Patent Publication Number: US-2009233687-A1

Title: Slot Machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priorities of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/034,670 filed on Mar. 7, 2008, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/034,679 filed on Mar. 7, 2008 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/034,353 filed on Mar. 6, 2008. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     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 known as a type of gaming machines are constituted so as to: start games by players inserting coins or the like into the gaming machine; variably display columns of symbols in predetermined regions of the gaming machine while they are displayed in a stopped state after a predetermined period has elapsed; and award payout based on a combination of symbols in a stopped state. 
     In addition, the above slot machines are generally constituted to judge whether or not a winning combination allowed to award payout is established, based on whether or not a predetermined number of symbols of the same type (for example, “CHERRY” or “7”) are arranged along a preset payline. In the conventional slot machine, in the case where a predetermined number or more of symbols of the same type are arranged, it has been a common routine to award payout based on the number of the aforementioned arranged symbols, regardless of the payout line. 
     Further, many of the conventional slot machines have been known which conduct two types of games, i.e., a basic game and a free game. The basic game is executed upon consumption of gaming values (such as coins or credits) corresponding to the bet amount. On the other hand, the free game is executed without consuming gaming values corresponding to the bet amount 
     The basic game is switched to the free game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The condition includes a case in which, for example, a specific symbol is displayed in a stopped state during the basic game. The free game is switched to the basic game when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The condition includes a case in which, for example, the free games are executed a predetermined number of times. 
     In the conventional slot machines, it has been a common routine to raise players&#39; expectations for the free game by changing arrangement of symbols during the free game differently from that during the basic game. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,902-B1 describes a slot machine in which a total of fifteen symbols are displayed in three rows and five columns with the use of video reels. This slot machine changes symbol columns arranged on reels during the free game differently from that during the basic game, in which eight types of symbols are decreased to five. In this manner, a probability of awarding payout can be apparently increased during the free game. 
     In the aforementioned conventional slot machines, however, irrespective of whichever of the basic game and the free game is in progress, the symbols of different types have been randomly arranged in combination and sequential order. These slot machines determine the contents of the prize to be awarded, based on a combination of multiple symbols that have been arranged in a display device. Therefore, players are allowed to have expectations only for random payout based on a combination of plural types of symbols that have been randomly arranged in the display device. Accordingly, a need exists for the advent of a slot machine which can offer new entertainability. 
     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 entertainability in 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 a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; and a controller for controlling the display device. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) rearrange a complex symbol composed of plural types of single symbols in the first display region of the symbol matrix display region and the plural types of single symbols in the second display region during the basic game; and (c) selectively execute a first bonus game or a second bonus game in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to the first aspect, a bonus game to be executed is different according to a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the first aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, the first bonus game or the second bonus game is set to a free game or a jackpot bonus game. 
     According to the second aspect, the bonus game or the free game is executed in accordance with a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the second aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the second aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value. The controller exercises control, over the itemized (b), to assign the complex symbol with a jackpot symbol accordingly when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory, in the case where the bonus game is set to the jackpot bonus game. 
     According to the third aspect, the complex symbol is assigned with the jackpot symbol when a jackpot reaches the predetermined progressive value, and the free game or the jackpot game is executed in accordance with a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the third aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; and a controller for controlling the display device. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) rearrange a complex symbol composed of plural types of single symbols in the first display region of the symbol matrix display region and the plural types of single symbols in the second display region during the basic game; and (c) selectively execute a bonus game or a free game in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to the fourth aspect, the bonus game or the free game to be executed is different according to a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the fourth aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the fourth aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value. The controller exercises control, over the itemized (b), to assign the complex symbol with a jackpot symbol accordingly when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory, in the case where the bonus game is set to the jackpot bonus game. 
     According to the fifth aspect, the complex symbol is assigned with the jackpot when the jackpot reaches the predetermined progressive value, and the free game or the jackpot game to be executed is different according to a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the fifth aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value in accordance with a jackpot; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) generate data of a complex symbol composed of plural types of single symbols so as to assign the complex symbol with a jackpot symbol accordingly when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory during the basic game; (c) rearrange the complex symbol in the first display region of the symbol matrix display region based on the data of the complex symbol, and the plural types of single symbols in the second display region; and (d) selectively execute a jackpot bonus game or a free game in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to a sixth aspect, data of the complex symbol is generated so that the complex data is assigned with the jackpot symbol when the jackpot reaches the predetermined value. The bonus game or the free game to be executed is different according to a combination of the complex symbol based on the above data and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the sixth aspect achieves the bonus game that raises players&#39; expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A seventh aspect of the present inventions a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; a memory for storing plural types of symbol image data; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory, the controller being programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read at least two symbol image data to be combined from among the symbol image data stored in the memory during the basic game, reduce a horizontal or vertical direction of the read symbol image data so that said at least two symbol images are displayed in a region for displaying a single symbol, and then, generate combined symbol image data for displaying a combined symbol to be displayed in the first display region by combined said at least two reduced symbol image data; (c) rearrange the combined symbol corresponding to the combined symbol image data in the first display region within the symbol display region and, rearrange symbols corresponding to the plural types of symbol image data in the second display region within the symbol display region, during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute a first bonus game or a second bonus game according to types of the combination, in a case where a combination of the combined symbol displayed in the first display region and single symbols displayed in the second display region matches a predetermined combination. 
     According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the symbol image data is reduced to generate a combined symbol. Data capacity is thereby remarkably reduced in comparison with a case in which a plurality of combined symbols are stored. According to the combination of the generated combined symbol and single symbols, different bonus games are executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A eighth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the seventh aspect, the first bonus game or the second bonus game is a free game or a jackpot. 
     According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, based on the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix display region, a free game or a jackpot bonus game is executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the seventh aspect, a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value is further included, in which the controller, in the itemized (b), reads the symbol image data from the memory with referring to the progressive value of the memory, in a case where the bonus game is the jackpot, so that a jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol in response to the jackpot becoming a predetermined progressive value. 
     According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, upon becoming a predetermined progressive value, the jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol, and according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix display region, a free game or a jackpot game is executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A tenth aspect of the present inventions is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; a memory for storing plural types of symbol image data; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory, the controller being programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read at least two symbol image data to be combined from among the symbol image data stored in the memory during the basic game, and then, reduce a horizontal or vertical direction of the read items of symbol image data so that said at least two symbol images are displayed in a region for displaying a single symbol, and then, generate combined symbol image data for displaying a combined symbol to be displayed in the first display region by combined said at least two reduced symbol image data; (c) rearrange the combined symbol corresponding to the combined symbol image data in the first display region within the symbol display region and rearrange symbols corresponding to the plural types of symbol image data in the second display region within the symbol display region, during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute a bonus game or a free game according to types of the combination, in a case where a combination of the combined symbol displayed in the first display region and single symbols displayed in the second display region matches a predetermined combination. 
     According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the symbol image data is reduced to generate a combined symbol. Data capacity is thereby remarkably reduced in comparison with a case in which a plurality of combined symbols are stored. According to the combination of the generated combined symbol and single symbols, the free game or the jackpot bonus game is executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A eleventh aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the tenth aspect, a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value is further included, in which the controller, in the itemized (b), reads the symbol image data from the memory with referring to the progressive value of the memory, in a case where the bonus game is the jackpot, so that a jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol in response to the jackpot becoming a predetermined progressive value. 
     According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, upon becoming a predetermined progressive value, the jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol, and according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix display region, a free game or a jackpot game is executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A twelfth aspect of the present inventions is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; a memory for storing plural types of symbol image data and cumulatively storing a progressive value; a controller for controlling the display device and the memory, the controller being programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read at least two symbol image data to be combined from among the symbol image data stored in the memory, with referring to the progressive value of the memory so that the jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol in which plural types of symbols are combined in response to the jackpot becoming a predetermined progressive value, during the basic game, reduce a horizontal or a vertical direction of the read symbol image data so that said at least two symbol images are displayed in a region for displaying a single symbol, and then, generate combined symbol image data for displaying a combined symbol to be displayed in the first display region by combined said at least two reduced symbol image data; (c) rearrange the combined symbol corresponding to the combined symbol image data in the first display region within the symbol display region and rearrange symbols corresponding to the plural types of symbol image data in the second display region within the symbol display region, during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute a bonus game or a free game according to types of the combination, in a case where a combination of the combined symbol displayed in the first display region and single symbols displayed in the second display region matches a predetermined combination. 
     According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, upon becoming a predetermined progressive value, the symbol image data is reduced to generate the combined symbol to which the jackpot symbol is added. Data capacity is thereby remarkably reduced in comparison with a case in which a plurality of combined symbols are stored. According to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix display region, a free game or a jackpot game is executed. Thus, a bonus game with a high level of expectation can be realized according to the combination of the combined symbol and the single symbols. This enhances the entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; an input device for accepting input of a normal-BET and a side-BET different from the normal-BET; a memory for storing image data concerning plural types of symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the input device. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read from the image data concerning the symbols stored in the memory, image data concerning at least two symbols including symbols that are possibly combined under condition of the input of the side-BET; laterally or longitudinally scale down the at least two symbols of the read-out image data to display these two symbols in a region for displaying a single symbol; and generate image data concerning a complex symbol to display the complex symbol in the first display region, based on the image data concerning the scaled-down symbols; and (c) rearrange the complex symbol composed of the symbols combined in accordance with the image data concerning the complex symbol, in the first display region in the symbol matrix display region and a symbol in accordance with the image data concerning the plural types of symbols in the second display region during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute one bonus game from among a plurality of bonus games, in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to the thirteenth aspect, a bonus game is to be executed in accordance with a combination of a complex symbol composed of symbols that are combined under condition of input of the side-BET, and a single symbol. Thus, the slot machine according to the thirteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the thirteenth aspect, the bonus game is set to a jackpot bonus game; and the image data concerning the symbols that are possibly combined under condition of the input of the side-BET includes image data concerning a plurality of jackpot symbols. 
