Abstract:
A gaming machine provides a first game and a second game different from the first game. The gaming machine has a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the first and second displays while colliding with the pins, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-337190, filed on Dec. 14, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The invention relates to a gaming machine that executes one effect using several displays and a control method thereof. 
         [0004]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    When a player inserts a game medium such as coin or bill into an insertion slot of a gaming machine and presses a spin button, symbols are scroll-displayed in a display mounted on a front of a cabinet and the respective symbols are then stopped automatically. 
         [0006]    According to the above gaming machine, for example, when the symbols stopped on a payline constitute a predetermined combination, the predetermined number of game media are paid out (refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 B2, U.S. Patent No. 2002065124A1). In addition, when a certain symbol referred to as scattered symbol is displayed on the display after the scroll, the predetermined number of game media are paid out in accordance with the number of scattered symbols displayed, irrespective of the payline. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The above gaming machine provides a player with a base game and a bonus game that is more advantageous to the player than the base game. In the bonus game, in the display, it is displayed, as an effect, an image that balls are successively thrown toward a basket. When a predetermined number of the balls are put in the basket, a payout is awarded. Herein, when the bonus game is started, the number of the balls, which are put in the basket, is determined in advance and an effect is made in accordance with the determined result. Since the ball is shot in a straight line form, the moving of the ball being put in the basket may be unnatural. Due to the unnatural movement of the ball, it is certain that the payout is not accidentally awarded. As a result, an interest in the game may be lost. 
         [0008]    The invention is to provide a gaming machine that provides with a player with an impression as if a payout were accidentally awarded, thereby suppressing an interest in a game from being lost, and a control method thereof. 
         [0009]    According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the first and second displays while colliding with the pins, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0010]    According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins; and a processor. The processor to operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0011]    According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about the second game, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0012]    According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; controlling each of the first display and a second display different from the first display to display an image that a ball is moved between the first display and the second display while colliding with a plurality of pins, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0013]    According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0014]    According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about a second game different from the first game and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins, in the second game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0015]    According to the first to sixth aspects of the invention, in the second game, it is displayed that the ball is moved while colliding with the pins. Thereby, even though the location is determined in advance which the ball reaches, the moving direction of the ball after the collision with the pins is adjusted, so that the ball reaches a predetermined location in a natural moving manner. As a result, a player is impressed as if a payout were accidentally awarded, so that an interest in a game is suppressed from being lost. 
         [0016]    According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the first and second displays while colliding with the pins and an image that a receiver is moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0017]    According to a eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins and a receiver; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols, in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver is moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0018]    According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins and a receiver; and a processor that operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about the second game, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver is moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0019]    According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; controlling each of the first display and a second display different from the first display to display an image that a ball is moved between the first display and the second display while colliding with the pins and an image that a receiver is moved, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0020]    According to a eleventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins and a receiver, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver is moved, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0021]    According to a twelfth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins and a receiver, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about a second game different from the first game and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver is moved, in the second game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0022]    According to the seventh to twelfth aspects of the invention, in the second game, as the first to sixth aspects, it is displayed that the ball is moved while colliding with the pins and it is displayed that the receiver is moved. Thereby, even though it is determined in advance whether the ball is received in the receiver, the moving direction of the ball after the collision with the pins is adjusted and the moving speed of the receiver is adjusted, so that the movement of the ball regarding whether the ball is received in the receiver becomes natural. As a result, a player is impressed as if a payout were accidentally awarded, so that an interest in a game is suppressed from being lost. 
