Patent Publication Number: US-9424720-B2

Title: Gaming machine and methods of allowing a player to play gaming machines having modifiable reel features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/833,343, filed Mar. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to gaming machines and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for allowing players to play gaming machines having modifiable reel features. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gaming machines, such as slot machines, are a cornerstone of the gaming industry. At least some known gaming machines include a video display device to display a reel game that includes a plurality of reels, wherein each reel includes a plurality of symbols. During game play, the gaming machine accepts a wager from a player, the player selects one or more paylines, the gaming machine spins the reels, and sequentially stops each reel to display the generated combination of symbols on the reels. The gaming machine then awards the player an award based on the combination of symbols orientated along the selected payline. 
     At least some known gaming machines display bonus features based on the appearance of a special symbol in the game outcome. Known bonus features may include additional free games including additional spins of the game reels, or an additional award multiplier. The additional free games are conducted using the same reels having the same symbols that are used in the base game. Over time, during game play, the player may become frustrated because the additional free games are conducted using the same reels, thus the chance of winning an award is not significantly increased during the free games. Accordingly, new features are necessary to appeal to player interest and enhance excitement in order to entice longer play and increased profitability. The present invention is directed to satisfying these needs. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention a gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a game and a controller connected to the display device. The game includes a plurality of reels, each reel having a reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The controller is configured to display a first game to a player on the display device. The first game includes a primary game and a secondary game. The controller is configured to determine an outcome of the primary game, responsively spin and stop the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and provide a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The outcome of the primary game is displayed in a grid with the spinning reels being visible in the grid during play of the game. The controller detects if a triggering graphic is being displayed with the primary game outcome. The triggering graphic being associated with at least one reel of the plurality of reels. The controller responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel upon detecting the appearance of the triggering graphic, generates an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip, and provides a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a slot game to a player is provided. The slot game includes a plurality of reels. Each reel has a reel strip that includes a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The method includes the steps of allowing the player to make a wager on a first game that includes a primary game and a secondary game, randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively spinning and stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and awarding a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The outcome of the primary game being displayed in a grid with the spinning reels being visible in the grid during play of the game. The method includes detecting if a triggering graphic is being displayed with the primary game outcome and is associated with at least one reel of the plurality of reels. The method includes responsively modifying a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel upon detecting the appearance of the triggering graphic, generating an outcome of the secondary game including the modified reel strip, and awarding a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon is provided. The computer-executable instructions cause the processor to display, on a display device, a first game including a plurality of reels. Each reel has a reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The first game includes a primary game and a secondary game. The processor randomly determines an outcome of the primary game, responsively spins and stops the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and provides a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The outcome of the primary game is displayed in a grid and the spinning reels are visible in the grid during play of the game. The processor detects if a triggering graphic is being displayed with the primary game outcome and is associated with at least one reel of the plurality of reels. The processor responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel upon detecting the appearance of the triggering graphic, generates an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip, and provides a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a method of providing a slot game to a player is provided. The slot game includes a plurality of reels, wherein each reel has a reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The method includes allowing the player to make a wager on the game, initiating a primary game and responsively spinning the reels, and randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game. The outcome of the primary game is displayed in a grid and the spinning reels are visible in the grid during play of the game. The method also includes detecting if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, wherein the triggering condition being defined as a trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome, and responsively modifying a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a gaming machine is provided. The gaming machine includes a display device for displaying a game, a user input device configured to generate a signal indicative of a player&#39;s selection input, and a controller that is coupled to the display device and the user input device. The game includes a plurality of reels, wherein each reel has a reel strip that includes a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The controller allows the player to make a wager on the game, initiates a primary game and responsively spins the reels. The controller randomly determines an outcome of the primary game, responsively stops the reels to display the outcome in a grid, and awards a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The controller detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, wherein the triggering condition is defined as a trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome. The controller responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game that includes the modified reel strip and awards a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In yet another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided. The system includes a plurality of gaming devices and a system controller coupled to each gaming device. Each gaming device includes a user input device for accepting a player&#39;s selection input and a display device for allowing a player to play a game. The game includes a plurality of reels, wherein each reel has a reel strip that includes a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. The system controller initiates a primary game based on the player selection input, responsively spins the reels, randomly determines an outcome of the primary game, stops the reels to display the outcome of the primary game in a grid, and awards a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The system controller detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, wherein the triggering condition is defined as a trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome. The system controller responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip and awards a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In view of the above-noted disadvantages, one of one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can raise a player&#39;s interest in a game by carrying out diverse re-drawing in accordance with progress of the game. 
     A gaming machine has a display unit having a first display area adapted to displaying a plurality of types of symbols and a second display area adapted to displaying specific symbols that have specific interrelationships, a draw control unit that determines the specific symbols to display for a first game, wherein after the specific symbols are displayed in the first game, the draw control unit controls the display of the specific symbols in the second display area at determined times of subsequent the games, and determines areas in which the specific symbols are not displayed in the first display area and wherein the plurality of types of symbols displayed in the first display area are predetermined by the draw control unit as symbols that have no specific interrelationship. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol is stopped in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that display the predetermined symbols are set as specific display regions. Because drawing at predetermined times of games after the first game is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game and the symbols having a predetermined relationship are displayed in the specific display region. By this, an independent drawing result (re-drawing result) which differs from the general display region, can be displayed in the specific display region. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed without the symbols having a predetermined relationship, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     A gaming machine has a display unit that performs a flash display of symbols in which symbols are moved in a constant fashion in a plurality of display areas and subsequently stops movement of the symbols to display all or a portion of the symbols in a substantially stationary fashion, a draw control unit that determines specific symbols to be stopped in a specific display area for a first game, and wherein the specific symbols stopped in one of the display areas, are different types of the symbols from those in other display areas in a predetermined number of times after the specific symbols are displayed in the first game. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols are set as specific display regions, and because drawing in a predetermined times of games after the first game is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that the symbols are displayed the same in each game, same symbols are displayed in the specific display region. By this, an independent re-drawing result which differs from the general display region can be displayed in the specific display region. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of type of symbols that are to be displayed, so that symbols are independently displayed, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     The gaming machine has wherein when one of the symbols in the other display areas is the same type of symbol as displayed in the specific display area, the draw control unit changes the symbols in the other display areas to the specific symbols, and controls all of the specific symbols to be same type of the symbols in a predetermined number of times after modified. 
     In this way, in a case where a symbol to be displayed in whichever ordinary display region is the same symbol as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region, because the ordinary display region that has drawn the same symbols as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region is changed to the specific display region, in a predetermined number of feature games after the next time, the number of regions that structure the specific display region increases every time the same symbol is drawn in the ordinary display region. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out so that a same symbol is stop displayed in every specific display region including the increased specific display region, the same symbol is stop displayed in the entire specific display region. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the player, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interest. 
     The gaming machine has wherein when the symbols in one of the other display areas are in a win situation, the draw control unit modifies one of the other display areas to another specific display area, modifies the symbols in the another specific display area to the specific symbols, and controls all of the specific symbols in the one of the other display areas, being same type of the symbols in a predetermined number of times after modified. 
     In this way, in a case where a symbol to be displayed in whichever ordinary display region adjacent to the specific display region is the same symbol as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region, because the ordinary display region that is adjacent to the specific display region, and has drawn the same symbols as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region is changed to the specific display region, in a predetermined number of feature games after the next time, the number of regions that structure the specific display region increases every time the same symbol is drawn in the ordinary display region that is adjacent to the specific display region. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out so that a same symbol is stop displayed in every specific display region including the increased specific display region, the same symbol is stop displayed in the entire specific display region. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the player, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interest. 
     The gaming machine has wherein at least one of the other display areas is adjacent to the specific display area. 
     In this way, in a case where a win situation is established in whichever of a plurality of ordinary display regions, during a game of a predetermined number of times, because the ordinary display region that is to establish a win changes to another specific display region independent from the specific display region, the number of specific display regions increases every time a win situation is established in the ordinary display regions. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out so that a same symbol is stop displayed in every specific display, the same symbol is stop displayed respectively in each specific display region, the same symbol is respectively stop displayed in each specific display region. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the player, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interest. 
     The gaming machine has wherein the win situation is established when special symbols are displayed in one of the other display areas. 
     In this way, in a case where a win situation is established in whichever of a plurality of ordinary display regions by a predetermined symbol being displayed, during a game of a predetermined number of times, because the ordinary display region that is to establish a win changes to another specific display region independent from the specific display region, the number of specific display regions increases every time a win situation is established in the ordinary display regions by a predetermined symbol being displayed. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out so that a same symbol is stop displayed in every specific display, the same symbol is stop displayed respectively in each specific display region, the same symbol is respectively stop displayed in each specific display region. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the player, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interest. 
     The gaming machine has wherein the draw control unit controls all of the specific symbols in the specific display area and one of the other display areas, being same type of the 10 symbols in a predetermined number of times after modified. 
     By this structure, in a case where the symbol to be displayed in the specific display regions and the other specific display region are the same, drawing is carried out so that the same symbol is displayed in every specific display region. Namely, the specific display region and the other specific display region display the same symbols by combining, and becoming one specific display region. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region. For example, variation of the game activity can be possible by for example, increasing the dividend in accordance with the increase in number of the regions that constitute the specific display region, etc. As a result, the player&#39;s interests can be aroused. 
     A gaming machine has a display unit displaying a plurality of types of symbols, upon starting a game, a draw control unit predetermining a specific symbol display area where specific symbols that establish a plurality of specific prizes are displayed at predetermined times after starting the game, wherein the draw control unit selects the specific symbols for one of the plurality of specific prizes, from a prize group to which the one of the plurality of specific prizes belongs, and predetermines a general display area where other symbols are displayed, wherein the general display area displays the other symbols independently of the specific symbols in each game. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol that establishes a specific win is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols that establish a specific win are set as specific display regions in a predetermined times of games from the next game, and because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that which ever one win that is the same as a win group that the specific win group belongs to (the group to which the win belongs to) is established in each game, wins can be changed in each game, maintaining a win situation. By this, players feel intrigued, and can raise the player&#39;s interest towards the game. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of type of symbols that are to be displayed, so that symbols are independently displayed, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     The gaming machine has wherein when one of the other symbols in the general display area adjacent to the specific display area is the same type of the specific symbols in the specific display area, the draw control unit modifies the general display area adjacent the specific display area correspond to the specific symbol display area, and controls all symbols in the specific symbol display area to establish a prize that belongs to different group from the one of the plurality of specific prizes. 
     In this way, in a case where a symbol to be displayed in whichever ordinary display region adjacent to the specific display region is the same symbol as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region, because the ordinary display region that is adjacent to the specific display region, and has drawn the same symbols as the symbol that is to be displayed in the specific display region is changed to the specific display region, in a predetermined number of feature games after the next time, the number of regions that structure the specific display region increases every time the same symbol is drawn in the ordinary display region that is adjacent to the specific display region. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out in every specific display region including the increased specific display region, so that at least one win among win groups different from win groups that the specific win belongs to in each game is established. Namely by the number of regions structuring the specific display region increasing, the grading of the wing groups are changed, and players alternate between hope and despair every time the number of regions increase. By this, it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interests towards the game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These objects and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the exterior of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  is a diagram showing the electric structure of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment. 
         FIG. 30  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 32  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 33  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 35  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 36  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 37  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment. 
         FIG. 38  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 39  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 40  is a diagram showing a screen display example of a gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 41  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 42  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 43  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 44  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment. 
         FIG. 45  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to an eighth embodiment. 
         FIG. 46  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment. 
         FIG. 47  is a flowchart showing performance of a gaming machine according to a ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 48  is a flowchart showing performance of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 49  is a diagram showing a screen display example of a gaming machine according to a ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 50  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 51  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 52  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 53  is a diagram showing a screen display example of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 54  is a diagram showing a structure of wins of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment. 
         FIG. 55  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 56  is a schematic representation of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 55 . 
         FIG. 57  is a graphical display of a video slot game, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 58  is a schematic representation of a portion of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 55  including the video slot game of  FIG. 57  illustrating a plurality of slot reels, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 59  is a schematic representation of a reel strip that may be used with at least one slot reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 60  is another schematic representation of the reel strip shown in  FIG. 59 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 61  is a schematic representation of a first reel strip and a second reel strip that may be used with a first reel and a second reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 62  is another schematic representation of the first and second reels strips shown in  FIG. 61 . 
         FIG. 63  is a schematic representation of a reel strip that may be used with at least one slot reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 64  is another schematic representation of the reel strip shown in  FIG. 63 . 
         FIG. 65  is a schematic representation of a reel strip that may be used with at least one slot reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 66  is another schematic representation of the reel strip shown in  FIG. 65 . 
         FIG. 67  is a schematic representation of a first reel strip and a second reel strip that may be used with a first reel and a second reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 68  is another schematic representation of the first and second reels strips shown in  FIG. 67 . 
         FIG. 69  is a schematic representation of a reel strip that may be used with at least one slot reel of the video slot game shown in  FIG. 57  and  FIG. 58 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 70  is another schematic representation of the reel strip shown in  FIG. 69 . 
         FIG. 71  is another schematic representation of the gaming machine shown in  FIG. 57 , according to an embodiment, of the present invention. 
         FIG. 72  is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 73  is a flowchart of an exemplary method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 74-78  are graphic displays of the game shown in  FIG. 57 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 79  is another flowchart of an exemplary method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     With reference to the drawings and in operation, the present invention overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of known gaming machines by providing a gaming machine that displays a game that includes a plurality of reels, each having an associated reel strip, and that modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with one or more reels to generate a bonus game outcome. More specifically, the gaming machine generates and displays a primary game outcome and detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome. The gaming machine then responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with a reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip. By providing a gaming machine that modifies a reel feature for use in a bonus game, the player&#39;s expectation for achieving a win during the bonus game is increased and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the amount of time that the game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is thereby increased. 
     (1) Definition of Re-Drawing Reel 
     The purpose pf re-drawing is to maintain an established win situation or a situation where particular symbols appear on the reel. One example is a case where three “cherry” symbols match on a slot machine. In this case, a win situation of “three matches” is established. Re-drawing maintains this win situation, and switches the kind of desired symbol to, for example “bar”, and “7”, etc. Also, re-drawing is to carry out re-drawing of symbols, maintaining a situation where same symbols appear in every position of up, middle, and down of the first to third reels, or maintaining a situation where same symbols appear in positions of each column, assuming that re-drawing is carried out in the first to third reels, in a five-reel slot machine. It is possible that the original symbol is re-drawn. In the case of “in a case where predetermined symbols are displayed stopped to a plurality of display regions, in a predetermined number of games after that game, in special display regions where the predetermined symbols are displayed, in at least game units, drawing is carried out from a plurality of kinds of symbols that are to be displayed having a predetermined relationship among the symbols”, “predetermined relationship” corresponds to the above “established win situation, or a situation where symbols appear on the reels”. 
     (2) Re-Drawing Reel 
     The re-drawing reel is for carrying out the above-discussed re-drawing. Symbol alignment of the re-drawing reel are all the same. By aligning the symbol alignment in a same position, and by rotating or stopping the reels, synchronizing timing and speed, the win situation can be maintained, and re-drawing of symbols can be carried out. A group of a plurality of re-drawing reels that maintain a common win situation will be described as “re-drawing reel group”. 
     (3) Appearance of the Re-Drawing Reel 
     Appearance of the re-drawing reel is switching of an ordinary reel to a re-drawing reel under a condition that a certain setting condition is established. This setting condition can be for example, appearance of a predetermined symbol. Below, this predetermined symbol will be described as a “trigger symbol”. Or, a situation where a predetermined win (for example “BAR-BAR-BAR” and “ 7 - 7 - 7 ”, etc.), being established by a combination of symbols, can be the “condition” of above. Or, in a case where a poker game is carried out, one establishment of the winning combinations, such as shown in  FIG. 54 , can be the “condition” of above. In a case of a video slot, because the reel is drawn by program-like processing, switching of the reel is easy. Symbol alignment of the ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel may be different. In a case of a rotating drum type reel, because switching is physically difficult, in most cases, the alignment symbol of the ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel are the same. Therefore, “to synchronization control” or “not to synchronization control” becomes the difference in separating the ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel. By changing the symbol alignment and synchronization timing, a plurality of re-drawing reels can be made to appear at the same time. 
