US20080182654A1

US20080182654A1 - Gaming Apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20080182654A1
Application number: US12/014,923
Authority: US
Inventors: Kazumasa Yoshizawa
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2007-01-23
Filing date: 2008-01-16
Publication date: 2008-07-31
Also published as: JP2008178454A; ZA200800607B; AU2008200331A1

Abstract

A gaming machine comprises a first presentation unit for presenting a first multiplayer game and a second presentation unit for presenting a second multiplayer game. The gaming machine accepts a first betting operation to place a bet on the first multiplayer game and a second betting operation to place a bet on the second multiplayer game from each player. The gaming machine is provided with a multi-bet button for each player. The multi-bet button is a button for place a bet on the second multiplayer game based on the first betting operation. The gaming machine can enhance an entertaining feature of multiplayer games.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-012499, filed on Jan. 23, 2001, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application entitled “GAMING APPARATUS” referred to as the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-326105, filed in Japan on Dec. 1, 2006, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The teaching of the co-pending application is incorporated herein by reference to the extent they do not conflict with the teaching herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gaming apparatus which can execute plural types of multiplayer games such as a roulette game and a horse racing game.
2. Description of the Related Art
Multiplayer games include a roulette game and card games such as baccarat or the like. In a casino, where these multiplayer games are assisted by a dealer, many players are enjoying the games. In addition, a gaming apparatus is proposed which executes a multiplayer game without a dealer (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0282623).
Although a multiplayer game on the above-mentioned gaming apparatus has a relatively high entertaining feature because it is played by plural players, it is desired that its entertaining feature is further enhanced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming apparatus which can enhance an entertaining feature of multiplayer games.
A first aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine which comprises: first and second multiplayer games to be playable by a plurality of players; a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game; a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game; operating devices provided for each players; and a controller. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. Each of the operating devices accepts a first betting operation to place a bet on the first multiplayer game and a second betting operation to place a bet on the second multiplayer game.
The controller is, at least, operable to: (a) accept first betting status by the first betting operation via each of the operating devices, (b) accept second betting status by the second betting operation via each of the operating devices, or multi-betting status for the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation, (c) award a payout to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game when not accepting the multi-betting status, (d) award a payout to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game, and (e) award a payout to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first and the second multiplayer games are provided. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. They are playable by a plurality of players. The controller is operable to accept the first betting status by the first betting operation and the second betting status by the second betting operation. A payout is awarded to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game, and a payout is awarded to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game. Alternatively, the controller is operable to accept the multi-betting status instead of the second betting status. A payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.
Therefore, each of the players can select, on his/her own will, to play only the first multiplayer game, only the second multiplayer game, or both of them. Furthermore, since a payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship, each of the players can enjoy not only the outcome of one of the first and second multiplayer games but also both outcomes in a coupled manner and thereby an entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus is enhanced.
A second aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine which comprises: first and second multiplayer games to be playable by a plurality of players; a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game; a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game; operating devices provided for each players; and a controller. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. Each of the operating devices accepts a first betting operation to place a bet on the first multiplayer game and a second betting operation to place a bet on the second multiplayer game.
The controller is, at least, operable to: (a) accept first betting status by the first betting operation via each of the operating devices, (b) accept second betting status by the second betting operation via each of the operating devices, or multi-betting status for the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation when a predetermined condition has been met, (c) award a payout to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game when not accepting the multi-betting status, (d) award a payout to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game, and (e) award a payout to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes heve brought a specific relationship.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the first and the second multiplayer games are provided. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. They are playable by a plurality of players. The controller is operable to accept the first betting status by the first betting operation and the second betting status by the second betting operation. A payout is awarded to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game, and a payout is awarded to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game. Alternatively, the controller is operable to accept the multi-betting status instead of the second betting status when a predetermined condition has been met. A payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.
Therefore, each of the players can select, on his/her own will, to play only the first multiplayer game, only the second multiplayer game, or both of them. Furthermore, since a payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship, each of the players can enjoy not only the outcome of one of the first and second multiplayer games but also both outcomes in a coupled manner and thereby an entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus is enhanced. Especially, since the multi-betting status can be accepted only when the predetermined condition has been met, a special feeling is created whereby the entertaining feature is further enhanced.
A third aspect of the present invention provides a gaming machine which comprises: first and second multiplayer games to be playable by a plurality of players; a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game; a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game; operating devices provided for each players; and a controller. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. Each of the operating devices accepts a first betting operation to place a bet on the first multiplayer game and a second betting operation to place a bet on the second multiplayer game.
The controller is, at least, operable to: (a) accept first betting status by the first betting operation via each of the operating devices, (b) accept second betting status by the second betting operation via each of the operating devices, or multi-betting status for the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation when a predetermined condition has been met, (c) close accepting the first and second betting operations by each of the operating devices at the same time, (d) award a payout to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game when not accepting the multi-betting status, (e) award a payout to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game, and (f) award a payout to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first and the second multiplayer games are provided. The second multiplayer game is different from the first multiplayer game. They are playable by a plurality of players. The controller is operable to accept the first betting status by the first betting operation and the second betting status by the second betting operation. A payout is awarded to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game, and a payout is awarded to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game. Alternatively, the controller is operable to accept the multi-betting status instead of the second betting status when a predetermined condition has been met. A payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship. In addition, accepting the first and second betting operations by each of the operating devices is closed at the same time.
Therefore, each of the players can select, on his/her own will, to play only the first multiplayer game, only the second multiplayer game, or both of them Furthermore, since a payout is awarded to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship, each of the players can enjoy not only the outcome of one of the first and second multiplayer games but also both outcomes in a coupled manner and thereby an entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus is enhanced. Especially, since the multi-betting status can be accepted only when the predetermined condition has been met, a special feeling is created whereby the entertaining feature is further enhanced. Furthermore, since the first and second betting operations are closed at the same time, it is impossible to place a bet on one of the multiplayer games with taking account of an outcome of another of the multiplayer games, and the players can not grift. As a result, degradation of the entertaining feature by grifting can be prevented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a first display screen in one embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second display screen in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged plan view of the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a ROM of the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a RAM of the gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a roulette device of the present embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a ROM of the roulette device of the present embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a horse racing gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a storage area of a ROM of the horse racing gaming apparatus of the present embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an internal arrangement of a station of the present embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating processing of a controller of the present embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

