US20080214276A1

US20080214276A1 - Slot machine and playing method thereof

Info

Publication number: US20080214276A1
Application number: US11/972,803
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazuo Okada
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2008-01-11
Publication date: 2008-09-04
Also published as: ZA200800642B; JP2008178450A; AU2008200329A1

Abstract

A slot machine comprises a display which is provided with plural slot game areas. A player can place a bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas to play slot games continuously. The player can enjoy plural slot games continuously without a cumbersome betting operation on each game play. Thus, an entertaining feature of the slot machine can be improved.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-012415, filed on Jan. 23, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337480, filed in Japan on Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337540, filed in Japanon Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337541, filed in Japan on Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337556, filed in Japan on Dec. 14, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-343150, filed in Japan on Dec. 20, 2006, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-012628, filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 2007, co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-012636, filed in Japan on Jan. 23, 2007, and co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “SLOT MACHINE AND PLAYING METHOD THEREOF” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-016391, filed in Japan on Jan. 26, 2007, which are assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The teachings of the co-pending applications are incorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not conflict with the teaching herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a slot machine and a playing method thereof.
2. Description of the Related Art
In a conventional slot machine, a plurality of reels (e.g., three reels) on which a plurality of symbols is drawn spins, respectively, when a player inserts a medal(s) into a medal insertion slot and then presses a start button. The reels stop automatically after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, a payout is awarded to the player according to the number of inserted medals if a winning symbol combination achieved on a preset payline. Alternatively, a payout is awarded to the player according to the number of inserted medals if a predetermined number of scatter symbols displayed.
On the other hand, in the gaming machine described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,855,052, a plurality of wheels provided above the reels begins to spin sequentially and then stops if a preset symbol combination has displayed on the reels after the reels has stopped. A large amount payout is awarded if the stopped wheels have brought a predetermined outcome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present inventors have thought that provision of a certain slot machine is desired, with which a player can play a plurality of slot games instead of only one slot game by one time insertion of a medal(s) as described above. The slot machine can further stimulate the desire to play games of the player. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine and a playing method thereof capable of improving entertaining feature.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine which comprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of which the slot game is executed; and a controller. The controller is operable to: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, and (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed automatically on the next slot game with the bet amount which is not exceeds the current credit amount provided in past slot games and the new slot game is executed on each of the predefined slot game areas. Then slot games can be executed continuously without cumbersome betting operations. Therefore, the player can enjoy multiple game plays continuously without placing a bet on each game play.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new bet only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The new bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. It is further preferable that the controller is operable to stop automatically placing the new bet in (a) when the current credit amount becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is changed if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously. It is further preferable that the controller is operable to raise the payout rate.
It is preferable that the controller is further operable to notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times. In addition, it is also preferable that the slot machine further comprises an input device for accepting a terminating operation of game play by the player and the controller is further operable to stop placing the new bet in (a) when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine which comprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of which the slot game is executed; and a controller. The controller is operable to: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and (c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. In addition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the player is notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number and then the payout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated for playing the games continuously.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new bet only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The new bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is changed if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a slot machine which comprises: a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged; a display including plural slot game areas on each of which the slot game is executed; an input device for accepting a terminating operation of game play by a player, and a controller. The controller is operable to: (a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by the player, (b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, (c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, and (d) stop placing the new bet in (a) when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. In addition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the player is notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number and then the payout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated for playing the games continuously. Furthermore, the player can terminate continuous execution of the games anytime by inputting the game terminating operation via the input device. Therefore, the player can prevent disadvantages due to placing continuous bets when the player does not want to play the games continuously.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to place the new bet only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount. The new bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
It is preferable that the controller is operable to vary a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged. The slot machine has plural slot game areas on a display. The slot game can be executed on each of the plural slot game areas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, and (b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed automatically on the next slot game with the bet amount which is not exceeds the current credit amount provided in past slot games and the new slot game is executed on each of the predefined slot game areas. Then slot games can be executed continuously without cumbersome betting operations. Therefore, the player can enjoy multiple game plays continuously without placing a bet on each game play.
It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of the new bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
It is preferable that the method further comprises (c) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game. The slot machine has plural slot game areas on a display. The slot game can be executed on each of the plural slot game areas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, (b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and (c) notifying the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. In addition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the player is notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number and then the payout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated for playing the games continuously.
It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of the new bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
It is preferable that the method further comprises (d) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
A sixth aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged. The slot machine has plural slot game areas on a display. The slot game can be executed on each of the plural slot game areas. The method comprising: (a) placing a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, (b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, (c) notifying the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, (d) accepting a terminating operation by the player for terminating game play, and (e) stopping placing the new bet in (a) when the terminating operation has been accepted.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost. In addition, if the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, the player is notified. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number and then the payout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated for playing the games continuously. Furthermore, the player can terminate continuous execution of the games anytime by inputting the game terminating operation via the input device. Therefore, the player can prevent disadvantages due to placing continuous bets when the player does not want to play the games continuously.
It is preferable that the new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and the bet amount of the new bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.
According to this, the new bet is placed when the current credit amount exceeds the predetermined amount and is not placed when the current credit amount is equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
It is preferable that the method further comprises (f) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.
According to this, the payout rate is varied if the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
According to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present invention, a player can enjoy plural slot games continuously without a betting operation on each game play. Therefore, the player can concentrate on the game without a cumbersome operation such as inserting medal (s). As a result, the player does not lose motivation for the game due to interruption of the game. In addition, since the games are executed continuously, the player can expect a larger payout amount. Thus, an entertaining feature can be improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing eleven slot game areas displayed on a lower display in an embodiment of a slot machine of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine of the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (slot game execution processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (execution processing for slot games on activated areas) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus game starting processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (bonus game execution processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (area activation processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (area activation processing [alternate example]) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (effect displaying processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure (game termination processing) in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing one of the slot game areas in the slot machine of the embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing paylines on the slot game area;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a payout table;

