Patent Publication Number: US-2007099691-A1

Title: Gaming machine

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
      This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese patent Application No. 2005-315259, filed on Oct. 28, 2005.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a gaming machine.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      It has been conventionally known a gaming machine, so-called, pachi-slot machine comprising a plurality of reels, each of which having plural symbols arranged on a periphery thereof; plural display windows mounted to correspond to each of the reels and displaying some of the plural symbols arranged on the periphery of each reel so as to allow a player to see them; a start switch for outputting a signal requiring start of rotation of each reel, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter, referred to as ┌start operation┘), on condition that a medal has been inserted; a stop switch for outputting a signal requiring stop of the rotation of the reel, correspondingly to types of the reels, based on an operation by the player (hereinafter, referred to as ┌stop operation┘); a control unit for controlling an operation of a stepping motor to rotate and stop the respective reels, based on the signals outputted from the start switch and the stop switch. In the pachi-slot machine, it is determined whether a payout is awarded to the player or not, such as payout of the medal.  
      At present time, in the pachi-slot machine forming the mainstream, if the start operation by the player is detected, an internal lottery is carried out, and the rotation of reel is stopped on the basis of the lottery result and the timing of the stop operation by the player. In other words, on condition that a result relating to a winning is determined by the internal lottery (hereinafter, a type of the internal lottery result will be referred to as ┌internal winning combination┘) and the stop operation is carried out at the proper timing, the winning is achieved.  
      In recent years, as disclosed in a Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-337403, it is suggested a gaming machine in which a combination of symbols relating to a payout is displayed in a horizontal or diagonal direction in accordance with a lottery result, so that the payout is awarded to a player. In such gaming machine, it is possible to prevent the player from being tired of the game, which is caused because the combination of symbols relating to the payout is always displayed in the same direction.  
      In the above gaming machine, the directions in which the combination of symbols relating to the payout is displayed in accordance with the lottery become different. However, even though the combination of symbols relating to the payout is displayed in any direction, the payout to be awarded to the player is same. Accordingly, it is limited a player&#39;s interest in the directions in which the combination of symbols relating to the payout is displayed.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Accordingly, the invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems occurring in the prior art. An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of arousing a player&#39;s interest more, when it is determined that a payout is awarded.  
      In order to achieve the above object, there is provided a gaming machine comprising means for awarding a payout to a player when a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a predetermined combination of symbol display areas, which the payout being different from a payout to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a specific combination of symbol display areas different from the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas; and notifying means for clearly informing the payout to be awarded to be the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas, and giving a hint as to the payout to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the specific combination of the symbol display areas.  
      More specifically, (1) according to the invention, there is provided a gaming machine comprising: symbol display means (for example, reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R described later and display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R described later) having symbol display areas (for example, symbol display areas described later), each of which displaying a symbol (for example, ┌Bell┘ described later), and displaying plural symbols; start operation detection means (e.g., start switch  6 S described later) for detecting a start operation (for example, a start operation described later and an operation of a start lever  6  described later); internal winning combination determination means (for example, means for carrying out an internal lottery process described later and a main control circuit  71  described later) for determining an internal winning combination (e.g., internal winning combination described later) based on the start operation detection carried out by the start operation detection means; symbol varying means (e.g., stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R described later and a main control circuit  71  described later) for varying symbols displayed by the symbol display means on the basis of the start operation detection carried out by the start operation detection means; stop operation detection means (for example, stop switches  7 LS,  7 CS,  7 RS described later) for detecting a stop operation (e.g., operation of stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R described later); stop control means (for example, means for carrying out a reel stop control process in  FIG. 25  described later, and a main control circuit  71  described later) for carrying out stop control of the variation of the symbol carried out the symbol varying means, based on the internal winning combination determined by the internal winning combination determination means and the stop operation detection carried out the stop operation detection means; means (for example, means for carrying out a display combination retrieving process in  FIG. 23  described later, and means for carrying out a bonus operation checking process in  FIG. 28  described later) for awarding a payout (e.g., payout of 10 medals) to a player when a combination of symbols (e.g., ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ described later) predetermined is displayed by a predetermined combination of the symbol display areas (for example, a combination of an upper symbol display area of a left reel  3 L, a central symbol display area of a center reel  3 C and a central symbol display area of a right reel  3 R, and a center line  8   c,  which will be described later), which the payout being different from a payout (for example, automatic insertion of a medal described later) to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a specific combination (for example, a combination of a lower symbol display area of a left reel  3 L, a central symbol display area of a center reel  3 C and an upper symbol display area of a right reel  3 R, and a cross-up line  8   a,  which will be described later) of symbol display areas different from the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas; and notifying means (for example, a liquid crystal display device  131  and a liquid crystal display unit  2   b,  which will be described later) for clearly informing (for example, ┌Replay┘ included in a phrase of ┌Replay or ?┘ displayed on an upper left side of a liquid crystal display unit  2   b,  which will be described later) the payout to be awarded to be the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas, and giving a hint (for example, ┌?┘ included in the phrase of ┌Replay or ?┘ displayed on an upper left side of a liquid crystal display unit  2   b,  which will be described later) as to the payout to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the specific combination of the symbol display areas.  
      According to the gaming machine described in the above (1), the awarding means awards a payout to a player when a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a predetermined combination of symbol display areas, which the payout is different from a payout to be awarded to the player when a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a specific combination of symbol display areas different from the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas. The notifying means clearly informs the payout to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas, and gives a hint as to the payout to be awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the specific combination of the symbol display areas. In other words, even though the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the symbol display means, the payout to be awarded to the player becomes different according to whether the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas or displayed by the specific combination of the symbol display means different from the predetermined combination of the symbol display areas. Accordingly, even when the combination of same symbols is displayed, the player can feel a joy which is different depending on the situations, and hold more interests in the plural symbols displayed by the symbol display means when a winning is achieved. In addition, since the payout awarded to the player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed by a specific combination of symbol display areas is just hinted, it is possible to give the player a hope or uneasiness of what kind of payout will be awarded, when such situations occur. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear more fully from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of schematically showing a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the invention;  
       FIG. 2  is a view showing a panel display unit, a liquid crystal display unit and a fixed display unit of a liquid crystal display device;  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of schematically showing a structure of a liquid crystal display device;  
       FIG. 4  is a view showing an example of symbols arranged on a reel;  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an electric circuit;  
       FIG. 6  is a view of showing an internal lottery table determining table;  
       FIG. 7  shows an internal lottery table;  
       FIG. 8  is a view of showing an internal winning combination determining table;  
       FIG. 9  shows a symbol combination table;  
       FIG. 10  is a view showing a table on bonus operation;  
       FIG. 11A  shows areas for storing an internal winning combination;  
       FIG. 11B  shows areas for storing an internal carryover combination;  
       FIG. 11C  shows areas for storing a display combination;  
       FIG. 11D  shows areas for storing a flag under operation;  
       FIG. 12  shows a symbol storing area;  
       FIG. 13  shows an identifier list of symbols;  
       FIG. 14  shows a priority attraction-in ranking table;  
       FIG. 15  shows an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 16  shows a correspondence table of a reel and an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 17  is a main flow chart of a main control circuit;  
       FIG. 18  is a flow chart showing a medal receiving-start checking process;  
       FIG. 19  is a flow chart showing an internal lottery process;  
       FIG. 20  is a flow chart showing a reel stop initialization process;  
       FIG. 21  is a flow chart showing an expected display combination storing process;  
       FIG. 22  is a flow chart showing a display checking process;  
       FIG. 23  is a flow chart showing a display combination retrieving process;  
       FIG. 24  is a flow chart showing a priority ranking checking process;  
       FIG. 25  is a flow chart showing a reel stop control process;  
       FIG. 26  is a flow chart showing a priority attraction-in control process;  
       FIG. 27  is a flow chart showing a bonus end checking process;  
       FIG. 28  is a flow chart showing a bonus operation checking process;  
       FIG. 29  is a flow chart showing an intervention process under control of a main CPU;  
       FIG. 30A  shows an example of data stored in an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 30B  shows an example of data stored in an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 31A  shows an example of data stored in an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 31B  shows an example of data stored in an expected display combination storing area;  
       FIG. 32A  shows an example of a display mode of a display window;  
       FIG. 32B  shows an example of a display mode of a display window;  
       FIG. 33A  shows an example of a display mode of a display window; and  
       FIG. 33B  shows an example of a display mode of a display window. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of schematically showing a gaming machine  1  according to an embodiment of the invention. The gaming machine  1  is a so-called pachi-slot machine. The gaming machine  1  is played with a game medium such as card storing information of a game value which has been awarded or will be awarded to a player, as well as coin, medal, gaming ball and token. In the following descriptions, a medal is used as the game medium.  
      A front door  2  is provided at a front surface thereof with a panel display unit  2   a  having an approximate vertical surface, a liquid crystal display unit  2   b  and a fixed display unit  2   c.  In addition, three reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R having plural symbols drawn on peripheries thereof are rotatably mounted horizontally in a row at the rear of the front door  2 . Each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is rotated at a constant speed (for example, 80 revolutions/min).  
      A base portion  4  having an approximate horizontal surface is provided below the panel display unit  2   a,  the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  and the fixed display unit  2   c.  A medal insertion slot  10  for inserting a medal is formed at a right side of the base portion  4 . The inserted medal is credited (i.e., stacked) and consumed to play a game. The base portion  4  is provided at a left side thereof with a 1-BET switch  11 , a 2-BET switch  12  and a MAX-BET switch  13  for selecting the number of medals (hereinafter, referred to as ┌insertion number┘) among the credited medals, which are consumed to play a game by a push operation.  
      The 1-BET switch  11  selects ┌1┘ as an insertion number by one push operation. The 2-BET switch  12  selects ┌2┘ as an insertion number by one push operation. The MAX-BET switch  13  selects ┌3┘ as an insertion number by one push operation.  
      When the BET switches  11  to  13  are pushed, a display line is activated (which will be specifically described later). Hereinafter, the push operation of the BET-switches  11  to  13  and the operation of inserting a medal into the medal insertion slot  10  are referred to as ┌insertion operation┘. In addition, an operating unit  17  is mounted above the BET switches  11  to  13 . The operating unit  17  is manipulated so as to display information such as game history on a liquid crystal display device  131 .  
      The base portion  4  is provided at the frontal left side with a C/P switch  14  for changing credits/payouts of medals, which are obtained by a player through the game, through a push operation. When the C/P switch  14  is operated, the medals are paid out from a medal payout slot  15  at a front lower side and the paid out medals are collected in a medal tray  5 . Speakers  9 L,  9 R for producing an effect sound regarding the game effect are provided at the upper left and right sides of the medal tray  5 .  
      A start lever  6  for rotating the reels to vary the symbols in display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R by a manipulation of the player is mounted at the right side of the C/P switch  14  to be rotatable within a predetermined range of angles. An operation of the start lever  6  carried out by a player so as to vary the symbols is referred to as ┌start operation┘.  
      Three stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R for stopping rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are provided at the right side of the start lever  6  in the front center of the base portion  4 . In addition, in one embodiment, a one game (i.e., unit game) is basically started by the start operation and is over when all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped. In addition, in one embodiment, in case that the start operation is carried out when the insertion number is not ┌3┘, the corresponding start operation is annulled.  
      Herein, in one embodiment, a stop operation of the reel (i.e., operation of the stop button) carried out while all the reels are being rotated is referred to as a first stop operation, a stop operation which is carried out following the first stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and a stop operation which is carried out following the second stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. In addition, stop switches  7 LS,  7 CS,  7 RS are arranged at the rear of the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R, which will be described with reference to  FIG. 5 . The stop switches detect push operations (i.e., stop operations) of the corresponding stop buttons.  
      Hereinafter, the panel display unit  2   a,  the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  and the fixed display unit  2   c  are described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  
      The panel display unit  2   a  consists of a bonus game information display unit  16 , BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c,  a payout display unit  18  and a credit display unit  19 . The bonus game information display unit  16  consists of 7 segment LEDs and displays game information during a bonus game (for example, MB gaming state). The 1-BET lamp  17   a,  the 2-BET lamp  17   b  and the MAX-BET lamp  17   c  are turned on in accordance with the insertion number.  
      The 1-BET lamp  17   a  is turned on when the insertion number is 1. The 2-BET lamp  17   b  is turned on when the insertion number is 2. The MAX-BET lamp  17   c  is turned on when the insertion number is 3. The payout display unit  18  and the credit display unit  19  consist of 7 segment LEDs, respectively, and the payout display unit  18  displays a payout number of medals when a winning is made and the credit display unit  19  displays a number of medals credited.  
      The liquid crystal display unit  2   b  consists of display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R, window frame display areas  22 L,  22 C,  22 R and an effect display area  23 . The display contents of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  are adopted to vary in accordance with the rotation and the stop modes (i.e., modes of combinations of symbols displayed on the display window  21 L,  21 C,  21 R when the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped) of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R and an operation of the liquid crystal display device  131  which will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 .  
      Each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R is mounted to correspond to each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R and carries out the display of symbols arranged on the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R or various displays for effects.  
      The display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R are provided with display lines, i.e., top line  8   b,  center line  8   c  and bottom line  8   d  which are horizontally directed and cross-up line  8   a  and cross-down line  8   e  which are diagonally directed. In one embodiment, on condition that a player pushes the BET switches  11  to  13  or inserts a medal into the medal insertion slot  10  and thus the insertion number becomes ┌3┘, only the center line  8   c  of the five display lines  8   a  to  8   e  is activated (hereinafter, activated display line is referred to as ┌activated line┘).  
      Herein, each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R is formed with three symbol display areas (i.e., upper, central and lower parts) in a longitudinal direction (i.e., vertical direction), respectively. In other words, a total of 9 symbol display areas are formed at the upper, central and lower parts of the left reel  3 L, the upper, central and lower parts of the center reel  3 C and the upper, central and lower parts of the right reel  3 R. In case that the variation of symbols is stopped in each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R, the symbols are stopped and displayed on the symbol display areas formed in each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R, respectively. Each of the display lines  8   a  to  8   e  connects the symbol display areas in each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R.  
      The display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R are under transmissive state so that the player can see the symbols on the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, at least when the corresponding reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are being rotated and when the corresponding stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R can be pushed.  
      The window frame display areas  22 L,  22 C,  22 R are mounted to surround each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R, and display the frames of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R arranged on the front of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R.  
      The effect display area  23  is an area except the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R and the window frame display areas  22 L,  22 C,  22 R of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b.  The effect display area  23  displays an image definitely notifying that a bonus (for example, MB 1  and MB 2 ) has been determined as an internal winning combination, an effect for increasing an interest of a game and information required so that a player can advantageously play a game.  
      In addition, information about a payout, which is awarded to the player in accordance with the combination of symbols displayed along the display lines  8   a  to  8   e,  is displayed on the upper left side of the effect display area  23 , which will be specifically described later.  
      The fixed display unit  2   c  is an area in which a predetermined pattern and the like are drawn. It may be such structured that the pattern drawn on the fixed display unit  2   c  and the image displayed on the effect display area  23  are correlated to display one still image or moving image.  
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of schematically showing a structure of the liquid crystal display device  131 . An inside structure of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is first described. In the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, LED receiving circuit boards are mounted at the rear of the three rows of symbols (i.e., 9 symbols) which are stopped and displayed on each of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R when the rotations of reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped. The LED receiving circuit boards include three LED receiving units (i.e., a total nine), respectively, and plural LED lamps are mounted therein.  
      The LED lamps illuminate rear surfaces of reel sheets mounted along the peripheries of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R. More specifically, they illuminate areas corresponding to the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R. The reel sheet is structured to have a transparent property and the lights emitted from the LED lamps pass through the front surface of the reel sheet.  
      In addition, the left reel  3 L consists of a cylindrical frame structure formed by spacing two ring-shaped frames having a same shape at an interval and connecting them with plural connection members, and a transfer member transferring a driving force of a stepping motor  49 L mounted at a center of the frame structure to the ring-shaped frames. In addition, the reel sheet is mounted along the periphery of the left reel  3 L.  
      The LED receiving circuit board arranged in the reel  3 L includes three LED receiving units for receiving plural LED lamps. The LED receiving circuit board is mounted in such a way that the LED receiving units are respectively located at the rears of the symbols (i.e., total 3 symbols) that a player can see through the display window  21 L. In addition, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R have also the same structure as the left reel  3 L and comprise the LED receiving circuit boards therein, respectively.  
      Next, the transmissive liquid crystal display device  131  is described. The liquid crystal display device  131  consists of a protecting glass  132 , a display plate  133 , a liquid crystal panel  134 , a light guide plate  135 , a reflecting film  136 , fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b,    138   a,    138   b  which are so-called white light sources (for example, means for generating lights, including all wavelengths of lights, with a proportion that a specific color is unnoticeable), lamp holders  139   a  to  139   h  and more.  
      The liquid crystal display device  131  is mounted just at the front, viewing from the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R. In addition, the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R and the liquid crystal display device  131  are separately (for example, at an interval) mounted.  