     (4) Increase of the Re-Drawing Reel 
     Increase of the re-drawing reel is carrying out the increase operation discussed, under the condition that some kind of setting condition is established. Here also, a predetermined symbol appearing, and a predetermined win situation being established by a combination of symbols, can be the setting condition. Also, for example, in a case where a poker game is carried out, one establishment of the winning combinations, such as shown in  FIG. 54 , can be the “condition” of above. 
     1. Increase in number of the re-drawing reels included in the re-drawing reel group 
     2. Increase in number of the re-drawing reel group itself 
     Establishment of a win situation by a combination of a plurality of kinds of symbols may be the condition for the appearance of the re-drawing reel, or the increase of the re-drawing reel. For example, cases where combinations of symbols that express a specific meaning content, are displayed, such as “G” “0” “D” (GOD), and “C” “0” “I” “N” (COIN). The embodiments of the present invention will be described, with reference to the drawings. 
     (First Embodiment) 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a gaming machine according to the first embodiment, uses nine independent hexagon reels A 1  to A 9  that respectively have different symbol alignments. The hexagon reels A 1  to A 9  structure a display region. In this gaming machine, if three or more sides of hexagons of a same symbol are adjacent, when each reel stops, it is a win. As shown in  FIG. 7 , in a case where trigger symbols “TRG” are displayed stopped, at the same time win is established and a predetermined pay is carried out, for five next games, feature games are carried out. Feature games are so called free games, and a game starts without a BET. 
     In  FIG. 7 , reels (A 5 , A 7 , A 9 ) where trigger symbols appear, are switched to re-drawing reels at a start of a feature game. This re-drawing reel has a same symbol alignment, and stops the symbols at the same position by synchronously rotating. The re-drawing reel structures a specific display region. The reels that are not a re-drawing reel, is an ordinary reel, and structures a general display region. 
     The reels that establish a win situation during a feature game is switched to a re-drawing reel, in a unit of a symbol according to the win situation. Therefore, each time a win situation occurs in the feature game, an independent new re-drawing reel is generated. A plurality of kinds of re-drawing reels independently rotate, and stop. However, in a case where a same symbol is displayed stopped in a plurality of kinds of re-drawing reels, those reels combine, and one re-drawing reel, wherein the number of reels is increased is generated. Below, the first embodiment will be described in detail. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a gaming machine  1  according to the first embodiment, comprises a chassis  2 , and a front panel  3  in front of the chassis  2 , which is attached so that it can be opened and closed. In the rear of the front panel  3 , a symbol display unit  7  structured by a liquid crystal panel or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) is provided. In the first embodiment, the symbol display unit  7  adopts a video reel method, and displays nine hexagon reels A 1  to A 9 , by executing a program. For example,  FIG. 5  shows a wait state of an ordinary game, and  FIG. 6  shows a state of changing display of symbols by each reel A 1  to A 9  rotating in a direction from B to A, in an ordinary game. The symbol display unit  7  includes trigger symbols and other kinds of symbols, and while it change displays a plurality of types of symbols column-wise, as above, it stop displays symbols of the change display, based on a result of an interior drawing. 
     In front of the chassis  2 , a medal (the medal may be real money, such as a coin) slot  10 , and a medal return button  10   a , which returns the medal, in a case where the inserted medal is stuck, etc. A start lever  11  is for carrying out starting operation of a rotating display (change display) of the symbol display unit  7 . 
     A game in the gaming machine  1  starts by a player carrying out a BET operation. The BET operation is carried out by credits or by inserting money. As above, a medal or a coin can be used, as having an equivalent value as money. BET operation can be possible by providing a device that receives inserting of bills, and a card reader/writer. After BET operation by a player, when the start lever  11  is operated, the symbol display unit  7  change displays the symbols. After a predetermined time has passed, the symbol display unit  7  sequentially stop displays the change-displayed symbols. The order for stopping may be that every reel stops at once, or the reels may be stopped in an order from reel A 1  to A 9 . In a case of sequentially stopping, the reels can be stopped having a time interval of for example 0.5 seconds. When three or more predetermined symbols are adjacent at this stopped state, a win situation corresponding to that symbol is obtained. 
     On the lower side of the front panel  3 , a medal pay-off opening  15  and a medal receiving tray  16  is provided, and on the upper side of the front panel  3 , a game rendition indicator  17 , which is driven for • game rendition is provided. The game rendition indicator  17  comprises for example LCD (Liquid Crystal Device) or various types of lamps. In the first embodiment, an embodiment where LCD is adopted is shown. On the upper side of the front panel  3 , a bonus game indicator  18  is provided. The bonus game indicator  18  comprises LED (Light Emitting Diode), and displays, a winning state or a win of a feature game or a bonus prize, which provide a high game value to the player, rendition of a game, and error occurrence. A speaker  19  generates audio assist, music, and sound effects, etc. 
     A plurality of lamps  20  provided on the front panel  3  carries out displays concerning the game, such as display of a win situation line validated in accordance with the inserted number of medals (or number of credits that are BET), and display of a win situation, by turning on, turning off, or blinking the lamps  20 . An accumulated metal inserting button  21  is a button for using a predetermined number of medals accumulated (credited) in a not shown medal accumulation device, and an accumulated metal inserting button  22  is a button for using a maximum specified number of medals accumulated in a not shown metal accumulation device. A medal accumulated number display unit  23  displays the number of medals accumulated in the not shown metal accumulation device. A win situation number display unit  24  displays number of times of win situation and number of times left, during a bonus prize of a win situation. A medal pay-off number display unit  25  comprises for example, LED. A pay off button  26  pays off the accumulated medals, and a locking mechanism  27  locks the door, by a rotating direction. A format of the gaming machine  1  and a name of a maker is written on a label  28 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagram showing an electric structure of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the gaming machine  1  electrically comprises a main substrate A and a sub substrate B. In the main substrate A, a CPU  30  comprises a ROM  31  and a RAM  32 , and carries out control operation in accordance with a pre-set program. Besides a control program for controlling operation of the gaming machine  1 , a win group drawing table used for carrying out pre-determination (internal drawing) of win groups, is stored in the ROM  31 . 
     A clock generation circuit  33  which generates a standard clock pulse, and a random number generation circuit  34  which generates a certain number of random numbers, are connected to the CPU  30 . The CPU  30 , the ROM  31 , the RAM  32 , and the random number generation circuit  34  structure a drawing control unit. A control signal passed from the CPU  30  is output to a medal pay-off device  36  which carries out pay off of medals, and a display unit control circuit  37  which controls the symbol display unit  7  via an output port  35 . The symbol display unit  7  and the display control circuit  37  structure the display unit. 
     A signal output from a medal determining device  38  which determines adequacy of a medal, a pay off medal counter  40  which counts the number of medals that are to be paid, and a start lever  41  which starts the rotation of the reels, is input to the CPU  30  via an input port  43 . The signal output from the CPU  30  is output to the sub substrate B via a data sending circuit  46 , receiving control from a sending timing control circuit  45  which controls signal sending timing to the sub substrate B. 
     In the sub substrate B, the signal output from the data sending circuit  46  is input to a data input circuit  47 . The signal input to the data input circuit  47  is processed in a CPU  48 . A clock generating circuit  49 , a ROM  50  which has recorded various programs and image data, and a RAM  51  are connected to the CPU  48 . Data concerning images is output to a liquid crystal displayer  53  via a display circuit  52  which carries out image processing, etc., from the CPU  48 . In the liquid crystal displayer  53 , characters, still images, and moving images, etc. are displayed. Data concerning sound is output to an amp circuit  56  via a sound LSI  54  which carries out sound processing, etc., from the CPU  48 . The sound LSI  54  extracts necessary sound data from a sound ROM  55 , and carries out processing of sound data. The sound data that receives processing of amplification, etc., by the amp circuit  56 , is output to a speaker  58  via a sound adjustment circuit  57  which carries out adjustment of sound. 
     Performance of the gaming machine according to first embodiment structured as above, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 to 12 .  FIGS. 3 and 4  are flowcharts showing main performance of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment, and  FIGS. 5 to 12  are diagrams showing screen display examples. In a wait state of an ordinary game, a screen such as shown in  FIG. 5  is displayed in the symbol display unit  7 . Namely, reels A 1  to A 9  having a shape of a hexagon, which independently change or stop displays symbols, is displayed in a center part of a screen. Other than the reels A 1  to A 9 , a credit meter which displays number of credits, a BET meter which displays number of BETs, and WON meter which indicates number of medals that are paid off to a player at a time of a win situation. In the first embodiment, as above, a win situation is established when three or more sides of hexagons of same symbols are adjacent, when each reel A 1  to A 9  stops. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP S 1 ), a game is started (Step S 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each reel A 1  to A 9  rotates in a direction from B to A in  FIG. 6 , and change displays symbols. Here, symbol alignment and rotating timing of each reel A 1  to A 9  each differ. Therefore, while the reels are rotating, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel A 1  to A 9  stops at predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step S 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step S 20 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step S 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by the trigger symbol (Step S 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the game ends (Step S 20 ). 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in a case where a win situation is established by trigger symbols being adjacent at three sides of hexagons in reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , a feature game as a bonus game is started. Namely, the feature game is carried out in a case where three ore more trigger symbols are adjacent. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the first embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step S 6 ). 
     Reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that have displayed trigger symbols when a first feature game is started, are switched to re-drawing reels (Step S 7 ). The reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that become re-drawing reels are called a “first re-drawing reel group” as one group. Symbol alignment is the same, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position on the reel in each reel A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  which structure the re-drawing reel group. 
     By this, an independent re-drawing result, which differs from the ordinary reel, can be displayed to the re-drawing reel group. Because a plurality of symbols are drawn for the ordinary reels where trigger symbols are not displayed, so that arbitrary symbols are independently displayed, the ordinary reels and the re-drawing reels are respectively independent, and mixed. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but a re-drawing result is displayed in the re-drawing reels that are a part of the display regions, and in another one part of the region, the ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because two types of regions, the ordinary reels and the re-drawing reels coexist, and display drawing results, a new kind of game which arouses the player&#39;s interests, can be realized. Every display region may be a re-drawing reel (specific display region) in accordance with process of the game. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 4 , a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step S 8 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 ) synchronously rotates, and the other reels independently rotate randomly. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the first re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step S 9 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step S 16 , and as shown in  FIG. 9 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step S  10 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. In  FIG. 9 , a win situation is established by the “BAR” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 . Also, a win situation is established by “7” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 6 , A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 . 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step S  11 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step S 17 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (Step S 12 ). In Step S 12 , in a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels, the flow forwards to Step S 14 , and in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reels, the reels according to the win situation becomes a first+m th  (m is a natural number) re-drawing reel group (Step S  13 ). In this case, it becomes a second re-drawing reel group. 
     In this way, during the period of a feature game, in a case where a win situation is established in whichever of the plurality of, ordinary reels, because the ordinary reels involved in the win situation are changed to new reels, independent from the existing reels, each time a win situation is established in the ordinary reels, the number of re-drawing reel groups increases. Because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols so that the same symbols are respectively stop displayed in each re-drawing reel group, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in each re-drawing reel group. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the players, and is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interests. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reel, or in another re-drawing reel group (Step S 14 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t this kind of symbol, the flow forwards to Step S 8 , and in a case where there is this kind of symbol, the ordinary reel or the re-drawing reel group that has displayed the same symbols is combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step S  15 ). Namely, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the reel A 6  is adjacent to the first re-drawing reel group A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , and has displayed a same symbol “7”, the reel A 6  is switched to a re-drawing reel, and structures the first re-drawing reel. Therefore, reels A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9  have the same symbol alignment, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position. 
     In this way, in a case where a symbol displayed in whichever ordinary reel is the same symbol as the symbol displayed in the re-drawing reel group, because the ordinary reel is changed to a re-drawing reel and is combined to the existing re-drawing reel group, in a predetermined number of feature games after the next time, the number of reels that structure the re-drawing reel group increases. Then, because a drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out so that a same symbol is stop displayed in every re-drawing reel group, the same symbol is stop displayed in the entire re-drawing reel group. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the specific display region, a strong impression is provided to the player, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interest. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step S 8 , and a second feature game (bonus game) is carried out. Here, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) that has the number of reels increased, the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 ), and the other ordinary reels (A 3 , and A 8 ) respectively rotate independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step S 9 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , in a case where a win situation is established in the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ), by a “BAR” symbol matching, and a win situation is established in the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 ), by the “BAR” symbol matching, dividend is paid (Step S  10 ), and it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step S 11 ). In a case where a feature game is left, it is determined whether a win situation is established, and when a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step S 14 , and when a win situation is established in the ordinary reels, the reels according to the win situation becomes a first+m th  (m is a natural number) re-drawing reel group (Step S  13 ). The case shown in  FIG. 11 , is a situation where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reels, or in another re-drawing reel group (Step S 14 ). For example, in  FIG. 11 , the same “BAR” symbol is displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ), and the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 ). Therefore, the first and second re-drawing reels are combined to form a new reel group (a new re-drawing reel group) (Step S 15 ). Namely, as shown in  FIG. 11 , reels (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) structure a new re-drawing reel group. 
     In the next game, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a new re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) and the ordinary reels (A 3  and A 8 ) respectively rotate independently. 
     In this way, in a case where the symbols displayed in each re-drawing reel group are the same, the re-drawing reel groups combine, and becomes one re-drawing reel group, and displays the same symbol. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the re-drawing reel. For example, by raising the odds, accompanying the increase in number of the re-drawing reels, the player&#39;s interests can be aroused. 
     As the above, a third to fifth feature game is carried out. Namely, in Step S 9 , in a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether a feature game (bonus game) is left (Step S  16 ), and in a case where there is a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step S 8 . On the other hand, in Step S 16 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step S 17 . In Step S 11 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step S 17 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step S 18 ). At the • BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step S 19 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     (Second Embodiment) 
     In the second embodiment, a symbol display unit  7  displays a screen, such as shown in  FIG. 15 . Namely, as shown in  FIG. 15 , in an ordinary game, nine independent reels B 1  to B 9  having a quadrangle shape, wherein alignment of symbols each differ, are displayed. The reels B 1  to B 9  structure a display region. In the second embodiment, if a same symbol is adjacent in three or more sides or corners of the reels B 1  to B 9 , when each reel stops, it is a win. Hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, is the same as that of the first embodiment. 
     Performance of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 13 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP F 1 ), a game is started (Step F 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, each reel B 1  to B 9  rotates, and change displays symbols. Each reel B 1  to B 9  stops at predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. 
     Then, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step F 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step F 20 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step F 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , in a case where a symbol “BAR” is adjacent in three reels B 2 , B 6 , and B 9 , a win situation is established by the “BAR”. 
     Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by the trigger symbol (Step F 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the game ends (Step F 20 ). On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 16 , in a case where a win situation is established by three or more trigger symbols “TRG” being adjacent in reels B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 , dividend is provided to the player, and a feature game as a bonus game starts. 
     Namely, the feature game is carried out in a case where a win situation is established by three ore more trigger symbols being adjacent. In the second embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step F 6 ). When the first free game is started, reels B 1 , B 4 , and B 8  that have trigger symbols displayed, is switched to re-drawing reels (Step F 7 ). The reels B 1 , B 4 , and B 8  that become re-drawing reels are called a “first re-drawing reel group” as one group. In the same way as the first embodiment, symbol alignment is the same, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position on the reel in each reel B 1 , B 4 , and B 8  which structure the re-drawing reel group. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 14 , a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step F 8 ). As shown in  FIG. 17 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) and other ordinary reels rotate in a direction from B to A in the drawings, but the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) synchronously rotates. The ordinary reels (B 2 , B 3 , B 5 , B 6 , B 7 , and B 9 ) respectively rotate randomly, independently. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the first re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step F 9 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step F 16 , and as shown in  FIG. 18 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step F 10 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. 
     For example, in  FIG. 18 , because four “0” symbols are displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) and the adjacent reel B 6 , a win situation by four same symbols being adjacent, is established. In the ordinary reels (B 2 , B 5 , and B 9 ), a win situation is established by three “7” symbols being adjacent. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step F 1   1 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step F 17 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by a trigger symbol (Step F 12 ). In Step F 12 , in a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step F 14 , and in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the reels according to the win situation becomes a first+m th  (m is a natural number) re-drawing reel group (Step F 13 ). 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reel, or in another re-drawing reel group (Step F 14 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t these kinds of symbols, the flow forwards to Step F 8 , and in a case where there are theses kind of symbols, the ordinary reel or the re-drawing reel group that has displayed the same symbols is combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step F 15 ). 