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayed on the LCD panel;

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayed on the LCD panel;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing the slot game areas displayed on the LCD panel; and

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a relationship between bet amounts and bet areas in the slot machine of the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

Characteristics of a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 1, ten slot game areas A1 to A10 are provided on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 16 of a slot machine 10 of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the slot game area(s) will be referred to simply as the “area(s)”. A slot game is executed in each of the areas A1 to A10.
Display areas of three rows by three columns are provided in the respective slot game areas A1 to A10. A credit(s) is bet by an insertion of a medal(s) or pressing of a bet switch 25. Symbols displayed (arranged) in the display areas are scrolled when a start switch 27 has been pressed and then the symbols stop (rearranged) in each of the display areas.
In the slot game executed in each of the areas A1 to A10, up to three credits can be bet and the number of activated paylines increases as a bet amount increases in each slot game.
A bet will be placed sequentially on each of the ten areas A1 to A10 after medals have been inserted into a medal insertion slot 21 or a bet switch 25 has been pressed. For example, one bet is placed on the area A1 when the player inserts one medal into the medal insertion slot 21. And then, one more bet is placed on the slot game area A1 when the second medal is inserted further. However, a bet is placed preferentially on the areas A1 to A10 on which a bonus game is being executed. This will be further described in detail later with reference to FIG. 16. Note that, a bet may be placed randomly on each of the ten areas A1 to A10 in another embodiment.
A payout (payout of a medal(s), or addition of credits) is provided according to a bet amount and a winning combination when the winning combination is achieved on the payline in the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10. Since the slot machine 10 has a configuration described above, plural slot games can be executed simultaneously.
In the present embodiment, the symbols are scrolled and then stopped again in the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10. However, the slot game on each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 is not limited to that in which the symbols are scrolled. For example, the symbols may be successively switched over in each of the display areas and then stopped.
Further, in the present embodiment, a maximum bet amount is set to three on the areas A1 to A10. However, the maximum bet amount is not limited to this.
Next, the configuration of the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described in detail. The slot machine 10 includes a cabinet 11 and a top box 12 provided on top of the cabinet 11, as shown in FIG. 2. The cabinet 11 has a main door 13. The LCD 16 is disposed on the front of the cabinet 11 facing the player. Various component devices are disposed within the cabinet 11, such as a controller 40 (see FIG. 3) for electrically controlling the slot machine 10 and a hopper 44 (see FIG. 3) for controlling the insertion, pooling, and payout of medals.
In the present embodiment, medals are used for gaming media at game play. However, gaming media is not limited to medals only. For example, coins, tokens, electronic money, or other equivalent electronic value information (credits) may be also used as gaming media.
The main door 13 is attached to the cabinet 11 so that it can be opened and closed. The LCD 16 is disposed on an upper portion of the main door 13. As described above, the ten slot game areas A1 to A10 are provided on the LCD 16 and independent slot games are executed on the areas A1 to A10, respectively. In the present embodiment, the number of slot game areas is ten. However, two or more slot game areas may be provided.
Nine display areas with three rows by three columns are provided on each of the areas A1 to A10. Various kinds of symbols can be displayed in each of the display areas. In other words, symbols displayed (arranged) in each of the display areas are scrolled when a slot game has been started and then stopped (rearranged) after a predetermined time has elapsed. Then, a payout is awarded to a player according to a symbol combination that stops in the display areas.
A payout counter 48 for displaying a payout amount is provided in a bottom left area of the LCD 16.
The medal insertion slot 21 and a bill validator 22 are disposed below the LCD 16. The bill validator 22 validates bills and accepts valid ones. Various operational switches are disposed nearby the medal insertion slot 21 and the bill validator 22.
A cash-out switch 23, a max-bet switch 24, a bet switch 25, a spin/repeat-bet switch 26, the start switch 27 and a stop switch 31 are provided as the operational switches.
The bet switch 25 is a switch for determining a bet amount on each slot game on the slot game areas A1 to A10. As will be described later, each time the bet switch 25 is pressed, one bet is placed on a predetermined slot game area. The slot game area on which a bet has been placed is activated and a payout is provided to the player when a winning symbol combination has been achieved on an activated payline in the slot game.
The spin/repeat-bet switch 26 is a switch for placing a bet again without changing a bet amount placed by the bet switch 25 (and the max-bet switch 24) on the previous game on each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 and starting a slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10.
The start switch 27 is a switch for starting a slot game on each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 after bets have been placed on desired slot game areas. A slot game on each of the slot game areas A1 to A11 is started after a medal(s) was inserted into the medal insertion slot 21 or a bet(s) was placed by the bet switch 25 and then the start switch 27 has been pressed.