      The protecting glass  132  and the display plate  133  are made of transmissive members. The protecting glass  132  is provided to protect the liquid crystal panel  134 . In the display plate  133 , a pattern and the like are drawn on areas corresponding to the panel display unit  2   a  and the fixed display unit  2   c  (see  FIG. 2 ).  
      Herein, in  FIG. 3 , it is not shown an electric circuit arranged at the rear of the display plate  133  corresponding to the panel display unit  2   a,  which is provided to control operations of the bonus game information display unit  16 , the payout number display unit  18 , the credit display unit  19  and the BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c.    
      In the liquid crystal panel  134 , liquid crystals are sealingly injected in a gap between a transparent board such as glass plate having a thin film transistor layer formed thereon and a transparent board opposite to the board. A display mode of the liquid crystal panel  134  is set as a normally white. The normally white is such a structure that it becomes a white display (i.e., the lights traveling from the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R of the liquid crystal panel  134  penetrate) under state that the liquid crystal is not driven (i.e., a voltage is not applied to the liquid crystal panel  134 ). Accordingly, it is possible to see the penetrated lights from the exterior.  
      Accordingly, by adopting the liquid crystal panel  134  structured with the normally white, even when there occurs a state at which the liquid crystal cannot be driven, it is possible to see the symbols arranged on the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R through the display windows  21 L , 21 C,  21 R and to continuously play the game. In other words, even when there occurs such state that the liquid crystal cannot be driven, it is possible to play the game in relation to the rotations and stops of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R.  
      The light guide plate  135  is provided at the rear of the liquid crystal panel  134  so as to guide the light from the fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b  into the liquid crystal panel  134  (i.e., to illuminate the liquid crystal panel  134 ) and consists of a transmissive member (i.e., a member having a light guide function) such as acryl-based resin having about 2 cm thickness, for example.  
      For the reflecting film  136 , it is possible to use a material having silver deposition film formed on a white polyester film or aluminum thin film, for example. The reflecting film  136  reflects the light, which is introduced into the light guide plate  135 , toward the front. Thereby, the liquid crystal panel  134  is illuminated. The reflecting film  136  consists of a reflecting area  136 A and non-reflecting areas (i.e., transmissive areas)  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR. The non-reflecting areas  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR are made of transparent materials, so that they penetrate the incident light without reflecting it.  
      In addition, the non-reflecting areas  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR are provided at front positions of the symbols which are displayed when the rotations of reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped. Additionally, sizes and positions of the non-reflecting areas  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR are structured to be matched to the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R (see  FIG. 2 ). Further, in the reflecting film  136 , an area except the non-reflecting areas  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR is the reflecting area  136 A which reflects the light introduced to the light guide plate  135  toward the front.  
      The fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b  are arranged along upper and lower ends of the light guide plate  135  and supported at their both ends by the lamp holders  139   a,    139   b,    139   g,    139   h.  The fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b  generate the light to be introduced into the light guide plate  135 .  
      The fluorescent lamps  138   a,    138   b  are arranged at upper and lower parts of the rear of the reflecting film  136 . The lights generated from the fluorescent lamps  138   a,    138   b  are reflected at the surfaces of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R and incident on the non-reflecting area  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR. The incident lights pass through the non-reflecting area  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR and illuminate the liquid crystal panel  134 .  
      Hereinafter, functions of the LED lamps and the fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b,    138   a,    138   b  are described.  
      First, it is described a function of each lamp when the liquid crystals of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R are not driven (i.e., voltage is not applied to parts corresponding to the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R of the liquid crystal panel  134 ).  
      Some of the lights emitted from the fluorescent lamps  138   a,    138   b  are reflected by the reel sheet. In addition, some of the lights emitted from the LED lamps mounted at the LED receiving circuit board penetrate the reel sheet. Since these lights penetrate the non-reflecting areas  136 BL,  136 BC,  136 BR, and the light guide plate  135  and the liquid crystal panel  134  which constitute the liquid crystal display device  131 , the player can see the symbols arranged on the reels.  
      In addition, the lights emitted from the fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b  and introduced toward the light guide plate  135  pass through the liquid crystal panel  134  and are incident to the player&#39;s eyes. In other words, the areas of the liquid crystal panel  134  corresponding to the window frame areas  22 L,  22 C,  22 R and the effect display area  23  are illuminated by the fluorescent lamps  137   a,    137   b.    
      Next, it is described a function of each lamp when the liquid crystals of the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R are driven (i.e., voltage is applied to parts corresponding to the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R of the liquid crystal panel  134 ).  
      Some of the lights emitted from the fluorescent lamps  138   a,    138   b  are reflected by the reel sheet. In addition, some of the lights emitted from the LED lamps penetrate the reel sheet. Since some of these lights are reflected or absorbed or penetrated in the liquid crystal driven area of the areas of the liquid crystal panel  134 , the player can see an image and the like displayed on the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R for an effect.  
       FIG. 4  shows symbol rows displayed on the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, in each of which 21 symbols are arranged. Each of the symbols is given with code numbers of ┌00┘˜┌20┘, and stored (memorized) as a symbol arrangement table in a ROM  32  which will be described later. Each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is arranged with the symbol row consisting of ┌Blue 7 (symbol  91 )┘, ┌Crown (symbol  92 )┘, ┌Bell (symbol  93 )┘, ┌Watermelon (symbol  94 )┘, ┌cherry (symbol ( 95 )┘, ┌Replay (symbol  96 )┘, ┌Q (symbol  97 )┘, ┌U (symbol  98 )┘, ┌E (symbol  99 )┘, and ┌N (symbol  100 )┘. Each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is rotated so that the symbol rows are moved in an arrow direction of  FIG. 4 .  
      In one embodiment, MB 1 , MB 2 , Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win, RT, Replay and losing are formed as an internal winning combination. MB 1  and MB 2  are generically referred to as ┌MB (Middle Bonus)┘. In addition, Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win, and RT are generically referred to as ┌SmallWin┘.  
      In one embodiment, the gaming state basically includes a normal gaming state and a middle bonus gaming state (referred to as ┌MB gaming state┘) in which a bonus game, i.e., MB operates. The gaming state is discriminated in accordance with a type of an internal winning combination which may be determined in an internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ) for determining an internal winning combination, a probability that an internal winning combination will be determined in the internal lottery process, a maximum number of sliding symbols and whether a bonus game has operated.  
      The normal gaming state consists of a typical section having no internal carryover combination, a carryover section having an internal carryover combination and a replay time section (hereinafter, referred to as ┌RT section┘) in which a probability that a replay will be determined as an internal winning combination is higher than in the typical section and the carryover section. In the carryover section, the MB is not determined as an internal winning combination. In the typical and RT sections, the MB may be determined as an internal winning combination.  
      The internal carryover combination is information for discriminating a corresponding combination of symbols, in case that it is allowed a combination of symbols corresponding to an internal winning combination determined in the internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ) to be displayed along the activated line over one or plural games. In addition, a section of the normal gaming state except the RT section is referred to as ┌non-RT section┘.  
      In the MB gaming state, the maximum number of sliding symbols of the left reel  3 L is ┌1┘, and the maximum number of sliding symbols of the other reels is ┌4┘. In addition, in the gaming state except the MB gaming state, the maximum number of sliding symbols is ┌4┘ for all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R. The number of sliding symbols is a moving amount of a symbol after the corresponding stop button is pushed. In addition, in the MB gaming state, irrespective of a type of an internal winning combination determined by a lottery, it is allowed a combination of symbols corresponding to Cherry, Bell, Watermelon, Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win and RT to be displayed along the activated line.  
      In the MB gaming state and RT section, with regard to a unit game value used to play a game (for example, the number of medals consumed to play a one game), an expected value of a game value to be awarded to a player is relatively higher than in the normal gaming state (i.e., the extent of advantage is relatively higher). However, the expected value in the RT section is relatively lower than the expected value in the MB gaming state.  
      The MB gaming state operates, on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to MB 1  or MB 2  (i.e., ┌U-Crown-U┘ or ┌Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7┘) is displayed along the activated line. On condition that the number of medals paid out in the MB gaming state is greater than a predetermined number (i.e., 253 pieces), the MB gaming state is over and the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state.  
      The carryover section operates, on condition that MB 1  or MB 2  is determined as an internal winning combination in the internal winning lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ). On condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to MB 1  or MB 2  is displayed along the activated line, the carryover section is over and the MB gaming state operates. In addition, in case that a combination of symbols corresponding to RT in the carryover section (i.e., ┌Replay-Replay-E┘, ┌Replay-Replay-Blue 7┘ or ┌Replay-Replay-Watermelon┘) is displayed along the activated line, the carryover section is not over and the RT section operates. In other words, the carryover section and the RT section operate at the same time.  
      The RT section is classified into a RT 1  section and a RT 2  section in accordance with operating conditions. Specifically, the RT 1  section operates on condition that the MB gaming state is over, which has operated on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to MB 1  (i.e., ┌U-Crown-U┘) has been displayed along the activated line. In addition, the RT 2  section operates on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to RT in the RT 1  and non-RT sections is displayed along the activated line. In addition, in case that the MB gaming state is over, which has operated on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to MB 2  (i.e., ┌Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7┘) has been displayed along the activated line, the RT 1  section does not operate.  
      The RT 1  and RT 2  sections are basically over on condition that the predetermined number of games (i.e., 1000 times) is over, and the gaming state is shifted to the normal gaming state. In addition, the RT 1  and RT 2  sections are over on condition that MB 1  or MB 2  is determined as an internal winning combination in the internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ), and then the carryover section operates. Accordingly, the RT 1  and RT 2  sections are basically continued over maximum 1000 times of games.  
      Herein, in one embodiment, it is such structured that the RT 1  section is over on condition that a combination of symbols corresponding to RT in the RT 1  section is displayed along the activated line and then the RT 2  which is continued over maximum 1000 times of games operates. Accordingly, in case that a combination of symbols corresponding to RT in the RT 1  section is displayed along the activated line, the RT section, including the RT 1  and RT 2 , can be continued over 1000 times of games or more.  
      In addition, in case that a combination of symbols corresponding to RT in the RT 2  section is displayed along the activated line, the RT 2  section does not newly operate. Accordingly, in this case, the RT section is not continued over the number of games larger than 1000 times.  
      Herein, in one embodiment, it is designed such that the RT section is continued, to the utmost, over the number of games larger than a reciprocal (i.e., about 296.5) of a probability that a bonus will be determined as an internal winning combination (for example, probability that MB 1  and MB 2 , which are defined by an internal lottery table for the normal gaming state (see  FIG. 7 ), will be determined as an internal winning combination). By dosing so, it is possible to sufficiently increase a probability that a bonus will be determined as an internal winning combination in a period during which the RT section operates, and to further enhance a joy which may be obtained when a player recognizes that the RT section has operated.  
       FIG. 5  shows a circuit structure comprising a main control circuit  71  controlling an operation of the gaming machine  1 , a peripheral device (i.e., actuator) electrically connected to the main control circuit  71 , and a sub-control circuit  72  controlling the liquid crystal display device  131 , the speakers  9 L,  9 R, the LED  101  and the lamp  102  on the basis of control signals transmitted from the main control circuit  71 .  
      The main control circuit  71  comprises a micro computer  30  arranged on a circuit board as a main constituting element and is further provided with a circuit for sampling random numbers. The micro computer  30  includes a CPU  31 , a ROM  32  and a RAM  33 .  
      The CPU  31  executes a program stored in the ROM  32  to carry out a process regarding a game progress and controls an operation of each actuator in a direct or indirect manner. To the CPU  31  is connected a clock pulse generating circuit  34  for generating a reference clock pulse, a frequency divider  35 , a random number generator  36  for generating a random number and a sampling circuit  37  for sampling a random number value from the generated random numbers. In addition, it may be structured such that the CPU  31  generates a random number and samples a random number value. In this case, the random number generator  36  and the sampling circuit  37  may be omitted. However, they may be also held for a preliminary use.  
      The ROM  32  memorizes a program to be executed by the CPU  31  (for example, see FIGS.  17  to  29 ) or fixed data. For example, an internal lottery table (see  FIG. 7 ) for determining an internal winning combination on the basis of the sampled random number value, an expected display combination storing area (see  FIG. 15 ) for determining a stop mode of a reel in accordance with the stop operation and the like are stored in the ROM  32 . In addition, various control signals for being transmitted to the sub-control circuit  72  are stored in the ROM  32 . In addition, a command, information and the like are not transmitted from the main control circuit  71  to the sub-control circuit  72 . In other words, it is carried out a one-way communication from the main control circuit  71  to the sub-control circuit  72 .  
      The RAM  33  is used to temporarily memorize the data when the CPU  31  executes a program. For example, information about an internal winning combination, an internal carryover combination, a current gaming state, a timer for a demo which will be described later, and the like is stored in the RAM  33 .  
      In the circuit shown in  FIG. 5 , main actuators controlled by control signals from the micro computer  30  include display units such as BET lamps (1-BET lamp  17   a,  2-BET lamp  17   b,  MAX-BET lamp  17   c ), bonus game information display unit  16 , payout display unit  18 , credit display unit  19  and the like, a hopper  40  receiving medals and paying out a predetermined number of medals by a command of a hopper driving circuit  41 , and stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R for rotating the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R.  
      In addition, to the CPU  31  are connected a motor driving circuit  39  outputting a driving pulse to the stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R to control rotating operations of the stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R, the hopper driving circuit  41  controlling an operation of the hopper  40 , a lamp driving circuit  45  for turning on/off the BET lamps  17   a,    17   b,    17   c  and a display unit driving circuit  48  for controlling the display by the display units (i.e., bonus game information display unit  16 , payout display unit  18 , credit display unit  19  and the like). These driving circuits receive the control signals outputted from the CPU  31  to control the operations of the actuators, respectively.  
      In addition, as means for generating an input signal transmitted to the micro computer  30  so that the micro computer  30  generates a control signal, there are provided a start switch  6 S, stop switches  7 LS,  7 CS,  7 RS, a 1-BET switch  11 , a 2-BET switch  12 , a MAX-BET switch  13 , a C/P switch  14 , a medal sensor  10 S, a reel position detection circuit  50  and a payout completion signal circuit  51 .  
      The start switch  6 S detects a manipulation of the start lever  6  and outputs a game start command signal for commanding a game start. The medal sensor  10 S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot  10 S. The stop switches  7 LS,  7 CS,  7 RS generate a stop command signal for stopping the symbol variation in accordance with the operations of the corresponding stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R.  
      The reel position detection circuit  50  receives a pulse signal from reel rotating sensors mounted at the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R and supplies a signal for detecting a rotating position of each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R to the CPU  31 . The payout completion signal circuit  51  generates a signal for detecting a payout completion of the medal when a value counted by a medal detection unit  40 S (i.e., the number of medals paid out from the hopper  40 ) reaches a predetermined value.  
      In the circuit of  FIG. 5 , the random number generator  36  generates random numbers within a predetermined range, and the sampling circuit  37  samples one random number value from the random numbers generated by the random number generator  36  at an appropriate timing after the start lever  6  is manipulated. The random number value sampled is stored in a random number value storing area of the RAM  33  and referred to determine an internal winning combination and the like on the basis of the internal lottery table (see  FIG. 7 ) stored in the ROM  32 , for example.  
      When the driving pulse is outputted by a predetermined number of times (for example, 336 times) to the stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R, the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R make one revolution. The number of driving pulses outputted to each of the stepping motors  49 L,  49 C,  49 R is written in a predetermined area of the RAM  33  as a count value of the driving pulses. In the mean time, a reset pulse is obtained from the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R every one revolution. When the reset pulse is inputted to the CPU  31  through the reel position detection circuit  50 , the count value of the driving pulses stored in the RAM  33  is updated to ┌0┘. Thereby, the count value of the driving pulses corresponds to a rotating position within a range of one revolution with regard to each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R.  
      In addition, in order to match the rotating positions of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R to the symbols arranged on the peripheries of the reels, a symbol table (not shown) is stored in the ROM  32 . In this symbol table, on the basis of the rotating positions generated by the reset pulse, code numbers sequentially given every rotation pitch of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are matched to symbol codes representing symbols provided to correspond to each of the code numbers.  
      In addition, a symbol combination table (see  FIG. 9 ) is stored in the ROM  32 . The symbol combination table is referred when it is carried out a control for stopping the rotations of the left reels  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R and when it is carried out determinations of a display combination and a payout (for example, payout number of medals) to be awarded to a player after all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped.  
      In case that an internal winning combination is determined by the internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ) based on the sampling of the random number value, the CPU  31  transmits a signal for performing the control for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R to the motor driving circuit  39 , on the basis of the input signals transmitted from the stop switches  7 LS,  7 CS,  7 RS and the determined stop table (not shown) at the timing at which the player operates the stop buttons  7 C,  7 L,  7 R.  
      When a winning is made, the CPU  31  supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit  41  and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper  40 . At this time, the medal detection unit  40 S counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper  40 , and the medal payout completion signal is inputted to the CPU  31  when the counted value reaches a predetermined number. Thereby, the CPU  31  stops the driving of the hopper  40  through the hopper driving circuit  41  and ends the medal payout process.  
      In the followings, it is described an internal lottery table determining table for determining an internal lottery table (see  FIG. 7 ) and the number of lotteries, with reference to  FIG. 6 .  
