Patent Publication Number: US-2009227324-A1

Title: Slot Machine

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a slot machine. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, slot machines are constituted so that: a player presses a spin button of a slot machine to start a game after inserting game media such as coins and bills into the insertion slot of the slot machine; the slot machine displays a plurality of symbols in a scrolling manner on a display placed on the front face of a cabinet of the slot machines; and scrolling of such each symbol stops automatically. 
     Such slot machines include those employing a general idea of winning line. Under the idea of winning line, the predetermined number of game media is paid out when rearranged symbols form a predetermined winning combination on the winning line. Such a slot machine is disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102. 
     Such slot machines further include those which pay out the predetermined number of game media based on both rearranged symbols realizing a predetermined combination on the winning line and the number of scatter symbols. Such slot machines are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0065124. 
     In such conventional slot machines, payouts are determined without regard to the formation position of the winning lines formed by the symbols of a winning combination and/or the position of the displayed scatter symbols. Thus, the improvement in the entertaining feature of the slot machines has been demanded. 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel slot machine by enhancing the entertaining feature in the re-arrangement of the symbols. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying plural types of symbols in symbol matrix element display regions; and a processor for controlling the display device, the processor being programmed to: (a) rearrange the plural types of symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display regions, in a condition that the plural types of symbols are rearranged in column and row directions; (b) perform a shuffle process in which the symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display regions are rearranged in the same or different display regions of the symbol matrix display regions in a condition that number of predetermined symbols is maintained when more than predetermined number of the predetermined symbols are rearranged in the symbol matrix display regions in the process (a) and (c) award a prize when the shuffled symbols are rearranged in a winning combination on any of winning lines set in the column, row, or oblique direction of the symbol matrix display regions. 
     According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined number of (or more) symbols is rearranged, the symbols are shuffled. Therefore, for example, when three symbols “WILD” are rearranged but they do not form any winning combination, the symbols are shuffled and thus the three symbols “WILD” are given a chance to form the winning combination. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to the arrangement of the symbols. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. The predetermined symbols are scatter symbols, and the processor awards a prize when the predetermined number of the scatter symbols is arranged in the symbol matrix display regions. 
     According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined number of (or more) predetermined symbols is rearranged, the symbols are shuffled. Depending on the combination of the predetermined symbols, the prize to be awarded is determined based on the winning combination and symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements. Therefore, for example, the prize is awarded as the sum of the award of the winning combination formed by the symbols “WILD” and award of the number of the symbols “WILD” rearranged in the symbol matrix elements. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. The predetermined symbols are symbols “WILD”, and the processor awards a prize according to the combination of the symbols “WILD” and other symbols arranged on any of the winning lines. 
     According to the third aspect of the present invention, the slot machine determines the prize to be awarded based on the combination of the symbols “WILD” and other symbols. For example, when rearranged symbols form “WILD-WILD-1Bar”, the slot machine determines the prize based on the “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” prize. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying plural types of symbols in symbol matrix display regions; and a processor for controlling the display, the processor being programmed to: (a) rearrange the plural types of symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display regions, in a condition that the plural types of symbols are rearranged in column and row directions; (b) perform a shuffle process in which scatter symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display regions are rearranged in the same or different matrix display regions are rearranged in the same or different display regions of the symbol matrix display regions in a condition that number of the scatter symbols is maintained when more than predetermined number of the scatter symbols are arranged in the symbol matrix display regions in the process (a) and (c) award a prize when the shuffled scatter symbols are arranged in a winning combination on any of winning lines set in the column, row, or oblique direction of the symbol matrix display regions or when the predetermined number of the scatter symbols are arranged in the symbol matrix display regions. 
     According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined number of (or more) predetermined symbols is rearranged, the symbols are shuffled. Depending on the combination of the predetermined symbols, the prize to be awarded is determined based on the winning combination or symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements. Therefore, for example, the prize is awarded based on the award of the winning combination formed by the symbols “WILD” or award of the number of the symbols “WILD” rearranged in the symbol matrix elements. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. The scatter symbols are symbols “WILD”, and the processor awards a prize according to the combination of the symbols “WILD” and other symbols arranged on a winning line. 
