Patent Publication Number: US-2009239647-A1

Title: Slot Machine

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/038,947 filed on Mar. 24, 2008. The contents of this application 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 
     In a conventional slot machine, when a player inserts a game medium, such as a coin and a bill, in an insertion slot of a slot machine and presses a SPIN button, a display provided on a front face of a cabinet displays a plurality of symbols in a scrolling manner. 
     Then, scrolling of each of the symbols automatically stops. As such a slot machine, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,102, a slot machine exists which employs a concept of a winning line. In this concept, in case a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line is a predetermined winning combination, a predetermined number of game media are paid out. 
     In addition, as such a slot machine, for example, as disclosed in each of U.S. Pat. No. 6,604,999 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/0065124, a slot machine exists which provides two types of payout, including payout determined by a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and payout determined by a number of displayed scatter symbols. 
     With a slot machine of this conventional type, however, 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 problems. It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel slot machine by enhancing entertainability associated with rearrangement of the symbols. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A first aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device including a symbol display region having a first display region for displaying plural types of symbols, a second display region for displaying at least one of plural types of payout symbols for determining payout, and a third display region for displaying at least one of plural types of magnification symbols for determining a payout magnification; a memory for memorizing two tables, one is for storing identification data of the plural types of payout symbols and payout data corresponding to the payout symbols, and the other is for storing identification data of the plural types of magnification symbols and magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) randomly rearrange, during the basic game, the plural types of symbols in the first display region, at least one of the plural types of payout symbols in the second display region, and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the third display region; and (c) award payout determined by multiplying the payout data memorized in the memory, the payout data corresponding to the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by the magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region, by referring to the tables memorized in the memory, in the case where a combination of the symbols displayed on the first display region during the basic game is a predetermined combination. 
     According to the first aspect, in the case where a combination of symbols is a predetermined one, the payout is awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the rearranged payout symbol by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol. For example, in the case of rearrangement of the payout symbol “Mini” and the magnification symbol “10×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Mini” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “10×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the first aspect, the controller, in the itemized (b), rearranges the plural types of symbols in the first display region after a predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively. 
     According to the second aspect, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. For example, in the case where a predetermined combination of symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the payout symbol “Major” and the magnification symbol “20×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Major” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “20×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the first aspect, the controller, in the itemized (b), randomly switches between a first process and a second process, the first process is for rearranging at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively, after rearrangement of the plural types of symbols in the first display region, and the second process is for rearranging the plural types of symbols in the first display region after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively. 
     According to the third aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A fourth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the third aspect, a memory for memorizing a first random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the first process, and a second random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the second process. The controller randomly switches between the first process and the second process with use of the second random number table in the case where arrangement of a winning combination in the first display region is internally determined. 
     According to the fourth aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases according to random number tables. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A fifth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the first aspect, the slot machine further includes a BET button for accepting input of a side-BET. The controller, in the itemized (c), awards payout determined by multiplying a value of the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by magnification of the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region on the condition of the input of the side-BET through the BET button. 
     According to the fifth aspect, the payout symbol and the magnification symbol are rearranged on the condition of the input of the side-BET. For example, in the case of rearrangement of the payout symbol “Mega” and the magnification symbol “30×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Mega” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “30×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A sixth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device including a symbol display region having a first display region for displaying plural types of symbols, a second display region for displaying at least one of plural types of payout symbols for determining payout, and a third display region for displaying at least one of plural types of magnification symbols for determining a payout magnification; a memory for memorizing two tables, one is for storing identification data of the plural types of payout symbols and payout data corresponding to the payout symbols, and the other is for storing identification data of the plural types of magnification symbols and magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) rearrange, during the basic game, the plural types of symbols in the first display region after a predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively; and (c) award payout determined by multiplying the payout data memorized in the memory, the payout data corresponding to the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by the magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region, by referring to the tables memorized in the memory, in the case where a combination of the symbols displayed on the first display region during the basic game is a predetermined combination. 