         [0023]    According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the first and second displays while colliding with the pins and an image that a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting the ball from being received in the receiver are moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0024]    According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins, a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting the ball from being received in the receiver; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver and the inhibitor are moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0025]    According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided gaming machine that provides a first game and a second game different from the first game, the gaming machine comprising: a first display that displays a plurality of symbols and a plurality of pins; a second display that displays a plurality of pins; a memory that stores a plurality of effect images having different conditions about the pins, a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting the ball from being received in the receiver; and a processor. The processor operates: to control the first display to variably display and then to stop the symbols in the first game; to determine a winning of the first game in accordance with the stopped symbols; to select, from the effect images stored in the memory, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in the second display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about the second game, and to control each of the first and second displays to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver and the inhibitor are moved, in the second game; and to award a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0026]    According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; controlling each of the first display and a second display different from the first display to display an image that a ball is moved between the first display and the second display while colliding with the pins and an image that a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting the ball from being received in the receiver are moved, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0027]    According to a seventeenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins, a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting a ball from being received in the receiver, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver and the inhibitor are moved, in a second game different from the first game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0028]    According to a eighteenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a gaming machine comprising the steps of: controlling a first display to variably display and then to stop a plurality of symbols in a first game; determining a winning of the first game in accordance with the symbols stopped in the first display; selecting, from a plurality of effect images having different conditions about pins, a receiver and an inhibitor inhibiting a ball from being received in the receiver, an effect image to be displayed in the first display and an effect image to be displayed in a second display different from the first display, respectively, in accordance with a payout amount about a second game different from the first game and controlling each of the first display and the second display to display an image that a ball is moved between the selected effect images while colliding with the pins and an image that the receiver and the inhibitor are moved, in the second game; and awarding a payout about the second game when the ball reaches a predetermined location. 
         [0029]    In the thirteenth to eighteenth aspects of the invention, as the first to twelfth aspects, it is displayed that the ball is moved while colliding with the pins and it is displayed that the receiver and the inhibitor are moved. Thereby, even though it is determined in advance whether the ball is received in the receiver, the moving direction of the ball after the collision with the pins is adjusted and the moving speed of the receiver and the inhibitor is adjusted, so that the movement of the ball regarding whether the ball is received in the receiver becomes natural. As a result, a player is impressed as if a payout were accidentally awarded, so that an interest in a game is suppressed from being lost. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]    Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0031]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 2  shows an example of an image that is displayed in a center display of a gaming machine in a base game; 
           [0033]      FIG. 3  shows a data table of symbols depicted on each reel; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 6  show examples of an effect image that is displayed in each of a center display and an upper display of a gaming machine in a bonus game; 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  and  FIG. 8  are block diagrams showing an electrical structure of a gaming machine; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9  shows an upper effect image managing table; 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  shows a central effect image managing table; 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a flow chart showing a game process that is executed by a gaming machine; and 
           [0039]      FIG. 12  is a flow chart showing a bonus game process that is executed by a gaming machine. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0040]    Hereinafter, it will be described an embodiment of a gaming machine according to the invention with reference to the drawings. 
         [0041]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , a gaming machine  1  according to an embodiment of the invention is equipped in a game arcade such as casino, and provides a player with a base game and a bonus game that is more advantageous to the player than the base game. The gaming machine  1  has a cabinet  3  that is longitudinally long. To a front face of the cabinet are provided an upper display  4 A, a center display  4 B and a sub display  4 C. 
         [0042]    The upper display  4 A has a transparent liquid crystal panel fixed to a front door of the cabinet  3  and displays an upper effect image  40   a  (refer to  FIGS. 4 to 6 ) in a bonus game, which will be described later. 
         [0043]    The center display  4 B also has a transparent liquid crystal panel that is fixed to the front door of the cabinet  3 . In a base game, the center display  4 B performs a display as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . To be more specific, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the center display  4 B is provided with 3 (three) transparent display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R. A player plays a base game while seeing the scroll of symbols  180  depicted on peripheries of reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  disposed in the cabinet  3 . Each of the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R is divided into an upper stage  7   a , a central stage  7   b  and a lower stage  7   c . At the time when the scroll display is ended in the base game, the symbols  180  are stopped in the respective upper stage  7   a , central stage  7   b  and lower stage  7   c . Accordingly, the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R display the symbols  180  in a matrix type of 3 columns/3 rows. For example, in  FIG. 2 , “PLUM” is stopped in the upper stage  7   a  of the display window  7 L, “ORANGE” is stopped in the central stage  7   b  of the display window  7 L and “PLUM” is stopped in the lower stage  7   c  of the display window  7 L. 
