GAMBLING SLOT MACHINE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SAID MACHINE

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a gaming machine and the control method for said machine, said machine including a credit input device (3) feeding a credit counter (2); a local control unit (1); a symbol display (5); a first game (10) and a second game (20) executed by said local control unit (1), each game provided with a prize controller (13, 23), with a game program (11, 21), and with a connected bet controller allowing the transfer of credits from the credit counter, such that a user can determine said transfer by means of a control panel (6), and different prizes for the first and second games being determined by the random result of the execution of the corresponding game programs, in interaction with the value of the bets transferred to the bet controller.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of gaming machines and to control methods for said machines.

Prior Art

[0002] Gaming machines are known, and gaming machines executing a first local game and simultaneously participating in a game offering a larger prize shared with a plurality of gaming machines are also known. Examples of machines of this type are described by means of patent documents WO2007084845 and US20060009280.

[0003] Sharing computing resources between different gaming machines connected in a network is also known, for example, by means of patent document US20100173699, but said document does not consider executing multiple games in one and the same local gaming machine for a single user.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a gaming machine including, as is conventional in the sector, the following elements:

• a credit input device feeding a credit counter;
• a local control unit;
• a symbol display controlled by said local control unit;
• a first game defined by:

  ∘ different first symbol combinations shown in said symbol display determined by the result of the execution of a first game program executed by said local control unit,

  ∘ a first bet controller controlling a first bet assigned to the first game executed by said local control unit, said first bet controller being connected to the credit counter allowing the transfer of credits from the credit counter to the first bet controller;

  ∘ a first prize controller executed by said local control unit, said first prize controller being connected to the first bet controller and to the first game program and determining successive different first prizes as a result of the interaction of said first bet with each of the executions of the first game program;

[0005] It will be understood that the mentioned credit input device can refer, for example, to a cash input device by means of a coin and/or bill intake slot, for example, connected to a coin and/or bill identifier and counter, for example an electronic money input device by means of a bank card reader, or with electronic money transfer means, or for example a token input device connected to a token identifier and counter.

[0006] The money or tokens inserted into said gaming machine are accounted for as credits by means of the credit counter, where the value of said credits added to the machine is added up.

[0007] The mentioned control panel can consist of a plurality of buttons or contact- or pressure-detecting surfaces arranged on the symbol display for example.

[0008] Said gaming machine also consists of a local control unit, which can be defined as a programmable electronic device provided with memory and computing capacity, being able to be, for example, a programmable logic controller, a computer, or the like, or of several of such devices connected to one another to work together. Said local control unit is housed in said gaming machine and is responsible for executing all the computer programs and/or algorithms that allow operation of the gaming machine, and it is also responsible for controlling all the data input and output devices or the actions executed by the machine.

[0009] The gaming machine also consists of a symbol display, which can be for example one or several screens, several spinning reels, or other moving elements, or several light panels, which allow showing a plurality of symbols in different combinations.

[0010] Said gaming machine executes a first game, said first game being defined by different first symbol combinations which are shown on the symbol display. Said first symbol combination allows different combinations which are randomly determined by means of the execution of a first game program in the local control unit, and determines a first prize depending on the symbol combination obtained and on a first bet made before the execution of the first game program.

[0011] The first bet made is chosen by a user of the gaming machine by means of interaction with a single control panel of the gaming machine, and said first bet consists of an amount of credits taken from the credit counter and assigned to a first bet controller linked with the first game program and executed by the local control unit.

[0012] After the execution of the game program, determining a first symbol combination, a prize controller determines a first prize according to the bet made and the symbol combination obtained. The prizes can be different in each execution of the first game program, or such prizes can also be inexistent in some of said executions.

[0013] The first prize controller is also executed by the local control unit and is programmed to offer, after several iterations of the execution of the first game program, a given return in prizes in relation to the total amount of credits bet.

