US20090227328A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20090227328A1
Application number: US12/145,909
Authority: US
Inventors: Hiroki Saito
Original assignee: Aruze Corp
Current assignee: Universal Entertainment Corp
Priority date: 2008-03-05
Filing date: 2008-06-25
Publication date: 2009-09-10

Abstract

A slot machine according to the present invention includes a symbol matrix display area, second reels having second symbols arranged in a superimposed manner on first symbols of first reels, and a processor for controlling rotation of the first and second reels. The plurality of first reels each has an independent rotation axis. Rotation axis of each second reel is positioned closer to a rear side compared to that of each first reel when viewed from the symbol matrix display area. The processor awards a prize in the case where a combination of the first symbols of the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area and the second symbols of the second reels rearranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols of the first reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a column, row, or diagonal direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/033,932 filed on Mar. 5, 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 payouts, including a payout determined by a combination of symbols rearranged on a winning line and a payout determined by a number of displayed scatter symbols.

In the above-described conventional slot machine, a position of a winning line on which a winning combination is established or a displaying position of a scatter symbol is not related to a payout. Accordingly, a prolonged need exists for the advent of a slot machine which is capable of offering 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 associated with rearrangement of the symbols.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the first aspect of the present invention, after the rearrangement of symbols, the symbols are further rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For example, in the case where the symbol “1Bar” is rearranged and then the symbol “3Bar” is rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner, a prize is to be awarded based on a payout corresponding to the symbol “3Bar”. Thus, the slot machine according to the first aspect raises players' expectations for a payout, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

A second aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, each of the second symbols arranged on the second reel is set to a WILD symbol. The processor, in the itemized (c), awards a prize according to a combination of the first symbols on the first reels disposed in the symbol matrix display area and the plurality of WILD symbols contiguously rearranged on any one of the second reels.

According to the second aspect, after rearrangement of symbols, symbols are further rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For example, after rearrangement of the symbols, the plurality of symbols “WILD” can be rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner. Thus, the slot machine according to the second aspect raises players' expectations for a payout corresponding to the symbol “WILD”, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

A third aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, the second reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.

According to the third aspect, after rearrangement of symbols, the symbols “WILD” are further rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For example, after rearrangement of symbols, the plurality of symbols “WILD” can be rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner. In this manner, the symbols “WILD” can be rearranged contiguously. Thus, the slot machine according to the third aspect raises players' expectations for a payout corresponding to the symbol “WILD”, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

A fourth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the first aspect, the processor is further programmed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a free game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during the basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c) during the free game.

According to the fourth aspect, after rearrangement of symbols during the free game, the symbols “WILD” are further rearranged in a superimposed manner on the rearranged symbols. For example, after rearrangement of the symbols during the free game, the plurality of symbols “WILD” can be rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner. In this manner, players can visually recognize the symbols “WILD” that are contiguously rearranged. Thus, the slot machine according to the fourth aspect raises players' expectations for the free game, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

According to the fifth aspect, after rearrangement of symbols, the symbols “WILD” are further rearranged on the rearranged symbols in a superimposed manner. For example, in the case where the symbol “1Bar” is rearranged and then the symbol “WILD” is rearranged thereon in a superimposed manner, a prize is to be awarded based on a payout corresponding to the symbol “WILD”. Thus, the slot machine according to the fifth aspect raises players' expectations that the symbols “WILD” would be rearranged on the activated line, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the fifth aspect, the second reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.

According to the sixth aspect, after rearrangement of symbols, the symbols “WILD” are further rearranged on the rearranged symbols in a superimposed manner. For example, after rearrangement of symbols, the plurality of symbols “WILD” is further rearranged on the rearranged symbols other than the symbols “WILD”, in a superimposed manner. In this manner, players can visually recognize the symbols “WILD” that are contiguously rearranged. Thus, the slot machine according to the sixth aspect raises players' expectations for a payout corresponding to the symbol “WILD”, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is a slot machine constituted as set fourth below. In the fifth aspect, the processor is further programed to: (d) execute a basic game; (e) execute a free game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during the basic game; and (f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c) during the free game.

