US20100062820A1

US20100062820A1 - Gaming Machine Accepting Side Bet And Gaming Method

Info

Publication number: US20100062820A1
Application number: US12/402,952
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2008-03-24
Filing date: 2009-03-12
Publication date: 2010-03-11

Abstract

A gaming machine of the present invention offers a special payout or executes a bonus game, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using a player's card and a dealer's card, when a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/038,993 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming machine accepting a side BET and a gaming method.
2. Discussion of the Background
Conventionally, there have been gaming machines capable of accepting a side BET different from a normal BET. For example, in Blackjack, when an up card out of dealer's two cards is an “A” card, a player can place a side BET in addition to a normal BET. In the case of placing the side BET, the player adds the bet by half of an initial bet. When the dealer's hand is “Natural 21”, a payout in an amount twice as large as the amount of the side BET is paid buck. Further, for example, in Caribbean Stud Poker, a side BET is cumulatively accumulated as a progressive jackpot. When a player places a side BET in addition to an ante (normal BET), he or she can acquire part or the whole of the progressive jackpot, in accordance with the established hand. A game capable of accepting a side BET of this kind is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786.
Further, as disclosed in US 2006/0287043-A1 and US 2006/0009283-A1, there exist gaming systems where a plurality of gaming machines (player terminals) are linked so that a plurality of players can play a common game.
However, the conventional gaming machine that accepts a side BET has not been capable of realizing both additions of high gaming properties to a game which becomes executable by placing a side BET (hereinafter also referred to as side game) and an increase of a possibility of conducting a payout in a large amount such as a progressive jackpot in the side game. For example, there has been a problem that it is not possible to have a player place a side BET willingly in the case that, even when a side BET is placed, an amount of payout to be conducted in the side game is small (e.g. a few times as much as an amount of a side BET) or the side game itself lacks interesting factors.
The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problem, and has an object to provide a gaming machine capable of making a player place a side BET willingly, and a gaming method.
The contents of U.S. Pat. No. 6,789,801, U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,525, U.S. Pat. No. 6,874,786, US 2006/0287043-A1, and US 2006/0009283-A1 are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.
Namely, the above-mentioned gaming machine comprises a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; and a controller. The controller is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the input device, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the input device, (c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card to the display, (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player's card and the dealer's card, (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (f) determining whether or not a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, when the side BET has been placed, and (g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game, when determining in the processing (f) that the specific card pair is established.
According to the above gaming machine, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using a player's card and a dealer's card, when a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, a special payout is offered or a bonus game is executed.
Since a side game (game for establishing the specific card pair) is played using the player's card and the dealer's card which were dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of establishing the specific card pair is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced.
Moreover, when the special payout is to be offered in the case of establishment of the specific card pair in the side game, there is a possibility that the player acquires a payout in a large amount. On the other hand, when an advantageous bonus game is to be executed in the case of establishment of the specific card pair in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player by providing a gaming state advantageous for the player, in addition to adding another gaming property.
Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET.
Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration.
Namely, the controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of (h) determining the specific card pair, and the processing (f) is processing of determining whether or not the specific card pair determined in the processing (h) is established by the player's card and the dealer's card when the side BET has been placed.
According to the above gaming machine, since the specific card pair is not a fixed card pair previously determined, but a card pair determined in each game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout or the bonus game, in addition to enhancing the gaming properties of the side game.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine having the following configuration.
Namely, the gaming machine comprises a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards; an input device; a memory for storing effect pattern data to be used in an effect; and a controller. The controller is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the input device, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the input device, (c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card to the display, (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player's card and the dealer's card, (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (f) changing a display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card on the display based on the effect pattern data stored in the memory, when the side BET has been placed, and (g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game, when the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in a specific mode as a result of executing the processing (f).
According to the above gaming machine, in a case where the side BET has been placed in the card game using the player's card and the dealer's card, when a display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card changes and the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in a specific mode (e.g. a state where the colors of the cards have turned gold), the special payout is offered or the bonus game is executed.
Since a side game (game in which the display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card is changed) is played using the player's card and the dealer's card which were dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of changing the display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced.
Moreover, when the special payout is to be offered in the case that the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in the specific mode in the side game, there is a possibility that the player acquires a payout in a large amount. On the other hand, when an advantageous bonus game is to be executed in the case that the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in the specific mode in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player by providing a gaming state advantageous for the player, in addition to adding another gaming property.
Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET.
Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned gaming machine has the following configuration.
Namely, the processing (g) is processing of offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game, when a specific image is displayed on the player's card and the dealer's card or when a color of the player's card and the dealer's card turn a specific color, as a result of executing the processing (f).
According to the above gaming machine, since the special payout or the bonus game is offered when specific images (e.g. images indicating offering of the special payout) are displayed on the player's card and the dealer's card or when the colors of the player's card and the dealer's card turn a specific color (e.g. gold), the player can easily recognize visually that the special payout or the bonus game will be offered.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a playing method of a card game, the playing method having the following configuration.
Namely, the playing method of a card game comprises steps of: (a) placing a normal BET; (b) placing a side BET different from the normal BET; (c) dealing a card to a player as a player's card, while dealing a card to a dealer as a dealer's card; (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player's card and the dealer's card; (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game; (f) determining whether or not a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, when the side BET has been placed; and (g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game, when determining in the step (f) that the specific card pair is established.
According to the above playing method of the card game, in a case where a side BET has been placed in a card game using a player's card and a dealer's card, when a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, a special payout is offered or a bonus game is executed.
Since a side game (game for establishing the specific card pair) is played using the player's card and the dealer's card which were dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of establishing the specific card pair is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced.
Moreover, when the special payout is to be offered in the case of establishment of the specific card pair in the side game, there is a possibility that the player acquires a payout in a large amount. On the other hand, when an advantageous bonus game is to be executed in the case of establishment of the specific card pair in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player by providing a gaming state advantageous for the player, in addition to adding another gaming property.
Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET.
Further, it is desirable that the above-mentioned playing method of a card game has the following configuration.
Namely, the playing method further includes a step of (h) determining the specific card pair, and the step (f) is a step of determining whether or not the specific card pair determined in the step (h) is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, when the side BET has been placed.
According to the above playing method of the card game, since the specific card pair is not a fixed card pair previously determined, but a card pair determined in each game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player for the special payout or the bonus game, in addition to enhancing the gaming properties of the side game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in a main control portion provided in a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a flowchart showing the card game processing executed in the main control portion provided in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of a station in the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a front display provided in the gaming machine in the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing performed in a main control portion and the station.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of activation processing.