      The internal lottery table determining table includes information about an internal lottery table (see  FIG. 7 ) and the number of lotteries corresponding to the gaming state. In case of the normal gaming state, an internal lottery table for the normal gaming state (see  FIG. 7 ) is selected and ┌9┘ is basically determined as the number of lotteries (see a step S 41  of  FIG. 19 ). In the case of the MB gaming state, an internal lottery table for the normal gaming state is selected and ┌6┘ is determined as the number of lotteries. The number of lotteries indicates the number of operations carried out to determine an internal winning combination.  
      More specifically, the number of lotteries is the number of operations carried out to determine whether the random number value is within a predetermined range (a numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to a winning number, which will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 ). However, in the case of the carryover section, the number of lotteries determined to be ┌9┘ is updated to ┌7┘ (see a step S 45  of  FIG. 19 ).  
      In the followings, it is described an internal lottery table used in an internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ) for determining an internal winning combination, with reference to  FIG. 7 .  
      The internal lottery table is provided every gaming state and includes the information about the numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to a winning number.  FIG. 7  shows an internal lottery table for a normal gaming state. In addition, it is omitted an internal lottery table except the internal lottery table for the normal gaming state, such as internal lottery table for a gaming state of a RT section and the like.  
      In the determination of a winning number based on the internal lottery table, it is determined whether a random number value is within a numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding the a winning number, from the same winning number as the number of lotteries determined by the internal lottery table determining table (see  FIG. 6 ) to the winning number ┌0┘, in descending order. When the random number value is within a numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits, a corresponding winning number is won (i.e., determined). In addition, the number of operations, which are carried out to determine whether the random number value is within a numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to a winning number, is same as the number of lotteries determined in the internal lottery table determining table in  FIG. 6 .  
      In addition, in case that the random number value is never within a numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits until the winning number becomes ┌0┘, the winning number becomes ┌0┘ (i.e., the internal winning combination is lost). The losing is meant that the internal winning combination matched to the player&#39;s payout is not won in the internal lottery. In addition, in one embodiment, the losing is not an internal winning combination matched to a game value. Additionally, it may be thought that a combination of symbols corresponding to a losing as an internal winning combination is any combination of symbols different from combinations of symbols corresponding to plural combinations predetermined. However, in one embodiment, it is such structured that a combination of symbols corresponding to the losing is not provided.  
      In addition, it is determined whether a winning is made, until a winning number becomes ┌0┘, in descending order, and the numerical ranges defined by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to each of the internal winning combinations having a winning (i.e., determination) possibility are duplicately set. Accordingly, plural internal winning combinations may be determined. An internal winning combination is determined on the basis of the winning number won and the internal winning combination determining table (see  FIG. 8 ).  
      For example, in case of the normal gaming state (i.e., game section except the carryover section), when the random number value sampled from the random numbers consisting of a range of ┌0┘˜┌65635┘ is ┌380┘, ┌random number value (R) (380)-lowest limit (L) (360)┘ is calculated for the winning number ┌9┘ first of all. The calculation result becomes ┌0┘ or more. Subsequently, ┌random number value (R) (380)-upper limit (U) (424)┘ is calculated. This calculation result becomes ┌0┘ or less. Accordingly, since the random number value is within the numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to the winning number (L&lt;R&lt;U), in case that the sampled random number value is ┌380┘, the winning number ┌9┘ is determined. In case that the winning number ┌9┘ is determined, MB 1  corresponding to the winning number ┌9┘ becomes an internal winning combination, based on the internal winning combination determining table (see  FIG. 8 ).  
      Next, ┌random number value (R) (380)-lowest limit (L) (1041)┘ is calculated for the winning number ┌8┘. The calculation result becomes ┌0┘ or less. Subsequently, ┌random number value (R) (380)-upper limit (U) (1194)┘ is calculated. This calculation result becomes ┌0┘ or less. Accordingly, since the random number value is not within the numerical range expressed by the lowest and upper limits corresponding to the winning number, in case that the sampled random number value is ┌380┘, the winning number ┌8┘ is not determined.  
      Like this, the calculations of ┌random number value (R) (380)-lowest limit (L)┘ and ┌random number value (R) (380)-upper limit (U)┘ are repeated in descending order until the winning number becomes ┌0┘ so as to determine whether each of the winning numbers ┌7┘˜1┘ is determined or not. In case that the sampled random number value is ┌380┘, the winning numbers ┌7┘˜┌4┘, ┌2┘ and ┌1┘ are not determined. However, regarding the winning number ┌3┘, the lowest limit is ┌0┘, and the upper limit is ┌399┘. Accordingly, the winning numbers ┌3┘ and ┌9┘ are determined, and both Watermelon and MB 1  are thus determined as an internal winning combination on the basis of the internal winning combination determining table (see  FIG. 8 ).  
      Herein, in the carryover section, since the number of lotteries is updated to ┌7┘ (see a step S 45  of  FIG. 19 ), there is no situations where the winning number ┌8┘ or ┌9┘ is determined. Accordingly, in the carryover section, there are no situations where MB 1  or MB  2  is determined as an internal winning combination on the basis of the internal winning combination determining table (see  FIG. 8 ). In addition, in the RT section, since the upper limit corresponding to the winning number ┌7┘ is updated to ┌65535┘, a probability that Replay will be determined as an internal winning combination is relatively higher than in the typical section and the carryover section. Specifically, in the RT section, a probability that Replay will be determined as an internal winning combination is ┌56403/65536┘. In the non-RT section, a probability that Replay will be determined as an internal winning combination is ┌8980/65536┘.  
      In the followings, it is described an internal winning combination determining table for determining an internal winning combination on the basis of the wining number, with reference to  FIG. 8 .  
      The internal winning combination determining table includes a winning number and information about an internal winning combination corresponding to the winning number. The information about the internal winning combination (i.e., flag) is information about a binary number of 9 digits and provided to correspond to each internal winning combination so as to discriminate the internal winning combinations.  
      In case that the winning number is ┌0┘, a losing is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000000000┘). In case that the winning number is ┌1┘, Cherry is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000000001┘). In case that the winning number is ┌2┘, Bell is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000000010┘).  
      In case that the winning number is ┌3┘, Watermelon is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌00000100┘). In case that the winning number is ┌4┘, Chance Small Win is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000001000┘). In case that the winning number is ┌5┘, 10 pieces of Small Win is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000010000┘). In case that the winning number is ┌6┘ RT is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌000100000┘).  
      In case that the winning number is ┌7┘, Replay is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌001000000┘). In case that the winning number is ┌8┘, MB 2  is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌010000000┘). In case that the winning number is ┌9┘, MB 1  is determined as the internal winning combination (i.e., ┌100000000┘).  
      In the followings, it is described a symbol combination table used to determine a display combination and a payout number corresponding to the determined display combination, with reference to  FIG. 9 .  
      The symbol combination table includes a display combination which is an identifier of a combination of symbols stopped and displayed on each of three symbol display area connected by a one activated line, and information about a payout number corresponding to the display combination. The display combination is information (i.e., data) for discriminating a combination of symbols displayed along the activated line. The display combination is provided to correspond to a combination of symbols predetermined and a payout to be awarded to a player (for example, a payout of medal, and an operation of a gaming state).  
      When a combination of symbols ┌Cherry-Any-Any┘ is displayed along the activated line, Cherry (i.e., ┌000000001┘) becomes a display combination and two medals are paid out. ┌ANY┘ indicates any symbol. When a combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the activated line, Bell (i.e., ┌000000010┘) becomes a display combination and nine medals are paid out.  
      When a combination of symbols ┌Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon┘ is displayed along the activated line, Watermelon (i.e., ┌0000001000┘) becomes a display combination and three medals are paid out. When a combination of symbols ┌Replay-Bell-Replay┘ is displayed along the activated line, Chance Small Win (i.e., ┌000001000┘) becomes a display combination and nine medals are paid out.  
      When a combination of symbols ┌Q-Replay-Replay┘, ┌E-Replay-Replay┘, ┌Blue 7-Replay-Replay┘ , ┌Crown-Replay-Replay┘ , ┌Watermelon-Replay-Replay┘ or ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the activated line, 10 pieces of Small Win (i.e., ┌000010000┘) becomes a display combination and ten medals are paid out.  
      When a combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-E┘, ┌Replay-Replay-Blue 7┘, or ┌Replay-Replay-Watermelon┘ is displayed along the activated line, RT (i.e., ┌000100000┘) becomes a display combination and nine medals are paid out. When a combination of symbols ┌Bell-Replay-Bell┘ is displayed along the activated line, Replay (i.e., ┌001000000┘) becomes a display combination and medals are automatically inserted. In other words, in a game next to the game in which Replay becomes a display combination, the insertion number automatically becomes ┌3┘ and a player can perform the start operation without the insertion operation.  
      When a combination of symbols ┌Blue 7-Blue 7-Blue 7┘ is displayed along the activated line, MB 2  (i.e., ┌010000000┘) becomes a display combination and the MB gaming state operates. When a combination of symbols ┌U-Crown-U┘ is displayed along the activated line, MB 1  (i.e., ┌1000000000┘) becomes a display combination and the MB gaming state operates.  
      In the followings, it is described a table on bonus operation which is referred in a process on MB operation (see step S 185  of  FIG. 28 ), with reference to  FIG. 10 .  
      The table on bonus operation includes a flag under operation and information about a value set in a bonus end number counter. The flag under operation is information for discriminating a gaming state being operating (i.e., current gaming state) and the like and includes a flag under MB operation for discriminating whether the MB gaming state operates or not, a flag under RT 1  operation for discriminating whether the RT 1  section operates or not and a flag under RT 2  operation for discriminating whether the RT 2  section operates or not.  
      In case that the MB gaming state operates, the flag under MB operation becomes ON, and in case that the MB gaming state does not operates, the flag under MB operation becomes OFF. In addition, in case that the RT 1  section operates, the flag under RT 1  operation becomes ON, and in case that the RT 1  section does not operate, the flag under RT 1  operation becomes OFF. In addition, in case that the RT 2  section operates, the flag under RT 2  operation becomes ON, and in case that the RT 2  section does not operates, the flag under RT 2  operation becomes OFF.  
      The bonus end number counter is a counter for counting the number of medals paid out to the player, from after the flag under MB operation becomes ON until it becomes OFF.  
      The table on bonus operation is includes ┌000000001┘ representing that the flag under MB operation is ON, as data of the flag under operation. When the data is stored in an area for storing a flag under operation (see  FIG. 11D ), the flag under the MB operation becomes ON.  
      In the followings, it is described an internal winning combination storing area, an internal carryover combination storing area, a display combination storing area and an area for storing a flag under operation (memory area), with reference to  FIG. 11 .  
       FIG. 11A  shows an internal winning combination storing area for storing information of an internal winning combination. The information of an internal winning combination is stored (memorized) in an internal winning combination storing area consisting of 9 bits. In the internal winning combination storing area, the bit  0  is a storing area corresponding to Cherry. The bit  1  is a storing area corresponding to Bell. The bit  2  is a storing area corresponding to Watermelon. The bit  3  is a storing area corresponding to Chance Small Win.  
      The bit  4  is a storing area corresponding to 10 pieces of Small Win. The bit  5  is a storing area corresponding to RT. The bit  6  is a storing area corresponding to Replay. The bit  7  is a storing area corresponding to MB 2 . The bit  8  is a storing area corresponding to MB 1 .  
      In the internal winning combination storing area, a bit corresponding to an internal winning combination becomes ┌1┘. For example, when ┌000000010┘ is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (when the bit  1  is ┌1┘), the internal winning combination is Bell. In addition, in the MB gaming state, ┌000111111┘ is stored in the internal winning combination storing area. In other words, the bits ┌0┘˜┌5┘ of the internal winning combination storing area become ┌1┘. Accordingly, in the MB gaming state, all internal winning combinations except MB 1 , MB 2  and Replay are determined at the same time.  
       FIG. 11B  shows an internal carryover combination storing area for storing information of an internal carryover combination. The information of an internal carryover combination is stored in an internal carryover combination storing area consisting of 9 bits. In the internal carryover combination storing area, the bit  7  is a storing area corresponding to MB 2 . The bit  8  is a storing area corresponding to MB 1 . The bits  0 ,  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , and  6  are unused storing areas.  
      For example, in case that there is an internal carryover combination (i.e., carryover section), ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  7  or  8  corresponding to MB 2  or MB 1  of the internal carryover combination storing area (i.e., ┌010000000┘ or ┌100000000┘ is stored in the internal carryover combination storing area). In addition, in case that there is no internal carryover combination (i.e., there is no carryover section), ┌0┘ is stored in the bit  7  or  8  corresponding to MB 2  or MB 1  of the internal carryover combination storing area (i.e., ┌000000000┘ is stored in the internal carryover combination storing area).  
       FIG. 11C  shows a display combination storing area for storing information of a display combination. The information of a display combination is stored in a display combination storing area consisting of 9 bits. In the display combination storing area, the bit  0  is a storing area corresponding to Cherry. The bit  1  is a storing area corresponding to Bell. The bit  2  is a storing area corresponding to Watermelon. The bit  3  is a storing area corresponding to Chance Small Win.  
      The bit  4  is a storing area corresponding to 10 pieces of Small Win. The bit  5  is a storing area corresponding to RT. The bit  6  is a storing area corresponding to Replay. The bit  7  is a storing area corresponding to MB 2 . The bit  8  is a storing area corresponding to MB 1 .  
       FIG. 11D  shows an area for storing a flag under operation. The flag under operation is stored in an area for storing a flag under operation, which. consists of 9 bits. In the area for storing a flag under operation, the bit  0  is a storing area corresponding to a flag under MB operation. The bit  1  is a storing area corresponding to a flag under RT 2  operation. The bit  2  is a storing area corresponding to a flag under RT 1  operation. The bits  3 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6  and  7  are unused storing areas.  
      Herein, in case that ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  0  corresponding to the flag under MB operation of the area for storing a flag under operation (i.e., ┌000000001┘ is stored in the area for storing a flag under operation), the flag under MB operation becomes ON. In case that ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  1  corresponding to the flag under RT 2  operation of the area for storing a flag under operation (i.e., ┌000000010┘ is stored in the area for storing a flag under operation), the flag under RT 2  operation becomes ON. In case that ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  2  corresponding to the flag under RT 1  operation of the area for storing a flag under operation (i.e., ┌000000100┘ is stored in the area for storing a flag under operation), the flag under RT 1  operation becomes ON.  
      In the followings, a symbol storing area is described with reference to  FIG. 12 .  
       FIG. 12  shows data which is stored in the symbol storing area when the symbol position of each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is ┌3┘. The symbol position is a code number corresponding to a symbol located on the center line  8   c.    
      In the symbol storing areas, with regard to areas corresponding to each of the display lines  8   a  to  8   e,  an identifier (i.e., data) corresponding to a type of a symbol located on the corresponding symbol display area is stored in an area corresponding to each of the symbol display areas connected by the corresponding display line. The identifier is information for discriminating a type of a symbol and provided to correspond to each of the types of symbols, which will be described with reference to  FIG. 13 .  
      Herein, in case that the symbol position of each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is ┌03┘ (i.e., the symbol corresponding to the code number  03  of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is located on the center line  8   c ), the symbols ┌U┘, ┌crown┘ and ┌E┘ are located at the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C and the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, respectively.  
      In this case, in the area corresponding to the center line  8   c  of the symbol storing area, ┌000000010┘ which is an identifier representing the symbol ┌U┘, ┌000001010┘ which is an identifier representing the symbol ┌Crown┘, and ┌000000011┘ which is an identifier representing the symbol ┌E┘ are stored in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C and the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, respectively.  
      In addition, in case that the symbol position of each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is ┌03┘, as shown in  FIG. 12 , even for the display lines except the center line  8   c,  in the symbol storing areas, an identifier corresponding to a type of a symbol located on the corresponding symbol display area is stored in an area corresponding to each of the symbol display areas connected by the corresponding display line at the area corresponding to the corresponding display line.  
      In addition, identifiers corresponding to types of symbols actually located in each symbol display area are stored in the symbol display area. Further, in case that the reels are being rotated, on the assumption that the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped at any one symbol position, in this case, identifiers corresponding to types of symbols located in each symbol display area of the corresponding reel are stored in the symbol storing areas.  
      In the followings, it is described a correspondence between identifiers (i.e., data) stored in the symbol storing areas and types of symbols, with reference to  FIG. 13  showing an identifier list of symbols.  
      In case that there is a reel being rotated, in the symbol storing areas, identifier ┌11111111┘ is stored in an area corresponding to the symbol display area corresponding to the corresponding reel. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Replay┘ is ┌00001010┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Cherry┘ is ┌00001001┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Bell┘ is ┌000010000┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Watermelon┘ is ┌00000111┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Blue 7┘ is ∉00000110┘.  
      An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Crown┘ is ┌00000101┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌N┘ is ┌00000100┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌E┘ is ┌000000011┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌U┘ is ┌00000010┘. An identifier corresponding to the symbol ┌Q┘ is ┌000000001┘.  