     According to the fifth respect of the present invention, the slot machine determines the prize to be awarded based on the combination of the symbols “WILD” and other symbols. For example, when rearranged symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements are six “7” symbols and two “WILD” symbols, the prize is determined as when rearranged symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements are eight “7” symbols. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying plural types of symbols in symbol matrix display regions; and a processor for controlling the display, the processor being programmed to: (a) rearrange the plural types of symbols in the symbol matrix display regions, the plural types of symbols being arranged in column and row directions while the plural types of symbols are arranged; (b) perform a shuffle process in which “WILD” symbols arranged in the symbol matrix display regions are rearranged in the same or different display regions of the symbol matrix display regions in a condition that number of the “WILD” symbols is maintained when more than predetermined number of the “WILD” symbols are arranged in the symbol matrix display regions in the process (a) and (c) award a prize when the shuffled “WILD” symbols are arranged in a winning combination on any of winning lines set in the column, row, or oblique direction of the symbol matrix display regions or when the predetermined number of the “WILD” symbols are arranged in the symbol matrix display regions. 
     According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the slot machine determines the prize to be awarded based on the combination of the symbols “WILD” and other symbols. For example, when rearranged symbols form “WILD-WILD-1Bar”, the slot machine determines the prize based on the “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” prize. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. As another example, when rearranged symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements are six symbols “7” and two symbols “WILD”, the prize is determined as when rearranged symbols displayed in the symbol matrix elements are eight “7” symbols. Thereby the slot machine can enhance entertaining feature related to arrangement of the symbols. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a view exemplarily showing the shuffling of the symbols according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 1C  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols after shuffled according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically showing the slot machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram exemplarily depicting the internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a view showing a correspondence relationship in a normal game between respective symbols and payouts according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views each exemplarily showing an image displayed on the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views each exemplarily showing an image displayed on the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views each exemplarily showing an image displayed on the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views each exemplarily showing an image displayed on the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart exemplarily showing a subroutine of the main process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart exemplarily showing a subroutine of a symbol rearranging process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIGS. 12A and 12B  are views each showing a correspondence relationship between respective symbols and payouts according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 13A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 13B  is a view exemplarily showing the shuffling of the symbols according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 13C  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols after shuffled according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart exemplarily showing a subroutine of a symbol rearranging process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 15A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the second embodiment; 
         FIG. 15B  is a view exemplarily showing an arrangement of symbols after shuffled according to the third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15C  is a view exemplarily showing an arrangement of symbols after the symbols shuffled according to the third embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     First, a slot machine  10  according to a first embodiment will be described with referring to the drawings. The slot machine according to the first embodiment is a so-called video slot machine, which has an image display panel such as a liquid crystal display and executes a game by displaying images of various symbols on the image display panel. 
       FIG. 1A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 1B  is a view exemplarily showing the shuffling of the symbols according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 1C  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols after shuffled according to the first embodiment. The slot machine  10  according to the present invention is of a stand-alone type, which is not connected to a network, although the present invention is applicable to a networked slot machine. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A to 1C , symbol matrix elements SM are, as described later, displayed on a lower image display panel  16  included in the slot machine  10 . The symbol matrix elements SM are made up of a total of nine symbols in three columns and three rows. In the symbol matrix elements SM, six basic lines BL are defined along the column or row direction, respectively. In the embodiments of the present invention, the basic line shall mean a winning line other than a cross line. Furthermore, two cross lines CL are defined along directions that obliquely cross the symbol matrix elements SM. The eight winning lines in the embodiments of the present invention contain the basic lines BL and the cross lines CL. 
     In the embodiments of the present invention, any of the symbols, “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM. Payout is determined based on a combination of these symbols on the wining lines defined along the column and row directions. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , in a case where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, a frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM, in which the symbol “WILD” is rearranged, in order to make the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD” identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , when three or more symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM, the shuffling of rearranged symbols is executed. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, which have been rearranged as shown in  FIG. 1A , are rearranged in the same or different symbol matrix elements SM. Therefore, the frame  70   b  in a color different from that of the frame  70   a  is displayed in the symbol matrix element SM so as to make the rearrangement identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , when the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM after the shuffling, a frame  70   c  in a color different from those of frames  70   a  and  70   b  is identifiably displayed. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the payout is determined based on these rearranged symbols on the winning line defined along the column direction, the row direction or oblique directions. 
       FIG. 2  is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. The gaming media used in the slot machine  10  include coins, bills, or electronic value information equivalent thereto. In the present invention, however, the gaming media are not limitative thereto in particular, and can include medals, tokens, electric money, and tickets, for example. The above tickets are not limitative in particular, and can include barcode-attached tickets or the like, as described later, for example. 
     The slot machine  10  is provided with a cabinet  11 , a top box  12  installed on an upper side of the cabinet  11 , and a main door  13  provided on a front surface of the cabinet  11 . 