         [0044]    A payline L is provided which horizontally traverses the central stages  7   b  of the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R. A winning is determined depending on a combination of the symbols  180  stopped on the payline L. When a winning is made, a payout is awarded or a game state is shifted to a bonus game, in accordance with a combination of the symbols on the payline L. The “payout” means awarding a game medium to a player. The game medium may include the credits to be stored in the gaming machine  1 , in addition to a coin. 
         [0045]    The symbols  180  include 8 (eight) types of “JACKPOT 7,” “BLUE 7,” “BELL,” “CHERRY,” “STRAWBERRY,” “PLUM,” “ORANGE” and “APPLE.” As shown in  FIG. 3 , 22 symbols  180  are depicted in a line on the peripheries of the respective reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  in different orders and combinations. The symbols depicted on the respective reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  are given with code numbers of 0˜21 in an order. 
         [0046]    For example, when a symbol of “APPLE” is arranged on the payline L, the game state is shifted to a bonus game. When a symbol of “CHERRY” is arranged on the payline L, 20 coins are paid out per one bet. When a symbol of “PLUM” is arranged on the payline L, 5 coins are paid out per one bet. 
         [0047]    For example, in each of the gaming machines  1  connected to a network, a predetermined percentage of the amount of money bet every game may be accumulated. When a symbol of “JACKPOT 7” is arranged on the payline L, the accumulated amount of money, i.e., jackpot may be paid out. In addition, in a bonus game, all or a part of the jackpot may be paid out. 
         [0048]    Back to  FIG. 1 , a payout-number indicator  8  and a credit-number indicator  9  are disposed in the center display  4 B. The center display  4 B also displays a moving picture to carry out an effect when a winning is made. 
         [0049]    The center display  4 B displays a central effect image  40   b  (refer to  FIGS. 4 to 6 ) in a bonus game. A player plays a bonus game while seeing an upper effect image  40   a  displayed in the upper display  4 A and a central effect image  40   b  displayed in the center display  4 B. 
         [0050]    Here, examples of the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 4 to 6 . 
         [0051]    Firstly, the upper effect image  40   a  is described. In the upper effect image  40   a  shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a soccer player  47 , pins  46  arranged in a predetermined distance, a receiver  42  corresponding to a soccer ball and an inhibitor  43  corresponding to a goalkeeper are displayed. Although the soccer player  47 , the pins  46  and receiver  42  are displayed in the upper effect image  40   a  shown in  FIG. 6 , the inhibitor  43  is not displayed. In this embodiment, the upper effect image  40   a  includes 16 types. The number of the pins  46 , with or without the receiver  42 , the size of the receiver  42 , with or without the inhibitor  43  and size of the inhibitor  43  are different for each type. For example, the number of the pins  46  is same in the upper effect images  40   a  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . However, the number of the pins  46  displayed in the upper effect image  40   a  of  FIG. 5  is smaller than those of the pins  46  displayed in the upper effect image  40   a  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The size of the receiver  42  is same in the upper effect images  40   a  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . However, the size of the receiver  42  displayed in the upper effect image  40   a  of  FIG. 4  is smaller than those of the receivers  42  displayed in the upper effect images  40   a  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The size of the inhibitor  43  is larger in  FIG. 5  than in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0052]    Then, the central effect image  40   b  is described. In each central effect image  40   b  shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 , pins  46  arranged in a predetermined distance, a receiver  44  corresponding to a soccer ball and an inhibitor  45  corresponding to a goalkeeper are displayed. In this embodiment, the central effect image  40   b  includes 12 types. The number of the pins  46 , the size of the receiver  44 , with or without the inhibitor  45  and size of the inhibitor  45  are different for each type. For example, the number of the pins  46  is same in the central effect images  40   b  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . However, the number of the pins  46  displayed in the central effect image  40   b  of  FIG. 5  is larger than those of the pins  46  displayed in the central effect images  40   b  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The size of the receiver  44  is same in the central effect images  40   b  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . However, the size of the receiver  44  displayed in the central effect image  40   b  of  FIG. 5  is smaller than those of the receivers  44  displayed in the central effect images  40   a  of  FIGS. 4 and 6 . The size of the inhibitor  45  is same in the central effect images  40   b  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . However, the size of the inhibitor  45  displayed in the central effect image  40   b  of  FIG. 4  is larger than the inhibitors  45  displayed in the central effect images  40   b  of  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
         [0053]    When a bonus game is started, a display is first performed in the upper effect image  40   a  so that a ball  41  is dropped from a side of a soccer player  47 . The ball  41  is further dropped while colliding with the pins  46  and thus changing the direction. At this time, the receiver  42  and the inhibitor  43  may be respectively moved in right and left directions. When the ball  41  collides with the inhibitor  43 , it is thrown away. In other words, the inhibitor  43  inhibits the ball  41  from being received in the receiver  42 . When the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42 , a payout is awarded and the bonus game is ended. When the ball  41  reaches a lower end of the upper effect image  40   a  without being received in the receiver  42 , the ball  41  disappears from the upper effect image  40   a  and appears in an upper end of the central effect image  40   b.    