     According to the sixth aspect, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. For example, in the case where a predetermined combination of symbols is rearranged after rearrangement of the payout symbol “Major” and the magnification symbol “20×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Major” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “20×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A seventh aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the sixth aspect, the controller, in the itemized (b), randomly switches between a first process and a second process, the first process is for rearranging at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively, after rearrangement of the plural types of symbols in the first display region, and the second process is for rearranging the plural types of symbols in the first display region after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively. 
     According to the seventh aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     An eighth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the seventh aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for memorizing a first random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the first process, and a second random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the second process. The controller randomly switches between the first process and the second process with use of the second random number table in the case where arrangement of a winning combination in the first display region is internally determined. 
     According to the eighth aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases according to random number tables. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A ninth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the sixth aspect, the slot machine further includes a BET button for accepting input of a side-BET. The controller, in the itemized (c), awards payout determined by multiplying a value of the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by magnification of the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region on the condition of the input of the side-BET through the BET button. 
     According to the ninth aspect, the payout symbol and the magnification symbol are rearranged on the condition of the input of the side-BET. For example, in the case of rearrangement of the payout symbol “Mega” and the magnification symbol “30×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Mega” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “30×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A tenth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine including: a display device including a symbol display region having a first display region for displaying plural types of symbols, a second display region for displaying at least one of plural types of payout symbols for determining payout, and a third display region for displaying at least one of plural types of magnification symbols for determining a payout magnification; a memory for memorizing two tables, one is for storing identification data of the plural types of payout symbols and payout data corresponding to the payout symbols, and the other is for storing identification data of the plural types of magnification symbols and magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbols; and a controller for controlling the display device and the memory. The controller is programmed to: (a) execute a basic game; (b) randomly switches between a first process and a second process, the first process is for rearranging at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively, after rearrangement of the plural types of symbols in the first display region, and the second process is for rearranging the plural types of symbols in the first display region after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of at least one of the plural types of payout symbols and at least one of the plural types of magnification symbols in the second display region and the third display region, respectively; and (c) award payout determined by multiplying the payout data memorized in the memory, the payout data corresponding to the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by the magnification data corresponding to the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region, by referring to the tables memorized in the memory, in the case where a combination of the symbols displayed on the first display region during the basic game is a predetermined combination. 
     According to the tenth aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the tenth aspect, the slot machine further includes a memory for memorizing a first random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the first process, and a second random number table provided with random numbers so as to set a high probability of determination of the second process. The controller randomly switches between the first process and the second process with use of the second random number table in the case where arrangement of a winning combination in the first display region is internally determined. 
     According to the eleventh aspect, symbol rearrangement can be randomly switched between two rearrangement cases according to random number tables. In one case, the symbols are rearranged after rearrangement of the magnification symbol and the payout symbol. In the other case, the magnification symbol and the payout symbol are rearranged after rearrangement of the symbols. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with symbol rearrangement. 
     A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set forth below. In the tenth aspect, the slot machine further includes a BET button for accepting input of a side-BET. The controller, in the itemized (c), awards payout determined by multiplying a value of the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region, by magnification of the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region on the condition of the input of the side-BET through the BET button. 