FIG. 12A is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a card game processing executed in the station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a card game processing executed in the station according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a front display provided in the gaming machine in a second embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station in the second embodiment.

FIG. 18A is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 18B is a flowchart showing card game processing executed in the main control portion in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19A is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a card game processing executed in the station according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 19B is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a card game processing executed in the station according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present invention is described based on the drawings.
In the following embodiment, the case of playing Pai Gow Poker is described. First, the rule of Pai Gow Poker is described.
In Pai Gow Poker, a deck (53 cards) of playing cards including one Joker is used, and a single or a plurality of players play against a dealer.
First, seven cards each are dealt to the dealer and the player. The dealer and the player divide their seven cards into a set of five cards and a set of two cards. At this time, the five-card hand (high hand) must rank as high as or higher than the two-card hand (low hand). Next, the dealer's five-card hand and the player's five-card hand are compared to determine which ranks higher. In the same manner, the dealer's two-card hand and the player's two-card hand are compared to determine which ranks higher. When both the dealer's five-card hand and two-card hand rank higher, the dealer wins. When both the player's five-card hand and two-card hand rank higher, the player wins. When, out of the five-card hand and the two-card hand, one of the player's hands ranks higher than the dealer's corresponding hand and the other of the dealer's hands ranks higher than the player's corresponding hand, the game ends in a tie. Further, when both the player's five-card hand and two-card hand rank as high as the dealer's respective corresponding hands, the dealer wins. It is to be noted that, as the five-card hand, there are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush, Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, and No Pair, in order of strength. As the two-card hand, there are One Pair and No Pair in order of strength.
In the following embodiment, Pai Gow Poker accepting a normal BET and a side BET is executed. Here, the normal BET is a BET placed on winning or losing in Pai Gow Poker, and the side BET is a BET placed for receiving an offer of a special payout when the player's card and the dealer's card satisfy a specific condition (BET on a side game).