[0014] In a novel manner the proposed gaming machine further includes:

• a second game defined by:

  ∘ different second symbol combinations shown in said symbol display simultaneously to the first symbol combinations, the second symbol combinations being determined by the result of the execution of a second game program executed by said local control unit, simultaneously to and independently of the execution of the first game program;

  ∘ a second bet controller controlling a second bet assigned to the second game executed by said control unit, said second bet controller being connected to the credit counter allowing the transfer of credits from the credit counter to the second bet controller;

  ∘ a second prize controller executed by said local control unit, said second prize controller being connected to the second bet controller and to the second game program and determining successive different seconds prizes as a result of the interaction of said second bet with each of the executions of the second game program;

  • a single control panel destined for a single user to interact with said at least first and second games and to control the execution of said at least first and second game programs; and in that said control panel includes controls assigning said first bet to the first bet controller and said second bet to the second bet controller independently of the first bet.

[0015] Said second game is therefore formed by elements identical to those defining the first game, such as a second game program, a second bet controller and a second prize controller, these elements having the same characteristics as the equivalent first game program, first bet controller and first prize controller.

[0016] The proposed gaming machine can therefore simultaneously execute a first and a second game, showing them simultaneously by means of said symbol display, and allowing a single user to assign different first and second bets to the corresponding first and second games by means of interaction with a single control panel intended for controlling both first and second games.

[0017] Therefore, the first and second bet controllers can contain a different number of credits, and therefore the potentially obtained prizes can be different in the first and second games.

[0018] Furthermore, this duplicity allows, statistically, after a simultaneous execution of the first and second game programs, that the probability of obtaining a prize is doubled, and also that the possibility that no prize is obtained is reduced by half.

[0019] It furthermore offers users the possibility of interaction with the execution of the game that they did not have before, as they are allowed to distribute a bet out over different games and change their bets between the first and second games depending on the results obtained.

[0020] These features make the present gaming machine much more appealing for users because it offers them greater interaction and a higher probability of obtaining a prize in each execution of the game programs.

[0021] This machine also allows, even though the bet made in both the first and second games is kept within the usual parameters in the sector and within the laws regulating it, by being split into two games the user perceives a lower risk of losses at each turn; splitting the bet tends to encourage the user to increase the value of all the bets made per turn.

[0022] It will be understood that all the different bet controllers and/or different prize controllers can be integrated in the different corresponding game programs, or be independent from same. It is also considered that all the bet controllers be integrated in one and the same bet controller independently managing each of the bets, or that all the prize controllers be integrated in one and the same prize controller independently managing each of the prizes.

[0023] The prizes obtained can be, for example, additional credits that are added to the credit counter.

[0024] It will be understood that the user can be reimbursed for the credits of the credit counter through a credit output device, for example a cash or token output device, or digital money transfer means to an account of the user outside the gaming machine.

[0025] According to an additional embodiment, the proposed gaming machine further includes at least one additional game having the same characteristics as the first and second games, each additional game executed simultaneously to and independently of the rest of the games by an additional game program, shown on the symbol display simultaneously to the other games in the form of additional sets of symbols, and provided with an additional bet controller and with an additional prize controller.

[0026] The mentioned gaming machine can therefore execute and show simultaneously three or more games, allowing a user to distribute the bet among all the games shown.

[0027] It is additionally proposed that the control unit stores a catalogue of different games, and that the control panel includes controls intended for a user of the machine to select the first game and/or the second game and/or the additional games from the catalogue of games. Therefore, the user can select which game is executed as the first game, which game is executed as the second game, and also, where appropriate, which game or games are executed as an additional game or additional games.

[0028] It is also proposed that the control panel has controls that allow a user to choose the number of games that are executed and shown on the symbol display simultaneously, allowing the user to determine whether or not to play one, two, three or more games simultaneously.

[0029] According to another additional embodiment, the prize controller generates prizes in credits which are added to the credit counter, and it also generates prizes in points which are added to a point counter. Said points cannot be added to the credit counter, but bets can be made for special games by means of said points.

[0030] Therefore, each of said first, second and/or additional games include a corresponding special first game, a special second game and/or special additional games, each of said special games defined by:

• different special symbol combinations shown in said symbol display, being determined by the result of the execution of the corresponding first, second or additional game program;
• a special bet controller controlling a special bet assigned to the special game, the special bet controller being connected to the point counter allowing the transfer of points from said point counter to the mentioned special bet controller;
• a special prize controller connected to the special bet controller and to the corresponding game program and determining successive different special prizes as a result of the interaction of said special bet with each of the executions of the corresponding game program;

said single control panel being intended for a single user to interact with said at least one first special game, one second special game and/or one or several special additional games, and for said single user to control the execution of said game programs; and in that said control panel includes controls assigning said special bet to the corresponding special bet controller.