      In the followings, it is described a priority attraction-in ranking table which is referred so as to determine priority attraction-in data in a priority ranking checking process (see  FIG. 24 ), which data will be described later, with reference to  FIG. 14 .  
      The priority attraction-in ranking table includes a priority attraction-in ranking of a combination of symbols corresponding to an internal winning combination and information of attraction-in data corresponding to the corresponding priority ranking. Basically, the ┌attraction-in┘ is meant by a control for stopping the rotation of reel (i.e., a reel corresponding to a stop button which has been pushed) so that symbols (hereinafter, referred to as ┌attraction-in target symbol┘) constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to an internal winning combination within a range of the maximum number of sliding symbols are displayed in the symbols display areas (hereinafter, referred to as ┌activated symbol display area┘) connected by the activated line.  
      The priority ranking data is basically information for discriminating priority ranking of the attraction-in. The attraction-in data is information for discriminating internal winning combinations corresponding to the priority rankings of the attraction-in, and provided to correspond to each of the priority rankings of the attraction-in.  
      The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌001000000┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌1┘, corresponds to Replay. The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌110000000┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌2┘ corresponds to MB 1  and MB 2 . The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌000010000┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌3┘ corresponds to 10 pieces of Small Win.  
      The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌000001010┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌4┘ corresponds to Bell, Chance Small Win and RT. The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌000000100┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌5┘ corresponds to Watermelon. The attraction-in data (i.e., ┌000000001┘) corresponding to the priority ranking ┌6┘ corresponds to Cherry.  
      In addition, in case of second and third stop operations, the ┌attraction-in┘ is meant as follows: in case that symbols constituting a combination of symbols corresponding to an internal winning combination are displayed in activated symbol display areas together with the attraction-in target symbol corresponding to a stop operation of this time, the attraction-in target symbol is displayed in an activated symbol display area connected by the activated line connecting the activated symbol display areas.  
      Replay has the highest priority ranking of the attraction-in. MB has a priority ranking higher than the other internal winning combinations except Replay. Accordingly, in case that MB is carried over, when Replay has been determined as an internal winning combination, a combination of symbols corresponding to Replay is preferentially displayed along the activated line. On the other hand, in case that MB is carried over, when an internal winning combination except Replay has been determined, a combination of symbols corresponding to MB (i.e., MB 1  and MB 2 ) is preferentially displayed along the activated line.  
      In addition, 10 pieces of Small Win has a priority ranking higher than Bell, Chance Small Win and RT. In addition, Bell, Chance Small Win and RT have priority rankings higher than Watermelon. Further, Watermelon has a priority ranking higher than Cherry.  
      Herein, it is described an order for determining priority ranking data on the basis of the priority attraction-in ranking table. It is determined whether all bits, which constitute data of a logical product of attraction-in data corresponding to a priority ranking, data of the internal winning combination storing area and data of the display combination storing area, are ┌0┘ or not, in ascending order. Whenever this determination is carried out, ┌1┘ is subtracted from the number of checks having an initial value set to be ┌6┘.  
      When it is determined that all the bits constituting the data of the logical product are not ┌0┘, a value having added ┌1┘ to the current number of checks is determined as priority ranking data. The number of checks is the maximum remaining number of the operations of determining whether all bits, which constitute data of a logical product of attraction-in data corresponding to a priority ranking, data of the internal winning combination storing area and data of the display combination storing area, are ┌0┘ or not.  
      In case that any one of the bits, which constitute data of a logical product of attraction-in data corresponding to a priority ranking, data of the internal winning combination storing area and data of the display combination storing area, is not ┌0┘, there is a bit of ┌1┘ common to the three data. In other words, it is possible to determine whether any one of the display combinations corresponding to the data of the display combination storing areas is included in an internal winning combination corresponding to the data of the internal winning combination storing areas and an internal winning combination corresponding to the attraction-in data.  
      In addition, in case that it is never determined that all the bits constituting the data of the logical product are not ┌0┘ until the number of checks becomes ┌0┘, a value having added ┌1┘ to the number of checks ┌0┘ (i.e., ┌1┘) is determined as the priority ranking data. In addition, in case that a determination result in a step S 134  or S 135  of  FIG. 24 , which will be described later, is YES and thus it is never carried out the operation of determining whether all the bits constituting the data of the logical product are ┌0┘ or not, ┌0┘ is determined as the priority ranking data.  
      For example, in case that the data of the internal winning combination is ┌000010000┘ and the data of the display combination storing area is ┌000110000┘, it is first calculated a logical product of the attraction-in data ┌001000000┘ corresponding to the priority ranking ┌1┘, the data of the internal winning combination storing area and the data of the display combination storing area. The calculation result is ┌000000000┘, and ┌1┘ is subtracted from the number of checks having an initial value set to be ┌6┘. Accordingly, the number of checks becomes ┌5┘.  
      Next, it is calculated a logical product of the attraction-in data ┌110000000┘ corresponding to the priority ranking ┌2┘, the data of the internal winning combination storing area and the data of the display combination storing area. Since the calculation result is ┌000000000┘, ┌1┘ is subtracted from the number of checks. Accordingly, the number of checks becomes ┌4┘.  
      Subsequently, it is calculated a logical product of the attraction-in data ┌000010000┘ corresponding to the priority ranking ┌3┘, the data of the internal winning combination storing area and the data of the display combination storing area. Since all the bits are not ┌0┘ in the calculation result ┌000010000┘, ┌5┘ (i.e., ┌00000101┘, which is a binary number of 8 bits) having added ┌1┘ to the current number of checks ┌4┘ is determined as the priority ranking data. By doing so, the priority ranking data determined is stored in the upper 4 bits of expected display combination data which will be described later.  
      In addition, the determination of the priority ranking data is carried out for data of an internal winning combination storing area for stop and data of a pseudo display combination storing area, which will be described later, as well as the data of the internal winning combination storing area and the data of the display combination storing area. In this case, the priority ranking data determined is stored in the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data which will be described later.  
      Additionally, as specifically described below with reference to  FIG. 21 , the data of the internal winning combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area for stop is set in a DE register and the data of the display combination storing area and the pseudo display combination storing area which will be described later is set in a HL register. The above calculation of the logical product is carried out with reference to the data set in these registers. Herein, the DE register and the HL register are memory areas provided in the CPU  31 .  
      In the followings, it is described an expected display combination storing area which is referred when a process of determining the number of sliding symbols is carried out in a priority attraction-in control process (see  FIG. 26 ), with reference to  FIG. 15 .  
      Herein, in one embodiment, before it is carried out a control for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, it is carried out an expectation of a display combination which may be determined after the rotation of each of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is stopped. Specifically, in an expected display combination storing process (see  FIG. 21 ), on the assumption that with regard to each of symbol positions of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped at the symbol positions, it is determined (i.e., expected) a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols to be displayed along each of the display lines  8   a  to  8   e.  The information about the display combination determined for each of the symbol display areas of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R is stored in an expected display combination storing area.  
      The expected display combination storing area consists of an expected display combination storing area  1 , an expected display combination storing area  2  and an expected display combination storing area  3 . The expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to a reel located at the most left among the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated. The expected display combination storing area  2  corresponds to a reel located at the second position from the left among the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated. The expected display combination storing area  3  corresponds to a reel located at the third position from the left among the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated.  
      In case that the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped at each of the symbol positions of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R corresponding to the corresponding expected display combination storing areas, each of the expected display combination storing areas stores information (i.e., data) of the display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along each of the display lines  8   a  to  8   e.  This information is referred to as ┌expected display combination data┘. The expected display combination data consists of data of upper  4  bits and lower  4  bits.  
      The upper 4 bits of the expected combination data, in case that the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped at the symbol positions corresponding to the expected display combination data, stores the information representing a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c.  The lower 4 bits of the expected combination data, in case that the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped at the symbol positions corresponding to the expected display combination data, stores the information representing a display combination (hereinafter, referred to as ┌pseudo display combinations┘) corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the display lines except the center line  8   c  (i.e., cross-up line  8   a,  top line  8   b,  bottom line  8   d  and cross-down line  8   e ).  
      Specifically, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is Replay, ┌0111┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. In case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is MB 1  or MB 2 , ┌0110┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. In addition, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is 10 pieces of Small Win, ┌0101┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data.  
      In addition, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is Bell, Chance Small Win or RT, ┌0100┘, is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. Additionally, In addition, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is Watermelon, ┌0011┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. In addition, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is Cherry, ┌0010┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data.  
      In addition, in case that a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is not matched to a payout to be awarded to a player (i.e., the display combination is the losing), ┌0001┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. The data ┌0001┘ indicates that it is allowed the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R to be stopped at the symbol position corresponding to the data (i.e., stop possibility).  
      In addition, in case that a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is contradictory to a combination of symbols corresponding to an internal winning combination (for example, the internal winning combination is the losing, and a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c  is Cherry), ┌0000┘ is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data. The data ┌0000┘ indicates that it is prohibited the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R from being stopped at the symbol position corresponding to the data (i.e., stop prohibition).  
      Herein, the data to be stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data corresponds to the priority ranking of the attraction-in (i.e., priority ranking of the attraction-in defined in a priority attraction-in ranking table (see  FIG. 14 )) as well as the display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c.  Specifically, the greater the data to be stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data, the higher the priority ranking of the attraction-in corresponding to the data. For example, the data, which is stored in the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data, correspondingly to Replay having the highest priority ranking (i.e., priority ranking is ┌1┘), is ┌0111┘, and higher than any other data to be stored in the upper 4 bits.  
      In addition, a corresponding relationship of a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols, which may be displayed along the display lines except the center line  8   c,  and data, which is stored in the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data, correspondingly to the corresponding display combination, is shown in  FIG. 15 . In addition, for convenience sake of explanations, the upper 4 bits and the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data are classified in  FIG. 15 . However, in fact, the expected display combination data of 8 bits consisting of upper 4 bits and lower 4 bits is stored in the expected display combination storing area.  
      In the followings, it is described a corresponding relationship of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated and the expected display combination storing areas, with reference to  FIG. 16  showing a correspondence table of a reel and an expected display combination storing area.  
      In case that the left reel  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R are being rotated, the left reel  3 L corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1 , the center reel  3 C corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  2  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  3 . In case that the left reel  3 L and the center reel  3 C only are being rotated, the left reel  3 L corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1  and the center reel  3 C corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  2 . In case that the left reel  3 L and the right reel  3 R only are being rotated, the left reel  3 L corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  2 .  
      In case that the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R only are being rotated, the center reel  3 C corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  2 . In case that the left reel  3 L only is being rotated, the left reel  3 L corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1 . In case that the center reel  3 C only is being rotated, the center reel  3 C corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1 . In case that the right reel  3 R only is being rotated, the right reel  3 R corresponds to an expected display combination storing area  1 .  
      In the followings, a control operation of the main control circuit  71  is described with reference to FIGS.  17  to  29 .  
      First, a main flow chart under control of a main CPU (i.e., main control circuit  71 ) is described with reference to  FIG. 17 .  
      The CPU  31  performs an initializing process (step S 1 ). Specifically, the CPU  31  initializes memory contents of the RAM  33 . Subsequently, the CPU  31  erases (i.e., clears) an indicated storing area (for example, information of the internal winning combination storing area) of the RAM  33  when a game is over (step S 2 ), and proceeds to a step S 3 . More specifically, the CPU  31  erases the data of a predetermined area of the RAM  33  used for a previous game.  
      In the step S 3 , the CPU  31  carries out a medal receiving-start checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 , and then proceeds to a step S 4 . In this process, the CPU  31  updates the insertion number and transmits a demo command which will be described later, on the basis of the inputs from the start switch  6 S, the medal sensor  10 S or the BET switches  11  to  13 . In the step S 4 , the CPU  31  samples and stores a random number value in the random number value storing area, and proceeds to a step S 5 . The random number value sampled in this process is used for an internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ).  
      In the step S 5 , the CPU  31  carries out a gaming status supervisory process and proceeds to a step S 6 . In the gaming status supervisory process, if the flag under MB operation is ON, the CPU  31  stores an identifier (information) representing the MB gaming state in a predetermined storing area of the RAM  33 . In addition, if the flag under MB operation is OFF, the CPU  31  stores an identifier representing the normal gaming state in a predetermined storing area of the RAM  33 .  
      Herein, the identifier representing the MB gaming state is cleared through the process in the step S 2  every game. If the flag under MB operation is ON, the identifier representing the MB gaming state is stored in the predetermined storing area of the RMA  33  through the gaming state supervisory process, without fail. Accordingly, the MB gaming state is equivalent to a period during which the identifier representing the MB gaming state is stored in the predetermined storing area of the RAM  33  every game (i.e., a period during which the flag under MB operation is ON).  
      In the step S 6 , the CPU  31  carries out an internal lottery process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 19  and proceeds to a step S 7 . In the step S 7 , the CPU  31  performs a reel stop initialization process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 20  and proceeds to a step S 8 .  
      In the step S 8 , the CPU  31  updates a RT game number counter and proceeds to a step S 9 . Specifically, the CPU  31  determines whether a value of the RT game number counter is ┌0┘. If it is determined that a value of the RT game number counter is not ┌0┘, the CPU subtracts ┌1┘ from the value of the RT game number counter. In addition, the CPU  31  determines whether the value of the RT game number counter as a result of the subtraction is ┌0┘. If it is determined that a value of the RT game number counter is ┌0┘, the CPU  31  updates the flag under RT 1  operation and the flag under RT 2  operation to OFF (i.e., clears).  
      The RT game number counter is information for discriminating the remaining number of games in the RT section. In addition, it can be said that the remaining number of games in the RT section which can be discriminated by the RT game number counter is equivalent to the number of games which have been played in the RT section (i.e., the remaining number of games in the RT section is same as a value obtained by subtracting the number of games which have been played in the RT section from ┌1000┘).  
      In the step S 9 , the CPU  31  transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 10 . The start command includes information of gaming state, internal winning combination and the like and is transmitted to the sub-control circuit  72 . In the step S 10 , the CPU  31  determines whether 4.1 seconds has lapsed after the previous reel has started to rotate. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 12 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 11 .  
      In the step S 11 , the CPU  31  consumes a game start waiting time and then proceeds to a step S 12 . Specifically, the CPU  31  annuls an input in accordance with a game start operation by a player during a period from after the previous game has started until a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has lapsed. In the step S 12 , the CPU  31  requests that all the reels start to rotate, and proceeds to a step S 13 . Specifically, the CPU  31  updates all of three active stop button flags corresponding to each of the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R to ON.  
      In the step S 13 , the CPU  31  carries out a reel stop control process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 25  and then proceeds to a step S 14 . In the step S 14 , the CPU  31  performs a display combination retrieving process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 23  and then proceeds to a step S 15 . Specifically, the CPU  31  determines a display combination and a payout number based on the combination of symbols displayed in the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R and the symbol combination table (see  FIG. 9 ). In the step S 15 , the CPU  31  transmits a display combination command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 16 . The display combination command includes the information of the display combination determined in the step S 14 .  
      In the step S 16 , the CPU  31  carries out a medal payout process of paying out medals equal to the value of the payout number counter and proceeds to a step S 17 . In the step S 17 , the CPU  31  updates the bonus end number counter based on the payout number and proceeds to a step S 18 . Specifically, when the bonus end number counter is 1 or more, the CPU  31  subtracts the number equal to the medals number paid out in the step S 16  from the counter. In the step S 18 , the CPU  31  determines whether the flag under MB operation is ON or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 19 , otherwise, proceeds to a step S 20 .  
      In the step S 19 , the CPU  31  carries out a bonus end checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 27  and proceeds to a step S 20 . In the step S 20 , the CPU  31  carries out a bonus operation checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 28  and proceeds to the step S 2 .  
      In the followings, it is described a medal receiving-start checking process for detecting an insertion operation and a start operation by a player, with reference to  FIG. 18 .  
      First, the CPU  31  sets ┌40000┘ as an initial value in a timer for demo stored in the RAM  33  and proceeds to a step S 22  (step S 22 ). Because the value set in the timer for demo is subtracted by 1 every 1.1173 ms in an intervention process under control of the main CPU (see  FIG. 29 ), it becomes ┌0┘ after about 45 seconds since the initial value is set in the timer. In the step S 22 , the CPU  31  determines whether an automatic insertion counter is ┌0┘. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 23 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 24 . The automatic insertion counter is a counter for counting the number of medals which are automatically inserted, when the display combination is Replay.  
      In the step S 23 , the CPU  31  allows the medal reception and proceeds to a step S 26 . In the step S 23 , since the display combination in the previous game is not Replay, the value of the automatic insertion counter is 0. Accordingly, the CPU  31  allows an addition of an insertion number counter, thereby allowing a medal to be inserted. The insertion number counter is a counter for counting an insertion number.  
      In the step S 24 , the CPU  31  copies the automatic insertion counter to the insertion number counter and proceeds to a step S 25 . In the step S 24 , specifically, the combination of symbols corresponding to Replay in the previous game is displayed along the activated line, so that the value of the automatic insertion counter becomes another value except ┌0┘ (i.e., ┌3┘). Accordingly, the CPU  31  updates the value of the insertion number counter to a value same (i.e., ┌3┘) as that of the automatic insertion counter. In the step S 25 , the CPU  31  transmits a BET command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 26 . The BET command includes information about the value (i.e., insertion number) of the insertion number counter updated in the step S 24 .  