First Embodiment

In a first embodiment, the side game is played after Pai Gow Poker is played as a normal game and the special payout is offered to the player when a specific card pair (hereinafter also referred to as a payout card pair) is established by a dealer's card and a player's card of a player who has placed the side BET. The payout card pair is determined in each game.
First, processing executed by a main control portion 40 (see FIG. 8) provided in a gaming machine 1 (see FIG. 2) according to the first embodiment is described.
FIGS. 1A and 1B are flowcharts each showing card game processing executed in the main control portion provided in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
First, in step S101 in FIG. 1A, a CPU 41 (see FIG. 8) provided in the main control portion 40 receives BET information from a station 3 (see FIG. 2). The BET information is information on a BET and includes information showing whether or not the normal BET and the side BET have been placed, and information showing amounts of a normal BET and a side BET.
Next, in step S102, the CPU 41 determines seven cards each to be dealt to the player and the dealer, out of a deck of playing cards, by means of random numbers. The seven cards determined to be dealt to the player in step S102 correspond to the player's cards of the present invention, and the seven cards determined to be dealt to the dealer in step S102 correspond to the dealer's cards of the present invention.
Further, card images showing the seven dealer's cards are displayed face down to a front display 21 (see FIG. 2) provided in the gaming machine 1.
Next, in step S103, the CPU 41 transmits to-be-dealt cards information to the station 3. The to-be-dealt cards information includes information showing types (ranks and suits: Hearts, Clubs, Spades, Diamonds) of the cards determined to be dealt to the player and the dealer. In the station 3, the card images showing the seven player's cards are displayed to a liquid crystal display 10 (see FIG. 3) based on the received to-be-dealt cards information, and an input for dividing the cards into a five-card hand (high hand) and a two-card hand (low hand) is accepted.
Next, in step S104, the CPU 41 receives selection information from the station 3. The selection information is information showing which card has been selected to be in the high hand and which card has been selected to be in the low hand.
Next, in step S105, the CPU 41 executes processing of dividing the cards dealt to the dealer into the high hand and the low hand.
Next, in step S106, the CPU 41 displays card images showing the high hand and the low hand, which have been determined in step S105, face up to the front display 21.
Next, in step S107, the CPU 41 executes processing of determining winning or losing based on the selection information received in step S104 and on the high hand and the low hand determined in step S105. Specifically, the CPU 41 compares the ranks of the player's high hand and the dealer's high hand so as to determine which is higher, and compares the ranks of the player's low hand and the dealer's low hand so as to determine which is higher; based on these determination results, winning or losing is determined. More specifically, the player wins when the player's high hand ranks higher than the dealer's high hand and the player's low hand ranks higher than the dealer's low hand. The dealer wins when the dealer's high hand ranks higher than the player's high hand and the dealer's low hand ranks higher than the player's low hand. The game is tied when one of the player's hands ranks higher than the dealer's corresponding hand and the other of the dealer's hands ranks higher than the player's corresponding hand.
Next, in step S108, the CPU 41 transmits information showing winning or losing determined in step S107 (hereinafter also referred to as “winning/losing information”) to the station 3. In the station 3, when the winning/losing information is received, any one of images “Yon won”, “You lost” and “Tie” is displayed to the liquid crystal display 10, based on the winning/losing information.
Next, in step S109, the CPU 41 transmits normal BET payout information to the station 3. The normal BET payout information is information showing an amount of credits (currency value) to be paid out with respect to the normal BET. Specifically, the CPU 41 transmits information showing credits in amount twice as large as the amount of the normal BET when the player wins, and transmits information showing credits in the same amount as the amount of the normal BET when the game is tied. Further, when the dealer wins, the CPU 41 transmits information showing that the amount of credits to be offered is 0.
The game played during the execution of the processing of steps S101 to S109 corresponds to the normal game in the present invention.
Next, in step S110 in FIG. 1B, the CPU 41 searches the station 3 where the side BET has been placed based on the BET information received in step S101, and executes processing of determining the payout card pair in each station 3 where the side BET has been placed.
Specifically, the CPU 41 determines one payout card of the dealer and one payout card of the player out of a deck of playing cards, in each station 3 where the side BET has been placed.
It is to be noted that a case is described in the present embodiment where the payout card pair is determined so as to be different among each station 3 where the side BET has been placed. However in the present invention, the specific card pair may be common among a plurality of stations where the side BET has been placed.
Next, in step S111, the CPU 41 transmits payout card pair information as information on the payout card pair determined in step S110 to the station 3 where the side BET has been placed.
Next, in step S112, the CPU 41 receives result information from the station 3 to which the payout card pair information has been transmitted in step S111. The result information is information showing a result of determination as to whether or not the payout card pair is established by the dealer's card and the player's card in the station 3 where the side BET has been placed and showing the number of coins paid out in the case of establishment of the payout card pair.
Next, in step S113, the CPU 41 executes processing of subtracting credits corresponding to the number of coins paid out in each station from credits stored in a RAM 42 (see FIG. 8), based on the result information received in step S112. After execution of the processing of step S113, the present subroutine is completed.
Next, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is described.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 1 basically includes a main monitor 2 and five stations 3 (stations 3 a to 3 e). It is to be noted that, although the case of the gaming machine 1 including a plurality of (five) stations 3 in the present embodiment, the gaming machine may include only one station in the present invention.
The front display 21 is provided at the central portion of the main monitor 2 to which images showing a dealer and cards are displayed. The front display 21 corresponds to the display of the present invention. Above the main monitor 2, there are provided: speakers 22 that output music or an effect sound in accordance with progress of a game being executed on the gaming machine 1; and LEDs 23 lighted at times of a variety of effects.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance configuration of the station in the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 3, the later-described liquid crystal display 10 that displays images regarding operations (see FIGS. 5 to 7) and the like is provided at the center of the upper surface of the station 3. The liquid crystal display 10 corresponds to the display of the present invention. Further, a touch panel 11 for inputting operations for placing a BET and the like are provided on the upper surface of the liquid crystal display 10. The touch panel 11 corresponds to the input device of the present invention.