     According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the payout symbol and the magnification symbol are rearranged on the condition of the input of the side-BET. For example, in the case of rearrangement of the payout symbol “Mega” and the magnification symbol “30×”, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to the payout symbol “Mega” by magnification corresponding to the magnification symbol “30×”. Therefore, the slot machine can be improved in its entertainability associated with 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. 1C  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 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. 4  is a view showing an exemplary random number data table according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 5C  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 6C  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7A  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during a free game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the free game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 7C  is a view showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the free game according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the main process; 
         FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol rearrangement process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a jackpot bonus game execution process according to the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of a slot machine according to a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart exemplarily showing a subroutine of a symbol rearrangement process according to a third embodiment; and 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart exemplarily showing a subroutine of a symbol rearrangement process according to a fourth embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     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 ,  1 B, and  1 C are views each showing an exemplary symbol matrix 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 jackpot 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 jackpot bonus game is executed when a jackpot value reaches a predetermined progressive value. 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. 1A to 1C , 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 combination 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 randomly rearranged in a first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM, and payout is determined based on a combination of these symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM. One or more payout symbols “Mini”  78   a,  “Major”  78   b,  and “Mega”  78   c  for determining payout are displayed in a second display region  75 . One or more magnification symbols “5×”  77   a,  “10×”  77   b,  “15×”, and “20×”  77   c  for determining payout magnification are rearranged in a third display region  76 . In the case where a combination of symbols displayed on the first display region  74  results in a predetermined one having been preset, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value corresponding to any of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  displayed on the second display region  75 , by magnification of any of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  rearranged in the third display region  76 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , any one of magnification symbols of plural types for determining the payout magnification is rearranged in the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. Here, a magnification symbol “10×”  77   a  is displayed on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , any one of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  of the plural types for determining the payout is rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. Here, a payout symbol “Mini”  78   a  is rearranged in the second symbol region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1C , 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 randomly rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. Here, a combination of three symbols “office building”  123  is rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM while the payout symbol “Mini”  78   a  and the magnification symbol “10×”  77   a  are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively. Therefore, the payout is to be awarded, which is determined by multiplying a value of the payout symbol “Mini” corresponding to the combination of three symbols “office building”  123  by the magnification of the magnification symbol “10×”. 
       FIG. 2  is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment. The gaming media used in the slot machine  10  include coins, bills, or electronic value information equivalent thereto. In the present invention, however, the gaming media are not limitative thereto in particular, and can include medals, tokens, electric money, and tickets, for example. The above tickets are not limitative in particular, and can include barcode-attached tickets or the like, as described later, for example. 
     The slot machine  10  is provided with a cabinet  11 , a top box  12  installed on an upper side of the cabinet  11 , and a main door  13  provided on a front surface of the cabinet  11 . 
     The lower image display panel  16  serving as a display 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 amount display unit  32  displays by way of an image the number of, for example, coins to be paid when a predetermined number or more symbols of respective types are rearranged in the elements of 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  and  85  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 , a MAX-BET button  27 , and a side-BET button  85  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 side-BET button  85  is intended for entering a command for betting coins on the game if players desire to place a bet on one more 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  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 . A player causes another slot machine to read the bar-code-attached tickets  39 , allowing the slot machine to perform games, or alternatively, allowing the exchange of bar-code-attached tickets  39  with bills or the like at a predetermined site of a game facility (for example, at the casher in a casino). 
     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 chard may store data corresponding to coins, bills, or a credit. As an alternative of a smart card, a magnetic stripe card may be employed. The data display  37  is made up of a fluorescent display and the like, and displays the data read by the card reader  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 aforementioned symbol selection program is intended for determining the symbols to be rearranged in the elements of the 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 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. 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 SM. 
     The GAL  54  is a type of a PLD (Programmable Logic Device)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. Also, the IC socket  54 S is configured to allow the GAL  54  to be attached thereto or detached therefrom, and is connected to a motherboard  40  through PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL can be replaced with a 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  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 . 
     Equipment and devices, which generate input signals to be input to the main CPU 41 , and equipment and devices, operations of which are controlled by a control signal output from the main CPU 41 , are connected to the body PCB 60  and the door PCB 80 . The main CPU 41  executes the game programs stored in RAM  43 , based upon an input signal that was input to the main CPU 41 , thereby performing predetermined computational processing. Then, this CPU 41  stores results thereof into RAM 43 ; and transmits control signals to equipment and devices as control processing relative to the equipment and devices. 
     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 lamp  30  is lit up in a predetermined pattern, based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41 . 
     The hopper  66  is installed in the cabinet  11 . This hopper pays out a predetermined number of coins from a coin payout exit  19  to a coin tray  18 , based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41 . A coin detecting section  67  is installed inside the coin payout exit  19 . This detecting section outputs an input signal to the main CPU 41  at the time of detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from the coin payout exit  19 . 
