Gaming machine with use of symbol which rotates/stops while displayed, playing method thereof, and blackjack gaming machine   

The present application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application No. 61/057,993, which was filed on Jun. 2, 2008, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a gaming machine with use of symbols which rotate/stop while displayed, a playing method thereof, and a blackjack game device.

There are many types of card games, and they have been deeply popular along with roulette games and slot games.

A playing method of blackjack is taught in, for example, the specification of U.S. Pat. No. 5,154,429.

To card games such as blackjack it is desirable to add, without losing existing gaming characteristics, a new entertainment characteristic enhancing the player\'s zest and preventing the player from losing his/her interest in the game.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game device having an entertainment characteristic unexpected in known games, a playing method of the game device, and a blackjack game device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a game device having a new entertainment characteristic enhancing the player\'s zest without losing existing gaming characteristics, a playing method of the game device, and a blackjack game device.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a game device comprising: a first display on which a first symbol is arranged; a second display on which a second symbol is arranged; an input device which receives a special bet operation from outside; and a controller which is programmed to perform the steps of: (a1) allowing the input device to receive the special bet operation; (a2) arranging a first symbol on the first display; (a3) arranging a second symbol on the second display, if the input device has received the special bet operation; (a4) awarding a base payout according to the first symbol, if no second symbol is arranged; and (a5) awarding a special payout according to the first symbol and the second symbol, if the second symbol is arranged.

In this structure, when a special bet operation is not performed by a player and hence no second symbol is arranged, a base payout is awarded according to the first symbol. On the other hand, when a special bet operation is operated by a player and hence a second symbol is arranged, a special payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the second symbol.

As such, in response to the special bet operation by the player, a second symbol involving a payout is arranged in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

The present invention relates to a game device comprising: a first display on which a first symbol is arranged; a second display on which a second symbol, one type of which is a special symbol, is arranged; an input device which receives a special bet operation from outside; and a controller which is programmed to perform the steps of: (b1) allowing the input device to receive the special bet operation; (b2) arranging a first symbol on the first display; (b3) arranging a second symbol on the second display, if the input device has received the special bet operation; (b4) awarding a base payout according to the first symbol, if no second symbol is arranged; (b5) if a second symbol which is different from the special symbol is arranged, awarding a special payout according to the first symbol and the second symbol; and (b6) if a special symbol is arranged, awarding a bonus payout according to the first symbol and the special symbol.

In this structure, when a special bet operation is not performed by a player and hence no second symbol is arranged, a base payout is awarded according to the first symbol. On the other hand, when a special bet operation is performed by a player and hence a second symbol is arranged, a special payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the second symbol.

Furthermore, when a special symbol is arranged, a bonus payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the special symbol.

As such, in response to the special bet operation by the player, a second symbol involving a payout is arranged in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

The present invention relates to a game device comprising: a first display on which a first symbol, one type of which is a first special symbol, is arranged; a second display on which a second symbol, one type of which is a second special symbol, is arranged; an input device which receives a special bet operation from outside; and a controller which is programmed to perform the steps of: (c1) allowing the input device to receive the special bet operation; (c2) arranging a first symbol on the first display; (c3) arranging a second symbol on the second display, if the input device has received the special bet operation; (c4) if no second symbol is arranged and a first symbol which is different from the first special symbol is arranged, awarding a base payout according to the first symbol; (c5) if a first special symbol is arranged no matter whether a second symbol is arranged, awarding a first bonus payout according to the first special symbol; (c6) if a second symbol which is different from the second special symbol is arranged, awarding a bonus payout according to the first symbol and the second symbol; and (c7) if a second special symbol is arranged, awarding a second bonus payout according to the first symbol and the second special symbol.

In this structure, when a special bet operation is not performed by a player and hence no second symbol is arranged, a base payout is awarded according to the first symbol. On the other hand, when a special bet operation is performed by a player and hence a second symbol is arranged, a special payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the second symbol.

In particular, when a first special symbol is arranged, a first bonus payout is awarded according to the first special symbol. When a second special symbol is arranged, a second bonus payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the second special symbol.

