Patent Publication Number: US-8968069-B2

Title: Gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network and control method thereof

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/097,590 filed on Sep. 17, 2008, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/097,720 filed on Sep. 17, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/097,459 filed on Sep. 16, 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 system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by a network and a control method thereof. 
     2. Discussion of the Background Art 
     Conventionally, there exists a gaming system having a plurality of gaming machines linked by network as disclosed in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,553, U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484, US 2003/0236110-A1, US 2005/0079911-A1, US 2005/0119044-A1, US 2006/0205468-A1, US 2005/0187014-A1, US 2006/0287043-A1, US 2006/0073897-A1, US 2007/0087824-A1, US 2007/0167217-A1. In this kind of a gaming system, a game medium inserted into each gaming machine is pooled in one place and the pooled game media are paid out to the gaming machine having won a progressive jackpot. 
     A player playing a game in the aforementioned gaming system is playing the game for the sake of acquiring pooled game media. However, gaming systems as described above are monotonous, since payout of pooled game media is conducted to a gaming machine, for example, determined through a lottery, and the method itself for paying out the pooled game media lacks an interesting aspect. Therefore, there has been a problem that the player easily gets tired of the game. 
     The present invention was made in view of the aforementioned problem and an object thereof is to provide a gaming system that the player hardly gets tired of the game and a control method thereof. 
     The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,553, U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,275, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,484, US 2003/0236110-A1, US 2005/0079911-A1, US 2005/0119044-A1, US 2006/0205468-A1, US 2005/0187014-A1, US 2006/0287043-A1, US 2006/0073897-A1, US 2007/0087824-A1 and US 2007/0167217-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a common-game cumulative value for a common game, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not the common-game cumulative value cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a specific value; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the common-game cumulative value has reached the specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (c) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (b), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D). 
     According to the gaming system, a part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value for the common game. When the common-game cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine. Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine, a single gaming machine is determined and the game media in number corresponding to the specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     The present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage predetermined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (c) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (b), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the processing (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D). 
     According to the gaming system, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     The present invention further provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a first predetermined percentage as a first individual cumulative value, and cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a second predetermined percentage smaller than the first predetermined percentage, as a second individual cumulative value, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not the first individual cumulative value cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a first specific value as a comparable figure of the first individual cumulative value, or the second individual cumulative value has reached a second specific value as a comparable figure of the second individual cumulative value and being larger than the first specific value; and 
     (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value or the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value, in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (c) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (b) to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the result information transmitted from the gaming machines; (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the first specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D), when determining the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value in the processing (B); and (F) paying out the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D), when determining the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value in the processing (B). 
     According to the gaming system, two common games are provided and the individual cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value, the second individual cumulative value) is counted for each common game. When the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value, or when the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, respective two common games are generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the two common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, a part of the betted game media in the first predetermined percentage (e.g. 3%) are cumulatively counted, as the first individual cumulative value, and a part of the betted game media in the second predetermined percentage (e.g. 0.5%) are cumulatively counted, as the second individual cumulative value. When the first individual cumulative value is determined to have reached the first specific value (e.g. 100), the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out. On the other hand, when the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value (e.g. 1000) that is larger than the first specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value may be paid out. Namely, for the larger specific value, the smaller percentage for accumulating the cumulative value until reaching the specific value is set. Accordingly, it is possible to have the common game with the large number of payouts be harder to be generated, so that a profit of a recreation facility providing a game by using the gaming system can be ensured. Further, though the common game with the large number of payouts is hard to be generated, the common game with the comparatively smaller number of payouts is generated relatively frequently, so that it becomes possible to prevent the player from getting bored and the player can enjoy the game for a long time. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device; (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage predetermined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (c) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (b), to the control device; (D) the control device determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) the control device paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the step (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D). 
     According to the game control method, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type game control method capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device; (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a first predetermined percentage as a first individual cumulative value, and cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a second predetermined percentage smaller than the first predetermined percentage, as a second individual cumulative value, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not the first individual cumulative value cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a first specific value as a comparable figure of the first individual cumulative value, or the second individual cumulative value has reached a second specific value as a comparable figure of the second individual value and being larger than the first specific value; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value or the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value, in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (c) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (b) to the control device; (D) the controller determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the result information transmitted from the gaming machines; (E) the controller paying out game media in number corresponding to the first specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D), when determining the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value in the step (B); and (F) the controller paying out the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D), when determining the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value in the step (B). 
     According to the game control method, two common games are provided and the individual cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value, the second individual cumulative value) is counted for each common game. When the first individual cumulative value has reached the first specific value, or when the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, respective two common games are generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the two common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, a part of the betted game media in the first predetermined percentage (e.g. 3%) are cumulatively counted, as the first individual cumulative value, and a part of the betted game media in the second predetermined percentage (e.g. 0.5%) are cumulatively counted, as the second individual cumulative value. When the first individual cumulative value is determined to have reached the first specific value (e.g. 100), the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out. On the other hand, when the second individual cumulative value has reached the second specific value (e.g. 1000) that is larger than the first specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value may be paid out. Namely, for the larger specific value, the smaller percentage for accumulating the cumulative value until reaching the specific value is set. Accordingly, it is possible to have the common game with the large number of payouts be harder to be generated, so that a profit of a recreation facility providing a game by using the gaming system can be ensured. Further, though the common game with the large number of payouts is hard to be generated, the common game with the comparatively smaller number of payouts is generated relatively frequently, so that it becomes possible to prevent the player from getting bored and the player can enjoy the game for a long time. 
     The present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a controller; a control device including an input device and a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage determined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (c) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (b), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the processing (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D); and (F) changing the percentage and/or the specific value in accordance with an input from the input device. 
     According to the gaming system, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming system including a new-type common game capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device provided in the control device, the percentage and/or the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the percentage to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the percentage to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     The present invention further provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including an input device and a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage determined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (c) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (b), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the processing (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of (d) changing the percentage and/or the specific value in accordance with an input from the input device. 
     According to the gaming system, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device provided in the gaming machine, the percentage and/or the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the percentage to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the percentage to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprising steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device; (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage determined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (c) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (b), to the control device; (D) the control device determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; (E) the control device paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the step (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D); and (F) the control device changing the percentage and/or the specific value in accordance with an input from the input device. 
     According to the game control method, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a game control method including a new-type common game capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device provided in the control device, the percentage and/or the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the percentage to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the percentage to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprising steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device; (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media in a percentage determined for each of a plurality of common games, as an individual cumulative value for each of the common games, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not any of the individual cumulative values cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a specific value set for each of the plurality of the common games; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining any of the individual cumulative values has reached the specific value in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the common game when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (c) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (b), to the control device; (D) the control device determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; (E) the control device paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value to which the individual cumulative value has reached in the step (B), from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D); and (d) the control device changing the percentage and/or the specific value in accordance with an input from the input device. 
     According to the game control method, a plurality of common games are provided and the individual cumulative value is counted for each common game. When the individual cumulative value has reached the specific value, the common game is executed, in which the game media in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, each of the plurality of common games is generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the plurality of common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device provided in the gaming machine, the percentage and/or the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the percentage to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the percentage to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     The present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a symbol display capable of variably displaying symbols, and a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a common-game cumulative value for a common game and cumulatively counting an other part of the number of betted game media as a solo-game cumulative value for a solo game, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not the common-game cumulative value cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a first specific value; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the solo game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a solo-game program; (c) paying out game media in number corresponding to a second specific value larger than the first specific value, when the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value and the symbols are stop-displayed in a specific state in the solo game; (d) executing the common game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state, when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (e) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (d), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the first specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D). 
     According to the gaming system, a part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value for the common game and another part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the solo-game cumulative value for the solo game. When the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value are paid out, on condition that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state in the solo game. On the other hand, when the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value, the common game in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine. Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine, a single gaming machine is determined and the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine. Here, the second specific value is larger than the first specific value. Accordingly, in a case where it is possible that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, the player becomes more conscious of whether or not the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, than the common game. However, according to the gaming system, the common game is executed by the common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state. Accordingly, in the common game, payout of the game media based on the symbols stop-displayed in the specific state is not to be conducted. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
     The present invention provides a gaming system having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the gaming system comprises: a plurality of gaming machines each including a symbol display capable of variably displaying symbols, and a controller; a control device including a processor; and a network enabling communication between the plurality of gaming machines and the control device. The controller is programmed to execute processing of (a) transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to the control device. The processor is programmed to execute processing of: (A) cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a common-game cumulative value for a common game and cumulatively counting an other part of the number of betted game media as a solo-game cumulative value for a solo game, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) determining whether or not the common-game cumulative value cumulatively counted in the processing (A) has reached a specific value; and (C) transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the common-game cumulative values has reached the specific value in the processing (B). The controller is further programmed to execute processing of: (b) executing the solo game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a solo-game program; (c) paying out game media in number corresponding to the solo-game cumulative value, when the symbols are stop-displayed in a specific state in the solo game; (d) executing the common game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state, when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; and (e) transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the processing (d), to the control device. The processor is further programmed to execute processing of: (D) determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the processing (D). 
     According to the gaming system, a part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value for the common game and another part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the solo-game cumulative value for the solo game. When the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value are paid out, on condition that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state in the solo game. On the other hand, when the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value, the common game in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine. Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine, a single gaming machine is determined and the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine. Here, the common game is executed by the common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state. Accordingly, in the common game, payout of the game media based on the symbols stop-displayed in the specific state is not to be conducted. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprises steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device, (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a common-game cumulative value for a common game and cumulatively counting an other part of the number of betted game media as a solo-game cumulative value for a solo game, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not the common-game cumulative value cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a first specific value; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the solo game for stop-displaying the symbols to a symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a solo-game program; (c) the gaming machine paying out game media in number corresponding to a second specific value larger than the first specific value, when the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value and the symbols are stop-displayed in a specific state in the solo game; (d) the gaming machine executing the common game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state, when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (e) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (d), to the control device; (D) the control device determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) the control device paying out game media in number corresponding to the first specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D). 
     According to the game control method, a part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value for the common game and another part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the solo-game cumulative value for the solo game. When the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value are paid out, on condition that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state in the solo game. On the other hand, when the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value, the common game in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine. Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine, a single gaming machine is determined and the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine. Here, the second specific value is larger than the first specific value. Accordingly, in a case where it is possible that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, the player becomes more conscious of whether or not the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, than the common game. However, according to the gaming system, the common game is executed by the common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state. Accordingly, in the common game, payout of the game media based on the symbols stop-displayed in the specific state is not to be conducted. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
     The present invention further provides a game control method having the following configuration. 
     Namely, the game control method comprising steps of: (a) a gaming machine transmitting number-of-game-media information relating to a number of betted game media to a control device, (A) the control device cumulatively counting a part of the number of betted game media as a common-game cumulative value for a common game and cumulatively counting an other part of the number of betted game media as a solo-game cumulative value for a solo game, triggered by a receipt of the number-of-game-media information from the gaming machine; (B) the control device determining whether or not the common-game cumulative value cumulatively counted in the step (A) has reached a specific value; (C) the control device transmitting a common-game execution signal to the gaming machine, when determining the common-game cumulative values has reached the specific value in the step (B); (b) the gaming machine executing the solo game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a solo-game program; (c) the gaming machine paying out game media in number corresponding to the solo-game cumulative value, when the symbols are stop-displayed in a specific state in the solo game; (d) the gaming machine executing the common game for stop-displaying the symbols to the symbol display after variably displaying the symbols, based on a common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state, when receiving the common-game execution signal from the control device; (e) the gaming machine transmitting common-game result information determined based on a result of the common game executed in the step (d), to the control device; (D) the control device determining a single gaming machine out of the plurality of the gaming machines, based on the common-game result information transmitted from the gaming machines; and (E) the control device paying out game media in number corresponding to the specific value from the single gaming machine determined in the step (D). 
     According to the game control method, a part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value for the common game and another part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the solo-game cumulative value for the solo game. When the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value, the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value are paid out, on condition that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state in the solo game. On the other hand, when the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value, the common game in which the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine. Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine, a single gaming machine is determined and the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine. Here, the common game is executed by the common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state. Accordingly, in the common game, payout of the game media based on the symbols stop-displayed in the specific state is not to be conducted. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a first embodiment of a present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2B  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a view illustrating a symbol array table A in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a view illustrating a symbol array table B in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11A  is a view illustrating a relation between a combination of symbols and a number of coin-outs in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11B  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11C  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a view illustrating a cumulative-value storage area in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a view illustrating a specific-value storage area in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 20A  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 20B  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a second embodiment of a present invention. 
         FIG. 23A  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 23B  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 24 . 
         FIG. 26  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a view illustrating a symbol array table A in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a view illustrating a symbol array table B in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 32A  is a view illustrating a relation between a combination of symbols and a number of coin-outs in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 32B  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 32C  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  is a view illustrating a cumulative-value storage area in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is a view illustrating a specific-value storage area in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 41A  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 41B  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 42  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 43  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of setting change processing in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  is a view illustrating an increment-rate-candidates storage table in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  is a view illustrating a specific-value-candidates storage table in the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a third embodiment of a present invention. 
         FIG. 47A  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 47B  is a view illustrating an exemplary image displayed to the upper image display panel included in the slot machine forming the gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 49  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 51  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in a slot machine in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 52  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 53  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 54  is a view illustrating a symbol array table A in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 55  is a view illustrating a symbol array table B in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 56A  is a view illustrating a relation between a combination of symbols and a number of coin-outs in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 56B  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 56C  is a view illustrating the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 57  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 58  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of common game execution processing in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 59  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 60  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 61  is a view illustrating a cumulative-value storage area in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 62  is a view illustrating a specific-value storage area in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 63  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 64  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 65A  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 65B  is a view illustrating a number-of-lighting determination table in the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 66  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     (First Embodiment) 
     A First embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. 
     At first, with reference to  FIG. 1 , there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 1  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a first embodiment of a present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a gaming system  1  includes a plurality of slot machines  10  (a slot machine  10 A, a slot machine  10 B, a slot machine  10 C, a slot machine  10 D, a slot machine  10 E, a slot machine  10 F, a slot machine  10 G, a slot machine  10 H, a slot machine  10 I, and a slot machine  10 J), a control device  200  (see  FIG. 5 ), a common large display  300 , and a plurality of common compact displays  301  (a common compact display  301 A and a common compact display  301 B), which are interconnected through a network. 
     Further, for the respective slot machines  10 , there are provided coupling illumination lines  310  (a coupling illumination line  310 A, a coupling illumination line  310 B, a coupling illumination line  310 C, a coupling illumination line  310 D, a coupling illumination line  310 E, a coupling illumination line  310 F, a coupling illumination line  310 G, a coupling illumination line  310 H, a coupling illumination line  310 I, and a coupling illumination line  310 J) which include a plurality of LEDs  351  arranged from the common large display  300  to the respective slot machines  10 . The coupling illumination lines  310  are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display  300  to one of boundary plates  302  (a boundary plate  302 A and a boundary plate  302 B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates  302  to the slot machine  10 . 