[0031] It is therefore proposed that each game includes a special game provided with a special bet controller and with a special prize controller. Said special bet controller only allows special bets taken from the point counter, so special games can be made only when points have been obtained as a prize through the prize controllers.

[0032] The special prizes could be in credits, or optionally in credits and in points, the credits being added to the credit counter and the points to the point counter, as a result of the connection of said special prize controller with said credit counter and/or with said point counter.

[0033] According to an additional embodiment, the point counter is common for all the games executed simultaneously, so the points obtained in any of said games can be used as a special bet to be distributed among all the special games, or as special bets assigned to any one of the special games.

[0034] It is alternatively proposed that the point counter is individual for each game and independent of the other point counters, so the special bets of a special game can only be made with the points obtained as a prize in that same game.

[0035] It is alternatively proposed that the local control unit is a programmable logic controller integrated in said machine, provided with a memory where said game programs are stored, and provided with computing capacity for the execution of said game programs.

[0036] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a gaming machine, which includes feeding a credit counter with credits inserted by a user into a credit input device of said gaming machine, and in that it includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of a turn of a first game, which are successively executed and repeated in each turn:

• assigning a first bet, for a value taken from the credit counter, to a first bet controller;
• executing a first game program in a local control unit, resulting in a first symbol combination corresponding to said first game;
• determining the value of a first prize by a first prize controller, as a result of the interaction of said first bet with the result of said execution of the first game program;
• showing in a symbol display the first symbol combination resulting from said execution of the first game program;
  the method being characterized in that it further includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of a second game executed corresponding to the execution of a second game, which are also successively and repeated in each turn:
• assigning a second bet, for a value taken from the credit counter, to a second bet controller;
• executing a second game program in a local control unit, resulting in a second symbol combination corresponding to a second game, the execution of the first and of the second game programs being simultaneous and independent;
• determining the value of a second prize by a second prize controller, as a result of the interaction of said second bet with the result of said execution of the second game program;
• showing in a symbol display the second symbol combination resulting from said execution of the second game program;

said first and second games, the assignment of the first and the second bets, and the execution of the first and of the second game programs being controlled from a single control panel destined for interaction with a single user, the assignment of the first and second bets being independent and the execution of the first and of the second game programs being simultaneous.

[0037] Therefore the proposed method allows a user to insert credits into a gaming machine that will be added to a credit counter, and it subsequently allows said user to assign, by means of a control panel, the same or different amounts of credits as a bet to at least two independent games, to subsequently proceed to the simultaneous execution of said two independent games in the gaming machine. Said execution is carried out by a control unit, such as a programmable logic controller or a local computer, for example, executing a game program for each of the games to be executed simultaneously, the results being independent of one another.

[0038] This method allows the user to have greater interaction with the gaming machine, while at the same time increasing the user's probabilities of obtaining a prize in each turn without needing to increase the bet.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the proposed method further includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of one or several additional games, which are also successively executed:

• assigning additional bets, for a value taken from the credit counter, to additional bet controllers corresponding to each of the alternative games executed;
• executing an additional game program in a local control unit for each additional game executed, each resulting in an additional symbol combination corresponding to an additional game, the execution of the first, of the second and of the additional game programs being simultaneous and independent;
• additional prize controllers determining the values of additional prizes, each corresponding to an additional game, as a result of the interaction of the corresponding additional bet with the result of said execution of the corresponding additional game program;
• showing in a symbol display the additional symbol combinations resulting from said executions of the additional game programs;

said additional games, the assignment of the additional bets, and the execution of the additional game programs being controlled from said single control panel destined to interaction with a single user, the assignment of the additional bets being independent and the execution of the additional game programs being simultaneous.

[0040] Therefore, it is proposed that the gaming machine can execute three or more games simultaneously, and show them to the user through the mentioned symbol display, the user being able to interact with said three or more games by means of the control panel.