      In the step S 26 , the CPU  31  determines whether the medal reception is allowed. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 27 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 30 . Specifically, if the medal reception has been allowed through the process in the step S 23 , i.e., if an addition of the insertion number counter has been allowed, the determination becomes YES. In addition, if an addition of the insertion number counter has not been allowed through the process in the step S 23  and thus, the determination becomes NO.  
      In the step S 27 , the CPU  31  determines whether it is under insertion process. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 28 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 30 . Specifically, the CPU  31  checks whether there is an input from the medal sensor  10 S. If it is determined that there is an input from the medal sensor  10 S, the determination in the step S 27  becomes YES. In addition, the CPU  31  checks whether there is an input from the BET switches  11  to  13 . If it is determined that there is an input from the BET switches  11  to  13 , it is calculated a value to be added to the insertion number counter and the determination in the step S 27  becomes YES. In addition, if it is determined that there is no input from the medal sensor  10 S or any one of the BET switches  11  to  13 , the determination becomes NO.  
      In the step S 28 , the CPU  31  updates the insertion number counter and proceeds to a step S 29 . Specifically, if it is determined that there is an input from the medal sensor  10 S in the step S 27 , ┌1┘ is added to the insertion number counter. In addition, it is determined that there is an input from the BET switches  11  to  13  in the step S 27 , the value calculated in the step S 27  is added to the insertion number. In addition, in case that the value of the insertion number counter is ┌3┘, a credit counter is added instead of the insertion number counter. The credit counter is a counter for counting the number of medals credited.  
      In the step S 29 , the CPU  31  transmits the BET command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 30 . The BET command includes information about the value (i.e., insertion number) of the insertion number counter updated in the step S 28 . In the step S 30 , the CPU  31  determines whether the insertion number counter is ┌1┘ or more, i.e., whether the insertion number is ┌1┘ or more. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 35 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 31 .  
      In the step S 31 , the CPU  31  determines whether the timer for demo is ┌0┘. In other words, it determines whether a state that an operation by the player (for example, insertion operation, etc.) is not carried out (hereinafter, referred to as ┌non-gaming state┘) has been continued for a predetermined time (about 45 seconds). If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 32 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 26 . In the step S 32 , the CPU  31  determines whether the BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c  indicating the insertion number are turned off or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 26 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 33 . In the step S 33 , the CPU  31  turns off the BET lamps and proceeds to a step S 34 .  
      In one embodiment, basically, the BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c  are always turned on. However, in case that the CPU  31  transmits a demo command in a process of step S 34  which will be described later, the BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c  are turned off. Accordingly, in case that the non-gaming state has been continued after the CPU  31  has transmitted the demo command once, a result of the determination in the step S 32  is YES, the CPU  31  does not pass through the step S 34  and will never transmit the demo command. By doing so, even though the non-gaming state has been continued after the CPU  31  has once transmitted the demo command, the transmission of the demo command is not repeated.  
      In the step S 34 , the CPU  31  transmits the demo command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 26 . The demo command is transmitted, so that a demonstration image (i.e., demo image) notifying a player that the gaming machine is under waiting state is displayed. In the step S 35 , the CPU  31  determines whether a value of the insertion number counter is ┌3┘. If it is determined that the value of the insertion number counter is ┌3┘ in the step S 35 , i.e., if the value reaches the insertion number ┌3┘ required to play a one game, a result of the determination becomes YES. If the value of the insertion number counter is another value except ┌3┘, a result of the determination becomes NO.  
      In the step S 36 , the CPU  31  determines whether the start switch is ON or not. Specifically, it determines whether the start switch is ON, i.e., whether there is an input from the start switch  6 S in accordance with the operation of the start lever  6 . If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 4  of  FIG. 17 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 26 .  
      In the followings, it is described an internal lottery process for determining an internal winning combination based on the gaming state and the like, with reference to  FIG. 19 .  
      First, the CPU  31  determines a type of an internal lottery table and the number of lotteries in accordance with the gaming state, based on the internal lottery table determining table ( FIG. 6 ) (step S 41 ) and proceeds to a step S 42 . In the step S 42 , the CPU  31  determines whether the RT game number counter is ┌1┘ or more. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 43 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 44 . In the step S 43 , the CPU  31  changes the internal lottery table into an internal lottery table (not shown) for the RT section because it is under RT section and proceeds to a step S 44 .  
      In the step S 44 , the CPU  31  determines whether the flag of MB 1  or MB 2  is stored in the internal carryover combination storing area, i.e., whether ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  8  (ninth bit) or bit  7  (eighth bit) corresponding to MB 1  or MB 2  of the internal carryover combination storing area (i.e., whether there is an internal carryover combination or not). If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 45 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 46 . Herein, in case of the carryover section, the result of the determination in the step S 44  becomes YES. In the step S 45 , the CPU  31  changes the number of lotteries into ┌7┘, and proceeds to the step S 46 . In the step S 46 , the CPU  31  sets a value same as the number of lotteries, as a winning number, and proceeds to a step S 47 .  
      In the step S 47 , the CPU  31  compares the random number value stored in the random number value storing area with the upper and lowest limits related to the winning number and proceeds to a step S 48 . Specifically, the CPU  31  refers to the internal lottery table determined in the step S 41  to obtain the lowest limit (L) based on the number of lotteries and the insertion number, and subtracts the lowest limit (L) from the random number value (R) stored in the random number value storing area of the RAM  33  (i.e., R-L). In addition, the CPU  31  refers to the internal lottery table determined in the step S 41  to obtain the upper limit (U) based on the number of lotteries, and subtracts the upper limit (U) from the random number value (R) stored in the random number value storing area of the RAM  33  (i.e., R-U).  
      In the step S 48 , the CPU  31  determines whether the random number value is between the lowest limit and the upper limit. Specifically, it determines whether the value (R-L) obtained in the step S 47  is positive or not, and whether the value (R-U) obtained in the step S 47  is negative or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 49 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 54 . In the step S 49 , the CPU  31  refers to the internal winning combination determining table to specify an internal winning combination based on the winning number and proceeds to a step S 50 .  
      In the step S 50 , the CPU  31  determines whether the internal winning combination determined in the step S 49  is MB 1  or MB 2 . If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 51 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 53 . In the step S 51 , the CPU  31  stores the flag in the internal carryover combination storing area based on the internal winning combination and proceeds to a step S 52 . Herein, in the determination, in case that MB 1  is included in the internal winning combination, the CPU  31  stores ┌100000000┘ in the internal carryover combination storing area. In case that MB 2  is included in the internal winning combination, the CPU  31  stores ┌010000000┘ in the internal carryover combination storing area.  
      In the step S 52 , since MB 1  or MB 2  has been determined as the internal winning combination, for ending a RT section the CPU  31  updates (clears) the value of the RT game number counter to ┌0┘ and proceeds to a step S 53 . In the step S 53 , the CPU  31  stores a logical sum of an internal winning combination corresponding to the internal winning combination determined in the step S 49  and the internal carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area, and proceeds to a step S 54 . In the step S 54 , the CPU  31  subtracts 1 from the number of lotteries and proceeds to a step S 55 .  
      In the step S 55 , the CPU  31  determines whether the number of lotteries is ┌0┘ or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 56 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 46 . Herein, in case that the number of operations of determining whether the random number value (R) is included within a range defined by the upper limit (U) and the lowest limit (L) is 9 times in the normal gaming state and 7 times in the internal winning state (i.e., carryover section), the result of the determination becomes YES. On the other hand, in case that the number of determinations is under  9  times in the normal gaming state and under 7 times in the internal winning state (i.e., carryover section), the result of the determination becomes NO.  
      In the step S 56 , the CPU  31  stores a logical sum of information representing the internal winning combination and the internal carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area, and proceeds to a step S 57 . Herein, in case that the internal winning combination is the losing, the CPU  31  does not carry out the process in the step S 53 . Accordingly, even though there is an internal carryover combination, the bit corresponding to the internal carryover combination of the internal winning combination storing area is not ┌1┘ by the process in the step S 53 . Therefore, in the step S 53 , in consideration of the case that the internal winning combination is the losing when there is an internal carryover combination, the CPU  31  stores a logical sum of information representing the internal winning combination and the internal carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area.  
      In the step S 57 , the CPU  31  determines whether it is under MB gaming state, i.e., whether the flag under MB operation is ON or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 58 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 7  of  FIG. 17 . In the step S 58 , since it is under MB gaming state, the CPU  31  makes all the bits  0 ˜ 5  of the internal winning combination storing area ON (i.e., stores ┌000011111┘ in the internal winning combination storing area), and proceed to the step S 7  of  FIG. 17 .  
      In the followings, it is described a reel stop initialization process for carrying out the first setting with regard to a process for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, with reference to  FIG. 20 .  
      First, the CPU  31  copies the data of the internal winning combination storing area to the internal winning combination storing area for stop (step S 61 ), and proceeds to a step S 62 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores the data, which has been stored in the internal winning combination storing area through the internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ), in the internal winning combination storing area for stop. The internal winning combination storing area for stop is a memory area of 9 bits provided in the RAM  33  and has the same data structure as the internal winning combination storing area.  
      In the step S 62 , the CPU  31  determines whether the internal winning combination is Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win or RT, i.e., whether the bit  3 ,  4  or  5  of the internal winning combination storing area is ┌1┘ or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 63 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 64 . In the step S 63 , the CPU  31  makes the bit  1  of the internal winning combination storing area for stop ON, and proceeds to the step S 64 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores ┌1┘ in the bit  1  corresponding to Bell of the internal winning combination storing area for stop. Herein, by storing ┌1┘ in the bit  1  corresponding to Bell of the internal winning combination storing area for stop, it is possible to achieve the stop mode shown in  FIG. 32A  (which will be specifically described later).  
      In the step S 64 , the CPU  31  stores the identifier being rotated in all the symbol storing areas and proceeds to a step S 65 . Specifically, the CPU  31  updates all the identifiers stored in the symbol storing areas to ┌11111111┘. In the step S 65 , the CPU  31  carries out an expected display combination storing process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 21 , and proceeds to the step S 8  of  FIG. 17 .  
      In the followings, with reference to  FIG. 21 , it is described an expected display combination storing process for expecting a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols, with regard to each symbol position of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, before carrying out a control for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, wherein the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped at the corresponding symbol positions and thus the above symbols are displayed.  
      First, the CPU  31  stores the number of stop buttons for which the push operation is active, as the number of display combination retrievals, and proceeds to a step S 72  (step S 71 ). Specifically, the CPU  31  stores the information representing the number of the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R corresponding to the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated in the RAM  33  as the number of display combination retrievals. In addition, in case that the expected display combination storing process has been carried out in the reel stop initialization process (see  FIG. 20 ), since the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R has not started to rotate yet, the number of the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R corresponding to the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated is ┌0┘. In this case, ┌3┘ is pseudo-stored in the RAM  33  as the number of display combination retrievals.  
      In the step S 72 , the CPU  31  sets a leading address of the display combination storing area  1 , and proceeds to a step S 73 . In the step S 73 , the CPU  31  sets ┌0┘ as a symbol position in a predetermined memory area of the CPU  31 , and proceeds to a step S 74 . In the step S 74 , based on the number of display combination retrievals, the CPU  31  retrieves the reels being rotated from the right side to determine a retrieval target reel, and proceeds to a step S 75 .  
      Specifically, the CPU  31  retrieves the reels being rotated from the right side as the number of display combination retrievals and determines the reel, which has been retrieved last, as the retrieval target reel. In other words, the reel which is located nearer at the left side among the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated is determined as the retrieval target reel. For example, in case that the number of display combination retrievals is 3, the reel retrieval is carried out in order of the right reel  3 R, the center reel  3 C and the left reel  3 L, and the left reel  3 L is determined as the retrieval target reel.  
      In the step S 75 , based on the retrieval target reel and the symbol position, the CPU  31  updates the symbol storing area and proceeds to a step S 76 . Specifically, on the assumption that the retrieval target reel is stopped at the current symbol position, with regard to each of the symbol display areas corresponding to the retrieval target reel, the CPU  31  stores identifiers corresponding to types of the symbols located in the corresponding symbol display area in the symbol storing area.  
      In the step S 76 , the CPU  31  sets a leading address of the top line in the symbol storing area, sets ┌4┘ as the number of checks, and proceeds to a step S 77 . In a display checking process (see  FIG. 22 ), the number of checks is the remaining number of operations of carrying out a process in a step S 102  of  FIG. 22  which will be described later. In the step S 77 , the CPU  31  carries out a display checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 22 , and proceeds to a step S 78 .  
      In the step S 78 , the CPU  31  copies the data of the display combination storing area to the pseudo display combination storing area, clears the display combination storing area and proceeds to a step S 79 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores the data, which has been stored in the display combination storing area through the process in the step S 77 , in the pseudo display combination storing area and stores ┌0┘ in all the bits of the display combination storing area. The pseudo display combination storing area is a memory area of 9 bits provided in the RAM  33  and has the same data structure as the display combination storing area.  
      In the step S 79 , the CPU  31  carries out a display combination retrieving process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 23 , and proceeds to a step S 80 . In the step S 80 , the CPU  31  sets the data of the display combination storing area in the HL register, sets the data of the internal winning combination storing area in the DE register, and proceeds to a step S 81 . Specifically, the CPU  31  sets the data, which has been stored in the display combination storing area in a display combination retrieving process (see  FIG. 23 ), in the HL register, and sets the data of the internal winning combination storing area, which has been stored in the internal lottery process (see  FIG. 19 ), in the DE register.  
      In the step S 81 , the CPU  31  carries out a priority ranking checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 24 , and proceeds to a step S 82 . In the step S 82 , the CPU  31  shits and evacuates the priority ranking data to the upper 4 bits, and proceeds to a step S 83 . Specifically, the CPU  31  repeats  4  times a process of doubling a value of the priority ranking data set in the step S 81 . Accordingly, the value of the priority ranking data becomes  16  times as compared to the value before the process in the step S 81  is carried out, and the bit pattern of the priority ranking data expressed by the binary number is shifted as the upper 4 bits.  
      In the step S 83 , the CPU  31  sets the data of the pseudo display combination storing area in the HL register, sets the data of the internal winning combination storing area for stop in the DE register, and proceeds to a step S 84 . Specifically, the CPU  31  sets the data, which has been stored in the pseudo display combination storing area in the step S 78 , in the HL register, and sets the data, which has been stored in the internal winning combination storing area for stop in a reel stop initialization process (see  FIG. 20 ), in the DE register.  
      In the step S 84 , the CPU  31  carries out a priority ranking checking process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 24 , and proceeds to a step S 85 . In the step S 85 , the CPU stores a logical sum of the evacuated priority ranking data and the priority ranking data in the expected display combination storing area corresponding to the symbol position, and proceeds to a step S 86 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores the data of the logical sum of the priority ranking data shifted as the upper 4 bits in the step S 83  and the priority ranking data determined in the step S 84  in an area of the expected display combination storing areas corresponding to current symbol position, as expected display combination data.  
      In the step S 86 , the CPU  31  clears the display combination storing area, adds ┌1┘ to the value of the symbol position set in the predetermined memory area of the CPU  31 , and proceeds to a step S 87 . In the step S 87 , the CPU  31  determines whether the value of the symbol position is ┌21┘ or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 88 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 74 . In the step S 88 , the CPU  31  subtracts ┌1┘ from the number of display combination retrievals stored in the RAM  33 , and proceeds to a step S 89 .  
      In the step S 89 , the CPU  31  determines whether the number of display combination retrievals is ┌0┘ or not. When a result of the determination is YES, if the expected display combination storing process has been carried out as the process in the step S 65  of  FIG. 20 , the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 8  in  FIG. 17 , and if the expected display combination storing process has been carried out as a process in a step S 158  of  FIG. 25  which will be described later, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 151  in  FIG. 25 . When a result of the determination is NO, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 90 .  
      In the step S 90 , the CPU  31  updates the address of the expected display combination storing area, stores identifiers being rotated in all the symbol storing areas, and proceeds to a step S 91 . Specifically, in case that the address of the expected display combination storing area  1  has been set, the CPU  31  sets a leading address of the expected display combination storing area  2 . In case that the address of the expected display combination storing area  2  has been set, the CPU  31  sets an address of the expected display combination storing area  3 . Next, the CPU  31  updates all the identifiers stored in the symbol storing areas to ┌11111111┘.  
      In the step S 91 , the CPU  31  updates the symbol storing area corresponding to the reel being stopped and proceeds to the step S 73 . Specifically, with regard to each of the symbol display areas corresponding to the reel being stopped, the CPU  31  stores an identifier corresponding to a type of the symbol position located in the corresponding symbol display area in the symbol storing area.  
      In the followings, it is described a display checking process for expecting or determining a display combination on the basis of a symbol storing area and a symbol combination table, with reference to  FIG. 22 .  