     The slot machines  10  correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. 
     In the gaming system  1  according to the present embodiment, a common game and a normal game are executed. There are two kinds of common games. One is a SPECIAL common game and the other is a NORMAL common game. In the gaming system  1 , a part of coins betted in each slot machine  10  are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. More specifically, 0.5% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a NORMAL cumulative value. Further, 3% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a SPECIAL cumulative value. 
     It is to be noted that the NORMAL cumulative value corresponds to the first individual cumulative value of the present invention. The SPECIAL cumulative value corresponds to the second individual cumulative value of the present invention. Further, the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value respectively correspond to the individual cumulative values of the present invention. 
     Then, an image  300 A showing the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value which have been counted are displayed to the common large display  300 . In  FIG. 1 , “SPECIAL 850” and “NORMAL 72” are displayed to the common large display  300 . “SPECIAL 850” indicates that the SPECIAL cumulative value is 850. Further, “NORMAL 72” indicates that the NORMAL cumulative value is 72. When the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached a SPECIAL specific value (1000, in the present embodiment), the SPECIAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value are paid out to any of the slot machines  10 . Further, when the NORMAL cumulative value has reached a NORMAL specific value, the NORMAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is paid out to any of the slot machines  10 . 
     It is to be noted that the NORMAL specific value corresponds to the first specific value of the present invention. The SPECIAL specific value corresponds to the second specific value of the present invention. Further, the NORMAL specific value and the SPECIAL specific value respectively correspond to the specific values of the present invention. 
     As above described, in the gaming system  1 , parts of the betted coins are accumulated in association with the respective two common games individually. When the cumulative value (SPECIAL cumulative value, NORMAL cumulative value) has reached the specific value (SPECIAL specific value, NORMAL specific value), the common game is generated. Accordingly, generation timing of the two common games are independent of each other. Consequently, it is possible to provide a new-type common game which can make the player have an expectation about which game will be generated at which timing. 
     Further, in the gaming system  1 , 1% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a solo-progressive cumulative value, in addition to the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value. Furthermore, an image  300 B indicative of the counted solo-progressive cumulative value is displayed to the common large display  300 . In  FIG. 1 , “123456” is displayed to the common large display  300 , indicating that the solo-progressive cumulative value is 123456. When the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached a solo-progressive specific value, the normal game in each slot machine  10  goes into a state that a solo progressive may be generated. In a case where the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  10 , coins are paid out to the slot machine  10  as a jackpot. 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 2A to 2B , there is described a method for determining the slot machine  10  to which the payout of coins is conducted in the common game. 
       FIGS. 2A to 2B  are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
     In the following, when simply “the common game” is referred, both of the SPECIAL common game and the NORMAL common game are included. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the coins in EVENT TIME (the common game) are displayed to an upper image display panel  33 . 
     A text image  601  indicates that EVENT TIME (the common game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value for the common game (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the specific value (the SPECIAL specific value or the NORMAL specific value). 
     A text image  602  indicates that the LEDs  351  will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine  10  during EVENT TIME (the common game). It is to be noted that the acquisition of points will be later described by using  FIG. 19  and the like. 
     A text image  603  indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value for the common game will be paid out to the slot machine  10  provided with the coupling illumination line  310  with all the LEDs  351  having been lighted. 
     In the present embodiment, the LEDs  351  are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED  351  closest to the slot machines  10 . Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs  351  appear to gradually extend toward the common large display  300 . 
       FIG. 2B  further illustrates lighting of the LEDs  351 . 
     In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel  33  is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in  FIG. 2A  to the text images illustrated in  FIG. 2B , triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel  33 . 
     A text image  604  indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illumination line  310  may be different among the coupling illumination lines  310 . 
     In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs  351  are included in two coupling illumination lines  310  listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): 
     (I) the coupling illumination line  310 A and the coupling illumination line  310 J; 
     (II) the coupling illumination line  310 B and the coupling illumination line  310 I; 
     (III) the coupling illumination line  310 C and the coupling illumination line  310 H; 
     (IV) the coupling illumination line  310 D and the coupling illumination line  310 G; and 
     (V) the coupling illumination line  310 E and the coupling illumination line  310 F. 
     However, the numbers of LEDs  351  included in the coupling illumination lines listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. 
     This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs  351  in the bent portions. 
     The numbers of LEDs  351  in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illumination lines  310 . 
     Further,  FIG. 1  merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs  351  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is not related to the number of LEDs  351  according to the present embodiment. 
     A text image  605  indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illumination line  310 . More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see  FIGS. 20A and 20B ). 
     Next, a configuration of the slot machine  10  is described. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming the gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
     In the slot machine  10 , a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 
     The slot machine  10  comprises a cabinet  11 , a top box  12  installed on the upper side of the cabinet  11 , and a main door  13  provided at the front face of the cabinet  11 . 
     On the main door  13 , there is provided a lower image display panel  16 . The lower image display panel  16  includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays nine display blocks  28  along three columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block  28 . 
     Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Further, a number-of-credits display portion  31  and a number-of-payouts display portion  32  are provided on the lower image display panel  16 . The number-of-credits display portion  31  displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion  32  displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. 
     Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel  69  is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel  16 . The player can operate the touch panel  69  to input a variety of commands. 
     Below the lower image display panel  16 , there are provided a control panel  20  including a plurality of buttons  23  to  27  with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot  21  through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet  11 , and a bill validator  22 . 
     The control panel  20  is provided with a start button  23 , a change button  24 , a CASHOUT button  25 , a  1 -BET button  26  and a maximum BET button  27 . The start button  23  is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button  24  is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  25  is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray  18 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  27  is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (3 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . It is to be noted that the bill validator  22  may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket  39  with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door  13 , namely, below the control panel  20 , there is provided a belly glass  34  on which a character or the like of the slot machine  10  is drawn. 
     On the front surface of the top box  12 , there is provided the upper image display panel  33 . The upper image display panel  33  includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
     Further, a speaker  29  is provided in the top box  12 . Under the upper image display panel  33 , there are provided a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display  37 , and a key pad  38 . The ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines  10 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  39  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  39  with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket  39  with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  36  reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display  37  includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader  36  or data inputted by the player via the key pad  38 . The key pad  38  is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. 
       FIG. 4  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     A gaming board  50  is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  51 , a ROM  55 , and a boot ROM  52  which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot  53 S corresponding to a memory card  53 , and an IC socket  54 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)  54 . 
     The memory card  53  includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks  28 . The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for the normal game and a symbol determination program for the common game. 
     In the normal game, the symbol determination program for the normal game is read and executed. At this time, when the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table A (see  FIG. 9 ). When the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table B (see  FIG. 10 ). In the present embodiment, when the number of bets is 3 and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” are rearranged along a winning line WL (see  FIG. 12 ), the solo progressive is established (see  FIG. 11C ). However, according to the symbol array table B, “BLUE 7” is not to be displayed to a center display block. Namely, in the present embodiment, the solo progressive is not to be generated by using the symbol array table B. 
     Further, in the common game, the symbol determination program for the common game is read and executed. At this time, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on the symbol array table B. In the present embodiment, a common symbol array table, that is, the symbol array table B is used in the normal game, both in the case where the cumulative value for the solo progressive has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. However, in the present invention, different symbol array tables may be used in the case where the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. 
     Further, the game program includes odds data indicative of the correspondence relationship between combinations of the symbols to be rearranged along the winning line WL and the number of coin-outs (see  FIGS. 11A to 11C ). 
     Further, the card slot  53 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  53  to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board  40  by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card  53  can be removed from the card slot  53 S, and then another game program is written into the memory card  53 , and the memory card  53  can be inserted into the card slot  53 S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine  10 . The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 
     The CPU  51 , the ROM  55  and the boot ROM  52  interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board  40  through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board  40  and the gaming board  50 , but also supplies power from the mother board  40  to the gaming board  50 . 
     The mother board  40  is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 , and a communication interface  44 . The mother board  40  corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 
     The ROM  42  comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  41  and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card  53  via the gaming board  50 . It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM  42  may or may not be data rewritable one. 
     The RAM  43  stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU  41 . Further, the RAM  43  is capable of storing a game program. 
     Moreover, the RAM  43  stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. 
     Moreover, the mother board  40  is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and a door PCB  80  through respective USBs. Further, the mother board  40  is connected with a power supply unit  45  and the communication interface  44 . 
     The body PCB  60  and the door PCB  80  are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU  41  and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . The main CPU  41  executes the game program stored in the RAM  43  based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU  41 , and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing and stores the result thereof into the RAM  43 , or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. 
     The body PCB  60  is connected with a lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting portion  67 , a graphic board  68 , the speaker  29 , the touch panel  69 , the bill validator  22 , the ticket printer  35 , the card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S and the data display  37 . The lamp  30  is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     The hopper  66  is installed inside the cabinet  11 , and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , from a coin payout exit  19  to the coin tray  18 . The coin detecting portion  67  is provided inside the coin payout exit  19 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  controls image display to the upper image display panel  33  and the lower image display panel  16  based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . In the respective display blocks  28  on the lower image display panel  16 , symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM  43  is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion  31  of the lower image display panel  16 . Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion  31  of the lower image display panel  16 . 
     The graphic board  68  comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card  53  and stored into the RAM  43 . 
     The bill validator  22  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  11 . Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator  22  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores in the RAM  43  the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  35 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , a date, an identification number of the slot machine  10 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  39  with a barcode. 
     The card reader  36  reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU  41 , and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU  41 . The key switch  38 S is provided on the key pad  38 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  41  when the key pad  38  is operated by the player. The data display  37  displays data read by the card reader  36  and data inputted by the player via the key pad  38 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
     The door PCB  80  is connected with the control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81 . The control panel  20  is provided with a start switch  23 S corresponding to the start button  23 , a change switch  24 S corresponding to the change button  24 , a CASHOUT switch  25 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button  25 , a 1-BET switch  26 S corresponding to the 1-BET button  26 , and a maximum BET switch  27 S corresponding to the maximum BET button  27 . Each of the switches  23 S to  27 S outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when each of the buttons  23  to  27  corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 
     The coin counter  21 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  21 , and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  21  by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit  19 . Further, the coin counter  21 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  in detection of the regular coin. 
     The reverter  21 S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 , and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter  21 C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper  66 , which are disposed in the slot machine  10 . Namely, when the hopper  66  is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  21 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  66  is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper  66 . The cold cathode tube  81  functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel  16  and the upper image display panel  33 , and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  41 . 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the first embodiment. 
     The control device  200  includes a CPU  201 , a ROM  202 , a RAM  203 , a communication interface  204 , a LED drive circuit  350  and a hard disk drive  205 . The communication interface  204  is connected, through communication lines  101 , to the communication interfaces  44  in the respective slot machines  10  and also is connected to the common large display  300  and the common compact displays  301  through communication lines  102 . The ROM  202  stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. 
     The RAM  203  temporarily stores data received from each slot machine  10 . The RAM  203  is provided with an increment-rate storage area (see  FIG. 15 ), a cumulative-value storage area (see  FIG. 16 ), a specific-value storage area (see  FIG. 17 ), a number-of-lighting determination table storage area (see  FIGS. 20A and 20B ), and a number-of-lights storage area. 
     The increment-rate storage area stores a SPECIAL increment rate, a NORMAL increment rate, and a solo-progressive increment rate. 
     The cumulative-value storage area stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table storage area stores number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred in determining the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted during the common game, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  10 . 
     The number-of-lights storage area stores number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs  351  which have been lighted, out of the LEDs  351  included in the coupling illumination lines  310  provided for the respective slot machines  10 , in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  10  provided with the corresponding coupling illumination line  310 . 
     The hard disk drive  205  stores number-of-lighting determination table data showing a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions). 
     Further, the hard disk drive  205  stores number-of-points determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game. 
     The plurality of LEDs  351  are connected to the LED drive circuit  350 . The LEDs  351  are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit  350  turns on and turns off the LEDs  351  based on a signal received from the CPU  201 . 
     Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines  10 . 
     The main CPU  41  proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. 
       FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines  10  in the first embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S 200 ). The common-game flag is a flag to be set when the common-game execution signal is received, which is to be transmitted from the control device  200  triggered by the cumulative value (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the common-game specific value (the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value). 
     When determining in step S 200  that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU  41  executes normal game execution processing (step S 201 ). The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 8 . After executing the processing of step S 201 , the main CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU  41  executes common game execution processing (step S 202 ). The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 13 . After executing the processing of step S 202 , the main CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the first embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (step S 300 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal transmitted from the control device  200  triggered by the common-game cumulative value having reached the common-game specific value (see steps S 104  and S 105  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     When determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU  41  sets the common-game flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  43  (step S 301 ). 
     When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal in step S 300 , or after the processing of step S 301 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  200  (step S 302 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is a signal to be transmitted from the control device  200  triggered by the solo-progressive cumulative value having reached the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 107  and S 108  in  FIG. 14 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  200 , the main CPU  41  sets the solo-progressive enable flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  43  (step S 303 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  200 , or after the processing of step S 303 , the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  200  (step S 304 ). The solo-progressive-execution disable signal is the signal to be transmitted from the control device  200  when the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  10  and the solo-progressive cumulative value becomes smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 163  and S 164  in  FIG. 21 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  200 , the main CPU  41  clears the solo-progressive enable flag set in the RAM  43  and completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  200  in step S 304 , the main CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the first embodiment. 
     First, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S 11 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch  26 S when the 1-BET button  26  is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch  27 S when the maximum BET button  27  is operated. When the main CPU  41  determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S 11 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S 11 , the main CPU  41  conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43  according to the number of betted coins (step S 12 ). It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , the main CPU  41  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and the processing is returned to step S 11 . Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (3 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU  41  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 , and the processing is proceeded to step S 13 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the start button  23  has been turned ON (step S 13 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pressed. 
     When the main CPU  41  determines that the start button  23  has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S 11 . It is to be noted that, when the start button  23  is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button  23  is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU  41  cancels a subtraction result in step S 12 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 13  that the start button  23  has been turned on, the main CPU  41  transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device  200  (step S 14 ). The number-of-game-media information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine  10 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S 15 ). In this processing, at first, the main CPU  41  starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks  28 . Then, the main CPU  41  executes the aforementioned symbol determination program for the normal game, so as to determine the symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  28 . At this time, when the solo-progressive enable flag is set in the RAM  43 , the symbols are rearranged based on a symbol array table A (see  FIG. 9 ). When the solo-progressive enable flag is not set in the RAM  43 , the symbols are rearranged based on the symbol array table B (see  FIG. 10 ). 
       FIG. 9  is a view illustrating the symbol array table A in the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 10  is a view illustrating the symbol array table B in the first embodiment. 