According to the seventh aspect, the symbols “WILD” are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the plurality of rearranged symbols during the free game. Thus, the slot machine according to the seventh aspect raises player's expectations that the symbols “WILD” would be rearranged on the activated line during the free game, thereby enhancing entertainability in rearrangement of symbols during the free game.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing one example of symbol-rearrangement according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a reel according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view showing an internal construction of the slot machine shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a view showing an internal construction of the reel shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 6A is a view showing a correspondence relationship between various symbols and payouts at the time of a basic game according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a view showing a correspondence relationship between the various symbols and payouts at the time of the basic game according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7A is a view showing one example of an image displayed in the slot machine shown inFIG. 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7B is a view showing one example of an image displayed in the slot machine shown inFIG. 2 according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of main process according to the first embodiment;

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 game execution process according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free game execution process according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a symbol rearrangement process during the free game according to the second embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a view showing one example of an image displayed during the free game in the slot machine shown inFIG. 2 according to the second embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First, aslot machine10 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the slot machine according to the first 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 symbols drawn on an outer peripheral surface of the mechanical reels through the transparent liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 1 is a view showing one example of rearranged symbols according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 1, a total of fifteenreels101ato101oin five rows and three columns are provided in a rotatable manner in asymbol display area28. Thereels101ato101oform a double-layered structure with level-upreels102ato102ethat rotate outside thereels101ato101o.The level-upreels102ato102eeach having a larger diameter than those of thereels101ato101oare disposed at outer peripheral sides of thereels101ato101o.The level-upreels102ato102eeach disposed so as to enclose three of thereels101ato101oprovided in a column direction are provided with level-up symbols (second symbols)120 superimposed on symbols (first symbols) arranged on thereels101ato101o.In thesymbol display area28, eight basic lines BL are set along the column and row directions.

In the embodiments of the present invention, in thesymbol display area28, any of symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” is rearranged on thereels101ato101o.Symbols “Blank” or “WILD” are rearranged on the level-upreels102ato102edisposed at outer peripheral sides of thereels101ato101oin the column direction. A payout is awarded based on level-upsymbols120 rearranged in a superimposed manner on the above rearranged symbols. In this case, the symbols “7” are rearranged on the

reels

101a,101d,101g,101j.The symbols “1Bar” are rearranged on the

reel

101b,101f,101h,101l,101o.The symbols “Blank” are rearranged on the other reels. Next, when the level-upsymbols120 of “WILD” are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the

reels

101a,101b,101c,101h,101i,101m,101n,by means of the level-upreels102ato102e,a payout corresponding to the symbols rearranged on the

reels

101a,101b,101c,101h,101i,101l,101m,101n,are determined based on the symbols “WILD”.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically depicting a frame format of an appearance of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. The gaming media used in theslot machine10 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.

Theslot machine10 is provided with acabinet11, atop box12 installed on an upper side of thecabinet11, and amain door13 provided on a front surface of thecabinet11.

A lowerimage display panel16 serving as a display device is provided in front of themain door13. The lowerimage display panel16 is provided with a liquid crystal panel to display various types of information or images such as effect images during the play of the game.

Asymbol display area28 for displaying symbols is provided at the center of the lowerimage display panel16. In thesymbol display area28, ninedisplay windows103ato103oare formed which allow a rear side thereof to be visually recognized. As shown inFIG. 3, fifteenreels101ato101oare rotatably provided. In addition, thereels101ato101oform a double-layered structure with the level-upreels102ato102ethat rotate outside thereels101ato101o.The level-upreels102ato102eare each disposed so as to enclose three of thereels101ato101oprovided in the column direction. The outside level-upreels102ato102eand the insiderotational reels101ato101ohave independent rotational axes, respectively. The rotational axes of the level-upreels102ato102eare positioned closer to a rear side compared to those of thereels101ato101owhen viewed from thesymbol display area28. These axes are rotationally driven by means of separate motors. A symbol line made up of the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” is drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each of thereels101ato101o.On the other hand, a half periphery of each of the level-upreels102ato102ois transparent so that thereels101ato101ocan be visually recognized. The remaining half perimeter has the level-up symbols made up of “Blank” and “WILD” drawn thereon in a manner that the symbols drawn on thereels101ato101ocan be visually recognized.

In the lowerimage display panel16, six basic lines BL are set along the column or row directions of thesymbol display area28. The basic lines BL serving as the winning lines specify combinations of symbols.

A creditamount display unit31 of the lowerimage display panel16 displays the number of coins credited by way of an image. A payoutamount display unit32 displays by way of an image the number of coins to be paid if a predetermined combination of symbols are rearranged on the winning line.