     For example, in  FIG. 18 , because the same symbol “0” as displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) is displayed in reel B 6 , which is adjacent to the first re-drawing reel group, the reel B 6  is combined to the first re-drawing reel group. Namely, the first re-drawing reel group is structured by reels B 1 , B 4 , B 6  and B 8 . These reels have a same symbol alignment, and stops the symbol alignment in each reel, by synchronously rotating. On the other hand, in  FIG. 18 , a win situation is established by three “7” symbols being adjacent. However, because it is not a win situation by the trigger symbol, these ordinary reels (B 2 , B 5 , B 9 ) do not change to re-drawing reels. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step F 8 , and a second feature game (bonus game) is carried out. Here, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ) that has the number of reels increased, and the other ordinary reels (B 2 , B 3 , B 5 , B 7 , and B 9 ) respectively rotate independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step F 9 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , in a case where a win situation is established in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ), by a “BAR” symbol matching, and a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ) by the “BAR” symbol matching, dividend is paid (Step F 10 ), and it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step F 11 ). In a case where a feature game is left, it is determined whether a win situation is established by the trigger symbol, and when a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step F 14 , and when a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the reels according to the win situation becomes a first+&#39;nth (m is a natural number) re-drawing reel group (Step F 13 ). Here, because a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ) by the trigger symbol, a second re-drawing reel is structured by these reels (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ). 
     In this way, during the period of a feature game, in a case where a win situation is established in whichever of the plurality of ordinary reels, by the trigger symbol being displayed, because the ordinary reels involved in the win situation are changed to independent reels other than the existing re-drawing reels, each time a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the number of re-drawing reel groups increases. Because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols so that the same symbols are respectively stop displayed in each re-drawing reel group, the same symbol is respectively stop displayed in the re-drawing reel groups. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in each-re-drawing reel group. As a result, a strong impression is provided to the players, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interests. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reel, or in another re-drawing reel group (Step F 14 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t this kind of symbol, the flow forwards to Step F 8 , and in a case where there is this kind of symbol, as above, the symbols are combined to the re-drawing reel group (Step F 15 ). In the case shown in  FIG. 20 , this kind of symbol does not exist Next, in the third feature game, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ), the second re-drawing reel group (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ), and the ordinary reels (B 2 , and B 9 ) respectively rotate independently (Step F 8 ). 
     When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step F 9 ). In a case where there is no win situation, the flow forwards to Step F 16 , and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step F 10 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus-games) left (Step F 11 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step F 17 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol (Step F 12 ). In Step F 12 , in a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step F 14 , and in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reels by the trigger symbol, the reels according to the win situation becomes a first+m th  (m is a natural number) re-drawing reel group (Step F 13 ). 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reel, or in another re-drawing reel group (Step F 14 ). As shown in  FIG. 22 , when a same symbol “7” is displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ), and the second re-drawing reel group (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ), the first and the second re-drawing reel group combines, and generates one re-drawing reel group. In the fourth feature game, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the re-drawing reels group structured by reels (B 1 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , B 7 , and B 8 ), and the ordinary reels (B 2 , and B 5 ) independently rotate from a direction of B to A in  FIG. 23 . 
     In Step F 9 , in a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether a feature game (bonus game) is left, and in a case where there is a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step F 8 , and games are carried out until the number of feature games reaches a predetermined number (five times). In a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left. In step S 11 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step F 17 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step F 18 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step F 19 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     In this way, in a case where the symbols displayed in each re-drawing reel group are the same, the re-drawing reel groups combine, and become one re-drawing reel group, and displays the same symbol. By this diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the re-drawing reel. For example, by raising the odds, accompanying the increase in number of the re-drawing reels, the player&#39;s interests can be aroused. 
     (Third Embodiment) 
     In the third embodiment, a win situation is established, in a case where three or more same symbols are adjacent in an ordinary game. In a case where a win situation is established by three trigger symbols being adjacent, feature games (bonus games) are carried out five games, after that game. In these feature games, reels where the trigger symbols appeared in the ordinary game, are switched to re-drawing reels. In a case where the same symbol is displayed in an ordinary reel that is adjacent to the re-drawing reels, the ordinary reel is combined to the re-drawing reels. Namely, the number of reels that structure the re-drawing reels increase. During the period of the feature game, a win situation by the trigger symbol, does not occur. The hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment, can be structured in the same way as the first embodiment. 
     The performance of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 24 and 25 . In a waiting state of an ordinary game, a screen such as shown in  FIG. 5  is displayed. Namely, reels A 1  to A 9  that have hexagon shapes, and which independently change or stop displays a symbol, is displayed in the center part of the screen. Other than that, a credit meter which displays number of credits, a BET meter which displays number of BETs, and WON meter which indicates the number of medals to be paid to a user, at a win situation are displayed. In the third embodiment, as above, a win situation is established when three or more sides of hexagons of a same symbol are adjacent, when each reel A 1  to A 9  stops. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 24 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP H 1 ), a game is started (Step H 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each reel A 1  to A 9  rotates in a direction from B to A in  FIG. 6 , and change displays symbols. Here, symbol alignment and rotating timing of each reel A 1  to A 9  differ. Therefore, while the reels are rotating, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel A 1  to A 9  stops at predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 24 , it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step H 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step H 17 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step H 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined based on the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by the trigger symbol (Step H 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the game ends (Step H 17 ). 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in a case where a win situation is established by trigger symbols being adjacent at three sides of hexagons in reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , a feature game as a bonus game is started. Namely, the feature game is carried out in a case where three ore more trigger symbols are adjacent. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the third embodiment, as above, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step H 6 ). 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 25 , when a first feature game (bonus game) is started (Step H 7 ), reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that have displayed trigger symbols, are switched to re-drawing reels. The reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that become re-drawing reels are called a “re-drawing reel group” as one group. Each reel A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that structures the re-drawing reel group have the same symbol alignment, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position on the reel. For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 7 , A 9 ) synchronously rotates, and the other reels independently rotate randomly. When rotation of every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established (Step H 8 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step H 13 , and as shown in  FIG. 9 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step H 9 ). The dividend at this time is determined in accordance with the BET state. In  FIG. 9 , a win situation is established by “BAR” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 . Also, a win situation is established in adjacent reels A 6 , A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , by “7” symbols matching. 
     In the fourth embodiment, in a case where a win situation is established by three trigger symbols being adjacent, feature games (bonus games) are carried out five games after that game. At the starting time of these feature games, reels where the trigger symbols appeared in the ordinary game, are switched to re-drawing reels. In a case where the same symbol is displayed in an ordinary reel that is adjacent to the re-drawing reels, the ordinary reel is combined to the re-drawing reels. Namely, the number of reels that structure the re-drawing reels increase. In a case where a plurality of re-drawing reels exist, when a same symbol is displayed in adjacent re-drawing groups, the re-drawing groups are combined, and become one re-drawing reel group. Further, in the fourth embodiment, differing from the third embodiment, a win situation is established by a trigger symbol, during the period of the feature game, and the number of feature games is added by that win. Namely, every time a win situation is established by the trigger symbol, during the period of the feature game, the number of feature games increase. In the feature game, in a case where a win situation is established in an ordinary reel by the trigger symbol, the ordinary reel according to that win, is switched to an independent re-drawing reel, which differs from the existing re-drawing reels. The hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment, can be structured in the same way as the second embodiment. 
     Next, performance of the gaming machine according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 . In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 26 , a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step T 3 ). As shown in  FIG. 17 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) and other ordinary reels rotate in a direction from B to A in the drawings, but the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) synchronously rotates. The ordinary reels (B 2 , B 3 , B 5 , B 6 , B 7 , and B 9 ) respectively rotate randomly, independently. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the first re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step T 4 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step T 13 , and as shown in  FIG. 18 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step T 5 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. Here, for example, in  FIG. 18 , because four “0” symbols are displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) and the adjacent reel B 6 , a win situation by four same symbols being adjacent, is established. In the ordinary reels (B 2 , B 5 , and B 9 ), a win situation is established by three “7” symbols being adjacent. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step T 6 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, and a win situation by the trigger symbol is not established, the flow forwards to Step T 14 , and in a case where there are feature games left, or a win situation by the trigger symbol is established, it is determined whether there are any same symbols in whichever one of the re-drawing reel groups and an adjacent ordinary reels (Step T 7 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t this kind of symbol, the flow forwards to Step T 9 , and in a case where there is this kind of symbol, the ordinary reel that has displayed the same symbols is combined to the re-drawing reels (Step T 8 ). 
     For example, in  FIG. 18 , because the same symbol “ 0 ” as displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , and B 8 ) is displayed in reel B 6 , which is adjacent to the first re-drawing reel group, the reel B 6  is combined to the first re-drawing reel group. Namely, the first re-drawing reel group is structured by reels B 1 , B 4 , B 6  and B 8 . These reels have a same symbol alignment, and stops the symbol alignment in each reel, by synchronously rotating. 
     Then, it is determined whether the symbols in adjacent re-drawing reel groups are the same or not (Step T 9 ). In a case where the symbols are not the same in the adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the flow forwards to Step T 11 , and in a case where the symbols are the same in the adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the re-drawing groups that have displayed the same symbol, are combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step T 10 ). 
     Next, it is determined whether a win situation is established by the trigger symbol (Step T 12 ). In a case where a win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to step T 3 , and in a case where a win situation is established by the trigger symbol, a feature game (bonus game) of an addition of n times is added to the player. The number of additional games can be for example, five times. 
     The flow returns to Step T 3  in  FIG. 26 , and a second feature game (bonus game) is carried out. Here, as shown in  FIG. 19 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 7 , and B 9 ) that has the number of reels increased, and the other ordinary reels (B 2 , B 3 , B 5 , B 7 , and B 9 ) respectively rotate independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step T 4 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , in a case where a win situation is established in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ), by a “BAR” symbol matching, and a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ) by the “BAR” symbol matching, dividend is paid (Step T 5 ), and it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left, or whether there is a win situation by the trigger symbol (Step T 6 ). In a case where a feature game is left, or in a case where there is a win situation by the trigger symbol, it is determined whether there is a same symbol in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reel group (Step T 7 ). 
     In Step T 7 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a same symbol in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reel group, the flow forwards to Step T 9 , and in a case where there is a same symbol in an ordinary reel adjacent to the re-drawing reel group, the ordinary reel that has displayed the same symbol, is combined to the re-drawing reel group (Step T 8 ). Then, it is determined whether re-drawing reel groups that have the same symbol are adjacent or not (Step T 9 ). In a case where there are no adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the flow forwards to step T 11 . On the other hand, in a case where there are adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the re-drawing reel groups are combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step T 10 ). 
     It is determined whether a win situation is established by the trigger symbol (Step T 12 ). 
     In a case where a win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step T 3 , and in a case where a win situation is established by the trigger symbol, the player obtains feature games (bonus games) of an additional n times (Step T 12 ). For example, in  FIG. 20 , because a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (B 3 , B 5 , B 7 ), by the trigger symbol, a second re-drawing reel group is structured by reels B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 . 
     In a third feature game, as shown in  FIG. 21 , the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 ,  30  B 6 , and B 8 ), the second re-drawing reel group (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ), and the ordinary reels (B 2  and B 9 ) respectively rotate independently (Step F 8 ). 
     When rotation of every reel stops, it is determined whether there-is a win situation or not (Step F 9 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step T 13 , and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step F 5 ). The dividend at this time, is determined based on the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left, or whether a win situation is established by the trigger symbol (Step T 6 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left and a win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step T 14 . On the other hand, in a case where feature games (bonus games) are left, or a win situation is established by a trigger symbol, it is determined whether there is a same symbol in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reel (Step T 7 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t a same symbol in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reel group, the flow forwards to Step T 9 , and in a case where there is a same symbol in an ordinary reel adjacent to the re-drawing reel group, the ordinary reel is combined to the re-drawing reel group (Step T 8 ). Then, it is determined whether a same symbol is displayed in adjacent re-drawing reel groups (Step T 10 ). As shown in  FIG. 22 , when a same symbol “ 7 ” is displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (B 1 , B 4 , B 6 , and B 8 ), and the second re-drawing reel group (B 3 , B 5 , and B 7 ), the first and the second re-drawing reel group combines, and one re-drawing reel group is generated. Next, it is determined whether a win situation is established by the trigger symbol (Step Ti), and in a case where a win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step T 3 , and in a case where a win situation is established by the trigger symbol, bonus games of an additional n times is provided to the player (Step T 12 ). Then, the flow forwards to Step T 3 . 
     In the fourth feature game, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the re-drawing reels group structured by reels (B 1 , B 3 , B 4 , B 5 , B 6 , B 7 , and B 8 ), and the ordinary reels (B 2 , and B 5 ) independently rotate from a direction of B to A in  FIG. 23 . 
     In Step T 4 , in a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether a feature game (bonus game) is left (Step T 13 ), and in a case where there is a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step T 3 , and games are carried out until the number of feature games reaches a predetermined number. In a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step T 14 . In Step T 6 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, and there isn&#39;t a win situation by the trigger symbol, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step T 14 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step T 15 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to-an ordinary reel (Step T 16 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     (Fifth Embodiment) 
     In the fifth embodiment, a win situation is established, in a case where three or more same symbols are adjacent in an ordinary game. In a case where a win situation is established by three trigger symbols being adjacent, feature games (bonus games) are carried out five games after that game. In these feature games, reels where the trigger symbols appeared in the ordinary game, are switched to re-drawing reels. In a case where the same symbol is displayed in an ordinary reel that is adjacent to the re-drawing reels, the ordinary reel is combined to the re-drawing reels. Namely, the number of reels that structure the re-drawing reels increases. In a case where a plurality of re-drawing reels exist, when a same symbol is displayed in adjacent re-drawing groups, the re-drawing groups are combined, and becomes one re-drawing reel group. During the period of the feature game, a win situation by the trigger symbol, does not occur. The hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the fifth embodiment, can be structured in the same way as the first embodiment. 
     The performance of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 28 and 29 . In a waiting state of an ordinary game, a screen such as shown in  FIG. 5  is displayed in the symbol display unit  7 . Namely, reels A 1  to A 9  that have hexagon shapes, and which independently change or stop displays a symbol, is displayed in the center part of the screen. Other than that, a credit meter which displays number of credits, a BET meter which displays number of BETs, and a WON meter which indicates the number of medals to be paid to a user, at a win situation. In the fifth embodiment, as above, a win situation is established when three or more sides of hexagons of a same symbol are adjacent, when each reel A 1  to A 9  stops. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 28 , an ordinary game such as the first embodiment, is carried out (Step R 1 ). Then, as shown in  FIG. 7 , in a case where a win situation is established by three or more trigger symbols “TRG” being adjacent, a dividend is provided to the player, and feature games (free games) as bonus games, are started. In the fifth embodiment, the number of feature games is five (Step R 2 ). 
     When a first free game (bonus game) is started (Step R 3 ), reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that have displayed trigger symbols, are switched to re-drawing reels (Step S 7 ). The reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  that become re-drawing reels are called a “first re-drawing reel group” as one group. Symbol alignment is the same, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position on the reel in each reel A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , which structure the re-drawing reel group. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 ) synchronously rotates, and the other reels independently rotate randomly. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the first re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step R 4 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step R 13 , and as shown in  FIG. 9 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step R 5 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. In  FIG. 9 , a win situation is established by the “BAR” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 . Also, a win situation is established by “7” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 6 , A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 . 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step R 6 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step R 14 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels that are adjacent to the re-drawing reel group (Step R 7 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t this kind of symbol, the flow forwards to Step R 9 , and in a case where there is this kind of symbol, the ordinary reel that has displayed the same symbol is combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step R 8 ). Namely, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the reel A 6  is adjacent to the first re-drawing reel group A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , and has displayed a same symbol “ 7 ”, the reel A 6  is switched to a re-drawing reel, and structures the first re-drawing reel. Therefore, reels A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9  have the same symbol alignment, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position. 