         [0054]    The ball  41  having appeared in the central effect image  40   b  is further dropped while colliding with the pins  46  and thus changing the direction. At this time, the receiver  44  and the inhibitor  45  may be respectively moved in right and left directions. When the ball  41  collides with the inhibitor  45 , it is thrown away. In other words, the inhibitor  45  inhibits the ball  41  from being received in the receiver  44 . When the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42  or reaches a lower end of the central effect image  40   b , a payout is awarded and the bonus game is ended. 
         [0055]    Like this, a bonus game is executed through a combination of the two effect images  40   a ,  40   b.    
         [0056]    Again referring to  FIG. 1 , a card reader  15  is provided to a right side of the sub display  4 C. The card reader  15  reads the data from a smart card possessed by a player, or writes the data to the smart card. The sub display  4 C displays the credit-number read by the card reader  15 , the summed credit-number obtained by adding the credit-number acquired in a game to the corresponding credit-number, and the like. The “credit-number acquired in a game” corresponds to an amount of money that is paid out based on a display result of the center display  4 B. For example, when a combination of the symbols about a winning is displayed in the center display  4 B in a base game, the credit-number resulting from the combination of the symbols is added to the current credit-number. A ticket printer  14  that prints the current credit-number and the like onto a ticket is provided to a left side of the sub display  4 C. 
         [0057]    A control panel  10  that forward protrudes from the front of the cabinet  3  is provided below the sub display  4 C. On the control panel  10  is arranged a button group  11  including a BET button, a start button, a stop button and the like. The BET button is pushed in betting, the start button is pushed in starting a game and the stop button is pushed to instruct the stop of the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3 . In addition, the control panel  10  is provided with a coin insertion slot  12  and a bill insertion slot  13 . 
         [0058]    In the front of the cabinet  3 , a sub-panel  17  is provided below the control panel  10 . The sub-panel  17  is a plastic panel having a game-related image printed thereto and is outward illuminated by a cold cathode tube. A coin tray  19  that receives the coins discharged is disposed below the sub-panel  17 . 
         [0059]    In the front of the cabinet  3 , protrusions  21  that are outward protruded in a bow shape are formed at both sides of the upper display  4 A and the center display  4 B. Side lamps  22  are arranged at the respective protrusions  21 . The cabinet  3  is provided at both sides thereof with speakers  23  so that they protrude in an arc shape. Speaker lamps  24  are arranged along edges of the speakers  23 . Under lamps  25  are arranged along a lower edge of the sub-panel  17 . To an upper part of the upper display  4 A are provided top lamps  26  including a pair of right and left lamps  26   a  and band-shaped lamps  26  that are horizontally arranged between the power lamps  26   a.    
         [0060]    In the followings, an electrical structure of the gaming machine  1  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the gaming machine  1  comprises a main control substrate  71 . The main control substrate  71  comprises a microcomputer  71 , a random number generator  35 , a sampling circuit  36 , a clock pulse generating circuit  37 , a frequency dividing circuit  38 , a lamp driving circuit  61 , a hopper driving circuit  63 , a payout completion signal circuit  65 , an indicator driving circuit  67  and an image control circuit  68 . 