     In the array tables A and B, symbol columns to be arranged in a left column, a center column, and a right column of the display blocks  28  are determined. In the array table B, since there is no “BLUE 7” in the symbol column in the center column, “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is not to be established. On the other hand, in the array table A, since there are “BLUE 7” in all symbol columns in the left column, the center column, and the right column, it is possible that “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7”is established. 
       FIGS. 11A to 11C  are views each illustrating a corresponding relationship between a combination of symbols and an amount of payout in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11A to 11C , in the present embodiment, the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs is varied according to the cases where the number of betted coins is one, two, and three. 
     It is to be noted that in the drawings, “any bar” refers to any symbol among “3 bar”, “2 bar”, and “1 bar”. As shown in  FIG. 11C , in the case where the number of betted coins is three and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is established, the solo progressive is generated. 
       FIG. 12  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the winning line WL is set on the center row of the display blocks  28 . When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 
     After the processing of step S 15  (see  FIG. 8 ), the main CPU  41  determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S 16 ). Here, the establishment of the prize refers to an establishment of any combinations of symbols shown in  FIGS. 11A to 11C . 
     When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not the prize of the solo progressive is established (step S 17 ). When determining that the prize of the solo progressive is established, the main CPU  41  transmits a solo-progressive establishment signal to the control device  200  (step S 18 ). 
     When determining that the prize of the solo progressive has not been established in step S 17 , or after the processing of step S 18 , the main CPU  41  executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S 19 ). In the processing, the main CPU  41  determines the amount of payout based on the rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM  43 . The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the symbols rearranged in the display blocks  28  and the amount of payouts (see  FIGS. 11A to 11C ). Here, in the case where the prize is the solo progressive, the coins are paid out in number corresponding to the solo-progressive specific value (150000, in the present embodiment). 
     In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU  41  conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU  41  transmits a control signal to the hopper  66  in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  transmits number-of-payout information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that is, the number of paid out coins to the control device  200  (step S 20 ). 
     When determining in step S 16  that no prize has been established, or after executing the processing of step S 20 , the main CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing in the first embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  41  executes processing of steps S 21  to S 24 , and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S 13  and steps S 15  to S 17  in  FIG. 8 . Here, only a part different from step S 13  and steps S 15  to S 17  in  FIG. 8  is described. 
     There has been described a case where the main CPU  41  executes the symbol determination program for the normal game in step S 15  in  FIG. 8  for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  28 . On the contrary, in step S 22  in  FIG. 13 , the main CPU  41  executes the symbol determination program for the common game for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  28 . 
     When determining in step S 23  that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S 24 , the main CPU  41  transmits symbol information to the control device  200  (step S 25 ). The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S 22 . The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game (step S 26 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game is a signal transmitted from the control device  200  to the slot machine  10  triggered by all the LEDs  351  included in the coupling illumination line  310  provided in any of the slot machines  10  having been lighted (see steps S 125  to S 126  in  FIG. 18 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information indicative of the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value. 
     When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the main CPU  41  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (step S 27 ). In this processing, the main CPU  41  pays out coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value, based on the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal for the common game. In the present embodiment, the number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is 100 and the number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value is 1000. 
     The processing executed by the main CPU  41  in step S 27  includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker  29 , lighting of the lamp  30 , print of the ticket  39  with a barcode indicative of the number of payouts printed thereon, and the like. 
     When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game in step S 26  or after executing the processing of step S 27 , the main CPU  41  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines  10 . 
     Subsequently, processing executed by the control device  200  is described. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the first embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  201  determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine  10  at a predetermined timing (step S 101 ). In the present embodiment, the number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine  10  (see step S 14  in  FIG. 8 ). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  201  completes the present subroutine. 
     When determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  201  updates the SPECIAL cumulative value based on the SPECIAL increment rate stored in the RAM  203  (step S 102 ). 
       FIG. 15  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the RAM  203  in the control device  200  is provided with the increment-rate storage area, which stores an increment rate for the SPECIAL common game (SPECIAL increment rate), an increment rate for the NORMAL common game (NORMAL increment rate), and an increment rate for the solo progressive (solo-progressive increment rate). In the present embodiment, 0.5% as the SPECIAL increment rate, 3% as the NORMAL increment rate, and 1% as the solo-progressive increment rate are stored. 
     Here, the NORMAL increment rate corresponds to the first predetermined percentage of the present invention. The SPECIAL increment rate corresponds to the second predetermined percentage of the present invention. Further, the NORMAL increment rate and the SPECIAL increment rate correspond to the predetermined percentages of the present invention. 
       FIG. 16  is a view illustrating the cumulative-value storage area in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16 , the RAM  203  in the control device  200  is provided with the cumulative-value storage area which stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     In the processing of step S 102 , the CPU  201  adds 0.5% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  201  adds 0.015 to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, in step S 103 , the CPU  201  updates the NORMAL cumulative value based on the NORMAL increment rate stored in the RAM  203  (step S 103 ). In the processing of step S 103 , the CPU  201  adds 3% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  201  adds 0.09 to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, the CPU  201  determines whether or not the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value, or the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific-value storage area of the RAM  203  (see  FIG. 17 ). 
       FIG. 17  is a view illustrating the specific-value storage area in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the RAM  203  in the control device  200  is provided with the specific-value storage area which stores the SPECIAL specific value and the NORMAL specific value and the solo-progressive specific value. In the present embodiment, 1000 as the SPECIAL specific value, 100 as the NORMAL specific value, and 150000 as the solo-progressive specific value are stored. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value or that the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, the CPU  201  transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines  10  (step S 105 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the execution of the common game in the slot machines  10 . Further, in this processing, the slot machines  10  to which the common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU  201  are the slot machines  10  having transmitted number-of-game-media information in a predetermined time. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has not reached the SPECIAL specific value and that the NORMAL cumulative value has not reached the NORMAL specific value in step S 104 , or after the processing of step S 105 , the CPU  201  shifts the processing to step S 106 . 
     In step S 106 , the CPU  201  updates the solo-progressive cumulative value, based on the solo-progressive increment rate stored in the RAM  203  (step S 102 ). In the present embodiment, the solo-progressive increment rate is set to be 1% (see  FIG. 15 ). 
     Next, in step S 107 , the CPU  201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific value storage area in the RAM  203  (see  FIG. 17 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution enable signal to the slot machine  10  (step S 108 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is the signal for notifying approval of the generation of the solo progressive in the slot machine  10 . When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value in step S 107 , or after the processing of step S 108 , the CPU  201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 18  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the first embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  201  determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S 25  in  FIG. 13 ) from the slot machine  10  at a predetermined timing (step S 121 ). 
     When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU  201  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU  201  determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive  205  (step S 122 ). 
       FIG. 19  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 19 , a correspondence relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of points is determined in the number-of-points determination table. When the combination of the symbols rearranged along the winning line WL is the combination of symbols determined in the number-of-points determination table, points corresponding to the combination of the symbols are offered. The number-of-points determination table data is stored in the hard disk drive  205  in the control device  200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 12 , when “3 BAR-1 BAR-1 BAR” are rearranged along the winning line WL in the common game played on a single slot machine  10 , the number of points is determined to be 50 as a total of 30 based on “3 BAR” and 20 (=10+10) based on two of “1 BAR”. 
     Next, the CPU  201  determines the number of LEDs  351  (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S 123 ). 
       FIGS. 20A and 20B  are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table in the first embodiment. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted is associated with each slot machine  10 . 
     The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see  FIG. 20A ) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see  FIGS. 20B ). 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines  10 . 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines  10 . 
     In the processing of step S 123 , at first, the CPU  201  determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine  10  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 121  is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  351  included in the bent portion of the coupling illumination line  310 ). 
     When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU  201  determines the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU  201  determines the number of LEDs  351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. 
     Next, the CPU  201  makes the LEDs  351  (illuminants) in number determined in step S 123  be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illumination line  310  provided for the slot machine  10  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 121  (step S 124 ). 
     In this processing, the CPU  201  identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs  351  to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S 123  and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  10 . Further, the CPU  201  transmits to the LED drive circuit  350  a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit  350  lights the LEDs  351  associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 
     Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU  201  adds the number determined in step S 123  to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  10 . 
     Next, the CPU  201  determines whether or not all the LEDs  351  (illuminants) included in the coupling illumination line  310  provided for the slot machine  10  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 121  have been lighted (emit light) (step S 125 ). In the processing, the CPU  201  determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S 123  has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  351  included in the coupling illumination line  310 ), based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM  203 . 
     When determining that all the LEDs  351  included in the coupling illumination line  310  provided for the slot machine  10  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 121  have been lighted, the CPU  201  transmits the jackpot payout signal for the common game to the slot machine  10  (step S 126 ). It is to be noted that the jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information relating to the type of the common game (SPECIAL or NORMAL) and information relating to the specific value (NORMAL specific value or SPECIAL specific value). 
     On receiving the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the slot machine  10  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (see step S 27  in  FIG. 13 ). 
     When determining in step S 125  that not all the LEDs  351  have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S 126 , the CPU  201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 21  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the first embodiment. 
     First, the CPU  201  determines whether or not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal from the slot machine  10  (step S 161 ). When determining to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal, the CPU  201  subtracts the solo-progressive specific value from the solo-progressive cumulative value (step S 162 ). 
     Next, the CPU  201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (step S 163 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution disable signal to the slot machine  10  (step S 164 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal in step S 161 , or when determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is not smaller than the solo-progressive specific value in step S 163 , or after the processing of step S 164 , the main CPU  201  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, according to the gaming system  1  and the above-described game control method, two common games (the SPECIAL common game and the NORMAL common game) are provided and the individual cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value, the second individual cumulative value) is counted for each common game. When the NORMAL cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value) has reached the NORMAL specific value (the first specific value), or when the SPECIAL cumulative value (the second individual cumulative value) has reached the SPECIAL specific value (the second specific value), the common game is executed, in which coins in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, respective two common games are generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the two common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, a part of the betted coins are cumulatively counted at the NORMAL increment rate (the first predetermined percentage (3%, in the present embodiment)), as the NORMAL cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value), and a part of the betted coins are cumulatively counted at the SPECIAL increment rate (the second predetermined percentage (0.5%, in the present embodiment)), as the SPECIAL cumulative value (the second individual cumulative value). When the NORMAL cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value) is determined to have reached the NORMAL specific value (the first specific value (100 in the present embodiment)), the common game is executed, in which coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value (the first specific value) may be paid out. On the other hand, when the SPECIAL cumulative value (the second individual cumulative value) has reached the SPECIAL specific value (the second specific value (1000 in the present embodiment)) that is larger than the NORMAL specific value (the first specific value), the common game is executed, in which coins in number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value (the second specific value) may be paid out. Namely, for the larger specific value, the smaller percentage for accumulating the cumulative value until reaching the specific value is set. Accordingly, it is possible to have the common game with the large number of payouts be harder to be generated, so that a profit of a recreation facility providing a game by using the gaming system  1  can be ensured. Further, though the common game with the large number of payouts is hard to be generated, the common game with the comparatively smaller number of payouts is generated relatively frequently, so that it becomes possible to prevent the player from getting bored and the player can enjoy the game for a long time. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where, in conducting the payout of the jackpot for the common game, 100 coins corresponding to the NORMAL specific value are paid out when the NORMAL common game is played, and 1000 coins corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value are paid out when the SPECIAL common game is played. However, in the present invention, the game media in number corresponding to the first specific value, which are to be paid out from the gaming machine, are not limited to this, and may be the game media in number corresponding to the first individual cumulative value which is cumulatively counted, or the game media in number obtained by subtracting a fixed value from the first specific value. 
     Further, the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value is not limited to this, and may be the game media in number corresponding to the second individual cumulative value which is cumulatively counted, or the game media in number obtained by subtracting a fixed value from the second specific value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where information indicative of the number of betted coins is transmitted from the slot machine  10  to the control device  200  and the number is multiplied by the increment rate in the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of betted coins may be multiplied by a percentage (e.g. the first predetermined percentage, the second predetermined percentage) and the result may be transmitted to the control device as the number-of-game-media information. Namely, in the present invention, the number-of-game-media information may be information indicative of the number of betted coins or the value obtained by multiplying the number of betted coins by a percentage, that is, the cumulative value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine of the present invention is a slot machine. However, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a gaming machine in which a card game such as poker, or a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game is played. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (normal slot machine game). However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player&#39;s senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. 
     For example, a following configuration can be adopted. 
     Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the gaming machine, to which a payout of the game media based on the common game is conducted. 
     (Second Embodiment) 
     A second embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. 
     At first, with reference to  FIG. 22 , there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 22  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , a gaming system  1001  includes a plurality of slot machines  1010  (a slot machine  1010 A, a slot machine  1010 B, a slot machine  1010 C, a slot machine  1010 D, a slot machine  1010 E, a slot machine  1010 F, a slot machine  1010 G, a slot machine  1010 H, a slot machine  1010 I, and a slot machine  1010 J), a control device  1200  (see  FIG. 26 ), a common large display  1300 , and a plurality of common compact displays  1301  (a common compact display  1301 A and a common compact display  1301 B), which are interconnected through a network. 
     Further, for the respective slot machines  1010 , there are provided coupling illumination lines  1310  (a coupling illumination line  1310 A, a coupling illumination line  1310 B, a coupling illumination line  1310 C, a coupling illumination line  1310 D, a coupling illumination line  1310 E, a coupling illumination line  1310 F, a coupling illumination line  1310 G, a coupling illumination line  1310 H, a coupling illumination line  1310 I, and a coupling illumination line  1310 J) which include a plurality of LEDs  1351  arranged from the common large display  1300  to the respective slot machines  1010 . The coupling illumination lines  1310  are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display  1300  to one of boundary plates  1302  (a boundary plate  1302 A and a boundary plate  1302 B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates  1302  to the slot machine  1010 . 
     The slot machine  1010  corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. 
     In the gaming system  1001  according to the present embodiment, a common game and a normal game are executed. There are two kinds of common games. One is a SPECIAL common game and the other is a NORMAL common game. In the gaming system  1001 , a part of coins betted in each slot machine  1010  are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. More specifically, 0.5% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a NORMAL cumulative value. Further, 3% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a SPECIAL cumulative value. The value of 0.5% is an initial value set as a NORMAL increment rate. Further, the value of 3% is an initial value set as a SPECIAL increment rate. It is to be noted that the NORMAL increment rate and the SPECIAL increment rate can be changed by an input from an input device  1206  (see  FIG. 26 ) provided in the control device  1200 . 
     The NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value respectively correspond to the individual cumulative values of the present invention. 
     Then, an image  1300 A showing the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value which have been counted are displayed to the common large display  1300 . In  FIG. 22 , “SPECIAL 850” and “NORMAL 72” are displayed to the common large display  1300 . “SPECIAL 850” indicates that the SPECIAL cumulative value is 850. Further, “NORMAL 72” indicates that the NORMAL cumulative value is 72. When the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached a SPECIAL specific value (1000, in the present embodiment), the SPECIAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value are paid out to any of the slot machines  1010 . Further, when the NORMAL cumulative value has reached a NORMAL specific value, the NORMAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is paid out to any of the slot machines  1010 . 