One embodiment of a gaming apparatus of the present invention will be described, referring to the drawings.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is enabled to execute a game by one or more game media being inserted (or by accumulated credits being used) The game media include coins, bills, or electronic value information corresponding to them, medals, tokens, electronic money, tickets or the like.
The gaming apparatus 1 can execute two types of multiplayer games (first and second multiplayer games). Here, a multiplayer game is a game in which a plurality of players can participate. In a multiplayer game, a plurality of players predicts an outcome of the game and places a bet thereon, and then a payout is awarded to each player according to the outcome and the bet on the game. Here, each player can select, on his/her own will, to play only the first multiplayer game, only the second multiplayer game, or both of them. In the present embodiment, one of the multiplayer games is a “roulette game” (first multiplayer game) and another is a “horse racing game” (second multiplayer game).
A display screen of the gaming apparatus 1 is shown in FIG. 1. The display screen is displayed on a display device 8 of respective stations 4 shown in FIG. 2. Here, a touch screen (operating device) 149 (see FIG. 12) is attached onto a front surface of the display screen of the gaming apparatus 1. The player can place a bet and make other operations by touching the screen, referring to the content on the screen.
On the display screen, a table-type betting board 20 is displayed. On the betting board 20, thirty-eight numerals (“0”, “00”, and “1” to “36”) are arranged in a grid. In addition, special bet areas 21 are similarly arranged in a grid to specify “odd or even”, “color of number (red or black)”, “a certain range of numbers (e.g., “1” to “12”)” for betting one or more chips thereon.
When going to place a bet on the roulette game, the player first specifies a bet area 21 (number-areas, mark-areas such as “ODD”, or lines defining the grid) by touching the screen directly with his/her finger. As a result, a cursor 22 moves to the touched point.
Subsequently, the player touches bet buttons 23 (a 1-bet button 23A, a 5-bet button 23B, a 10-bet button 23C and a 100-bet button 23D), and thereby a specified amount of chips are bet on the bet area 21. For example, if the player touches the 10-bet button 23C four times, the 5-bet button 23B once, and the 1-bet button 23A three times, forty-eight chips will be bet. Here, as shown in FIG. 1A, chip mark “71” placed on the number “118” area indicates that seven chips are bet on the number “118”.
As described above, the touch screen 149 of the gaming apparatus 1 is configured to accept a first betting operation for placing a bet on the roulette game.
In addition, the display screen displays a bet time display area 34, a MINI JP display area 24, a MAJOR JP display area 25, a MEGA JP display area 26, a result display area 27, a credit display area 28 and a result history display area 29.
The bet time display area 34 displays a remaining time available for the player to place a bet. A numeral “120” is displayed on the bet time display area 34 at the beginning of accepting the betting operations. The numeral of the bet time display area 34 is decremented by one every second, and acceptance of the betting operations is closed when it has reached “0”. In addition, a ball launching device 104 is activated in the roulette game and the ball 77 is launched onto the roulette board when the remaining betting time has reached five seconds. At the same time, the horses are set into respective gates in the horse racing game.
An accumulated credit amount of the MINI jackpot (JP) is displayed on the MINI JP display area 24. An accumulated credit amount of the MAJOR JP is displayed on the MAJOR JP display area 25. An accumulated credit amount of the MEGA JP is displayed on the MEGA JP display area 26. An amount accumulating 0.30% of all bet amounts on each of the games in all the twelve stations 4 is displayed on the MINI JP display area 24. Similarly, an amount accumulating 0.20% of all bet amounts is displayed on the MAJOR JP display area 25. An amount accumulating 0.15% of all bet amounts is displayed on the MEGA JP display area 26.
The numeric values displayed on the MINI JP display area 24, the MAJOR JP display area 25, and the MEGA display 53 are common across all the stations 4. If one of JP's is awarded by the JP bonus game, accumulated credits of the awarded JP are provided as a payout, and an initial value is displayed on the display area of the corresponding JP after the payout has been provided to the awarded player. Here, the initial values are 200 credits for “MINI”, 5000 credits for “MAJOR”, and 50000 credits for “MEGA”, respectively.
A bet amount (BET) and a payout amount (WIN) in the last game play are displayed on the result display area 27. Here, the number calculated by subtracting the bet amount from the payout amount is the credit amount newly obtained by the player in the last game play.
The credit amount held by the player is displayed on the credits display area 58. The credit amount decreases according to a bet amount placed by the player. In other words, the credit amount decreases by one when the player places a 1-bet. Additionally, the credit amount increases according to a payout amount when the payout is provided to the player in each game play. Here, game play is terminated when the credits held by the player has reached zero.
On the result history display 65, the result of the winning numbers in the games up to the last game are displayed in a list. The most recent winning number is added to the top to be displayed on the result history display 65, when one game has been over. The history of the winning numbers up to 16 games can be confirmed. Here, one game is a series of operations from when each player places a bet(s) at each of the stations 4 and then the ball 77 falls into one of the number pockets 73 until when a payout is awarded according to the winning number.
Furthermore, the display screen has a selector button 30 displayed thereon. The selector button 30 is a button for switching between a roulette game screen and a horse racing game screen. The screen shown in FIG. 1 is the roulette game screen. The roulette game screen is switched to the horse racing game screen shown in FIG. 3 when the selector button 30 has been touched.
As shown in FIG. 3, the horse racing screen displays a horse information display area 40 in which formations of the horses of the race, a “Quinella” ticket betting area 41, and a “Win” ticket betting area 42. The horse information display area 40 displays horse numbers, horse names, jockeys, favorites, and racing result histories. The “Quinella” ticket betting area 41 displays a plurality of the betting ticket buttons so that the player can place a bet by selecting two horses to finish First and Second in either order. The “Win” ticket betting area 42 displays a number of the betting ticket buttons corresponding to the number of running horses so that the player can place a bet by selecting one horse to finish First.
When going to place a bet on the horse racing game, the player first operates bet buttons 43 (a 1-bet button 43A, a 5-bet button 43B, a 10-bet button 43C and a 100-bet button 43D) to determine a bet amount.
Next, the player touches one of the betting ticket buttons in the “Quinella” ticket betting area 41 or the “Win” ticket betting area 42 on the screen directly with his/her finger. Here, if the 1-bet button 43A has been touched before touching the betting ticket button, a 1-bet ticket is purchased by touching the betting ticket button once.
Subsequently, the same 1-bet ticket can be purchased additionally by touching the same betting ticket button once more. A different 1-bet ticket can be purchased by touching another betting ticket button. Furthermore, if the 5-bet button 43B has been touched before touching the betting ticket button, a 5-bet ticket can be purchased by touching the betting ticket button. It is similar to the case in which the 10-bet button 43C or the 100-bet button 43D has been touched before touching the betting ticket button.
As described above, the touch screen 149 of the gaming apparatus 1 is configured to accept a second betting operation for placing a bet on the horse racing game.