[0041] Additionally, it is proposed that said user of the gaming machine chooses, by means of interacting with said control panel, the first game and/or the second game and/or the additional games from a catalogue of different games stored in the local control unit.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the control panel includes controls which help a user determine the number of games executed simultaneously by the local control unit and shown simultaneously by the symbol display, therefore being able to choose to play one, two, three or more games simultaneously.

[0043] Furthermore, it is proposed that the method includes the following features:

the prize controller generates different prizes in credits which are added to the credit counter, and different prizes in points which are added to a point counter depending on the result of the execution of the corresponding game programs; and in that
each of said first, second and/or additional games further include a corresponding special first game, a special second game and/or special additional game, each of said special games defined by:

• different special symbol combinations shown in said symbol display, being determined by the result of the execution of the corresponding first, second or additional game program;

• a special bet controller controlling a special bet assigned to the special game, the special bet controller being connected to the point counter allowing the transfer of points said point counter to the mentioned special bet controller;

• a special prize controller connected to the special bet controller and to the corresponding game program and determining successive different special prizes as a result of the interaction of said special bet with each of the executions of the corresponding game program;

said single control panel being destined for a single user to interact with said at least a special first game, a special second game and/or one or several special additional games and for said single user to control the execution of said game programs; and in that said control panel includes controls assigning said special bet to the corresponding special bet controller.

[0044] Therefore, as a result of the prizes obtained from the prize controller of each game, points are earned and added to a point counter. Having enough points gains access to special games, which are a type of sub-games, or special screens, or extra screens of the game executed by the corresponding game program, since the bets assigned to said special games can only be taken from the point counter. As a result of the execution of said special games, more prizes in credits are obtained and can be added to the credit counter. Preferably, the prizes generated by the special prize controller are statistically for a larger amount than the prizes generated by the normal prize controller.

[0045] It is further contemplated that the point counter is individual for each game, each point counter feeding a single special bet controller, or that there is a unitary point counter where all the points generated by all the prize controllers are accumulated, and feeding any one of the special bet controllers.

[0046] Optionally, there will be included a prize coordination system, executed by the local control unit, which is responsible for assuring that all the prizes given for the set of games operated simultaneously is limited to predefined values for the total prize amount after a given predefined number of turns. This allows assuring that the set of games operated by the gaming machine offer a pre-established return, in prizes, of the total amount of money inserted into the mentioned machine, thereby complying with regulations in the sector, and preventing possible deviations from the returns in prizes that are offered causing, due to chance, a return in prizes that is greater than or less than the stipulated amount.

[0047] It is clarified that the nomenclature "first", "second", "third" or "additional" does not determine a hierarchy, order or preference among the elements designated with said nomenclature, the function thereof being to distinguish such elements from one other.

[0048] Other features of the invention will be seen in the following detailed description of an embodiment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0049] The foregoing and other advantages and features will be better understood based on the following detailed description of an embodiment in reference to the attached drawings, which must be interpreted in an illustrative and non-limiting manner, in which:

Detailed description of a Embodiment

[0050] Figure 1 shows, with an illustrative and non-limiting character, a diagram corresponding to a first embodiment of the present invention in which a gaming machine executes a first game 10 shown in the form of a first set of symbols 15, and a second game 20 shown in the form of a second set of symbols 25, the first and second games being executed simultaneously.

[0051] The first game 10 also consists of a special first game 10E also shown in the form of a first set of special symbols 15E, and the second game 20 also consists of a special second game 20E shown in the form of a second set of special symbols 25E.

[0052] Said gaming machine shown in Figure 1 consists of:

a symbol display 5 formed by two overlapping screens in which sets of symbols 15, 25, 15E, 25E corresponding to all the games are shown;

a credit input device 3 which in this example consists of a slot for inserting coins and/or bills connected to an identifier which checks the validity of the money inserted, and connected to a detector which detects the value of the money inserted and converts it to credits;

a control panel 6 intended for being operated by a single user, said control panel 6 being made up of multiple push-buttons; and

a credit output device 4, intended for returning money to the user of the gaming machine as a result of the prizes obtained.