     According to the fourteenth aspect, when a jackpot symbol is incorporated into a symbol composed of symbols that are combined under condition of input of the side-BET, a bonus game is selectively executed and a jackpot game is to be executed depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol. Thus, the slot machine according to the fourteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the fourteenth aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value. The controller, in the itemized (b), reads the image data concerning the symbols out of the memory to incorporate one jackpot symbol from among the plurality of jackpot symbols into the complex symbol accordingly, when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory. 
     According to the fifteenth aspect, a jackpot symbol is incorporated into the complex symbol when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value, and a jackpot game is to be executed in accordance with a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the fifteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; an input device for accepting input of a normal-BET and a side-BET different from the normal-BET; a memory for storing image data concerning plural types of symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the input device. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read from the image data concerning the symbols stored in the memory, image data concerning at least two symbols including a plurality of jackpot symbols that are possibly combined under condition of the input of the side-BET; laterally or longitudinally scale down the at least two symbols of the read-out image data to display these two symbols in a region for displaying a single symbol; and generate image data concerning a complex symbol to display the complex symbol in the first display region, based on the image data concerning the scaled-down symbols; and (c) rearrange the complex symbol composed of the symbols combined in accordance with the image data concerning the complex symbol, in the first display region in the symbol matrix display region and a symbol in accordance with the image data concerning the plural types of symbols in the second display region during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute one bonus game from among a plurality of bonus games, in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to the sixteenth aspect, when a jackpot symbol is incorporated into a symbol composed of symbols that are combined under condition of input of the side-BET, a bonus game is selectively executed and a jackpot game is to be executed depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol. Thus, the slot machine according to the sixteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the sixteenth aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for cumulatively storing a progressive value. The controller, in the itemized (b), reads the image data concerning the symbols out of the memory to incorporate one jackpot symbol from among a plurality of the jackpot symbols into the complex symbol accordingly, when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory. 
     According to the seventeenth aspect, a jackpot symbol is incorporated into the complex symbol when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value, and a jackpot game is to be executed in accordance with a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the fifteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
     A eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device for displaying a symbol matrix display region having a first display region and a second display region; an input device for accepting input of a normal-BET and a side-BET different from the normal-BET; a memory for storing image data concerning plural types of symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the input device. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) read the image data concerning the symbols out of the memory to incorporate one jackpot symbol from among a plurality of jackpot symbols that are possibly combined under condition of the input of the side-BET, into a complex symbol accordingly, when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value on referring to the progressive value stored in the memory; laterally or longitudinally scale down at least two symbols of the read-out image data to display these two symbols in a region for displaying a single symbol; and generate image data concerning a complex symbol to display the complex symbol in the first display region, based on the image data concerning the scaled-down symbols; and (c) rearrange the complex symbol composed of the symbols combined in accordance with the image data concerning the complex symbol, in the first display region in the symbol matrix display region and a symbol in accordance with the image data concerning the plural types of symbols in the second display region during the basic game; and (d) selectively execute one bonus game from among a plurality of bonus games, in accordance with a type of a combination of the complex symbol displayed in the first display region and the single symbol displayed in the second display region, in the case where the combination is a predetermined one. 
     According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, a jackpot symbol is incorporated into the complex symbol when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value, and a jackpot game is to be executed in accordance with a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol rearranged in the symbol matrix display region. Thus, the slot machine according to the fifteenth aspect achieves a bonus game that raises player&#39;s expectations depending on a combination of the complex symbol and the single symbol, thereby enhancing entertainability in symbol rearrangement. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 1B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a slot machine according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is a view showing an internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 4B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during a free game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the free game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during a jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  is a view showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a 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 showing a subroutine of a basic game symbol rearrangement process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a jackpot bonus game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a view for schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic game symbol rearrangement process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 17B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view schematically showing a frame format of a slot machine according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 19  is a block diagram depicting an internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the basic game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 20B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the basic game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 21A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during a free game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 21B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the free game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 22A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during a jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 22B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 23A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 23B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 24A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 24B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18  during the jackpot bonus game according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic game symbol rearrangement process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol scaling process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game execution process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 30  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a jackpot bonus game execution process according to the third embodiment; 
         FIG. 31  is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of a slot machine according to a fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 32A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 32B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the fourth embodiment; 
         FIG. 33  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic game symbol rearrangement process according to the fourth embodiment. 
         FIG. 34A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to a fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 34B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 35  is a perspective view schematically showing an appearance of a slot machine according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 36  is a view showing an internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 38B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 39A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during a free game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 39B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the free game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 39C  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the free game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 40A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 40B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 41A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 41B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 42A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 42B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed during the bonus game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 43  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main process; 
         FIG. 44  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution process according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 45  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic game symbol rearrangement process according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 46  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol combining process according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 47  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game execution process according to the fifth embodiment; 
         FIG. 48  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a jackpot bonus game execution process according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 49  is a view for schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 50A  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the sixth embodiment; and 
         FIG. 50B  is a view showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game according to the sixth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     1. First Embodiment 
     First, a slot machine  10  according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference 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. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the first embodiment. The slot machine  10  according to the present invention executes any one of three types of gaming modes including a basic game, a free game, and a progressive bonus game. The basic game is executed upon consuming a gaming value corresponding to the amount bet by a player. The free game is executed without consuming a gaming value. The progressive bonus game is executed when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value. The slot machine  10  is of a stand-alone type, which is not connected to a network, but the present invention is applicable to a networked slot machine. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , a symbol matrix SM is displayed on a lower image display panel  16  included in a slot machine  10  to be described later. A total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     In the first embodiment of the present invention, any of symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the symbol matrix SM, and a payout is determined based on the number of respective symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. Further, when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value, a complex symbol  129  is assigned with a jackpot symbol accordingly, thereby being rearranged. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and a complex symbol  129  is rearranged in a first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. Further any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in a second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , and the single symbol “main character”  121  is rearranged, thereby executing the free game. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and a complex symbol  129  is rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. Further, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , and the single symbol “sub character”  122  is rearranged, thereby executing the jackpot bonus game. 
       FIG. 2  is a view schematically depicting 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 . 
     A lower image display panel  16  serving as a display device 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 symbol matrix SM in three rows and five columns. In each symbol matrix SM, one symbol is arranged. 
     A credit amount display unit  31  of the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of coins credited by way of an image. A payout display unit  32  displays an image indicative of the number of coins or the like to be paid out in the case where the predetermined number or more of respective symbols are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     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 speaker  29  and a lamp  30  are provided. On a lower side of the upper image display panel  33 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display unit  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 card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or 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  36  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 . 
     A memory card  53  is composed of a non-volatile memory, such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program. The game programs include a symbol selection program. The symbol selection program is intended for determining symbols to be rearranged on a symbol matrix SM. The symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data corresponding to each of a plurality of kinds of payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). 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 SM are determined depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to this payout ratio. Further, the game programs include table data 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  via an IDE bus. 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 a program related to gaming progress. Furthermore, the game program includes image data or sound data to be output during the game. The image data include, for example, image data indicative of the symbol matrix. 
     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 (Central Processing Unit)  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 ; a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 ; and a communication interface  44 . The main CPU  41  functions as a processor for controlling a display device and memory according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The ROM  42  is made up of a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a program such as 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. 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  by 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. 
     Connected to the main body PCB  60  are a lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting section  67 , a graphic board  68 , a speaker  29 , a touch panel  69 , a bill validator  22 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S, and a data display  37 . The lamp  30  illuminates in a predetermined pattern, based on a control signal output from a 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 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 . 
     The control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81  are connected to the 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. 4A to 8B  are views each showing one example of an image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment.  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , the lower image display panel  16  is made up of a display region  92 , an information display section  93 , the effect image display section  94 , and the like. The display area section  92  is for displaying a symbol matrix SM. In addition, the information display section  93  is arranged above the display area section  92 . This display section is made up of a credit amount display section  93   a , a BET amount display section  93   b , a character information display portion  93   c , a PAID amount display section  93   d , and a charge display section  93   e.    
     The number of coins currently 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   c . The characters of “PLAYNOW” are displayed during the play of the game, whereas the characters of “GAMEOVER” are displayed during 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. 
     At the effect image display section  94 , effect images in accordance with a type of the present slot game are displayed. In other words, the effect image display section  94  displays different effect images between the basic and free games. 
     Any of the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . A payout is determined based on the number of these symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. Data of complex symbol is generated so that a complex symbol composed of plural types of symbols is assigned with a jackpot symbol and then rearranged accordingly when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value. 