     The graphic board  68  performs control, based upon 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 display section  31  (see  FIG. 2 ) on the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 . Further, the payout amount display section  32  (see  FIG. 2 ) on the lower image display panel  16  displays the number of coins to be paid out. The graphic board  68  is equipped with: a VDP (Video Display Processor), which generates image data based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41 ; and a video RAM, which temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP or 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 . The bill validator  22 , upon accepting a legitimate bill, outputs an input signal to the main CPU  41  based on the bill amount. The main CPU  41  stores in the RAM  43  the credit amount corresponding to the bill amount 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 upon 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 a player operates the key pad  38 . The data display  37  displays, based upon a control signal output from the main CPU 41 , the data read by the card reader  36  and the data input by a 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 ; a MAX-BET switch  27 S corresponding to the MAX-BET button  27 ; and a side-BET switch  85 S corresponding to the side-BET switch  85 . When the player operates the buttons  23  to  27  and  85 , the corresponding switches  23 S to  27 S and  85 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 . Specifically, when the hopper  66  is filled with coins, the reverter  21 S distributes legitimate coins into the hopper  21 S. On the other hand, when the hopper  66  is not filled with coins, legitimate coins are distributed into the hopper  66 . A cold cathode tube  81  functions as a backlight installed on rear face side of each of the lower image display panel  16  and the upper image display panel  33 , and is lit up based on a control signal output from the main CPU  41 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view showing an exemplary random number data table according to the first embodiment. This random number data table is stored in the ROM  42  and is used to randomly switch a process between a first process and a second process. In the first process, one or more of the payout symbol  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively, after rearrangement of the symbols in the first display region  74 . In the second process, the symbols are rearranged in the first display region  74  after a predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the random number table includes a first random number table and a second random number table stored in the ROM  42 . In the first random table, random numbers are provided so as to set a high probability of determination of the first process that one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively. In the second random table, random numbers are provided so as to set a high probability of determination of the second process that the symbols are rearranged in the first display region  74  after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively. The second random table is selected in the case where arrangement of a winning combination of symbols in the first display region  74  is internally determined. The first random table is selected in the case where such a determination is not internally determined. 
       FIGS. 5A to 7C  are views each showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  according to the first embodiment.  FIGS. 5A ,  5 B, and  5 C are views each showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , 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 display region  92  is for displaying a symbol matrix SM. In addition, the information display section  93  is arranged above the display region  92 . This display region is made up of a credit amount display section  93   a,  a BET amount display section  93   b,  a character information display section  93   c,  a PAID amount display section  93   d,  and a charge display section  93   e.    
     The number of coins presently credited is displayed at the credit amount display section  93   a  while the number of coins bet in one game is displayed at the BET amount display section  93   b.  The character information indicative of a current status of the game is displayed at the character information display section  93   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.  On the effect image display section  94 , effect images in accordance with types of the present slot game are displayed. 
     In the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 , any combination 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 first display region  74 . One or more of the payout symbols “Mini”  78   a,  “Major”  78   b,  and “Mega”  78   c  for determining payout is rearranged in the second display region  75 . One or more of the magnification symbols “45×”  77   a,  “10×”  77   b,  and “20×”  77   c  for determining payout magnification is rearranged in the third display region  76 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , one or more of the magnification symbols of the plural types for determining the payout magnification is displayed on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a magnification symbol “5×”  77   b  is rearranged in the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  of the plural types for determining the payout is rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, the payout symbol “Major”  78   b  is displayed in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , any combination 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 first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the three symbols “main character”  121  is rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. The payout symbol “Major”  78   b  is rearranged in the second display region  75 . The magnification symbol “5×”  77   b  is rearranged in the third display region  76 . Accordingly, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value set for the payout symbol “Major” corresponding to the combination of the three symbols “main character”  121 , by magnification of the magnification symbol “5×”. In this case, since the combination of the three symbols “main character”  121  is rearranged, the free game is selected and executed according to this type of the combination. 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C are views each showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  during the basic game according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 6A , one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  of the plural types for determining the payout magnification are displayed on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, the magnification symbol “20×”  77   c  is rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6B , one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  of the plural types for determining the payout are rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, the payout symbol “Mega”  78   c  is displayed on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6C , any combination 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 first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. The payout symbol “Mega”  78   c  is rearranged in the second display region  75 . The magnification symbol “20×”  77   c  is rearranged in the third display region  76 . Accordingly, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value of the payout set for the payout symbol “Mega” corresponding to the combination of the three “sub characters”  122 , by magnification of the magnification symbol “20×”. In this case, since the combination of the three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged, the jackpot bonus game is selected and executed according to this type of the combination. 