     As the NORMAL specific value, 100 is set as an initial value. Further, as the SPECIAL specific value, 1000 is set as an initial value. It is to be noted that the NORMAL specific value and the SPECIAL specific value can be changed by an input from the input device  1206  provided in the control device  1200 . 
     The NORMAL specific value and the SPECIAL specific value correspond to the specific values of the present invention. 
     As above described, in the gaming system  1001 , parts of the betted coins are accumulated in association with the respective two common games individually. When the cumulative value (the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value) has reached the specific value (the SPECIAL specific value, the NORMAL specific value), the common game is generated. Accordingly, generation timing of the two common games are independent of each other. Consequently, it is possible to provide a new-type common game which can make the player have an expectation about which game will be generated at which timing. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device  1206  provided in the control device  1200 , the increment rate and the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the increment rate to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the increment rate to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     Further, in the gaming system  1001 , 1% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a solo-progressive cumulative value, in addition to the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value. Furthermore, an image  1300 B indicative of the counted solo-progressive cumulative value is displayed to the common large display  1300 . In  FIG. 22 , “123456” is displayed to the common large display  1300 , indicating that the solo-progressive cumulative value is 123456. When the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached a solo-progressive specific value, the normal game in each slot machine  1010  goes into a state that a solo progressive may be generated. In a case where the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  1010 , coins are paid out to the slot machine  1010  as a jackpot. 
     The value of 1% is an initial value set as a solo-progressive increment rate. It is to be noted that the solo-progressive increment rate can be changed by an input from the input device  1206  (see  FIG. 26 ) provided in the control device  1200 . 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 23A to 23B , there is described a method for determining the slot machine  1010  to which the payout of coins is conducted in the common game. 
       FIGS. 23A to 23B  are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
     In the following, when simply “the common game” is referred, both of the SPECIAL common game and the NORMAL common game are included. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 23A , text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the coins in EVENT TIME (the common game) are displayed to an upper image display panel  1033 . 
     A text image  1601  indicates that EVENT TIME (the common game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value for the common game (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the specific value (the SPECIAL specific value or the NORMAL specific value). 
     A text image  1602  indicates that the LEDs  1351  will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine  1010  during EVENT TIME (the common game). It is to be noted that the acquisition of points will be later described by using  FIG. 40  and the like. 
     A text image  1603  indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value for the common game will be paid out to the slot machine  1010  provided with the coupling illumination line  1310  with all the LEDs  1351  having been lighted. 
     In the present embodiment, the LEDs  1351  are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED  1351  closest to the slot machines  1010 . Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs  1351  appear to gradually extend toward the common large display  1300 . 
       FIG. 23B  further illustrates lighting of the LEDs  1351 . 
     In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel  1033  is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in  FIG. 23A  to the text images illustrated in  FIG. 23B , triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel  1033 . 
     A text image  1604  indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illumination line  1310  may be different among the coupling illumination lines  1310 . 
     In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs  1351  are included in two coupling illumination lines  1310  listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): 
     (I) the coupling illumination line  1310 A and the coupling illumination line  1310 J; 
     (II) the coupling illumination line  1310 B and the coupling illumination line  1310 I; 
     (III) the coupling illumination line  1310 C and the coupling illumination line  1310 H; 
     (IV) the coupling illumination line  1310 D and the coupling illumination line  1310 G; and 
     (V) the coupling illumination line  1310 E and the coupling illumination line  1310 F. 
     However, the numbers of LEDs  1351  included in the coupling illumination line listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. 
     This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs  1351  in the bent portions. 
     The numbers of LEDs  1351  in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illumination lines  1310 . 
     Further,  FIG. 22  merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs  1351  illustrated in  FIG. 22  is not related to the number of LEDs  1351  according to the present embodiment. 
     A text image  1605  indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illumination line  1310 . More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see  FIGS. 41A and 41B ). 
     Next, a configuration of the slot machine  1010  is described. 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming the gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
     In the slot machine  1010 , a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 
     The slot machine  1010  comprises a cabinet  1011 , a top box  1012  installed on the upper side of the cabinet  1011 , and a main door  1013  provided at the front face of the cabinet  1011 . 
     On the main door  1013 , there is provided a lower image display panel  1016 . The lower image display panel  1016  includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays nine display blocks  1028  along three columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block  1028 . 
     Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel  1016 . 
     Further, a number-of-credits display portion  1031  and a number-of-payouts display portion  32  are provided on the lower image display panel  1016 . The number-of-credits display portion  1031  displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion  1032  displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. 
     Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel  1069  is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel  1016 . The player can operate the touch panel  1069  to input a variety of commands. 
     Below the lower image display panel  1016 , there are provided a control panel  1020  including a plurality of buttons  1023  to  1027  with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot  1021  through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet  1011 , and a bill validator  1022 . 
     The control panel  1020  is provided with a start button  1023 , a change button  1024 , a CASHOUT button  1025 , a 1-BET button  1026  and a maximum BET button  1027 . The start button  1023  is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button  1024  is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  1025  is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray  1018 . 
     The 1-BET button  1026  is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  1027  is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (3 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. 
     The bill validator  1022  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  1011 . It is to be noted that the bill validator  1022  may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket  1039  with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door  1013 , namely, below the control panel  1020 , there is provided a belly glass  1034  on which a character or the like of the slot machine  1010  is drawn. 
     On the front surface of the top box  1012 , there is provided the upper image display panel  1033 . The upper image display panel  1033  includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in  FIGS. 23A and 23B . 
     Further, a speaker  1029  is provided in the top box  1012 . Under the upper image display panel  1033 , there are provided a ticket printer  1035 , a card reader  1036 , a data display  1037 , and a key pad  1038 . The ticket printer  1035  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines  1010 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  1039  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  1039  with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket  1039  with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  1036  reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display  1037  includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader  1036  or data inputted by the player via the key pad  1038 . The key pad  1038  is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. 
       FIG. 25  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 24 . 
     A gaming board  1050  is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  1051 , a ROM  1055 , and a boot ROM  1052  which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot  1053 S corresponding to a memory card  1053 , and an IC socket  1054 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)  1054 . 
     The memory card  1053  includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks  1028 . The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for the normal game and a symbol determination program for the common game. 
     In the normal game, the symbol determination program for the normal game is read and executed. At this time, when the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table A (see  FIG. 30 ). When the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table B (see  FIG. 31 ). In the present embodiment, when the number of bets is 3 and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” are rearranged along a winning line WL (see  FIG. 33 ), the solo progressive is established (see  FIG. 32C ). However, according to the symbol array table B, “BLUE 7” is not to be displayed to a center display block. Namely, in the present embodiment, the solo progressive is not to be generated by using the symbol array table B. 
     Further, in the common game, the symbol determination program for the common game is read and executed. At this time, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on the symbol array table B. In the present embodiment, a common symbol array table, that is, the symbol array table B is used in the normal game, both in the case where the cumulative value for the solo progressive has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. However, in the present invention, different symbol array tables may be used in the case where the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. 
     Further, the game program includes odds data indicative of the correspondence relationship between combinations of the symbols to be rearranged along the winning line WL and the number of coin-outs (see  FIGS. 32A to 32C ). 
     Further, the card slot  1053 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  1053  to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board  1040  by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card  1053  can be removed from the card slot  1053 S, and then another game program is written into the memory card  1053 , and the memory card  1053  can be inserted into the card slot  1053 S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine  1010 . The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 
     The CPU  1051 , the ROM  1055  and the boot ROM  1052  interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board  1040  through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board  1040  and the gaming board  1050 , but also supplies power from the mother board  1040  to the gaming board  1050 . 
     The mother board  1040  is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU  1041 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  1042 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  1043 , and a communication interface  1044 . The mother board  1040  corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 
     The ROM  1042  comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  1041  and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  1041 , processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card  1053  via the gaming board  1050 . It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM  1042  may or may not be data rewritable one. 
     The RAM  1043  stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU  1041 . Further, the RAM  1043  is capable of storing a game program. 
     Moreover, the RAM  1043  stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. 
     Moreover, the mother board  1040  is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  1060  and a door PCB  1080  through respective USBs. Further, the mother board  1040  is connected with a power supply unit  1045  and the communication interface  1044 . 
     The body PCB  1060  and the door PCB  1080  are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU  1041  and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 . The main CPU  1041  executes the game program stored in the RAM  1043  based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU  1041 , and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing. Then, the main CPU  1041  stores the result thereof into the RAM  1043 , or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. 
     The body PCB  1060  is connected with a lamp  1030 , a hopper  1066 , a coin detecting portion  1067 , a graphic board  1068 , the speaker  1029 , the touch panel  1069 , the bill validator  1022 , the ticket printer  1035 , the card reader  1036 , a key switch  1038 S and the data display  1037 . The lamp  1030  is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU  1041 . 
     The hopper  1066  is installed inside the cabinet  1011 , and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 , from a coin payout exit  1019  to the coin tray  1018 . The coin detecting portion  1067  is provided inside the coin payout exit  1019 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  1041  in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  1019 . 
     The graphic board  1068  controls image display to the upper image display panel  1033  and the lower image display panel  1016  based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 . In the respective display blocks  1028  on the lower image display panel  1016 , symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM  1043  is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion  1031  of the lower image display panel  1016 . Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion  1031  of the lower image display panel  1016 . 
     The graphic board  1068  comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 , a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card  1053  and stored into the RAM  1043 . 
     The bill validator  1022  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  1011 . Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator  1022  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  1041  based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU  1041  stores in the RAM  1043  the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  1035 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 , prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043 , a date, an identification number of the slot machine  1010 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  1039  with a barcode. 
     The card reader  1036  reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU  1041 , and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU  1041 . The key switch  38 S is provided on the key pad  1038 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  1041  when the key pad  1038  is operated by the player. The data display  1037  displays data read by the card reader  1036  and data inputted by the player via the key pad  1038 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 . 
     The door PCB  1080  is connected with the control panel  1020 , a reverter  1021 S, a coin counter  1021 C, and a cold cathode tube  1081 . The control panel  1020  is provided with a start switch  1023 S corresponding to the start button  1023 , a change switch  1024 S corresponding to the change button  1024 , a CASHOUT switch  1025 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button  1025 , a 1-BET switch  1026 S corresponding to the 1-BET button  1026 , and a maximum BET switch  1027 S corresponding to the maximum BET button  1027 . Each of the switches  1023 S to  1027 S outputs an input signal to the main CPU  1041  when each of the buttons  1023  to  1027  corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 
     The coin counter  1021 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  1021 , and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  1021  by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit  1019 . Further, the coin counter  1021 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  1041  in detection of the regular coin. 
     The reverter  1021 S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 , and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter  1021 C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper  1066 , which are disposed in the slot machine  1010 . Namely, when the hopper  1066  is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  1021 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  1066  is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper  1066 . The cold cathode tube  1081  functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel  1016  and the upper image display panel  1033 , and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  1041 . 
       FIG. 26  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the second embodiment. 
     The control device  1200  includes a CPU  1201 , a ROM  1202 , a RAM  1203 , a communication interface  1204 , the input device  1206  a LED drive circuit  1350  and a hard disk drive  1205 . The communication interface  1204  is connected, through communication lines  1101 , to the communication interfaces  44  in the respective slot machines  1010  and also is connected to the common large display  1300  and the common compact displays  1301  through communication lines  1102 . The ROM  1202  stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. The input device includes a key board and a mouse. 
     The RAM  1203  temporarily stores data received from each slot machine  1010 . The RAM  1203  is provided with an increment-rate storage area (see  FIG. 36 ), a cumulative-value storage area (see  FIG. 37 ), a specific-value storage area (see  FIG. 38 ), a number-of-lighting determination table storage area (see  FIGS. 41A and 41B ), and a number-of-lights storage area. 
     The increment-rate storage area stores a SPECIAL increment rate, a NORMAL increment rate, and a solo-progressive increment rate. 
     The cumulative-value storage area stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     The increment-rate storage area stores a value selected out of increment-rate candidates (see  FIG. 44 ) stored in the hard disk drive  1205 , as the increment rate, in accordance with an input from the input device  1206 . Here, at the time of startup of the control device  1200 , 0.5% as the SPECIAL increment rate, 3% as the NORMAL increment rate and 1% as the solo-progressive increment rate are stored. 
     The specific-value storage area stores a value selected out of specific-value candidates (see  FIG. 45 ) stored in the hard disk drive  1205 , as the specific value, in accordance with an input from the input device  1206 . Here, at the time of startup of the control device  1200 , 1000 as the SPECIAL specific value and 100 as the NORMAL specific value are stored. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table storage area stores number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred in determining the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted during the common game, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  1010 . 
     The number-of-lights storage area stores number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs  1351  which have been lighted, out of the LEDs  1351  included in the coupling illumination lines  1310  provided for the respective slot machines  1010 , in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  1010  provided with the corresponding coupling illumination line  1310 . 
     The hard disk drive  1205  stores number-of-lighting determination table data showing a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions). 
     Further, the hard disk drive  1205  stores number-of-points determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game. 
     The plurality of LEDs  1351  are connected to the LED drive circuit  1350 . The LEDs  1351  are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit  1350  turns on and turns off the LEDs  1351  based on a signal received from the CPU  1201 . 
     Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines  1010 . 
     The main CPU  1041  proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. 
       FIG. 27  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines in the second embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S 1200 ). The common-game flag is a flag to be set when the common-game execution signal is received, which is to be transmitted from the control device  1200  triggered by the cumulative value (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the common-game specific value (the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value). 
     When determining in step S 1200  that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU  1041  executes normal game execution processing (step S 1201 ). The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 29 . After executing the processing of step S 1201 , the main CPU  1041  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU  1041  executes common game execution processing (step S 1202 ). The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 34 . After executing the processing of step S 1202 , the main CPU  1041  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 28  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the second embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (step S 1300 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal transmitted from the control device  1200  triggered by the common-game cumulative value having reached the common-game specific value (see steps S 1104  and S 105  in  FIG. 35 ). 
     When determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU  1041  sets the common-game flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  1043  (step S 1301 ). 
     When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal in step S 1300 , or after the processing of step S 1301 , the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  1200  (step S 1302 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is a signal to be transmitted from the control device  1200  triggered by the solo progressive cumulative value having reached the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 1107  and S 1108  in  FIG. 35 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  1200 , the main CPU  1041  sets the solo-progressive enable flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  1043  (step S 1303 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  1200 , or after the processing of step S 1303 , the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  1200  (step S 1304 ). The solo-progressive-execution disable signal is the signal to be transmitted from the control device  1200  when the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  1010  and the solo-progressive cumulative value becomes smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 1163  and S 1164  in  FIG. 42 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  1200 , the main CPU  1041  clears the solo-progressive enable flag set in the RAM  1043  and completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  1200  in step S 1304 , the main CPU  1041  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 29  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the second embodiment. 