      First, the CPU  31  sets a leading address of the symbol combination table stored in the RAM  33  (step S 101 ) and proceeds to a step S 102 . The address of the symbol combination table which has been set in the step S 101  is updated in a step S 107  which will be described later. A process in the step S 107  is repeated, so that the process in the step S 102  is carried out for information about all combinations of symbols stored in the symbol combination table.  
      In the step S 102 , the CPU  31  carries out a comparison with a combination of symbols stored in the symbol storing area, and proceeds to a step S 103 . Specifically, the CPU  31  compares information about a combination of symbols, which are stored in an area corresponding to the display line corresponding to the current number of checks among the symbol storing areas, with information about a combination of symbols, which are stored in an area corresponding to the current address of the symbol combination table.  
      Herein, when the display checking process is carried out as the process in the step S 77  of  FIG. 21 , if the number of checks is ┌4┘, the display line corresponding to the corresponding value is the top line  8   b.  In addition, in case that the number of checks is ┌3┘, the display line corresponding to the corresponding value is the bottom line  8   d.  In addition, in case that the number of checks is ┌2┘, the display line corresponding to the corresponding value is the cross-down line  8   e.  In addition, in case that the number of checks is ┌1┘, the display line corresponding to the corresponding value is the cross-up line  8   a.    
      On the other hand, in case that ┌4┘ has been set as the number of checks in the step S 76  of  FIG. 21 , the number of checks is subtracted by ┌1┘ in a step S 109  which will be described later. The step S 109  is repeated, so that the process in the step S 102  is carried out for all the display lines except the center line  8   c.  In addition, when the display checking process is carried out as the process in a step S 122  of  FIG. 23  which will be described later, if the number of checks is ┌1┘, the display line corresponding to the corresponding value is the center line  8   c.    
      In the step S 103 , the CPU  31  determines whether they are identical, except the symbol storing area in which the identifier being rotated is stored. Specifically, the CPU  31  determines whether the combination information of three symbols in the symbol storing area, which has been compared in the step S 102 , is identical to the information of a combination of symbols stored in the symbol combination table, except the information of the identifier being rotated (i.e., ┌11111111┘). If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 104 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 107 .  
      In the step S 104 , the CPU  31  determines a display combination, stores a logical sum of the display combination and the display combination storing area in the display combination storing area, and proceeds to a step S 105 . Specifically, based on the information of the combination of three symbols in the symbol storing area, which have been compared in the process of the step S 103 , the CPU  31  determines a display combination corresponding to the corresponding combination of the symbols, and stores a logical sum of the information (i.e., data) of the corresponding display combination and the display combination storing area in the display combination storing area.  
      Herein, in case that the display checking process has been carried out in the display combination retrieving process of the step S 14  in  FIG. 17  (i.e., in case that it is called after all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R have been stopped), a payout corresponding to the display combination determined in the step S 105  is awarded to a player. For example, in order to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the display combination determined in the step S 105 , a process of a step S 106  is carried out, which will be described later.  
      In addition, in case that the display combination checking process has been carried out in the expected display combination storing process (see  FIG. 21 ) (i.e., in case that there are the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated), the display combination determined in the step S 105  is expected as a display combination which may be determined after the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped.  
      In the step S 105 , the CPU  31  determines whether the number of stop buttons for which a push operation is active is ┌0┘ or not, i.e., whether the number of display combination retrievals is ┌0┘ or not. In case that the display checking process has been carried out as the process of the step S 14  in  FIG. 17  (i.e., in case that it has been carried out after the rotations of all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R have been stopped), since the number of stop buttons for which the push operation is active is ┌0┘, a result of the determination becomes YES and the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 106 . In case that the process in the step S 105  is called in another process except the process in the step S 14  of  FIG. 17 , a result of the determination becomes NO and the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 107 .  
      In the step S 106 , the CPU  31  updates the payout number counter and proceeds to a step S 107 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores a value of the payout number corresponding to the display combination determined in the step S 104  based on the symbol combination table (see  FIG. 9 ) in the payout number counter. The payout number counter is information for discriminating the number of medals to be paid out through the medal payout process in the step S 16  of  FIG. 17 .  
      In the step S 107 , the CPU  31  updates the address of the symbol combination table and proceeds to a step S 108 . In the step S 108 , the CPU  31  determines whether the combinations of all the symbols have been checked, i.e., whether the process in the step S 102  has been carried out for the combinations of all the symbols stored in the symbol combination table. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 109 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 102 .  
      In the step S 109 , the CPU  31  subtracts 1 from the number of checks and proceeds to a step S 110 . In the step S 110 , the CPU  31  determines whether the number of checks is ┌0┘ or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 78  in  FIG. 21 , the step S 80  in  FIG. 21  or the step S 15  in  FIG. 17 . If a result of the determination is NO, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 111 . In the step S 111 , the CPU  31  adds the address of the symbol storing area and proceeds to the step S 101 .  
      In the followings, it is described a display combination retrieving process for expecting or determining a display combination for the activated line (i.e., center line  8   c ), with reference to  FIG. 23 .  
      First, the CPU  31  sets a leading address of an area corresponding to the center line  8   c,  among the symbol storing areas, sets 1 as the number of checks (step S 121 ) and proceeds to a step S 122 . In the step S 122 , the CPU  31  carries out the display checking process (see  FIG. 22 ). In case that the display checking process has been carried out as the process in the step S 79  of  FIG. 21 , the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 80  in  FIG. 21 . In case that the display checking process has been carried out as the process in the step S 14  of  FIG. 17 , the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 15  in  FIG. 17 .  
      In the step S 121 , since the CPU  31  proceeds to a display checking process in a step S 122  after setting the leading address of the center line  8   c,  the process in the step S 102  of  FIG. 22  is also carried out for the center line  8   c.    
      In addition, after the rotations of all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped, the display combination retrieving process is carried out as the process in the step S 14  of  FIG. 17 . In this case, in the display combination retrieving process, it is determined a display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols displayed along the center line  8   c.  In addition, before the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped, the display combination retrieving process is carried out as the process in the step S 79  of  FIG. 21 . In this case, in the display combination retrieving process, it is expected a display combination which may be displayed after the rotations of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped.  
      In the followings, it is described a priority ranking checking process for determining a priority ranking table, with reference to  FIG. 24 .  
      Herein, in case that the priority ranking data is determined in the priority ranking checking process carried out as the process in the step S 81  of  FIG. 21 , the corresponding priority ranking data represents a display combination corresponding to the combination of symbols which may be displayed along the center line  8   c.  In addition, in case that the priority ranking data is determined in the priority ranking checking process carried out as the process in the step S 84  of  FIG. 21 , the corresponding priority ranking data represents a display combination (i.e., pseudo display combination) corresponding to the combination of symbols which may be displayed along the display lines except the center line  8   c.    
      First, the CPU  31  sets ┌0┘ as an initial value of the priority ranking data (step S 131 ) and proceeds to a step S 132 . In the step S 132 , the CPU  31  takes a logical product of data, which is obtained by taking an exclusive logical sum of the DE register and the HL register, and the HL register.  
      Herein, in case that there is a bit of ┌1┘ in the data obtained by taking the logical product of data, which is obtained by taking an exclusive logical sum of the DE register and the HL register, and the HL register, it can be determined that there is a bit which is ┌0┘ in the DE register but ┌1┘ in the HL register (i.e., a bit which is ┌1┘ in the HL register only).  
      Specifically, for example, in case that ┌000110000┘ is stored in the HL register and ┌000000010┘ is stored in the DE register, it is obtained ┌000110010┘ by taking an exclusive logical sum of the DE register and the HL register. Next, it is obtained ┌000110000┘ by taking a logical product of the data ┌000110010┘ and the HL register. Accordingly, it can be determined that there are bits which are ┌1┘ in the HL register only (i.e., bit  4  and bit  5 ).  
      In addition, in case that the priority ranking checking process has been carried out as the process in the step S 81  of  FIG. 21 , the data of the display combination storing area is set in the HL register and the data of the internal winning combination storing area is set in the DE register in the process of the step S 80  in  FIG. 21 , in advance. In this case, when there is a bit of ┌1┘ in the data obtained by the process in the step S 132 , it can be determined that there is a bit of ┌1┘ in the display combination storing area only. In other words, it can be determined whether there is a display combination which is not included in the internal winning combination (i.e., whether there is a display combination which is not allowed by the internal winning combination).  
      In addition, in case that the priority ranking checking process has been called from the step S 84  in  FIG. 21 , the data of the pseudo display combination storing area is set in the HL register and the data of the internal winning combination storing area for stop is set in the DE register in the process of the step S 83  in  FIG. 21 , in advance. In this case, when there is a bit of ┌1┘ in the data obtained by the process in the step S 132 , it can be determined that there is a bit of ┌1┘ in the pseudo display combination storing area only. Accordingly, it can be determined whether there is a pseudo display combination which is not included in the internal winning combination for stop (i.e., whether there is a pseudo display combination which is not allowed by the internal winning combination for stop). Herein, the internal winning combination for stop is an internal winning combination corresponding to the data stored in the internal winning combination storing area for stop.  
      In the step S 133 , the CPU  31  determines whether all the bits  0 ˜ 8  of the data obtained by the process in the step S 132  are ┌0┘ or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 136 . If a result of the determination is NO (i.e., there is a display combination (or pseudo display combination) which is not allowed by the internal winning combination (or internal winning combination for stop)), the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 134 . In the step S 134 , the CPU  31  determines whether the bit  0  of the data obtained by the process in the step S 132  is ON (i.e., ┌1┘) or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 82  or S 85  in  FIG. 21 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 135 .  
      Herein, in case that the bit  0  of the data obtained by the process in the step S 132  is ON, the bit  0  corresponds to Cherry. Accordingly, the display combination (or pseudo display combination) which is not allowed by the internal winning combination (or internal winning combination for stop) is Cherry. In this case, in order to prevent the combination of symbols corresponding to Cherry which is not allowed by the internal winning combination from being displayed, the determination in the step S 134  is adapted to be YES.  
      In the step S 135 , the CPU  31  determines whether the stop button for which the push operation is active is 1 or not, i.e., whether it is after the second stop operation or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 82  or S 85  in  FIG. 21 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 136 .  
      Herein, in the step S 135 , the determination is adapted to be YES in case that there is the display combination (or pseudo display combination) which is not allowed by the internal winning combination (or internal winning combination for stop) and the number of stop buttons for which the push operation is active is 1. By doing so, a combination of symbols, which correspond to the display combination (or pseudo display combination) which is not allowed by the internal winning combination (or internal winning combination for stop), is not displayed along the activated line (or display line).  
      In the step S 136 , the CPU  31  sets 1 as an initial value of the priority ranking when the priority attraction-in ranking table (see  FIG. 14 ) is referred to, sets ┌6┘ in the number of checks and proceeds to a step S 137 . The number of checks is the maximum remaining number of operations of carrying out a process in a step S 138  which will be described later.  
      In the step S 137 , the CPU  31  obtains the attraction-in data corresponding to the current priority ranking on the basis of the priority attraction-in ranking table, and proceeds to the step S 138 . In the step S 138 , the CPU  31  takes a logical product of the DE register, the HL register and the attraction-in data obtained in the step S 137 , and proceeds to a step S 139 . In the step S 139 , the CPU  31  determines whether all the bits constituting the data, which is obtained by taking the logical product of the DE register, the HL register and the attraction-in data in the step S 138 , are ┌0┘ or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 140 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 142 .  
      In the step S 140 , the CPU  31  adds ┌1┘ to the priority ranking, subtracts  1  from the number of checks and proceeds to a step S 141 . In the step S 141 , the CPU  31  determines whether the number of checks is ┌0┘ or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 142 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 137 . In the step S 142 , the CPU  31  sets the value having added 1 to the number of checks as the priority ranking data, and proceeds to the step S 82  or S 85  in  FIG. 21 .  
      Herein, in case that the result of the determination in the step S 134  or S 135  is YES and thus the process in the step S 138  has never carried out, the initial value (i.e., ┌0┘) of the priority ranking data set in the step S 131  is determined as the priority ranking data. In this case, the data of the upper 4 bits or lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data, which will be obtained in the step S 85  of  FIG. 21  later, becomes ┌0000┘ representing the stop prohibition.  
      In addition, in case that the result of determination in the step S 139  has never been YES after the process in the step S 136 , the number of checks becomes ┌0┘, and a value having added ┌1┘ to the number of checks ┌0┘ (i.e., ┌1┘) is determined as the priority ranking data in the step S 142 . In this case, the data of the upper 4 bits or lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data, which will be obtained in the step S 85  of  FIG. 21  later, becomes ┌0001┘ representing the stop possibility.  
      In the followings, it is described a reel stop control process for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R on the basis of the internal winning combination or timing of the stop operation by the player, with reference to  FIG. 25 .  
      First, the CPU  31  determines whether an active stop button has been pushed, i.e., whether the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R corresponding to the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated have been pushed or not (step S 151 ). Specifically, the CPU  31  determines whether active stop button flags corresponding to the pushed stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are ON or not. If a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  updates the active stop button flags corresponding to the pushed stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R to OFF and proceeds to a step S 154 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 152 .  
      Herein, the active stop button flag is information for discriminating whether the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R corresponding to the pushed stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are being rotated. Three flags are provided to correspond to each of the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R. In case that the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R corresponding to the pushed stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are being rotated, the active stop button flags corresponding to the corresponding stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are ON. In case that the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R corresponding to the pushed stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are not being rotated, the active stop button flags corresponding to the corresponding stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R are OFF.  
      In the step S 152 , the CPU  31  determines whether 30 seconds has lapsed or not after the reel has started to rotate, so as to carry out an automatic stop of the reel. The automatic stop is meant that the gaming machine automatically (i.e., internally) stops the variation of the symbol when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has lapsed, with the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R being not pushed (i.e., with the stop command being not detected), from after it was detected an operation of the start lever  6  (i.e., the process in the step S 36  of  FIG. 18  was carried out). When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 153 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 151 .  
      In the step S 153 , the CPU  31  determines an expected stop position at which the winning combination becomes the losing. The expected stop position is a code number of a symbol displayed at the position of the center line  8   c  when the reel, which was subject to the stop operation, is stopped. In the step S 153 , in case of carrying out the automatic stop, even though there are Small Win, MB, Replay and the like determined as an internal winning combination, in order to ensure fairness in the game, the CPU  31  determines an expected stop position at which a combination of symbols corresponding to the internal winning combination is not displayed along the activated line.  
      In the step S 154 , the CPU  31  carries out a priority attraction-in control process which will be described with reference to  FIG. 26 , and proceeds to a step S 155 . In the step S 155 , the CPU  31  transmits a reel stop command and proceeds to a step S 156 . The reel stop command includes information about an expected stop position determined in a priority attraction-in control process (see  FIG. 26 ) and the number of sliding symbols.  
      In the step S 156 , the CPU  31  updates the symbol storing area based on the expected stop position and proceeds to a step S 157 . Specifically, on the assumption that the rotation of the reel is stopped at the expected stop position determined in the step S 153  or a step S 169  in  FIG. 26 , in this case, the CPU  31  stores identifiers corresponding to types of symbols located at each of the symbol display areas of the corresponding reel in the symbol display areas.  
      In the step S 157 , the CPU  31  determines whether there is a stop button for which the push operation is active or not. Specifically, the CPU  31  determines whether any one of the three active stop button flags is ON or not. In case that there are the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R being rotated and any one of the three active stop button flags is ON, a result of the determination becomes YES and the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 158 . In case that all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped and all the three active stop button flags are OFF, a result of the determination becomes NO and the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 159 .  
      In the step S 158 , the CPU  31  carries out the expected display combination storing process (see  FIG. 21 ) and proceeds to the step S 151 . Herein, the expected display combination storing process includes a case carried out as the process in the step S 158  and a case carried out as the process in the step S 65  of the reel stop initialization process (see  FIG. 20 ). In case that the expected display combination storing process is carried out as the process in the step S 65  of the reel stop initialization process (see  FIG. 20 ), before the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R start to rotate after the start operation is carried out, with regard to each of the symbols positions of the respective reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, it is carried out an expectation of a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols displayed after the rotation of the reel is stopped at the corresponding symbol position, in the expected display combination storing process.  
      In addition, in case that the expected display combination storing process is carried out as the process in the step S 158 , after the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R has started to rotate and then the stop operation has been carried out, and before the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the push operation has been carried out is stopped, with regard to each of the symbols positions of the respective reels being rotated, it is carried out an expectation of a display combination corresponding to a combination of symbols stopped and displayed after the rotation of the reel is stopped at the corresponding symbol position, in the expected display combination storing process.  
      In the step S 159 , the CPU  31  determines whether the stop button has been under pushed state. Specifically, it determines whether the stop command signal has been detected from the stop button for which the third stop operation has been carried out, among the stop buttons  7 L,  7 C,  7 R. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 159 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 14  in  FIG. 17 . Herein, while the stop button for which the third stop operation has been carried out is being pushed, it is continued such state the process in the step S 159  is repeated and the CPU  31  does not proceed to a process next to the step S 159 .  