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B, and  7 C are views each showing an exemplary image displayed in the slot machine  10  shown in  FIG. 2  during the free game according to the first embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 7A , when the symbols rearranged in the symbol matrix SM in  FIG. 5C  form a combination that results in execution of 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. 7B , one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  of the plural types for determining the payout magnification are displayed on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. One or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  of the plural types for determining the payout are rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, the magnification symbol “10×”  77   a  is rearranged in the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. The payout symbol “Mini”  78   a  is rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7C , any combination 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 first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. In this case, a combination of the three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. The payout symbol “Mini”  78   a  is rearranged in the second display region  75 . The magnification symbol “10×”  77   a  is rearranged in the third display region  76 . Accordingly, the payout is to be awarded by multiplying a value set for the payout symbol “Mini” corresponding to the combination of the three symbols “sub character”  122 , by magnification of the magnification symbol “10×”. In this case, since the combination of the three symbols “sub character”  122  is rearranged, the jackpot bonus game is selected and executed according to this type of the combination. 
     Next, a process executed in the slot machine  10  according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The main CPU  41  reads out and executes a game program, thereby conducting the game. 
       FIG. 8  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the 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 , 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. 9  (step S 102 ). In this game execution process, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from the ROM 42 . By performing this game execution process, the slot machine  10  executes the game according to the first embodiment. The game execution process is repeatedly performed while power is supplied to the slot machine  10 . 
       FIG. 9  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process invoked and performed at step S 102  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 8  according to the first 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 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 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). In the case 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 201  without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . In the case 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 S 203  without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM  43 . 
     At step S 203 , the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the start button  23  has been set to ON (step S 203 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pushed. 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, 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. 10  (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 rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM 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 . The symbol rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM is determined from among the payout symbols “Mini”  78   a,  “Major”  78   b,  and “Mega”  78   c  for determining payout. The symbol rearranged in the third display region  76  is determined from among the magnification symbols “5×”  77   a,  “10×”  77   b,  and “20×”  77   c  for determining payout magnification. 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. 
     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 the condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the first display region  74  of 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 ). Specifically, in the case where one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  for determining the payout and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  for determining the payout magnification are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM, respectively, the main CPU  41  refers to identification data of these rearranged payout symbol and magnification symbol, respectively, from the data table stored in the ROM  42 . The main CPU  41  then awards payout by multiplying a value set for the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region  75  by magnification of the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region  76 . 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, in the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  transmits the control signal to the hopper  66  to pay out the predetermined amount of coins. 
     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 condition has been satisfied 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. 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  executes a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 12  (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 steps S 208  and  210 . 
       FIG. 10  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol rearrangement process invoked and performed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 9  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 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 symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 302 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing predetermined symbol data, and then determines the symbols to be displayed on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM 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 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines the magnification symbol and the payout symbol (step S 303 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing predetermined symbol data, and then determines one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  to be displayed on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  to be displayed on the third display region  76 . 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the magnification symbol (step S 304 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  determined at step S 303  on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  rearranges the payout symbol (step S 305 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  determined at step S 303  on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols (step S 306 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols determined at step S 302  on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  and one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  in the third display region and the second display region, respectively. The main CPU  41  terminates the basic symbol rearrangement process when terminating this process. 
       FIG. 11  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. 9  according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 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 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 . 