     In this case, when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. Further any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , and the single symbol “main character”  121  is rearranged, thereby executing the free game. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and a complex symbol  129  is rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. Further, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , and the single symbol “sub character”  122  is rearranged, thereby executing the jackpot bonus game. 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views respectively showing one example of an image and an exemplary symbol matrix displayed during the free game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the free game is started in the case where the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in  FIG. 4A  contain a combination of the two complex symbols  129  and the one symbol “main character”  121 , the combination being set as a trigger for execution of the free game. Upon start of the free game, the upper image display panel  33  displays a free-game-number display image  90   a  indicative of the number of times in executing the free game. In this case, the free-game-number display image  90   a  of “10 FREE GAME” is displayed indicating that the number of times in executing the free game has been set to 10. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the bonus game, any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. Any of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , and the single symbol “sub character”  122  is rearranged, thereby executing the jackpot bonus game. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views each showing one example of an image displayed in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the jackpot bonus game is started in the case where the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in  FIG. 4B  contain a combination of the two complex symbols  129  and the single symbol “sub character”  122 , the combination being set as a trigger for execution of the jackpot bonus game. When start of the jackpot bonus game is determined, the upper image display panel  33  displays a jackpot-bonus-game display image  90   b  indicative of start of the jackpot bonus game is started. In this case, the jackpot-bonus-game display image  90   b  of “BONUS GAME” is displayed indicating that the jackpot bonus game is started. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , when the jackpot bonus game is started, the display region  92  displays a selection screen through which a type of the jackpot game is determined. In this case, the symbols ( 1 ) to ( 5 ) including “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  are displayed so that a type of the jackpot bonus game can be selected by selecting one from among these symbols though a touch panel  69 . 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views each showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 7A , the jackpot bonus game that corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 6B  is displayed. In the case of selecting the symbol ( 2 ) in  FIG. 6B , the jackpot bonus game of a car-race type is started, and a car-race starting screen is displayed, which displays a main-character effect image  72  and a sub-character effect image  73 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7B , displayed is a win-loss screen of the jackpot bonus game that corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 6B . In this case, a win-loss information display  75   a  of “You Win” is displayed in the case where the symbol ( 2 ) in  FIG. 6B  has been selected and the main-character effect image  72  won in the jackpot bonus game of the car-race type. 
       FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views each showing one example of an image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 8A , displayed is a win-loss screen of the jackpot bonus game that corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 6B . In this case, a win-loss information display  78   b  of “You Lose” is displayed in the case where the symbol ( 2 ) in  FIG. 6B  has been selected and the sub-character effect image  73  won in the jackpot bonus game of the car-race type. Further, a payout display image  74  of “Mini” as one type of payout for the jackpot is displayed, thereby awarding a payout corresponding to “Mini”. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8B , the display region  92  displays a selection screen of the jackpot bonus game that corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 6B . In the case where the symbol ( 2 ) has been selected in  FIG. 6B  and then the symbol “main character”  121  won in the jackpot bonus game of the car-race type (see  FIG. 7B ), the display region  92  displays the selection screen through which a type of the next jackpot bonus game is selected, in a manner to identify that the symbol ( 2 ) has been selected last time. Further, the next jackpot bonus game is to be executed by selecting one from among the symbols other than the symbol ( 2 ) through the touch panel  69 . 
     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  reads out and executes a game program, thereby conducting the game. 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main process according to the first embodiment. 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  42 , decompresses, in the RAM  43 , 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. Further, the main CPU  41  writes game programs or the like from the ROM  42  into the RAM  43 , and acquires payout-ratio setting data 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 the game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes game programs or the like from the ROM  42 . By performing the 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 executed at step S 102  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 9  according to the first embodiment. Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or a coin has been bet (step S 201 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from the 1-BET switch  26 S when the 1-BET button  26  is pressed, or alternatively, being output from the MAX-BET switch  27 S when the MAX-BET button  27  is pressed. The main CPU  41  controls the process to return to step S 201  upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S 201 : NO). 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  subtracts the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43  (step S 202 ) 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 process 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 (fifty coins in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step  203  without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in the RAM  43 . 
     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 output from the start switch  23 S at the time of pushing of the start button  23  has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the process 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, when the main CPU  41  judges that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 203 : YES), the main CPU  41  carries out symbol rearrangement process which will be described later with reference to  FIG. 11  (step S 204 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . The symbols are determined from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129 . 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 in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether a prize has been established or not (step S 205 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Herein, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     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 amount of bet and the number of coins set for the winning number (step S 206 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  judges whether a free game trigger has been established or not (step S 207 ) when judging that the prize has not been established (step S 205 : NO) or 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 free game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the free game trigger is established (step S 207 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a free game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 11  (step S 208 ). In this free game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and performs the free game execution process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the free game trigger has not been established (step S 207 : NO), the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 209 ). 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 jackpot bonus game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 209 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 13  (step S 210 ). In this jackpot bonus game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes game programs or the like from the ROM  42 , thereby executing the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     The CPU  41  terminates the game execution process when judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has not been established (step S 209 : NO) or when executing the process at step S 208 . 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the basic game symbol rearrangement process invoked and executed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 10  according to the first embodiment. Next, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols in a scrolling manner (step S 301 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  successively displays in a scrolling manner the symbols that are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value (step S 302 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a value of credit for the progressive jackpot is equal to a predetermined value. Upon judging that the value is a predetermined progressive value (step S 302 : YES), the main CPU  41  selects the symbols including the complex symbol (step S 303 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , for storing data of the symbols including the complex symbol. Herein, data of the complex symbol is generated so that the complex symbol composed of plural types of symbols is assigned with a jackpot symbol and then rearranged. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the value is not equal to a predetermined value (step S 302 : NO), the main CPU  41  performs a process for selecting the symbols not including the complex symbol (step S 304 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , for storing data of the symbols not including the complex symbol. When terminating this process, the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step  305 . 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols (step S 305 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols selected at the step S 303  or S 304 , the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel (see  FIGS. 4A and 4B ). The symbols are determined from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  128  in the case where the symbols including the complex symbol have been selected at the step S 303 . 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 in the symbol matrix SM. The main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process when executing this process. 
       FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the free game execution process invoked and executed at step S 208  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 10  according to the first embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  determines a free-game number T as a number of times in executing the free game (step S 401 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines the free-game number T in accordance with a program stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for setting the free-game number B=T (step S 402 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets a remaining free-game number B=T in the storage area provided in the RAM  43 , the area storing the data indicative of the remaining free-game number B as the remaining number of times in executing the free game. A value of T is equal to the free-game number T determined at step S 401 . 
     The main CPU  41  judges whether or not the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 403 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal output from the start switch  23 S at the time of pushing of the start button  23  has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the process to return to step S 403  upon judging that the start button  23  has not been set to ON (step S 403 : NO). 
     Upon judging that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 403 : YES), on the other hand, the main CPU  41  performs a process for displaying an effect image (step S 404 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the free-game number display image  90   a  corresponding to the number of times in executing the free game on the upper image display panel  33  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a free game symbol rearrangement process (step S 405 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . The symbols are determined from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129 . 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 in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Thereafter, the main CPU  41  judges whether the jackpot bonus trigger has been established or not (step S 406 ). 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 jackpot bonus game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 406 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step S 408 . 
     Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 406 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs the jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 13  (step S 407 ). In this jackpot bonus game, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  to execute the jackpot bonus game execution process. The main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step S 410 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a prize has been established (step S 408 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Herein, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S 408 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a coin-payout process for paying out the coins of the number set for the winning number (step S 409 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S 408 : NO) or upon executing the process at step S 409  or S 410 , the main CPU  41  sets the remaining free-game number B=B−1 (step S 410 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets B=B−1 at a value of the free-game number B stored in the RAM  43 . 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not a value of the remaining free-game number B is equal to zero (step S 411 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the remaining game number B stored in the RAM  43  is equal to zero. Upon judging that the value of the remaining free-game number B is not zero (step S 411 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the process to return to step S 403 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the value of B is equal to zero (step S 411 : YES), the main CPU  41  terminates the free game execution process. 
       FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a jackpot bonus game execution process invoked and executed at step S 210  of the subroutine shown  FIG. 10  and step S 407  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 12  according to the first embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  displays the first effect image (step S 501 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  indicative of start of the jackpot bonus game on the upper image display panel  33  and the selection screen through which a type of the jackpot is determined (see  FIG. 6 ) in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol has been selected (step S 502 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not one has been selected through the touch panel  69  (see  FIG. 6B ) from among the symbols displayed on the selection screen for determining a type of the jackpot game. Upon judging that the symbol has not been selected (step S 502 : NO), the main CPU  41  returns the process to step S 502 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that one symbol has been selected (step S 502 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays an effect image corresponding to the selected symbol (step S 503 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads the effect image corresponding to the selected symbol from the ROM  42 , and displays the read effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 7A ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the read effect image is a “Win” effect image (step S 504 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 503  is the “Win” effect image (see  FIG. 7B ). Upon judging that the read image is not the “Win” effect image (step S 504 : NO), the main CPU  41  then displays a “Lose” effect image (step S 505 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads an effect image corresponding to the “Lose” effect image from ROM  42 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 8A ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a “Mini” payout process (step S 506 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs a payout process corresponding to a “Mini” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus execution process when executing the process at step S 506 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the “Win” effect image has been read (step S 504 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the second effect image for game selection (step S 507 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays in the display region  92  a selection screen through which a type of the jackpot game is determined, in a manner to make the symbol identifiable, the symbol selected at step S 502  (see  FIG. 8B ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a predetermined symbol has been selected (step S 508 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a symbol other than the symbol selected at step S 502  has been selected through the touch panel  69 . Upon judging that the predetermined symbol has not been selected (step S 508 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the process to return to step S 508 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the predetermined symbol has been selected (step S 508 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image corresponding to the selected symbol (step S 509 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads the effect image corresponding to the selected symbol from the ROM  42 , and displays the read effect image in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the read effect image is the “Win” effect image (step S 510 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 509  is the “Win” effect image. Upon judging that the read image is not the “Win” effect image (step S 510 : NO), the main CPU  41  then displays a “Lose” effect image (step S 511 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads the effect image corresponding to the “Lose” effect image form ROM  42 , and displays this image in the display region  92 . Next, the main CPU  41  executes a “Major” payout process (step S 512 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs a payout process corresponding to a “Major” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus execution process when executing the process at step S 512 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the read effect image is the “Win” effect image (step S 510 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the “Win” effect image (step S 513 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads an effect image corresponding to the “Win” effect image from the ROM  42 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . Next, the main CPU  41  executes a “Mega” payout process (step S 514 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs a payout process corresponding to a “Mega” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus execution process when executing the process at step S 514 . 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     Next, a slot machine  100  according to a second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the slot machine according to the second embodiment described below is a so-called hybrid type slot machine, which has a transparent liquid crystal panel allocated in front of a plurality of mechanical reels supported in a rotatable manner, and executes a game by displaying images of various types of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface of the mechanical reels through the transparent liquid crystal panel. The slot machine according to the 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 is omitted here. In addition, the constituent elements corresponding to those of the slot machine  10  are designated by the same reference numerals and are explained. 