As such, in response to the special bet operation by the player, a second symbol involving a payout is arranged in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

The present invention relates to a playing method of a game device in which a first symbol is arranged on a first display and a second symbol is arranged on a second display, the playing method comprising the steps of: (d1) allowing an input device to receive a special bet operation; (d2) arranging a first symbol on the first display; (d3) if the input device has received the special bet operation, arranging a second symbol on the second display; (d4) if no second symbol is arranged, awarding a base payout according to the first symbol; and (d5) if a second symbol is arranged, awarding a special payout according to the first symbol and the second symbol.

In this structure, when a special bet operation is not performed by a player and hence no second symbol is arranged, a base payout is awarded according to the first symbol. On the other hand, if a special bet operation is performed by a player and hence a second symbol is arranged, a special payout is awarded according to the first symbol and the second symbol.

As such, in response to the special bet operation by the player, a second symbol involving a payout is arranged in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

The present invention relates to a blackjack game device comprising: a first display on which two card symbols randomly selected from different types of card symbols are displayed; a second display on which a card symbol randomly selected from different types of card symbols is displayed; an input device which receives a blackjack bet operation and a side bet operation from outside; and a controller which is programmed to perform the steps of: (e1) allowing the input device to accept the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation; (e2) after the input device receives the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation, arranging card symbols on the first display; (e3) if the input device has received the side bet operation, arranging a card symbol on the second display; (e4) if the input device has received the blackjack bet operation, awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of the two card symbols arranged on the first display; and (e5) if the input device has received the side bet operation, awarding a special payout according to a combination of the two card symbols arranged on the first display and the card symbol arranged on the second display.

In this structure, when a side bet operation is not performed by a player and hence no card symbol is arranged on the second display, a base payout is awarded according to a blackjack combination of two card symbols arranged on the first display. On the other hand, when a side bet operation is performed by a player and hence a card symbol is arranged on the second display, a special payout is awarded according to the two card symbols arranged on the first display and the card symbol arranged on the second display.

As such, in response to the special bet operation by the player, a second symbol involving a payout is arranged in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

Furthermore, when a blackjack bet operation is performed by a player, a blackjack game is run using a blackjack combination of two card symbols. On the other hand, if a side bet operation is performed by a player, a slot machine game is performed using a combination of two card symbols arranged on the first display and a card symbol arranged on the second display.

This makes it possible to switch between two games or concurrently play two games in a single game device, thereby enhancing the player\'s zest.

The present invention relates to the above-discussed blackjack game device which is adapted so that the controller is programmed to perform the steps of: (e6) if the input device has received the side bet operation, randomly arranging a special symbol on the first display; and (e7) if the special symbol is arranged on the first display, executing a special game.

In this structure, a special symbol may be arranged on the first display when a side bet operation is performed by a player.

A special game is run in response to the arrangement of the special symbol, and this further enhances the player\'s zest.

The structures above make it possible to provide a game device having an entertainment characteristic unexpected in known games, a playing method of the game device, and a blackjack game device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a playing method of a blackjack game device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the blackjack game device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a display screen.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the display screen.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the external appearance of the blackjack game device.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical structure of the blackjack game device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical structure of a station.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a gaming process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a gaming process.

An embodiment of a game device and a playing method thereof in accordance with the present invention will be discussed.

It is hereinafter assumed that the game device is a blackjack game device used for playing a blackjack game.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a blackjack game device 1 executes a playing method comprising the steps of: allowing an input device 103 to receive a blackjack bet operation or a side bet operation; after the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation, arranging card symbols 72A and 72B on a first display 101; if the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, arranging a card symbol 73 on a second display 102; if the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, randomly arranging a first special symbol 76 on the first display 101; if the input device 103 has received the blackjack bet operation, awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101; if the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, awarding a special payout according to a combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102; running a special game when the first special symbol 76 is arranged on the first display 101; and if an unillustrated second special symbol is arranged on the second display 102, awarding a bonus payout according to the second special symbol.