     First, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S 1011 ). In this processing, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch  1026 S when the 1-BET button  1026  is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch  1027 S when the maximum BET button  1027  is operated. When the main CPU  1041  determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S 1011 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S 1011 , the main CPU  1041  conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043  according to the number of betted coins (step S 1012 ). It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043 , the main CPU  1041  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043 , and the processing is returned to step S 1011 . Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game (3 coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU  1041  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043 , and the processing is proceeded to step S 1013 . 
     Next, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not the start button  1023  has been turned ON (step S 1013 ). In this processing, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch  1023 S when the start button  1023  is pressed. 
     When the main CPU  1041  determines that the start button  1023  has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S 1011 . It is to be noted that, when the start button  1023  is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button  1023  is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU  1041  cancels a subtraction result in step S 1012 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 1013  that the start button  1023  has been turned on, the main CPU  1041  transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device  1200  (step S 1014 ). The number-of-game-media information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine  1010 . 
     Next, the main CPU  1041  executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S 1015 ). In this processing, at first, the main CPU  1041  starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks  1028 . Then, the main CPU  1041  executes the aforementioned symbol determination program for the normal game, so as to determine the symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  1028 . At this time, when the solo-progressive enable flag is set in the RAM  1043 , the symbols are rearranged based on a symbol array table A (see  FIG. 30 ). When the solo-progressive enable flag is not set in the RAM  1043 , the symbols are rearranged based on the symbol array table B (see  FIG. 31 ). 
       FIG. 30  is a view illustrating the symbol array table A in the second embodiment. 
       FIG. 31  is a view illustrating the symbol array table B in the second embodiment. 
     In the array tables A and B, symbol columns to be arranged in a left column, a center column, and a right column of the display blocks  1028  are defined. In the array table B, since there is no “BLUE 7”in the symbol column in the center column, “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is not to be established. On the other hand, in the array table A, since there are “BLUE 7” in all symbol columns in the left column, the center column, and the right column, it is possible that “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is established. 
       FIGS. 32A to 32C  are views each illustrating a corresponding relationship between a combination of symbols and an amount of payout in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 32A to 32C , in the present embodiment, the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs is varied according to the cases where the number of betted coins is one, two, and three. 
     It is to be noted that in the drawings, “any bar” refers to any symbol among “3 bar”, “2 bar”, and “1 bar”. As shown in  FIG. 32C , in the case where the number of betted coins is three and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is established, the solo progressive is generated. 
       FIG. 33  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 33 , the winning line WL is set on the center row of the display blocks  1028 . When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, a payout of coins is conducted. 
     After the processing of step S 1015  (see  FIG. 29 ), the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S 1016 ). Here, the establishment of the prize refers to an establishment of any combinations of symbols shown in  FIGS. 32A to 32C . 
     When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not the prize of the solo progressive is established (step S 1017 ). When determining that the prize of the solo progressive is established, the main CPU  1041  transmits a solo-progressive establishment signal to the control device  1200  (step S 1018 ). 
     When determining that the prize of the solo progressive has not been established in step S 1017 , or after the processing of step S 1018 , the main CPU  1041  executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S 1019 ). In the processing, the main CPU  1041  determines the amount of payout based on the rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM  1043 . The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the symbols rearranged in the display blocks  1028  and the amount of payouts (see  FIGS. 32A to 32C ). Here, in the case where the prize is the solo progressive, the coins are paid out in number corresponding to the solo-progressive specific value (150000, in the present embodiment). 
     In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU  1041  conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM  1043 . On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU  1041  transmits a control signal to the hopper  1066  in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 
     Then, the main CPU  1041  transmits number-of-payout information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that is, the number of paid out coins, to the control device  1200  (step S 1020 ). 
     When determining in step S 1016  that no prize has been established, or after executing the processing of step S 1020 , the main CPU  1041  completes the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described. 
       FIG. 34  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing in the second embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  1041  executes processing of step S 10  S 21  to S 24 , and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S 1013  and step S 10  S 15  to S 17  in  FIG. 29 . Here, only a part different from step S 1013  and steps S 1015  to S 1017  in  FIG. 29  is described. 
     There has been described a case where the main CPU  1041  executes the symbol determination program for the normal game in step S 1015  in  FIG. 29  for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  1028 . On the contrary, in step S 1022  in  FIG. 34 , the main CPU  1041  executes the symbol determination program for the common game for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  1028 . 
     When determining in step S 1023  that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S 1024 , the main CPU  1041  transmits symbol information to the control device  1200  (step S 1025 ). The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S 1022 . The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. 
     Next, the main CPU  1041  determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game (step S 1026 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game is a signal transmitted from the control device  1200  to the slot machine  1010  triggered by all the LEDs  1351  included in the coupling illumination line  1310  provided in any of the slot machines  1010  having been lighted (see steps S 1125  to S 1126  in  FIG. 39 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information indicative of the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value. 
     When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the main CPU  1041  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (step S 1027 ). In this processing, the main CPU  1041  pays out coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value, based on the information indicative of the cumulative value included in the jackpot payout signal for the common game. In the present embodiment, the number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is 100 and the number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value is 1000. 
     The processing executed by the main CPU  1041  in step S 1027  includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker  1029 , lighting of the lamp  1030 , print of the ticket  1039  with a barcode indicative of the number of payouts printed thereon, and the like. 
     When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game in step S 1026  or after executing the processing of step S 1027 , the main CPU  1041  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines  1010 . 
     Subsequently, processing executed by the control device  1200  is described. 
       FIG. 35  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the second embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine  1010  at a predetermined timing (step S 1101 ). In the present embodiment, the number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine  1010  (see step S 1014  in  FIG. 29 ). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
     When determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  1201  updates the SPECIAL cumulative value based on the SPECIAL increment rate stored in the RAM  1203  (step S 1102 ). 
       FIG. 36  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 36 , the RAM  1203  in the control device  1200  is provided with the increment-rate storage area, which stores an increment rate for the SPECIAL common game (the SPECIAL increment rate), an increment rate for the NORMAL common game (the NORMAL increment rate), and an increment rate for the solo progressive (the solo-progressive increment rate). In  FIG. 36 , 0.5% as the SPECIAL increment rate, 3% as the NORMAL increment rate, and 1% as the solo-progressive increment rate are stored. Here, when there is an input indicating that the increment rate is to be changed from the input device  1206 , the SPECIAL increment rate, the NORMAL increment rate, and the solo-progressive increment rate stored in the increment-rate storage area are to be changed in accordance with the input. 
     Here, the NORMAL increment rate and the SPECIAL increment rate correspond to the predetermined percentages determined for each of the plurality of common games of the present invention. 
       FIG. 37  is a view illustrating the cumulative-value storage area in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 37 , the RAM  1203  in the control device  1200  is provided with the cumulative-value storage area which stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     In the processing of step S 1102 , the CPU  1201  adds 0.5% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  1201  adds 0.015 to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, in step S 1103 , the CPU  1201  updates the NORMAL cumulative value based on the NORMAL increment rate stored in the RAM  1203  (step S 1103 ). In the processing of step S 1103 , the CPU  1201  adds 3% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  1201  adds 0.09 to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value, or the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific-value storage area of the RAM  1203  (see  FIG. 38 ). 
       FIG. 38  is a view illustrating the specific-value storage area in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 38 , the RAM  1203  in the control device  1200  is provided with the specific-value storage area for storing the SPECIAL specific value, the NORMAL specific value and the solo-progressive specific value. In  FIG. 38 , 1000 as the SPECIAL specific value, 100 as the NORMAL specific value, and 150000 as the solo-progressive specific value are stored. Here, when there is an in put indicating that the specific value is to be changed from the input device  1206 , the SPECIAL specific value and the NORMAL specific value stored in the specific-value storage area are to be changed in accordance with the input. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value or that the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, the CPU  1201  transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines  1010  (step S 1105 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the execution of the common game in the slot machines  1010 . Further, in this processing, the slot machines  1010  to which the common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU  1201  are the slot machines  1010  having transmitted number-of-game-media information in a predetermined time. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has not reached the SPECIAL specific value and that the NORMAL cumulative value has not reached the NORMAL specific value in step S 1104 , or after the processing of step S 1105 , the CPU  1201  shifts the processing to step S 1106 . 
     In step S 1106 , the CPU  1201  updates the solo-progressive cumulative value, based on the solo-progressive increment rate stored in the RAM  1203 . In the present embodiment, the solo-progressive increment rate is set to be 1% (see  FIG. 36 ). 
     Next, in step S 1107 , the CPU  1201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific-value storage area in the RAM  1203  (see  FIG. 38 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  1201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution enable signal to the slot machine  1010  (step S 1108 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is the signal for notifying approval of the generation of the solo progressive in the slot machine  1010 . When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value in step S 1107 , or after the processing of step S 1108 , the CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 39  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the second embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S 1025  in  FIG. 34 ) from the slot machine  1010  at a predetermined timing (step S 1121 ). 
     When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU  1201  determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive  1205  (step S 1122 ). 
       FIG. 40  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 40 , a correspondence relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of points is defined in the number-of-points determination table. When the combination of the symbols rearranged along the winning line WL is the combination of symbols defined in the number-of-points determination table, points corresponding to the combination of the symbols are offered. The number-of-points determination table data is stored in the hard disk drive  1205  in the control device  1200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 33 , when “3 BAR-1 BAR-1 BAR” are rearranged along the winning line WL in the common game played on a single slot machine  1010 , the number of points is determined to be “50” as a total of “30” based on “3 BAR” and “20 (=10+10)” based on two of “1 BAR”. 
     Next, the CPU  1201  determines the number of LEDs  1351  (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S 1123 ). 
       FIGS. 41A and 41B  are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table in the second embodiment. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted is associated with each slot machine  1010 . 
     The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see  FIG. 41A ) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see  FIG. 41B ). 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines  1010 . 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines  1010 . 
     In the processing of step S 1123 , at first, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine  1010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 1121  is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  1351  included in the bent portion of the coupling illumination line  1310 ). 
     When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU  1201  determines the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU  1201  determines the number of LEDs  1351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. 
     Next, the CPU  1201  makes the LEDs  1351  (illuminants) in number determined in step S 1123  be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illumination line  1310  provided for the slot machine  1010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 1121  (step S 1124 ). 
     In this processing, the CPU  1201  identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs  1351  to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S 1123  and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  1203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  1010 . Further, the CPU  1201  transmits to the LED drive circuit  1350  a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit  1350  lights the LEDs  1351  associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 
     Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU  1201  adds the number determined in step SI  123  to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  1203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  1010 . 
     Next, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not all the LEDs  1351  (illuminants) included in the coupling illumination line  1310  provided for the slot machine  1010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 1121  have been lighted (emit light) (step S 1125 ). In the processing, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S 1123  has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  1351  included in the coupling illumination line  1310 ), based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM  1203 . 
     When determining that all the LEDs  1351  included in the coupling illumination line  1310  provided for the slot machine  1010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 1121  have been lighted, the CPU  1201  transmits the jackpot payout signal for the common game to the slot machine  1010  (step S 1126 ). It is to be noted that the jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information relating to the type of the common game (SPECIAL or NORMAL) and information relating to the specific value (the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value). 
     On receiving the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the slot machine  1010  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (see step S 1027  in  FIG. 34 ). 
     When determining in step S 1125  that not all the LEDs  1351  have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S 1126 , the CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 42  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the second embodiment. 
     First, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal from the slot machine  1010  (step S 1161 ). When determining to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal, the CPU  1201  subtracts the solo-progressive specific value from the solo-progressive cumulative value (step S 1162 ). 
     Next, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (step S 1163 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  1201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution disable signal to the slot machine  1010  (step S 1164 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal in step S 1161 , or when determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is not smaller than the solo-progressive specific value in step S 1163 , or after the processing of step S 1164 , the main CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 43  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of setting change processing in the second embodiment. 
     First, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not there is an input to change the increment rate in step SI  181 . In this processing, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not a single value is selected, out of the increment-rate candidates stored in the hard disk drive  1205 , by the input from the input device  205 . 
       FIG. 44  is a view illustrating an increment-rate-candidates storage table in the second embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 44 , the hard disk drive  1205  stores SPECIAL-increment-rate candidates, NORMAL-increment-rate candidates and solo-progressive-increment-rate candidates. 
     When determining that there is the input to change the increment rate in step S 1181 , the CPU  1201  updates the increment rate (step S 1182 ). In this processing, the CPU  1201  changes the increment rate stored in the increment-rate storage area of the RAM  1203  to the inputted value. 
     When determining that there is not the input to change the increment rate in step S 1181 , or after the processing of step S 1182 , the CPU  1201  determines whether or not there is an input to change the specific value (step S 1183 ). In this processing, the CPU  1201  determines whether or not a single value is selected out of the specific-value candidates stored in the hard disk drive  1205 . 
       FIG. 45  is a view illustrating a specific-value-candidates storage table in the second embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 45 , the hard disk drive  1205  stores SPECIAL-specific-value candidates and NORMAL-specific value candidates. 
     When determining that there is the input to change the specific value in step S 1183 , the CPU  1201  updates the specific value (step S 1184 ). In this processing, the CPU  1201  changes the specific value stored in the specific-value storage area of the RAM  1203  to the inputted value. 
     When determining that there is not the input to change the specific value in step S 1183 , or after the processing of step S 1184 , the CPU  1201  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, according to the gaming system  1001  and the above-described game control method, two common games (the SPECIAL common game and the NORMAL common game) are provided and the individual cumulative value (the first individual cumulative value, the second individual cumulative value) is counted for each common game. When the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value (the specific value), or when the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value (the specific value), the common game is executed, in which coins in number corresponding to the specific value may be paid out. Since the individual cumulative value is counted individually, respective two common games are generated independently of each other. Accordingly, since the respective individual cumulative values accumulated in the two common games and the specific values are independent of each other, it becomes harder to predict which common game will be generated at which timing. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having a player absorbed in the game. 