       FIG. 14  is a view for schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the second embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 14 , the slot machine  100  is rotatably provided with five reels  101   a  to  101   e . A symbol column made up of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  is drawn on the respective one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the reels  101   a  to  101   e.    
     A main liquid crystal panel  202  formed of a transparent liquid crystal panel, which is disposed at the main door, is provided in front of the respective reels  101   a  to  101   e . The main liquid crystal panel  202  displays the symbol display region  28  with visually recognizable rear surface so as to surround symbols displayed in the reels  101   a  to  101   e  in a stopped state, respectively. The symbols drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  are visualized by rendering the symbol display region  28  transparent. 
       FIGS. 15A and 15B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game. As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the symbol display region  28  is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel  202  included in the slot machine  100  of the present invention. Further, the total of five reels  101   a  to  101   e  in five columns are rotatably provided behind the liquid crystal panel  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 15A , when rotation of the reels  101   a  to  101   e  is stopped, the display windows  103  within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16  display the total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns in a stopped state from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 . Further, in the case where a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value, the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 . In this case, by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 , the two complex symbols  129  and the symbol “main character”  121  are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the display windows  103   b ,  103   h ,  103   n , respectively, so that the free game is to be executed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 15B , when rotation of the reels  101   a  to  101   e  is stopped, the display windows  103  within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16  display the total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns in a stopped state from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 . Further, in the case where a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value, the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 . In this case, by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 , the two complex symbols  129  and the symbol “sub character”  122  are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the display windows  103   b ,  103   h ,  103   n , respectively, so that the jackpot bonus game is to be executed. 
       FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic game rearrangement process invoked and executed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 10  according to the second embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols in a scrolling manner (step S 601 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  successively displays in a scrolling manner the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display region  28  displayed on the lower image display panel. 
     The main CPU  41  then determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 602 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16 . The symbols are determined from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e . This determination is based on random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  rearranged the determined symbols (step S 603 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols in the display windows  103  by displaying the reels  101   a  to  101   e  in a stopped state based on the symbols determined at step S 602 . 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value (step S 604 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a value of credit for the progressive jackpot is equal to a predetermined value. Upon judging that the value is not a progressive value (step S 605 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the value is a progressive value (step S 605 : YES), the main CPU  41  determines a display region for displaying the complex symbol (step S 605 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines which of the display windows  103   a  to  103   o  of the symbol display region  28  displays the complex symbol. 
     The main CPU  41  then displays the complex symbol on the liquid crystal panel (step S 606 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  generates data of the complex symbol so that the complex symbol composed of plural types of symbols is assigned with a jackpot symbol, the data being stored in the RAM  43 . The main CPU  41  then displays the complex symbol in the display window  103  which is determined at the step S 605  (see  FIG. 13 ). The main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process when executing this process. 
     3. Third Embodiment 
     First, a slot machine  10  according to a third embodiment will be described in detail with referring to the drawings. The slot machine according to the below third 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. 
       FIGS. 17A and 17B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the third embodiment. The slot machine  10  according to the present invention executes any one of three modes of games, i.e., a basic game, a free game, and a progressive bonus game. The basic game is executed upon consuming a gaming value corresponding to the amount bet by a player. The free game is executed without consuming a gaming value. The progressive bonus game is executed when a predetermined progressive value is obtained. While the slot machine  10  is of a stand-alone type, which is not connected to a network, the present invention is also applicable to a networked slot machine. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B , elements of the symbol matrix SM are displayed on the lower image display panel  16  described later, included in the slot machine  10 . The elements of the symbol matrix SM are made up of a total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns. 
     In the third embodiment of the present invention, any of single symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. A payout is determined based on the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. Further, the symbols are rearranged while a horizontal or vertical direction of two symbol image data is reduced so that a jackpot symbol can be added to the combined symbol  129  in response to the jackpot symbol rendering a predetermined progressive value. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17A , when the predetermined progressive value is obtained during the basic game, in a first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM, the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In a second display region  71 , the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “main character  121 ” is rearranged. The free game is executed, since each of the “combined symbols  129 ” is formed by combining the symbols of the main character  121  and the sub character  122  with each other. Thus, the free game is to be executed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 17B , when the predetermined progressive value is obtained during the basic game, in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM, the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In the second display region  71 , the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “sub character  122 ” is rearranged. The jackpot bonus game is executed, since each of the “combined symbols  129 ” is formed by combining the symbols of the main character  121  and the sub character  122  with each other. 
       FIG. 18  is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of the slot machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. 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 device 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 fifteen elements of the symbol matrix SM in three rows and five columns. A single symbol is arranged in each of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. 
     A credit amount display section  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 image the number of, for example, coins to be paid if a predetermined number of symbols or more of respective types are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM  28 . 
     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 out 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 (fifty coins 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 speaker  29  and a lamp  30  are provided. On a lower side of the upper image display panel  33 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display unit  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 write 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 card 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  36  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. 19  is a block diagram depicting an internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 18 . 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 elements of the symbol matrix SM  28 . The aforementioned symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data, respectively, corresponding to plural types of payout ratios (80%, 84%, and 88%, for example). The symbol weighing 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 elements of the symbol matrix SM  28  are determined depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to the payout ratio. Further, the game programs include table data 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  through an IDE pass. 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 program includes programs concerning a game progress. Furthermore, the game program includes image data or sound data to be output during the game. The image data include, for example, image data indicative of the symbol matrix. 
     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 (Central Processing Unit)  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 ; a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 ; and a communication interface  44 . The main CPU  41  functions as a processor for controlling a display device and a memory according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The ROM  42  is made up of a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a program such as 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. 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  by 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 unit  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 the credit amount display section  31  (see  FIG. 18 ) of the lower image display panel  16 . The number of coins to be paid out is displayed at the payout amount display section  32  (see  FIG. 18 ) of the lower image display panel  16 . The graphic board  68  is equipped with a VDP (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 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 the 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 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 . 
     The control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold-cathode tube  81  are connected to the door PCB  80 . On the control panel  20 , there are provided: 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 ; and 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 by the player 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 . The cold-cathode tube  81  functions as a backlight installed on a 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 . 
       FIGS. 20A to 24B  are diagrams each illustrating an exemplary image displayed on the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 18  according to the third embodiment.  FIGS. 20A and 20B  are diagrams each illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix displayed on the slot machine illustrated in  FIG. 18  during the basic game. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20A , the lower image display panel  16  is made up of a display region  92 , an information display section  93 , an effect image display section  94 , and the like. The elements of the symbol matrix SM are displayed in the display region  92 . The information display section  93  is arranged upwardly of the display region  92  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 currently credited is displayed at the credit amount display section  93   a  while the number of coins bet on 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   c . The characters of “PLAYNOW” are displayed during the play of the game, whereas the characters of “GAMEOVER” are displayed during the intervals between the plays of the game. The number of coins that have 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.    
     The effect image display section  94  displays effect images according to a type of the present slot game. In other words, the effect image display section  94  displays different effect images between the basic and free games. 
     Any of symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM on the lower image display panel  16 . A payout is determined based on the number of these symbols rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. The combined symbols are rearranged while a horizontal or vertical direction of two symbol image data is reduced so that the jackpot symbol can be added to the combined symbol  129  when a predetermined progressive value is obtained. 
     In this case, when the predetermined progressive value is obtained during the basic game, in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM, the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In the second display region  71 , the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “main character  121 ” is rearranged. The free game is executed, since each of the “combined symbols  129 ” is formed by combining the symbols of the main character  121  and the sub character  122  with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 20B , when the predetermined progressive value is obtained during the basic game, in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM, the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In the second display region  71 , the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. A combination of two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “sub character  122 ” is rearranged. The jackpot bonus game is executed, since each of the “combined symbols  129 ” is formed by combining the symbols of the main character  121  and the sub character  122 . 
       FIG. 21A  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 18 .  FIG. 21B  is a diagram illustrating an exemplary symbol matrix, during the free game according to the third embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 21A , when the symbols rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM in  FIG. 20A  are rearranged to match a combination for executing the free game, i.e., the combination of the two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “main character  121 ”, the free game is started. Upon starting the free game, the upper image display panel  33  displays a free-game-number display image  90   a  indicative of the number of times in executing the free games. In this case, the free-game-number display image  90   a  of “10 FREE GAMES” is displayed indicating that the number of times in executing the free games is determined to be 10 times. 
     As shown in  FIG. 21B , when a predetermined progressive value is obtained during the bonus game, in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM, the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In the second display region  71 , the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” are rearranged in any of the elements of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “sub character  122 ” is rearranged. The jackpot bonus game is executed, since each of the “combined symbols  129 ” is formed by combining the symbols of the main character  121  and the sub character  122  with each other. 