     The lower image display panel  16  serving as a display is provided in front of the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  is provided with a liquid crystal panel, which displays the nine symbol matrix elements SM in three columns and three rows. In each symbol matrix element SM, one symbol is arranged. 
     In the symbol matrix elements SM of the lower image display panel, winning lines containing six basic lines BL and two cross lines CL are defined. The six basic lines BL are defined along the columns or rows, respectively, while the cross lines are defined along the oblique direction across the symbol matrix elements SM. The basic lines BL and the cross lines CL as winning lines define a combination of symbols. 
     A payout amount display unit  31  of the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of coins credited by way of an image. A payout amount display unit  32  displays by way of an image the number of coins to be paid if a predetermined combination of symbols are rearranged on the winning line. 
     Provided on a lower side of the lower image display panel  16  are a control panel  20  having a plurality of buttons  23  to  27  through which command regarding the process of the game will be input by a player, a coin receiving slot  21  for receiving coins into the cabinet  11 , and a bill validator  22 . 
     On the control panel  20 , a start button  23 , a change button  24 , a cashout button  25 , a 1-BET button  26 , and a max-BET button  27  are provided. The start button  23  is intended for entering a command for starting the game. The change button  24  is intended for use in asking an attendant of the gaming facility for change. The cashout button  25  is intended for entering a command for paying the credited coins to a coin tray  18  through a coin payout exit  19 . 
     The 1-BET button  26  is intended for entering a command for betting one coin among the credited coins on the game. The max-BET button  27  is intended for entering a command for betting the upper number (50 in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet per game among the credited coins on the game. 
     The bill validator  22  validates whether or not a bill is legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into the cabinet  11 . The bill validator  22  may be configured so that a barcode-attached ticket  39  described later is readable thereby. Provided on a lower front surface of the main door  13 , that is, at a lower part of the control panel  20 , is a berry glass  34  on which characters of the slot machine  10  and the like are depicted. 
     On a front surface of the top box  12 , an upper image display panel  33  is provided. The upper image display panel  33  has a liquid crystal panel, which displays images for introducing the game contents or explaining game rules, for example. 
     Also, on the top box  12 , a lamp  30  and a speaker  29  are provided. On a lower side of the upper image display panel  33 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display  37 , and a key pad  38  are provided. The ticket printer  35  prints on the ticket, a barcode having encoded thereon data such as the credit amount, the date and time, and the identification number of the slot machine  10 , and outputs the printed ticket as the barcode-attached ticket  39 . The player can play the game on another slot machine with the barcode attached ticket  39  by causing this slot machine to read the barcode attached ticket  39 . Alternatively, the player can exchange the barcode-attached ticket  39  with the bills or the like at a predetermined place (at a cashier inside a casino, for example) of the gaming facility. 
     The card reader  36  reads data from and writes data into a smart card. The smart card is to be owned by the player, which stores data for identifying the player or data regarding the log of games executed by the player, for example. The smart chard may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or a credit. As an alternative of a smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be employed. The data display  37  is made up of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays the data read by the card reader or the data input by the player through the key pad  38 , for example. The key pad  38  inputs data and commands regarding the ticket issuance or the like. 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram depicting the internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2 . A gaming board  50  includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit)  51 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  55  and a boot ROM  52  interconnected by an internal bus; a card slot  53 S corresponding to a memory card  53 ; and an IC socket  54 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)  54 . 
     The memory card  53  is formed of a nonvolatile memory such as Compact Flash (registered trademark) and stores game programs. The game programs include a symbol selection program. The aforementioned symbol selection program is intended for determining the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM. The aforementioned symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data respectively corresponding to plural types of payout ratios (80%, 84%, 88%, for example). The symbol weighting data is indicative of the correspondence relationship between the respective symbols and one or more random numeric values which come under a predetermined numerical range (0 to 255). The payout ratio is determined according to the payout-ratio setting data output from the GAL  54 . The symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM are determined depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to this payout ratio. Further, the game programs include table data (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ) indicating the correspondence relationship between each of the symbols and a payout. 
     Also, the card slot  53 S is configured to allow the memory card  53  to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to a motherboard  40 . Accordingly, the memory card  53  can be ejected from the card slot  53 S, other game programs and other game system programs can then be written into the memory card  53 , and further, the memory card  53  can be inserted into the card slot  53 S, thereby allowing the player to change the types and contents of games executed in the slot machine  10 . The game programs include those related to the process of the game. The game programs further include image data and voice data that are displayed and outputted, respectively, during the game. That image data include those for displaying the symbol matrix elements SM. 