         [0061]    The microcomputer  31  has a main CPU  32 , a RAM  33  and a ROM  34 . The main CPU  32  operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM  34  and executes an input/output of a signal to and from the other components through an I/O port  39 , thereby controlling an overall operation of the gaming machine  1 . The RAM  34  stores data of the symbols  180  including the code numbers, data or program that is used when the main CPU  32  operates, and the like. For example, after a game starts, the RAM  33  temporarily maintains a random number that is sampled by the sampling circuit  36 . In addition, the RAM  33  stores an upper effect image managing table shown in  FIG. 9  and a central effect image managing table shown in  FIG. 10 . The ROM  34  stores a program that is executed by the main CPU  32 , permanent data and the like. 
         [0062]    The random number generator  35  operates and generates a random number within a predetermined range, in accordance with an instruction of the main CPU  32 . The sampling circuit  36  samples any random number of the random numbers that are generated by the random number generator  35  and inputs the sampled random number into the main CPU  32 , in accordance with an instruction of the main CPU  32 . The clock pulse generating circuit  37  generates a reference clock for operating the main CPU  32 . The frequency dividing circuit  38  inputs a signal, which the reference clock is divided in a predetermined period, to the main CPU  32 . 
         [0063]    The main control substrate  71  is connected with a reel driving unit  50 . The reel driving unit  50  comprises a reel position detecting circuit  51  that detects each position of the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  and a motor driving circuit  52  that inputs a driving signal to motors M 1 , M 2 , M 3  of the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3 . When the driving signal is inputted from the motor driving circuit  52 , the motors M 1 , M 2 , M 3  are operated to rotate the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3 . 
         [0064]    The main control substrate  71  is connected with the button group  11 . A signal corresponding to the push of each button included in the button group  11  is inputted into the main CPU  32  via the I/O port  39 . 
         [0065]    In addition, the main control substrate  71  is connected with a bill validator  58 , a coin counter  59 , a ticket printer  14 , a card reader  15  and a communication interface  69 . 
         [0066]    The bill validator  58  reads an image of bill inserted into the bill insertion slot  13  and receives the normal bill in the cabinet  3 . When receiving the normal bill, the bill validator  58  inputs a signal to the main CPU  32  based on an amount of the bill. The main CPU  32  having received the signal stores a credit-number in the RAM  33 , which corresponds to the amount of bill. 
         [0067]    The coin counter  59  is provided in the coin insertion slot  12  and identifies whether the coin inserted into the coin insertion slot  12  by a player is normal or not. The abnormal coin is discharged to the coin tray  19 . In addition, the coin counter  59  inputs a signal to the main CPU  32  when it detects a normal coin. 
         [0068]    The ticket printer  14  prints a barcode on a ticket, in which data stored in the RAM  33  such as credit-number, the day and time, the identification number of the gaming machine  1  and the like is coded, and outputs a ticket having the barcode attached thereto. 
         [0069]    The card reader  15  reads the data from a smart card possessed by a player to transmit it to the main CPU  32 , or writes the data to the smart card based on a control signal from the main CPU  32 . 
         [0070]    The communication interface  69  is provided to communicate with a host computer (now shown) equipped in the game arcade, through the communication line. 
         [0071]    The lamp driving circuit  61  outputs a lighting-on or lighting-off signal to the lamps  22 ,  24 ,  25 ,  26  so as to perform an illumination effect. 
         [0072]    The hopper driving circuit  63  drives a hopper  64  under control of the main CPU  32 . The hopper  64  operates to discharge a coin to the coin tray  19 . The payout completion signal circuit  65  is connected with the coin sensor  66 . The coin sensor  66  counts the coins that are discharged as the hopper  64  is driven, thereby inputting count data to the payout completion signal circuit  65 . The payout completion signal circuit  65  inputs a payout completion signal to the main CPU  32  when the discharged coin-number reaches a predetermined number, based on the count data from the coin sensor  66 . The indicator driving circuit  67  controls the display operations of the payout-number indicator  8 , the credit-number indicator  9  and the sub display  4 C. 