It is noted that the “blackjack combination” indicates a number from 2 to 21 in a blackjack game.

Meanwhile, the “combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102” indicates a combination in which either particular card symbols are contained or card symbols have the same number or suit, as in the case of slot machines.

Therefore hereinafter the “combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102” may be referred to as slot machine combination.

In addition, the “first special symbol” indicates a JP symbol 76 displayed along with card symbols (first symbols) 72A and 72B. When card symbols 72A and 72B are arranged on the first display 101 along with the display of a JP symbol 76, a special game is run.

The “special game” indicates a second game different from the blackjack game. Examples of the second game include video poker and video slot.

The “second special symbol” indicates an unillustrated JP card symbol which is displayed as a card symbol (second symbol) 73. When the JP card symbol is arranged on the second display 102, a bonus payout is awarded to the player.

The “bonus payout” indicates credits accumulated according to the JACK POT (JP) method.

Details will be given later.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a blackjack game device 1 which executes the aforesaid playing method includes a first display 101, a second display 102, an input device 103, and a controller 100.

(First Display 101)

The first display 101 is electrically structured to display two card symbols (first symbols) 72A and 72B.

It is noted that at least one of the displayed two card symbols 72A and 72B may be accompanied with the display of a JP symbol 76.

The first display 101 may be physically constituted by a table on which two cards are physically placed.

Alternatively the first display 101 may be electrically constituted by a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, or the like.

The structure of the first display 101 will be specifically described later.

(Second Display 102)

The second display 102 is electrically structured to arrange one card symbol (second symbol) 73 by rotating and stopping a displayed video reel 74.

The reel 74 is structured so that card symbols overlap one another to form a band.

The second display 102 may be constituted by a physical reel or the like.

Alternatively the second display 102 may be electrically constituted by a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma display device, or the like.

The structure of the second display 102 will be specifically described later.

(Input Device 103)

The input device 103 is structured to receive a blackjack bet operation or a side bet operation (special bet operation).

When the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation, two card symbols 72A and 72B are arranged on the first display 101.

In the meanwhile, when the input device 103 receives the side bet operation, two card symbols 72A and 72B are arranged on the first display 101 and one displayed video reel 74 rotates and stops on the second display 102. As the reel 74 stops, one card symbol 73 is arranged on the second display 102.

When the input device 103 receives the side bet operation, there is a case where at least one of displayed two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 may be accompanied with the display of a JP symbol 76.

As discussed later, the input device 103 may be constituted by a touch panel 56 or buttons.

(Controller 100)

The controller 100 is arranged to execute: a first process of allowing the input device 103 to receive a blackjack bet operation or a side bet operation (special bet operation); a second process of arranging card symbols (first symbols) 72A and 72B on the first display 101, after the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation; a third process of arranging a card symbol (second symbol) 73 on the second display 102, when the input device 103 has received side bet operation; a fourth process of randomly arranging a JP symbol (first special symbol) 76 on the first display 101, when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation; a fifth process of awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101, when the input device 103 has received the blackjack bet operation; a sixth process of awarding a special payout according to a combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102, when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation; a seventh process of running a second game (special game) in a case where a JP symbol 76 is arranged on the first display 101; and an eighth process of, when a JP card symbol (second special symbol) is arranged on the second display 102, awarding a bonus payout according to the JP card symbol.

In other words, the controller 100 includes a first processing unit, a second processing unit, a third processing unit, a fourth processing unit, a fifth processing unit, a sixth processing unit, a seventh processing unit, and an eighth processing unit.

The controller 100 includes an operation determination unit 107 which allows the input device 103 to receive a blackjack bet operation or a side bet operation and determines which bet operation has been received by the input device 103.

In other words, the controller 100 executes the first process of allowing the input device 103 to receive a blackjack bet operation or a side bet operation.

The controller 100 further includes: a game running unit 110 which runs a blackjack game after the determination regarding the bet operation by the operation determination unit 107; a first symbol determining unit 106 which determines two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101; and a second symbol determining unit 105 which determines one card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102.