     The GAL  54  is a type of a PLD having a fixed OR array structure. The GAL  54  includes plural input ports and plural output ports. Where predetermined data is input to the input port, the GAL  54  outputs data corresponding to the aforementioned data from the output port. The data output from this output port is equivalent to the aforementioned payout-ratio setting data. Further, the IC socket  54 S is configured to allow the GAL  54  to be attached thereto and detached therefrom, and is connected to the motherboard  40  by a PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL can be replaced with the replacement GAL  54  to change the payout-ratio setting data. 
     The CPU  51 , the ROM  55 , and the boot ROM  52  interconnected by the internal bus are connected to the motherboard  40  by the PCI bus. The PCI bus serves to transmit signals between the motherboard  40  and the gaming board  50  and supply power from the motherboard  40  to the gaming board  50 . 
     The motherboard  40  is constructed using a general-purpose motherboard commercially available (a printed circuit board on which essential parts of a personal computer are mounted) and includes: a main CPU  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 ; a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 ; and a communication interface  44 . According to the embodiment of the present invention, the main CPU  41  functions as a processor for controlling a display device. 
     The ROM  42  includes a memory device such as a flash memory and stores a program thereon. The program includes: BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU  41 ; and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by the main CPU  41 , processing of initializing predetermined peripheral devices is carried out and processing of capturing game programs and game system programs stored in the memory card  53  through the gaming board  50  is started. In the present invention, the contents of the ROM  42  may be rewritable or not. 
     The RAM  43  stores data and a program used when the main CPU  41  is activated. The RAM  43  can also store game programs. Further, the RAM  43  further stores data concerning the credit amount, the number of coin-in or coin-out for one game, and the like. 
     Both a main body PCB (Printed Circuit Board)  60  and a door PCB  80 , which will be described later, are connected to the motherboard  40  through a USB. A power supply unit  45  is also connected to the motherboard  40 . 
     Connected to the main body PCB  60  and the door PCB  80  are: equipment and devices which generate input signals to be input to the main CPU  41 ; and equipment and devices of which operations are controlled by a control signal output from the main CPU  41 . The main CPU  41  executes a game program stored in the RAM  43  based on an input signal having been input to the main CPU  41  and performs a predetermined computational process, thereby storing results thereof in the RAM  43  or transmitting a control signal to each of equipment and devices as a control process therefor. 
     A lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting section  67 , a graphic board  68 , a speaker  29 , a touch panel  69 , the bill validator  22 , the ticket printer  35 , the card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S, and the data display  37  are connected to the main body PCB  60 . The lamp  30  is lit up in a predetermined pattern based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 . 
     The hopper  66  is installed in the cabinet  11  and pays out a predetermined number of coins from the coin payout exit  19  to the coin tray  18  based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 . The coin detecting section  67  is installed inside the coin payout exit  19  and outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  upon detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  controls, based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 , images to be displayed on the upper image display panel  33  and the lower image display panel  16 . The credit amount stored in the RAM  43  is displayed on a credit amount display section  31  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the lower image display panel  16 . The number of coins to be paid out is displayed at a payout amount display section  31  (see  FIG. 2 ) of the lower image display panel  16 . The graphic board  68  is equipped with a DVP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41  and a video RAM which temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. The image data used in generating image data with the VDP is contained in the game program read from the memory card  53  and stored in the RAM  43 . 
     The bill validator  22  validates whether or not a bill is legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into the cabinet  11 . Upon accepting a legitimate bill, the bill validator  22  outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  based on the amount of the bill. The main CPU  41  stores in the RAM  43  the credit amount corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal. 
     Based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 , the ticket printer  35  prints on a ticket a barcode having encoded thereon data such as the credit amount, data and time, and the identification number of the slot machine  10  stored in the RAM  43 . Further, this printer outputs the printed ticket as a barcode-attached ticket  39 . The card reader  36  transmits to the main CPU  41  the data read from the smart card and writes the read data onto the smart card, based on a control signal from the main CPU  41 . The key pad switch  38 S is provided on the key pad  38 , and outputs a predetermined input signal to the main CPU  41  when the player operates the key pad  38 . The data display  37 , based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 , displays the data read by the card reader  36  and the data input by the player through the key pad  38 . 