       FIGS. 22A and 22B  are diagrams each illustrating an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  according to the third embodiment, shown in  FIG. 18 , during the jackpot bonus game. As shown in  FIG. 22A , when the symbols rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM in  FIG. 20A  are rearranged to match a combination for executing the free game in  FIG. 20B , i.e., the combination of the two “combined symbols  129 ” and one “sub character  122 ”, the jackpot bonus game is started. Upon judging the start of the jackpot bonus game, the upper image display panel  33  displays a jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  indicative of the start of the jackpot bonus game. The jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  of “BONUS GAME” is displayed indicating that the jackpot bonus game has been started. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22B , upon starting the jackpot bonus game, the display region  92  displays a selection screen for determining types of jackpot bonus games. In this case, the display region  92  displays symbols of ( 1 ) to ( 5 ) made up of “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ”, and displays in such a manner that the symbols are selected via the touch panel  69  to select the types of the jackpot bonus games. 
       FIGS. 23A and 23B  are diagrams each illustrating an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  according to the third embodiment, shown in  FIG. 18 , during the jackpot bonus game. As shown in  FIG. 23A , the jackpot bonus game is displayed which corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 22B . When the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 22B , the jackpot bonus game of a car race is started. After that, a car-race start screen is displayed which constitutes the main character effect image  72  and the sub character effect image  73 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 23B , a win-or-lose screen of the jackpot bonus game corresponding to the symbol selected in  FIG. 22B  is displayed. In this case, when the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 22B  and the main character effect image  72  wins in the jackpot bonus game of the car race, a win-or-lose information display  75   a  of “You Win” is displayed. 
       FIGS. 24A and 24B  are diagrams each illustrating an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  according to the third embodiment, shown in  FIG. 18 , during the jackpot bonus game. As shown in  FIG. 24A , a win-or-lose screen of the jackpot bonus game is displayed which corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 22B . When the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 22B  and the sub character effect image  73  wins in the jackpot bonus game of a car race, a win-or-lose information display  78   b  of “You Lose” is displayed. A payout display image  74  of “Mini” is displayed which is indicative of types of payouts of the jackpot, and then, the payout corresponding to “Mini” is awarded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24B , the display region  92  displays a selection screen of the jackpot bonus game corresponding to the symbol selected in  FIG. 22B . When the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 22B  and the “main character  121 ” wins in the jackpot bonus game of a car race (see  FIG. 23B ), the display region  92  displays a selection screen for determining the types of a subsequent jackpot bonus game and displays in such an identifiable manner the fact that the symbol ( 2 ) is selected last time in  FIG. 22B . Selecting any other symbol from the touch panel  69  executes a subsequent jackpot bonus game. 
     Next, a process executed in the slot machine  10  according to the third embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The main CPU  41  controls the progress of a game by reading out and executing the game program. 
       FIG. 25  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  42 , and decompresses, in the RAM  43 , compressed data included in the BIOS. Further, this CPU executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM  43 , and performs diagnosis and initialization of each of the peripheral devices. After that, 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. 26  (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  according to the third embodiment  10  executes the game. The game execution process is repeatedly performed while power is supplied to the slot machine  10 . 
       FIG. 26  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process invoked and performed at step S 102  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 25  according to the third embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  judges whether a coin has been bet or not (step S 201 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received. The input signal is output from the 1-BET switch  26 S at the time of operation of the 1-BET button  26  or is output from the MAX-BET switch  27 S at the time of operation of the MAX-BET button  27 . The main CPU  41  controls the current step to return to the process at step S 201  upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S 201 : NO). 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  subtracts the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43  (step S 202 ) 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 (fifty 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 . 
     Next, 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 output from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pressed has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 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 (step S 204 ) described later with reference to  FIG. 27  upon judging that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 203 : YES). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in elements of the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . The symbols are selected from among the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ”. This determination is based on the symbol weighing 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 main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether a prize has been established or not (step S 205 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Herein, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. 
     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 amount of bet and the number of coins set for the winning number (step S 206 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     Meanwhile, the main CPU  41  judges whether a free game trigger condition has been met or not (step S 207 ) upon judging that the prize is not established (step S 205 : NO) or 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 free game trigger condition has been met based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the free game trigger condition is met (step S 207 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a free game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 27  (step S 208 ). In this free game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and performs the free game execution process. 
     Meanwhile, the main CPU  41  judges whether a jackpot bonus game trigger condition has been met or not (step S 209 ) when judging that the free game trigger condition is not met (step S 207 : NO). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  to sample the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values, thereby judging whether or not the jackpot bonus game trigger condition has been met based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger condition is met (step S 209 ), the main CPU  41  performs a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 29  (step S 210 ). In this jackpot bonus game, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and performs the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  terminates the game execution process when judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger condition is not met (step S 209 : NO) or when executing the process at step S 208 . 
       FIG. 27  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic symbol rearrangement process invoked and performed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 26  according to the third embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols in a scrolling manner (step S 301 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  successively displays in a scrolling manner the symbols that are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the jackpot becomes the predetermined progressive value (step S 302 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the value regarding the credit of the progressive jackpot is a predetermined value. Upon judging that the jackpot becomes predetermined progressive value (step S 302 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a scaling process described later with reference to  FIG. 28  (step S 303 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads the image data of the combined symbols from among the symbols, and reduces a horizontal or vertical direction of the read symbol image data. 
     On the other hand, when the main CPU  41  judge that the jackpot is not the predetermined progressive value (step S 302 : NO), the main CPU  41  judges the rearranged symbols (step S 304 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a predetermined storage area, provided in the RAM  43 , of symbol data. Upon terminating this process, the main CPU  41  controls the step to moves to step S 305 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols (step S 305 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the respective symbols to be arranged, which were judged at step S 303  or S 304 , in the elements of the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel. The symbols are selected from among the symbols “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ”, of which the last symbol is selected only when the combined symbol scaled at step S 303  is judged. This determination is based on the symbol weighing data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. Upon execution of this process, the main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process. 
       FIG. 28  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol scaling process invoked and performed at step S 303  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 27 . First, the main CPU  41  judges the rearranged symbols (step S 401 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects the predetermined storage area, provided in the RAM  43 , of the symbol data. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the combined symbol is determined to be rearranged (step S 402 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbols determined to be rearranged at step S 401  include the combined symbol. Upon judging that the combined symbol is not determined to be rearranged (step S 402 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol scaling process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the combined symbol is determined to be rearranged (step S 402 : YES), the main CPU  41  reads the symbol image data (step S 403 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads, from among the symbol image data stored in the RAM  43 , two symbol image data that are combined with each other. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  refers to a size of a symbol matrix display region (step S 404 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  refers to the size of the display region of the symbol matrix SM in which the combined symbol is rearranged so that the two symbol images read at step S 403  are displayed in a region for displaying a single symbol. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  reduces the symbol image data (step S 405 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reduces a horizontal or vertical direction of the symbol image data read to match the size referred to at step S 404  so that the two symbol images read at step S 403  are displayed in the region for displaying a single symbol. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  generates the image data (step S 406 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  generates the image data so combined that the two symbol image data reduced at step S 405  are displayed in the region for displaying a single symbol is displayed. Upon execution of this process, the main CPU  41  terminates the symbol scaling process. 
       FIG. 29  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the free game execution process invoked and executed at step S 208  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 26  according to the third embodiment. First, the main CPU  41  determines the free-game number T (step S 501 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines the free-game number T in accordance with the program stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for setting the free-game number B=T (step S 502 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets a remaining free-game number B=T in a storage area provided in the RAM  43 , the area storing the data indicative of the remaining free-game number B. T is the free-game number determined at step S 401 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 503 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal output from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pushed has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 403  upon judging that the start button  23  has not been set to ON (step S 503 : NO). 
     Upon judging that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 503 : YES), on the other hand, the main CPU  41  performs a process for displaying effect images (step S 504 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the free-game-number display image  90   a  corresponding to the number of times in executing the free game on the upper image display panel  33  (see  FIG. 21A ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for rearranging symbols in the free game (step S 505 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel. These symbols are selected from among the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, “villa  128 ”, and “combined symbol  129 ”. This determination is based on the symbol weighing data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols to be rearranged in the elements of symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether a jackpot bonus trigger condition has been met or not (step S 506 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  to sample the random numeric values in the numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values, thereby judging whether or not the jackpot bonus game trigger condition has been met based on the sampled random numeric values. The main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 510  upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger condition has been met (step S 506 : NO). 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the jackpot bonus trigger condition has been met (step S 506 : YES), the main CPU  41  executes a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 30  (step S 507 ). In this jackpot bonus game, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and performs the jackpot bonus game execution process. Upon terminating this process, the main CPU  41  controls the step to move to step S 510 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether a prize has been established or not (step S 508 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Here, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the elements of the symbol matrix SM. 
     Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established (step S 508 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a payout process for paying out the coins in accordance with the number of coins set for the winning number (step S 509 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S 508 : NO) or upon executing the processes at step S 509  and step S 510 , the main CPU  41  sets the remaining free-game number B=B−1 (step S 510 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets B=B−1 at a value of the remaining free-game number B stored in the RAM  43 . 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not a value of the remaining free-game number B is equal to zero (step S 511 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a value of the remaining free-game number B stored in the RAM  43  is equal to zero. Upon judging that the value of the remaining free-game number B is not zero (step S 511 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 403 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the value of B is equal to zero (step S 511 : YES), the main CPU  41  terminates the free game execution process. 