     Further, in accordance with an input from the input device  1206  provided in the control device  1200 , the increment rate and the specific value can be changed. As a result, by setting the increment rate to a lower value or the specific value to a higher value, a generation frequency of the common game can be lowered. Further, by setting the increment rate to a higher value or the specific value to a lower value, the generation frequency of the common game can be raised. Furthermore, by changing the specific value, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of game media to be paid out after the common game. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where, in the case of conducting the payout of the jackpot for the common game, 100 coins corresponding to the NORMAL specific value are paid out when the NORMAL common game is played, and 1000 coins corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value are paid out when the SPECIAL common game is played. However, in the present invention, the game media in number corresponding to the specific value, which are to be paid out from the gaming machine, are not limited to this, and may be the game media in number corresponding to the individual cumulative value which is cumulatively counted, or the game media in number obtained by subtracting a fixed value from the specific value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where information indicative of the number of betted coins is transmitted from the slot machine  1010  to the control device  1200  and the number is multiplied by the increment rate in the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of betted coins may be multiplied by the set percentage and the result may be transmitted to the control device as the number-of-game-media information. Namely, in the present invention, the number-of-game-media information may be information indicative of the number of betted coins or the value obtained by multiplying the number of betted coins by a percentage, that is, the cumulative value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the input device is provided in the control device. However, in the present invention, the input device may be provided in the gaming machine. In this case, information relating to the percentage and/or the specific value inputted in the gaming machine may be transmitted to the control device. In such a case, a variety of buttons and a touch panel provided in the gaming machine may be used as the input device, or alternatively, a key board and a mouse for changing the percentage and/or the specific value may be provided in the cabinet. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the gaming machine of the present invention is a slot machine. However, the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to this, and may be a gaming machine in which a card game such as poker, or a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game is played. 
     Further, in the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the common game is a game in which a game result is determined based on rearranged symbols (a normal slot machine game). However, in the present invention, the common game is not limited to the case, and a game different from the slot machine game may be played. For example, a card game such as poker, and a game such as a shooting game and a fighting game may be played. In this case, it is desirable to allow players to play the game against one another. This is because such a configuration can enhance player&#39;s senses of competition, thereby further having the players become absorbed in the common game. 
     For example, a following configuration can be adopted. 
     Namely, each gaming machine is capable of storing a program for executing such a common game. Each gaming machine reads and executes the program, triggered by a reception of a common-game execution signal. Then, the gaming machine transmits information indicative of the result of the common game to the control device. The control device compares the results of the common game in respective gaming machines, so as to determine the gaming machine, to which a payout of the game media based on the common game is conducted. 
     (Third Embodiment) 
     A third embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings. 
     At first, with reference to  FIG. 46 , there will be given a general description of the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 46  is a front view schematically illustrating a gaming system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 46 , a gaming system  2001  includes a plurality of slot machines  2010  (a slot machine  2010 A, a slot machine  2010 B, a slot machine  2010 C,a slot machine  2010 D, a slot machine  2010 E, a slot machine  2010 F, a slot machine  2010 G, a slot machine  2010 H, a slot machine  2010 I, and a slot machine  2010 J), a control device  2200  (see  FIG. 50 ), a common large display  2300 , and a plurality of common compact displays  2301  (a common compact display  2301 A and a common compact display  2301 B), which are interconnected through a network. 
     Further, for the respective slot machines  2010 , there are provided coupling illumination lines  2310  (a coupling illumination line  2310 A, a coupling illumination line  2310 B, a coupling illumination line  2310 C, a coupling illumination line  2310 D, a coupling illumination line  2310 E, a coupling illumination line  2310 F, a coupling illumination line  2310 G, a coupling illumination line  2310 H, a coupling illumination line  2310 I, and a coupling illumination line  2310 J) which include a plurality of LEDs  2351  arranged from the common large display  2300  to the respective slot machines  2010 . The coupling illumination lines  2310  are each formed by a straight portion extending from the common large display  2300  to one of boundary plates  2302  (a boundary plate  2302 A and a boundary plate  2302 B), and a bent portion extending from one of the boundary plates  2302  to the slot machine  2010 . 
     The slot machines  2010  correspond to the gaming machines of the present invention. 
     In the gaming system  2001  according to the present embodiment, a common game and a normal game are executed. There are two kinds of common games. One is a SPECIAL common game and the other is a NORMAL common game. In the gaming system  2001 , a part of coins betted in each slot machine  2010  are cumulatively counted as a cumulative value. More specifically, 0.5% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a NORMAL cumulative value. Further, 3% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a SPECIAL cumulative value. 
     It is to be noted that the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value correspond to the common-game cumulative values of the present invention. 
     Then, an image  2300 A showing the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value which have been counted are displayed to the common large display  2300 . In  FIG. 46 , “SPECIAL 850”and “NORMAL 72” are displayed to the common large display  2300 . “SPECIAL 850” indicates that the SPECIAL cumulative value is 850. Further, “NORMAL 72” indicates that the NORMAL cumulative value is 72. When the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached a SPECIAL specific value (1000, in the present embodiment), the SPECIAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value are paid out to any of the slot machines  2010 . Further, when the NORMAL cumulative value has reached a NORMAL specific value, the NORMAL common game is executed and coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is paid out to any of the slot machines  2010 . 
     It is to be noted that the NORMAL specific value and the SPECIAL specific value correspond to the first specific value of the present invention. Further, the NORMAL specific value and the SPECIAL specific value correspond to the specific values of the present invention. 
     Further, in the gaming system  2001 , 1% of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as a solo-progressive cumulative value, in addition to the NORMAL cumulative value and the SPECIAL cumulative value. Furthermore, an image  2300 B indicative of the counted solo-progressive cumulative value is displayed to the common large display  2300 . In  FIG. 46 , “123456” is displayed to the common large display  2300 , indicating that the solo-progressive cumulative value is 123456. When the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached a solo-progressive specific value (150000, in the present embodiment), the normal game in each slot machine  2010  goes into a state that a solo progressive may be generated. In a case where the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  2010 , coins are paid out to the slot machine  2010  as a jackpot. 
     In the normal game, rearrangement of the symbols is conducted by the symbol determination program for the normal game, and in the common game, rearrangement of the symbols is conducted by the symbol determination program for the common game. Here, the symbol determination program for the common game is programmed not to generate the solo progressive, and therefore, the solo progressive is not to be generated in the common game. 
     As above, in the gaming system  2001 , the solo progressive is programmed not to be generated in the common game. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
     Next, with reference to  FIGS. 47A to 47B , there is described a method for determining the slot machine  2010  to which the payout of coins is conducted in the common game. 
       FIGS. 47A to 47B  are views each illustrating an exemplary image displayed to an upper image display panel included in a slot machine forming a gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
     In the following, when simply “the common game” is referred, both of the SPECIAL common game and the NORMAL common game are included. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 47A , text images indicative of precautions for an acquisition of the coins in EVENT TIME (the common game) are displayed to an upper image display panel  2033 . 
     A text image  2601  indicates that EVENT TIME (the common game) is generated triggered by the cumulative value for the common game (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the specific value (the SPECIAL specific value or the NORMAL specific value). 
     A text image  2602  indicates that the LEDs  2351  will be lighted according to the number of points acquired in each slot machine  2010  during EVENT TIME (the common game). It is to be noted that the acquisition of points will be later described by using  FIG. 64  and the like. 
     A text image  2603  indicates that coins in number corresponding to the cumulative value for the common game will be paid out to the slot machine  2010  provided with the coupling illumination line  2310  with all the LEDs  2351  having been lighted. 
     In the present embodiment, the LEDs  2351  are lighted according to the number of acquired points, in an order starting from the LED  2351  closest to the slot machines  2010 . Accordingly, the lines of the lighted LEDs  2351  appear to gradually extend toward the common large display  2300 . 
       FIG. 47B  further illustrates lighting of the LEDs  2351 . 
     In the present embodiment, the upper image display panel  2033  is configured to switch the text images displayed thereto from the text images illustrated in  FIG. 47A  to the text images illustrated in  FIG. 47B , triggered by a touch on a predetermined position on a touch panel (not illustrated) provided in the upper image display panel  2033 . 
     A text image  2604  indicates that a number of LEDs included in the coupling illumination line  2310  may be different among the coupling illumination lines  2310 . 
     In the present embodiment, the same number of LEDs  2351  are included in two coupling illumination lines  2310  listed in each of the following groups (I) to (V): 
     (I) the coupling illumination line  2310 A and the coupling illumination line  2310 J; 
     (II) the coupling illumination line  2310 B and the coupling illumination line  2310 I; 
     (III) the coupling illumination line  2310 C and the coupling illumination line  2310 H; 
     (IV) the coupling illumination line  2310 D and the coupling illumination line  2310 G; and 
     (V) the coupling illumination line  2310 E and the coupling illumination line  2310 F. 
     However, the numbers of LEDs  2351  included in the coupling illumination lines listed in the respective groups (I) to (V) are different from each other. 
     This difference is caused by the difference in the numbers of LEDs  2351  in the bent portions. 
     The numbers of LEDs  2351  in the straight portions are same in all the coupling illumination lines  2310 . 
     Further,  FIG. 46  merely illustrates the gaming system according to the present embodiment schematically, and the number of LEDs  2351  illustrated in  FIG. 46  is not related to the number of LEDs  2351  according to the present embodiment. 
     A text image  2605  indicates that the correspondence relationship between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the coupling illumination line  2310 . More specifically, the correspondence relationships between the number of acquired points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted are different among the respective groups (I) to (V) (see  FIGS. 65A and 65B ). 
     Further, below the text image  2605 , a text image indicating that the solo progressive is not to be generated during EVENT TIME is displayed. 
     Next, a configuration of the slot machine  2010  is described. 
       FIG. 48  is a perspective view illustrating an external view of a slot machine forming the gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
     In the slot machine  2010 , a coin, a bill, or electronic valuable information corresponding to those is used as a game medium. However, in the present invention, the game medium is not particularly limited. Examples of the game medium may include a medal, a token, electronic money and a ticket. It is to be noted that the ticket is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a ticket with a barcode as described later. 
     The slot machine  2010  comprises a cabinet  2011 , a top box  2012  installed on the upper side of the cabinet  2011 , and a main door  2013  provided at the front face of the cabinet  2011 . 
     On the main door  2013 , there is provided a lower image display panel  2016 . The lower image display panel  2016  includes a transparent liquid crystal panel which displays nine display blocks  2028  along three columns and three rows. A single symbol is displayed in each display block  2028 . 
     Further, although not illustrated, various types of images relating to an effect, as well as the aforementioned images, are displayed to the lower image display panel  2016 . 
     Further, a number-of-credits display portion  2031  and a number-of-payouts display portion  2032  are provided on the lower image display panel  2016 . The number-of-credits display portion  2031  displays an image indicative of the number of credited coins. The number-of-payouts display portion  2032  displays an image indicative of the number of coins to be paid out. 
     Moreover, although not shown, a touch panel  2069  is provided at the front face of the lower image display panel  2016 . The player can operate the touch panel  2069  to input a variety of commands. 
     Below the lower image display panel  2016 , there are provided a control panel  2020  including a plurality of buttons  2023  to  2027  with each of which a command according to game progress is inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot  2021  through which a coin is accepted into the cabinet  2011 , and a bill validator  2022 . 
     The control panel  2020  is provided with a start button  2023 , a change button  2024 , a CASHOUT button  2025 , a 1-BET button  2026  and a maximum BET button  2027 . The start button  2023  is for inputting a command to start scrolling of symbols. The change button  2024  is used for making a request of staff in the recreation facility for exchange. The CASHOUT button  2025  is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray  2018 . 
     The 1-BET button  2026  is used for inputting a command to bet one coin on a game out of credited coins. The maximum BET button  2027  is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet on one game (3 coins in the present embodiment) out of credited coins. 
     The bill validator  2022  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  2011 . It is to be noted that the bill validator  2022  may be configured so as to be capable of reading a later-described ticket  2039  with a barcode. At the lower front of the main door  2013 , namely, below the control panel  2020 , there is provided a belly glass  2034  on which a character or the like of the slot machine  2010  is drawn. 
     On the front surface of the top box  2012 , there is provided the upper image display panel  2033 . The upper image display panel  2033  includes a liquid crystal panel, which displays, for example, images indicative of introductions of the contents of games and explanations about the rules of games as illustrated in  FIGS. 47A and 47B . 
     Further, a speaker  2029  is provided in the top box  2012 . Under the upper image display panel  2033 , there are provided a ticket printer  2035 , a card reader  2036 , a data display  2037 , and a key pad  2038 . The ticket printer  2035  prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machines  2010 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  2039  with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read the ticket  2039  with a barcode to play a game thereon, or exchange the ticket  2039  with a barcode with a bill or the like at a predetermined place in the recreation facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). 
     The card reader  2036  reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example, data for identifying the player and data concerning a history of games played by the player are stored therein. Data corresponding to a coin, a bill or a credit may be stored in the smart card. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. The data display  2037  includes a fluorescent display and the like, and displays, for example, data read by the card reader  2036  or data inputted by the player via the key pad  2038 . The key pad  2038  is used for inputting a command and data concerning issuing of a ticket, and the like. 
       FIG. 49  is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 48 . 
     A gaming board  2050  is provided with a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  2051 , a ROM  2055 , and a boot ROM  2052  which are interconnected to one another by an internal bus, a card slot  2053 S corresponding to a memory card  2053 , and an IC socket  2054 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)  2054 . 
     The memory card  2053  includes a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trade mark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols to be rearranged in the display blocks  2028 . The symbol determination program includes a symbol determination program for the normal game and a symbol determination program for the common game. 
     In the normal game, the symbol determination program for the normal game is read and executed. At this time, when the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table A (see  FIG. 54 ). When the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on a later-described symbol array table B (see  FIG. 55 ). In the present embodiment, when the number of bets is 3 and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” are rearranged along a winning line WL (see  FIG. 57 ), the solo progressive is established (see  FIG. 56C ). However, according to the symbol array table B, “BLUE 7” is not to be displayed to a center display block. Namely, in the present embodiment, the solo progressive is not to be generated by using the symbol array table B. 
     Further, in the common game, the symbol determination program for the common game is read and executed. At this time, rearrangement of the symbols is to be conducted based on the symbol array table B. In the present embodiment, a common symbol array table, that is, the symbol array table B is used in the normal game, both in the case where the cumulative value for the solo progressive has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. However, in the present invention, different symbol array tables may be used in the case where the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value and in the case of the common game. 
     Further, the game program includes odds data indicative of the correspondence relationship between combinations of the symbols to be rearranged along the winning line WL and the number of coin-outs (see  FIGS. 56A to 56C ). 
     Further, the card slot  2053 S is configured so as to allow the memory card  2053  to be inserted thereinto or removed therefrom, and is connected to the mother board  2040  by an IDE bus. Therefore, the memory card  2053  can be removed from the card slot  2053 S, and then another game program is written into the memory card  2053 , and the memory card  2053  can be inserted into the card slot  2053 S, to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine  2010 . The game program includes a program according to progress of the game. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. 
     The CPU  2051 , the ROM  2055  and the boot ROM  2052  interconnected to one another by an internal bus are connected to the mother board  2040  through the PCI bus. The PCI bus not only conducts signal transmission between the mother board  2040  and the gaming board  2050 , but also supplies power from the mother board  2040  to the gaming board  2050 . 
     The mother board  2040  is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (a print wiring board on which fundamental components of a personal computer are mounted), and provided with a main CPU  2041 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  2042 , a RAM (Random Access Memory)  2043 , and a communication interface  2044 . The mother board  2040  corresponds to the controller of the present invention. 