The stop switch 31 is an input device for being input a game terminating operation by a player. The game terminating operation is detected when the stop switch 31 has been pressed and then the games are terminated.
The cash-out switch 23 is a switch for cashing out awarded medals (internally stored credits). The medals are cashed out from a medal cash-out chute 28 opened in the front lower part of the main door 13 and pooled on a medal tray 18.
The max-bet switch 24 is a switch for betting the maximum bet amount (e.g., thirty credits) that can be placed on a single game play by one pressing.
A foot display 34 is disposed on the lower front of the main door 13. Various images relating to the game of the slot machine 10 (such as characters of the slot machine 10) are displayed on the foot display 34.
Lamps 47 are provided on both sides of the foot display 34 and illuminate in a preset illuminating pattern. The medal cash-out chute 28 is provided below the foot display 34.
An upper display 33 is disposed on the front of the top box 12. The upper display 33 has a display panel and displays a payout table indicating each payout amount for each symbol combination etc.
Speakers 29 are provided on the top box 12. A ticket printer 35, a card reader 36, a data display 37, and a keypad 38 are disposed below the upper display 33. The ticket printer 35 prints out a ticket 39 including data such as a credit amount, time and date, identification number of the slot machine 10 printed thereon as a bar code.
The player can play a game at another slot machine by using the bar-coded ticket 39, and exchange the bar-coded ticket 39 for bills at a predetermined site in an amusement facility (e.g., a cashier in the casino).
The card reader 36 is a device for reading data stored in the inserted smart card and writing data onto the smart card. The smart card is carried by the player. The player's identification data and gaming history data of the games played by the player are stored in the smart card.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the electric configuration of the controller 40 and various components connected to the controller 40, which are provided within the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment. The controller 40 of the slot machine 10 is configured by a microcomputer and includes interface circuits 102, an input/output (I/O) bus 104, a CPU 106, a ROM 108, a RAM 110, a signal communication interface (I/F) circuit 111, a random number generator (RNG) 112, a speaker drive circuit 122, a hopper drive circuit 124, a display control circuit 128, and a display controller 140.
The interface circuits 102 are connected to the I/O bus 104. The I/O bus 104 inputs/outputs data signals and address signals to/from the CPU 106.
The start switch 27 is connected to the interface circuits 102. A start signal output from the start switch 27 is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.
The bet switch 25, the max-bet switch 24, the spin/repeat-bet switch 26, the cash-out switch 23 and the stop switch 31 are connected to the interface circuits 102. A switching signal output from each of the switches 23 to 26 and 31 is transmitted to the interface circuits 102. And then, the switching signal is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.
A medal sensor 43 is connected to the interface circuits 102. The medal sensor 43 detects a medal(s), which has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. The medal sensor 43 is provided inside the medal insertion slot 21. The detection signal output from the medal sensor 43 is transmitted to the interface circuits 102. And then, the detection signal is transmitted to the CPU 106 via the I/O bus 104, after having been converted into a predetermined signal by the interface circuits 102.
The ROM 108 storing system programs and the RAM 110 storing various data are connected to the I/O bus 104. The RNG 112, the signal communication I/F circuit 111, the display controller 140, the hopper drive circuit 124, the speaker drive circuit 122, and the display control circuit 128 are connected to the I/O bus 104.
The CPU 106, triggered by receiving the start signal from the start switch 27, reads a game execution program and executes a game. The game execution program is a program for executing the slot game in each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16 using the display controller 140.
In other words, the game execution program is programmed so as to execute a slot game in which symbols are rearranged after scrolling in each of the areas A1 to A10 and a payout is provided when a winning combination is achieved on an activated payline.
The signal communication I/F circuit 111, which is connected to a hall server (not shown) etc., transmits gaming history data etc. of the slot machine 10 to the hall server. The signal communication I/F circuit 111 receives various data transmitted from the hall server.
The RNG 112 generates a random number for determining whether or not to achieve a winning combination in the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10.
The display control circuit 128 controls displaying a payout amount on the payout counter 48 provided at the lower left area of the LCD 16.
The speaker drive circuit 122 outputs sound data to the speakers 29. In other words, the CPU 106 reads the sound data stored in the ROM 108 and transmits the sound data to the speaker drive circuit 122 via the I/O bus 104. In this manner, predetermined sound effects are generated via the speakers 29.
The hopper drive circuit 124 outputs a cash-out signal to the hopper 44 when providing a cash-out. In other words, the CPU 106 outputs a drive signal to the hopper drive circuit 124 via the I/O bus 104 when receiving the cash-out signal from the cash-out switch 23. As a result, the hopper 44 cashes out medals equivalent to the credits stored at that time in a predetermined memory area of the RAM 110.