       FIG. 30  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the jackpot bonus game execution process invoked and performed at step S 210  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 26  and at step S 507  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 29 , according to the third embodiment. At first, the main CPU  41  displays a first effect selection image (step S 601 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  displaying the start of the jackpot bonus game on the upper image display panel  33 , and a selection screen for determining the types of jackpot bonus games in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 22B ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol is selected (step S 602 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol displayed on the selection screen for determining the types of jackpot bonus games is selected via the touch panel  69  (see  FIG. 22B ). Upon judging that the symbol is not selected (step S 602 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 502 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the symbol is selected (step S 602 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the selected effect image (step S 603 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 502  from the ROM  42  and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 23A ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a “Win” effect is read (step S 604 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 603  is the “Win” effect (see  FIG. 23B ). Upon judging that the “Win” effect is not read (step S 604 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays an effect image of “Lose” (step S 605 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Lose” from the ROM  42 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 24A ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Mini” (step S 606 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs the coin-payout process corresponding to “Mini”. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . Upon execution of the process at step S 606 , the main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the “Win” effect is read (step S 604 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays a second effect selection image (step S 607 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays in the display region  92  a selection screen for determining the types of jackpot games so that the symbol selected at step S 602  is identifiable (see  FIG. 24B ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the predetermined symbol is selected (step S 608 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol other than that selected at step S 602  is selected by way of the symbol touch panel  69 . Upon judging that the predetermined symbol is not selected (step S 608 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 608 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the predetermined symbol is selected (step S 608 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the selected effect image (step S 609 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 602  from the ROM  42  and displays the effect images in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the “Win” effect is read (step S 610 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 609  is the “Win” effect. Upon judging that the “Win” effect is not read (step S 610 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Lose” (step S 611 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Lose” from the ROM  42  and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Major” (step S 612 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs the coin-payout process corresponding to Major. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . Upon execution of the process at step S 612 , the main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the “Win” effect is read (step S 610 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Win” (step S 613 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Win” from the ROM  42  and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Maga” (step S 614 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs the coin-payout process corresponding to “Maga”. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . Upon execution of the process at step S 614 , the main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     4. Fourth Embodiment 
     Next, a slot machine  100  according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The slot machine according to the fourth embodiment below is a so-called hybrid slot machine in which a plurality of rotatably-supported mechanical reels have a transparent liquid crystal panel on front surfaces to display images of various symbols drawn on the peripheral surfaces of the mechanism reels through the transparent liquid crystal panel through which the pictures are allowed to pass. The slot machine according to the fourth embodiment has an appearance, circuitry, and the like that are substantially the same as those of the slot machine  10  according to the third embodiment. Thus, a duplicated explanation is omitted here. Like constituent elements corresponding to those of the slot machine  10  are designated by like reference numerals and are explained. 
       FIG. 31  is a view schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 31 , the slot machine  100  is rotatably provided with five reels  101   a  to  101   e . A symbol column made up of the symbols “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” is drawn on the respective one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the reels  101   a  to  101   e.    
     A main liquid crystal panel  202  formed of a transparent liquid crystal panel, which is disposed at the main door, is provided in front of the respective reels  101   a  to  101   e . The main liquid crystal panel  202  displays the symbol display region  28  with visually recognizable rear surface in such a manner as to surround symbols drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  and displayed in a stopped state, respectively. The symbols drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  are visualized by rendering the symbol display region  28  transparent. 
       FIGS. 32A and 32B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game. As shown in  FIGS. 32A and 32B , the symbol display region  28  is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel  202  provided in the slot machine  100  of the present invention. A total of five reels  101   a  to  101   e  in five columns are rotatably provided rearwardly of the liquid crystal panel  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 32A , 15 display windows  103   a  to  103   o  with visually recognizable rear surface are formed within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16 . When the reels  101   a  to  101   e  stop, any of a total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ”, are displayed in a stopped state. With the use of the liquid crystal panel  202 , a horizontal or vertical direction of two symbol image data is reduced so that the jackpot symbol can be added to the combined symbol  129  in response to the jackpot symbol rendering the predetermined progressive value. In this way, the symbols are rearranged in a superposed state on the reels  101   a  to  101   d . In this case, after the reels  101   a  to  101   d  are displayed in a stopped state, the “combined symbols  129 ” is rearranged in a superposed state in the display windows  103   b  and  103   h . Next, the reel  101   e  is displayed in a stopped state, and the “main character  121 ” is displayed in a stopped state in the display window  103   n , and thus, the free game is executed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 32B , 15 display windows  103   a  to  103   o  with visually recognizable rear surface are formed within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16 . When the reels  101   a  to  101   e  stop, any of a total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ”, are displayed in a stopped state. With the use of the liquid crystal panel  202 , a horizontal or vertical direction of two symbol image data is reduced so that the jackpot symbol can be added to the combined symbol  129  in response to the jackpot symbol rendering the predetermined progressive value. In this way, the symbols are rearranged in a superposed state in the reels  101   a  to  101   d . After the reels  101   a  to  101   d  have been displayed in a stopped state, the “combined symbols  129 ” are rearranged in a superposed state in the display windows  103   b  and  103   h . Next, the reel  101   e  is displayed in a stopped state, and the “sub character  122 ” is displayed in a stopped state in the display window  103   n , and thus, the jackpot bonus game is executed. 
       FIG. 33  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a basic symbol rearrangement process, according to the fourth embodiment, invoked and executed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 26 . First, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols in a scrolling manner (step S 701 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  successively displays in a scrolling manner the symbols that are rearranged in the symbol display region  28  displayed in the lower image display panel. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 702 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the respective symbols to be arranged in the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel. These symbols are selected from among the symbols, “main character  121 ”, “sub character  122 ”, “office building  123 ”, “gold bullion  124 ”, “car  125 ”, “stock certificate  126 ”, “jet  127 ”, and “villa  128 ” drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e . This determination is based on the random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges the determined symbols (step S 703 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the reels  101   a  to  101   e  in a stopped state based on the symbols determined at step S 702  to thereby rearrange the symbols in the display window  103 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the jackpot becomes the predetermined progressive value (step S 704 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the value regarding the credit of the progressive jackpot is a predetermined value. Upon judging that the jackpot is not the predetermined progressive value (step S 704 : NO), the main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the jackpot becomes predetermined progressive value (step S 704 : YES), the main CPU  41  determines the display region in which the combined symbol is displayed (step S 705 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines the display window  103 , in which the combined symbol is displayed, from among the display windows  103   a  to  103   o  of the symbol display region  28 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  displays the combined symbol on the liquid crystal panel (step S 706 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  generates the combined symbol data so that the jackpot symbol is added to the combined symbol in which plural types of symbols are combined, and displays the combined symbol in the display window  103  determined at step S 705  (see  FIG. 30 ). The generated combined symbol data is stored in the RAM  43 . Upon execution of this process, the main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process. 
     5. Fifth Embodiment 
     First, a slot machine  10  according to a fifth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The slot machine according to the fifth 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. 
       FIGS. 34A and 34B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during a basic game according to the fifth embodiment. The slot machine  10  according to the present invention executes any one of three types of gaming modes including a basic game, a free game, and a progressive bonus game. The basic game is executed upon consuming a gaming value corresponding to the amount bet by a player. The free game is executed without consuming a gaming value. The progressive bonus game is executed when a jackpot value reaches a predetermined progressive value. The slot machine  10  is of a stand-alone type, which is not connected to a network, but the present invention is applicable to a networked slot machine. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 34A and 34B , a symbol matrix SM is displayed on a lower image display panel  16  included in a slot machine  10  to be described later. A total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     In the fifth embodiment of the present invention, any of symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , is rearranged in the symbol matrix SM, and a payout is determined based on the number of respective symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. Further, a jackpot is incorporated into the complex symbol  129  under condition of input of a side-BET. 
     As shown in  FIG. 34A , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and a complex symbol  129  are rearranged in a first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. The complex symbol  129  is a symbol into which the plurality of jackpot symbols is incorporated under condition of input of the side-BET. Further, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. The side-BET is input in this case, so that a combination of one symbol “sub character”  122  and two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , that are laterally scaled down, is rearranged. Therefore, a jackpot bonus game having a high payout ratio is to be selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination. 
     As shown in  FIG. 34B , in the case where the side-BET is not input during the basic game, any complex symbols  129  are not rearranged but the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  are rearranged in any of elements of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value and a combination of three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged, so that the jackpot bonus game is selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination. 
       FIG. 35  is a view schematically depicting an appearance of the slot machine according to the fifth 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 . 
     A lower image display panel  16  serving as a display device is provided in front of the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  serving as a display device is provided in front of the main door  13 . The lower image display panel  16  is provided with a liquid crystal panel, which displays fifteen elements of the symbol matrix  28  in three rows and five columns. In each symbol matrix SM, one symbol is arranged. 
     A credit amount display unit  31  of the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of coins credited by way of an image. A payout display unit  32  displays an image indicative of the number of coins or the like to be paid out in the case where the predetermined number or more of respective symbols are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     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 maximum number (fifty coins 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 speaker  29  and a lamp  30  are provided. On a lower side of the upper image display panel  33 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a data display unit  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 card may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or 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. 36  is a block diagram depicting the internal construction of the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 . 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 . 
     A memory card  53  is composed of a non-volatile memory, such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program. The game programs include a symbol selection program. The symbol selection program is intended for determining symbols to be rearranged on a symbol matrix SM. The symbol selection program includes symbol weighing data corresponding to each of a plurality of kinds of payout ratios (for example, 80%, 84%, and 88%). 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 SM are determined depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to this payout ratio. Further, the game programs include table data 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  through IDE bus. 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 progress of a game. Furthermore, the game program includes image data or sound data to be output during the game. The image data includes, for example, image data indicative of the symbol matrix. 
     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. In the case 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 with a commercially available general-purpose motherboard (a printed circuit board on which the essential parts of a personal computer are mounted). 
     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 (Central Processing Unit)  41 , a ROM (Read Only Memory)  42 ; a RAM (Random Access Memory)  43 ; and a communication interface  44 . The main CPU  41  functions as a processor for controlling a display device and memory according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
     The ROM  42  is made up of a memory device such as a flash memory and stores thereon a program such as 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. 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  by 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 executes 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. 