     The ROM  2042  comprises a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  2041  and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  2041 , processing for initializing a predetermined peripheral device is conducted, concurrently with start of processing for loading the game program stored in the memory card  2053  via the gaming board  2050 . It is to be noted that, in the present invention, the ROM  2042  may or may not be data rewritable one. 
     The RAM  2043  stores data and a program to be used at the time of operation of the main CPU  2041 . Further, the RAM  2043  is capable of storing a game program. 
     Moreover, the RAM  2043  stores data of the number of credits, the numbers of coin-ins and coin-outs in one game, and the like. 
     Moreover, the mother board  2040  is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  2060  and a door PCB  2080  through respective USBs. Further, the mother board  2040  is connected with a power supply unit  2045  and the communication interface  2044 . 
     The body PCB  2060  and the door PCB  2080  are connected with an equipment and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU  2041  and an equipment and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 . The main CPU  2041  executes the game program stored in the RAM  2043  based on the input signal inputted into the main CPU  2041 , and thereby executes the predetermined arithmetic processing and stores the result thereof into the RAM  2043 , or transmits a control signal to each equipment and device as processing for controlling each equipment and device. 
     The body PCB  2060  is connected with a lamp  2030 , a hopper  2066 , a coin detecting portion  2067 , a graphic board  2068 , the speaker  2029 , the touch panel  2069 , the bill validator  2022 , the ticket printer  2035 , the card reader  2036 , a key switch  38 S and the data display  2037 . The lamp  2030  is lighted in a predetermined pattern based on control signals outputted from the main CPU  2041 . 
     The hopper  2066  is installed inside the cabinet  2011 , and pays out a predetermined number of coins based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 , from a coin payout exit  2019  to the coin tray  2018 . The coin detecting portion  2067  is provided inside the coin payout exit  2019 , and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  2041  in the case of detecting payout of the predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  2019 . 
     The graphic board  2068  controls image display to the upper image display panel  2033  and the lower image display panel  2016  based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 . In the respective display blocks  2028  on the lower image display panel  2016 , symbols are displayed in a scrolling manner or in a stopped state. The number of credits stored in the RAM  2043  is displayed to the number-of-credits display portion  2031  of the lower image display panel  2016 . Further, the number of coin-outs is displayed to the number-of-payouts display portion  2031  of the lower image display panel  2016 . 
     The graphic board  2068  comprises a VDP (Video Display Processor) for generating image data based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 , a video RAM for temporarily storing image data generated by the VDP, and the like. It is to be noted that image data used in generation of the image data by the VDP is included in the game program read from the memory card  2053  and stored into the RAM  2043 . 
     The bill validator  2022  not only discriminates a regular bill from a false bill, but also accepts the regular bill into the cabinet  2011 . Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator  2022  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  2041  based on a face amount of the bill. The main CPU  2041  stores in the RAM  2043  the number of credits corresponding to the face amount of the bill transmitted with the input signal. 
     The ticket printer  2035 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 , prints on a ticket a barcode as coded data of the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043 , a date, an identification number of the slot machine  2010 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket  2039  with a barcode. 
     The card reader  2036  reads data from the smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU  2041 , and writes data onto the smart card based on the control signal from the main CPU  2041 . The key switch  2038 S is provided on the key pad  2038 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  2041  when the key pad  2038  is operated by the player. The data display  2037  displays data read by the card reader  2036  and data inputted by the player via the key pad  2038 , based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 . 
     The door PCB  2080  is connected with the control panel  2020 , a reverter  2021 S, a coin counter  2021 C, and a cold cathode tube  2081 . The control panel  2020  is provided with a start switch  2023 S corresponding to the start button  2023 , a change switch  2024 S corresponding to the change button  2024 , a CASHOUT switch  2025 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button  2025 , a 1-BET switch  2026 S corresponding to the 1-BET button  2026 , and a maximum BET switch  2027 S corresponding to the maximum BET button  2027 . Each of the switches  2023 S to  2027 S outputs an input signal to the main CPU  2041  when each of the buttons  2023  to  2027  corresponding thereto is operated by the player. 
     The coin counter  2021 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  2021 , and discriminates a regular coin from a false coin inserted into the coin receiving slot  2021  by the player. Coins other than the regular coin are discharged from the coin payout exit  2019 . Further, the coin counter  2021 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  2041  in detection of the regular coin. 
     The reverter  2021 S operates based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 , and distributes a coin recognized by the coin counter  2021 C as the regular coin into a cash box (not shown) or the hopper  2066 , which are disposed in the slot machine  2010 . Namely, when the hopper  2066  is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter  2021 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  2066  is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper  2066 . The cold cathode tube  2081  functions as a back light installed on the rear face side of the lower image display panel  2016  and the upper image display panel  2033 , and lighted up based on the control signal outputted from the main CPU  2041 . 
       FIG. 50  is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a control device forming the gaming system according to the third embodiment. 
     The control device  2200  includes a CPU  2201 , a ROM  2202 , a RAM  2203 , a communication interface  2204 , a LED drive circuit  2350  and a hard disk drive  2205 . The communication interface  2204  is connected, through communication lines  2101 , to the communication interfaces  2044  in the respective slot machines  2010  and also is connected to the common large display  2300  and the common compact displays  2301  through communication lines  102 . The ROM  2202  stores a system program for controlling the operation of a processor, permanent data, and the like. 
     The RAM  2203  temporarily stores data received from each slot machine  2010 . The RAM  2203  is provided with an increment-rate storage area (see  FIG. 60 ), a cumulative-value storage area (see  FIG. 61 ), a specific-value storage area (see  FIG. 62 ), a number-of-lighting determination table storage area (see  FIGS. 65A and 65B ), and a number-of-lights storage area. 
     The increment-rate storage area stores a SPECIAL increment rate, a NORMAL increment rate, and a solo-progressive increment rate. 
     The cumulative-value storage area stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table storage area stores number-of-lighting determination table data to be referred in determining the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted during the common game, in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  2010 . 
     The number-of-lights storage area stores number-of-lights data indicative of the numbers of LEDs  2351  which have been lighted, out of the LEDs  2351  included in the coupling illumination lines  2310  provided for the respective slot machines  2010 , in association with the identification numbers of the slot machines  2010  provided with the corresponding coupling illumination line  2310 . 
     The hard disk drive  2205  stores number-of-lighting determination table data showing a plurality of types of number-of-lighting determination tables (a number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions and a number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions). 
     Further, the hard disk drive  2205  stores number-of-points determination table data to be referred to in determining the number of points in the common game. 
     The plurality of LEDs  2351  are connected to the LED drive circuit  2350 . The LEDs  2351  are associated with respective identification numbers, and the LED drive circuit  2350  turns on and turns off the LEDs  2351  based on a signal received from the CPU  2201 . 
     Next, there is described processing executed in the slot machines  2010 . 
     The main CPU  2041  proceeds with a slot machine game by reading and executing the game program. 
       FIG. 51  is a flowchart illustrating slot-machine game execution processing executed in the slot machines in the third embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not a common-game flag is set (step S 2200 ). The common-game flag is a flag to be set when the common-game execution signal is received, which is to be transmitted from the control device  2200  triggered by the cumulative value (the NORMAL cumulative value or the SPECIAL cumulative value) having reached the common-game specific value (the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value). 
     When determining in step S 2200  that the common-game flag is not set, the main CPU  2041  executes normal game execution processing (step S 2201 ). The normal game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 53 . After executing the processing of step S 2201 , the main CPU  2041  completes the present subroutine. The processing of step S 2201  corresponds to the processing of executing the solo game of the present invention. Here, the normal game corresponds to the solo game of the present invention. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the common-game flag is set, the main CPU  2041  executes common game execution processing (step S 2202 ). The common game execution processing will be described in more detail later with reference to  FIG. 58 . After executing the processing of step S 2202 , the main CPU  2041  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 52  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of flag setting processing in the third embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received a common-game execution signal (step S 2300 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal transmitted from the control device  2200  triggered by the common-game cumulative value having reached the common-game specific value (see steps S 2104  and S 2105  in  FIG. 59 ). 
     When determining to have received the common-game execution signal, the main CPU  2041  sets the common-game flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  2043  (step S 2301 ). 
     When determining not to have received the common-game execution signal in step S 2300 , or after the processing of step S 2301 , the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  2200  (step S 2302 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is a signal to be transmitted from the control device  2200  triggered by the solo-progressive cumulative value having reached the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 2107  and S 2108  in  FIG. 59 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  2200 , the main CPU  2041  sets the solo-progressive enable flag in a predetermined area of the RAM  2043  (step S 2303 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution enable signal from the control device  2200 , or after the processing of step S 2303 , the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received a solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  2200  (step S 2304 ). The solo-progressive-execution disable signal is the signal to be transmitted from the control device  2200  when the solo progressive is generated in any of the slot machines  2010  and the solo-progressive cumulative value becomes smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (see steps S 2163  and S 2164  in  FIG. 66 ). 
     When determining to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  2200 , the main CPU  2041  clears the solo-progressive enable flag set in the RAM  2043  and completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining not to have received the solo-progressive-execution disable signal from the control device  2200  in step S 2304 , the main CPU  2041  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 53  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of normal game execution processing in the third embodiment. 
     First, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not a coin has been betted (step S 2011 ). In this processing, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the 1-BET switch  2026 S when the 1-BET button  2026  is operated, or an input signal that is outputted from the maximum BET switch  2027 S when the maximum BET button  2027  is operated. When the main CPU  2041  determines that the coin has not been betted, the processing is returned to step S 2011 . 
     On the other hand, when determining that the coin has been betted in step S 2011 , the main CPU  2041  conducts processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043  according to the number of betted coins (step S 2012 ). It is to be noted that, when the number of coins to be betted is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043 , the main CPU  2041  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043 , and the processing is returned to step S 2011 . Further, when the number of coins to be betted exceeds the upper limit of the number of coins that can be betted in one game ( 3  coins in the present embodiment), the main CPU  2041  does not conduct the processing for making a subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043 , and the processing is proceeded to step S 2013 . 
     Next, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not the start button  2023  has been turned ON (step S 2013 ). In this processing, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received an input signal that is outputted from the start switch  2023 S when the start button  2023  is pressed. 
     When the main CPU  2041  determines that the start button  2023  has not been turned on, the processing is returned to step S 2011 . It is to be noted that, when the start button  2023  is not turned ON (e.g. when the start button  2023  is not turned ON and a command to end the game is inputted), the main CPU  2041  cancels a subtraction result in step S 2012 . 
     On the other hand, when determining in step S 2013  that the start button  2023  has been turned on, the main CPU  2041  transmits number-of-game-media information indicative of the number of betted coins to the control device  2200  (step S 2014 ). The number-of-game-media information includes information indicative of the identification number of the slot machine  2010 . 
     Next, the main CPU  2041  executes symbol rearrangement processing (step S 2015 ). In this processing, at first, the main CPU  2041  starts scrolling-display of normal symbols in the display blocks  2028 . Then, the main CPU  2041  executes the aforementioned symbol determination program for the normal game, so as to determine the symbols to be rearranged, and then rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  2028 . At this time, when the solo-progressive enable flag is set in the RAM  2043 , the symbols are rearranged based on a symbol array table A (see  FIG. 54 ). When the solo-progressive enable flag is not set in the RAM  2043 , the symbols are rearranged based on the symbol array table B (see  FIG. 55 ). 
       FIG. 54  is a view illustrating the symbol array table A in the third embodiment. 
       FIG. 55  is a view illustrating the symbol array table B in the third embodiment. 
     In the array tables A and B, symbol columns to be arranged in a left column, a center column, and a right column of the display blocks  2028  are determined. In the array table B, since there is no “BLUE 7” in the symbol column in the center column, “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is not to be established. On the other hand, in the array table A, since there are “BLUE 7” in all symbol columns in the left column, the center column, and the right column, it is possible that “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is established. 
       FIGS. 56A to 56C  are views each illustrating a corresponding relationship between a combination of symbols and an amount of payout in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 56A to 56C , in the present embodiment, the relation between the combination of symbols and the number of coin-outs is varied according to the cases where the number of betted coins is one, two, and three. 
     It is to be noted that in the drawings, “any bar” refers to any symbol among “3 bar”, “2 bar”, and “1 bar”. As shown in  FIG. 56C , in the case where the number of betted coins is three and “BLUE 7-BLUE 7-BLUE 7” is established, the solo progressive is generated. 
       FIG. 57  is an exemplary view illustrating symbols rearranged in display blocks in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 57 , the winning line WL is set on the center row of the display blocks  2028 . When the symbols in a predetermined combination are rearranged on the winning line WL, payout of coins is conducted. The lower image display panel  2016  for displaying the symbols thereto corresponds to the symbol display of the present invention. 
     After the processing of step S 2015  (see  FIG. 53 ), the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S 2016 ). Here, the establishment of the prize refers to an establishment of any combinations of symbols shown in  FIGS. 56A to 56C . 
     When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not the prize of the solo progressive is established (step S 2017 ). When determining that the prize of the solo progressive is established, the main CPU  2041  transmits a solo-progressive establishment signal to the control device  2200  (step S 2018 ). 
     When determining that the prize of the solo progressive has not been established in step S 2017 , or after the processing of step S 2018 , the main CPU  2041  executes processing relating to the payout of coins (step S 2019 ). In the processing, the main CPU  2041  determines the amount of payout based on the rearranged symbols with reference to the odds data stored in the RAM  2043 . The odds data is data indicative of the correspondence relationship between the symbols rearranged in the display blocks  2028  and the amount of payouts (see  FIGS. 56A to 56C ). Here, in the case where the prize is the solo progressive, the coins are paid out in number corresponding to the solo-progressive specific value (150000, in the present embodiment). 
     In the case of accumulating coins, the main CPU  2041  conducts processing for adding the number of credits corresponding to the determined amount of payout to the number of credits stored in the RAM  2043 . On the other hand, in the case of paying out coins, the main CPU  2041  transmits a control signal to the hopper  2066  in order to pay out coins in an amount corresponding to the determined amount of payout. 
     Then, the main CPU  2041  transmits number-of-payout information indicative of the determined amount of payout, that is, the number of paid out coins to the control device  2200  (step S 2020 ). 
     When determining in step S 2016  that no prize has been established, or after executing the processing of step S 2020 , the main CPU  2041  completes the present subroutine. 
     Subsequently, the common game execution processing is described. 
       FIG. 58  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of the common game execution processing in the third embodiment. 
     At first, the main CPU  2041  executes processing of steps S 2021  to S 2024 , and these processing are substantially the same as the processing of step S 2013  and steps S 2015  to S 2017  in  FIG. 53 . Here, only a part different from step S 2013  and steps S 2015  to S 2017  in  FIG. 53  is described. 
     There has been described a case where the main CPU  2041  executes the symbol determination program for the normal game in step S 2015  in  FIG. 53  for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  2028 . On the contrary, in step S 2022  in  FIG. 58 , the main CPU  2041  executes the symbol determination program for the common game for determining symbols to be rearranged, and then, rearranges the symbols in the display blocks  2028 . 