         [0073]    The image control circuit  68  controls the upper display  4 A to display the upper effect image  40   a  and controls the center display  4 B to display the central effect image  40   b  in a bonus game. As described above, in the upper effect image  40   a  and the central effect image  40   b , it is displayed an image that the ball  41  is dropped while colliding with the pins  46  and an image that the receivers  42 ,  44  and the inhibitors  43 ,  45  are horizontally moved. The image control circuit  68  has an approximately same structure as an image control circuit  81  (refer to  FIG. 8 ) included in a sub-control substrate  72 . 
         [0074]    Further, the main control substrate  71  is connected with a sub-control substrate  71 . In a base game, the sub-control substrate  72  controls the display of the center display  4 B and the voice output of the speakers  23 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the sub-control substrate  71  is a separate substrate from the main control substrate  71  and comprises a sub microcomputer  73 , a sound source IC  78 , a power AMP  79  serving as an amplifier and an image control circuit  81 . The sound source IC  78  controls a voice sound outputted from the speakers  23 . The image control circuit  81  controls the display of the center display  4 B. 
         [0075]    The sub microcomputer  73  has a sub CPU  74 , a program ROM  75 , a work RAM  76 , an IN port  77  and an OUT port  80 . The sub CPU  74  performs a control operation in accordance with a control command transmitted from the main control substrate  71 . Although the sub-control substrate  72  does not have a clock pulse generating circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, a random number generator and a sampling circuit, the sub CPU  74  executes a random number sampling on the operating program. The program ROM  76  stores a control program that is executed by the sub CPU  74 . The work RAM  76  temporarily stores the data when the sub CPU  74  executes the control program. 
         [0076]    The image control circuit  81  has an image control CPU  82 , an image control work RAM  83 , an image control program ROM  84 , an IN port  85 , an image ROM  86 , a video RAM  87  and an image control IC  88 . The image control CPU  82  determines an image that is displayed in the center display  4 B in a base game, in accordance with the image control program stored in the image control program ROM  84 , based on a parameter that is set by the sub microcomputer  73 . 
         [0077]    The image control program ROM  84  stores an image control program that is related to a display in the center display  4 B, or various selection tables. The image control work RAM  83  temporarily stores the data when the image control CPU  82  executes the image control program. The image control IC  88  forms an image that is determined by the image control CPU  82  and outputs it to the center display  4 B. 
         [0078]    The image ROM  86  stores dot data for forming an image. The video RAM  87  temporarily stores the data when the image control IC  88  forms the image data. 
         [0079]    In the followings, an upper effect image managing table and a central effect image managing table will be described with reference to  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The upper effect image managing table and the central effect image managing table are stored in the RAM  33  of the main control substrate  71 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the upper effect image managing table, each number of the upper effect images  40   a  having 16 types is made to correspond to the information of the respective information such as the number of the pins  46 , with or without the receiver  42 , the size of the receiver  42 , with or without the inhibitor  43  and the size of the inhibitor  43 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , in the central effect image managing table, each number of the central effect images  40   b  having 12 types is made to correspond to the information of the respective information such as the number of the pins  46 , the size of the receiver  44 , with or without the inhibitor  45  and the size of the inhibitor  45 . 
         [0080]    For example, in  FIG. 9 , in the upper effect image  40   a  of No.  9 , the number of the pins  46  is large, the receiver  42  is provided, the size of the receiver  42  is small, the inhibitor  43  is provided and the size of the inhibitor  43  is small. In other words, the upper effect image  40   a  shown in  FIG. 4  corresponds to No.  9 . In the upper effect image  40   a  of No.  10 , the number of the pins  46  is small, the receiver  42  is provided, the size of the receiver  42  is large, the inhibitor  43  is provided and the size of the inhibitor  43  is large. In other words, the upper effect image  40   a  shown in  FIG. 5  corresponds to No.  10 . In the upper effect image  40   a  of No.  3 , the number of the pins  46  is large, the receiver  42  is provided, the size of the receiver  42  is large and the inhibitor  43  is not provided. In other words, the upper effect image  40   a  shown in  FIG. 6  corresponds to No.  3 . 