Provided on a lower side of the lowerimage display panel16 are acontrol panel20 having a plurality ofbuttons23 to27 through which command regarding the process of the game will be input by a player, acoin receiving slot21 for receiving coins into thecabinet11, and abill validator22.

On thecontrol panel20, astart button23, achange button24, acashout button25, a 1-BET button26, and a max-BET button27 are provided. Thestart button23 is intended for entering a command for starting the game. Thechange button24 is intended for use in asking an attendant of the gaming facility for change. Thecashout button25 is intended for entering a command for paying the credited coins to acoin tray18 through acoin payout exit19.

The 1-BET button26 is intended for entering a command for betting one coin among the credited coins on the game. The max-BET button27 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 validator22 validates whether or not a bill is legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into thecabinet11. The bill validator22 may be configured so that a barcode-attachedticket39 described later is readable thereby. Provided on a lower front surface of themain door13, that is, at a lower part of thecontrol panel20, is aberry glass34 on which characters of theslot machine10 and the like are depicted.

On a front surface of thetop box12, an upperimage display panel33 is provided. The upperimage display panel33 has a liquid crystal panel, which displays images for introducing the game contents or explaining game rules, for example.

Also, on thetop box12, alamp30 and aspeaker29 are provided. On a lower side of the upperimage display panel33, aticket printer35, acard reader36, adata display37, and akey pad38 are provided. Theticket printer35 prints on the ticket, a barcode having encoded thereon data such as the credit amount, the date and time, and the identification number of theslot machine10, and outputs the printed ticket as the barcode-attachedticket39. The player can play the game on another slot machine with the barcode attachedticket39 by causing this slot machine to read the barcode attachedticket39. Alternatively, the player can exchange the barcode-attachedticket39 with the bills or the like at a predetermined place (at a cashier inside a casino, for example) of the gaming facility.

Thecard reader36 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 display37 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 thekey pad38, for example. Thekey pad38 inputs data and commands regarding the ticket issuance or the like.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting the internal construction of the slot machine shown inFIG. 2. Agaming board50 includes: a CPU (Central Processing Unit)51, a ROM (Read Only Memory)55 and aboot ROM52 interconnected by an internal bus; acard slot53S corresponding to amemory card53; and anIC socket54S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic)54.

Amemory card53 is composed of a non-volatile memory, such as CompactFlash (registered trademark), and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol selection program. The symbol selection program is intended for determining symbols to be rearranged in thedisplay windows103ato103oinside thesymbol display area28. 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 weighing data is indicative of the correspondence relationship between a code number of each of symbols and level-up symbols, and one or more random number values which come under a predetermined numerical range (0 to 256), with respect to each of thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102e.The payout ratio is determined according to the payout-ratio setting data output from theGAL54. The symbols to be stopped and displayed are determined depending upon the symbol weighing data corresponding to this payout ratio.

Also, thecard slot53S is configured to allow thememory card53 to be inserted thereinto or ejected therefrom, and is connected to amotherboard40. Accordingly, thememory card53 can be ejected from thecard slot53S, other game programs and other game system programs can then be written into thememory card53, and further, thememory card53 can be inserted into thecard slot53S, thereby allowing the player to change the types and contents of games executed in theslot machine10. The game program includes a program related to 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.

TheGAL54 is a type of a PLD having a fixed OR array structure. TheGAL54 includes plural input ports and plural output ports. Where predetermined data is input to the input port, theGAL54 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, theIC socket54S is configured to allow theGAL54 to be attached thereto and detached therefrom, and is connected to themotherboard40 by a PCI bus. Accordingly, the GAL can be replaced with thereplacement GAL54 to change the payout-ratio setting data.

TheCPU51, theROM55, and theboot ROM52 interconnected by the internal bus are connected to themotherboard40 by the PCI bus. The PCI bus serves to transmit signals between themotherboard40 and thegaming board50 and supply power from themotherboard40 to thegaming board50.

Themotherboard40 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: amain CPU41, a ROM (Read Only Memory)42; a RAM (Random Access Memory)43; and acommunication interface44.

TheROM42 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 themain CPU41, and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by themain CPU41, processing of initializing predetermined peripheral devices is carried out and processing of capturing game programs and game system programs stored in thememory card53 through thegaming board50 is started. In the present invention, the contents of theROM42 may be rewritable or not.