In front of the liquid crystal display 10 are provided operation buttons 12 for performing a payout operation and a coin insertion slot 13 into which coins or medals are inserted.
On the upper right end of the front surface of the station 3, there is provided a bill insertion slot 14 into which a bill is inserted. Below the bill insertion slot 14 is provided a coin payout exit 15, from which coins or medals corresponding to the accumulated credits are paid out to the player when the payout operation is performed.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the front display in the gaming machine.
As shown in FIG. 4, a dealer image 30 that shows a dealer, a table image 31 that shows a table, and card images 32 that show seven dealer's cards are displayed to the front display 21. The card images 32 are displayed face down when the cards are dealt to the dealer. When a high hand and a low hand are determined, the card images 32 are displayed face up. When facing to FIG. 4, the five cards on the left side show the high hand and the two cards on the right side show the low hand.
FIGS. 5 to 7 are views each showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display in the station.
FIG. 5 shows an example of images displayed when the player selects a high hand and a low hand after the player's cards have been displayed to the liquid crystal display 10.
As shown in FIG. 5, a high hand display portion 80 that displays the high hand of the player and a low hand display portion 81 that displays the low hand are provided on the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10. In the high hand display portion 80 and the low hand display portion 81, card images 82 respectively showing the high-hand cards and the low-hand cards are displayed face up. A dealt card display portion 83 is provided below the high hand display portion 80. In seven portions surrounded by dotted lines in the dealt card display portion 83, card images showing seven player's cards dealt to the player are displayed face up. A high hand determination button 84 and a low hand determination button 85 for determining cards constituting the high hand and the low hand are provided to the right of the dealt card display portion 83. The player selects cards with which he or she wishes to create the high hand out of the cards displayed in the dealt card display portion 83, via the touch panel 11, and operates the high hand determination button 84 via the touch panel 11, so as to determine the high hand. The cards determined as the high hand are displayed in the high hand display portion 80. Similarly, the player selects cards with which he or she wishes to create the low hand out of the cards displayed in the dealt card display portion 83, via the touch panel 11, and operates the low hand determination button 85 via the touch panel 11, so as to determine the low hand.
A BET button display portion 86 is provided under the dealt card display portion 83. BET buttons 87 for inputting the number of BETs is displayed in the BET button display portion 86. The player operates the BET buttons 87 via the touch panel 11, so as to input the number of normal BETs and the number of side BETs.
To the right of the BET button display portion 86, a number-of-normal-BETs display portion 88 that displays the number of normal-bet coins is provided. FIG. 5 shows that 28 coins have been bet. It is to be noted that in the case of inputting a BET of 28 coins, the player may operate the BET button 87 “10” twice, the BET button 87 “5” once, and the BET button 87 “1” three times.
To the right of the number-of-normal-BETs display portion 88, a number-of-side-BETs display portion 89 that displays the number of side-bet coins is provided. FIG. 5 shows that 10 coins have been bet.
To the right of the number-of-side-BETs display portion 89, a number-of-credits display portion 90 is provided. FIG. 5 shows that 500 coins have been credited.
FIG. 6 shows an example of images displayed in the station 3 where the side BET has been placed when the payout card pair is determined.
When the normal game is completed, on the liquid crystal display 10 of the station 3 where the side BET has been placed, the player's cards used in the normal game are again displayed face up in the dealt card display portion 83.
Above the dealt card display portion 83, a dealer's card display portion 91 for displaying the dealer's cards is provided, where the seven dealer's cards used in the normal game are displayed face up.
Further, below the dealt card display portion 83, a payout reel image 92 showing payout reels for determining the payout card pair is displayed. In the payout reel image 92, after scroll-display of a dealer's payout card 93 and a player's payout card 94, the determined payout card pair is displayed based on the payout card pair information received from the main control portion 40. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the dealer's payout card and the player's payout card which constitute the payout card pair are, respectively, “3 of Heart” and “2 of Spade”.
FIG. 7 shows an example of images displayed in the case of establishment of the payout card pair by the player's card and the dealer's card.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the dealt card display portion 83 and the dealer's card display portion 91, images 96 notifying establishment of the payout card pair (“2 of Spade” and “3 of Heart”) are displayed in such a manner as to respectively surround the player's payout card (“2 of Spade”) and the dealer's payout card “3 of Heart”).
Further, below the dealt card display portion 83, an image 97 is displayed which notifies the payout card pair has been established and 50 coins will be paid out.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 8, the main control portion 40 in the gaming machine 1 has a microcomputer 45 as the core, which basically includes a CPU 41, a RAM 42, a ROM 43, a timer 95, and a bus 44 that is for mutually transmitting data thereamong. The main control portion 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.
The ROM 43 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the gaming machine 1, a data table, and the like. The RAM 42 is a memory that temporarily stores a variety of data calculated in the CPU 41. Moreover, the timer 95 performs time measurement.
Furthermore, the CPU 41 is connected, through an I/O interface 46, to an image processing circuit 47, a sound circuit 48, an LED driving circuit 49, and a communication interface 50.
The image processing circuit 47 is connected with the front display 21 forming the main monitor 2; the sound circuit 48 is connected with the speakers 22 forming the main monitor 2; and the LED driving circuit 49 is connected with the LEDs 23 forming the main monitor 2. The communication interface 50 is connected with five stations 3.