      In the followings, it is described a priority attraction-in control process for determining an expected stop position based on a type of an internal winning combination, a gaming state and the like, with reference to  FIG. 26 .  
      First, the CPU  31  selects an expected display combination storing area in accordance with the pushed stop button (step S 161 ) and proceeds to a step S 162 . Specifically, the CPU  31  selects an expected display combination storing area corresponding to a reel corresponding to the pushed stop button. In the step S 162 , the CPU  31  sets  5  as the number of checks and proceeds to a step S 163 . In the priority attraction-in control process, the number of checks is meant by the number of operations of retrieving the expected display combination storing area.  
      In the step S 163 , the CPU  31  determines whether it is under MB gaming state, i.e., whether the flag under MB operation is ON or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 164 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 166 . In the step S 164 , the CPU  31  determines whether the left stop button  7 L has been pushed. Specifically, it determines whether a stop command signal has been transmitted from the stop button  7 L. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 165 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 166 .  
      In the step S 166 , the CPU  31  retrieves the greatest data (i.e., expected display combination data) of the expected display combination storing areas, within the number of checks, from an area corresponding to the symbol position corresponding to a symbol counter. The symbol counter is a counter for discriminating the symbol position. The symbol counter includes information of code numbers corresponding to the symbols located at the center line  8   c,  among the symbols displayed on the reels.  
      In the step S 167 , the CPU  31  determines and evacuates the number of sliding symbols on the basis of the retrieval result, and proceeds to a step S 168 . Specifically, the CPU  31  determines a difference between a value of a symbol position corresponding to the highest expected display combination data among the expected display combination data retrieved in the process of the step S 166  and a value stored in the symbol counter, as the number of sliding symbols, and evacuates the number of sliding symbols determined. In the step S 168 , the CPU  31  restores the number of sliding symbols evacuated in the step S 167  to determine the number of sliding symbols, and proceeds to a step S 169 .  
      Herein, in the step S 167 , in consideration that the greatest expected display combination data is plurally retrieved within the retrieval range of the expected display combination storing areas, the number of sliding symbols determined is once evacuated. In case that the greatest expected display combination data is plurally retrieved, the CPU  31  determines the number of sliding symbols for each of the plural expected display combination data and once evacuates the corresponding number of sliding symbols determined. In the step S 168 , the CPU  31  determines the smallest number of sliding symbols of the plural numbers of sliding symbols evacuated.  
      In the step S 169 , based on the symbol counter and the number of sliding symbols determined in the step S 168 , the CPU  31  determines and stores an expected stop position and proceeds to the step S 155  in  FIG. 25 . Specifically, the CPU  31  determines a symbol position obtained when the reel is rotated as the number of sliding symbols determined in the step S 168 , as the expected stop position.  
      In the followings, it is described a bonus end checking process for ending a MB gaming state when it is satisfied an end condition of the MB gaming state, with reference to  FIG. 27 .  
      First, the CPU  31  determines whether the bonus end number counter is ┌0┘ or not (step S 171 ). When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 172 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 20  in  FIG. 17 . In the step S 172 , the CPU  31  carries out a process on MB ending and proceeds to a step S 173 . Specifically, the CPU  31  stores ┌0┘ in the bit  0  which is a storing area corresponding to the flag under MB operation of the areas for storing a flag under operation ( FIG. 11D ), and clears the bonus end number counter.  
      In the step S 173 , the CPU  31  transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit  72  and proceeds to a step S 174 . In the step S 174 , the CPU  31  determines whether a RT preparation flag is ON or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 175 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 20  in  FIG. 17 . The RT preparation flag is information for discriminating whether the RT 1  section has been allowed to operate or not. In case that the RT 1  section has been allowed to operate, the RT preparation flag is ON. In case that the RT 1  section has not been allowed to operate, the RT preparation flag is OFF.  
      In the step S 175 , the CPU  31  makes the flag under RT 1  operation ON, clears the RT preparation flag (i.e., updates the RT preparation flag to OFF), and proceeds to a step S 176 . In the step S 176 , the CPU  31  stores ┌1000┘ in the RT game number counter, and proceeds to the step S 20  in  FIG. 17 .  
      In the followings, it is described a bonus operation checking process for operating a MB gaming state and a RT section based on types of the display combinations determined, with reference to  FIG. 28 .  
      First, the CPU  31  determines whether the display combination is MB 1  or MB 2  (step S 181 ). When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 182 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 187 . In the step S 182 , the CPU  31  determines whether the display combination is MB 1  or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 183 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 184 . In the step S 183 , the CPU  31  updates the RT preparation flag to ON and proceeds to the step S 184 .  
      In the step S 184 , the CPU  31  clears the internal carryover combination storing area and proceeds to a step S 185 . In the step S 185 , the CPU  31  carries out the process on MB operation based on the table on bonus operation (see  FIG. 10 ) and proceeds to a step S 186 . For example, in case that the display combination is MB 1 , the CPU  31  refers to the table on bonus operation (see  FIG. 10 ) to update the flag on MB operation corresponding to MB to ON, and sets the bonus end number counter. In the step S 186 , the CPU  31  transmits a bonus operation command to the sub-control circuit  72 , and proceeds to the step S 2  in  FIG. 17 .  
      In the step S 187 , the CPU  31  determines whether the display combination is RT or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 188 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 191 . In the step S 188 , the CPU  31  determines whether the flag under RT 2  operation is ON or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to the step S 2  in  FIG. 17 , otherwise proceeds to a step S 189 . In the step S 189 , the CPU  31  updates the flag under RT 2  operation to ON and proceeds to a step S 190 . In the step S 190 , the CPU  31  stores ┌1000┘ in the RT game number counter, and proceeds to the step S 2  in  FIG. 17 .  
      Herein, only when the display combination is RT (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 187  is YES) and the flag under RT 2  operation is not ON (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 188  is NO), the flag under RT 2  operation becomes ON in the step S 189  and ┌1000┘ is stored in the RT game number counter in the step S 190 .  
      In other words, in case that the display combination becomes RT when the RT 2  section does not operate, the RT 2  section operates and ┌1000┘ is stored in the RT game number counter. Since the RT game number counter is subtracted every game, and the RT 2  section is over when the value of the RT game number counter becomes ┌0┘, the RT 2  section is continued over maximum 1,000 games.  
      On the other hand, in case that the display combination becomes RT when the RT 2  section operates (i.e., when the value of the RT game number counter is not ┌0┘), since the result of the determination in the step S 188  becomes YES, the RT game number counter is not updated to ┌1000┘ when the RT 2  section operates. Accordingly, the RT 2  section is not continued over 1,000 games.  
      In the step S 191 , the CPU  31  determines whether the display combination is Replay or not. When a result of the determination is YES, the CPU  31  proceeds to a step S 192 , otherwise proceeds to the step S 2  in  FIG. 17 . In the step S 192 , since the combination of symbols corresponding to Replay was displayed, the CPU  31  copies the insertion number counter to the automatic insertion counter (i.e., it stores a value, which is same as the value stored in the insertion number counter, in the automatic insertion counter), and proceeds to the step S 2  in  FIG. 17 . By the process in the step S 192 , a value same as the value stored in the automatic insertion counter is set in the insertion number counter, in the process of the step S 24  in  FIG. 18  in a next game.  
      In the followings, it is described an intervention process under control of the main CPU for repetitively performing a predetermined process carried out every predetermined time by the main CPU (CPU  31 ), with reference to  FIG. 29 . The intervention process is repetitively carried out every 1.1173 ms.  
      First, the CPU  31  carries out a timer update process for subtracting ┌1┘ from the value set in the timer for demo (step S 201 ), and proceeds to a step S 202 . In the step S 202 , the CPU  31  checks an input port and proceeds to a step S 203 . Specifically, the CPU  31  checks whether there is an input from the start switch  6 S by the operation of the start lever  6 . In the step S 203 , the CPU  31  carries out a reel rotation driving process and proceeds to a step S 204 . Specifically, the CPU  31  sets information representing a control target reel as a reel identifier, and controls the driving of the reel.  
      In the step S 204 , the CPU  31  carries out a lamp-7SEG driving process and ends the periodical intervention process. Specifically, the CPU  31  turns on the BET lamps  17   a  to  17   c  based on the insertion number. In addition, the CPU  31  displays the number of medals credited (i.e., stacked), the payout number of medals and the like on the credit display unit  19 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order of storing data (i.e., expected display combination data) in the expected display combination storing area based on the internal winning combination, the stop operation and the like, and an order until an expected stop position is determined on the basis of the data stored in the expected display combination storing area, with reference to  FIGS. 30 and 31 . In addition, it is not shown the data which is stored in the expected display combination storing areas  2  and  3 .  
       FIG. 30A  shows a pattern I of data (i.e., expected display combination data) stored in the expected display combination storing area  1 , in case the push operation of the left stop button  7 L as the first stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, the push operation of the central stop button  7 C as the second stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, and the push operation of the right stop button  7 R as the third stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘ when an internal winning combination is ┌001000000┘ (i.e., Replay). The stop starting position is a code number of a symbol located at the center line  8   c,  among the symbols displayed on the reel corresponding to the stop button for which the stop operation is carried out.  
      Hereinafter, it is described an order of storing the data shown in  FIG. 30A  in the expected display combination storing area, and an order until an expected stop position is determined on the basis of the data stored in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, it is described an order of storing the data in the expected display combination storing area before the reel starts to rotate, in the reel stop initialization process (see  FIG. 20 ).  
      The left reel  3 L is determined as a retrieval target reel, and ┌0┘ is set as a symbol position. Based on the type of the retrieval target reel, the symbol position and the symbol arrangement table, a type of a symbol is specified (i.e., Replay), and an identifier corresponding to Replay is stored in an area corresponding to the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, among the symbol storing areas.  
      Next, a symbol corresponding to a symbol position (i.e., ┌1┘) having added ┌1┘ to the symbol position ┌0┘ is specified (i.e., Bell) on the basis of the symbol arrangement table, and an identifier corresponding to Bell is stored in an area corresponding to the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, among the symbol storing areas. Likewise, a symbol corresponding to a symbol position (in this case, exceptionally ┌20┘) having subtracted Π1┘ from the symbol position ┌0┘ is specified (i.e., Crown) on the basis of the symbol arrangement table.  
      Next, a leading address of the symbol combination table is set, and a display combination is determined on the basis of the data which is stored in an area corresponding to the top line  8   b,  among the symbol storing areas. In other words, since (the identifier of) ┌Bell-being rotated-being rotated┘ has been stored in the area corresponding to the top line  8   b  of the symbol storing areas, ┌bell┘ and ┌Replay┘ are determined as display combinations on the basis of the symbol combination table and ┌001000010┘ is stored in the display combination storing area.  
      Continuously, display combinations are determined in order of the bottom line  8   d,  the cross-down line  8   e  and the cross-up line  8   a,  and a logical sum of the determined display combinations is once stored in the display combination storing area and then stored in the pseudo display combination storing area (in this case, ┌001010010┘). In addition, the display combination storing areas are cleared.  
      Next, based on (the identifier of) ┌Replay-being rotated-being rotated┘ stored in the area corresponding to the center line  8   c  of the symbol storing areas, ┌Chance Small Win┘, ┌RT┘, ┌10 pieces of Small Win┘ are determined as display combinations, and the data corresponding to the corresponding display combinations is stored in the display combination storing area (in this case, ┌000111000┘). Then, it is taken an exclusive logical sum of the display combination storing area (i.e., ┌000111000┘) and the internal winning combination storing area (i.e., ┌00100000┘) and then a logical product of a result thereof and the display combination storing area.  
      As a result of that, it is determined that all the bits  0 ˜ 8  are not ┌0┘. Since the bit  0  is not ON (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 134  is NO) and it is not also after the second stop operation (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 135  of  FIG. 24  is NO), it is sequentially taken a logical product of each of the attraction-in data defined every priority ranking in the priority attraction-in ranking table, the display combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area. In addition, since there is no attraction-in data whose logical product with the display combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area is not ┌0┘, ┌1┘ is temporarily determined as the priority attraction-in data. The bit pattern of this priority attraction-in data is shifted to the left (i.e., to the upper) by 4 (i.e., from ┌00000001┘ to ┌00010000┘) and then evacuated.  
      Next, it is taken an exclusive logical sum of the pseudo display combination storing area (i.e., ┌001010010┘) and the internal winning combination storing area for stop (i.e., ┌001000000┘) and then a logical product of a result thereof and the display combination storing area. As a result of that, it is determined that all the bits  0 ˜ 8  are not ┌0┘. Since the bit  0  is not ON (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 134  is NO) and it is not also after the second stop operation (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 135  of  FIG. 24  is NO), it is sequentially taken a logical product of each of the attraction-in data defined every priority ranking in the priority attraction-in ranking table, the pseudo display combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area for stop.  
      Herein, since the logical product of the attraction-in data having the priority ranking ┌1┘, the pseudo display combination storing area and the internal winning combination storing area for stop is not ┌0┘, ┌1┘ is added to the number of checks ┌6┘ of this time and then the result value is determined as the priority attraction-in data (i.e., binary number of 8 bits (┌00000111┘)). Then, it is taken a logical sum (i.e., ┌00010111┘) of the priority ranking determined and the evacuated data, which is then stored in an area corresponding to the symbol position ┌0┘ as the expected display combination storing area  1 .  
      The above processes are carried out for each of all the symbol positions on all the reels. In addition, the expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to the left reel  3 L, the expected display combination storing area  2  corresponds to the center reel  3 C and the expected display combination storing area  3  corresponds to the right reel  3 R.  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the first stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the first stop operation is the push operation of the left stop button  7 L, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected. ┌5┘ is set as the number of checks, and it is retrieved the greatest data within the number of checks from the area of the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ in the expected display combination storing area  1 . Herein, since the data ┌01110001┘ of the symbol position ┌1┘ is greatest, a difference ┌1┘ between the symbol position ┌1┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌1┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌1┘.  
      The above process of determining the priority ranking data is carried out for the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop buttons for which the push operation is active, and the corresponding priority ranking data is stored in the display combination storing areas corresponding to the reels. In addition, the center reel  3 C corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  2 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the second stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the second stop operation is the push operation of the center stop button  7 C, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01110001┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      The priority ranking data is determined for the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop button for which the push operation is active, as described above, and the determined priority ranking data is stored in the expected display combination storing area corresponding to the right reel  3 R. In addition, the expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to the right reel  3 R.  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the third stop operation.  
      Since the third stop operation is the push operation of the right stop button  7 R, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01110000┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      Accordingly, ┌0┘, ┌0┘, and ┌0┘ are respectively determined as the expected stop positions corresponding to the left reel  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R, so that the stop modes of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are as shown in a display example I of  FIG. 32A .  
       FIG. 30B  shows a pattern  11  of data (i.e., expected display combination data) stored in the expected display combination storing area  1 , in case the push operation of the left stop button  7 L as the first stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, the push operation of the center stop button  7 C as the second stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, and the push operation of the right stop button  7 R as the third stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘ when an internal winning combination is ┌000100000┘ (i.e., RT) and the internal winning combination for stop is ┌000100010┘ (i.e., RT and Bell).  
      Hereinafter, it is described an order of storing the data shown in  FIG. 30B  in the expected display combination storing area, and an order until an expected stop position is determined on the basis of the data stored in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, as described above, in the reel stop initialization process, it is carried out the process of determining the priority ranking data for each of the symbol positions of all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R on the basis of the internal winning combination, and the determined data is stored in the expected display combination storing areas  1 ˜ 3 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the first stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the first stop operation is the push operation of the left stop button  7 L, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected. ┌5┘ is set as the number of checks, and it is retrieved the greatest data within the number of checks from the area of the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ in the expected display combination storing area  1 . Herein, since the data ┌01000001┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      The above process of determining the priority ranking data is carried out for the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop buttons for which the push operation is active, and the corresponding priority ranking data is stored in the display combination storing areas corresponding to the reels. In addition, the center reel  3 C corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  2 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the second stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the second stop operation is the push operation of the center stop button  7 C, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01000001┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      The priority ranking data is determined for the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop button for which the push operation is active, as described above, and the determined priority ranking data is stored in the expected display combination storing area corresponding to the right reel  3 R. In addition, the expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to the right reel  3 R.  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the third stop operation.  
      Since the third stop operation is the push operation of the right stop button  7 R, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01000100┘ of the symbol position ┌4┘ is greatest, a difference ┌4┘ between this symbol position ┌4┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌4┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌4┘.  
      Herein, in one embodiment, in case that the internal winning combination is Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win or RT (i.e., a result of the determination in the step S 62  of  FIG. 20  is YES), ┌1┘ is stored in the bit  1  corresponding to Bell in the internal winning combination storing area, in the step S 63  of  FIG. 20 . Accordingly, it becomes more cases that the data (i.e., ┌0100┘) corresponding to Bell is stored in the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data.  
      Thereby, it becomes higher a probability that the combination of symbols corresponding to Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win or RT will be displayed along the activated line and the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ will be displayed along the display lines except the activated line. In other words, the probability that the combination of symbols corresponding to Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win or RT will be displayed along the activated line and the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ will be displayed along the display lines except the activated line is higher a probability that the probability that the combination of symbols corresponding to Chance Small Win, 10 pieces of Small Win or RT will be displayed along the activated line and the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ will be not displayed along the display lines except the activated line.  