     The main CPU  41  then 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 has been received, the signal being output from the start switch  23 S when the start button  23  is pushed. 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 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 a free-game-number display images  90   a  (see  FIG. 7 ) corresponding to the free-game number on the upper image display panel  33 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  carries out a 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 . Any combination 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 first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. One or more of the payout symbols “Mini”  78   a,  “Major”  78   b,  and “Mega”  78   c  for determining payout are rearranged in the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. One or more of the magnification symbols “5×”  77   a,  “10×”  77   b,  and “20×”  77   c  for determining payout are rearranged in the third display region  76 . The above-rearrangement is determined 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. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a jackpot bonus trigger has been established (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. The main CPU  41  controls the step to move to step S 408  upon judging that the jackpot bonus game trigger has been established (step S 406 : NO). 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the jackpot bonus trigger has been established (step S 406 : YES), the main CPU  41  executes a jackpot bonus game execution process described later with reference to  FIG. 12  (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. 
     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 type of payout. Herein, the prize is established on the condition that a predetermined number of symbols of the same type are rearranged in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has 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 ). Specifically, in the case where one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  for determining the payout and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  for determining the payout magnification are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM, respectively, the main CPU  41  refers to identification data of these rearranged payout symbol and magnification symbol, respectively, from the data table stored in the ROM  42 . The main CPU  41  then awards payout by multiplying a value set for the payout symbol rearranged in the second display region  75  by magnification of the magnification symbol rearranged in the third display region  76 . 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 . In the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  transmits the control signal to the hopper  66  to pay out the predetermined amount of coins. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S 408 : NO) or upon executing the processes at steps S 407  and S 409 , 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 a value of the remaining game number 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 step 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. 12  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. 9  and at step S 407  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 11 , according to the first embodiment of the present invention. At first, the main CPU  41  displays a first effect selection image (step S 501 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays a jackpot bonus game display image  90   b  displaying start of the jackpot bonus game on the upper image display panel  33 , and a selection screen for allowing a player to determine a type of jackpot bonus game in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the symbol is selected (step S 502 ). 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 . 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 . Upon judging that the symbol is not selected (step S 502 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the current step to return to the process at step S 502   
     On the other hand, upon judging that the symbol is selected (step S 502 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the selected effect image (step S 503 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads out of the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 502 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a “Win” effect is read (step S 504 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 503  corresponds to the “Win” effect. Upon judging that the read-out image does not correspond to the “Win” effect (step S 504 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Lose” (step S 505 ). 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 . Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process of “Mini” (step S 506 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes a coin-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, in the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  transmits the control signal to the hopper  66  to pay out the predetermined amount of coins. The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot-bonus game execution process when executing the process at step S 506 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the “Win” effect is read (step S 504 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays a second effect selection image (step S 507 ). 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 502  identifiable. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the predetermined symbol has been selected (step S 508 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a symbol other than the symbol having been selected at step S  502  is selected via the touch panel  69 . Upon judging that the predetermined symbol is not selected (step S 508 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the current step to return to the process at 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 an effect image corresponding to the selected symbol (step S 509 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  sequentially reads out of the ROM  42  the effect image corresponding to the symbol selected at step S 502 , and displays the effect image in the display region  92 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a “Win” effect is read (step S 510 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the effect image read at step S 509  corresponds to the “Win” effect. Upon judging that the read-out image does not correspond to the “Win” effect (step S 510 : NO), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Lose” (step S 511 ). 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 512 ). Next, the main CPU  41  executes a payout process corresponding to the payout symbol “Major” (step S 512 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  executes a coin-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, in the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  transmits the control signal to the hopper  66  to pay out the predetermined amount of coins. 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 “Win” effect is read (step S 510 : YES), the main CPU  41  displays the effect image of “Win” (step S 513 ). 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 corresponding to the payout symbol “Mega” (step S 514 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  performs the coin-payout process corresponding to “Mega”. 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, in the coin-payout process, the main CPU  41  transmits the control signal to the hopper  66  to pay out the predetermined amount of coins. The main CPU  41  terminates the jackpot-bonus game execution process when executing the process at step S 514 . 
     Next, a slot machine  100  according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying 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. 13  is a view for schematically showing an appearance of the slot machine  100  according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 13 , 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 outer circumferential surfaces of the reels  101   a  to  101   c.    
