Patent attributes
A collective system for billing management of each game machine installed in shops or the like via communication network. A limit is set to the usable number, while the game machine is ensured continuous use as long as it is properly used and the billing is carried out regularly during the continuous use on a pay-per-use basis. The play count is counted up every time one game is played, and when the play count has reached or exceeded a count limit, the use of the game machine is restricted. The game machine is connected to a billing server via a communication network. The billing server includes a count limit renewing unit which renews the count limit of the game machine that has transmitted billing information, and transmits the new count limit back to the game machine every time the billing server receives the billing information from the game machine.