The CPU 41 proceeds with games (Pai Gow Poker and the side game) that progress on the gaming machine 1, based on game programs (including game programs for Pai Gow Poker and the side game) stored in the ROM 43 and on a variety of signals received from the stations 3. Further, based on the game programs, the CPU 41 displays an image to the front display 21, outputs a sound from the speakers 22, and lights the LEDs 23. Moreover, the CPU 41 transmits a variety of signals to the respective stations 3 based on the game programs.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the station in the gaming machine shown in FIG. 2.
As shown in FIG. 9, the station 3 has a microcomputer 55 as the core, which basically includes a CPU 51, a RAM 52, a ROM 53, and a bus 54 that is for mutually transmitting data thereamong.
The ROM 53 stores a variety of programs for performing processing necessary in controlling the station 3, a data table, and the like. Further, the RAM 52 temporarily stores the number of credits currently accumulated in the station 3 and a variety of data calculated in the CPU 51.
Moreover, the CPU 51 is connected, through an I/O interface 56, to a liquid crystal panel driving circuit 57, a touch panel driving circuit 58, a hopper driving circuit 59, a payout completion signal circuit 60, an inserted coin detecting signal circuit 67, a bill detecting signal circuit 64, an operation signal circuit 66, and a communication interface 61.
The liquid crystal panel driving circuit 57 is connected with the liquid crystal display 10, the touch panel driving circuit 58 is connected with the touch panel 11, the hopper driving circuit 59 is connected with a hopper 62, the payout completion signal circuit 60 is connected with a coin detecting portion 63, the inserted coin detecting signal circuit 67 is connected with an inserted coin detecting portion 68, the bill detecting signal circuit 64 is connected with a bill detecting portion 65, and the operation signal circuit 66 is connected with the operation buttons 12.
The hopper 62 is provided inside the station 3, and pays out coins from the coin payout exit 15 based on a control signal outputted from the CPU 51.
The coin detecting portion 63 is provided inside the coin payout exit 15, and transmits a signal to the CPU 51 when detecting that coins in a predetermined number have been paid out from the coin payout exit 15.
When detecting insertion of coins from the coin insertion slot 13, the inserted coin detecting portion 68 detects the amount of the coins, and transmits a detecting signal showing the detected amount to the CPU 51. The detected coins are stored in the RAM 52, with a predetermined amount as one credit.
The bill detecting portion 65 detects an amount of a bill when receiving the bill, and transmits a signal showing the detected amount to the CPU 51. The detected bill is stored in the RAM 52, with a predetermined amount as one credit.
The operation buttons 12 are buttons for performing the payout operation when payout of coins is determined.
Next, processing performed in the main control portion 40 and the station 3 is described.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing main processing performed in the main control portion and the station.
The following main processing is performed in the main control portion 40.
The CPU 41 of the main control portion 40 executes activation processing (step S500). The activation processing performed in step S500 is described later using FIG. 11. After executing the activation processing, the CPU 41 executes card game processing (step S501). The card game processing executed in step S501 is the processing that has been described using FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B.
Meanwhile, the following main processing is performed in the station 3.
The CPU 51 of the station 3 executes activation processing (step S600). The activation processing performed in step S600 is described later using FIG. 11. After executing the activation processing, the CPU 51 executes card game processing (step S601). The card game processing executed in step S601 will be described later using FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure of the activation processing.
This activation processing is processing performed in the main control portion 40 and the station 3, as triggered by power-on (see step S500 and step S600 in FIG. 10).
At power-on, first, the CPU 41 of the main control portion 40 executes a BIOS stored in the ROM 43, and expands compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 42 (step S1-1). The CPU 41 then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM 42, and diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices.
Specifically, the CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes the main monitor 2 (step S1-2). In this processing, the CPU 41 transmits a request signal to the main monitor 2 and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal, and conducts clearance of a predetermined storage region, and the like.
Next, the CPU 41 diagnoses and initializes the other peripheral devices connected to the CPU 41 (step S1-3).
Next, the CPU 41 reads an authentication program stored in the ROM 43, and also performs processing of storing the read authentication program into the RAM 42 (step S1-4). At this time, the CPU 41 obtains a checksum by ADDSUM system (standard checking function) in accordance with the standard BIOS function of the BIOS, and stores the authentication program into the RAM 42 while performing processing of checking whether or not the storage is performed without an error.
Next, the CPU 41 reads the card game program from the ROM 43. In this case, the CPU 41 reads data constituting the card game program by four bytes at a time. Subsequently, the CPU 41 performs authentication for checking and verifying that the read authentication program is authentic (not broken) in accordance with the authentication program stored in the RAM 42 (step S1-5). When properly completing this authentication processing, the CPU 41 writes and stores the card game program having been an object to be authenticated (having been authenticated) into the RAM 42 (step S1-6).
Meanwhile, the CPU 51 of the station 3 first executes a BIOS stored in the ROM 53, and expands compressed data incorporated in the BIOS into the RAM 52 (step S2-1). The CPU 51 then executes the BIOS expanded into the RAM 52 and diagnoses and initializes a variety of peripheral devices.
Specifically, the CPU 51 diagnoses and initializes the liquid crystal display 10 (step S2-2). In this processing, the CPU 51 transmits a request signal to the liquid crystal panel driving circuit 57, and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal.
Next, the CPU 51 diagnoses and initializes the touch panel (step S2-3). In this processing, the CPU 51 transmits a request signal to the touch panel 11, and determines whether or not to have received a predetermined response signal.
Next, the CPU 51 diagnoses and initializes the other peripheral devices connected to the CPU 51 (step S2-4).
Next, the CPU 51 transmits an initial setting signal to the main control portion 40 (step S2-5). The initial setting signal is a signal showing completion of diagnosis and initialization of the variety of peripheral devices in the station 3.
After executing the processing of step S2-5, the CPU 51 completes the present subroutine.
The CPU 41 of the main control portion 40 receives the initial setting signal transmitted by the station 3 in step S2-5 (step S1-7). Subsequently, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to have received the initial setting signals from all the stations 3 (step S1-8).