[0053] In the present example, the first game 10 can consist, for example, of a game of spinning reels with different symbols, and the second game 20, for example, can be a roulette-type game. Many other types of games can be used as first and/or as second games 10, 20, said games being stored in the memory of a local control unit 1 of the gaming machine, and the user of said machine being able to choose each of the first and second games 10 and 20 from the plurality of different games stored.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a diagram of the gaming machine according to an embodiment in which said machine executes a first game 10 and a second game 20 simultaneously, and in which it is shown how the mentioned gaming machine consists of:

• a local control unit 1 which, in the present embodiment, is formed by a programmable logic controller provided with memory and computing capacity, executing a first game 10 and a second game 20 simultaneously;
• a credit input device 3;
• a credit output device 4;
• a credit counter 2 executed by said local control unit 1 which is fed from said credit input device 3, and which can be emptied through said credit output device 4;
• a symbol display 5 connected to and controlled by said local control unit 1, intended for showing the user at least the sets of symbols 15, 25 of the games executed simultaneously;
• a control panel 6 connected to said local control unit 1, allowing the regulation of certain operating parameters of the games executed by means of interacting with said control panel 6.

[0055] Preferably the amount of credits stored in the credit counter is shown through the symbol display.

[0056] The user of the gaming machine feeds the credit counter 2 by means of the credit input device 3 and, through interaction with the control panel 6, assigns an amount of credits from the credit counter 2 to a first bet controller 12 of the first game 10 and to a second bet controller 22 of the second game 20, which are taken from the credit counter 2.

[0057] The first game program 11 and the second game program 21 are then executed simultaneously by means of the local control unit 1, resulting in a first symbol combination 15 corresponding to the first game 10 and a second symbol combination 25 corresponding to the second game 20.

[0058] The symbol combination obtained is shown to the user through the symbol display 5, which is proposed to be a screen in this case, and said symbol combinations 15 and 25 obtained in each of the first and second games 10 and 20, in interaction with the corresponding bet made in the first and second bet controllers 12, 22, determines the prize offered by first and second prize controllers 13, 23 to the user as a result of a round of the corresponding first game 10 and second game 20, the prizes obtained from the first and second games 10 and 20 being able to be different, as the execution of the first and of the second game programs 11, 21 is independent, and the bets assigned to each of the games can also be different.

[0059] According to the present embodiment, the prizes obtained will conventionally be more credits which are added to the credit counter 2. This process can be repeated as many times as the user wants as long as there are credits in the credit counter 2.

[0060] If the user wants to quit the game, this can be done by emptying out the credit counter 2 through a credit output device 4, for example a cash output device envisaged in said gaming machine.

[0061] Figure 3 shows an alternative embodiment in which a gaming machine, which contains the same elements as the machine described in Figure 2, executes, in addition to the first game 10 and the second game 20, at least one additional game 30 by means of its corresponding local control unit 1, which additional game 30 in this example is essentially a third game, but it could represent a third, fourth and/or fifth game, or as many additional games as desired, which would be executed simultaneously to the first and to the second games 10 and 20.

[0062] Said at least one additional game 30 consists of an additional bet controller 32, an additional prize controller 33, and an additional game program 31.

[0063] This allows the gaming machine to execute as many games as desired simultaneously and independently, making independent bets and obtaining independent prizes for each of the games executed.

[0064] Figure 4 schematically shows a gaming machine like the one shown in Figure 3, but in which each of the games 10, 20, 30 includes a corresponding special game 10E, 20E, 30E, each of which is made up of a set of special symbols which can be shown through the symbol display 5 at the same time, or instead of the first, second and additional sets of symbols.

[0065] Each special game consists of a special bet controller 12E, 22E, 32E and a special prize controller 13E, 23E, 33E. Furthermore, the special bet controllers are fed from point counters 14, 24, 34, in which points obtained as prizes provided by the first, second and additional prize controllers 13, 23, 33 are accumulated.

[0066] The special games 10E, 20E and 30E can therefore only be played when enough points are accumulated in the corresponding point counters 14, 24, 34, so as to allow assigning special bets in the special bet controllers 12E, 22E, 32E.