     Furthermore, a symbol column made up of the payout symbols “Mini”, “Major”, and “Mega” is drawn on an outer circumferential surface of the reel  101   d.  A symbol column made up of the magnification symbols “5×”, “10×”, “15×”, and “20×” is drawn on an outer circumferential surface of the reel  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. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol rearrangement process invoked and performed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 11  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 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 that are rearranged in the symbol matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . 
     The main CPU  41  then determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 602 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing predetermined symbol data, and then determines the payout symbol to be displayed on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM 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 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the side-BET has been set to ON (step S 603 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not an input signal has been received, the signal being output from the side-BET switch  85 S when the side-BET button  85  is pushed. Upon judging that the side-BET has not been set to ON (step S 603 : NO), the main CPU  41  controls the current step to move to the process at step S 607 . 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the side-BET button  85  is set to ON (step S 603 : YES), the main CPU  41  determines the magnification symbol and the payout symbol (step S 604 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing predetermined symbol data, and then determines one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  to be displayed on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  to be displayed on the third display region  76 . 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the magnification symbol (step S 605 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  determined at step S 604  on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the payout symbol (step S 606 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  determined at step S 604  on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols (step S 607 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols determined at step S 602  on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  and the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  in the third display region and the second display region, respectively. The main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearrangement process when terminating this process. 
       FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol rearrangement process invoked and performed at step S 204  of the subroutine shown in  FIG. 11  according to a fourth of the present invention. 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 matrix SM displayed on the lower image display panel  16 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  determines the symbols to be rearranged (step S 702 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects a storage area set in the RAM  43 , the area for storing predetermined symbol data, and then determines the symbols to be displayed on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM 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 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a winning combination has been internally established (step S 703 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or rearrangement of the winning combination in the first display has been internally decided. The main CPU  41  selects the second random number table (step S 704 ) when judging that the winning combination has been internally determined (step S 703 : YES). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects the second random number table from the ROM  42 , in which random numbers are provided so as to set a high probability of determination of the second process (see  FIG. 4 ). In the second process, the symbols are rearranged in the first display region  74  after a predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76  and, respectively. 
     On the other hand, the main CPU  41  selects the first random number table (step S 705 ) when judging that the winning combination has not been internally determined (step S 703 : NO). Specifically, the main CPU  41  selects the first random number table, in which random numbers are provided so as to set a high probability of determination of the first process (see  FIG. 4 ). In the first process, one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  are rearranged in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively, after rearrangement of the symbols in the first display region  74 . 
     Next, the main CPU  41  executes a process for randomly determining the first or second process upon execution of the process at steps S 704  and S 705  (step S 706 ) Specifically, the main CPU  41  extracts a random number, thereby determining the first or second process corresponding to the extracted random number. 
     Next, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not the first process is determined (step S 707 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  judges whether or not a process determined at step S 706  is the first process. Upon judgment that the first process has been determined (step S 707 : YES). The main CPU  41  rearranges one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  and one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b.    78   c  (step S 708 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  on the third display region  76  of the symbol matrix SM and one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  on the second display region  75  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the symbols (step S 709 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  displays the symbols determined at step S 702  on the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM after a predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  and one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  in the second display region  75  and the third display region  76 , respectively. The main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearrangement process when terminating this process. 
     On the other hand, upon judging that the first process is not determined (step S 707 : NO), the main CPU  43  rearranges the symbols (step S 710 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  rearranges the symbols determined at step S 702  in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. 
     The main CPU  41  then rearranges the magnification symbol and the payout symbol (step S 711 ). Specifically, the main CPU  41  rearranges one or more of the magnification symbols  77   a,    77   b,    77   c  and one or more of the payout symbols  78   a,    78   b,    78   c  in the third display region  76  and the second display region  75 , respectively, after the predetermined period having been preset has elapsed after rearrangement of the symbols in the first display region  74  of the symbol matrix SM. The main CPU  41  terminates the symbol rearrangement process when terminating this process. 
     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.