      As described above, through the step S 63  in  FIG. 20 , in the expected display combination storing area after the second stop operation shown in  FIG. 30B , the data of the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data corresponding to the symbol position ┌4┘ is adapted to be ┌0100┘ corresponding to Bell. In the mean time, the data of the lower 4 bits of the expected display combination data corresponding to the symbol position ┌3┘ is ┌0001┘ corresponding to ┌stop possibility┘.  
      Accordingly, all the data of the upper 4 bits of the expected display combination data corresponding to the symbol positions ┌4┘ and ┌3┘ are ┌0100┘ corresponding to RT. The value of the expected display combination data (┌01000100┘) corresponding to the symbol positions ┌4┘ is greater than the value of the expected display combination data (┌01000001┘) corresponding to the symbol positions ┌3┘, and the number of sliding symbols corresponding to the symbol position ┌4┘ is determined.  
      Accordingly, ┌0┘, ┌0┘, and ┌4┘ are respectively determined as the expected stop positions corresponding to the left reel  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R, so that the stop modes of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are as shown in a display example II of  FIG. 32B . In other words, the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-E┘ is displayed along the activated line and the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the display line (i.e., top line  8   b ) except the activated line at the same time.  
       FIG. 31A  shows a pattern III of data (i.e., expected display combination data) stored in the expected display combination storing area  1 , in case the push operation of the left stop button  7 L as the first stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, the push operation of the center stop button  7 C as the second stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, and the push operation of the right stop button  7 R as the third stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, when an internal winning combination is ┌000111111┘ (i.e., internal winning combination except MB 1 , MB 2  and Replay) under MB gaming state.  
      Hereinafter, it is described an order of storing the data shown in  FIG. 31A  in the expected display combination storing area, and an order until an expected stop position is determined on the basis of the data stored in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, as described above, in the reel stop initialization process, it is carried out the process of determining the priority ranking data for each of the symbol positions of all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R on the basis of the internal winning combination, and the determined data is stored in the expected display combination storing areas  1 ˜ 3 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the first stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the first stop operation is the push operation of the left stop button  7 L, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected. ┌2┘ is set as the number of checks because it is under MB gaming state, and it is retrieved the greatest data within the number of checks from the area of the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ in the expected display combination storing area  1 . Herein, since the data ┌01010101┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      The above process of determining the priority ranking data is carried out for the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop buttons for which the push operation is active, and the corresponding priority ranking data is stored in the display combination storing areas corresponding to the reels. In addition, the center reel  3 C corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  2 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the second stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the second stop operation is the push operation of the center stop button  7 C, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01010100┘ of the symbol position ┌0┘ is greatest, a difference ┌0┘ between this symbol position ┌0┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌0┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌0┘.  
      The priority ranking data is determined for the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop button for which the push operation is active, as described above, and the determined priority ranking data is stored in the expected display combination storing area corresponding to the right reel  3 R. In addition, the expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to the right reel  3 R.  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the third stop operation.  
      Since the third stop operation is the push operation of the right stop button  7 R, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01010000┘ of the symbol position ┌1┘ is greatest, a difference ┌1┘ between this symbol position ┌1┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌1┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌1┘.  
      Accordingly, ┌0┘, ┌0┘, and ┌1┘ are respectively determined as the expected stop positions corresponding to the left reel  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R, so that the stop modes of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are as shown in a display example III of  FIG. 33A .  
       FIG. 31B  shows a pattern IV of data (i.e., expected display combination data) stored in the expected display combination storing area  1 , in case the push operation of the left stop button  7 L as the first stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, the push operation of the center stop button  7 C as the second stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘, and the push operation of the right stop button  7 R as the third stop operation is carried out at the stop starting position ┌0┘ when an internal winning combination is ┌100000000┘ (i.e., MB 1 ).  
      Hereinafter, it is described an order of storing the data shown in  FIG. 31B  in the expected display combination storing area, and an order until an expected stop position is determined on the basis of the data stored in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, as described above, in the reel stop initialization process, it is carried out the process of determining the priority ranking data for each of the symbol positions of all the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R on the basis of the internal winning combination, and the determined data is stored in the expected display combination storing areas  1 ˜ 3 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the first stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the first stop operation is the push operation of the left stop button  7 L, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected. ┌5┘ is set as the number of checks, and it is retrieved the greatest data within the number of checks from the area of the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ in the expected display combination storing area  1 . Herein, since the data ┌01100001┘ of the symbol position ┌3┘ is greatest, a difference ┌3┘ between this symbol position ┌3┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌3┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌3┘.  
      The above process of determining the priority ranking data is carried out for the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop buttons for which the push operation is active, and the corresponding priority ranking data is stored in the display combination storing areas corresponding to the reels. In addition, the center reel  3 C corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  1  and the right reel  3 R corresponds to the expected display combination storing area  2 .  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the second stop operation and an order for storing the data in the expected display combination storing area.  
      First, since the second stop operation is the push operation of the center stop button  7 C, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, since the data ┌01100001┘ of the symbol position ┌3┘ is greatest, a difference ┌3┘ between this symbol position ┌3┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌3┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌3┘.  
      The priority ranking data is determined for the right reel  3 R corresponding to the stop button for which the push operation is active, as described above, and the determined priority ranking data is stored in the expected display combination storing area corresponding to the right reel  3 R. In addition, the expected display combination storing area  1  corresponds to the right reel  3 R.  
      In the followings, it is described an order for determining an expected stop position based on the data stored in the expected display combination storing area in accordance with the third stop operation.  
      Since the third stop operation is the push operation of the right stop button  7 R, the expected display combination storing area  1  is selected and it is checked the number of sliding symbols. Herein, the data ┌01100001┘ of the symbol position ┌3┘ and the data ┌01100001┘ of the symbol position ┌4┘ are greatest. Herein, a difference between this symbol position ┌3┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is ┌3┘. In addition, a difference between this symbol position ┌4┘ and the symbol position ┌0┘ corresponding to the symbol counter ┌0┘ is ┌4┘. The smaller difference ┌ 3 ┘ of the determined differences ┌4┘ and ┌3┘ is determined as the number of sliding symbols, and ┌3┘ is determined as an expected stop position, based on the corresponding number of sliding symbols ┌3┘.  
      Accordingly, ┌3┘, ┌3┘, and ┌3┘ are respectively determined as the expected stop positions corresponding to the left reel  3 L, the center reel  3 C and the right reel  3 R, so that the stop modes of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are as shown in a display example IV of  FIG. 33B .  
      Hereinafter, it is described a display example of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  and the display windows  21 L,  21 C,  21 R, with reference to  FIGS. 32 and 33 .  
       FIG. 32A  shows a display example  1 . The display example I is an example of a mode in which Replay is achieved (i.e., the combination of symbols corresponding to Replay is displayed along the activated line). Specifically, ┌E┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, and ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the left reel  3 L. ┌bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, and ┌Watermelon┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the center reel  3 C. ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, and ┌Watermelon┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R.  
      In other words, the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Replay-Bell┘ is displayed along the center line  8   c  and the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the cross-up line  8   a  at the same time.  
       FIG. 32B  shows a display example  11 . The display example II is an example of a mode in which RT is achieved (i.e., the combination of symbols corresponding to RT is displayed along the activated line). Specifically, ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, and ┌Crown┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the left reel  3 L. ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, and ┌Watermelon┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the center reel  3 C. ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, ┌E┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, and ┌E┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R.  
      In other words, the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-E┘ is displayed along the activated line and the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the top line  8   b  at the same time.  
       FIG. 33A  shows a display example Ill. The display example III is an example of a mode in which 10 pieces of Small Win is achieved (i.e., the combination of symbols corresponding to 10 pieces of Small Win is displayed along the activated line). Specifically, ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, and ┌Crown┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the left reel  3 L. ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, and ┌watermelon┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the center reel  3 C. ┌N┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, ┌Replay┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, and ┌Bell┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R. In other words, the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the center line  8   c.    
      Herein, in one embodiment, in case that a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed along the display line, a payout to be awarded a player may be different in accordance with a type of the display line at which the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed.  
      For example, when the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the center line  8   c  (see  FIG. 33A ), a display combination is 10 pieces of Small Win and 10 medals are paid out. In addition, when the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the cross-up line  8   a,  the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Replay-Bell┘ is simultaneously displayed along the center line  8   c  (see  FIG. 32A ), a display combination is Replay and a medal is automatically inserted.  
      In addition, when the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the center line  8   c  (not shown), a display combination is Bell and  9  medals are paid out. In addition, when the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the top line  8   b  (see  FIG. 32B ), the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-E┘ is simultaneously displayed along the center line  8   c  and the RT section operates.  
      In addition, when the combination of symbols ┌Cherry-ANY-ANY┘ is displayed along the center line  8   c,  a display combination is Cherry and 2 medals are paid out. In addition, when the combination of symbols ┌cherry-ANY-ANY┘ is displayed along the top line  8   b,  since the symbol ┌Crown┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, there may occur such a case that a combination of symbols ┌Crown-Replay-Replay┘ (corresponding to 10 pieces of Small Win) is displayed along the center line  8   c,  a display combination is 10 pieces of Small Win and 10 medals are paid out.  
      By doing so, even though a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed, a payout to be awarded to a player is different in accordance with a type of a display line along which the combination is displayed. Therefore, even though the combination of same symbols is displayed, the player can feel a joy which is different depending on the situations, and hold more interests in the plural symbols displayed on the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R through the display windows  4 L,  4 C,  4 R.  
      In other words, the gaming machine according to the embodiment 1 is a gaming machine wherein the payout (for example, payout of medals, transition of gaming state, etc.) is determined along the center line  8   c,  but comprises the symbol arrangement and stop control of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R in which when the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the cross-up line  8   a,  the Replay operates and when the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the top line  8   b,  the RT (i.e., RT section) operates. In addition, when the combination of symbols displayed along the display lines except the activated line is different, a payout to be awarded to a player is different.  
      In addition, in one embodiment, a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed along the display line except the activated line (for example, center line  8   c ), so that an image is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit  2   b,  which includes the information giving a hint as to a payout to be awarded to a player.  
      Specifically, the information about the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed and a phrase of ┌9 pieces or ?┘ is displayed at the same time on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b.  By the displays, the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the activated line (i.e., center line  8   c ), so that it is clearly informed that  9  medals will be paid out. At the same time, the combination of symbols ┌Bell-Bell-Bell┘ is displayed along the display line except the activated line, so that it is given a hint as to a payout to be awarded to a player (for example, operation of the RT section).  
      In addition, the information about the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed and a phrase of ┌Replay or ?┘ is displayed at the same time on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b.  By the displays, the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the display line except the activated line, so that a payout that a next game will be possible without consuming the medals is clearly informed. At the same time, the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed along the activated line (for example, center line  8   c ), so that it is given a hint as to a payout to be awarded to a player (for example, payout of 10 medals).  
      In addition, the information about the combination of symbols ┌cherry-ANY-ANY┘ is displayed and a phrase of ┌2 pieces or ?┘ is displayed at the same time on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b.  By the displays, the combination of symbols ┌Cherry-ANY-ANY┘ is displayed along the activated line (i.e., center line  8   c ), so that a payout that 2 medals will be paid out is clearly informed. At the same time, the combination of symbols ┌Cherry-ANY-ANY┘ is displayed along the display line except the activated line, so that it is given a hint as to payout to be awarded to a player (for example, payout of 10 medals).  
      Like this, since the information is displayed, which gives a hint as to the payout to be awarded by the display of the combination of symbols predetermined, it is possible to give a player a hope or uneasiness what kind of payout will be awarded, when such situations occur. In addition, the information displayed on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  is always displayed when a player plays a game (i.e., when a so-called demo game is not executed).  
       FIG. 33B  shows a display example IV. The display example IV is an example of a mode in which MB 1  is achieved (i.e., the combination of symbols corresponding to MB 1  is displayed along the activated line). Specifically, ┌Q┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, ┌U┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, and ┌E┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the left reel  3 L. ┌U┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, ┌crown┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, and ┌E┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the center reel  3 C. ┌E┘ is displayed in the upper symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, ┌E┘ is displayed in the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, and ┌N┘ is displayed in the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R.  
      In this case, the combination of symbols, which are displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the upper symbol display area of the center reel  3 C, the upper symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, the central symbol display area of the right reel  3 R and the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R, is recognized as a one word of ┌QUEEN┘ by the player. In addition, the same is the case of the combination of symbols which are displayed in the upper symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the central symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the lower symbol display area of the left reel  3 L, the lower symbol display area of the center reel  3 C and the lower symbol display area of the right reel  3 R.  
      Like this, since the combination of symbols as described above is displayed over the entire symbol display area (i.e., the whole reels), it is possible to provide the player with a more intense new effect. In addition, since the effect can be made using a reel which a player looks at carefully when playing a game, it is possible to reduce an extent that a player&#39;s gaze moves when an effect is made, and to decrease a player&#39;s burden, as compared to a case in which an effect is carried out with a display device separate from the reel.  
      In addition, in case that surrounding of the same kind of symbol (for example, surroundings of symbol such as same ┌Blue 7┘) is different, an identity thereof is faded and thus visibility of the symbol may be lost. However, according to an embodiment of the invention, the surrounding of the symbol is not different, so that a decorative effect is provided. In other words, it is possible to enhance the decorative effect without losing the visibility of the symbol.  
      While the embodiment has been described, the invention is not limited thereto.  
      In one embodiment, the display examples shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33  have been provided as an specific example of the information giving a hint as to a payout which is awarded a player when the combination of symbols predetermined (for example, ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘) is displayed along the display line except the activated line. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a combination of symbols predetermined is displayed to a player, the information giving a hint as to a payout to be awarded to a player will be enough.  
      In one embodiment, in case that the combination of symbols predetermined (for example, ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘) is displayed, the information giving a hint as to a payout to be awarded to a player (for example, phrase of ┌Replay or ?┘) is displayed on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b.  However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be displayed information clearly expressing all payouts which will be awarded to a player when the combination of symbols predetermined is displayed.  
      Specifically, it may be such structured that a phrase of ┌Replay or 10 pieces┘ is displayed while the information representing the combination of symbols ┌Replay-Replay-Replay┘ is displayed. By doing so, a player can concretely perceive the contents of a payout, which will be awarded to the player correspondingly to the combination of symbols predetermined, and play a game while expecting that the corresponding payout will be awarded.  
      In addition, in one embodiment, the information displayed on the upper left side of the liquid crystal display unit  2   b  is always displayed when a player plays a game (for example, when a so-called demo game is not played). However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be provided selection means for allowing a player to select whether the information is displayed or not. By doing so, the player, who have sufficiently perceived such information and thus does not require it, can enjoy the game more comfortably.  
      In one embodiment, it is structured such that the RT section is continued over maximum 1,000 games. However, the invention is not limited thereto. Specifically, it is proper that the RT section is continued over the number of games larger than a reciprocal of a probability that a bonus will be determined as an internal winning combination (for example, a probability that MB 1  and MB 2  defined by the internal lottery table for the normal gaming state (see  FIG. 7 ) will be determined as an internal winning combination).  
      In this case, it is possible to increase the probability that the bonus will be determined as an internal winning combination during the operation of RT section, and to further enhance a joy obtained when a player recognizes the operation of RT section.  
      In addition, in one embodiment, before it is carried out the control for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, it is carried out an expectation of a display combination which may be determined after the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R are stopped. Then, it is carried out the control for stopping the rotations of the reels  3 L,  3 C,  3 R, based on the corresponding expectation (for example, expected display combination data stored in the display combination storing area). However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be provided a stop table for determining a stop mode (for example, expected stop position) of a reel in accordance with a push operation of a stop button (for example, a stop position when a stop button is pushed) and it may be carried out the control for stopping the rotation of the reel by referring to the stop table.  
      In addition, in one embodiment, when ┌Replay-Replay-E┘, ┌Replay-Replay-Blue 7┘, or ┌Replay-Replay-Watermelon┘ is displayed along the activated line, RT (i.e., ┌000100000┘) becomes a display combination. In other words, the one display combination corresponds to the plural combinations of symbols. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may be such structured that a combination of symbols corresponds to a display combination by one-to-one (for example, it is provided display combinations, each of which corresponds to ┌Replay-Replay-E┘, ┌Replay-Replay-Blue 7┘, or ┌Replay-Replay-Watermelon┘).  
      In addition, in addition to the gaming machine  1  as described in the embodiment, the invention can be applied to another gaming machine such as pachinko gaming machine, pachinko-slot machine and the like. Additionally, the invention can be applied to a game program which pseudo-executes the operations of the above gaming machine  1 , as a home gaming machine. In this case, a medium for recording the game program may include a CD-ROM, FD (flexible disk) and the other recording media.  
      The other specific structures can be properly updated. In addition, the effects described in the embodiment are only enumerations of the most preferred effects obtainable from the invention and the effects of the invention are not limited to the embodiments.  
      While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as set forth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.