TheRAM43 stores data and a program used when themain CPU41 is activated. TheRAM43 can also store game programs. TheRAM43 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 adoor PCB80, which will be described later, are connected to themotherboard40 by USB. Apower supply unit45 is also connected to themotherboard40.

Connected to themain body PCB60 and thedoor PCB80 are: equipment and devices which generate input signals to be input to themain CPU41; and equipment and devices of which operations are controlled by a control signal output from themain CPU41. Themain CPU41 executes a game program stored in theRAM43 based on an input signal having been input to themain CPU41 and performs a predetermined computational process, thereby storing results thereof in theRAM43 or transmitting a control signal to each of equipment and devices as a control process therefor.

Connected to themain body PCB60 are alamp30, areel controller72, ahopper66, acoin detecting section67, agraphic board68, aspeaker29, atouch panel69, abill validator22, aticket printer35, acard reader36, akey switch38S, and adata display37. Thelamp30 illuminates in a predetermined pattern, based on a control signal output from amain CPU41.

As shown inFIG. 5, asub CPU61 included in thereel controller72 controls rotation and stop of thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102e.A motor driving circuit62 including an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)63 and adriver64 are connected to thesub CPU61. TheFPGA63 is an electronic circuit, such as a programmable LSI, and functions as a control circuit of steppingmotors70 and71. Thedriver64 functions as an amplifier circuit of a pulse input to the steppingmotors70 and71. The motor driving circuit62 is connected to steppingmotors70ato70othat rotate thereels101ato101p,respectively, and steppingmotors90ato90ethat rotate the level-upreels102ato102e,respectively. The stepping motors70 and90 are stepping motors of one-two phase excitation mode.

In addition, anindex detection circuit65 and a positionchange detection circuit71 are connected to thesub CPU61. Theindex detection circuit65 detects positions (indices described later) of thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102ebeing rotated. Further, theindex detection circuit65 can detect loss of synchronization between thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102e.

The positionchange detection circuit71 detects change of positions where thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102estop after rotation. For example, the positionchange detection circuit71 detects change of positions where thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102eare stopped, in the case where a player forcibly changes the positions which actually do not result in a winning combination, to the positions corresponding to a winning combination. The positionchange detection circuit71 is constituted so as to detect change of the positions of thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102eby detecting, for example, fins (not shown) mounted at predetermined intervals to an inner part of thereels101ato101oand the level-upreels102ato102e.

Thehopper66 is installed in thecabinet11 and pays out a predetermined number of coins from thecoin payout exit19 to thecoin tray18 based on a control signal output from themain CPU41. Thecoin detecting section67 is installed inside thecoin payout exit19 and outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 upon detecting that a predetermined number of coins have been paid out from thecoin payout exit19.

Thegraphic board68 controls, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, images to be displayed on the upperimage display panel33 and the lowerimage display panel16. The credit amount stored in theRAM43 is displayed on a credit amount display section (not shown) of the lowerimage display panel16. The number of coins to be paid out is displayed at a payout amount display section (not shown) of the lowerimage display panel16. Thegraphic board68 is equipped with a VDP (Video Display Processor) which generates image data based on a control signal output from themain CPU41 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 thememory card53 and stored in theRAM43.

The bill validator22 validates whether or not a bill is legitimate and accepts a legitimate bill into thecabinet11. Upon accepting a legitimate bill, thebill validator22 outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 based on the amount of the bill. Themain CPU41 stores in theRAM43 the credit amount corresponding to the amount of bills transmitted by the input signal.

Based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, theticket printer35 prints on a ticket a barcode having encoded thereon data such as the credit amount, data and time, and the identification number of theslot machine10 stored in theRAM43. Further, this printer outputs the printed ticket as a barcode-attachedticket39. Thecard reader36 transmits to themain CPU41 the data read from the smart card and writes the read data onto the smart card, based on a control signal from themain CPU41. Thekey pad switch38S is provided on thekey pad38, and outputs a predetermined input signal to themain CPU41 when the player operates thekey pad38. Thedata display37, based on a control signal output from themain CPU41, displays the data read by thecard reader36 and the data input by the player through thekey pad38.