     Then, it is determined whether same symbols are displayed in adjacent re-drawing reel groups, in a case where a plurality of re-drawing reel groups exist (Step R 9 ). In a case where same symbols are not displayed in adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the flow forwards to step R 11 , and in a case where same symbols are displayed in adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the re-drawing reel groups that have displayed the same symbol, are combined (Step R 10 ). Next, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (Step R 11 ). In a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels, the flow forwards to Step R 3 , and in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reels, the ordinary reels that have established a win, is switched to a re-drawing reel (Step R 12 ). For example, in a case shown in  FIG. 9 , a win situation is established by the “BAR” symbols matching in adjacent reels A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 . Therefore, these ordinary reels are switched to re-drawing reels, and become a second re-drawing reel group. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step R 3 , and a second feature game (bonus game) is carried out. Here, as shown in  FIG. 10 , the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) that has the number of reels increased, the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 ), and the other ordinary reels (A 3 , and A 8 ) respectively rotate independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step R 4 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , in a case where a win situation is established in the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ), by a “BAR” symbol matching, and a win situation is established in the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , and A 4 ), by the “BAR” symbol matching, dividend is paid (Step R 5 ), and it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step R 6 ). In a case where a feature game is left, it is determined whether same symbols have appeared in ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reel groups (here, it is the first and second re-drawing reel group) (Step R 7 ). In a case where the same symbols have not appeared in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reels, the flow forwards to Step R 9 , and in a case where the same symbols appear in the ordinary reels adjacent to the re-drawing reels, the ordinary reel that has the same symbol, is combined to the adjacent re-drawing reel group (Step R 8 ). 
     In a case where a plurality of re-drawing reel groups exist, it is determined whether same symbols appear in adjacent re-drawing reel groups (Step R 9 ). In a case where same symbols do not appear in adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the flow forwards to Step R 10 , and in a case where same symbols appear in adjacent re-drawing reel groups, the re-drawing reel group that has appeared the same symbol, is combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step R 10 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the same “BAR” symbol is displayed in the first re-drawing reel group (A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ), and the second re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 ). Therefore, the first and second re-drawing reels are combined to form a new reel group (a new re-drawing reel group). Namely, as shown in  FIG. 11 , reels (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 , A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) structure a new re-drawing reel group. 
     Next, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reels (Step R 11 ), and in a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step R 3 , and in a case where a win situation is established, the reels according to that win are switched to re-drawing reels (Step R 12 ). The case shown in  FIG. 11 , is a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reels. 
     In the next game, as shown in  FIG. 12 , a new re-drawing reel group (A 1 , A 2 , A 4 , A 5 ,  5  A 6 , A 7 , and A 9 ) and the ordinary reels (A 3  and A 8 ) respectively rotate independently. 
     As the above, third to fifth feature games are further carried out. Namely, in Step R 4 , in a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether a feature game (bonus game) is left (Step R 13 ), and in a case where there is a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step R 3 . On the other hand, in Step R 13 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step R 14 . In Step R 6 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step R 14 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step R 15 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is returned to an ordinary reel (Step R 15 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     As described in the first to fifth embodiment, by the condition of re-drawing reels appearing, the condition of reels that structure the re-drawing reels increasing, and the number of the re-drawing reels themselves increasing, the game variation increases. By applying a plurality of trigger symbols, a more diverse game can be carried out. 
     (Sixth Embodiment) 
     A gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment, differs from the above first to fifth embodiments, in that the gaming machine comprises a reel that displays three-position reels, i.e., a reel that can display symbols in three columns, up, medium, and bottom, in one reel. This gaming machine determines whether it is a win situation or not, by a win line. The reel that the gaming machine comprises may be a rotating drum type, or a video type. 
     In a waiting state of an ordinary game, a screen such as shown in  FIG. 32 , is displayed in a symbol display unit  7 . Namely, five independent reels C 1  to C 5  that have different symbol alignment are displayed in a center part of the screen. These reels C 1  to C 5  structure a display region. There are symbol stop positions in up, middle, down column of the three columns, in each of the reels C 1  to C 5 . A win line is set in each column. Betting on a pre-set win line is carried out, and a win situation in a game in the sixth embodiment is established in a case where a combination of equal to or more than a predetermined number of symbols match. For example, it can be set so that a win situation is established when three or more symbols appear on the win line. 
     In the case shown in  FIG. 32 , a win is situation is established by four “El” symbols matching in the win line of the middle column. Also, a win situation is established by three “BAR” symbols matching. 
     Ways for the symbols to match, for a win situation to be established may be for example, “the symbols may be in any place, as long as it is on the win line”, “the symbols are adjacent on the win line”, “the symbols are adjacent in an order from left end to the right direction”, “the symbols are adjacent in an order from the right end to the left direction”, and “the symbols are adjacent in an order from left end to right direction and right end to left direction”, etc. 
     In the reels C 1  to C 5 , a “scatter symbol” which is effective just by appearing in any reel, not concerning the win line. In the symbol display unit  7 , a credit meter which displays number of credits, a BET meter which displays number of BETs, and a WON meter which shows the number of medals to be paid to the player when a win situation is established, are displayed. 
     In the sixth embodiment, in a case where three or more “trigger symbols”, which are scatter symbols, appear in any of three or more reels, feature games (bonus games) are carried out five games after that game. In these feature games, reels where the trigger symbols appeared in the ordinary game, are switched to re-drawing reels. The reel that has displayed a trigger symbol during a feature game, is switched to a re-drawing reel from the next game. Namely, the number of re-drawing reels that structure one re-drawing reel group increases. The hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the sixth embodiment, can be structured in the same way as the first embodiment. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP S 1 ), a game is started (Step S 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, as shown in  FIG. 6 , each reel A 1  to A 9  rotates in a direction from B to A in  FIG. 6 , and change displays symbols. Here, symbol alignment and rotating timing of each reel A 1  to A 9  each differ. Therefore, while the reels are rotating, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel A 1  to A 9  stops at predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 3 , it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step S 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step S 20 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step S 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by the trigger symbol (Step S 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the game ends (Step S 20 ). 
     Performance of the gaming machine according to a sixth embodiment structured as above, will be described with reference to flowcharts in  FIGS. 30 and 31 . 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 30 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP P 1 ), a game is started (Step P 2 ). 
     At the same time as start of the game, each reel C 1  to C 5  rotates, and change displays symbols. Here, symbol alignment and rotating timing of each reel C 1  to C 5  each differ. Therefore, while the reels are rotating, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel C 1  to C 5  stops at a predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. Then, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step P 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step P 18 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step P 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by three or more trigger symbols appearing (Step P 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the three or more trigger symbols appearing, the game ends (Step P 18 ). 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 33 , in a case where a win situation is established by a total of three trigger symbols appearing in reels A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 , a feature game as a bonus game is started. Namely, the feature game is carried out in a case where three ore more trigger symbols appear in three or more of any reels. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the sixth embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step P 6 ). 
     Reels C 2 , C 4 , and C 5  that have displayed trigger symbols when a first free game is started, are switched to re-drawing reels. The reels C 2 , C 4 , and C 5  that become re-drawing reels are called a “re-drawing reel group” as one group. As shown in  FIG. 34 , in the re-drawing reels, three same symbols are placed sequentially, and is set so that only the same symbols always stop on the reel. The re-drawing reels maintain a situation where the same symbols appear in every position, and carries out re-drawing of the symbols. Symbol alignment of the re-drawing reels and the ordinary reels are completely different. Here, because a win situation is not necessarily established in a maintained state, it does not necessarily mean that a win situation is maintained. Reels, wherein trigger symbols appeared, during the feature game period, are switched to re-drawing reels. 
     When a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step P 8 ), as shown in  FIG. 35 , the re-drawing reel group (C 2 , C 4 , and C 5 ) synchronously rotates the three sequential symbols, and the other reels (C 1  and C 3 ) independently rotate randomly. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step P 9 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step P 14 . In a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step P 10 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. For example, as shown in  FIG. 36 , when five “0” symbols match on the middle win line, a win situation corresponding to that symbol, and the number thereof is established. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step P 11 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step P 15 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a trigger symbol appeared in the ordinary reels or not (Step P 12 ). In a case where a trigger symbol does not appear in the ordinary reels, the flow forwards to Step P 8 , and in a case where a trigger symbol appears in the ordinary reels, the ordinary reel that has appeared a trigger symbol is switched to a re-drawing reel, and combined (Step P 13 ). 
     For example, in the case shown in  FIG. 36 , a trigger symbol appears in an ordinary reel C 1 , at the same time a win situation is established by five “0” symbols matching. Therefore, the reel C 1  is switched to a re-drawing reel. Then, in the next feature game, the reel C 1  has the same symbol alignment as the other re-drawing reels, and synchronously rotates, and stops at the same position on the reel. Namely, in the feature game, re-drawing reels structured by redrawing reels (C 1 , C 2 , C 4 , and C 5 ), and an ordinary reel C 4 , co-exist. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step P 8 , and as the above, the second to fifth feature games are carried out. As shown in  FIG. 37 , the re-drawing reels (C 1 , C 2 , C 4 , and C 5 ) and the ordinary reel C 3  respectively rotate independently. When every rotation of the reels stop, it is determined whether a win situation is established (Step P 9 ), and in a case where win situation is not established, it is determined whether any feature games (bonus games) are left (Step P 14 ), and in a case where feature games (bonus games) are left, the flow forwards to Step P 8 . On the other hand, in Step P 14 , in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games), the flow forwards to Step P 15 . In Step P 11 , in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step P 15 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step P 16 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step P 17 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     (Seventh Embodiment) 
     The seventh embodiment is also a gaming machine that comprises five reels, in the same way as the sixth embodiment. However, symbol alignment in the re-drawing reels and the ordinary reels are completely the same. Namely, the re-drawing reels in the seventh embodiment, do not have placed three same symbols sequentially, but have the same symbol alignment as the ordinary reels. In the seventh embodiment, when a trigger symbol appears in an ordinary reel during a feature game, the ordinary reel is switched to a re-drawing reel. Namely, the number of re-drawing reels that structure one re-drawing reel group increases. Other structure in the seventh embodiment, is the same as the sixth embodiment. 
     Performance of the gaming machine according to the seventh embodiment, will be described with reference to  FIGS. 38 and 39 . In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 38 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP G 1 ), a game is started (Step G 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, as shown in  FIG. 40 , each reel D 1  to D 5  rotates, and change displays symbols. The reels D 1  to D 5  structure a display region. Here, symbol alignment and rotating timing of each reel D 1  to D 5  differ. Therefore, while the reels are rotating, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel D 1  to D 5  stops at a predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting rotation. Then, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step G 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step G 18 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step G 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by three or more trigger symbols appearing (Step G 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by three or more trigger symbols appearing, the game ends (Step G 18 ). 
     On the other hand, in a case where a win situation is established by three or more trigger symbols appearing, a feature game as a bonus game is started. Namely, the feature game is carried out in a case where three ore more trigger symbols appear on whichever three or more reels. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the seventh embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step G 6 ). 
     Reels that have displayed trigger symbols when a first free game (bonus game) is started (for example, reels D 2 , D 4 , and D 5 ), are switched to re-drawing reels. The reels D 2 , D 4 , and D 5  that become re-drawing reels are called a “re-drawing reel group” as one group. As shown in  FIG. 41 , the re-drawing reels are set so that only the same symbols always stop on the same win line. The re-drawing reels maintain a situation where the same symbols appear in every position, and carries out re-drawing of the symbols. Here, because a win situation is not necessarily established in a maintained state, it does not necessarily mean that a win situation is maintained. Reels, wherein trigger symbols appeared, during the feature game period, are switched to re-drawing reels. 
     When a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step G 8 ), as shown in  FIG. 41 , the re-drawing reel group (D 2 , D 4 , and D 5 ) synchronously rotates, and the other reels (ordinary reels: D 1  and D 3 ) independently rotate randomly. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the first re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step G 9 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step G 14 . In a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step G 10 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. For example, as shown in  FIG. 42 , when five “BAR” symbols match in the bottom column, a win situation in accordance with that symbols and the number of symbols, is established. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step G 11 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, the flow forwards to Step G 15 , and in a case where there are feature games (bonus games) left, it is determined whether triggers symbols have appeared in the ordinary reels (Step G  12 ). In a case where trigger symbols have not appeared in the ordinary reels, the flow forwards to Step G 15 , and in a case where trigger symbols have appeared in the ordinary reels, the ordinary reel that has appeared a trigger symbols is switched to a re-drawing reel, and combined (Step G 13 ). 
     For example, in the case shown in  FIG. 42 , a win situation is established by five “BAR” symbols matching in the bottom column, and a trigger symbol appearing in an ordinary reel D 3 . Therefore, the reel D 3  is switched to a re-drawing reel. Then, in the next feature game, the reel D 3  has the same symbol alignment as the other re-drawing reels, and synchronously rotates, and stops at the same position on the reel. Namely, as shown in  FIG. 43 , in the next feature game, re-drawing reels structured by re-drawing reels (D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , and D 5 ), and an ordinary reel D 1 , co-exist. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step G 8 , and as the above, the second to fifth feature games are carried out. As shown in  FIG. 44 , the re-drawing reels (D 2 , D 3 , D 4 , and D 5 ) and the ordinary reel D 1  respectively rotate independently. When every rotation of the reels stop, it is determined whether a win situation is established (Step G 9 ), and in a case where win situation is not established, it is determined whether any feature games (bonus games) are left (Step G 14 ), and in a case where feature games (bonus games) are left, the flow forwards to Step G 8 . On the other hand, in Step G 14 , in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games), the flow forwards to Step G 15 . In Step G 11 , in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step G 15 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step G 16 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step G 17 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     (Eighth Embodiment) 
     In the eighth embodiment, an embodiment where the number of re-drawing reel groups increase during a feature game, will be described. The structure of the gaming machine, is the same as the sixth embodiment. 
     The performance of the gaming machine according to the eighth embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowcharts of  FIGS. 45 and 46 . In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 45 , in the same way as the sixth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, an ordinary game is carried out (Step Q 1 ). Then, in a case where a win situation is established by a total of three trigger symbols appearing, feature games as bonus games start. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the eighth embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step Q 2 ). 
     When a first free game (bonus game) starts, the reel that has displayed a trigger symbol, is switched to a re-drawing reel. The reels that become re-drawing reels, are called a “redrawing reel group” as one group. Three same symbols may be placed sequentially in the redrawing reels, in the same way as the sixth embodiment, and may have the same symbol alignment as the ordinary reels, in the same way as the seventh embodiment. The re-drawing reels are set so that only the same symbols always stop on the reel. The re-drawing reels maintain a situation where the same symbols appear in every position, and carries out re-drawing of the symbols. Here, because a win situation is not necessarily established in a maintained state, it does not necessarily mean that a win situation is maintained. 
     When a feature game (bonus game) is started (Step Q 3 ), the re-drawing reels (C 2 , synchronously rotate three sequential symbols, and the other reels independently rotate randomly. When the rotation of every ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step Q 4 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step Q 11 . In a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step Q 5 ). The dividend at this time is set in accordance with the BET state. 
     Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left, or whether there is a win situation by the trigger symbol (Step Q 6 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left and there isn&#39;t a win situation by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step Q 12 , and in a case where there are feature games left, or there is a win situation by the trigger symbol, it is determined whether a win situation is established by the trigger in an ordinary reel (Step Q 7 ). In a case where a win situation by a trigger symbol is not established in an ordinary reel, the flow forwards to step Q 3 , and in a case where a win situation by a trigger symbol is established in an ordinary reel, the player obtains a feature game (bonus game) of an addition of n times (Step Q 8 ). Then, in the next game, the ordinary reel that has established a win situation by the trigger symbol, is switched to an independent re-drawing reel, which differs from the already existing re-drawing reels. 
     Then, it is determined whether same symbols are displayed in re-drawing reel groups, in a case where a plurality of re-drawing reel groups exist (Step Q 9 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t  5  any re-drawing reel groups, wherein the same symbols appear, the flow forwards to Step Q 3 . On the other, in a case where there are re-drawing reel groups, wherein the same symbols appear, the re-drawing reel groups having the same symbols are combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step Q 10 ). Because it is the first feature game, combining in Step Q 10  is not carried out. 
     Next, the flow returns to Step Q 3 , and a second feature game is carried out. The re-drawing reel groups and the ordinary reels respectively rotate independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step Q 4 ). In a case where win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step Q 5 ), and is determined whether any feature games (bonus games) are left, or whether there is a win by a trigger symbol (Step Q 6 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, and there isn&#39;t a win by the trigger symbol, the flow forwards to Step Q 12 . On the other hand, in a case where a feature game (bonus game) is left, or there is a win by the trigger symbol, it is determined whether there is a win by the trigger symbol in and ordinary reel (Step Q 7 ). In a case where there isn&#39;t a win by the trigger symbol in the ordinary reel, the flow forwards to Step Q 3 , and in a case where there is a win by the trigger symbol in the ordinary reel, the player obtains feature games (bonus games) of an additional n times, and the ordinary reel according to the win by the trigger symbol, is switched in the next game, to an independent re-drawing reel, different from the already existing re-drawing reels. 