In addition, the horse racing game screen has an result display area 44 and a credit display area 45 displayed thereon. They are similar to the result display area 27 and the credit display area 28 on the roulette game screen.
Furthermore, the horse racing game screen has a selector button 46 displayed thereon. The selector button 46 is also similar to the selector button 30 on the roulette game screen. Therefore, the horse racing game screen is switched to the roulette game screen shown in FIG. 1 when the selector button 46 has been touched.
In addition, the roulette game screen has a multi-bet button 31, an accumulative outcome display area 32, and a reset buttons 33 displayed thereon. Similarly, the horse racing game screen has a multi-bet button 47, an overall result display area 48 and a reset button 49 displayed thereon.
The multi-bet button 31 in the roulette game is a button for multi-betting operation. When the multi-betting operation is conducted by the multi-bet button 31, another bet on the horse racing game is placed based on a bet had been placed on the roulette game by the first betting operation. Here, the second betting operation is not conducted actually, but the other bet on the horse racing game can be placed by the multi-betting operation based on the first betting operation. Therefore, the player can also place the other bet on the horse racing game in addition to the roulette game by touching the multi-bet button 31 after having placed the bet on the roulette game by the first betting operation, and an award is determined according to outcomes of both games.
A detailed description will be given in the following. For example, the player places a straight bet on the number pocket “1” in the roulette game. In this case, the odds are ×36. Suppose that the ball 77 has fallen into the number pocket “1”. In this case, a payout is provided to the player according to the ×36 odds as usual. Here, the player has touched the multi-bet button 31 and the number “1” horse has finished first in the horse racing game. On this occasion, the odds are (odds of the straight bet on the number pocket “1”)×(odds of the number “1” horse winning) . The odds are ×8 for the number “1” horse winning in the example specifically shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the odds are 36×8=288 if the multi-bet button 31 has been touched. As thus described, when an outcome of the roulette game (the ball 77 has fallen into the number pocket “1”) and an outcome of the horse racing game (the number “1” horse has finished first) have brought a specific relationship, a payout according to the outcomes of the roulette game and the horse racing game is awarded to the player, based on the bet by the first betting operation.
In addition, the multi-bet button 47 in the horse racing game is a button for the multi-betting operation. When the multi-betting operation is conducted by the multi-bet button 47, another bet on the roulette game is placed based on a bet had been placed on the horse racing game by the second betting operation. Here, the first betting operation is not conducted actually, but the other bet on the roulette game can be placed by the multi-betting operation based on the second betting operation. Therefore, the player can also place the other bet on the roulette game in addition to the horse racing game by touching the multi-bet button 47 after having placed the bet on the horse racing game by the second betting operation, and an award is determined according to outcomes of both games.
A detailed description will be given in the following. For example, the player places a bet on the number “1” horse winning in the horse racing game. In this case, the odds are ×8. Suppose that the number “1” horse has finished first. In this case, a payout is provided to the player according to the ×8 odds as usual. Here, the player has touched the multi-bet button 47 and the ball 77 has fallen into the number pocket “1” in the roulette game. On this occasion, the odds are 8×36=288. As thus described, when an outcome of the horse racing game (the number “1” horse has finished first) and an outcome of the roulette game (the ball 77 has fallen into the number pocket “1”) have brought a specific relationship, a payout according to the outcomes of the roulette game and the horse racing game is provided to the player, based on the bet by the second betting operation.
Odds caused by an operation of the multi-bet button 31 or 47 is not limited to the above example. The odds may be preliminarily determined. In this case, the gaming machine 1 stores an odds table for the roulette game (first odds table) and an odds table for multi-bet (third odds table). In addition, the odds of the multi-bet odds table are set to be relatively higher than those of the roulette game odds table.
Furthermore, the gaming machine 1 stores an odds table for the horse racing game (second odds table) and an odds table for the multi-bet (third odds table) . In addition, the odds of the multi-bet odds table are set to be relatively higher than those of the horse racing game odds table.
As thus described, the odds of the multi-bet odds table is set to be higher than those of the roulette game odds table or the horse racing game odds table. Therefore, the player can expect a large payout by the multi-betting operation, and whereby the entertaining feature of the gaming machine 1 is further enhanced.
In the present embodiment, the betting status of one of the multiplayer games is accepted also as the betting status of another of the multiplayer games by operating the multi-bet button 31 or 47. However, the present invention is not limited to the above. For example, it may be arranged such that a extra screen for the multi-betting operation may be displayed instead of the multi-bet button 31 or 47. The player may prescribe an outcome of another multiplayer game in detail and input the multi-betting operation on the extra screen. Specifically, it may be arranged such that the “Win” ticket betting area 42 (see FIG. 3) is appeared when the player has touched the multi-bet button 31 on the roulette game screen (FIG. 1). Here, the player can select a button in the ticket betting area 42 and set the betting status for the horse racing game. In addition, a variety of modifications are possible as the method of accepting the betting status of one of the multiplayer game also as the betting status of the other of the multiplayer games, which is not limited to the above.
Accumulative credit balances caused by the first betting operation, the second betting operation and multi-betting operation in previous games are displayed on the accumulative result display area 32 or 48. In the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the credit balance of the roulette game, the credit balance of the horse racing game and the credit balance caused by the multi-betting operation are stored, respectively. Each of the balances is displayed on the accumulative result display area 32 or 48, respectively.
As described above, since each of the credit balances of the first and second multiplayer games is displayed on the accumulative result display area 32 or 48, the player can know which multiplayer game he/she is good at and take advantage of the credit balances to place a subsequent bet(s).
In addition, since the credit balance caused by the multi-betting operation is also displayed on the accumulative result display area 32 or 48, the player can know whether or not he/she is good at a multi-bet by the multi-betting operation and take advantage of the credit balance to place a subsequent bet(s).
The reset button 33 or 49 is a button for an operation to reset the credit balances (balances of game media) which are cumulatively stored (reset operation). The reset button 33 or 49 is provided for a new player because the credit balances of a previous player is no longer useful as a reference for the new player. In other words, the stored credit balances can be reset to “zero” by touching the reset button 33 or 49.
Therefore, the new player can know which multiplayer game he/she is good at and whether or not he/she is good at the multi-bet by the multi-betting operation. The player can take advantage of the credit balances of his/her own to place a subsequent bet(s) by resetting the credit balances and updating them for his/her own.