         [0081]    In  FIG. 10 , in the central effect image  40   b  of No.  10 , the number of the pins  46  is small, the size of the receiver  44  is large, the inhibitor  45  is provided and the size of the inhibitor  45  is large. In other words, the central effect image  40   b  shown in  FIG. 4  corresponds to No.  10 . In the central effect image  40   b  of No.  9 , the number of the pins  46  is large, the size of the receiver  44  is small, the inhibitor  45  is provided and the size of the inhibitor  45  is small. In other words, the central effect image  40   b  shown in  FIG. 5  corresponds to No.  9 . In the central effect image  40   a  of No.  2 , the number of the pins  46  is small, the size of the receiver  44  is large, the inhibitor  45  is provided and the size of the inhibitor  45  is small. In other words, the central effect image  40   b  shown in  FIG. 6  corresponds to No.  2 .  FIGS. 4 and 5  show the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  that the ball  41  is difficult to be received in the receivers  42 ,  44  and  FIG. 6  shows the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  that the ball  41  is easy to be received in the receivers  42 ,  44 . 
         [0082]    In the followings, a game process that is executed by the gaming machine  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 11 . When the main CPU  32  reads out a game program stored in the ROM  34 , a game process is progressed. 
         [0083]    Firstly, the main CPU  32  determines whether a bet is made, based on whether it receives a signal accompanying with the push of the BET button (S 10 ). When a bet is not made (S 10 , NO), the process of S 10  is repeated. In other words, the main CPU stands by until a bet is made. 
         [0084]    When a bet is made (S 10 , YES), the main CPU  32  subtracts the credit-number stored in the RAM  33  by the amount of money bet (S 11 ). When the amount of money bet is larger than the credit-number stored in the RAM  33 , or when the amount of money bet exceeds an upper limit capable of being bet in one game, i.e., maximum betting amount of money, the main CPU proceeds to a step of S 12  without the step of S 11  of subtracting the credit-number. In this embodiment, the maximum betting amount of money is 50. 
         [0085]    Then, the main CPU  32  determines whether to start a game, based on whether a signal accompanying with the push of the start button is received (S 12 ). When the start button is not pushed (S 12 , NO), the process is returned to the step of S 10 . For example, when the start button is not pushed and an instruction to end the game is inputted, the subtraction process of S 10  is canceled. 
         [0086]    When the start button is pushed (S 12 , YES), the main CPU  32  executes the symbol determining program stored in the ROM  34 , thereby determining the symbols  180  to be stopped after the scroll display in the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R (S 13 ). 
         [0087]    Then, the main CPU  32  controls the center display  4 B and the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  so that the symbols  180  are scroll-displayed in the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R (S 14 ). The main CPU  32  controls the center display  4 B and the reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3  so that the symbols determined in the step of S 13  are stopped in the display windows  7 L,  7 C,  7 R. 
         [0088]    Then, the main CPU  32  determines whether a winning is made, based on whether a combination of the symbols stopped on the payline L is a predetermined combination (S 15 ). When a winning is not made (S 15 , NO), this routine is ended. When a winning is made (S 15 , YES), a payout is awarded which corresponds to the combination of the symbols stopped on the payline L (S 16 ). 
         [0089]    Then, the main CPU  32  determines whether to shift the game state to a bonus game (S 17 ). In this embodiment, when a symbol of “APPLE” is arranged on the payline L, the game state is shifted to a bonus game. When it is determined not to shift the game state to a bonus game (S 17 , NO), this routine is ended. When it is determined to shift the game state to a bonus game (S 17 , YES), a bonus game process is executed which will be described later (S 18 ). The main CPU  32  ends this routine after executing the bonus game process. 
         [0090]    In the followings, a bonus-game process that is executed by the gaming machine  1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
         [0091]    Firstly, the main CPU  32  determines a payout in a bonus game (A 1 ). Then, based on the payout determined in the step of A 1 , the main CPU selects the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  to be respectively displayed in the upper display  4 A and the center display  4 B while referring to the effect image managing tables shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  (A 2 ). 