     In a case where a plurality of re-drawing reel groups exist, it is determined whether same symbols appear in the re-drawing reel groups (Step Q 9 ). In a case where there are re-drawing reel groups wherein a same symbol appears, the re-drawing reel group that has appeared the same symbol, is combined to one re-drawing reel group (Step Q 10 ). 
     The flow forwards to step Q 3 , and feature games from the third feature game and later, are carried out. Namely, after the feature game is started (Step Q 3 ), it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step Q 4 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether any feature games (bonus games) are left (Step Q 11 ), and in a case where there is a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to Step Q 3 . On the other hand, in Step Q 11 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the flow forwards to. Step Q 12 . In step Q 6 , in a case where there isn&#39;t a feature game (bonus game) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step Q 12 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step Q 13 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step Q 14 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     Other than the above described sixth to ninth embodiments, reels that simply have a few same symbols sequentially placed can be used as re-drawing reels, and can carry out re-drawing so that a situation where same symbols appear in the positions of the up, middle and down column. 
     (Ninth Embodiment) 
     In the ninth embodiment, in a case where a symbol that establishes a specific win is top displayed in whichever of a plurality of ordinary reels, the ordinary reel that has displayed the symbols that establish a specific win are switched to re-drawing reels, in a predetermined number of games from the next game. Drawing from a plurality of types of symbols is carried out, so that at least one win from a same win group as the win group that the specific win belongs to, is established in the re-drawing reel. 
     For example, a poker game is carried out. As shown in  FIG. 49 , either a symbol drawn on a card or a trigger symbol is displayed by five reels W 1  to W 5 . The reels W 1  to W 5  structure a display region. Each reel W 1  to W 5  is displayed in a state where the cards are turned face down, so that the symbols can not be seen at a start of the game. After the game starts, symbols are displayed in each reel W 1  to W 5  in a way that the cards are sequentially turned over. When a win situation is established by a trigger symbol, feature games (bonus games) are carried out five games after that game. At the start of the feature game, the ordinary reels (W 1  and W 2 ) that had displayed trigger symbols, are switched to re-drawing reels. 
     In the first feature game, symbols are drawn so that a win situation by two cards is established in the re-drawing reels (W 1  and W 2 ). In a poker game, it is “one pair”. During the feature game period, as shown in  FIG. 52 , in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reel W 2  by the combination of re-drawing reels (W 1  and W 2 ), the ordinary reel W 3  is combined as a re-drawing reel. Namely, in the next feature game, symbols are drawn so that a win situation is established in three cards. In a poker game, it corresponds to “three of a kind”. 
       FIG. 54  shows the kinds of well-known wins in for example, a poker game. First, “no pair” corresponds to a situation where none of the below wins exist. “One pair” is a situation where there are two cards (one pair) of a same number in the five cards. “Two pair” is a situation where there are two kinds of pairs in the five cards. “Three card” is a situation where there are three cards of a same number in the five cards. “Straight” is a situation where numbers are sequential in all five cards. “Flush” is a situation where all five cards are of a same suit (for example, spades, or diamonds). “Full house” is a situation where there is a “pair” and a “three card” in the five cards. “Four of a kind” is a situation where there are four cards of a same number in the five cards. “Straight flush” is a situation where the five cards are a “flush” and a “straight”. These plurality of types of wins structure a “win group”. 
     In a gaming machine according to a ninth embodiment, in a case where there are for example, two re-drawing reels, symbols that have the possibility of being “one pair” is drawn. In a case where there are four re-drawing reels, symbols that have the possibility of being “two pair” or “four of a kind” is drawn. In a case where there are five re-drawing reels, symbols that have the possibility of being “straight”, “flush”, “full house” or “straight flush” is drawn. 
     The hardware structure of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment, is the same as the first embodiment. 
     Performance of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment will be described.  FIGS. 47 and 48  are flowcharts showing performance of the gaming machine according to the ninth embodiment, and  FIGS. 49 to 53  are diagrams showing screen display examples of a symbol display unit  7 . In a wait state of an ordinary game, a screen such as shown in  FIG. 49  is displayed in the symbol display unit  7 . Namely, reels W 1  to W 5  having a shape of a rectangle, which independently change or stop displays symbols, is displayed in a center part of a screen, as cards. Other than the reels W 1  to W 5 , a credit meter which displays number of credits, a BET meter which displays number of BETs, and a WON meter which indicates number of medals that are paid off to a player at a time of a win situation. In the ninth embodiment, as above, a win situation occurs when a win in a poker game is established. 
     In the flowchart shown in  FIG. 47 , when a player inserts credits or money (these can be medals, coins, or cards), and carries out BET operation (STEP J 1 ), a game is started (Step J 2 ). At the same time as start of the game, each reel W 1  to W 5  change displays symbols, as though shuffling is carried out. Here, symbol alignment and change display timing of each reel W 1  to W 5  differ. Therefore, while the reels are changing, it is unlikely that one reel becomes the same situation as another reel. Each reel A 1  to A 9  stops at a predetermined timing, after a predetermined time has passed after starting change display. 
     Then, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step J 3 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the game ends (Step J 17 ), and in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step J 4 ). The dividend at this time, is determined in accordance with the BET situation. Then, it is determined whether the win is a win situation established by the trigger symbol (Step J 5 ). In a case where the win situation is not established by the trigger symbol, the game ends (Step J 17 ). 
     On the other hand, as shown in  FIG. 49 , in a case where a win situation is established by two trigger symbols being displayed (one pair) in reels W 1  and W 2 , a feature game as a bonus game is started. Namely, the-feature game is carried out in a case where a win situation is established by the trigger symbols. Here, the win situation by the trigger symbols, is established in a case where a plurality of trigger symbols appear. The number of times of the feature game is n (n is a natural number) times from the next game. In the ninth embodiment, the number of times of the feature game is five times (Step J 6 ). 
     When a first feature game (bonus game) is started, reels W 1  and W 2  that have displayed trigger symbols, are switched to re-drawing reels (Step J 7 ). The reels W 1  and W 2  that become re-drawing reels are called a “re-drawing reel group” as one group. Each reel W 1  and W 2  that structures the re-drawing reel group have the same symbol alignment, and synchronously rotates and stops at the same position on the reel, so as to stop display a symbol that establishes “one pair”. 
     A feature game (bonus game) is started, and the re-drawing reels (W 1  and W 2 ) synchronize and change display symbols, and the other reels respectively change display symbols randomly. When change display of every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel group stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established (Step J 8 ). In a case where a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step J 13 , and as shown in  FIG. 50 , in a case where a win situation is established, every dividend is paid (Step J 9 ). The dividend at this time is determined in accordance with the BET state. In  FIG. 50 , a win situation of “one pair” is established by “8” symbols matching in the re-drawing reels (W 1  and W 2 ). For example, in  FIG. 51 , a win situation of “one pair” is established by “A” symbols matching in the re-drawing reels (W 1  and W 2 ). Then, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step J 10 ). In a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games left, the flow forwards to Step J 14 , and in a case where there are feature games left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in an ordinary reel by a combination with the re-drawing reels (Step J 11 ). In Step J 11 , in a case where a win situation is not established in the ordinary reel with the combination of the re-drawing reels, the flow forwards to Step J 7 , and in a case where a win situation is established in the ordinary reel with the combination of the re-drawing reels, the reels according to that win is combined to the re-drawing reel group at the start of the next game (Step J 12 ). 
     Next, the flow returns to Step J 7 , and a second feature game (bonus game) is carried out. The re-drawing reel group (W 1  and W 2 ) and the other ordinary reels (W 3  to W 5 ) respectively change display symbols independently. When every ordinary reel and re-drawing reel stops, it is determined whether a win situation is established or not (Step J 8 ). For example, as shown in  FIG. 52 , in a case where a win situation of “three card” is established by an “A” symbol matching in the re-drawing reel group (W 1  and W 2 ) and the ordinary reel W 3 , dividend corresponding to that win is paid (Step J 9 ), and it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step J 10 ). In a case where a feature game is left, it is determined whether a win situation is established in the ordinary reel, and when a win situation is not established, the flow forwards to Step J 7 , and when a win situation is established, the reel W 3  according to the win situation, is combined to the re-drawing reel group from the next game (Step J 12 ). 
     In the next game, the reel group (W 1 , W 2 , and W 3 ) and the ordinary reels (W 4  and W 5 ) independently change displays and stop displays symbols. Then, in the re-drawing reel group (W 1 , W 2 , and W 3 ), drawing is carried out from a combination of symbols that can establish for example, “three card”, as shown in  FIG. 53 , and change display and stop display of symbols are carried out. 
     As the above, third to fifth feature games are carried out. Namely, in Step J 8 , in a case where a win situation is not established, it is determined whether there are any feature games (bonus games) left (Step J 13 ), and in a case where feature games (bonus games) are left, the flow forwards to Step J 7 . On the other hand, in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, the flow forwards to Step J 14 . In Step J 10 , in a case where there aren&#39;t any feature games (bonus games) left, the feature game (bonus game) ends (Step J 14 ), and moves to a game waiting state (Step J 15 ). At the BET time of the next game, the re-drawing reel is retuned to an ordinary reel (Step J 16 ). From the next game, an ordinary game is carried out once again. 
     In this way, according to the ninth embodiment, in a case where symbols that establish a specific win are stop displayed in whichever of a plurality of ordinary reels, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols so that any one win of a same win group as the win group that the specific win belongs to (group to which the win belongs to) is established, the win can be changed, maintaining the win situation. By this, players feel intrigued, and the player&#39;s interest towards the game can be raised. In the ordinary reels that have displayed symbols other than symbols that establish a specific win, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols, so that arbitrary symbols are respectively displayed independently, ordinary reels and re-drawing reels independently exist and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every reel, but re-drawing results are displayed in re-drawing reels, which are part of the display region, and ordinary drawing results are displayed in one part of the remaining display region. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the re-drawing reels and the ordinary reels, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a re-drawing reel, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     Besides the embodiments described above, as a result of drawing, in a case where a symbol that is to be displayed in whichever ordinary reel is the same as the symbol to be displayed in the re-drawing reel, in special games of a predetermined number of times after the next game, the ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel may be combined. Namely, in a case where a symbol that is the same as the re-drawing reel is displayed in an ordinary reel that is not necessarily adjacent, the ordinary reel and the re-drawing reel are combined. 
     By this, during the period of the feature game, every time a same symbol as the re-drawing reel is displayed-in an ordinary reel, the number of reels that structure the re-drawing reel group increases. Because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols so that the same symbol is stop displayed in every re-drawing reel, the same symbols are stop displayed in the re-drawing reel group. By this, diverse re-drawing can be carried out in the re-drawing reels. As a result, a strong impression can be provided to the players, and it is possible to arouse the player&#39;s interests. 
     Characteristic performance of the present invention such as above, can be carried out by controlling a computer to execute a control program. Namely, this control program is structured so that a series of processing including: a processing of displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of display regions (for example, A 1  to A 9  shown in  FIG. 5 ), upon starting a game; and in a case of stop displaying a predetermined symbol (for example TRG shown in  FIG. 7 ), in the plurality of display regions, a processing of setting the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbol as specific display regions (for example, A 5 , A 7 , and A 9 ), and in a predetermined times of games after the first game, draws for the specific display regions, symbols from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game, and at the same time setting the display regions other than the specific display region as a general display region, and draws for the general display region, a symbol from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there isn&#39;t a predetermined relationship among the symbols, as an instruction group that can be executed by the computer. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols are set as specific display regions, and because drawing in a predetermined times of games after the first game is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game, symbols having a predetermined relationship are displayed in the specific display region. By this, an independent drawing result (re-drawing result) which differs from the general display region can be displayed in the specific display region. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed without the symbols having a predetermined relationship, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and coexist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     Another control program is structured so that a series of processing including: processing of displaying changing display which displays, constantly changing a plurality of symbols in a stopped state to a plurality of types of symbols on a plurality of display regions (for example, A 1  to A 9  shown in  FIG. 5 ), upon starting of a game, and stop display which once again stops the symbols that are changing at each display region, setting the display regions where the predetermined symbols are to be displayed stopped, as a specific display region, and in a predetermined times of games after the first game, draws for the specific display region (for example, A 5 , A 7 , and A 9  shown in  FIG. 7 ), symbols from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game, and draws in a case where predetermined symbols (for example, TRG shown in  FIG. 7 ) are to be displayed stopped on a plurality of the display regions, and at the same time setting the display regions other than the specific display region as a general display region, and draws for the general display region, a symbol from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there isn&#39;t a predetermined relationship among the symbols. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols are set as specific display regions, and because drawing in a predetermined times of games after the first game is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that the symbols are displayed the same in each game, same symbols are displayed in the specific display region. By this, an independent re-drawing result which differs from the general display region can be displayed in the specific display region. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that symbols are independently displayed, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     Another control program is structured so that a series of processing including: processing of displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of display regions (for example W 1  to W 5  in  FIG. 49 ) upon starting of a game, and setting the display regions where the predetermined symbols are to be displayed stopped, as specific display regions (W 1  and W 2 ) for a predetermined number of games after the next game, in a case where symbols that establish a specific win is stop displayed in the plurality of display regions (for example, W 1  and W 2 , shown in  FIG. 49 ), and drawing for the specific display region, symbols from the plurality of types of symbols, so that at least one same win from a win group that the specific win belongs to is established, and at the same time, setting the display regions other than the specific display region as a general display region, and draws for the general display region, a symbol from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that symbols are displayed independently in each game. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol that establishes a specific win is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols that establish a specific win are set as specific display regions in a predetermined times of games from the next game, and because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that which ever one win that is the same as a win group that the specific win group belongs to (the group to which the win belongs to) is established in each game, wins can be changed in each game, maintaining a win situation. By this, players feel intrigued, and can raise the player&#39;s interest towards the game. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that symbols are independently displayed, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
     The above program can be obtained by being recorded in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and DVD, etc. This kind of program can also be obtained by receiving a signal sent by a computer that is a sending device, via communication networks, etc., constituted of a public telephone line, a dedicated phone line, a cable television circuit, or a radio communication line, etc., that structures a network. This signal is a computer data signal converted by a predetermined carrier wave that includes the program. At the time of sending, at the least, one part of the above program needs to be transmitted. Namely, every data that structures the above program, does not need to exist in the transmission media at one time. In a sending method for sending the program from the above computer, a case of sequentially sending data that structures the program, and a case of intermittently sending is included. 
     As described above, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises a display unit which can display a plurality of types of symbols on a plurality of display regions, upon starting a game, and a draw control unit which in a case where predetermined symbols are to be displayed stopped on a plurality of the display regions, sets the display regions where the predetermined symbols are to be displayed stopped, as a specific display region, and in a predetermined times of games after the first game, draws for the specific display region, symbols from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game, and at the same time which sets the display regions other than the specific display region as a general display region, and draws for the general display region, a symbol from the plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there isn&#39;t a predetermined relationship among the symbols. 
     In this way, in a case where a predetermined symbol is stop displayed in a plurality of display regions, the display regions that stop display the predetermined symbols are set as specific display regions, and because drawing in a predetermined times of games after the first game is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed, so that there is a specific relationship among the symbols in each game, symbols having a predetermined relationship are displayed in the specific display region. By this, an independent drawing result (re-drawing result) which differs from the general display region can be displayed in the specific display region. The display regions other than the specific display regions are set as general display regions. In the general display regions, because drawing is carried out from a plurality of types of symbols that are to be displayed without the symbols having a predetermined relationship, the general display regions and specific display regions are respectively independent and co-exist. Namely, re-drawing is not carried out using every region, but re-drawing result is displayed in the specific display regions, which are a part of the display regions, and in the region of a remaining part, ordinary drawing result is displayed. By this, because drawing results are displayed by two types of regions: the specific display regions and the ordinary display regions, existing, a new kind of game that arouses the player&#39;s interests can be realized. Every display region can become a specific display region, in accordance with the course of the game. 