     A control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81  are connected to a door PCB  80 . The control panel  20  is provided with: a start switch  23 S corresponding to the start button  23 ; a change switch  24 S corresponding to the change button  24 ; a cashout switch  25 S corresponding to a cashout button  25 ; a 1-BET switch  26 S corresponding to a 1-BET button  26 ; and a max-BET switch  27 S corresponding to the max BET button  27 . When the player operates the buttons  23  to  27 , the corresponding switches  23 S to  27 S output input-signals to the main CPU  41 , respectively. 
     The coin counter  21 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot  21 , and validates whether or not a legitimate coin is inserted into the coin receiving slot  21 . Those other than the legitimate coins are discharged from the coin payout exit  19 . The coin counter  21 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  when a legitimate coin is detected. 
     The reverter  21 S operates based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41  and distributes coins recognized as being legitimate by the coin counter  21 C into a cash box (not shown in the drawings) or the hopper  66  which is arranged in the slot machine  10 . In other words, when the hopper  66  is filled with coins, legitimate coins are distributed by the reverter  21 S into the cash box. On the other hand, when the hopper  66  is not filled with coins, legitimate coins are distributed into the hopper  66 . A cold cathode tube  81  functions as a backlight installed on rear face side of each of the lower image display panel  16  and the upper image display panel  33 , and is lit up based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view showing a correspondence relationship in a normal game between respective symbols and payouts according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 4 , where a predetermined symbol is rearranged on a winning line on which the player has bet, payout is determined based on a winning combination. The payout is determined in a case where a winning combination is realized as one of the combinations of symbols “WILD-WILD-WILD”, “7-7-7”, “3Bar-3Bar-3Bar”, “2Bar-2Bar-2Bar”, and “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” on the winning lines set in the nine symbol matrix elements SM, which are made up of the basic lines BL and the cross lines CL. When the winning combination “WILD-WILD-WILD” is rearranged on the winning line, a player can receive a payout of “500” and move to a bonus game. The bonus game is offered after the basic game. The bonus game is generally favorable to the player. 
       FIGS. 5A to 8B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 5A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment.  FIG. 5B  is a view exemplarily showing the shuffling of the symbols according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the lower image display panel  16  is made up of display-related sections such as a display region  92 , an information display section  93 , an effect image display section  94 . In the display region  92 , the symbol matrix elements SM are displayed. The information display section  93  is arranged at an upper side of the display region  82  and is made up of a credit amount display section  93   a,  a BET amount display section  93   b,  a character information display section  93   c,  a PAID amount display section  93   d,  and a charge display section  93   e.    
     The number of coins presently credited is displayed at the credit amount display section  93   a  while the number of coins bet in one game is displayed at the BET amount display section  93   b.  The character information indicative of a current status of the game is displayed at the character information display section  93 . The characters “PLAYNOW” are displayed during the play of the game, whereas the characters “GAMEOVER” are displayed at the intervals between the plays of the game. The number of coins that has been successfully obtained in one game is displayed at the PAID amount display section  93   d,  whereas a conversion value of the credit amount based on a predetermined charge is displayed at the charge display section  93   e.    
     At the effect image display section  94 , effect images are displayed in accordance with a type of the present slot game. Therefore, the effect image display section  94  displays effects images which are different from each other between the normal game and bonus game. 
     A total of nine symbols in three columns and three rows are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . Any of the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM. Where the symbol “WILD” is arranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, a frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM in which the symbol “WILD” is rearranged. 
     The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM in which the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in order to make the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD” identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , when three or more symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM in  FIG. 5A , the shuffling of the rearranged symbols is executed. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, which have been rearranged as shown in  FIG. 5A , are rearranged in the same or different symbol matrix elements SM. Therefore, the frame  70   b  in a color different from that of the frame  70   a  is displayed in the symbol matrix element SM so as to make the rearrangement identifiable. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views exemplarily showing an arrangement of symbols after shuffled according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 6A , when the symbol “WILD” after shuffled is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  is identifiably displayed, and the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in the symbol matrix element SM in which the frame  70   c  has been displayed. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged while the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in the column direction. Thus, the payout corresponding to a winning combination of the symbols “WILD” is determined. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , when the symbol “WILD” after shuffled is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  is identifiably displayed. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged without realizing a winning combination. Thus, the player is allowed to execute a next normal game. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment. When less than three symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM in  FIG. 7A , the shuffling of the rearranged symbols is not executed, and the player is allowed to execute a next normal game. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is displayed in order to make the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD” identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , in a case where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   a  is displayed in order to make the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD” identifiable. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in the column direction, and a winning combination of the symbols “WILD” is realized. Thus, the shuffling of the rearranged symbols is not executed, and the payout corresponding to the winning combination is determined. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8A , when three or more symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM, the shuffling of the rearranged symbols will be executed. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is displayed in order to make identifiable the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD”. In this case, the symbol “2Bar” is rearranged in the column direction, and a winning combination is realized. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in a case where the symbols “WILD” after shuffled in  FIG. 8A  are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, and “WILD” are rearranged without realizing any winning combination. Thus, a payout corresponding to a winning combination of the symbols “2Bar” before shuffled is realized. 