When determining that the initial setting signal has not been received from some station 3, the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S1-7. On the other hand, when determining that the initial setting signals have been received from all the stations 3, the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.
Next, card game processing performed in the gaming machine 1 is described. Since the processing performed in the main control portion 40 have already been described using FIG. 1A and FIG. 18, only processing performed in the station 3 is described here.
FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are views each showing a subroutine of the card game processing executed in the station according to the first embodiment.
First, a CPU 51 in the station 3 transmits to a main control portion 40 a signal indicating that Pai Gow Poker is to be played, upon detection of contact from the touch panel 11 or receipt of a signal indicating detection of coin insertion from the inserted coin detecting portion 68. Thereby, in the main control portion 40, card game processing shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B proceeds.
In step S201 in FIG. 12A, the CPU 51 accepts input of a normal BET and a side BET. This enables the player to input a normal BET and a side BET via the touch panel 11 in the station 3.
Next, in step S202, the CPU 51 transmits to the main control portion 40 BET information as information on the inputted BET. Upon receipt of the BET information, the main control portion 40 determines cards to be dealt to the player and the dealer (see step S102 in FIG. 1A).
Next, in step S203, the CPU 51 receives to-be-dealt cards information showing cards to be dealt to the player and the dealer, from the main control portion 40.
Next, in step S204, based on the to-be-dealt cards information received in step S203, the CPU 51 displays a card image showing seven player's cards in the dealt card display portion 83 of the liquid crystal display 10.
Next, in step S205, the CPU 51 accepts input for selecting a high hand and a low hand. This enables the player to operate the high hand determination button 84 and the low hand determination button 85 via the touch panel 11 so as to determine a high hand and a low hand out of the dealt cards.
Next, in step S206, the CPU 51 transmits selection information based on selection of the high hand and the low hand, to the main control portion 40. Upon receipt of the selection information, the main control portion 40 determines a high hand and a low hand of the dealer's card, and executes processing of determining winning or losing (step S107 in FIG. 1A).
Next, in step S207, the CPU 51 receives winning/losing information from the main control portion 40. Subsequently, based on the received winning/losing information, the CPU 51 displays an image showing any one of “You won”, “You lost”, or “Tie” to the dealt card display portion 83 of the liquid crystal display 10 for a predetermined period (10 seconds in the present embodiment).
Next, in step S208, the CPU 51 receives normal BET payout information from the main control portion 40. Upon receipt of the normal BET payout information, the CPU 51 stores credit data based on the normal BET payout information into the RAM 52.
Next, in step S209, the CPU 51 pays out credits based on the normal BET payout information received in step S208. Processing of paying out credits based on the normal BET payout information from the main control portion 40 corresponds to the processing of offering the normal payout in the present invention.
Next, in step S210 in FIG. 12B, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the side BET has been inputted during BET acceptance in step S201. When determining that the side BET has not been inputted, the CPU 51 completes the present subroutine.
On the other hand, when determining that the side BET has been inputted, the CPU 51 displays in step S211 the dealer's card display portion 91 on the liquid crystal display 10, and displays seven dealer's cards in the dealer's card display portion 91 based on the dealt card information received in step S203.
Next, in step S212, the CPU 51 receives from the main control portion 40 payout card pair information as information on the payout card pair.
Next, in step S213, the CPU 51 displays the payout reel image 92 to the liquid crystal display 10 (see FIG. 6).
Next, in step S214, the CPU 51 controls scroll-display of the payout reels shown by the payout reel image 92 based on the payout card pair information received in step S212. Specifically, after scroll-display of the dealer's payout card 93 and the player's payout card 94, the determined payout card pair is displayed based on the payout card pair information received from the main control portion 40.
Next, in step S215, the CPU 51 performs result determination. Specifically, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the payout card pair is established by the dealer's card and the player's card based on the payout card pair information received in step S212.
Next, in step S216, the CPU 51 executes the effect of notifying the player of the result (see FIG. 7), and pays out coins in the case of establishment of the payout card pair.
Next, in step S217, the CPU 51 transmits result information to the main control portion 40.
After execution of the processing of step S217, the present subroutine is completed.
The gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment comprises the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10 (display) capable of displaying a plurality of cards; the touch panel 11 (input device); and the main control portion 40 (controller). The main control portion 40 is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the touch panel 11, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the touch panel 11, (c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card respectively to the liquid crystal display 10 and the front display 21, (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player's card and the dealer's card, (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (f) determining whether or not a specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card, when the side BET has been placed, and (g) offering a special payout when determining in the processing (f) that the specific card pair is established.
According to the gaming machine 1, since a side game (game for establishing the specific card pair) is played using the player's card and the dealer's card which were dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of establishing the specific card pair is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced.
Moreover, since the special payout is offered in the case of establishment of the specific card pair in the side game, there is a possibility that the player acquires a payout in a large amount.
Accordingly, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET.
In the present embodiment, the special payout (a predetermined number of coins) is offered when the side BET has been placed and the specific card pair is established by the player's card and the dealer's card. However, in the present invention, a bonus game may be generated instead of the special payout being offered.
The bonus game is not particularly limited so long as it is a game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game (e.g. a game that can be played without insertion of additional game media, or a game in which a payout in a large amount is offered with a high probability).
Further, in the present embodiment, the case of determining the specific card pair in each game has been described. However, in the present invention, the specific card pair may be previously set.