As described above, the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment provides the roulette game in which a plurality of players can participate, and the horse racing game which is different from the roulette game. Then, the first betting operation to the first multiplayer game and the second betting operation to the second multiplayer game are accepted. Furthermore, the multi-betting operation is also accepted. By the multi-betting operation, another bet on the horse racing game can be placed based on a bet had been placed on the roulette game by the first betting operation. On the contrary, by the multi-betting operation, another bet on the roulette game can be placed based on a bet had been placed on the horse racing game by the second betting operation.
Therefore, the player can select, on his/her own will, to play only the roulette game, only the horse racing game, or both of them, and thereby the entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus 1 can be enhanced. Furthermore, the player can enjoy not only an outcome of one of the roulette game and the horse racing game but also both outcomes in a coupled manner by the multi-betting operation, and thereby the entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus 1 can be enhanced.
Next, the detailed configuration of the gaming apparatus 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming apparatus 1 comprises a main unit 2 and a roulette device 3 provided approximately in the center of the top of the main unit 2. The gaming apparatus 1 further comprises a horse racing gaming device 16 provided so as to surround the roulette device 3, twelve stations 4 provided so as to surround the horse racing gaming device 16, and an electroluminescence display 5 provided above the main unit 2.
Each of the stations 4 comprises at least an insertion slot 6, a console 7, and a display device 8. Game media such as coins, chips or medals are inserted into the insertion slot 6. The console 7 has a plurality of control buttons by which the player inputs some game instructions. The display device 8 displays images relating to the roulette game and the horse racing game, as stated above. The player can play the game by operating the touch screen 149 and the console 7, while watching the images on the display device 8.
In addition, a cashout chute 9 through which the game media such as chips or medals are cashed out is provided on the lower side face of the main unit 2 at the lower part of each of the stations 4. Furthermore, a speaker 10 for outputting music or sound effects is provided at the upper right part of the display device 8 of each of the stations 4.
A WIN lamp 11 is provided on the display device 8 of each of the stations 4, respectively. If an award is provided (a bet placed on the roulette number or the horse is won) at any of the stations 4, the WIN lamp 11 of winning station 4 lights up. In addition, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 which obtained JP also lights up. Here, the WIN lamps 11 are provided at positions which are visible from all of the stations 4, whereby all players playing with the gaming apparatus 1 can always watch the lighted WIN lamp 11.
A medal sensor 151 (see FIG. 12), which is provided inside the insertion slot 6, counts the number of inserted medals as well as validating the value of the inserted medals. In addition, a hopper 147 (see FIG. 12), which is provided inside the cashout chute 9, cashes out medals to the cashout chute 9.
A server 13 (see FIG. 5) is provided inside one corner 12 of the main unit 2. The server 13 is usually accommodated inside of the corner 12 so that the player can not operate it. An administrator can open a door 14 provided on the corner 12 using a key switch to operate the server 13. And then, the administrator can configure various settings of the gaming apparatus 1 by operating the server 13.
The electroluminescence display 5 includes a JP amount display 15 which displays the JP amount. In the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, three types of JP are configured: “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, and “MINI” . The JP amount display 15 displays the “MEGA” JP amount among the three JP's. Here, the JP amount display 15 is provided on the top of the electroluminescence display 5, whereby all the players who are playing with all the stations 4 can watch a displayed content.
The roulette device 3 comprises, as shown in FIG. 4, a base 71, a roulette wheel 72, number pockets 73, number plates 75, a ball launching port 76, a ball 77, and a guide wall 79. Here, the parts of the roulette device 3 which are visible from the players, namely, the base 71, the roulette wheel 72, the number pockets 73, the number plates 75, the ball 77 and the guide wall 79 correspond to a presentation unit (first presentation unit) of the roulette game.
The base 71 is fixed to the main unit 2. The roulette wheel 72 is provided on the base 71 and can spin on the base 71. There are thirty-eight number pockets 73 formed on an upper surface of the roulette wheel 72. Furthermore, the number plates 75 indicating “0”, “00”, and “1” to “36” are provided correspondingly outside each of the number pockets 73 on the roulette wheel 72.
The ball launching port 76 is provided inside the base 71. The ball launching device 104 (see FIG. 8) is coupled to the ball launching port 76. The ball 77 is launched onto the roulette wheel 72 from the ball launching port 76 by driving of the ball launching device 104. In addition, the entire roulette device 3 is covered by a hemispherical transparent acryl cover 78 (see FIG. 2).
A wheel driving motor 106 (see FIG. 8) is provided beneath the roulette wheel 72. The roulette wheel 72 spins by driving of the wheel driving motor 106. In addition, a plurality of metal plates is provided on an underside surface of the roulette wheel 72, spaced apart with a predetermined interval. The spinning positions of the number pockets 73 are detected by sensing the metal plates by a proximity sensor of a pocket position detecting device 107 (see FIG. 8).
The base 71 is moderately inclined to its center. The guide wall 79 is formed around a circumferential upper end of the inclined surface. The launched ball 77 travels along the guide wall 79 by its centrifugal force. As its velocity slows down, the ball 77 loses its centrifugal force and rolls down on the inclined surface of the base 71. And then, the ball 77 reaches the spinning roulette wheel 72 and gets across the number plates 75. The ball 77 falls into one of the number pockets 73. As a result, the number of the number pocket 73 (number plate 75) into which the ball 77 has fallen is detected by a ball sensor 105 (see FIG. 8) and determined as a winning number.
The horse racing gaming device 16 comprises, as shown in FIG. 2, a racetrack 17, frames 18, and horse-and-jockey miniatures 19. Here, the parts of the horse racing gaming device 16 which are visible from the players, namely, the racetrack 17, the frames 18, and the horse-and-jockey miniatures 19 correspond to a presentation unit (second presentation unit) of the horse racing game.
The frames 18 are provided along the inner and outer circumferential edges of the racetrack 17 as guardrails. The frames 18 segment the annular racetrack 17. The miniatures 19 are installed on the racetrack 17. In addition, traveling routes (guide rails) are arranged beneath the racetrack 17. Each of the miniatures 19 is driven by a traveling motor 132 and a steering motor 133 (see FIG. 10) provided inside thereof to travel along the traveling routes.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the gaming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the gaming apparatus 1 comprises the server 13, the twelve stations 4 connected to the server 13, the roulette device 3, the electroluminescence display 5, and the horse racing gaming device 16.
The server 13 includes a server CPU 81 which totally controls the server 13, a ROM 82, a RAM 83, a timer 84, a liquid crystal display (LCD) 86 connected via an LCD drive circuit 85, and a keyboard 87.