     Connected to the main body PCB  60  are a lamp  30 , a hopper  66 , a coin detecting section  67 , a graphic board  68 , a speaker  29 , a touch panel  69 , a bill validator  22 , a ticket printer  35 , a card reader  36 , a key switch  38 S, and a data display  37 . The lamp  30  illuminates in a predetermined pattern, based on a control signal output from a 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. 35 ) 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. 35 ) 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 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 . 
     The control panel  20 , a reverter  21 S, a coin counter  21 C, and a cold cathode tube  81  are connected to the 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 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 37A , the lower image display panel  16  is made up of a display region  92 , an information display section  93 , the effect image display section  94 , and the like. The display area section  92  is for displaying a symbol matrix SM. In addition, the information display section  93  is arranged above the display area section  92 . This display section is made up of a credit amount display section  93   a , a BET amount display section  93   b , a character information display portion  93   c , a PAID amount display section  93   d , and a charge display section  93   e.    
     The number of coins currently credited is displayed at the credit amount display section  93   a  while the number of coins bet on 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   c . The characters of “PLAYNOW” are displayed during the play of the game, whereas the characters of “GAMEOVER” are displayed during 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 in accordance with a type of the present slot game are displayed. In other words, the effect image display section  94  displays different effect images between the basic and free games. 
     Symbols from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . A payout is determined based on the number of these symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     When a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of three symbols “main character”  121  is rearranged, so that the free game is selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination. 
     As shown in  FIG. 37B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  are rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. The complex symbol  129  is a symbol, into which the plurality of jackpot symbols is incorporated under condition of input of the side-BET. Further, the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. The side-BET is input in this case, so that a combination of one symbol “main character”  121  and two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , that are laterally scaled down, is rearranged. Therefore, the more number of free games are to be selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination, compared with a case where the side-BET is not input. 
       FIGS. 38A and 38B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed during the basic game in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 35 . As shown in  FIG. 38A , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged, so that the jackpot bonus game is selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination 
     As shown in  FIG. 38B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the basic game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and a complex symbol  129  are rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. The complex symbol  129  is a symbol, into which the plurality of jackpot symbols is incorporated under condition of input of the side-BET. Further, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. The side-BET is input in this case, so that a combination of one symbol “main character”  121  and two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , that are laterally scaled down, is rearranged. Therefore, the jackpot bonus game having a higher payout ratio is to be selected and executed in accordance with a type of this combination, compared with the case where the side-BET is not input. 
       FIGS. 39A ,  39 B, and  39 C are views each showing an exemplary image displayed during the free game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 35 . As shown in  FIG. 39A , when the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in  FIGS. 37A and 37B  form a combination for executing the free game, the free game is started. Upon start of the free game, the upper image display panel  33  displays a free-game-number display image  90   a  indicative of the number of times in executing the free game. In this case, the free-game-number display image  90   a  of “10 FREE GAME” is displayed indicating that the number of times in executing the free game has been set to ten. 
     As shown in  FIG. 39B , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the free game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged, so that the jackpot bonus game is selected and executed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 39 , when a jackpot reaches a predetermined progressive value during the bonus game, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  are rearranged in the first display region  70  of the symbol matrix SM. The complex symbol  129  is a symbol, into which the plurality of jackpot symbols is incorporated under condition of input of the side-BET. Further, symbols from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are rearranged in the second display region  71  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of one symbol “main character”  121  and two complex symbols  129  each composed of the symbols “main character”  121  and “sub character”  122 , that are laterally scaled down, is rearranged. Therefore, the jackpot bonus game having a higher payout ratio is to be selectively executed in accordance with a type of this combination, compared with a case where the side-BET is not input. 
       FIGS. 40A to 42B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 35 . As shown in  FIG. 40A , when the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in  FIGS. 38A to 39C  form a combination for executing the jackpot bonus game, the jackpot bonus game is started. When start of the jackpot bonus game is determined, the upper image display panel  33  displays a jackpot-bonus-game display image  90   b  indicative of start of the jackpot bonus game. In this case, the jackpot-bonus-game display image  90   b  of “BONUS GAME” is displayed indicating that the jackpot bonus game is to be started. 
     As shown in  FIG. 40B , upon starting the jackpot bonus game, the display region  92  displays a selection screen for determining types of jackpot bonus games. In this case, the symbols ( 1 ) to ( 5 ) including “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  are displayed so that a type of the jackpot bonus game can be selected by selecting one from among these symbols though a touch panel  69 . 
       FIGS. 41A and 41B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 35 ; As shown in  FIG. 41A , the jackpot bonus game, which corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 40B , is displayed. Because the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 40B , the jackpot bonus game of a car race is started. A car-race start screen composed of the main character effect image  72  and the sub character effect image  73  is then displayed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 41B , displayed next is a win-or-lose screen of the jackpot bonus game that corresponds to the symbol selected in  FIG. 40B . When the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 40B  and the sub character effect image  73  wins in the jackpot bonus game of a car race, a win-or-lose information display  78   b  of “You Lose” is displayed. A payout display image  91   a  of “Mini” is displayed which is indicative of a payout type of the jackpot. The payout corresponding to “Mini” is then awarded. 
       FIGS. 42A and 42B  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed during the jackpot bonus game in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 35 . As shown in  FIG. 42A , in the case where the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 41B  and a main character effect image  72  wins in the jackpot bonus game of the car race, the next jackpot bonus game is started. In this case, the jackpot bonus game of the car race is started. In the case where the sub character effect image  73  wins, a win-or-lose information display  78   b  of “You Lose” is displayed. A payout display image  91  of “Major” is displayed which is indicative of a payout type of the jackpot. The payout corresponding to “Major” is awarded. 
     As shown in  FIG. 42B , in the case where the symbol ( 2 ) is selected in  FIG. 41B  and a main character effect image  72  wins in the jackpot bonus game of the car race, the next jackpot bonus game is started. In this case, the jackpot bonus game of the car race is started. In the case where the main character effect image  72  wins, a win-or-lose information display  78   a  of “You Win” is displayed. A payout display image  91  of “Mega” is displayed which is indicative of a payout type of the jackpot. The payout corresponding to “Mega” is awarded. 
     Next, a process executed in the slot machine  10  according to the fifth embodiment, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The main CPU  41  reads out and executes a game program, thereby conducting the game. 
       FIG. 43  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of main processing. 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  42 , decompresses, in the RAM  43 , compressed data included in the BIOS, executes the BIOS decompressed in the RAM  43 , and executes diagnosis and initialization of each of the peripheral devices. Further, the main CPU  41  writes game programs or the like from the ROM  42  into the RAM  43 , and acquires payout-ratio setting data and country-identification information. The main CPU  41  also executes an authentication process for each program during execution of the initial setting process. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  executes a game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 44  (step S 102 ). In the game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes game programs or the like from the ROM  42 . By performing the game execution process, the slot machine  10  executes the game according to the fifth embodiment. The game execution process is repeatedly performed while power is supplied to the slot machine  10 . 
       FIG. 44  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process invoked and performed at step S 102  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 43 . First, the main CPU  41  judges whether or a coin has been bet (step S 201 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from the 1-BET switch  26 S when the 1-BET button  26  is pressed, or alternatively, being output from the MAX-BET switch  27 S when the MAX-BET button  27  is pressed. The main CPU  41  controls the process to return to step S 201  upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S 201 : NO). 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  subtracts the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43  (step S 202 ) 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 the process to return to step S 201  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 (fifty coins in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift 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 output from the start switch  23 S at the time of pushing of the start button  23  has been received. The main CPU  41  controls the process 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, when the main CPU  41  judges that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 203 : YES), the main CPU  41  carries out symbol rearrangement process which will be described later with reference to  FIG. 45  (step S 204 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . The symbols are determined from among the symbols, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129 . 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 in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether a prize has been established or not (step S 205 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Herein, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Upon judging that the prize is established (step S 205 : YES), the main CPU  41  then executes a coin-payout process in accordance with the amount of bet and the number of coins set for the winning number (step S 206 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  executes a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  judges whether a free game trigger has been established or not (step S 207 ) when judging that the prize is not established (step S 205 : NO) or 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 free game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the free game trigger is established (step S 207 : YES), the main CPU  41  executes a free game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 46  (step S 208 ). In this free game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  and executes the free game execution process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the free game trigger has not been established (step S 207 : NO), the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 209 ). 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 jackpot bonus game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 209 : YES), the main CPU  41  executes a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 47  (step S 210 ). In this jackpot bonus game, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  to execute the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     The CPU  41  terminates the game execution process when judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has not been established (step S 209 : NO) or when executing the process at step S 208 . 
       FIG. 45  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the basic-game symbol rearrangement process invoked and executed in step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 44 . Next, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols in a scrolling manner (step S 301 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  successively displays in a scrolling manner the symbols that are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a side-BET button  85  has been set to ON (step S 302 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from a side-BET switch  85 S at the time of pushing the side-BET button  85 . The main CPU  41  executes a symbol combining process (step S 303 ) described later with reference to  FIG. 46  upon judging that the side-BET button  85  has been set to ON (step S 302 : YES). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads image data of at least two symbols including symbols that are combined under condition of input of the side-BET. The main CPU  41  then laterally or longitudinally scales down the symbols of the read-out image data so as to be displayed together in a region for displaying a single symbol, thereby rearranging therein the complex symbol composed of these scaled-down symbols. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the side-BET button  85  is not set to ON (step S 302 : NO), the main CPU  41  determines symbols to be rearranged (step S 304 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects the predetermined storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing data of the predetermined symbol. Upon terminating this process, the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step S 305 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols when terminating the process at step S 303  or S 304  (step S 305 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the respective symbols determined at step S 303  or S 304  to be arranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel. The symbols are selected from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129  in the case where the complex symbol, that is scaled down at step S 303 , is determined. This determination is based on the symbol weighing data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The main CPU  41  terminates the basic game symbol rearrangement process when executing this process. 