     Next, a process executed in the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The main CPU  41  processes the game by reading out the game program. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main process. In the main process, first, when a power switch is turned on (that is, when power is supplied), a motherboard  40  and a gaming board  50  are activated respectively, so that the CPU  51  executes an initial setting process (step S 101 ). In this initial setting process, the main CPU  41  executes the BIOS stored in the ROM  41 , decompresses, in the ROM  42 , compressed data included in the BIOS, executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM  43 , and performs diagnosis and initialization of each of the peripheral devices. The main CPU  41  writes game programs or the like from the ROM  42  into the RAM  43 , and retrieves data for setting a payout ratio and country-identification information. The main CPU  41  also performs an authentication process for each program during execution of the initial setting process. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a game execution process described later with reference to  FIG.10  (step S 102 ). In this game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42 . By performing this game execution process, the slot machine  10  executes the game according to the first embodiment. The game execution process is repeatedly performed while power is supplied to the slot machine  10 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process invoked and performed at step S 102  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 9 . First, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a coin has been bet (step S 201 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch  26 S at the time of operation of the 1-BET BET button  26  has been received or whether an input signal output from the max BET switch  27 S at the time of operation of the max BET switch  27  has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the current step to return to the process at the step S 201  upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S 201 : NO). 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  subtracts (Step S 202 ) the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43  upon judging that a coin has been bet (step S 201 :YES). Where the number of bet coins is larger than the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 , the main CPU  41  controls the current step to return to step S 101  without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in the RAM  43 . Where the number of bet coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, the main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step  203  without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in the RAM  43 . 
     At step S 203 , the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 203 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from the start switch  23 S at the time of pushing of the start button  23 . The main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step  201  upon judging that the start button  23  has not been set to ON (step S 203 : NO). Where the start button  23  has not been set to ON (for example, where an instruction has been input to terminate the game without setting the start button  23  to ON), the main CPU  41  cancels acceptance of a subtraction result at step S 202 . 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  performs a symbol rearrangement process of the normal game (step S 204 ) upon judging that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 201 : YES). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in symbol matrix elements SM, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”. This determination is based on the symbol weighting data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols to be arranged in symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not any prize has been established (step S 205 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a combination of symbols having been rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM is a winning combination that awards any of payouts. The establishment of a prize shall mean the formation of a winning combination of predetermined symbols on a winning line (see,  FIG. 4 ). 
     Upon judging that the prize is established (step S 205 : YES), the main CPU  41  then performs a coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning combination (step S 206 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs the process for adding the number of paid-out coin to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, where the coins are paid out, the main CPU  41  pays out a predetermined number of coins by transmitting the control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     Meanwhile, the CPU  41  judges whether or not a bonus game trigger condition has been met (step S 207 ) when judging that the prize is not established (step S 205 : NO) or after executing the process at step S 206 . Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  to sample the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values, thereby judging whether or not the bonus game trigger condition has been met based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the bonus game trigger is established (step S 207 : YES), the main CPU  41  then performs a bonus-game execution process (step S 208 ). In this bonus-game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and performs the bonus-game execution process. 
     The CPU  41  terminates the game execution process when judging that the bonus game trigger condition is not met (step S 207 : NO) or after executing the process at step S 208 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol rearranging process that is invoked and executed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 10 . First, the main CPU  41  begins an execution of a process in which symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM at the lower image display panel  16  are displayed in a scrolling manner (step S 301 ). In this case, six basic lines BL are defined along the column or row direction, respectively, in the symbol matrix elements SM. Further, two cross lines CL are defined along the directions that obliquely cross the symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for rearranging the symbols (step S 302 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in symbol matrix elements SM, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”. This determination is based on the symbol weighting data, and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols to be arranged in symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Then, the main CPU  41  then judges whether the “WILD” symbols have been rearranged (step S 303 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbols “WILD” have been rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM. Upon judging that the symbol “WILD” has not been rearranged (step S 303 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     Upon judging that the symbol “WILD” has been rearranged (step S 303 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays a frame “ 70   a ”. Specifically, the main CPU  41  identifiably displays the frame  70   a  in the symbol matrix elements SM where the symbols “WILD” have been rearranged (see  FIG. 5A ). 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether the predetermined number (or more) of the symbols “WILD” has been rearranged (step S 305 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not three of more symbols “WILD” have been rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM. Upon judging that the predetermined number (or more) of the symbols “WILD” have not been rearranged (step S 305 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process (see  FIG. 7 ). 