Second Embodiment

Next, a gaming machine according to a second embodiment is described. It is to be noted that constituents corresponding to those of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment are described as provided with the same symbols.
In the second embodiment, when the side BET is placed in any of the stations 3, a display mode of the dealer's card and the player's card changes. Specifically, the colors of the cards change. When any of the dealer's cards and any of the player's cards change to gold, the bonus game is executed in the station 3.
The gaming machine according to the second embodiment has an appearance, circuit configuration, and the like, which are similar to those of the gaming machine 1 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, the descriptions thereof are omitted here. In the following, images displayed to the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10, and card game processing executed in the main control portion 40 and in the station 3 are described.
FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the front display when the side BET has been placed in any station.
As shown in FIG. 13, the dealer image 30 that shows a dealer, the table image 31 that shows a table, the card images 32 and a card image 100 that show the dealer's cards, are displayed to the front display 21. The card image 100 shows a dealer's card the color of which has changed to gold.
The main control portion 40 determines in each game which dealer's card to be changed in color when the side BET is placed in any station 3. Further, there are various change modes of the color of the card, and for example, such an effect is performed that the color once starts to change and then turns back.
FIGS. 14 to 17 are views each showing an example of images displayed to the liquid crystal display provided in the station where the side BET has been placed in the second embodiment.
When the side BET is placed, any of the player's cards starts to change in color. As shown in FIG. 14, the color of the upper half of the player's card shown in a card image 101 has changed to gold.
Then, although there is a case where the gold color disappears and the color turns back, there is also a case where the color of the entire card changes to gold as shown in FIG. 15. The main control portion 40 determines in each game such a change mode of the color of the player's card.
When any of the dealer's cards and any of the player's cards completely change to gold, the effect for notifying that the bonus game will be played is performed as shown in FIG. 16. While an image 102 indicating a change in color of the card to gold is displayed in such a manner as to surround the card image 101 showing the player's card having changed to gold, an image 103 notifying that the bonus game will be executed is displayed below the dealt card display portion 83.
In the bonus game, images as shown in FIG. 17 are displayed.
Namely, to the upper side of the liquid crystal display 10, an image 104 showing that the bonus game is in execution is displayed, and therebelow, an image 105 showing payout reels for determining a payout in the bonus game is displayed. In the bonus game, after scroll of the payout reels for a predetermined period, an image showing the payout in the bonus game (100 coins in FIG. 17) is displayed.
FIGS. 18A and 18B are flowcharts showing card game processing executed in the main control portion provided in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment.
Since processing of steps S301 to S309 in FIG. 18A are similar to the processing of steps S101 to S109 in FIG. 1A in the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted here.
In step S310 in FIG. 18, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the station 3 where the side BET has been placed is present based on BET information received from the stations 3. When determining that the station 3 where the side BET has been placed is not present, the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.
On the other hand, when determining that the station 3 where the side BET has been placed is present, the CPU 41 determines in step S311 the display mode of the dealer's cards being displayed to the front display 21 and of the player's cards being displayed to the liquid crystal display 10 in the station 3. Specifically, the CPU 41 determines whether or not to change the color of the dealer's card and/or the player's card, and in the case of changing the color, the CPU 41 determines which card to be changed in color and in what mode the color of the card is changed.
Next, in step S312, the CPU 41 transmits, to the station 3 where the side BET has been placed, information on the display mode determined in step S311 and display mode information showing effect pattern data for realizing the display mode. A plurality of types of the effect pattern data are stored in the RAM 42.
In the station 3 having received the display mode information, processing of changing the display mode of the player's cards is executed based on the display mode information.
Next, in step S313, the CPU 41 changes the display mode of the dealer's cards displayed to the front display 21 based on the determination result in step S311 (see FIG. 13).
Next, in step S314, the CPU 41 receives result information from the station 3 where the side BET has been placed. The result information is information showing the number of coins paid out in the bonus game.
Next, in step S315, the CPU 41 executes processing of subtracting credits corresponding to the number of coins paid out in the bonus game from the credits stored in the RAM 42 based on the result information received in step S314.
After execution of the processing of step S315, the present subroutine is completed.
FIGS. 19A and 19B are flowcharts each showing a subroutine of the card game processing executed in the station according to the second embodiment.
Since processing of steps S401 to S409 in FIG. 19A are similar to the processing of steps S201 to S209 in FIG. 12A in the first embodiment, the descriptions thereof are omitted here.
In step S410 in FIG. 19B, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the side BET has been inputted during BET acceptance. When determining that the side BET has not been inputted, the CPU 51 completes the present subroutine.
On the other hand, when determining that the side BET has been inputted, the CPU 51 receives in step S411 display mode information from the main control section 40.
Next, in step S412, the CPU 51 changes the display mode of the player's card on the liquid crystal display 10 based on the display mode information received in step S411 (see FIGS. 14 and 15).
Next, in step S413, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the bonus game has been generated. Namely, the CPU 51 determines whether or not the display mode information received in step S411 shows the change in color of any of the dealer's cards and any of the player's cards to gold.
Next, the CPU 51 displays the payout reels for the bonus game to the liquid crystal display 10 (step S414), determines a result (the number of coins to be paid out) in the bonus game by means of a random number (step S415), and controls the scroll of the payout reels such that an image showing the determined number of coins is displayed (step S416).
Next, in step S417, the CPU 51 performs the effect of notifying the result of the bonus game, and pays out the determined number of coins.
Next, in step S418, the CPU 51 transmits result information showing the result of the bonus game to the main control portion 40.
After executing the processing of step S418, the CPU 51 completes the present subroutine.
As above described, the gaming machine 1 according to the second embodiment comprises the front display 21 and the liquid crystal display 10 (display) capable of displaying a plurality of cards; the touch panel (input device); the RAM 42 (memory) for storing effect pattern data to be used in an effect; and the main control portion 40 (controller). The main control portion is programmed so as to execute the processing of (a) accepting a normal BET from the touch panel 11, (b) accepting a side BET different from the normal BET, from the touch panel 11, (c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card respectively to the liquid crystal display 10 and the front display 21, (d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on the player's card and the dealer's card, (e) offering a normal payout based on the normal BET when determining that a player has won in the normal game, (f) changing a display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card on the display based on the effect pattern data stored in the RAM 42, when the side BET has been placed, and (g) executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with the normal game, when the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in a specific mode as a result of executing the processing (f).
According to the gaming machine 1, since a side game (game in which the display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card is changed) is played using the player's card and the dealer's card which were dealt in a normal game, a player interested in the normal game tends not to have a sense of resistance toward placing the side BET. Further, since a new gaming property of changing the display mode of the player's card and the dealer's card is added, an interesting aspect of the game itself can be further enhanced.
Moreover, since the special payout is offered in the case that the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in the specific mode in the side game, there is a possibility that the player acquires a payout in a large amount. On the other hand, when an advantageous bonus game is to be executed in the case that the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in the specific mode in the side game, it is possible to increase a sense of anticipation of the player by providing a gaming state advantageous for the player, in addition to adding another gaming property.
Consequently, it is possible to make the player have a high motivation to place the side BET.
In the present embodiment, the bonus game is played when the player's card and the dealer's card are displayed in the specific mode. However, in the present invention, game media such as coins and the like may be paid out instead of the play of the bonus game.
Further, in the present embodiment, the case has been described where the specific mode in the present invention is the state where the color of the card changes to the specific color (gold). However, the specific mode of the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, it may be a state where an image notifying that the special payout will be offered is displayed on the card.
In the first and second embodiments, the case of playing Pai Gow Poker as the normal game has been described. However, in the present invention, the game is not particularly limited so long as it is a game determining winning or losing by using player's cards and dealer's cards, e.g. by comparing a hand of player's cards with a hand of dealer's cards.
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the case of using playing cards has been described. However, the cards (player's cards and dealer's cards) in the present invention are not limited to playing cards, and for example, tarot cards may be used.
Moreover, in the first and second embodiments, the case has been described where the player plays Pai Gow Poker while visually checking the main monitor 2 and the liquid crystal display 10 that is provided in the station. However, the gaming machine in the present invention may be equipped with either a main monitor or a liquid crystal display (display provided in the station). In the case of such a configuration, dealer's cards and player's cards may be displayed to the main monitor or the display in the station.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to embodiments thereof, these embodiments merely illustrate specific examples, not restrict the present invention. The specific structures of respective means and the like can be designed and changed as required. Furthermore, there have been merely described most preferable effects of the present invention, as the effects of the present invention, in the embodiments of the present invention. The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
Further, in the aforementioned detailed description, characteristic portions have been mainly described, for ease of understanding the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the aforementioned detailed description, but can be also applied to other embodiments over a wider range of applications. Further, the terms and phrases used in the present specification have been used for clearly describing the present invention, not for limiting the interpretation of the present invention. Further, those skilled in the art will easily conceive other structures, systems, methods and the like which are included in the concept of the present invention, from the concept of the present invention described in the present specification. Accordingly, the description of the claims is intended to include equivalent structures that fall within the technical scope of the invention. Further, the abstract aims at enabling engineers and the like who belong to the present technical field but are not familiar with the patent office and public institutions, the patent, law terms and technical terms to immediately understand the technical content and the essence of the present application through brief studies. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to restrict the scope of the invention which should be evaluated from the description of the claims. It is desirable that literatures and the like which have been already disclosed are sufficiently studied and understood, in order to sufficiently understand the objects of the present invention and the specific effects of the present invention.
In the aforementioned detailed description, there has been described processing to be executed by computers. The aforementioned description and expressions have been described for the sake of enabling those skilled in the art to understand the present invention most effectively. In the present specification, each step for deriving a single result should be understood to be self-consistent processing. Further, each step includes transmission, reception, recording and the like of electric or magnetic signals. Although, in the processing at each step, such signals have been expressed as bits, values, symbols, characters, terms, numerical characters and the like, it should be noticed that they have been merely used for convenience of description. Further, although the processing at each step was described using expressions common to human behaviors in some cases, the processes described in the present specification are to be executed by various types of devices, in principle. Further, other structures required for conducting each step will be apparent from the aforementioned description.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards;