The display controller 140 controls displaying of the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16. In detail, the CPU 106 generates an image display signal according to status and an outcome of the slot game on each of the areas A1 to A10 and outputs the image display signal to the display controller 140 via the I/O bus 104. Upon receipt of the image display signal, the display controller 140 generates a drive signal of the LCD 16 based on the image display signal. And then, the display controller 140 outputs the drive signal to the LCD 16. In this manner, the slot game is executed (predetermined images are displayed) on each of the areas A1 to A10 on the LCD 16.
Next, images displayed on the slot game areas A1 to A10 are explained with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 is a display example of the areas A1 to A10.
As shown in FIG. 12, nine (three row by three column) display areas q11 to q33 are provided on each of the areas A1 to A10. Symbols are scrolled in each of the columns of the display areas q11 to q33 when the slot game is started on each of the areas A1 to A10.
Five LEDs 53 a to 53 e are provided on the left side of the display areas q11 to q33 of each of the areas A1 to A10. The LEDs 53 a to 53 e notify the activated payline(s) on each of the areas A1 to A10. As shown in FIG. 13, five paylines are prepared on the display areas q11 to q33. A horizontal line in the middle row is L1, a horizontal line in the upper row is L2, a horizontal line in the lower row is L3, a diagonal line going down to the right is L4, and a diagonal line going up to the right is L5.
The LEDs 53 a to 53 e light up according to a bet amount. In detail, only the LED 53 a lights up when one credit is bet. The LEDs 53 b and 53 c, in addition to the LED 53 a, light up when two credits are bet. The LEDs 53 d and 53 e, in addition to the LEDs 53 a to 53 c, light up when three credits are bet.
It is indicated that the line L1 has been activated, when the LED 53 a lights up. In addition, it is indicated that the lines L2, L3 have been activated, respectively, when the LEDs 53 b, 53 c light up. Furthermore, it is indicated that the lines L4, L5 have been activated, respectively, when the LEDs 53 d, 53 e light up.
Only the line L1 is activated when one credit has been bet, the lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated when two credits have been bet, and all of the lines L1 to L5 are activated when three credits have been bet. Then, a payout is awarded according to a winning combination(s) when the winning combination(s) is achieved on the activated payline(s).
An activation indicating frame 51 is provided on each peripheral edge of the areas A1 to A10, as shown in FIG. 12. Each of the activation indicating frames 51 lights up on the LCD 16 for the activated areas A1 to A10. The activation indicating frame 51 lights up on each of the areas A1 to A10 on which at least one credit is bet. It is possible for a player to easily recognize the activated slot game area(s) by the activation indicating frame(s) 51.
A bonus game indicator 52 is provided above each of the areas A1 to A10, as shown in FIG. 12. The bonus game indicator 52 of each of the areas A1 to A10 lights up on the LCD 16 during a bonus game. It is possible for a player to easily recognize the slot game area(s) during the bonus game by the bonus game indicator(s) 52.
FIG. 14 shows winning combinations in the slot game. As shown in FIG. 14, the bonus game is triggered on the own slot game area when three 7's are rearranged on the activated payline. For example, the bonus game is started when three 7's has been rearranged on the activated payline L1 shown in FIG. 12. A 15-credit payout is awarded to the player when three APPLEs are rearranged, a 10-credit payout is awarded when three BELLs are rearranged, and a 2-credit payout is awarded when a “CHERRY” is rearranged on the leftmost of the activated payline. Hereinafter, a table shown in FIG. 14 will be referred to as a payout table.
Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flow charts shown in FIGS. 4 to 11. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the procedure of the processing of the slot game.
First, the CPU 106 (FIG. 3) accepts a bet amount when the processing of the present routine is started (step S101). A player places a bet (with a desired bet amount) by pressing the bet switch 25. Alternatively, the player inserts a desired number of medals into the medal insertion slot 21 to place a bet corresponding to the inserted medals. If a bet is placed by pressing the bet switch 25, the CPU 106 subtracts the bet amount having been input from an internally stored credit amount (step S102). For example, if the stored credit amount is 50 credits and a 30-credit bet amount is received, the stored credit amount will be 20 credits.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines the area(s) to be activated among the ten slot game areas A1 to A10 (step S103). This processing will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9.
After area activation processing, the CPU 106 determines a payline(s) to be activated on the activated area(s) (step S104). The payline(s) to be activated is determined according to the bet amount, as described above. Specifically, the line L1 is activated when one credit is bet on each of the slot games on the areas A1 to A10, the lines L1, L2, and L3 are activated when two credits are bet, and all of the lines L1 to L5 are activated when three credits are bet (see FIG. 13). The activation indicating frame(s) 51 of the area(s) A1 to A10, on which a bet has been placed, lights up to indicate the activated area(s) to the player.
For example, when the areas A1 to A6 has been activated, the activation indicating frames 51 of the activated areas A1 to A6 are lit up, as shown in FIG. 15. On the contrary, the activation indicating frames 51 of the non-activated areas A7 to A10 are not lit up. Lit-up frames are drawn with hatchings and un-lit frames are drawn unpatterned in FIG. 15.
Although a detailed description will be given later, it is also possible to place a bet randomly on each slot game on the areas A1 to A10. For example, the areas A1, A3, A6, A8 and A10 are activated randomly (a bet are placed on each of these areas randomly) and then their activation indicating frames 51 are lit up, as shown in FIG. 17.