     Upon judging that the predetermined number (or more) of the symbols “WILD” has been rearranged (step  305 : YES), the main CPU  41  judges whether or not any prize has been established (step S 306 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the rearranged symbols “WILD” are on any of the winning combinations defined along the column direction, the row direction or the oblique directions, and whether or not the prize has been established (see  FIG. 7B ). Upon judging that any prize has been established (step S 306 : YES), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process (see  FIG. 7B ). 
     On the other hand, upon judging that any prize has not been established (step S 306 : NO), the RAM  43  stores positional information of the rearranged symbols (step S 307 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  transfers positional information of the symbols “WILD” rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM to the RAM  43 , and thus, that information is stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for shuffling the symbols (step S 308 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  rearranges a plurality of rearranged symbols in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM (see  FIG. 5B ). The number of the rearranged symbols “WILD” is retained during this process. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  displays a frame  70   b  (step S 309 ). Specifically, when the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   b  in a color different from the frame  70   a  in the symbol matrix element SM so as to make the rearrangement identifiable (see,  FIG. 5B ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for rearranging the symbols (step S 310 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  shuffles the symbols in the symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   c  (step S 311 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  so as to make the symbols “WILD” arranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM identifiable. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the established prize is higher than the previously established prize (step S 312 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  compares the winning combination of the symbols rearranged at step S 302  and stored in the RAM  43  with the winning combination of the symbols rearranged at step S 310 . Upon judging that the established prize is not higher than the previously established prize (step S 312 ) the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the established prize is higher than the previously established prize (step S 312 : YES), the main CPU  41  arranges the previously rearranged symbols. Specifically, the symbols that have been stored in the RAM  43  and were rearranged at step S 302  are arranged in the symbol matrix element SM by the main CPU  41 . After executing the process at step S 313 , the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process (see  FIGS. 8A and 8B ). 
     Next, a slot machine  10  according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The slot machine according to the following second embodiment has an appearance, circuitry, and the like that are substantially the same as those of the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment. Thus, a duplicated explanation will be omitted here. Constituent elements corresponding to those of the slot machine  10  are designated by the same reference numerals and are explained. 
       FIG. 12  is a view each showing a correspondence relationship between respective symbols and payouts according to the second embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 12A , where predetermined symbols are rearranged on a winning line on which the player has bet, LIN payout is determined based on the winning combination. Furthermore, where the predetermined number of identical symbols are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM, as shown in  FIG. 12B , ANY payment is determined based on a winning combination. The LIN payout is obtained in a case where one of winning combinations “WILD-WILD-WILD”, “7-7-7”, “3Bar-3Bar-3Bar”, “2Bar-2Bar-2Bar” and “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” is realized on the winning lines—the basic lines BL and the cross lines CL—set in the nine symbol matrix elements SM. The ANY payout is obtained according to the number of symbols, “WILD”, “7”, “3Bar”, “2Bar” and “1Bar” that are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM. 
