the JP symbol. When determining not to offer the JP, the CPU  41  determines the change mode for changing “Joker” to an image other than the JP symbol or holding “Joker” as it is. 
     Next, in step S 109 , the CPU  41  determines the amount of JP payout based on the number of successive side BETs determined in step S 107 . Specifically, the CPU  41  determines the amount of JP payout corresponding to the number of successive side BETs, with reference to the corresponding relation shown in  FIG. 8 . In step S 108 , when determining not to offer the JP, the CPU  41  determines the amount of JP payout to 0. 
     Next, in step S 110 , the CPU  41  transmits to the station  3  an effect instruction signal showing an instruction to change the display mode of the card image of “Joker” in the change mode determined in step S 108 , and JP payout information showing the amount of the JP payout determined in step S 109 . 
     Next, in step S 111  in  FIG. 13B , the CPU  41  receives selection information from each 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 S 112 , 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 113 , the CPU  41  displays card images showing the high hand and the low hand determined in step S 112  face up to the front display  21 . 
     Next, in step S 114 , the CPU  41  executes processing of determining winning or losing based on the selection information received in step S 111  and on the high hand and the low hand determined in step S 112 . 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 115 , the CPU  41  transmits information showing winning or losing determined in step S 114  (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 116 , 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 116 , the CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above described, the gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment comprises a touch panel  11  (input device). Further, the gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment comprises a controller 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 placed as the side BET from the touch panel  11 , (d) counting a number of side BETs every time the side BET is placed, the number of side BETs being the number of placement of the side BETs, (e) offering a normal payout, after executing a normal game, based on a result of the normal game and the normal BET, and (f) offering a special payout in an amount varying in accordance with a count value of the number of side BETs, from the game media cumulatively accumulated in the processing (c), when the side BET is placed and a predetermined condition is satisfied. 
     According to the gaming machine  1 , the player can acquire a special payout when placing a side BET and further satisfying a predetermined condition. Accordingly, it is possible to make a game more interesting and make the player absorbed in placing a side BET and in satisfying the predetermined condition. 
     Further, the amount of the special payout varies in accordance with the cumulatively counted number of side BETs, e.g., the amount increasing with an increase in the number of side BETs. Therefore, it is possible to make the player have a high expectation about a change in the amount of the special payout, every time the number of side BETs increases. 
     Further, since the special payout is the part of the game media placed as a side BET, which has been cumulatively accumulated, the player has the possibility of acquiring a payout in a large amount when satisfying a predetermined condition. 
     Accordingly, it is possible to have the player have an incentive to place a side BET. 
     According to the above gaming machine  1 , since the count value of the number of side BETs is reset when a side BET is not placed, the count value of side BETs indicates the number of side BETs having been successively placed. It is therefore possible to make the player successively place a side BET for acquiring a special payout in a varying amount. 
     Further, when the special payout is offered or the player terminates the game, the count value of the number of side BETs is reset. It is therefore possible to offer a special payout more accurately reflecting the number of side BETs successively placed by one player. 
     According to the above gaming machine  1 , the probability of offering the special payout increases or decreases in accordance with the count value of the number of side BETs. Hence it is possible to make the game more interesting, and also to make the player have an incentive to place a side BET so that the special payout is offered with a high probability. 
     In the present embodiment, the case of counting only the number of successively placed side BETs has been described. However, in the present invention, the number of side BETs may be cumulatively counted regardless of whether or not the side BET has been successively placed. 
     In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the predetermined condition is that the dealt player&#39;s cards include the “Joker” card and that the card image of “Joker” changes to the image showing the offer of the JP (JP symbol). However, the predetermined condition in the present invention is not limited to this example, and can be appropriately set. For example, the predetermined condition may be a condition regarding the result or process of the normal game, such as establishment of a specific hand by player&#39;s cards in the card game. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described the case of determining whether or not the play on the station  3  has been terminated based on the presence or absence of the input from the operation button  12 . However, in the present invention, a sensor may be provided in the gaming machine (station), and when the sensor does not detect the player for a predetermined period, it may be determined that the play on the gaming machine has been terminated. 
     Moreover, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where the special payout is part of the side-bet game media which has been cumulatively accumulated as the JP. However, the special payout in the present invention may be game media in a predetermined amount. 
     Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case of playing Pai Gow Poker (card game) as the normal game has been described. However, the normal game in the present invention is not limited to a card game, and examples thereof may include a roulette game, a race game such as a horse racing game, or a slot machine game. 
     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.