Furthermore, although a detailed description will be given later, the activation indicating frame(s) 51 of the activated area(s) are blinked when the number of the bonus games T reaches or exceeds a predetermined number.
After step S14 in FIG. 4, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S105). The slot game is executed on each of the activated area(s) if it is determined that the start switch 27 has been pressed (step S106).
Next, a processing procedure of the slot game executed on each of the activated areas A1 to A10 is described with reference to FIG. 5. A slot game in an activated slot game area A1 is described as an example.
First, the CPU 106 determines whether a bonus flag of the area A1 is “0” or “1” (step S201). The default value of the bonus flag is “0” and set to “1” when the bonus game is to be executed.
The CPU 106 determines symbols to be stopped (hereinafter, simply referred to as stop symbols) in each of the display areas q11 to q33 on the area A1 when the bonus flag is “0” (step S203). By this processing, symbols (“7”, “BELL”, “APPLE”, etc.) to be displayed in each of the display areas q11 to q33 are determined.
Next, the CPU 106 scrolls symbols in the display areas q11 to q33 of the area A1 (step S204). Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areas q11 to q33 after a predetermined time has elapsed. The displayed symbols at this time are the stop symbols determined in step S203.
Then, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a bonus trigger combination (three 7's: FIG. 14) is rearranged on any of the activated paylines (step S205). For example, it is determined whether or not the bonus trigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines L1 to L5 (FIG. 13) when all of the lines L1 to L5 are activated.
Then, the CPU 106 executes bonus game starting processing (step S206) when the bonus trigger combination is achieved on any of the paylines L1 to L5. The bonus game starting processing will be described later.
On the other hand, the CPU 106 determines whether or not one of winning combinations has been achieved on any of the activated paylines (step S207) when the bonus trigger combination has not been achieved. A payout is awarded according to a winning combination (step S208) when the winning combination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106 does not award a payout when a winning combination has not been achieved. And then the CPU 16 ends the slot game on the area A1. It may be possible to cash-out a medal(s) equivalent to a payout amount through the cash-out chute 28 or to add a credit(s) equivalent to a payout amount to the internally stored credits, when a payout is to be awarded.
Next, the bonus game starting processing is described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 6.
The bonus flag is set to “1” (step S301) when the bonus trigger is achieved in step S205 in FIG. 5. At this time, the bonus game indicator 52 (FIG. 12) lights up to notify the player that the bonus game is being executed on the area A1. For example, the bonus game indicator 52 of the area A6 lights up to notify the player that the bonus game is being executed on the area A6 as shown in FIG. 16.
Then, the CPU 106 determines the number of the bonus games T (step S302). The number of games T is, for example, fifty. The number of games T may be fixed or determined each time randomly by the CPU 106. The number of games T is stored in the RAM 110.
Next, a payout for the bonus trigger is awarded (step S303). For example, a 15-credit (15-medals) payout is awarded in the present embodiment. Then, the present processing is ended.
Bonus game execution processing is executed (step S202) for the next slot game on the area A1 after step 201 in FIG. 5, when the bonus flag has been set to “1” in the bonus game start processing (step S301 in FIG. 6).
The bonus game execution processing is described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 7. The CPU 106 executes processing for determining stop symbols (step S401) when the bonus game execution is started. This processing is the same processing as that in step S203 in FIG. 5. In step S401, three 7's are not rearranged on the payline, but the stop symbols are determined so that a winning combination is achieved with a high probability. In other words, a winning combination (three BELLs, three APPLEs or at least one CHERRY on the leftmost in FIG. 14) is achieved on an activated payline with higher probability in the bonus game than in the normal game.
Next, the CPU 106 scrolls the symbols in the display areas q11 to q33 (step S402). This processing is the same as that in step S204 in FIG. 5. Then, the symbols stop in each of the display areas q11 to q33 after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, the displayed symbols are the stop symbols determined in step S401.
Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved on the activated payline (step S403). A payout is awarded according to a winning combination (step S404) when the winning combination has been achieved. On the other hand, the CPU 106 does not award a payout when a winning combination has not been achieved.
Then, the CPU 106 decrements the number of games T stored in the RAM 110 (step S405).
Next, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number of games T is “0” (step S406). The bonus flag is reset to “0” when “T=0” (step S407). In other words, the bonus flag is reset and the bonus game is ended when the predetermined number of bonus games has been expended.
Next, the area activation processing (step S103 in FIG. 4) is described with reference to a flowchart in FIG. 8 and a table in FIG. 18.
The CPU 106 first places a bet preferentially on the bonus slot game(s) (step S501) after the bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal(s) has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 21. After that, a bet is placed sequentially on the slot game on the areas A1, A2, A3, . . . in ascending order of the area numbers (step S502).
For example, when the bonus game is being played on the area A8, the first to third credits are bet on the bonus slot game on the area A8 as shown in FIG. 18. Then the fourth credit is bet on the slot game on the area A1 and the fifth credit is bet on the slot game on the area A2. Then, the above procedure is repeated to place remaining first, second and third bets. In this manner, thirty credits can be expended to place a 3-credit bet on each of the areas A1 to A10, respectively.