an input device; and

a controller,

said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(a) accepting a normal BET from said input device,

(b) accepting a side BET different from said normal BET, from said input device,

(c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card to said display,

(d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on said player's card and said dealer's card,

(e) offering a normal payout based on said normal BET when determining that a player has won in said normal game,

(f) determining whether or not a specific card pair is established by said player's card and said dealer's card, when said side BET has been placed, and

(g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with said normal game, when determining in said processing (f) that the specific card pair is established.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,

wherein

said controller is further programmed so as to execute processing of

(h) determining said specific card pair, and

said processing (f) is processing of

determining whether or not the specific card pair determined in said processing (h) is established by said player's card and said dealer's card when said side BET has been placed.

3. A gaming machine comprising:

a display capable of displaying a plurality of cards;

an input device;

a memory for storing effect pattern data to be used in an effect; and

a controller,

said controller programmed so as to execute the processing of

(a) accepting a normal BET from said input device,

(c) displaying a player's card and a dealer's card to said display,

(f) changing a display mode of said player's card and said dealer's card on said display based on the effect pattern data stored in said memory, when said side BET has been placed, and

(g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with said normal game, when said player's card and said dealer's card are displayed in a specific mode as a result of executing said processing (f).

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3,

wherein

said processing (g) is processing of

offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with said normal game, when a specific image is displayed on said player's card and said dealer's card or when a color of said player's card and said dealer's card turn a specific color, as a result of executing said processing (f).

5. A playing method of a card game, said playing method comprising steps of:

(a) placing a normal BET;

(b) placing a side BET different from said normal BET;

(c) dealing a card to a player as a player's card, while dealing a card to a dealer as a dealer's card;

(d) executing a normal game for determining winning or losing based on said player's card and said dealer's card;

(e) offering a normal payout based on said normal BET when determining that a player has won in said normal game;

(f) determining whether or not a specific card pair is established by said player's card and said dealer's card, when said side BET has been placed; and

(g) offering a special payout or executing a bonus game advantageous for the player as compared with said normal game, when determining in said step (f) that the specific card pair is established.

6. The playing method of the card game according to claim 5, said playing method further including a step of

(h) determining said specific card pair, and

said step (f) is a step of

determining whether or not the specific card pair determined in said step (h) is established by said player's card and said dealer's card, when said side BET has been placed.