       FIG. 55  is a perspective view of a gaming machine  100  such as, for example, gaming machine  1 .  FIG. 56  is a schematic representation of the gaming machine  100 . In general, the gaming machine  100  allows a player to initiate a gaming session to play a plurality of video slot games via the gaming machine  100 . The gaming machine  100  accepts a wager from a player and displays a game including a plurality of reels. Each of the reels has a reel strip that includes a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order. During game play, the gaming machine  100  randomly determines an outcome of the primary game and responsively spins and stops the reels to display the outcome of the primary game in a grid. The gaming machine detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome including a trigger symbol displayed in at least one of the reels, and responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip and generates an outcome of a secondary game with the modified reel strip. More specifically, the gaming machine  100  modifies the reel feature of the reel that is associated with the trigger symbol, generates the second game outcome, and spins and stops the reels including the reel having the modified reel feature to display the secondary game outcome. 
     In one embodiment, a reel includes a WILD symbol that is displayed in the associated reel strip. Upon detecting the trigger symbol being displayed with the reel in the primary game outcome, the gaming machine  100  modifies the reel feature associated with the reel by replacing the WILD symbol with a WILD  2 × symbol that has a greater symbol value than the WILD symbol value. In another embodiment, the reel includes a run of consecutive symbol positions and a special symbol that is displayed in each consecutive symbol position during the primary game. If a trigger symbol appears in the reel in the primary game outcome, the gaming machine  100  modifies the reel feature by replacing each of the special symbols displayed in each of the consecutive symbol positions with another special symbol such as, for example, a WILD symbol for use in the secondary game. In a further embodiment, the gaming machine  100  may synchronize each reel that displays the trigger symbol in the primary game outcome such that each synchronized reel displays the same symbols in the same order during the secondary game. Moreover, the gaming machine  100  may modify a reel feature as the corresponding reel is spinning during the secondary game such that the modification is visible to the player as the reels are rotated through a display area. 
     Because the gaming machine  100  modifies the reel feature of at least one of the reels, and spins and stops each of the reels to display the generated secondary game outcome, the modified reel feature is visible to the player as the corresponding reels spin through the display are, thereby increasing the player&#39;s anticipation of achieving an award during the secondary game. Thus, the period of time the gaming machine  100  is played by the player is increased. 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a video gaming machine preferably installed in a casino. In one embodiment, the gaming machine  100  may be a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a player to play a game. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  100  includes a display device  102  for displaying a plurality of games, a user input device  104  to enable a player to interface with the gaming machine  100 , and a gaming controller  106  that is operatively coupled to the display device  102  and the user input device  104  to enable a player to play games displayed on the display device  102 . The gaming machine  100  also includes a cabinet assembly  108  that is configured to support the display device  102 , the user input device  104 , and/or the gaming controller  106  from a gaming stand  110  and/or a supporting surface  112 . 
     The display device  102  and the user input device  104  are each coupled to the cabinet assembly  108  and are each accessible by the player. In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  is positioned within the cabinet assembly  108 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  106  may be separated from the cabinet assembly  108 , and connected to components of the gaming machine  100  through a network such as, for example, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or special high-speed Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) lines. 
     In one embodiment, the user input device  104  includes a plurality of input buttons  114 , a coin slot  116 , and/or a bill acceptor  118 . The coin slot  116  includes an opening that is configured to receive coins and/or tokens deposited by the player into the gaming machine  100 . The gaming machine  100  converts a value of the coins and/or tokens to a corresponding amount of gaming credits that are used by the player to wager on games played on the gaming machine  100 . 
     The bill acceptor  118  includes an input and output device that is configured to accept a bill, a ticket, and/or a cash card into the bill acceptor  118  to enable an amount of gaming credits associated with a monetary value of the bills, ticket, and/or cash card to be credited to the gaming machine  100 . Moreover, the gaming machine  100  may also utilize a cashless wagering system (not shown), such as a ticket in ticket out (TITO) system (not shown). In one embodiment, the bill acceptor  118  also includes a printer (not shown) that is configured to dispense a printed voucher ticket that includes information indicative of an amount of credits and/or money paid out to the player by the gaming machine  100  during a gaming session. The voucher ticket may be used at other gaming machines, or redeemed for cash, and/or other items as part of a casino cashless system (not shown). 
     A coin tray  120  is coupled to the cabinet assembly  108  and is configured to receive a plurality of coins that are dispensed from the gaming machine  100 . One or more speakers  122  are installed inside the cabinet assembly  108  to generate voice announcements and/or sound effects associated with game play. The gaming machine  100  also includes one or more lighting devices  124  that are configured to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns to produce lighting effects to enhance a visual gaming experience for the player. 
     In one embodiment, the input buttons  114  include a plurality of BET switches  126  for inputting a wager on a game, a plurality of selection switches  128  for selecting a betting line and/or card, a MAXBET switch  130  for inputting a maximum wager, a PAYOUT switch  132  for ending a gaming session and dispensing accumulated gaming credits to the player, and a start switch, i.e., a SPIN/DEAL button  134  to initiate an output of a game. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the BET switches  126  include five switches from 1BET to 5BET to enable a player to wager between a minimum bet up to 5× minimum bet. Each selection switch  128  corresponds to a betting line such as, for example, a payline and/or symbol for a reel game, one or more cards for a card game, and/or a symbol for a roulette game, to enable a player to associate a wager with one or more betting lines. The MAXBET switch  130  enables a player to input the maximum bet that a player can spend against one time of a game. The PAYOUT switch  132  enables a player to receive the amount of money and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session, which has been credited onto the gaming machine  100 . 
     The gaming machine  100  also includes a player tracking device  136  that is coupled to the gaming controller  106  for identifying the player and/or a player tracking account that is associated with the player. The player tracking account may include, but is not limited to, gaming credits available to the player for use in playing the gaming machine  100 . The player tracking device  136  is configured to communicate player account information between a player tracking controller (not shown) and the gaming machine  100 . For example, the player tracking device  136  may be used to track bonus points and/or credits awarded to the player during a gaming session and/or track bonus and/or credits downloaded to the gaming machine  100  from the player tracking system. In the illustrated embodiment, the player tracking controller assigns a player status, e.g. a player ranking, based on the player account information. For example, the player tacking information may include, but is not limited to, a frequency in which the player plays a game, the average wager the player makes per play of a game, a total amount wagered by the player over a predefined period of time, and/or any other suitable player tracking information. In addition, the player tracking controller may assign a player a higher player ranking based on a high average wager and/or a high total wager amount as compared with other tracked players. The gaming machine  100  may receive the player tracking information from the player tracking controller and determine the symbol selection factor based at least in part on the received player tracking information associated with the current player. 
     The player tracking device  136  is coupled to the gaming cabinet assembly  108  and includes a player identification card reader  138 , a data display  140 , and a keypad  142 . The player identification card reader  138  is configured to accept a player tracking card (not shown) inserted by the player, and read information contained on the player tracking card to identify the player account information. The player identification card reader  138  may include, but is not limited to, a barcode reader, a magnetic card reader, and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) card reader. The keypad  142  is configured to accept a user selection input such as, for example, a unique player personal identification number (PIN) to facilitate enabling the gaming machine  100  to identify the player, and access player account information associated with the identified player to be displayed on the data display  140 . In one embodiment, the data display  140  includes a touchscreen panel that includes the keypad  142 . Alternatively, the data display  140  and the keypad  142  may be included in the display device  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the display device  102  includes a first display  144  and a second display  146 . The first display  144  is configured to display a game screen  148  (shown in  FIG. 57 ) including indicia and/or symbols for use in a game, e.g., cards used by a card game, roulette wheel and symbols used in a roulette game, and reels used in a reel game. The game screen  148  may include any type of game including, but not limited to, a video slot game, a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game which allows a player to make a wager, play a game, and potentially provide the player an award based on an outcome of the game and a paytable. The second display  146  is configured to display game play instructions for performing the game including, but not limited to, playing instructions, paytables, paylines, betting lines and/or any other information to enable the gaming machine  100  to function as described herein. Moreover, each display  144  and  146  may be configured to display at least a portion of the game screen  148  and/or game play instructions. In one embodiment, the first and second displays  144  and  146  each include a flat panel display, such as a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode display (LED), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode display (AMOLED), a plasma display, and/or any suitable visual output device capable of displaying graphical data and/or text to a user. Alternatively, a single component, such as a touch screen, may function as both the display device  102  and as the user input device  104 . In an alternative embodiment, the first display  144  and/or the second display  146  includes a plurality of mechanical reels displaying a plurality of game symbols. 
     Referring to  FIG. 56 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  includes a processor, i.e., a central processing unit (CPU)  150 , a credit controller  152 , a console unit  154 , a payout controller  156 , a random-number generator (RNG)  158 , a lighting controller  160 , a sound controller  162 , a display controller  164 , a memory device  166 , and a database  168 . Memory device  166  includes a computer readable medium, such as, without limitation, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive, a diskette, a flash drive, a compact disc, a digital video disc, and/or any suitable device that enables the CPU  150  to store, retrieve, and/or execute instructions and/or data. 
     The CPU  150  executes various programs, and thereby controls other components of the gaming controller  106  according to player instructions and data accepted by the user input device  104 . The CPU  150  in particular executes a game program, and thereby conducts a game in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The memory device  166  stores programs and databases used by the CPU  150 . Moreover, the memory device  166  stores and retrieves information in the database  168  including, but not limited to, wagers, wager amounts, average wagers per game, a game type, a number of reels associated with a game, a number of reel strips associated with each reel, symbol values, reel features, reel strip characteristics, a number of symbol positions being displayed on each reel strip, a type of symbols being displayed with each symbol position, a predefined set of normal symbols, a predefined set of special symbols, image data for producing game images and/or screens on the display device  102 , and temporarily stores variables, parameters, and the like that are used by the CPU  150 . In addition, the memory device  166  stores indicia, symbol weights, symbol values, selection probabilities tables which represent relationships between symbol selection probabilities and symbol selection factors, paytables, and/or winning combination tables which represent relationships between combinations of random numbers and types of awards. In one embodiment, the memory device  166  utilizes RAM to temporarily store programs and data necessary for the progress of the game, and EPROM to store, in advance, programs and data for controlling basic operation of the gaming machine  100 , such as the booting operation thereof. 
     The credit controller  152  manages the amount of player&#39;s credits, which is equivalent to the amount of coins and bills counted and validated by the bill acceptor  118 . The console unit  154  is coupled to the user input device  104  to monitor player selections received through the input buttons  114 , and accept various instructions and data that a player enters through the input buttons  114 . The payout controller  156  converts a player&#39;s credits to coins, bills, or other monetary data by using the coin tray  120  and/or for use in dispensing a credit voucher via the bill acceptor  118 . 
     The lighting controller  160  controls one or more lighting devices  124  to blink and/or change brightness and color in specific patterns in order to produce lighting effects associated with game play. The sound controller  162  controls the speakers  122  to output voice announcements and sound effects during game play. The display controller  164  controls the display device  102  to display various images on screens preferably by using computer graphics and image data stored in the memory device  166 . More specifically, the display controller  164  controls video reels in a game screen displayed on the first display  144  and/or the second display  146  by using computer graphics and the image data. 
     The RNG  158  generates and outputs random numbers to the CPU  150  preferably at the start of each round of a game. The CPU  150  uses the random numbers to determine an outcome of the games. For example, if the game is a video slot game, the CPU  150  uses the RNG  158  to randomly select an arrangement of symbols to be displayed on video reels. Moreover, the CPU  150  generally uses random numbers generated by the RNG  158  to play the games and to determine whether or not to provide an award to a player. In addition, the CPU  150  generates game outcomes including combinations of random numbers, and compares the generated combinations with winning combinations stored in the winning combination table to determine if the generated outcome is a winning outcome that is associated with a type of award. 
       FIG. 57  is an exemplary graphical display of a game  170  that is displayed by the gaming machine  100 .  FIG. 58  is a schematic representation of a portion of the gaming machine  100  including the game  170 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  is configured to display the game  170  on the display device  102 . In one embodiment, the game  170  is a video slot game. However, it should be noted that the game  170  may be any type of game upon which a player could make a wager including, but not limited, to a keno game, a blackjack game, a video poker game, or any type of game that enables the gaming controller  106  to function as described herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the game  170  is displayed on the first display  144 . Alternatively, the game  170  may be displayed on the first display  144  and/or the second display  146 . 
     In general, during play of the game  170 , the gaming controller  106  randomly generates an outcome  172  of the game  170  and displays the generated game outcome  172  in a display area  174 . The gaming controller  106  randomly selects a plurality of game symbols  176  from a predefined set of possible game symbols and displays the selected game symbols  176  associated with the generated game outcome  172  in the game display area  174 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of symbols  176  are displayed in a grid  178  having a plurality of cells  180  arranged along a plurality of rows  182  and a plurality of columns  184 . Each cell  180  displays one or more game symbols  176  associated with the game outcome  172 . In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  displays the game symbols  176  within a plurality of reels  186 . Each reel  186  is associated with a corresponding column  184 . The game  170 , in the illustrated embodiment, includes 5 reels  186  with 3 cells  180  per reel, respectively (a “5×3” arrangement) displayed in the display area  174 . Alternatively, other reel arrangements may be used such as, for example, 3-4-3-4-3, 4-5-5-5-4, or 4-5-4-5-4 arrangements or arrangements with the same number of cells per column, such as 3×3, 3×4, 4×5, or 5×5 configurations. The game  170  also includes a plurality of paylines  188  that extend across one or more cells  180  to indicate, to the player, a combination of game symbols  176 . In one embodiment, the gaming machine  100  displays the game  170  via a plurality of mechanical reels (not shown) that include a plurality of symbols displayed on a circumferential surface of each reel. 
     Each slot game is generally played in a conventional manner. The player makes a wager, which may be based on a predetermined denomination and a selected number of paylines, the gaming controller  106  randomly generates an outcome for the game, spins the reels, and selectively stops the reels to display a game symbol  176  in each of the display cells  180 . If a predetermined pattern of symbols  176  is randomly chosen for each cell  180  on a played payline  188 , the player may be awarded a payout based on the payline, the wager, and a predetermined paytable. Moreover, the player may be awarded a payout if the combination of symbols associated with a selected payline is a winning combination. In addition, a player may receive a bonus feature and/or a bonus game based on the combination of symbols associated with the selected payline and/or the appearance of one or more predefined symbols in the game outcome  172 . Many variations to the above described general play of a slot game fall within the scope of the present invention. Such slot games are well-known in the art, and are therefore not further discussed. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  receives a signal, from the user input device  104 , that is indicative of a player&#39;s selection to initiate a gaming session including a wager amount, and a selection of one or more paylines  188  associated with a predefined set of cells  180  within the displayed grid  178 . In the illustrated embodiment, the game  170  is a multi-line game, i.e., the paylines include horizontal paylines and/or diagonal pay-lines, and/or zig-zag paylines. Moreover, the user input device  104  may allow the player to toggle to increase the bet per payline a credit at a time (up to the maximum bet). The gaming controller  106  randomly generates an outcome  172  of the game  170 , and displays the generated outcome  172  on the display device  102 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  is configured to rotate, and/or spin each reel  186  to initiate a game play, and stop each reel  186  to display a plurality of symbols  176  associated with the randomly generated outcome  172 . In addition, the gaming controller  106  is adapted to determine if the generated outcome  172  is a winning outcome based on the displayed game symbols  176 , a pay-table, a wager, and one or more player selected paylines  188 . More specifically, the gaming controller  106  determines if a combination of symbols  176  arranged along the selected payline  188  is a winning combination. The gaming controller  106  may provide an award in response to the outcome  172  of the game  170 . In general, the term “award” may be a payout, in terms of credits or money. Thus, the gaming controller  106  may award a regular payout in response to the outcome  172  of the game  170 . However, it should be noted that the term award may also refer to other types of awards, including, prizes, e.g., meals, show tickets, etc. . . . , as well as in-game awards, such as free games or awarding the player one or more wild symbols or stacked wild symbols in each of the games. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  displays the game  170  including a plurality of reels  186 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  displays the game  170  having five reels  186  that are orientated horizontally and includes a 1st reel  190 , a 2nd reel  192 , a 3rd reel  194 , a 4th reel  196 , and a 5th reel  198 . Each reel  186  includes one or more associated reel strips  200  (shown in  FIGS. 59-66 ) that may be displayed on a respective reel  186 . Each reel strip  200  includes a plurality of symbol positions  202  and a plurality of game symbols  176  displayed in each of the symbol positions  202  in a predetermined order. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of game symbols  176  includes at least one trigger symbol  204 . During display of the generated game outcome  172 , the gaming controller  106  spins each reel  186  such that the game symbols  176  are moved through each of the cells  180  in the display area  174 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each reel strip  200  includes a reel feature  206  that is indicative of a characteristic of the associated reel strip  200 . The reel feature  206  may be modified to adjust the characteristic of the associated reel strip  200  during subsequent game play. For example, in one embodiment, the reel feature  206  may include one or more game symbols  176  having a symbol value and/or a symbol appearance that may be modified for use in during subsequent games. Moreover, in another embodiment, the reel feature  206  may include a plurality of game symbols  176  that may be replaced with different game symbols  176  for use during subsequent game play. In addition, the reel feature  206  may include one or more characteristics of the reel strip  200  including, but not limited to, a game symbol theme, a game symbol type, a game symbol value, a visual appearance, a reel orientation, and or any suitable reel characteristic that may be modified to enable the gaming machine  100  to function as described herein. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the game  170  includes a primary game and a secondary game. The secondary game may be, for example, a bonus feature game and/or a free spin game. During game play, the gaming controller  106  allows a player to make a wager on the game  170 , initiates the primary game and responsively spins each reel  186  such that the game symbols  176  are visible in the display grid  178  as the reels  186  are spun through the grid  178 . The gaming controller  106  randomly determines an outcome of the primary game, responsively stops each of the reels  186  to display the primary game outcome  172  in the display grid  178 , and provides a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The gaming controller  106  also detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome  172  and modifies a reel feature  206  of at least one reel  186  for use in a secondary game if the triggering condition is detected in the primary game outcome. More specifically, the gaming controller  106  modifies a reel feature  206  of the reel strip  200  associated with the reel  186  for use in the secondary game. During play of the secondary game, the gaming controller  106  generates an outcome of the secondary game including the modified reel strip  200  and displays the generated secondary outcome on the display grid  178 . The gaming controller  106  also provides the player a second award based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the triggering condition  208  is defined as the appearance of one or more triggering symbols  204  in one or more reels  186  in the primary game outcome. During game play, the gaming controller  106  detects the triggering condition  208  if at least one trigger symbol  204  is displayed in at least one reel  186  in the primary game outcome, and, upon detecting the triggering condition  208 , the gaming controller  106  modifies a reel feature  206  of the reel strip  200  that is associated with the reel  186  having the trigger symbol  204  displayed therewith. The gaming controller  106  then generates the outcome of the secondary game including the modified reel strip  200 . 