The first symbol determining unit 106 determines two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101, when a bet operation received by the input device 103 is the blackjack bet operation. On the other hand, when a bet operation received by the input device 103 is the side bet operation, the first symbol determining unit 106 determines two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and randomly determines a JP symbol 76 which is displayed along with the two card symbols 72A and 72B.

The second symbol determining unit 105 determines a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102, when a bet operation received by the input device 103 is the side bet operation.

In addition to the above the controller 100 includes a display control unit 104 which controls image display on the first display 101 and the second display 102.

The display control unit 104 displays on the first display 101 the two card symbols 72A and 72B determined by the first symbol determining unit 106, and also displays on the second display 102 the one card symbol 73 determined by the second symbol determining unit 105, by rotating and stopping the reel.

That is to say, after the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation, the controller 100 executes the second process of arranging card symbols 72A and 72B on the first display 101, the third process of arranging a card symbol 73 on the second display 102 when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, and the fourth process of randomly arranging a JP symbol 76 on the first display 101 when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation.

In addition to the above the controller 100 includes a payout determining unit 109 which determines a payout to be awarded to a player and a payout awarding unit 111 which awards the payout to the player.

The payout determining unit 109 determines a blackjack combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101, when the bet operation received by the input device 103 is the blackjack bet operation.

In this case the payout awarding unit 111 awards to the player a base payout according to the blackjack combination.

In the meanwhile, when the bet operation received by the input device 103 is the side bet operation, the payout determining unit 109 determines a slot machine combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102.

In this case the payout awarding unit 111 awards to the player a special payout according to the slot machine combination.

In addition to the above the payout determining unit 109 determines a bonus payout when a bet operation received by the input device 103 is the side bet operation and a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102 is a JP card symbol.

In this case the payout awarding unit 111 awards the bonus payout to the player.

When the payout determining unit 109 determines that a bet operation received by the input device 102 is the side bet operation and two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 is accompanied with the display of a JP symbol 76, the game running unit 110 runs a second game using the first display 101 and the second display 102.

In this case the payout determining unit 109 determines a payout according to the score that the player has obtained in the second game, and the payout awarding unit 111 awards to the player the payout according to the score in the second game.

Specifically, the controller 100 executes: the fifth process of awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101, when the input device 103 has received the blackjack bet operation; the sixth process of awarding a special payout according to a slot machine combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102, when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation; the seventh process of running a special game when a JP symbol 76 is arranged on the first display 101; and the eighth process of awarding, when a JP card symbol is arranged on the second display 102, a bonus payout according to the JP card symbol.

It is noted that each block of the controller 100 may be implemented by hardware, or may be implemented by software according to need.

(Operation of Controller 100)

The operation of the controller 100 with the above-described structure is discussed.

First, the input device 103 receives a bet operation.

In response to this the controller 100 executes the first process of allowing the input device 103 to receive the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation.

Thereafter the game running unit 110 runs a blackjack game.

When the input device 103 has received the blackjack bet operation, two card symbols 72A and 72B determined by the first symbol determining unit 106 are arranged on the first display 101 by the display control unit 104.

Then the payout determining unit 109 determines a blackjack combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B and the payout awarding unit 111 awards a base payout according to the blackjack combination to the player.

Therefore the controller 100 executes, after the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation, the second process of arranging two card symbols 72A and 72B on the first display 101 and the fifth process of awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101.

In the meanwhile, when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, two card symbols 72A and 72B determined by the first symbol determining unit 106 are arranged on the first display 101 by the display control unit 104 and one card symbol 73 determined by the second symbol determining unit 105 is, by rotating and stopping the displayed reel 74, arranged on the second display 102 by the display control unit 104.

Then the payout determining unit 109 determines a slot machine combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102, and the payout awarding unit 111 awards to the player a special payout according to the slot machine combination.

When the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 may be accompanied with the display of a JP symbol 76.

In this case the game running unit 110 runs a second game, and the payout determining unit 109 determines a payout according to the score that the player has obtained in the second game. The payout awarding unit 111 then awards the payout according to the score that the player has obtained in the second game.