The server CPU 81 executes a variety of processings based on input signals supplied from each of the stations 4 or data and programs stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. The server CPU 81 transmits command signals to each of the stations 4 based on the processing results. Each of the stations 4 is controlled at the initiative of the server CPU 81. In addition, the server CPU 81 transmits control signals to the roulette device 3 and the horse racing gaming device 16 to control launching of the ball 77, spinning of the roulette wheel 72, and traveling of the miniatures 19.
The ROM 82 is composed of a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 82 stores programs for executing basic functionalities of the roulette device 3 and the horse racing gaming device 16, and settings relating to maintenance notifying timings and maintenance notifying conditions. The ROM 82 also stores odds of the roulette game and the horse racing game, and programs for executing management and programs for controlling each of the stations 4.
The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information supplied from each of the stations 4, the accumulated JP amounts and data relating to the processing result of the server CPU 81.
In addition, the timer 84 is also connected to (or implemented in) the server CPU 81. The time information of timer 84 is transmitted to the server CPU 81. The server CPU 81 executes spinning of the roulette wheel 72, launching control of the ball 77, and counting of the bet time of the roulette game and the horse racing game, based on the time information .
Furthermore, the server CPU 81 executes illuminating control of the electroluminescence display 5 by light emission of the LED and control of displaying predetermined characters or the like. In addition, the server CPU 81 displays the accumulative “MEGA” JP amount on the JP amount display 15 of the electroluminescence display 5.
FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the ROM 82 of the gaming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 6, a roulette odds table storage area 82A is provided in the ROM 82. Note that, predetermined odds of “×2” to “×36” are stored in the roulette odds table storage area 82A according to betting types. Here, the betting types are “straight bet”, “cornerbet”, “split bet” and so on.
In addition, a horse race odds table storage area 82B is provided in the ROM 82. Odds of the horse racing game vary for each game. Therefore, a plurality of odds tables is stored in the horse race odds table storage area 82B. The server CPU 81 reads one odds table among the plurality of odds tables at the start of the horse race, and executes image display control, etc., based on the read-out odds table.
Furthermore, a multi-game odds table storage area 82C is provided in the ROM 82. Since the odds of the horse racing game vary for each game, odds for the multi-bet also vary for each game. Therefore, a plurality of odds tables is stored in the multi-game odds table storage area 82C, too. Accordingly, the server CPU 81 reads one odds table among the plurality of odds tables stored in the multi-game odds table storage area 82C at the start of the game.
The ROM 82 may store a program for determining odds for the horse racing game instead of the horse race odds table stored in the horse race odds table storage area 82B. Furthermore, the ROM 82 may store a program for determining odds for the multi-bet instead of the multi-game odds table stored in the multi-game odds table storage area 82C.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the RAM 83 of the gaming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. 7, a bet information storage area 83A, a “MINI” JP accumulation storage area 83B, a “MAJOR” JP accumulation storage area 83C and a “MEGA” JP accumulation storage area 83D are provided in the RAM 83. Bet information of the current player is stored in the bet information storage area 83A. The credit amount accumulated for the “MINI” JP is stored in the “MINI” JP accumulation storage area 83B. The credit amount accumulated for the “MAJOR” JP is stored in the “MAJOR” JP accumulation storage area 83C. The credit amount accumulated for the “MEGA” JP is stored in the “MEGA” JP accumulation storage area 83D. Here, the bet information is, for example, information relating to bet amounts on the roulette game and the horse racing game, the betting type of the roulette game, the purchased betting ticket or the like.
In addition, the RAM 83 is provided with a roulette awarded credit storage area 83E a horse race awarded credit storage area 83F and a multi-game awarded credit storage area 83G. The credit amount awarded in previous roulette games is cumulatively stored in the roulette awarded credit storage area 83E. The credit amount awarded in previous horse racing games is stored cumulatively in the horse race awarded credit storage area 83F. The credit amount awarded by previous multi-betting operations is stored cumulatively in the multi-game awarded credit storage area 83G. These credit amounts stored in the storage areas 83A to 83G are initialized (reset) when the reset button 33 or 49 has been touched.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the roulette device 3. As shown in FIG. 8, the roulette device 3 comprises a control unit 109, the pocket position detecting circuit 107, the ball launching device 104, the ball sensor 105, the wheel drive motor 106, and a ball collecting device 108.
The control unit 109 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, and a RAM 103. The CPU 101 controls launching of the ball 77 and spinning of the roulette wheel 72 based on control signals supplied from the server 13 and data and programs stored in the ROM 102 and the RAM 103.
The pocket position detecting circuit 107, including the proximity sensor (not shown in drawings), detects the metal plates attached to the roulette wheel 72 and thus detects the spinning positions of the roulette wheel 72.
The ball launching device 104 launches the ball 77 onto the roulette wheel 72 from the ball launching port 76. The ball launching device 104 launches the ball 77 with an initial velocity which has been defined in the control data. In addition, the ball launching device 104 launches the ball 77 according to a launch delay time which has been defined in the control data. In the present embodiment, the ball 77 is launched when the launch delay time has elapsed after the pocket position detecting circuit 107 detected that the “00” number pocket 73 passed the front of the ball launching port 76.
The ball sensor 105 detects the number pocket 73 into which the ball 77 has fallen. The wheel drive motor 106 spins the roulette wheel 72. The wheel drive motor 106 stops when a motor drive time defined in the control data has elapsed. The ball collecting device 108 collects the ball 77 on the roulette wheel 72 after the roulette game has ended.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the ROM 102 of the roulette device 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the ROM 102 is provided with a control data storage area 102A. The control data includes, for example, the motor drive time, the ball initial velocity, and the launch delay time or the like. The motor drive time is the time during which the wheel drive motor 106 is being driven. The roulette wheel 72 is spun by the wheel drive motor 106 for the motor drive time with a predefined spinning velocity. After the wheel drive motor 106 has stopped, the roulette wheel 72 gradually slows down its spinning velocity and eventually stops. The ball initial velocity is the initial velocity when the ball 77 is launched from the ball launching device 104. The launch delay time is the time, during spinning of the roulette wheel 72, from a time point when a predetermined number pocket 73 passed a predetermined position to a time point when the ball 77 is launched.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the horse racing gaming device 16. As shown in FIG. 10, the horse racing gaming device 16 comprises a control unit 110 and a position detecting plate 120. The control unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, a position detecting unit 114, and an infrared ray (IR) emitting device 115.