       FIG. 46  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol scaling down process invoked and executed at step S 303  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 45 . First, the main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 401 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects the predetermined storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing data of a predetermined symbol. 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value (step S 402 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a value of credit for the progressive jackpot is equal to a predetermined value. Upon judging that a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value (step S 402 : YES), the main CPU  41  reads out image data concerning a jackpot symbol and image data concerning a symbol (step S 403 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads from the RAM  43 , image data concerning two symbols, i.e., a jackpot symbol and a symbol to be assigned with the jackpot symbol. The main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step S 405  when terminating this process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that a jackpot is not a predetermined progressive value (step S 402 : NO), the main CPU  41  reads out the symbol image data (step S 404 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads out of image data concerning symbols stored in the RAM  43 , the image data concerning two symbols to be combined with each other. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  refers to a size of a symbol matrix display region (step S 405 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  refers to a size of a display region of the symbol matrix SM, in which the complex symbol is rearranged. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  scales down a symbol of the image data (step S 406 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  laterally or longitudinally scales down two symbol images read out at step S 403  or S 404  in a manner to match the size referred to at step S 405  so that these two symbol images are displayed together in a region for displaying a single symbol. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  generates the image data (step S 406 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  generates the image data so that the two symbol images that are scaled down at step S 405  are combined in a predetermined relationship so as to be displayed together in a display region for displaying a single symbol (step S 407 ). The main CPU  41  terminates the symbol scaling process when executing this process. 
       FIG. 47  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free-game execution process invoked and executed at step S 208  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 44 . First, the main CPU  41  determines the free-game number T (step S 501 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  determines the free-game number T in accordance with a program stored in the RAM  43 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a process for setting the free-game number B=T (step S 502 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets a remaining free-game number B=T in the storage area provided in the RAM  43 , the area for storing the data indicative of the remaining free-game number B as the remaining number of times in executing the free game. A value of T is equal to the free-game number T determined at step S 401 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 503 ). 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 process to return to step S 403  upon judging that the start button  23  has not been set to ON (step S 503 : NO). 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 503 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a process for displaying the effect image (step S 504 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the free-game number display image  90   a  corresponding to the number of times in executing the free game on the upper image display panel  33  (see  FIG. 40 ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  performs a free-game symbol rearrangement process (step S 505 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes the program stored in the RAM  43  and determines the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel. These symbols are selected from among the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , and the complex symbol  129 . This determination is based on the symbol weighing data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numeric-value range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols to be rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a jackpot bonus trigger has been established (step S 506 ). 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 jackpot bonus game trigger has been established based on the sampled random numeric values. Upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has not been established (step S 506 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the process to shift to step S 508 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the jackpot bonus trigger has been established (step S 506 : YES), the main CPU  41  executes a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 48  (step S 507 ). In this jackpot bonus game, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM  42  to execute the jackpot bonus game execution process. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a prize has been established (step S 508 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the number of symbols of respective types rearranged in the symbol matrix SM is a winning number allowed to award any of payouts. Herein, the prize is established on condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. 
     Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established (step S 508 : YES), the main CPU  41  performs a payout process for paying out the coins in accordance with the number of coins set for the winning number (step S 509 ). Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S 508 : NO) or upon executing the processes at step S 509 , the main CPU  41  sets the remaining free-game number B=B−1 (step S 510 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sets B=B−1 at a value of the free-game number B stored in the RAM  43 . 
     The main CPU  41  then judges whether or not a value of the remaining free-game number B is equal to zero (step S 511 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a value of the remaining game number B stored in the RAM  43  is equal to zero. Upon judging that a value of the remaining free-game number B is not zero (step S 511 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the step to return to step S 403 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that a value of B is equal to zero (step S 511 : YES), the main CPU  41  terminates the free-game execution process. 
       FIG. 48  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the jackpot bonus game execution process invoked and performed at step S 210  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 44  and at step S 507  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 47 . First, the main CPU  41  displays a first effect image (step S 601 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays a jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  indicative of start of the jackpot bonus game on the upper image display panel  33  and the selection screen through which a type of the jackpot is determined (see  FIG. 40 ) in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol is selected (step S 602 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether a symbol displayed on the selection screen for determining a type of jackpot bonus game is selected or not by means of the touch panel  69 . Upon judging that the symbol is not selected (step S 602 : NO), the main CPU  41  returns the process to step S 602 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the symbol is selected (step S 602 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the selected effect image (step S 603 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads from the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 602 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 41A ). 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the read effect image is the “Win” effect image (step S 603 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 603  is the “Win” effect. Upon judging that the “Win” effect is not read (step S 604 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays an effect image of “Lose” (step S 605 ). Specifically, the CPU  41  reads the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Lose” from the ROM  42 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 41B ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Mini” (step S 606 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes a coin-payout process corresponding to a “Mini” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  executes a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus execution process when executing the process at step S 606 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the “Win” effect is read (step S 604 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays a second effect selection image (step S 607 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays in the display region  92  a selection screen for determining a type of the jackpot bonus game, in a manner to make the symbol selected at step S 602  identifiable. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the predetermined symbol has been selected (step S 608 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not any one of symbols other than the symbol selected at step S 602  has been selected through the touch panel  69 . Upon judging that the symbol has not been selected (step S 608 : NO), the main CPU  41  returns the process to step S 608 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the predetermined symbol has been selected (step S 608 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays an effect image corresponding to the selected symbol (step S 609 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads out of the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 602 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the “Win” effect has been read out (step S 610 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 609  corresponds to the “Win” effect. Upon judging that the read-out image does not correspond to the “Win” effect (step S 610 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Lose” (step S 611 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads out of the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Lose”, and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 42A ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a coin-payout process of “Major” (step S 612 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes a coin-payout process corresponding to a “Major” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  executes a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus execution process when executing the process at step S 612 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the read-out image corresponds to the “Win” effect (step S 610 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Win”. Specifically, the main CPU  41  reads out of the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the effect image of “Win”, and displays the effect image in the display region  92  (see  FIG. 42B ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Mega” (step S 614 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process corresponding to a “Mega” payout. Where the coins are deposited, the main CPU  41  executes a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to the hopper  66 . The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot bonus game execution process when executing the process at step S 614 . 
     6. Sixth Embodiment 
     Next, a slot machine  100  according to a sixth embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment described below is a so-called hybrid type slot machine, which has a transparent liquid crystal panel allocated in front of a plurality of mechanical reels supported in a rotatable manner, and executes a game by displaying images of various types of symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface of the mechanical reels through the transparent liquid crystal panel. The slot machine according to the sixth embodiment has an appearance, circuitry, and the like that are substantially the same as those of the slot machine  10  according to the fifth embodiment. Thus, a duplicated explanation is omitted here. In addition, the constituent elements corresponding to those of the slot machine  10  are designated by the same reference numerals and are explained. 
       FIG. 49  is a view for schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 49 , the slot machine  100  is rotatably provided with five reels  101   a  to  101   e . A symbol column made up of the symbols “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128  is drawn on the respective one of the outer circumferential surfaces of the reels  101   a  to  101   e.    
     A main liquid crystal panel  202  formed of a transparent liquid crystal panel, which is disposed at the main door, is provided in front of the respective reels  101   a  to  101   e . The main liquid crystal panel  202  displays the symbol display region  28  with a visually recognizable rear surface so as to surround symbols displayed on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  in a stopped state, respectively. The symbols drawn on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  are visualized by rendering the symbol display region transparent. 
       FIGS. 50A and 50B  are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix during the basic game. As shown in  FIGS. 50A and 50B , the symbol display region  28  is displayed on the main liquid crystal panel  202  included in the slot machine  100  of the present invention. Further, the total of five reels  101   a  to  101   e  in five columns are rotatably provided behind the liquid crystal panel  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 50A , fifteen display windows  103   a  to  103   o , rear surfaces of which are visually recognizable, are formed within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16 . When the reels  101   a  to  101   e  are stopped, symbols from among the total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are displayed in a stopped state. Further, in the case where a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value, the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 . In this case, by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 , the two complex symbols  129  and the symbol “main character”  121  are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the display windows  103   b ,  103   h ,  103   n , respectively, so that the free game is to be executed. 
     As shown in  FIG. 50B , the fifteen display windows  103   a  to  103   o , rear surfaces of which are visually recognizable, are formed within the symbol display region  28  of the lower image display panel  16 . When the reels  101   a  to  101   e  are stopped, symbols from among the total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns, “main character”  121 , “sub character”  122 , “office building”  123 , “gold bullion”  124 , “car”  125 , “stock certificate”  126 , “jet”  127 , and “villa”  128 , are displayed in a stopped state. Further, in the case where a jackpot is a predetermined progressive value, the complex symbol  129  is rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels  101   a  to  101   e  by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 . In this case, by means of the liquid crystal panel  202 , the two complex symbols  129  and the symbol “sub character”  122  are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the display windows  103   b ,  103   h ,  103   n , respectively, so that the jackpot bonus game is to be executed. 
     While the embodiment according to the present invention has been described, the description presents only some of the specific examples and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way and specific constructions of each means and the like can be properly changed in terms of design. Moreover, the effects described in the embodiment of the present invention are only the most preferable effects generated from the present invention and the effects to be caused by the present invention is not limitative thereto.