Acontrol panel20, a reverter21S, acoin counter21C, and acold cathode tube81 are connected to adoor PCB80. Thecontrol panel20 is provided with: astart switch23S corresponding to thestart button23; achange switch24S corresponding to thechange button24; acashout switch25S corresponding to acashout button25; a 1-BET switch26S corresponding to a 1-BET button26; and a max-BET switch27S corresponding to themax BET button27. When the player operates thebuttons23 to27, the correspondingswitches23S to27S output input-signals to themain CPU41, respectively.

Thecoin counter21C is provided inside thecoin receiving slot21, and validates whether or not a legitimate coin is inserted into thecoin receiving slot21. Those other than the legitimate coins are discharged from thecoin payout exit19. Thecoin counter21C outputs an input signal to themain CPU41 when a legitimate coin is detected.

The reverter21S operates based on a control signal output from themain CPU41 and distributes coins recognized as being legitimate by thecoin counter21C into a cash box (not shown in the drawings) or thehopper66 which is arranged in theslot machine10. In other words, when thehopper66 is filled with coins, legitimate coins are distributed by the reverter21S into the cash box. On the other hand, when thehopper66 is not filled with coins, legitimate coins are distributed into thehopper66. Acold cathode tube81 functions as a backlight installed on rear face side of each of the lowerimage display panel16 and the upperimage display panel33, and is lit up based on a control signal output from themain CPU41.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a correspondence relationship between each of various symbols and payouts. A table indicative of this correspondence relationship between various types of symbols and payouts is stored in theROM42 and is used to determine the payout. As shown inFIG. 6A, where a predetermined symbol is rearranged on a winning line on which the player has bet, LIN payout is determined based on a winning combination. Furthermore, where the predetermined number of identical symbols are rearranged in thesymbol display area28, as shown inFIG. 6B, ANY payment is determined based on a winning combination. The LIN payout is obtained in the case where a winning combination appears as one of the combinations of symbols “7-7-7”, “3Bar-3Bar-3Bar”, “2Bar-2Bar-2Bar”, and “1Bar-1Bar-1Bar” on the basic line BL as the winning lines set in symbol display area. The ANY payout is obtained according to the number of symbols, “WILD”, “7”, “3Bar”, “2Bar”, and “1Bar”, which are rearranged in thesymbol display area28.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views each showing one example of an image displayed in the slot machine shown inFIG. 2 according to the first embodiment.FIG. 7A is a view showing one example of symbol rearrangement according to the first embodiment.FIG. 7B is a view showing one example of level-up symbol rearrangement according to the first embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7A, the lowerimage display panel16 is made up of display-related sections such as adisplay area section92, aninformation display section93, and an effectimage display section94. Thedisplay area section92 is for displaying a symbol matrix SM. In addition, theinformation display section93 is arranged above thedisplay area section92. This display section is made up of a creditamount display section93a,a BETamount display section93b,a characterinformation display portion93c,a PAIDamount display section93d,and acharge display section93e.

The number of coins presently credited is displayed at the creditamount display section93awhile the number of coins bet in one game is displayed at the BETamount display section93b.The character information indicative of a current status of the game is displayed at the characterinformation display section93. The characters of “PLAYNOW” are displayed during the play of the game, whereas the characters of “GAMEOVER” are displayed at the intervals between the plays of the game. The number of coins that has been successfully obtained in one game is displayed at the PAIDamount display section93d,whereas a conversion value of the credit amount based on a predetermined charge is displayed at the charge display section.

At the effectimage display section94, effect images in accordance with a type of the present slot game are displayed. Therefore, the effectimage display section94 displays effects images which are different depending on the basic and free games.

In thesymbol display area28 of the lowerimage display panel16, when thereels101ato101oare stopped, a total of fifteen symbols in three rows and five columns are rearranged in thedisplay window103. In thedisplay window103, any of the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” is rearranged. In this case, when thereels101ato101oare stopped, the symbols “7” are rearranged in the

reels

101a,101d,101g,101j;the symbols “1Bar” are rearranged in the

reels

101b,101f,101h,101l,101o;and the symbols “Blank” are rearranged in the other reels.

As shown inFIG. 7B, after any of the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” is rearranged in thedisplay windows103 inside thesymbol display area28 of the lowerimage display panel16, the level-upreel102ato102eare stopped, and then, the level-upsymbols120 are rearranged. In this case, when the level-upsymbol120 of “WILD” are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the

reels

101a,101b,101c,101h,101i,101m,101n,a payment is determined for the symbols rearranged on the

reels

101a,101b,101c,101h,101i,101m,and101n,based on the symbols “WILD”, so that a prize is awarded.