The CPU 110 totally controls the horse racing gaming device 16 based on control signals supplied from the server 13 and data and programs stored in the ROM 112 and the RAM 113. FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the storage area of the ROM 112 of the horse racing gaming device 16. As shown in FIG. 11, the ROM 112 is provided with a race pattern storage area 112A. A plurality of race patterns is stored in the race pattern storage area 112A. The CPU 111 selects one race pattern among the plurality of race patterns stored in the race pattern storage area 112A and controls the horse racing game according to the selected race pattern.
The position detecting unit 114 detects positions of the miniatures 19. The IR emitting device 115 transmits IR control signals to each of the miniatures 19. The position detecting plate 120 transmits signals relating to the actual positions of the miniatures 19 to the position detecting unit 114.
According to such a configuration, the CPU 111 transmits control signals to each of the miniatures 19 from IR emitting device 115 after selecting the one race pattern among the plurality of race patterns to control movements of the miniatures 19. In addition, when the position detecting unit 114 has detected a deviation of a miniature 19, the CPU 111 transmits a control signal to the miniature 19 via the IR emitting device 115 to compensate its position.
Each of the miniatures 19 (19 a, 19 b. . . ) includes an IR receiver 130, a controller 131, a traveling motor 132, a steering motor 133, and an oscillation coil 134. The IR receiver 130 receives control signals from the control unit 110 and transmits them to the controller 131. The controller 131 transmits driving signals based on the received control signals to the traveling motor 132, the steering motor 133 and the oscillation coil 134.
Each of the miniatures 19 travels and steers by the traveling motor 132 and the steering motor 133 which are driven based on the received driving signals. The oscillation coil 134 oscillates with different frequencies specific for each of the miniatures 19 upon receiving a control signal from the controller 131. The position detecting unit 114 can detect the positions of the miniatures 19 by detecting oscillation positions of the oscillation coils 134 via the position detecting plate 120.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of the station 4. Here, since the twelve stations 4 have the same configuration basically, one of the stations 4 taken as an example will be described below.
The station 4 includes, as shown in FIG. 12, a station CPU 141, a ROM 142, and a RAM 143. The ROM 142 has, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. The ROM 142 stores programs for executing basic functionalities of the station 4, and a variety of other programs and data tables required for controlling the station 4. In addition, the RAM 143 temporarily stores a variety of data processed in the station CPU 141, the credit amount accumulated in the station 4, the betting status of the station 4 or the like.
In addition, a bet fixing button 144, a payout button 145, and a help button 146 are provided on the console 7 and connected to the station CPU 141, respectively.
The bet fixing button 144 is pressed when fixing the bet content after the betting operation on the display device 8 (touch screen 149). The payout button 145 is usually pressed at the end of the game. When the payout button 145 is pressed, game media corresponding to the credit held by the player is cashed out from the cashout chute 9.
The help button 146 is pressed when the player wants to know how to operate the game and so on. After the help button 146 is pressed, a help screen showing a variety of operational information is displayed on the display device 8.
The station CPU 141 controls execution of various corresponding operations based on the operation signals which are output by pressing down respective buttons. Specifically, the station CPU 141 executes a variety of processings based on input signals supplied from the console 7 when the respective buttons are operated and data and programs stored in the ROM 142 and the RAM 143. And then, the station CPU 141 transmits the results of the processings to the server CPU 81. In addition, the station CPU 141 receives command signals from the server CPU 81 and executes the games by controlling peripheral devices composing the station 4.
In addition, the hopper 147 is connected to the station CPU 141. The hopper 147 cash outs a predetermined amount of game media out from the cashout chute 9 according to a command signal from the station CPU 141. Furthermore, the display device 8 is connected to the station CPU 141 via a LCD drive circuit 148. In the present embodiment, the display device 8 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) . The LCD drive circuit 148 includes 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 image control programs and a variety of selection tables relating to a screen display on the display device 8. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming the images to be displayed on the display device 8. The image control CPU determines the data to be displayed on the display device 8 among the dot data preliminarily stored in the image ROM based on parameters set by the station CPU 141 and the image control programs preliminarily stored in program ROM.
The work RAM is used as a temporary storage during executions of the image control programs with the image control CPU. The VDP forms images according to display contents determined by the image control CPU and outputs them to the display device 8. Here, the video RAM is also used as a temporary storage for forming the images by the VDP.
In addition, the touch screen 149 is provided on the front surface of the display device 8 as stated above. The operational information of the touch screen 149 is transmitted to the station CPU 141. Then, the player's bet information is occasionally stored in the RAM 143 based on the operational information. Furthermore, the bet information is transmitted to the server CPU 81 and stored in the bet information storage area 83A of the RAM 83.
Furthermore, a sound output circuit 150 and the speaker 10 are connected to the station CPU 141. The speaker 10 outputs a variety of sound effects based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 150 when producing various effects.
In addition, the medal sensor 151 is connected to the station CPU 141. The medals are inserted into the insertion slot 6 in case that medals are used as the game media. The medal sensor 151 detects the inserted medals and counts the inserted medals. And then, the medal sensor 151 transmits detection results to the station CPU 141. The station CPU 141 increases the credit amount stored in the RAM 143 based on the received results.
In addition, the WIN lamp 11 is connected to the station CPU 141. The station CPU 141 illuminates the WIN lamp 11 with a predetermined color when a winning is awarded in the roulette game, a winning is awarded for the purchased betting tickets or a JP winning is awarded.
In the above-mentioned configuration, the server CPU 81, the ROM 82, the RAM 83, the station CPU 141, the ROM 142, and the RAM 143 compose the controller.
Next, a processings executed by the controller of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating the processing. As shown in FIG. 13, the server CPU 81 first starts counting the betting time (step S1).
Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not a predetermined condition has been met (step S2). For example, when (i) a predetermined time has elapsed after the game started or (ii) a payout amount to the player has been smaller than a predetermined amount, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met. In respect to the smaller payout amount, it may be determined that the predetermined condition has been met in case where a payout amount to a specific player is small. Alternatively, it may be determined that the predetermined condition has been met in case where total payout amounts to all players is small.
If it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met (step S2: YES), the station CPU 141 displays the multi-bet button 31 or 47 on the screen for the roulette game or the horse racing game (step S3). The station CPU 141 then starts accepting the betting operations (step S5).