Note that, a bet is placed preferentially on the bonus slot game on each of the areas when the bonus games are executed simultaneously on two or more activated slot game areas. And then, one bet is placed sequentially on the normal slot game on each of the areas.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of another example of the area activation processing. In this processing, the CPU 106 first places a bet preferentially on the bonus slot game(s) on the areas (step S601) after the bet switch 25 has been pressed or a medal(s) has been inserted, as in the case shown in FIG. 8. After that, a bet is placed sequentially on the slot game on the areas in random order (step S602). At this time, the bet order for the normal slot games is determined randomly by the CPU 106 at each game play.
Description of the operation of the slot machine 10 will be continued with reference to FIG. 4. The CPU 106 determines whether or not the internally stored credit amount has exceeded “100” (step S107) after the first execution of the slot game in step S106. In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a continuous execution condition of the slot games is met. Although a threshold value is set to “100” in the present embodiment, any value may be set as the threshold value. Alternatively, a player may also be allowed to set the threshold value.
An amount calculated by subtracting 100 from the internally stored credit amount is determined as a bet amount for an upcoming slot game (step S108) if it is determined in step S107 that the internally stored credit amount has exceeded “100”. For example, the bet amount is calculated such as 130−100=30 when the internally stored credit amount is “130”.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines the area to be activated among the slot game areas A1 to A10 (step S109). This processing is same as that in step S103. The CPU 106 determines the payline to be activated on the activated area (step S110) after the area determination processing. This processing is same as that in step S104.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the number of continuous execution of the games (hereinafter, referred to as “number of continuous games”) Tn is equal to or larger than 50 (step S111). In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not a condition for changing the payout rate is met. Although a threshold value is set to “50” in the present embodiment, any value may be set as the threshold value. The number of continuous games Tn is stored in the RAM 110. The number of continuous games Tn is incremented by one for each execution of the game. The initial value of the number of continuous games Tn is “0”. The number of continuous games Tn is reset to the initial value when the continuous execution of the games is ended.
An effect displaying processing is executed (step S112) if the number of continuous games Tn is determined to be equal to or larger than 50 in step S109. In the effect displaying processing, the CPU 106 notifies the player that the number of continuous games Tn is equal to or larger than the threshold value “50”.
Next, the procedure of the effect displaying processing will be described with reference to FIG. 10. The CPU 106 specifies the activated area(s) determined in step S109 of FIG. 4 (step S701). And then, the CPU 106 blinks the activation indicating frame 51 of the specified area(s) (step S702). As a result, the player can recognize that the area(s) with the activation indicating frame(s) 51 blinked is activated and that the number of continuous games Tn reaches (or exceeds) the threshold value. In the present embodiment, the payout rate is changed as described below when the number of continuous games Tn reaches the predetermined threshold value. Therefore, the player can recognize that the payout rate has been changed when the activation indicating frame 51 has been blinked.
Description of the operation of the slot machine 10 will be continued with reference to FIG. 4. The CPU 106 executes a payout rate change processing in respect to the activated area(s) (step S113) after the effect displaying processing in step S112. In the payout rate change processing, the payout amounts of the payout table of FIG. 14 are doubled and set as new payout amounts. For example, the payout amount of three BELLs on the activated payline is usually 10, but it is doubled to 20 after changing. Here, a bonus game is started as usual by three 7's on the activated payline.
The CPU 106 increments the number of continuous games Tn stored in the RAM 110 to “Tn+1” (step S114) after the payout rate change processing in step S113. Note that, the processing flow proceeds to step S114 without executing the effect displaying processing and the payout rate change processing if the number of continuous games Tn does not reach 50 in step S111.
Subsequently, the CPU 106 returns the processing back to step S106 and executes the slot game on the area(s) which was activated in step S109. Thus, the slot games are executed continuously without determining whether or not the start switch 27 is pressed if the processing flow returns from step S114 to step S106.
On the other hand, the CPU 106 executes a reset processing (step S115) if it is determined in step S107 that the internally stored credit amount is equal to or smaller than “100”. Here, blinking of the active area indicating frame(s) 51, change of the payout rate, and the number of continuous games Tn are all reset. Specifically, the active area indicating frame(s) 51 is turned off. The payout rate is reset to normal shown in FIG. 14. The number of continuous games Tn is reset to the initial value “0”. The present processing is terminated (returned to step S101) after the reset processing.