       FIG. 59  is a schematic representation of the reel strip  200 .  FIG. 60  is schematic representation of the reel strip  200  shown in  FIG. 59  and having a modified reel feature  206 . With reference to  FIGS. 57-60 , in one embodiment, one or more reel strips  200  may include one or more special symbols  210 , such as, for example, a “WILD” symbol  212  (shown in  FIG. 59 ). The WILD symbol  212  may be substituted for any game symbol  176  that is displayed in a game outcome to generate a winning combination that includes the WILD symbol  212 . In addition, the WILD symbol  212  includes an award multiplier value such that an award associated with a winning combination that includes the WILD symbol  212  may be increased by the corresponding award multiplier value. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the reel feature  206  is defined as the WILD symbol  212  having a modifiable award multiplier value. For example, in one embodiment, a first reel  214  may include a reel strip  200  having one or more WILD symbols  212 . During the primary game, the WILD symbol  212  includes a first multiplier value. The gaming controller  106  detects the triggering condition  208  if a trigger symbol  204  is displayed in the primary game outcome with the first reel  214 , and, upon detecting the triggering condition  208 , replaces the first multiplier value with a second multiplier value that is different than the first multiplier value to modifying the reel feature  206  of the first reel  214 . In addition, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may replace the WILD symbol  212  with another special symbol  210 , such as, for example a “WILD 2×” symbol  216  that is indicative of the second multiplier value, to notify the player of the increased multiplier value. The gaming controller  106  then generates the outcome of the secondary game including the first reel  214  having the associated WILD 2× symbol  216 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may spin the first reel  214  such that the modified reel feature  206  including the WILD 2× symbol  216  is visible to the player to notify the player that the reel feature  206  of the first reel  214  has been modified for use in the secondary game. 
       FIG. 61  is a schematic representation of a first reel strip  218  and a second reel strip  220 .  FIG. 62  is another schematic representation of the first reel strip  218  and the second reel strip  220  each having a modified reel feature  206 . In the illustrated embodiment, the game  170  includes a first reel  214 , such as, for example, the 3rd reel  194 , and a second reel  222 , such as, for example, the 4th reel  196 . The first reel  214  being displayed with the first reel strip  218 , and the second reel  222  being displayed with the second reel strip  220 . In one embodiment, the triggering condition  208  is defined as a first trigger symbol  224 , represented by a “Trigger-A” symbol shown in  FIGS. 57 and 4 , being displayed with the first reel  214  in the grid  178 , and a second trigger symbol  226 , represented by a “Trigger-B” symbol shown in  FIGS. 57 and 4 , being displayed with the second reel  222  in the grid  178 . Upon detecting the triggering condition  208 , the gaming controller  106  modifies the reel feature  206  associated with the first reel  214  and modifies the reel feature  206  associated with the second reel  222 . For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first reel  214  includes a first special symbol  228 , such as, for example, a first WILD symbol  212  having a first multiplier value. The second reel  222  includes a second special symbol  230 , such as, for example, a second WILD symbol  212  that has a second multiplier value. Upon detecting the triggering condition  208  in the primary game outcome, the gaming controller  106  modifies the reel feature  206  of the first reel  214  by replacing the first special symbol  228  having the first multiplier value with a third special symbol  232 , e.g. the WILD 2× symbol  216  having a third multiplier value that is different than the first multiplier value. In addition, the gaming controller  106  modifies the reel feature  206  of the second reel  222  by replacing the second special symbol  230  having the second multiplier value with a fourth special symbol  234 , e.g. a WILD 4× symbol  236  having a fourth multiplier value that is different than the second multiplier value. In one embodiment, the third and fourth multiplier values are selected based at least in part on the corresponding trigger symbol  204  appearing the first and second reels  214  and  222 , respectively, in the primary game outcome. 
     In addition, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  modifies the reel feature  206  of each reel  186  based on the corresponding trigger symbol  204  appearing in the primary game outcome. For example, the triggering condition  208  may be defined as a trigger symbol  204  appearing in each reel  186 . Moreover, each reel  186  may include one or more WILD symbols  212 . During game play, the first trigger symbol  224  may appear in the 1st reel  190 , the 2nd reel  192 , and the 3rd reel  194 , and the second trigger symbol  226  may appear in the 4th reel  196  and the 5th reel  198 . The gaming controller  106  may replace the WILD symbol  212  in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194 , with the WILD 2× symbol  216  based on the appearance of the first trigger symbol  224 . In addition, the gaming controller  106  may replace the WILD symbol  212  in the 4th and 5th reels  196  and  198  with the WILD 4× symbol  236  based on the appearance of the second trigger symbol  226 . 
       FIG. 63  is a schematic representation of another reel strip  200 , and  FIG. 64  is another schematic representation of the reel strip  200  having a modified reel feature  206 . In the illustrated embodiment, the reel strip  200  includes a plurality of adjacent special symbol positions  238  and a plurality of normal symbol position  240 . Each normal symbol position  240  includes a static normal symbol  242 . Moreover, the reel strip  200  includes at least one run  244  of consecutive special symbol positions  238  that include a plurality of adjacent special symbol positions  238 . In one embodiment, during each play of the game  170 , the gaming controller  106  may randomly select at least one special symbol  210  from a predefined set of special symbols  210 , and display the selected special symbol  210  in each special symbol positions  238 . Additional details of adjacent special symbol positions, which may be used in the present invention, are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/299,009 to Yoshimi, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,096,869, filed Dec. 9, 2005, titled “Gaming Machine with Runs of Consecutive Identical Symbols”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  displays the same special symbol  210  in each special symbol position  238 . Alternatively, the gaming controller  106  may select a plurality of similar special symbols  210  and/or a plurality of associated special symbols such as, for example, a set of special symbols included in a category of special symbols, for display in each special symbol position  238 . For example, the predefined set of special symbols may include, but is not limited to, a category of special symbols such as, for example, shapes, colors, sounds, items, characters, backgrounds, frames, and/or any category of special symbols that enable the gaming controller  106  to function as described herein. Each special symbol category includes a plurality of special symbols having predefined characteristics associated with the special symbol category. For example, the predefined set of special symbols may include a shape category that includes a plurality of special symbols that each have a shape associated with the shape category. The gaming controller  106  may select one or more special symbols indicative of the shapes within the shape category, and display the selected special symbols in each of the special symbol positions  238 . In addition, referring to  FIG. 70 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display a special symbol  210  having a plurality of symbol images  246  such that a plurality of adjacent special symbols  210  are displayed as a unitary image  248  that extends across the plurality of special symbol positions  238 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may select a plurality of special symbols  210  from the same category of special symbols, wherein each selected special symbol  210  forms a portion of the unitary symbol image  248  such that when the selected special symbols  210  are displayed in each adjacent special symbol position  238 , the unitary symbol image  248  is displayed across the adjacent special symbol positions  238 . 
     In one embodiment, the first reel  214  may have a reel strip  200  that includes a run  244  of consecutive special symbol positions  238 . During the primary game, the gaming controller  106  randomly selects a first special symbol  228  and displays the selected first special symbol  228  in each consecutive special symbol positions  238  during the primary game outcome. Upon detecting the appearance of the trigger symbol  204  in the first reel  214 , the gaming controller  106  responsively modifies the reel feature  206  of the first reel  214  by replacing each first special symbol  228  with a second special symbol  230 , and generates the secondary game outcome including the first reel  214  having the second special symbol  230  displayed in each consecutive special symbol positions  238 . For example, in one embodiment, during the primary game, the gaming controller  106  may display the first reel  214  with the first special symbol  228  (represented by the “Special-A” symbol shown in  FIGS. 63-70 ), and detects the triggering condition if a trigger symbol  204  appears in the first reel  214  in the primary game outcome. The gaming controller  106  may responsively replace the first special symbol  228  with the WILD symbol  212  to modify the first reel  214  and play the secondary game with the first reel  214  having the WILD symbol  212  being displayed in each consecutive special symbol positions  238 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 65 and 66 , in one embodiment, the first reel  214  may include a first run  250  of consecutive special symbol positions  238  and a second run  252  of consecutive special symbol positions  238 . During the primary game, the gaming controller  106  may populate each special symbol position  238  of the first run  250  with the first special symbol  228 , and populate each special symbol position  238  of the second run  252  with the second special symbol  230 , represented by the “Special-B’ symbol. In addition, the gaming controller  106  may detect the triggering condition in the primary game outcome and responsively replace each first special symbol  228  and second special symbol  230  with a third special symbol  232 , represented by “Special-C” symbol, to modify the reel feature  206  of the first reel  214  for use in the secondary game. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 69 and 70 , the gaming controller  106  may modify the reel feature  206  by replacing the first special symbol  228  with the third special symbol  232 , and replace the second special symbol  230  with a fourth special symbol  234 , represented by the unitary “guitar” image, that is different from the third special symbol  232 . In addition, the gaming controller  106  may replace the first and second special symbols  228  and  230  based on the trigger symbol  204  appearing in the first reel  214  in the primary game outcome. For example, in one embodiment, if the first trigger symbol  224  appears in the first reel  214 , the gaming controller  106  may responsively replace the first and second special symbols  228  and  230  with the third special symbol  232 , and if the second trigger symbol  226  appears in the first reel  214 , the gaming controller may responsively replace the first special symbol  228  with the third special symbol  232  and replace the second special symbol  230  with the fourth special symbol  234 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 67 and 68 , in one embodiment, the first reel  214  and the second reel  222  may each include a run  244  of consecutive special symbol positions  238 . The first reel  214  includes the first special symbol  228  displayed in each consecutive special symbol positions  238  and the second reel  222  includes the second special symbol  230  displayed in each consecutive special symbol positions  238  in the primary game. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  detects the triggering condition in the primary game outcome if the first trigger symbol  224  is displayed in the first reel  214  and the second trigger symbol  226  is displayed in the second reel  222 . Upon detecting the triggering condition, the gaming machine  100  replaces the each first special symbol  228  in the first reel  214  with the third special symbol  232 , and replaces the second special symbol  230  with a fourth special symbol  234 , represented by a “Special-D” symbol in  FIG. 68 , to modify the reel features  206  of the first and second reels  214  and  222  for use in the secondary game. 
     In another embodiment, during the primary game, the first and second reels  214  and  222  may each include a first run  250  of consecutive special symbol positions  238  populated with the first special symbol  228  and a second run  252  of consecutive special symbol positions  238  that are populated with the second special symbol  230 . Upon detecting the triggering condition in the primary game outcome including the first trigger symbol  224  displayed with the first reel  214  and the second trigger symbol  226  displayed with the second reel  222 , the gaming controller  106  modifies the first reel  214  to display the third special symbol  232  in each of the first reel special symbol positions  238 , and modifies the second reel  222  to display the fourth special symbol  234  in each of the second reel special symbol positions  238 . 
       FIG. 71  is another schematic representation of the gaming machine  100 . Referring to  FIGS. 58 and 71 , in one embodiment, the gaming machine  100  modifies a reel feature  206  of each reel including a corresponding trigger symbol  204  displayed therewith in the primary game outcome. Moreover, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the trigger symbol  204  in one or more reels  186 , and responsively modifies the corresponding reels  186  to synchronize a display of each game symbol  176  in the corresponding reels  186  such that the same game symbols  176  appear in corresponding symbol positions  202  during play of the secondary game. For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the first trigger symbol  224  in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194  in the primary game outcome. During play of the secondary game, the gaming controller  106  synchronizes the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194  such that the same game symbols  176  are displayed in the same symbol positions  202  during rotation of each of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194 , and the gaming controller  106  stops each of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194  such that the same game symbols  176  are displayed in the same symbol positions  202  in the display grid  178 . In addition, the gaming controller  106  may rotate the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194  such that the synchronized game symbols  176  are visible to the player as each reel  186  rotates through the grid  178 . 
     In another embodiment, during the primary game outcome, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the first trigger symbol  224  in a first set  254  of reels  186  such as, for example, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd reels  190 ,  192 , and  194 , and detects the appearance of the second trigger symbol  226  in a second set  256  of reels  186  such as, for example, the 4th and 5th reels  196  and  198 . The gaming controller  106  responsively synchronizes each reel  186  included in the first set  254  such that the same game symbols  176  are displayed in the same symbol positions  202  in each reel  186  in the first set  254 , and synchronizes each reel  186  included in the second set  256  such that the same game symbols  176  are displayed in the same symbol positions  202  in each reel  186  of the second set  256 . 
       FIG. 72  is a schematic view of an exemplary gaming system  300 . The gaming system  300  includes a system controller  302  and one or more gaming devices  304  that are coupled to the system controller  302 . In one embodiment, the gaming device  304  includes the gaming machine  100 . In another embodiment, gaming device  304  may include a personal computer, laptop, cell phone, smartphone, tablet computer, personal data assistant, and/or any suitable computing device that enables a player to connect to system controller  302  to play the game  170 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the system controller  302  is configured to perform all of the functions of the gaming controller  106  as described herein. The system controller  302  communicates with each gaming device  304  for playing the game  170  on each gaming device  304  based on user selection input received from each gaming device  304 . In the illustrated embodiment, the system controller  302  plays a separate instance of the game  170  on each gaming device  304  such that each player associated with the gaming devices  304  may play a separate instance of the game  170  simultaneously. 