On the other hand, if it is determined that the predetermined condition has not been met (step S2: NO), the station CPU 141 does not display the multi-bet button 31 or 47 (step S4). The station CPU 141 then starts accepting the betting operations (step S5).
As described above, since the multi-betting operation can be accepted only when the predetermined condition has been met, a special feeling can be created whereby an entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus 1 can be further enhanced. Note that, the determination in step S2 may be judged separately at each of the stations 4. Conceivably, it may occur that the determination in step S2 has been affirmative for some stations 4 and negative for other stations 4. Then the multi-betting operation can be conducted at the some stations 4 and can not at the other stations 4. Conceivably, the determination in step S2 may be notified by the WIN lump 11 to all of the stations 4.
Subsequently, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the remaining betting time reaches five seconds (step S6). If it is determined that the remaining betting time has not reached five seconds (step S6: NO), the processing of step S6 is repeated until it is determined that the remaining betting time has reached five seconds. On the other hand, if it is determined that the remaining betting time has reached five seconds (step S6: YES), the server CPU 81 controls the roulette device 3 to launch the ball 77 onto the spinning roulette wheel 72 (step S7).
Next, the server CPU 81 determines whether or not the betting time has expired (step S8). If it is determined that the betting time has not expired (step S8: NO), the processing of step S8 is repeated until it is determined that the betting time has expired. On the other hand, if it is determined that the betting time has expired (step S8: YES), acceptance of the betting operations is terminated to prevent the players from placing bets. Here, expiration of the betting time in step S8 is common across both of the roulette game and the horse racing game. In other words, the expiration time points of the betting time of these games coincide with each other.
Therefore, it is impossible to conduct the multi-betting operation with taking account of an outcome of the roulette game or the horse racing game. As a result, the player can not grift, whereby degradation of the entertaining feature by grifting can be prevented.
Subsequently, the server CPU 81 controls the horse racing gaming device 16 to start the miniatures 19 (gate open) (step S9). The server CPU 81 then determines whether or not to execute the JP bonus game (step S10). If it is determined not to execute the JP bonus game (step S10: NO), the processing proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined to execute the JP bonus game (step S10: YES), the server CPU 81 executes the JP bonus game (step S11). Subsequently the processing proceeds to step S12.
Next, the server CPU 81 executes a winning judgment based on the betting status in each of the stations 4, the number pocket 73 into which the ball 77 has fallen, finishing order of the horses in the horse racing game, and an outcome of the JP bonus game (step S12). Here, it is determined in step S12 whether or not outcomes of the roulette game and the horse racing game have brought a specific relationship if the player has conducted a multi-betting operation. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the specific relationship exists between the outcomes of both games such as the ball 77 has fallen into the number “1” pocket 73 and the number “1” horse has finished first.
Subsequently, each of the station CPU's 141 provides a payout to the player according to the winning judgment result of step S12 (step S13). A total payout corresponding to payouts according to outcomes of both games is provided to the player based on a bet on one of the multiplayer games by one betting operation if it is determined that the specific relationship exists in step S12.
Subsequently, the processing shown in FIG. 13 returns to step S1. Note that, in the flow chart shown in FIG. 13, conducting the multi-betting operation is allowed when the predetermined condition has been met. On this occasion, only one player (or some players) may be allowed to conduct the multi-betting operation, or all players may be allowed to conduct the multi-betting operation.
As described above, the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment comprises the first multiplayer game in which a plurality of players can participate, and the second multiplayer game which is different from the first multiplayer game. In addition, the controller accepts the first betting operation and the second betting operation. The controller further accepts the multi-betting operation.
Therefore, since the player can enjoy game play by selecting, on his/her own will, to play only the first multiplayer game, only the second multiplayer game, or both of them, the entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus 1 can be enhanced. Furthermore, since the multi-betting operation is acceptable, each of the players can enjoy not only single outcome of one of the first and the second multiplayer games but also combined outcomes of both multiplayer games, whereby the entertaining feature of the gaming apparatus 1 can be further enhanced.
In addition, according to the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the odds defined in the multi-game odds table for the multi-betting operation are set relatively higher than the odds of the first odds table for the first multiplayer game. Furthermore, the odds defined in the multi-game odds table for the multi-betting operation are set relatively higher than the odds of the second odds table for the second multiplayer game, too. Therefore, the players can expect a larger payout by the multi-game, whereby the entertaining feature can be further enhanced.
In addition, since the accumulative result display area 32 or 48 displays the accumulative credit balances in previous games of the first and the second multiplayer games, each of the players can know which multiplayer game he/she is good at and take advantage of the credit balances to place a subsequent bet(s).
Furthermore, since the accumulative result display area 32 or 48 also displays the accumulative credit balance caused by previous multi-betting operations, each of the players can know whether or not he/she is good at the multi-bet by the multi-betting operation and take advantage of the credit balance to place a subsequent bet(s).
In addition, according to the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since the reset operation is acceptable, a new player can know which multiplayer game he/she is good at and whether or not he/she is good at the multi-bet, and take advantage of the credit balances to place a subsequent bet(s) by resetting the credit balances of previous player and updating them for his/her own.
In addition, since the multi-betting operation can be accepted only when the predetermined condition has been met according to the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the special feeling can be created whereby the entertaining feature can be further enhanced.
In addition, since the expiration time points of the bet acceptance time of the first and second betting operation are set to coincide with one another according to the gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, it is impossible to conduct the multi-betting operation with taking account of the outcome of the first multiplayer game or the second multiplayer game. As a result, the players can not grift, whereby degradation of the entertaining feature by grifting can be prevented.
Although the gaming apparatus of the present invention has been thus described based on the embodiment thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be changed without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
For example, the gaming apparatus 1 of the embodiment can execute the first multiplayer game and the second multiplayer game. However, three or more multiplayer games may be prepared for execution. Additionally, with the gaming apparatus 1 of the embodiment, the presentation unit of each multiplayer game is mainly configured by mechanical components. However, the presentation unit may be a large-screen display on which the multiplayer game(s) is displayed.