Next, a game termination processing will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 11. While the slot game execution processing of FIG. 4 is being executed, the CPU 106 continuously monitors whether or not the stop switch 31 is pressed (step S801). In other words, the CPU 106 continuously monitors whether or not a game terminating operation is detected. If it is determined that the game terminating operation is detected (step S801: YES), the CPU 106 determines whether or not the slot game has already completed (step S802). In other words, the CPU 106 determines whether or not the slot game is being executed. If the slot game has not completed, processing of step S802 is repeated until the slot game has been completed. If it is determined that the slot game has already completed, the CPU 106 executes a reset processing same as that in step S115 in FIG. 4 and a payout processing (step S803). The present processing is ended after step S803.
According to the above-mentioned slot game execution processing, the player can play plural slot games simultaneously by placing a bet with a predetermined bet amount. And then, if the internally stored credit amount exceeds “100”, a bet with a bet amount corresponding to surplus of the credit is placed automatically. In addition, the slot games are executed continuously until the internally stored credit amount becomes equal to or smaller than “100”. Furthermore, if the number of continuous games Tn becomes reaches “50”, the activation indicating frame 51 blinks as a visual effect and the payout rate change processing is executed. The payout rate change processing provides the player with a payout twice as much as a normal payout. The continuous execution of the slot games is terminated when the internally stored credit amount becomes equal to or smaller than “100”. A bet must be placed by inserting a medal(s) or pressing the bet switch 25 for each single game after the continuous execution of the games has been terminated. However, if the internally stored credit amount exceeds “100” again, the slot games are executed continuously. If the player wants to forcibly terminate the continuous execution of the slot games, the player can terminate the continuous execution by pressing the stop switch 31.
According to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present embodiment as described above, since plural slot game areas are provided, plural slot games can be simultaneously played with a single bet operation. In addition, since the slot games are continuously executed within a limit of the credit amount owned by the player, the player can enjoy multiple game plays continuously without placing a bet on each game play. As a result, since the player is not interrupted by a cumbersome operation such as inserting medal(s), the player can concentrate on the game without losing motivation for the game. Furthermore, since the games are executed continuously, the player can expect a larger payout amount. Therefore, an entertaining feature can be further enhanced.
In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present embodiment, a bet is placed automatically within a limit of the credit amount owned by the player if the credit amount owned by the player exceeds a predetermined amount. No bet will be placed automatically if the credit amount owned by the player is equal to or less than the predetermined amount. Therefore, the player can play the games continuously without worrying that all the credits may be lost.
In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present embodiment, the payout rate is changed if the number of continuous games has reached a predetermined number. Thus, the player may be provided with a more advantageous payout by executing the game. Therefore, the player can have stronger motivation for playing the games continuously.
In addition, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present embodiment, if the number of continuous games has reached a predetermined number, the player is notified by a visual effect. Thus, the player can easily recognize that the number of continuous games has reached the predetermined number and then the payout rate has been raised. Therefore, the player can be motivated for playing the games continuously.
Furthermore, according to the slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present embodiment, continuous execution of the games is terminated by the player's game terminating operation via the input device. Thus, the player can prevent disadvantages due to placing continuous bets when the player does not want to play the games continuously.
The slot machine or playing method of the slot machine of the present invention has thus been described as above based on the illustrated embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Arrangements of respective components of the present invention can be replaced by any components having similar functionalities.
For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the slot game is executed only on the activated area(s) in a single game play. However, the slot game may be executed in all of the slot game areas including non-activated area (s). In this case, in respect to the non-activated slot game area(s), no payout is awarded even if a winning combination is achieved and a trigger combination does not cause a trigger of the bonus game.
Additionally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, ten slot game areas A1 to A10 are provided on the LCD 16 to display symbols. However, each of the slot game areas A1 to A10 may be composed of mechanical spinning reels. In this case, three spinning reels are provided for each of the slot game areas A1 to A10.
Also in the above-mentioned embodiment, the condition for continuously executing the slot games is that the credit amount owned by the player has exceeded a predetermined amount. However, a predetermined bet amount may be set regardless of the credit amount owned by the player. In this case, continuous execution of the games is canceled when the credit amount owned by the player become equal to or less than the predetermined bet amount.
Additionally, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the player is notified that the number of continuous games is equal to or larger than a predetermined number with the activation indicating frame 51 blinked. However, special characters or messages to notify the player may be displayed on the LCD 16.