When the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, on the second display 102 a JP card symbol may be arranged.

In this case the payout determining unit 109 determines a bonus payout and the payout awarding unit 111 awards the bonus payout to the player.

Therefore the controller 100 executes, after the input device 103 receives the side bet operation, the second process of arranging card symbols 72A and 72B on the first display 101, the third process of arranging a card symbol 73 on the second display 102, the fourth process of randomly arranging a JP symbol 76 on the first display 101, the sixth process of awarding a special payout according to a slot machine combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102, the seventh process of running a second game when a JP symbol 76 is arranged on the first display 101, and the eighth process of awarding, when a JP card symbol is arranged on the second display 102, a bonus payout according to the JP card symbol.

As the above-discussed operation clearly shows, the blackjack game device 1 realizes a playing method illustrated in FIG. 1 of comprising the steps of: allowing the input device 103 to receive the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation (i.e. receive a special bet operation); after the input device 103 receives the blackjack bet operation or the side bet operation, arranging card symbols (first symbols) 72A and 72B on the first display 101; when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, arranging a card symbol (second symbol) 73 on the second display 102; when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, randomly arranging a JP symbol (first special symbol) 76 on the first display 101; when the input device 103 has received the blackjack bet operation, awarding a base payout according to a blackjack combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101; when the input device 103 has received the side bet operation, awarding a special payout according to a combination (slot machine combination) of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102; running a second game (special game) when the JP symbol 76 is arranged on the first display 101; and awarding, when a JP card symbol (second special symbol) is arranged on the second display 102, a bonus payout according to the JP card symbol.

According to the aforesaid playing method, when the player does not perform the side bet operation and hence no card symbol 73 is arranged on the second display 102, awarded is a base payout according to a blackjack combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101. On the other hand, when the player performs the side bet operation and hence a card symbol 73 is arranged on the second display 102, awarded is a special payout according to a combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and the card symbol 73 arranged on the second display.

As such, in response to the side bet operation by the player, a card symbol 73 involving a payout is arranged on the second display 102, in addition to existing gaming characteristics. Because this provides variation to the way of awarding a payout to a player, the player\'s zest is enhanced without losing existing gaming characteristics.

When the player performs the blackjack bet operation, a blackjack game is run using a blackjack combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B. In the meanwhile, when the player performs the side bet operation, a slot machine game is run using a combination of two card symbols 72A and 72B arranged on the first display 101 and a card symbol 73 arranged on the second display 102.

This makes it possible to switch between two games or concurrently play two games in a single game device, thereby enhancing the player\'s zest.

In addition to the above, when the player performs the side bet operation, a JP symbol 76 may be arranged on the first display 101.

The arrangement of the JP symbol 76 triggers the running of a second game, and this further enhances the player\'s zest.

Furthermore, since a bonus payout is awarded when a JP card symbol is arranged on the second display 102, the player\'s zest is further enhanced.

(Display States)

The following gives a specific example of the display states of the first display 101 and the second display 102, in the above-discussed blackjack game device 1 and the operation process of a playing method of the device 1.

The explanation of the display states assumes that, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first display 101 and the second display 102 are structured to form a single display 8, and electrically display two card symbols (first symbols) 72A and 72B and one card symbol (second symbol) 73.

When a blackjack game starts in the blackjack game device 1, the display 8 displays a bet screen 61 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

This bet screen 61 is provided with 20 bet areas 51 numbered from “2” to “21”, and the like.

On the front surface side of the display 8, a light-transmitting touch panel 56 which accepts an external pressing operation is provided as the input device 103.

Therefore what is meant by the description “various parts such as the bet areas 51 on the bet screen 61 are operated by a player” is that various parts of the touch panel 56, which correspond to the bet areas 51 and the like, are pressed by a player.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, 20 bet areas 51 numbered from 2 to 21 are arranged at around the center of the bet screen 61.