Claims

1. A gaming machine including

• a credit input device (3) feeding a credit counter (2);

• a local control unit (1);

• a symbol display (5) controlled by said local control unit (1);

• a first game (10), executed by said local control unit (1), defined by:

∘ different first symbol combinations (15) shown in said symbol display (5) determined by the result of the execution of a first game program (11) executed by said local control unit (1),

∘ a first bet controller (12) controlling a first bet assigned to the first game (10) executed by said local control unit (1), said first bet controller (12) being connected to the credit counter (2) allowing the transfer of credits from the credit counter (2) to the first bet controller (12);

∘ a first prize controller (13) executed by said local control unit (1), said first prize controller (13) being connected to the first bet controller (12) and to the first game program (11) and determining successive different first prizes as a result of the interaction of said first bet with each of the executions of the first game program (11);
the gaming machine being characterized in that it further includes:

• a second game (20), executed by said local control unit (1), defined by:

∘ different second symbol combinations (25) shown in said symbol display (5) simultaneously to the first symbol combinations (15), the second symbol combinations (25) being determined by the result of the execution of a second game program (21) executed by said local control unit (1) simultaneously to and independently of the execution of the first game program (11);

∘ a second bet controller (22) controlling a second bet assigned to the second game (20) executed by said local control unit (1), said second bet controller (22) being connected to the credit counter (2) allowing the transfer of credits from the credit counter (2) to the second bet controller (22);

∘ a second prize controller (23) executed by said local control unit (1), said second prize controller (23) being connected to the second bet controller (22) and to the second game program (21) and determining successive different seconds prizes as a result of the interaction of said second bet with each of the executions of the second game program (22);

• a single control panel (6) destined for a single user to interact with said at least first and second games (10 and 20) and to control the execution of said at least first and second game programs (11 and 21); and in that said control panel (6) includes controls assigning said first bet to the first bet controller (12) and said second bet to the second bet controller (22) independently of the first bet.

2. The machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes at least one additional game (30) having the same characteristics as the first and the second games (10 and 20), each additional game (30) executed simultaneously to and independently of the rest of the games by an additional game program (31), shown on the symbol display (5) simultaneously to the other games in the form of additional sets of symbols, and provided with an additional bet controller (32) and with an additional prize controller (33).

3. The machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the local control unit (1) stores a catalogue of different games, and the control panel (6) includes controls intended for a user of the machine to select the first game (10) and/or the second game (20) and/or the additional games (30) from the catalogue of games.

4. The machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that the control panel (6) includes controls determining the number of games executed simultaneously by the local control unit (1) and shown simultaneously by the symbol display (5).

5. The machine according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that
the prize controller (13, 23, 33) generates prizes in credits which are added to the credit counter (2), and it also generates prizes in points which are added to a point counter (14, 24, 34); and in that
each of said first game (10), second game (20) and/or additional games (30) further include a corresponding special first game (10E), a special second game (20E) and/or special additional games (30E), each of said special additional games (30E) defined by:

• different special symbol combinations (15E, 25E) shown in said symbol display (5), being determined by the result of the execution of the corresponding first, second or additional game program (11, 21, 31);

• a special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) controlling a special bet assigned to the special game (10E, 20E, 30E), the special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) being connected to the point counter (14, 24, 34) allowing the transfer of points from said point counter (14, 24, 34) to the mentioned special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E);

• a special prize controller (13E, 23E, 33E) connected to the corresponding special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) and to the corresponding game program (11, 21, 31) and determining successive different special prizes as a result of the interaction of said special bet with each of the executions of the corresponding game program (11, 21, 31);
said single control panel (6) being destined for a single user to interact with said at least one special first game (10E), one special second game (20E) and/or one or several special additional games (30E) and for said single user to control the execution of said game programs (11, 21, 31); and in that

said control panel (6) includes controls assigning said special bet to the corresponding special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E).

6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the symbol display (5) is comprised of one or several screens.

7. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local control unit (1) is a programmable logic controller integrated in said machine, provided with a memory where said game programs are stored, and provided with computing capacity for the execution of said game programs (11, 21, 31).

8. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the point counter (14, 24, 34) is a single point counter common for all the games executed simultaneously.

9. The machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the point counter (14, 24, 34) is individual and independent for each of the games executed simultaneously.