Next, a process executed in theslot machine10 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Themain CPU41 reads out and executes a game program, thereby conducting the game.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a main process. In the main process, when a power switch is turned on (that is, when power is supplied) first, amotherboard40 and agaming board50 are activated respectively, and then, theCPU51 executes an initial setting process (step S101). In the initial setting process, themain CPU41 executes a BIOS stored in theROM42 to decompress the compressed data incorporated in the BIOS to theRAM43, and executes the BIOS decompressed in theRAM43, and performs diagnosis and initialization of each of the peripheral devices. Further, themain CPU41 writes game programs or the like from theROM42 into theRAM43, and acquires payout-ratio setting data and country-identification information. Themain CPU41 also performs an authentication process for each program during execution of the initial setting process.

Next, themain CPU41 performs a game execution process described later with reference toFIG. 9 (step S102). In the game execution process, themain CPU41 sequentially reads and executes game programs or the like from theROM42. By performing the game execution process, theslot machine10 executes the game according to the first embodiment. The game execution process is repeatedly performed while power is supplied to theslot machine10.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process invoked and performed at step S102 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 8. First, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a coin has been bet (step S201). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch26S at the time of operation of the 1-BET button26 has been received or whether an input signal output from the max BET switch27S at the time of operation of the max BET switch27S has been received. Themain CPU41 controls the current step to return to the process at the step S201 upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S201: NO).

On the other hand, themain CPU41 subtracts the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in theRAM43 upon judging that a coin has been bet (step S201: YES). Where the number of bet coins is larger than the credit amount stored in theRAM43, themain CPU41 controls the current step to return to step S201 without performing the process for subtracting (step S202) the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in theRAM43. Where the number of bet coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step203 without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in theRAM43.

At step S203, themain CPU41 judges whether or not thestart button23 has been set to ON (step S203). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not an input signal output from thestart switch23S at the time of pushing of thestart button23 has been received. Themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step201 upon judging that thestart button23 has not been set to ON (step S203: NO). Where thestart button23 has not been set to ON (for example, where an instruction has been input to terminate the game without setting thestart button23 to ON), themain CPU41 cancels acceptance of a subtraction result at step S202.

On the other hand, when themain CPU41 judges that thestart button23 has been set to ON (step S203: YES), themain CPU41 carries out symbol rearrangement process which will be described later with reference toFIG. 10 (step S204). Specifically, with respect to the symbols and the level-up symbols rearranged on the lowerimage display panel16, theCPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 to sample a random number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing data, theCPU41 determines and rearranges the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, and the level-up symbols “Blank” and “WILD”.

Next, themain CPU41 judges whether a prize is established or not (step S205). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged in thesymbol display area28 is a winning combination in which any payout is performed. In this case, the prize is established when a winning combination appears, the winning combination based on a combination of the symbols rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line or based on the number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display area28 (seeFIG. 6).

Upon judging that the prize is established (step S205: YES), themain CPU41 then performs a coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning combination (step S206). Where the coins are deposited, themain CPU41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, themain CPU41 pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to thehopper66.

On the other hand, upon judging that the prize is not established (step S205: NO), or when themain CPU41 executes the process of step S206, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a bonus game trigger is established (step S207). Specifically, themain CPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 to sample a random number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number value, themain CPU41 judges whether or not the bonus game trigger is established. When themain CPU41 judges that the bonus game trigger is established (step S207: YES), themain CPU41 carries out a bonus game execution process (step S208). In the bonus game execution process, themain CPU41 sequentially reads and executes game programs or the like from theROM42 to carry out the bonus game execution process.

On the other hand, when themain CPU41 judges that the bonus game trigger is not established (step S207: NO) or when themain CPU41 executes the process in step S208, themain CPU41 terminates the game execution process.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol rearrangement process invoked and executed in step S204 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 9. First, themain CPU41 displays symbols in thesymbol display area28 in a scrolling manner (step S301). Specifically, themain CPU41 starts rotation of thereels101ato101o.At this time, in thesymbol display area28, six basic lines BL are set along the column or row direction.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out a symbol determining process (step S302). Specifically, with respect to symbols rearranged in thesymbol display area28, theCPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 to sample a random number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing data, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1bar”, “2Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, and the level-up symbols “Blank” and “WILD”, theCPU41 determines those to be rearranged in thesymbol display area28.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out rearrangement of symbols (step S303). Specifically, themain CPU41 stops rotation of thereels101ato101oso as to display, in a stopped manner, the symbols determined at step S302, thereby rearranging the symbols (seeFIG. 7A).