Displayed in the upper part of the bet screen 61 are, from left to right, a result history display portion 53, a credit value indicator 54, a betting period display portion 55, and a help button 49.

The result history display portion 53 displays a result of a previous game.

The credit value indicator 54 displays the number of credits that a player currently has.

The betting period display portion 55 displays a remaining betting period.

The help button 49 is operated by a player when he/she wants to clarify an operational ambiguity.

Displayed in the lower part of the bet screen 61 are, from left to right, a bet confirmation button 47, a one-bet button 52A, a 5-bet button 52B, a 10-bet button 52C, a 50-bet button 52D, a side bet button 50, and a payout button 48.

The bet confirmation button 47 is operated to confirm the bet in a currently-played game.

The one-bet button 52A is operated to bet “1” credit.

The 5-bet button 52B is operated to bet “5” credits.

The 10-bet button 52C is operated to bet “10” credits.

The 50-bet button 52D is operated to bet “50” credits.

The side bet button 50 is operated to perform the side bet operation.

The payout button 48 is operated to pay out, as physical game media, all of the player\'s current credits through a below-mentioned medal payout opening 9.

In the bet screen 61 thus configured, one of the bet areas 51 is operated before a remaining betting period displayed by the betting period display portion 55 reaches “0”, so that the number to which betting is placed is determined.

Thereafter the bet buttons 52A to 52D are operated so that a credit-value to be bet is determined.

Each time the one-bet button 52A is operated, the credit to be bet increases by 1.

Similarly, the credits to be bet increase by 5 each time the 5-bet button 52B is operated, the credits to be bet increase by 10 each time the 10-bet button 52C is operated, and the credits to be bet increases by 50 each time the 50-bet button 52D is operated.

This simplifies the operation to bet a lot of credits.

Thereafter the side bet button 50 becomes operable.

The operation of the side bet button 50 starts the side bet operation, and “10” credits are side-bet, for example.

On the other hand, the blackjack bet operation starts if the side bet button 50 is not operated.

Finally the bet placed in the currently-played game is confirmed when the bet confirmation button 47 is operated.

It is noted that 0.5% of a credit of each bet is accumulated in accordance with the JACK POT (JP) method.

According to the JP method, a credit-value is accumulatively added across all of the below-described 10 stations 4.

When a JP card symbol is displayed as the reel 74 stops, the total credit-value having been accumulated up to this point according to the JP method is awarded to the player of the station 4 which is displaying the JP card symbol.

When the bet is confirmed in the bet screen 61, a result screen 71 shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 8.

If a bet operation received by the bet screen 61 is the blackjack bet operation, the result screen 71 only displays two card symbols 72A and 72B, and the reel 74 is not displayed thereon.

Therefore the player is awarded a base payout according to a blackjack combination of these two card symbols 72A and 72B.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if the blackjack combination is “17”, a base payout is awarded when a bet has been placed on “17”.

In the meanwhile, if a bet operation received by the bet screen 61 is the side bet operation, the result screen 71 displays a rotating reel 74 and two card symbols 72A and 72B.

As this rotating reel 74 stops, one card symbol 73 is displayed.

In this case the player is awarded a special payout according to a slot machine combination of the two card symbols 72A and 72B and the card symbol 73 displayed on the stopped reel 74.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, if three card symbols form any winning combination (combination with which a payout is awarded), a special payout according to the combination is paid out.

When a bet operation received by the bet screen 61 is the side bet operation, the result screen 71 may display a JP symbol 76 along with two card symbols 72A and 72B.

A second game is run in this case.

When a bet operation received by the bet screen 61 is the side bet operation, the result screen 71 may display a JP card symbol as a second symbol 73.

In this case all of the credit-value accumulated in accordance with the JP method is awarded as a bonus payout to the player.

(Mechanical Structure of Blackjack Game Device 1)

The mechanical structure of the blackjack game device 1 is discussed.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the blackjack game device 1 is structured to include: two tables 2 each having 5 stations 4; and a server 13 disposed between the two tables 2.

The server 13 is connected to each station 4. The server 13 sends a command signal to each station 4 so as to actively control the station 4 and proceeds games.