Claims

1. A gaming machine comprising:

first and second multiplayer games to be playable by a plurality of players, the second multiplayer game being different from the first multiplayer game;

a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game;

a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game;

operating devices provided for each players for accepting a first betting operation to place a bet on the first multiplayer game and a second betting operation to place a bet on the second multiplayer game; and

a controller operable to:

(a) accept first betting status by the first betting operation via each of the operating devices,

(b) accept second betting status by the second betting operation via each of the operating devices, or multi-betting status for the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation,

(c) award a payout to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game when not accepting the multi-betting status,

(d) award a payout to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game, and

(e) award a payout to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

store a first odds table for the first betting status which is not accompanied by the multi-betting status, a second odds table for the second betting status and a third odds table for the multi-betting status, and

set odds of the third odds table relatively higher than the odds of the respective first and second odds tables.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

store a first accumulative payout amount awarded by previous first betting statuses each of which was not accompanied by the multi-betting status and a second accumulative payout amount awarded by previous second betting statuses, in respect to each player, respectively, and

display the first and second accumulative payout amounts to each player.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein

the controller is further operable to accept a reset operation to reset the first and second accumulative payout amounts.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is operable to:

store a third accumulative payout amount awarded by previous multi-betting statuses in respect to each player, and

display the third accumulative payout amount to each player.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

the controller is further operable to receive a reset operation to reset the third accumulative payout amount via each of the operation devices.

7. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

the first and second presentation units are respectively communal to the plurality of players.

8. The gaming machine according to claim 7, wherein

one of the first and second multiplayer games is roulette game and another is horse racing game.

9. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein

each of the operating devices accepts a multi-betting operation to place a bet of the multi-betting status on each of the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation.

10. The gaming machine according to claim 9, wherein

each of the operating devices accepts the multi-betting operation only when a predetermined condition has been met.

11. The gaming machine according to claim 10, wherein

the controller is operable to close accepting the first and second betting operations by each of the operating devices at the same time.

12. A gaming machine comprising:

a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game;

a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game;

a controller operable to:

(b) accept second betting status by the second betting operation via each of the operating devices, or multi-betting status for the first and second multiplayer games based on the first betting operation when a predetermined condition has been met,

13. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

14. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

display the first and second accumulative payout amounts to each player.

15. The gaming machine according to claim 14, wherein

16. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein

the controller is operable to:

display the third accumulative payout amount to each player.

17. The gaming machine according to claim 12, wherein

18. A gaming machine comprising:

a first presentation unit for presentation the first multiplayer game;

a second presentation unit for presentation the second multiplayer game;

a controller operable to:

(c) close accepting the first and second betting operations by each of the operating devices at the same time,

(d) award a payout to each player according to the first betting status and an outcome of the first multiplayer game when not accepting the multi-betting status,

(e) award a payout to each player according to the second betting status and an outcome of the second multiplayer game, and

(f) award a payout to each player according to the multi-betting status and outcomes of the first and second multiplayer games when the outcomes have brought a specific relationship.

19. The gaming machine according to claim 18, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

store a first odds table for the first betting status which was not accompanied by the multi-betting status, a second odds table for the second betting status and a third odds table for the multi-betting status, and

20. The gaming machine according to claim 18, wherein

the controller is further operable to:

display the first and second accumulative payout amounts to each player.

21. The gaming machine according to claim 20, wherein

22. The gaming machine according to claim 18, wherein

the controller is operable to:

display the third accumulative payout amount to each player.

23. The gaming machine according to claim 18, wherein