     When determining in step S 2023  that no prize has been established or after executing the processing of step S 2024 , the main CPU  2041  transmits symbol information to the control device  2200  (step S 2025 ). The symbol information is information indicative of the common-game symbols rearranged in step S 2022 . The symbol information corresponds to common-game result information according to the present invention. 
     Next, the main CPU  2041  determines whether or not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game (step S 2026 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game is a signal transmitted from the control device  2200  to the slot machine  2010  triggered by all the LEDs  2351  included in the coupling illumination line  2310  provided in any of the slot machines  2010  having been lighted (see steps S 2125  to S 2126  in  FIG. 63 ). The jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information indicative of the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value. 
     When determining to have received the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the main CPU  2041  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (step S 2027 ). In this processing, the main CPU  2041  pays out coins in number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value or the SPECIAL specific value, based on the information indicative of the cumulative value which is included in the jackpot payout signal for the common game. In the present embodiment, the number corresponding to the NORMAL specific value is 100 and the number corresponding to the SPECIAL specific value is 1000. 
     The processing executed by the main CPU  2041  in step S 2027  includes output of an annunciation sound from the speaker  2029 , lighting of the lamp  2030 , print of the ticket  2039  with a barcode indicative of the number of payouts printed thereon, and the like. 
     When determining not to have received a jackpot payout signal for the common game in step S 2026  or after executing the processing of step S 2027 , the main CPU  2041  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, there has been described the processing which is executed in the slot machines  2010 . 
     Subsequently, processing executed by the control device  2200  is described. 
       FIG. 59  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of number-of-game-media information reception processing in the third embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not to have received the number-of-game-media information from the slot machine  2010  at a predetermined timing (step S 2101 ). In the present embodiment, the number-of-game-media information is information indicative of the number of coins which have been betted in the slot machine  2010  (see step S 2014  in  FIG. 53 ). When determining not to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  2201  completes the present subroutine. 
     When determining to have received the number-of-game-media information, the CPU  2201  updates the SPECIAL cumulative value based on the SPECIAL increment rate stored in the RAM  2203  (step S 2102 ). 
       FIG. 60  is a view illustrating an increment-rate storage area in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 60 , the RAM  2203  in the control device  2200  is provided with the increment-rate storage area, which stores an increment rate for the SPECIAL common game (SPECIAL increment rate), an increment rate for the NORMAL common game (NORMAL increment rate), and an increment rate for the solo progressive (solo-progressive increment rate). In the present embodiment, 0.5% as the SPECIAL increment rate, 3% as the NORMAL increment rate, and 1% as the solo-progressive increment rate are stored. 
       FIG. 61  is a view illustrating the cumulative-value storage area in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 61 , the RAM  2203  in the control device  2200  is provided with the cumulative-value storage area which stores the SPECIAL cumulative value, the NORMAL cumulative value, and the solo-progressive cumulative value. 
     In the processing of step S 2102 , the CPU  2201  adds 0.5% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  2201  adds 0.015 to the SPECIAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, in step S 2103 , the CPU  2201  updates the NORMAL cumulative value based on the NORMAL increment rate stored in the RAM  2203  (step S 2103 ). In the processing of step S 2103 , the CPU  2201  adds 3% of the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  2201  adds 0.09 to the NORMAL cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value, or the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific-value storage area of the RAM  2203  (see  FIG. 62 ). 
       FIG. 62  is a view illustrating the specific-value storage area in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 62 , the RAM  2203  in the control device  2200  is provided with the specific-value storage area which stores the SPECIAL specific value and the NORMAL specific value and the solo-progressive specific value. In the present embodiment, 1000 as the SPECIAL specific value, 100 as the NORMAL specific value, and 150000 as the solo-progressive specific value are stored. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has reached the SPECIAL specific value or that the NORMAL cumulative value has reached the NORMAL specific value, the CPU  2201  transmits the common-game execution signal to the slot machines  2010  (step S 2105 ). The common-game execution signal is a signal which triggers the execution of the common game in the slot machines  2010 . Further, in this processing, the slot machines  2010  to which the common-game execution signal is transmitted from the CPU  2201  are the slot machines  2010  having transmitted number-of-game-media information in a predetermined time. 
     When determining that the SPECIAL cumulative value has not reached the SPECIAL specific value and that the NORMAL cumulative value has not reached the NORMAL specific value in step S 2104 , or after the processing of step S 2105 , the CPU  2201  shifts the processing to step S 2106 . 
     In step S 2106 , the CPU  2201  updates the solo-progressive cumulative value, based on the solo-progressive increment rate stored in the RAM  2203  (step S 2102 ). In the present embodiment, the solo-progressive increment rate is set to be 1% (see  FIG. 60 ). For example, when the number of coins shown by the number-of-game-media information is 3, the CPU  2201  adds 0.03 to the solo-progressive cumulative value and stores the resulting value. 
     Next, in step S 2107 , the CPU  2201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, with reference to the cumulative-value storage area and the specific value storage area in the RAM  2203  (see  FIG. 62 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has reached the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  2201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution enable signal to the slot machine  2010  (step S 2108 ). The solo-progressive-execution enable signal is the signal for notifying approval of the generation of the solo progressive in the slot machine  2010 . When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value has not reached the solo-progressive specific value in step S 2107 , or after the processing of step S 2108 , the CPU  2201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 63  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of illuminants emission processing in the third embodiment. 
     At first, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not to have received the symbol information (see step S 2025  in  FIG. 58 ) from the slot machine  2010  at a predetermined timing (step S 2121 ). 
     When determining not to have received the symbol information, the CPU  2201  completes the present subroutine. 
     On the other hand, when determining to have received the symbol information, the CPU  2201  determines the number of points, based on the symbol information and the number-of-points determination table data stored in the hard disk drive  2205  (step S 2122 ). 
       FIG. 64  is a view illustrating a number-of-points determination table in the third embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 64 , a correspondence relationship between the combination of symbols and the number of points is determined in the number-of-points determination table. When the combination of the symbols rearranged along the winning line WL is the combination of symbols determined in the number-of-points determination table, points corresponding to the combination of the symbols are offered. The number-of-points determination table data is stored in the hard disk drive  2205  in the control device  2200 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 57 , when “3 BAR-1 BAR-1 BAR” are rearranged along the winning line WL in the common game played on a single slot machine  2010 , the number of points is determined to be 50 as a total of 30 based on “3 BAR” and 20 (=10+10) based on two of “1 BAR”. 
     Next, the CPU  2201  determines the number of LEDs  2351  (illuminants) to be lighted (emit light) based on the determined number of points and the number-of-lighting determination table data (step S 2123 ). 
       FIGS. 65A and 65B  are views each illustrating the number-of-lighting determination table in the third embodiment. 
     The number-of-lighting determination table is a table in which the possible range of the number of points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted are associated with each other. Further, in the number-of-lighting determination tables, the correspondence relationship between the number of points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted is associated with each slot machine  2010 . 
     The number-of-lighting determination table includes the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions (see  FIG. 65A ) and the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions (see  FIG. 65B ). 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions, correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted may be different in accordance with the slot machines  2010 . 
     In the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions, the correspondence relationships between the number of points and the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted are the same with respect to all the slot machines  2010 . 
     In the processing of step S 2123 , at first, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in association with the identification number of the slot machine  2010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 2121  is equal to or more than a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  2351  included in the bent portion of the coupling illumination line  2310 ). 
     When determining that the number of lights is equal to or more than the predetermined number, the CPU  2201  determines the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for straight portions. 
     On the other hand, when determining that the number of lights is less than the predetermined number, the CPU  2201  determines the number of LEDs  2351  to be lighted based on the number-of-lighting determination table for bent portions. 
     Next, the CPU  2201  makes the LEDs  2351  (illuminants) in number determined in step S 2123  be lighted (emit light) in the coupling illumination line  2310  provided for the slot machine  2010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 2121  (step S 2124 ). 
     In this processing, the CPU  2201  identifies the identification numbers of the LEDs  2351  to be lighted, based on the number determined in step S 2123  and the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  2203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  2010 . Further, the CPU  2201  transmits to the LED drive circuit  2350  a signal including information indicative of the identified identification numbers. On receiving this signal, the LED drive circuit  2350  lights the LEDs  2351  associated with the identification numbers included in the signal. 
     Further, after transmitting the signal, the CPU  2201  adds the number determined in step S 2123  to the number of lights indicated by the number-of-lights data stored in the number-of-lights storage area in the RAM  2203  in association with the identification number of the slot machine  2010 . 
     Next, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not all the LEDs  2351  (illuminants) included in the coupling illumination line  2310  provided for the slot machine  2010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 2121  have been lighted (emit light) (step S 2125 ). In the processing, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not the number of lights after the addition of the number determined in step S 2123  has reached a predetermined number (the number of LEDs  2351  included in the coupling illumination line  2310 ), based on the number-of-lights data stored in the RAM  2203 . 
     When determining that all the LEDs  2351  included in the coupling illumination line  2310  provided for the slot machine  2010  as a transmission source of the symbol information received in step S 2121  have been lighted, the CPU  2201  transmits the jackpot payout signal for the common game to the slot machine  2010  (step S 2126 ). It is to be noted that the jackpot payout signal for the common game includes information relating to the type of the common game (SPECIAL or NORMAL) and information relating to the specific value (NORMAL specific value or SPECIAL specific value). 
     On receiving the jackpot payout signal for the common game, the slot machine  2010  executes jackpot payout processing for the common game (see step S 2027  in  FIG. 58 ). 
     When determining in step S 2125  that not all the LEDs  2351  have been lighted or after executing the processing of step S 2126 , the CPU  2201  completes the present subroutine. 
       FIG. 66  is a flowchart illustrating a subroutine of solo-progressive control processing in the third embodiment. 
     First, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal from the slot machine  2010  (step S 2161 ). When determining to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal, the CPU  2201  subtracts the solo-progressive specific value from the solo-progressive cumulative value (step S 2162 ). 
     Next, the CPU  2201  determines whether or not the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value (step S 2163 ). When determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is smaller than the solo-progressive specific value, the CPU  2201  transmits the solo-progressive-execution disable signal to the slot machine  2010  (step S 2164 ). 
     When determining not to have received the solo-progressive establishment signal in step S 2161 , or when determining that the solo-progressive cumulative value is not smaller than the solo-progressive specific value in step S 2163 , or after the processing of step S 2164 , the main CPU  2201  completes the present subroutine. 
     As above, according to the gaming system  2001  and the game control method, a part of the betted coins are cumulatively counted as the common-game cumulative value (the NORMAL cumulative value, the SPECIAL cumulative value) for the common game and another part of the betted game media are cumulatively counted as the solo-game cumulative value (the solo-progressive cumulative value) for the solo game. When the solo-game cumulative value has reached the second specific value (the solo-progressive value), the coins in number corresponding to the second specific value are paid out, on condition that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state (“BLUE7-BLUE7-BLUE7) in the solo game (the normal game). On the other hand, when the common-game cumulative value has reached the first specific value (the NORMAL specific value, the SPECIAL specific value), the common game in which the coins in number corresponding to the first specific value (the NORMAL specific value, the SPECIAL specific value) may be paid out is executed in each gaming machine  10 . Based on the result of the common game in each gaming machine  10 , a single gaming machine  10  is determined and the coins in number corresponding to the first specific value are paid out from the determined single gaming machine  10 . Here, the second specific value is larger than the first specific value. Accordingly, in a case where it is possible that the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, the player becomes more conscious of whether or not the symbols are stop-displayed in the specific state, than the common game. However, according to the gaming system, the common game is executed by the common-game program programmed not to stop-display the symbols in the specific state. Accordingly, in the common game, payout of the game media based on the symbols stop-displayed in the specific state is not to be conducted. As a result, it is possible to provide a new-type gaming system capable of having the player more concentrated on the common game. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where, in conducting the payout of the solo progressive, 150000 coins corresponding to the solo-progressive specific value are paid out. However, in the present invention, the game media in number corresponding to the specific value or the first specific value, which are to be paid out from the gaming machine, are not limited to this, and may be the game media in number corresponding to the solo-game cumulative value which is cumulatively counted, or the game media in number obtained by subtracting a fixed value from the specific value or the first specific value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the solo-progressive specific value (the second specific value) is larger than the specific value (the first specific value) for the common game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second specific value may be equal to or smaller than the first specific value. The reason for this is that it is possible to have the player concentrated on the common game with the configuration in which the game media in number corresponding to the second specific value are not paid out in the common game, regardless of whether or not the second specific value is equal to or smaller than the first specific value. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where the symbols are displayed to the lower image display panel  2016 . However, the symbol display in the present invention is not limited to this example, and may be a mechanical reel with symbols drawn on the peripheral face. 
     In the present embodiment, there has been described a case where information indicative of the number of betted coins is transmitted from the slot machine  2010  to the control device  2200  and the number is multiplied by the increment rate in the control device. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the number of betted coins may be multiplied by a predetermined percentage and the result may be transmitted to the control device as the number-of-game-media information. Namely, in the present invention, the number-of-game-media information may be information indicative of the number of betted coins or the value obtained by multiplying the number of betted coins by a percentage, that is, information indicative of the cumulative number. 
     Although the embodiments of the present invention were described above, they were just illustrations of specific examples, and hence do not particularly restrict the present invention. A specific configuration of each step and the like is appropriately changeable in terms of design. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are just recitations of the most suitable effects generated from the present invention. The effects of the present invention are thus not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. 
     Further, the foregoing detailed descriptions centered the characteristic parts of the present invention in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments in the foregoing specific descriptions but applicable to other embodiments with a variety of application ranges. Further, terms and phrases in the present specification were used not for restricting interpretation of the present invention but for precisely describing the present invention. It is considered easy for the skilled in the art to conceive other configurations, systems, methods and the like included in the concept of the present invention from the concept of the invention described in the specification. Therefore, it should be considered that recitations of the claims include uniform configurations in a range not departing from the range of technical principles of the present invention. Moreover, an object of the abstract is to enable a patent office, a general public institution, an engineer belonging to the technical field who is unfamiliar with patent, technical jargon or legal jargon, and the like, to smoothly determine technical contents and an essence of the present application with simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated by recitations of the claims. Furthermore, for thorough understanding of an object of the present invention and an effect specific to the present invention, it is desired to make interpretation in full consideration of documents already disclosed and the like. 
     The foregoing detailed descriptions include processing executed on a computer or a computer network. Explanations and expressions above are described with the aim of being most efficiently understood by the skilled person in the art. In the specification, each step for use in deriving one result should be understood as the self-consistent processing. Further, in each step, transmission/reception, recording or the like of an electrical or magnetic signal is performed. While such a signal is expressed by using a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number or the like in processing of each step, it should be noted that those are used simply for the sake of convenience in description. While there are cases where processing in each step may be described using an expression in common with that of action of a human, processing described in the specification is essentially executed by a variety of devices. Further, another configuration requested for performing each step should become apparent from the above descriptions.