Therefore the server 13 is protected by a protection door to prevent a user from operating the server 13.

The server 13 is connected with a liquid crystal display and a keyboard. Displayed on the liquid crystal display are a menu screen and a maintenance screen.

The keyboard has keys. A maintenance technician operates the keyboard while a menu screen and/or a maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display, in order to perform maintenance and various settings of the blackjack game device 1.

The station 4 includes: a medal insertion slot 6 through which a game medium such as a coin and a medal is inserted; a display 8 (first display 101 and second display 102) which displays images concerning games; a touch panel 56 (input device 103) disposed on the front surface side of the display 8; a medal payout opening 9 through which a game medium is paid out; and a not-shown speaker. The station 4 is structured to accept a bet operation from a player.

Provided inside the medal insertion slot 6 is an unillustrated medal sensor. This medal sensor identifies a game medium such as a medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 6, and counts an inserted game medium.

Provided in the medal payout opening 9 is an unillustrated hopper. This hopper pays out a game medium such as a medal to the medal payout opening 9.

(Electrical Structure of Blackjack Game Device 1)

Now the electrical structure of the blackjack game device 1 is discussed.

(Electrical Structure of Server 13)

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the blackjack game device 1 is structured to include the server 13 and the stations 4 (10 stations 4 in this embodiment) connected to the server 13.

The control system of the station 4 will be detailed later.

The server 13 is structured to include: a server control CPU 81 as a computing unit and a control device responsible for the overall control of the server 13; a ROM 82; a RAM 83, a timer 84 connected to the server control CPU 81; a liquid crystal display 32 connected through a liquid crystal driver 85; and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 executes various processes based on signals supplied from each station 4 and data and programs stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83, and based on a result thereof, the server control CPU 81 transmits various control signals to each station 4. By doing so the server control CPU 81 actively controls each station 4 and proceeds a game.

Based on a card symbol randomly determined by the server control CPU 81 and betting information transmitted from each station 4, winning determination is made and a payout of each station 4 is calculated.

The ROM 82 is, for example, constituted by a semiconductor memory or the like and stores programs such as those for realizing basic functions of the blackjack game device 1 and those for actively controlling each station 4.

On the other hand, the RAM 83 temporarily stores data such as credit betting information supplied from each station 4, a card symbol randomly determined by the server control CPU 81, a credit-value of the JP method which has been accumulated up to this point, and data concerning a result of a process executed by the server control CPU 81.

The server control CPU 81 is further connected to the timer 84 which measures time.

The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. Based on this time information, the server control CPU 81 manages a betting period.

(Electrical Structure of Stations 4)

Now, the following discusses the structure related the control system of the stations 4 connected to the server 13 of the present embodiment, with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the control system of the stations 4 of the present embodiment.

It is noted that 10 stations 4 basically share the same structure and hence the following discusses a single station 4.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the station 4 is structured to include a station control unit 90 and several peripheral devices.

The station control unit 90 includes a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92, and a RAM 93.

The ROM 92 is constituted by a semiconductor memory, for example, and stores programs used for realizing basic functions of the station 4, various programs required for the control of the station 4, a data table, and so on.

The RAM 93 temporarily stores various types of data calculated by the station control CPU 91, a credit-value that a player currently has, betting information about how much credit is placed by a player as a bet, and so on.

The station control CPU 91 receives various command signals from the server control CPU 81. Based on these command signals, the station control CPU 91 controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4, so as to proceed a unit game in the station 4.

In other words, the server control CPU 81 and the station control CPU 91 function as the aforesaid controller 100.

In addition to the above, in response to various operation signals input through, for example, the pressing of the touch panel 56, the station control CPU 91 performs control so as to execute the operations associated with the thus input signals.

Specifically, in response to the input of an operation from a player, various processes are executed based on the data and programs stored in the ROM 92 and RAM 93. In accordance with results of the processes the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 are controlled so that a unit game is proceeded in the station 4. The result of the unit game is transmitted to the above-mentioned server control CPU 81.