Next, themain CPU41 stores the rearranged symbols (step S304). Specifically, themain CPU41 stores in theRAM43 the symbols rearranged in thesymbol display area28 at step S303.

First, themain CPU41 displays level-up symbols in thesymbol display area28 in a scrolling manner (step S305). Specifically, themain CPU41 starts rotation of the level-upreels102ato102e.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out rearrangement of level-up symbols (step S306). Specifically, themain CPU41 stops rotation of the level-upreels103ato103eso as to display, in a stopped manner, the level-up symbols determined at step S302, thereby rearranging the level-up symbols (seeFIG. 7B).

Next, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a payout of symbols is higher than that of previously arranged ones (step S307). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a payout of the symbols stored in step S304 is higher than that of level-up symbols after rearranged. When themain CPU41 judges that the payout of the symbols is higher than that of the previously arranged ones (step S307: YES), themain CPU41 determines a payout based on the level-up symbols (step S308). For example, in the case where the level-upsymbol120 of “WILD” is rearranged on the symbol “1Bar” in a superimposed manner, a level of the symbol “1Bar” is increased to that of the symbol “WILD”, so that a payout that is to be awarded in the case where the symbol “WILD” is rearranged is determined (seeFIG. 7B). Themain CPU41 terminates the symbol rearrangement process when executing the process in step S308.

On the other hand, when themain CPU41 judges that a payout of the symbols is not higher than that of the previous one (step S307: NO), themain CPU41 determines a payout based on the symbols (step S309). For example, in case a combination of the symbols stored in step S304 is a winning combination and the combination of the symbols is no longer a winning combination due to the level-up symbols rearranged at step S306, a payout is determined based on the winning combination of the symbols stored in step S304. Themain CPU41 terminates the symbol rearrangement process when executing the process in step S309.

Next, aslot machine10 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The slot machine according to the third embodiment below has an appearance, a circuit configuration, and the like that are substantially the same as those of theslot machine10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Thus, a duplicated explanation is omitted hereinafter. In addition, the constituent elements corresponding to those of theslot machine10 are designated by the same reference numerals and are explained.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the game execution process according to the second embodiment, the process being invoked and performed at step S102 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 8. First, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a coin has been bet (step S401). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether an input signal output from the 1-BET switch26S at the time of operation of the 1-BET button26 has been received or whether an input signal output from the max BET switch27S at the time of operation of themax BET switch27 has been received. Themain CPU41 controls the current step to return to the process at the step S401 upon judging that no coin has been bet (step S401: NO).

On the other hand, themain CPU41 subtracts the number of bet coins from the credit amount stored in the RAM43 (step S402) upon judging that a coin has been bet (step S401: YES). Where the number of bet coins is larger than the credit amount stored in theRAM43, themain CPU41 controls the current step to return to step S401 without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in theRAM43. Where the number of bet coins exceeds the upper limit (50 coins in this embodiment) of coins that can be bet in one game, themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step403 without performing the process for subtracting the number of bet coins from the credit number stored in theRAM43.

At step S403, themain CPU41 judges whether or not thestart button23 has been set to ON (step S403). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not an input signal output from thestart switch23S at the time of pushing of thestart button23 has been received. Themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step401 upon judging that thestart button23 has not been set to ON (step S403: NO). Where thestart button23 has not been set to ON (for example, where an instruction has been input to terminate the game without setting thestart button23 to ON), themain CPU41 cancels acceptance of a subtraction result at step S402.

On the other hand, themain CPU41 performs a symbol rearrangement process of the basic game (step S404) upon judging that thestart button23 has been set to ON (step S403: YES). Specifically, with respect to symbols and level-up symbols rearranged on the lowerimage display panel16, theCPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 to sample a random number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing data, theCPU41 determines and rearranges the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, and the level-up symbols “Blank” and “WILD”.