     Referring to  FIG. 57 , in the illustrated embodiment, the system controller  302  displays the game  170  on at least one of the gaming devices  304 . Moreover, the system controller  302  initiates the primary game in response to a user selection input and responsively spins each reel  186  such that the game symbols  176  are visible in the display grid  178  as the reels  186  are spun through the grid  178 . The system controller  302  randomly determines an outcome  172  of the primary game, responsively stops each of the reels  186  to display the primary game outcome  172  in the display grid  178 , and provides a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The system controller  302  detects a triggering condition in the primary game outcome and responsively modifies a reel feature  206  of the reel strip  200  associated with a reel  186  for use in the secondary game. During play of the secondary game, the system controller  302  generates an outcome of the secondary game including the modified reel strip  200  and displays the generated secondary outcome on the display grid. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machines  10  and the system controller  302  are coupled in communication with a local area network (LAN)  306 . Alternatively, the gaming machines  100  and the system controller  302  may be coupled via a network such as, for example, an Internet link, an intranet, a WAN, dial-in-connections, cable modems, wireless modems, and/or ISDN lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system  300  includes four gaming machines  100 , which in one embodiment as shown in  FIG. 72  are arranged in a bank  308 , i.e., are arranged together, adjacently. It should be noted, however, that the gaming system  300  may include any number of gaming machines  100  that may be arranged in any manner, such as in a circle or along a curved arc, or positioned within separate areas of a casino floor, and/or separate gaming establishments such as different casinos. Furthermore, additional groups of gaming machines  100  may be coupled to the system controller  302 . In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, the gaming system  300  may also include a central display  310  that is coupled to the system controller  302  for displaying games played on one or more of the gaming machines  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the system controller  302  may be implemented by one of the gaming controllers  106  associated with a gaming machine  100 . In still another embodiment, the system controller  302  may be located remotely with respect to gaming machines  100 , or within one of the gaming machine cabinet assemblies  108  (shown in  FIG. 55 ). 
     In one embodiment, the system controller  302  may also determine if a bonus triggering event occurs in a game outcome being played at one or more of the gaming machines  100 , and displays a bonus game such as, for example, the game  170  on the central display  310  if the bonus triggering event occurs. Alternatively, the system controller  302  may display the game  170  at one or more gaming machines  100  based on one or more bonus triggering events occurring in games played at the gaming machines  100 . The bonus triggering event may be the appearance of a predefined symbol and/or a predefined symbol combination in a game outcome. 
       FIG. 67  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  400  of providing a slot game to a player. In the illustrated embodiment, the method  400  includes the steps of allowing  402  the player to make a wager on the game and initiating a primary game, randomly determining  404  an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and awarding  406  a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The method  400  also includes the steps of detecting  408  if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, responsively modifying  410  a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel, generating  412  an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip, and awarding  414  a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In one embodiment, the method  400  may include replacing  416  a first symbol multiplier value with a second symbol multiplier value that is different than the first multiplier value to modifying the reel feature. In addition, the method  400  may include the step of replacing  418  each first special symbol displayed in a run of consecutive symbol positions with a second special symbol to modify the reel feature of the at least one reel. Moreover, the method  400  may include replacing  420  each special symbol populating a first and second run of consecutive symbol positions with another special symbol to modify the reel feature of the at least one reel. 
       FIGS. 74 through 78  are graphic displays of the game  170  shown in  FIG. 57 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming machine  100  is configured to display a first game  170  to a player on the display device  102  including the primary game and the secondary game. The gaming controller  106  randomly determines an outcome of the primary game, responsively spins and stops the reels  186  to display the primary game outcome  172  in the display grid  178 , and provides a first award to the player as a function of the primary game outcome  172 . The gaming controller  106  also detects if the triggering condition  208  is being displayed with the primary game outcome  172  and responsively modifies a reel feature  206  of one or more reels  186  as a function of the triggering condition  208 . In the illustrated embodiment, the triggering condition  208  is defined as the appearance of one or more triggering graphics  260  being displayed with the primary game outcome  172 . 
     For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  detects if a triggering graphic  260  is being displayed with the primary game outcome  172 , and determines if the triggering graphic  260  is associated with at least one reel  186  being displayed in the primary game outcome  172 . The gaming controller  106  identifies the reels  186  corresponding to the displayed triggering graphic  260  and responsively modifies a reel feature  206  of a reel strip  200  associated with each of the identified reels  186 . The gaming controller  106  also generates an outcome of the secondary game including each of the modified reel strips  200  and provides a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. In one embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may be displayed prior to spinning the reels  186  to display the primary game outcome  172 . In another embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may be displayed simultaneously with the display of the primary game outcome  172  or may be displayed after the reels  186  have been stopped to display the primary game outcome  172 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  is indicative of one or more reels  186 . The gaming controller  106  is configured to display the triggering graphic  260  to notify the player that one or more corresponding reels  186  will be displayed with a modified reel feature  206  during the subsequent secondary game. For example, in one embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may be orientated with respect to a corresponding reel column  184 . In one embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may include an image of a character. In another embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may include a trigger symbol such as, for example, trigger symbol  204 , a game symbol, a special symbol, an image and/or symbol selected from a category of images/symbols such as, for example, shapes, colors, sounds, items, characters, backgrounds, frames, and/or any image that notifies a player that the corresponding reels  186  may include a modified reel feature  206  during current and/or subsequent games. 
     In one embodiment, the triggering graphic  260  may be associated with a plurality of reels  186 . The gaming controller  106  may be configured to determine each reel  186  being associated with the triggering graphic  260  and responsively modify a reel feature  206  of each associated reel  186  for use in the secondary game. For example, as shown in  FIG. 74 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the triggering graphic  260  being displayed in the primary game outcome  172 , and determine the triggering graphic  260  to be associated with the 1st reel  190 , the 2nd reel  192 , and the 3rd reel  194 . The gaming controller  106  may responsively modify the reel features  206  associated with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, reels  190 ,  192 , and  194 , and generate the outcome of the secondary game using the modified reel features  206 . 
     In one embodiment, the triggering condition  208  may include a plurality of triggering graphics  260  being displayed with the primary game outcome  172 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 74 and 75 , the triggering condition  208  may include a first triggering graphic  262 , represented by “Trigger Graphic-A”, and a second triggering graphic  264 , represented by “Trigger Graphic-B”. In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may determine the first triggering graphic  262  to be associated with the first reel  214 , and determine the second triggering graphic  264  to be associated with the second reel  222 . Upon detecting the triggering condition  208 , the gaming controller  106  modifies the reel feature  206  associated with the first reel  214  and modifies the reel feature  206  associated with the second reel  222 . Moreover, the modified reel feature  206  of the first reel  214  may be different from the modified reel feature  206  of the second reel  222 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the first triggering graphic  262  with the primary game outcome  172  and determine a first set  266  of reels  186  being associated with the first triggering graphic  262 . Similarly, the gaming controller  106  may detect the appearance of the second triggering graphic  264  being displayed with the primary game outcome  172  and determine a second set  268  of reels  186  being associated with the second triggering graphic  264 . Upon detecting the triggering condition  208 , the gaming controller  106  may modify the reel feature  206  associated with each reel  186  included in the first set  266  and modify the reel feature  206  associated with each reel  186  included in the second set  268 . Moreover, the modified reel feature  206  associated with the first set  266  may be different from the modified reel feature  206  associated with the second set  268 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  is configured to randomly determine if the triggering graphic  260  is being displayed with the primary game outcome  172 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may select a first random number from a set of random numbers and associate the first random number with the triggering condition  208 . During each play of the game  170 , the gaming controller  106  may select a second random number during the primary game and display the triggering graphic  260  with the primary game outcome  172  if the first random number matches the second random number. The gaming controller  106  may also randomly determine which reels  186  are being associated with the triggering graphic  260 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may select a random number associated with one or more of the reels  186 , and determine each reel  186  being associated with the triggering graphic  260  as a function of the selected random numbers. More specifically, the gaming controller  106  may determine each randomly selected number that matches the first random number associated with the triggering graphic  260 , and associate the triggering graphic  260  with each matched reel  186 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 76 , the triggering graphic  260  may include a reel frame  270  that is displayed with one or more reels  186  being associated with the triggering graphic  260 . For example, the gaming controller  106  may display the primary game outcome  172 , detect the triggering condition  208  associated with the primary game outcome  172 , identify the reels  186  being associated with triggering condition  208 , and display the triggering graphic  260  with the associated reels  186  to notify the player of the associated reels  186 . In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display the reel frame  270  to extend around a perimeter of each of the identified reels  186  being displayed in the display area  174 . In another embodiment, the reel frame  270  may extend across each cell  180  being displayed with the identified reels  186 . In one embodiment, the reel frame  270  may be displayed with a symbol image such as for example, symbol image  248 . In another embodiment, the reel frame  270  may be partially transparent such that the underlying game symbols  176  are viewable through the reel frame  270 . Alternatively, the reel frame  270  may be opaque and be displayed to obscure the underlying game symbols  176  from the player&#39;s view. 
     Referring to  FIG. 75 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display the generated game outcome  172  in a first display area  272  and display the triggering condition  208  in a second display area  274  that is different from the first display area  272 . More specifically the gaming controller  106  may display the plurality of reels  186  within the first display area  272 , and display each triggering graphic  260  in the second display area  274 . The gaming controller  106  may also display each triggering graphic  260  in a position corresponding to each reel  186  being associated with the triggering graphic  260  to notify the player of the reels  186  being modified as a result of the detected triggering condition  208 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 75 , the second display area  274  may be displayed in a first position  276  that is orientated above the first display area  272  and/or be displayed in a second position  278  that is oriented below the first display area  272 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display a first portion of the triggering graphic  260  in the first position  276 , and display a second portion of the triggering graphic  260  in the second position  278 . In addition, the gaming controller  106  may display a first triggering graphic  262  in the first position  276  and the second triggering graphic  264  in the second position  278 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 77 and 78 , in one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display a first game  280  including the primary and secondary games being displayed with a plurality of first reels  282 , and display a second game  284  including a plurality of second reels  286 . The second game  284  being used to detect the triggering condition  208  associated with the first game  280 . Each second reel  286  is associated with at least one corresponding first reel  282 . For example, in one embodiment, each second reel  286  is orientated with respect to a corresponding column  184  of each first reel  282 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second game  284  includes a plurality of video slot reels. In another embodiment, the second game  284  may include a plurality of mechanical reels (not shown). Each second reel  286  is displayed in a corresponding cell  180  and includes a plurality of game symbols  176  including at least one triggering graphic  260  such as, for example, a trigger symbol  204 . Moreover, each second reel  286  is configured to spin and stop to display a single game symbol  176  within the corresponding cell  180  with the second reel  286  stopped to display the second game outcome. In the illustrated embodiment, the first game  280  is displayed in the first display area  272  and the second game  284  is displayed in the second display area  274 , as shown in  FIG. 77 . In another embodiment, the first game  280  is displayed on the first display  144  and the second game  284  is displayed on the second display  146 , as shown in  FIG. 78 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the gaming controller  106  determines the primary game outcome  172  of the first game  280  and spins and stops the first reels  282  to display the primary game outcome  172 . The gaming controller  106  also randomly determines an outcome  288  of the second game  284  and spins and stops the plurality of second reels  286  to display the second game outcome  288 . The gaming controller  106  detects the triggering condition  208  as a function of the second game outcome  288  and responsively modifies the reel feature  206  of the corresponding first reels  282  as a function of the detected triggering condition  208 . For example, in one embodiment, the gaming controller detects the appearance of the triggering graphic  260  in each of the second reels  286 , and responsively modifies the reel feature  206  of each first reel  282  that corresponds to each second reel  286  being displayed with the triggering graphic  260 . The gaming controller  106  may also determine the secondary game outcome of the first game  280  with the modified reel features  206  and spin and stop the first reels  282  to display the secondary game outcome with the modified first reels  282 . 
     In one embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may simultaneously display the second game outcome  288  with the primary game outcome  172 . In another embodiment, the gaming controller  106  may display the second game outcome  288  before or after displaying the primary game outcome  172 . 
     In one embodiment, each second reel  286  may include the first trigger symbol  224  and the second trigger symbol  226 . The gaming controller  106  may randomly determine the second game outcome  288  including at least one second reel  286  being displayed with the first trigger symbol  224 , and at least one other second reel  286  being displayed with the second trigger symbol  226 . Upon detecting the triggering condition  208  being displayed in the second game outcome  288 , the gaming controller  106  may identify the first reels  282  that correspond to the first trigger symbol  224  and modify the reel features  206  of each first reel  282  associated with the first trigger symbol  224 . Similarly, the gaming controller  106  may also identify each first reel  282  that corresponds to the second trigger symbol  226  and modify the reel features  206  of each first reels  282  associated with the second trigger symbol  226 . 
       FIG. 79  is a flowchart of an exemplary method  500  of allowing a player to play the gaming machine  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the method  500  includes the steps of allowing  502  the player to make a wager on a first game including a primary game and a secondary game, randomly determining  504  an outcome of the primary game, responsively spinning and stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, and awarding  506  a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome. The method also includes detecting  508  if a triggering graphic is being displayed with the primary game outcome and being associated with at least one reel, modifying  510  a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the reel, generating  512  an outcome of the secondary game including the modified reel strip, and awarding  514  a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     In one embodiment, the method  500  may also include determining each reel being associated with the triggering graphic and responsively modifying a reel feature associated with each determined reel. The method  500  may also include displaying the plurality of reels in a first display area and displaying the triggering graphic is a second display area that is different from the first display area. 
     In another embodiment, the method  500  may include the steps of displaying a first game including a plurality of first reels and displaying a second game including a plurality of second reels. The method  500  may include randomly determining an outcome of the second game, spinning and stopping the plurality of second reels to display the second game outcome, detecting the appearance of a triggering graphic in each of the second reels in the second game outcome, and responsively modifying the reel feature of each first reel corresponding to each second reel being displayed with the triggering graphic in the second game outcome. In addition, the method  500  may include displaying the first game in a first display and displaying the second game in a second display that is different from the first display area. 
     An exemplary technical effect of the methods, systems, and apparatus described herein includes at least one of (a) displaying game including a plurality of reels, each reel having a reel strip including a plurality of symbol positions and a plurality of game symbols displayed in each of the symbol positions in a predetermined order; (b) allowing the player to make a wager on the game, the game including a primary game and a secondary game; (c) initiating the primary game and responsively spinning the reels; (d) randomly determining an outcome of the primary game and responsively stopping the reels to display the outcome of the primary game, the outcome of the primary game being displayed in a grid, the spinning reels being visible in the grid during play of the game; (e) awarding a first award to the player based on the primary game outcome; (f) detecting if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, the triggering condition being defined as the at least one trigger symbol being displayed in at least one reel of the plurality of reels in the primary game outcome; (g) responsively modifying a reel feature of a reel strip associated with the at least one reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game including the modified reel strip; and, (h) awarding a second award to the player based on the secondary game outcome. 
     The above-described system, apparatus, and methods overcome at least some disadvantages of known gaming machines by providing a gaming machine that modifies a reel feature of a reel for use in subsequent games. More specifically, the gaming machine generates and displays a primary game outcome, detects if a triggering condition occurs in the primary game outcome, and responsively modifies a reel feature of a reel strip associated with a reel to generate an outcome of a secondary game that includes the modified reel strip. By providing a gaming machine that modifies a reel feature for use in a bonus game, the player&#39;s expectation for achieving a win during the bonus game is increased and the enjoyment of the game is improved. Thus, the amount of time that the game is played by patrons of a gaming establishment is thereby increased. 
     Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a method of allowing a player to play a gaming machine are described above in detail. The gaming machine, system, and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the gaming machine and/or system and/or steps of the method may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the gaming machine may also be used in combination with other gaming systems and methods, and is not limited to practice with only the gaming machine as described herein. Rather, an exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other gaming system applications. 
     A controller, computing device, or computer, such as described herein, includes at least one or more processors or processing units and a system memory. The controller typically also includes at least some form of computer readable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology that enables storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Communication media typically embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and include any information delivery media. Those skilled in the art should be familiar with the modulated data signal, which has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     The order of execution or performance of the operations in the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations described herein may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the invention. 
     In some embodiments, a processor, as described herein, includes any programmable system including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set circuits (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), programmable logic circuits (PLC), and any other circuit or processor capable of executing the functions described herein. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term processor. 
     In some embodiments, a database, as described herein, includes any collection of data including hierarchical databases, relational databases, flat file databases, object-relational databases, object oriented databases, and any other structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The above examples are exemplary only, and thus are not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of the term database. Examples of databases include, but are not limited to only including, Oracle® Database, MySQL, IBM® DB2, Microsoft® SQL Server, Sybase®, and PostgreSQL. However, any database may be used that enables the systems and methods described herein. (Oracle is a registered trademark of Oracle Corporation, Redwood Shores, Calif.; IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, N.Y.; Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash.; and Sybase is a registered trademark of Sybase, Dublin, Calif.) 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Other aspects and features of the present invention can be obtained from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. It should also be noted, that the steps and/or functions listed within the appended claims, notwithstanding the order of which steps and/or functions are listed therein, are not limited to any specific order of operation. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.