Claims

1. A slot machine comprising:

a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged;

a display including plural slot game areas on each of which the slot game is executed; and

a controller operable to:

(a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, and

(b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.

2. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is operable to place the new bet only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount,

wherein the new bet is placed with the bet amount which is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.

3. The slot machine according to claim 2, wherein

the controller is operable to stop automatically placing the new bet in (a) when the current credit amount becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined amount.

4. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is operable to vary a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

5. The slot machine according to claim 4, wherein

the controller is operable to raise the payout rate.

6. The slot machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is further operable to notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.

7. The slot machine according to claim 6, further comprising

an input device for accepting a terminating operation of game play by the player,

wherein the controller is further operable to stop placing the new bet in (a) when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.

8. A slot machine comprising:

a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged;

a controller operable to:

(a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,

(b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and

(c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.

9. The slot machine according to claim 8, wherein

10. The slot machine according to claim 8, wherein

11. A slot machine comprising:

a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged;

a display including plural slot game areas on each of which the slot game is executed;

an input device for accepting a terminating operation of game play by a player, and

a controller operable to:

(a) place a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among the plural slot game areas with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by the player,

(b) execute a slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas,

(c) notify the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times, and

(d) stop placing the new bet in (a) when the input device has accepted the terminating operation.

12. The slot machine according to claim 11, wherein

13. The slot machine according to claim 11, wherein

14. A playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged, the method comprising:

(a) placing a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among plural slot game areas provided on a display with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player, and

(b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas.

15. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 14, wherein

the new bet is placed in (a) only when the current credit amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and

the bet amount of the new bet is not exceeds a difference between the current credit amount and the predetermined amount.

16. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 14, further comprising:

(c) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

17. A playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged, the method comprising:

(a) placing a new bet automatically on a next slot game on each of predefined slot game areas among plural slot game areas provided on a display with a bet amount which is not exceeds a current credit amount owned by a player,

(b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas, and

(c) notifying the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times.

18. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 17, wherein

19. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 17, further comprising:

(d) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.

20. A playing method of a slot machine for playing a slot game in which symbols which have been arranged are rearranged, the method comprising:

(b) executing the new slot game on each of the predefined slot game areas,

(c) notifying the player in case that the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), exceeds a predetermined number of times,

(d) accepting a terminating operation by the player for terminating game play, and

(e) stopping placing the new bet in (a) when the terminating operation has been accepted.

21. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 17, wherein

22. The playing method of a slot machine according to claim 17, further comprising:

(f) varying a payout rate after the number of times of slot games, which have been executed continuously by (b), reaches a predetermined number of times.