10. A control method for a gaming machine which includes feeding a credit counter (2) with credits inserted by a user into a credit input device (3) of said gaming machine, and in that it includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of a turn of a first game (10) which are successively executed and repeated in each turn:

• assigning a first bet, for a value taken from the credit counter (2), to a first bet controller (12); executing a first game program (11) in a local control unit (1), resulting in a first symbol combination (15) corresponding to said first game (10);

• a first prize controller (13) determining the value of a first prize as a result of the interaction of said first bet with the result of said execution of the first game program (11);

• showing in a symbol display (5) the first symbol combination (15) resulting from said execution of the first game program (11);
the method being characterized in that it further includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of a second game (20), which are also successively executed corresponding to the execution of a second game (20), and repeated in each turn:

• assigning a second bet, for a value taken from the credit counter (2), to a second bet controller (22);

• executing a second game program (21) in a local control unit (1), resulting in a second symbol combination (25) corresponding to said second game (20), the execution of the first and of the second game programs (11, 21) being simultaneous and independent;

• a second prize controller (23) determining the value of a second prize as a result of the interaction of said second bet the result of said execution of the second game program (21);

• showing in a symbol display (5) the second symbol combination (25) resulting from said execution of the second game program (21);
said first and second games (10, 20), the assignment of the first and the second bets, and the execution of the first and of the second game programs (11, 21) being controlled from a single control panel (6) destined to interaction with a single user, the assignment of the first and second bets being independent and the execution of the first and of the second game programs (11, 21) being simultaneous.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it further includes the following steps corresponding to the execution of one or several additional games (30) which are also successively executed:

• assigning additional bets, for a value taken from the credit counter (2), to additional bet controllers (32) corresponding to each of the alternative additional games (30) executed;

• executing an additional game program (31) in said local control unit (1) for each additional game (30) executed, each resulting in an additional symbol combination corresponding to an additional game (30), the execution of the first, of the second and of the additional game programs (11, 21, 31) being simultaneous and independent;

• additional prize controllers (33) determining the values of additional prizes, each corresponding to an additional game (30), as a result of the interaction of the corresponding additional bet with the result of said execution of the corresponding additional game program (31);

• showing in a symbol display (5) the additional symbol combinations resulting from said executions of the additional game programs (30);
said additional games (30), the assignment of the additional bets and the execution of the additional game programs (31) being controlled from said single control panel (6) destined to interaction with a single user, the assignment of the additional bets being independent from other assignments of bets and the execution of additional game programs (31) being simultaneous to the execution of other game programs (11, 21).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a user chooses, by means of interacting with said control panel (6), the first game (10) and/or the second game (20) and/or the additional games (30) from a catalogue of different games stored in the local control unit (1).

13. The method according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that the control panel (6) includes controls with which a user determine the number of games executed simultaneously by the local control unit (1) and shown simultaneously by the symbol display (5).

14. The method according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterized in that:

the prize controller (13, 23, 33) generates different prizes in credits which are added to the credit counter (2), and different prizes in points which are added to a point counter (14, 24, 34) depending on the result of the execution of the corresponding game programs (11, 21, 31); and in that

each of said first game (10), second game (20) and/or one or several additional games (30) further include a corresponding special first game (10E), a special second game (20E) and/or one special additional game (30E), each of said special games (10E, 20E, 30E) defined by:

• different special symbol combinations (15E, 25E) shown in said symbol display (5), being determined by the result of the execution of the corresponding first, second or additional game program (11, 21, 31);

• a special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) controlling a special bet assigned to the special game (10E, 20E, 30E), the special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) being connected to the point counter (14, 24, 34) allowing the transfer of points from said point counter (14, 24, 34) to the mentioned special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E);

• a special prize controller (13E, 23E, 33E) connected to the special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E) and to the corresponding game program (11, 21, 31) and determining successive different special prizes as a result of the interaction of said special bet with each of the executions of the corresponding game program (11, 21, 31);
said single control panel (6) being destined for a single user to interact with said at least a special first game (10E), a special second game (20E) and/or one or several special additional games (30E) and for said single user to control the execution of the corresponding game programs (11, 21, 31); and in that

said control panel (6) includes controls assigning said special bet to the corresponding special bet controller (12E, 22E, 32E).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the point counter (14, 24, 34) is a single point counter common for all the games executed simultaneously, or the point counter (14, 24, 34) is individual and independent for each of the games executed simultaneously.

Drawing