In addition to the above, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a hopper 94.

The hopper 94 pays out a game medium such as a medal to the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 5), in response to a command signal supplied from the station control CPU 91.

In addition the above, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a display 8 via a liquid crystal driver 95.

The liquid crystal driver 95 is constituted by members such as a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (Video Display Processor), and a video RAM.

The program ROM stores an image control program related to image display on the display 8 and various selection tables.

The image ROM stores, for example, dot data used for forming an image to be displayed on the display 8.

Based on a parameter set by the station control CPU 91, the image control CPU selects an image to be displayed on the display 8 from dot data which has been stored in the image ROM in advance, in accordance with an image control program which has been stored in the program ROM in advance.

The work RAM is structured as temporal storage means used when the image control program is executed by the image control CPU.

The VDP forms an image corresponding to the display content determined by the image control CPU, and outputs the image to the display 8.

The video RAM is structured as temporary storage means used for forming an image by the VDP.

On the front surface side of the display 8, the touch panel 56 is attached as described above.

Operation information to the touch panel 56 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91.

A player presses the touch panel 56 so as to bet a credit on the bet screen 61.

The information of the bet operation is then transmitted to the station control CPU 91.

The betting information of the player is stored in the RAM 93 from time to time.

The betting information is then transmitted to the server control CPU 81 and stored in a betting information storage area of the RAM 83.

In addition to the above, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a medal sensor 97.

This medal sensor 97 detects a game medium such as a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6(see FIG. 5), and transmits a result of the detection to the station control CPU 91.

Based on the supplied signal, the station control CPU 91 increments the credit-value of the player, which is stored in the RAM 93.

Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is connected to a speaker 10 via a sound output circuit 96.

The speaker 10 produces various types of sound effects for corresponding visual effects, based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 96.

(Processing Operation of Blackjack Game Device 1)

Now, the processing operation of the blackjack game device 1 is discussed.

The station control CPU 91 of each station 4 and the server control CPU 81 of the server 13 cooperatively execute a gaming process, so that a game is proceeded.

In other words, the server control CPU 81 and the station control CPU 91 function as the above-described controller 100.

(Station-Side Gaming Process)

The station control CPU 91 of each station 4 executes a station-side gaming process routine which is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9.

First, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the station control CPU 91 receives from the server 13 a betting period start signal which notifies that a betting period has started (S1).

Subsequently, the display 8 of the station 4 displays a bet screen 61 illustrated in FIG. 3 (S2), so that the station 4 starts to receive a bet operation from a player (S3).

During a betting period in which a bet operation is accepted, the player having participated in a game operates the touch panel 56 so as to bet his/her credit to a bet area 51 corresponding to the number that he/she anticipates (see FIG. 3).

At this point the player is allowed to perform the side bet operation by operating the side bet button 50.

Then whether a side-bet has been performed is determined (S4). If it is determined that a side-bet has been performed (S4: YES), a second symbol 73 is determined (S5).

A betting period finish signal which notifies that the betting period has finished is received from the server 13 (S6) and the acceptance of a bet operation by the touch panel 56 is finished (S7), either when in the step S4 it is determined that a side-bet has not been performed (S4: NO) or after the step S5.

Thereafter the betting information which indicates the bet made by the player in the station 4 is transmitted to the server 13 (S8).

Subsequently, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the station control CPU 91 displays on the display 8 a result screen 71 (see FIG. 4) (S9).

Then a payout result concerning the first symbols 72A and 72B and various types of payouts is supplied from the server 13 (S10).

Thereafter there is determined whether a side-bet has been performed (S11). If it is determined that a side-bet has been performed (S11: YES), a rotating reel 74 is displayed on the display 8 (S12), and then the rotation of the reel 74 is stopped (S13).

Consequently a second symbol 73 is displayed as the rotation is stopped.

Either when in the step S11 it is determined that a side-bet is not performed (S11: NO) or after the step S13, first symbols 72A and 72B are displayed on the display 8 (S14).

Thereafter a credit is paid out in accordance with the payout result (S15).