       FIG. 13A  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols according to the second embodiment.  FIG. 13B  is a view exemplarily showing the shuffling of the symbols according to the second embodiment.  FIG. 13C  is a view exemplarily showing rearranged symbols after shuffled according to the second embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13A , in a case where the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix elements SM where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix elements SM, in which the symbol “WILD” is rearranged, in order to make the rearrangement of the symbols “WILD” identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13B , when three or more symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM, the shuffling of rearranged symbols is executed. In this case, the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, which have been rearranged as shown in  FIG. 13A , are rearranged in the same or different symbol matrix elements SM. Therefore, the frame  70   b  in a color different from that of the frame  70   a  is displayed in the symbol matrix element SM as to make the rearrangement identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 13C , when the symbols “WILD” after shuffled are rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  is identifiably displayed. In this case, the symbols “blank”, “1bar”, “7” and “WILD” are rearranged, and a LIN payout according to a winning combination of “WILD-WILD-WILD” and a ANY payout according to the number of symbols “WILD” that have been rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM are obtained (see  FIG. 12 ). 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol rearranging process according to the third embodiment. The process is invoked and executed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 10 . First, the main CPU  41  begins an execution of a process in which symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix elements SM located on the lower image display panel  16  are displayed in a scrolling manner (step S 401 ). In this case, six basic lines BL are defined along the column direction or the row direction, respectively, in the symbol matrix elements SM. Further, two cross lines CL are defined along directions that obliquely cross the symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for rearranging the symbols (step S 402 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in symbol matrix elements SM, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”. This determination is based on the symbol weighting data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols to be arranged in symbol matrix elements SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not the symbols “WILD” are rearranged (step S 403 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM. Upon judging that the symbols “WILD” have not been rearranged (step S 403 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     Upon judging that the symbols “WILD” have been rearranged, (step S 403 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   a.  Specifically, the main CPU  41  identifiably displays the frame  70   a  in the symbol matrix elements SM where the symbols “WILD” are rearranged (see  FIG. 15A ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether the predetermined number (or more) of the symbols “WILD” are rearranged (step S 405 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not three of more symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM. Upon judging that the symbols “WILD” have not been rearranged (step S 405 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     Upon judging that the predetermined number (or more) of the symbols “WILD” are rearranged (step  405 : YES), the main CPU  41  judges whether or not any prize can be established (step S 406 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the rearranged symbols “WILD” form a winning combination and a prize can be established. Upon judging that any prize is established (step S 406 : YES), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that any prize is not established (step S 406 : NO), the main CPU  41  stores positional information of the rearranged symbols (step S 407 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  transfers positional information of the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix element SM to the RAM  43 , and thus, that information is stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for shuffling the symbols (step S 408 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  rearranges a plurality of rearranged symbols in the same or different symbol matrix elements SM. The number of the rearranged symbols “WILD” is retained in this process. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   b  (step S 409 ). Specifically, when the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   b  in a color different from the frame  70   a  in the symbol matrix element SM so as to make the rearrangement of the symbols “WILD” identifiable (see  FIG. 15B ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for rearranging the symbols (step S 410 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged, and rearranges these symbols in the symbol matrix elements SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   c  (step S 411 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  so as to make identifiable the symbols “WILD” arranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM (see  FIG. 15C ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the established prize is higher than the previously established prize (step S 412 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  compares the winning combination of the symbols rearranged at step S 402  and stored in the RAM  43  with a winning combination of the symbols rearranged at step S 410 . Upon judging the established prize is not higher than the previously established prize (step S 412 : NO), the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbols form any predetermined combination (step S 413 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbols form a combination of either “WILD-ANY-ANY” or “WILD-WILD-ANY” on the winning line. Upon judging that the symbols do not form either combination (step S 413 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     Upon judging that the symbols form either combination (step S 413 : YES), the main CPU  41  replaces the symbol(s) “WILD” with a predetermined symbol (step S 414 ). Specifically, when the symbols form a winning combination of either “WILD-ANY-ANY” or “WILD-WILD-ANY” on the winning line, the main CPU  41  replaces the symbol(s) “WILD” with a symbol corresponding to the symbol “ANY” (see,  FIG. 15C ). After executing the process at step S 414 , the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the established prize is higher than the previously established prize (step S 412 : YES), the main CPU  41  arranges the previously rearranged symbols (step S 415 ). Specifically, the symbols that have been stored in the RAM  43  and were rearranged at step S 302  are arranged in the symbol matrix element SM by the main CPU  41 . After executing the process at step S 415 , the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearranging process. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15A , in a case where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in any of the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the frame  70   a  is identifiably displayed in the symbol matrix element SM, in which the symbol “WILD” is rearranged, in order to make the rearrangement of the symbol “WILD” identifiable. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15B , when the symbol “WILD” after shuffled is rearranged in any one of the symbol matrix elements SM, the frame  70   c  in a color different from those of the frames  70   a  and  70   b  is identifiably displayed, and the symbol “WILD” is rearranged in the symbol matrix element SM in which the frame  70   c  has been displayed. The symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” are rearranged, and the winning combination “WILD-WILD-ANY” is realized. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , when the symbols form a winning combination of either “WILD-ANY-ANY” or “WILD-WILD-ANY” on the winning line, the symbol(s) “WILD” is replaced with a symbol corresponding to the symbol “ANY”. In this case, the symbols “blank”, “1Bar”, “7” and “WILD” are rearranged, the winning combination “WILD-WILD-ANY” in  FIG. 1B  is replaced with the winning combination “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar”, and thus, the payout corresponding to the winning combination “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” is determined. 
     In the foregoing, while the embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments merely present specific examples. An appropriate design change can be made for the specific configuration of each means or the like. Also, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only listing the most preferable effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.