         [0092]    To be more specific, when the payout is less than 300 credits, the main CPU selects one of the effect images  40   a ,  40   b , which are easy to be received in the receivers  42 ,  44 , i.e., No.  1 ˜No. 6  shown in  FIG. 9  and one of No.  1 ˜No.  6  shown in  FIG. 10 . Meanwhile, when the payout is 300 credits or more, the main CPU selects one of the effect images  40   a ,  40   b , which are difficult to be received in the receivers  42 ,  44 , i.e., one of No.  7 ˜No.  16  shown in  FIG. 9  and one of No.  7 ˜No.  12  shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0093]    Then, the main CPU  32  controls each of the upper display  4 A and the center display  4 B so that the upper effect image  40   a  and the central effect image  40   b  determined in the step of A 2  are displayed (A 3 ). Here, the ball  41  starts to be dropped in the upper effect image  40   a  (A 4 ). The ball  41  is further dropped while colliding with the pins  46  and thus changing the direction. The receiver  42  and the receiver  44  are moved in right and left directions in the upper effect image  40   a  and the central effect image  40   b , respectively (A 5 ). In addition, the inhibitor  43  and the inhibitor  45  are moved in right and left directions in the upper effect image  40   a  and the central effect image  40   b , respectively (A 6 ). When the receiver  42  or the inhibitor  43 ,  43  is not included in the effect images  40   a ,  40   b , the process of A 5  and/or A 6  may be omitted. 
         [0094]    Then, the main CPU  32  determines whether the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42  or receiver  44  (A 7 ). When the ball  41  is not received in any receivers  42 ,  44  (A 7 , NO), the main CPU proceeds to a step of A 9 . When the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42  or receiver  44  (A 7 , YES), the payout determined in the step of A 1  is awarded (A 8 ). Specifically, the corresponding payout is added to the credit-number that is currently stored in the RAM  33 , or the coins corresponding to the payout is discharged to the coin tray  19 . 
         [0095]    Then, the main CPU  32  controls each of the upper display  4 A and the center display  4 B so that the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  are erased (A 9 ). Then, this sub routine is ended. 
         [0096]    As described above, according to the embodiment, it is displayed in the effect images  40   a ,  40   b  about the bonus game, that the ball  41  is moved while colliding with the pins  46 . Thereby, even though the location is determined in advance which the ball  41  reaches, the moving direction of the ball  41  after the collision with the pins is adjusted, so that the ball  41  reaches a predetermined location in a natural moving manner. As a result, a player is impressed as if a payout were accidentally awarded, so that an interest in a game is suppressed from being lost. 
         [0097]    In addition, the receivers  42 ,  44  and the inhibitors  43 ,  45  are also displayed in the effect images  40   a ,  40   b . By adjusting the moving speed of the receivers  42 ,  44  and the inhibitors  43 ,  45 , the movement of the ball  41  regarding whether the ball is received in the receiver  42  or receiver  44  becomes natural. As a result, a player is impressed as if a payout were accidentally awarded, so that an interest in a game is suppressed from being lost. 
         [0098]    According to the embodiment, a new entertainment characteristic is provided. 
         [0099]    In the mean time, it may be determined whether the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42  or receiver  44  when a bonus game is started, for example at the same time of the A 1  process. In this case, based on the corresponding determined result, the movements of the ball  41 , the receivers  42 ,  44  and the inhibitors  43 ,  45  are controlled. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the ball  41  is received in the receiver  42  or receiver  44  during a bonus game. To be more specific, the movements of the ball  41 , the receivers  42 ,  44  and the inhibitors  43 ,  45  may be randomly controlled, so that the ball  41  is accidentally overlapped with the receiver  42  or receiver  44 . 
         [0100]    In the above embodiment, the symbols are displayed with the mechanical reels R 1 , R 2 , R 3 . However, the invention is not limited. For example, video reels may be used to display the symbols, or a combination of the mechanical reels and the video reels may be used to display the symbols. The vide reel may include a liquid crystal device, a CRT (cathode-ray tube) device, a plasma device and the like. 
         [0101]    In a base game, the matrix of the symbols to be stopped after the scroll display is not limited to 3 columns/3 rows. 
         [0102]    In the above embodiment, it is determined whether a winning is made, depending on a combination of the symbols stopped on the payline L. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a certain symbol referred to as scattered symbol is displayed in the display after the scroll display, the payout may be made in accordance with the number of the scattered symbols displayed, irrespective of the payline L. 
         [0103]    The invention may be implemented by software, as required. 
         [0104]    While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.