Next, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a prize has been established (step S405). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged in thesymbol display area28 is a winning combination in which any payout is performed. In this case, the prize is established when a winning combination appears, the winning combination based on a combination of the symbols rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line or based on the number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display area28 (seeFIG. 6).

Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established (step S405: YES), themain CPU41 performs a coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning combination (step S406). Where the coins are deposited, themain CPU41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, themain CPU41 pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to thehopper66.

On the other hand, themain CPU41 judges whether a free game trigger has been established or not (step S407) when judging that the prize has not been established (step S405: NO) or when executing the process at step S406. Specifically, themain CPU41 executes the program stored in theRAM43 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 S407: YES), themain CPU41 performs a free-game execution process described later with reference toFIG. 12 (step S408). In this free-game execution process, themain CPU41 sequentially reads and executes the game programs or the like from theROM42 and performs the free-game execution process.

On the other hand, theCPU41 terminates the game execution process when judging that the free game trigger is not established (step S407: NO) or when executing the process at step S408.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of a free-game execution process according to the second embodiment, the process being invoked and executed at step S408 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 11. First, themain CPU41 determines a free-game number T as a number of times in executing the free game (step S501). Specifically, themain CPU41 executes the program stored in theRAM43, thereby reading the number of times in executing the free game that is set in association with a random number using a random numeric value sampled in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of randomnumeric values 1 to 256. After that, themain CPU41 determines the free-game number T.

Next, themain CPU41 sets the free-game number B to T (step S502). Specifically, themain CPU41 sets B=T to a value of the remaining free-game number stored in a storage area of data indicative of the number of remaining games, the area being set in theRAM43. A value of T is equal to the free-game number T determined at step S501.

Themain CPU41 then judges whether thestart button23 has been set to ON or not (step S503). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not an input signal output from thestart switch23S at the time of pushing of thestart button23 has been received. Themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step S503 upon judging that thestart button23 has not been set to ON (step S503: NO).

Upon judging that thestart button23 has been set to ON (step S503: YES), themain CPU41 performs a process for displaying effect images (step S504). Specifically, themain CPU41 displays a free-game-number display images90a(seeFIG. 14) corresponding to the free-game number on the upperimage display panel33.

Next, themain CPU41 performs a symbol rearrangement process of the free game described later with reference toFIG. 13 (step S505). Specifically, theCPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 and determines the symbols to be rearranged in symbol matrix elements SM, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”. This determination is based on the symbol weighting data and random numeric values sampled by sampling the random numeric values in a numerical range which comes under a predetermined range of random numeric values. TheCPU41 then rearranges the symbols in thedisplay windows103ato103oinside thesymbol display area28 displayed on the lowerimage display panel16.

Next, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a prize has been established (step S506). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a combination of symbols rearranged in thedisplay windows103 inside thesymbol display area28 is a winning combination in which any payout is performed. In this case, the prize is established when a winning combination appears, the winning combination based on a combination of the symbols rearranged on the basic line BL as the winning line or based on the number of symbols rearranged in the symbol display area28 (seeFIG. 6).

Thereafter, upon judging that the prize has been established (step S506: YES), themain CPU41 performs a coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning combination (step S507). Where the coins are deposited, themain CPU41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, themain CPU41 pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to thehopper66.

On the other hand, upon judging that the prize has not been established (step S506: NO), or executing the process at step S507, themain CPU41 sets the remaining free-game number B to B−1 (step S508). Specifically, themain CPU41 sets B=B−1 at a value of the free-game number B stored in theRAM43.

Themain CPU41 then judges whether the number of symbols “WILD” is equal to fifteen or not (step S509). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not the symbols “WILD” have been rearranged in all of thedisplay windows103ato103oinside the symbol display area28 (seeFIG. 14C). Upon judging that the symbols “WILD” have been rearranged in all of thedisplay windows103ato103o(step S509: YES), themain CPU41 performs the coin-payout process in accordance with the bet amount and the number of coins set for the winning combination (step S510). Where the coins are deposited, themain CPU41 performs a process for adding the number of paid-out coins to the credit amount stored in theRAM43. On the other hand, upon execution of the coin-payout process, themain CPU41 pays out the predetermined number of coins by transmitting a control signal to thehopper66. Themain CPU41 controls the current step to shift to the process at step S512.

On the other hand, upon judging that the number of symbols “WILD” is not equal to fifteen (step S509: NO), themain CPU41 judges whether or not the remaining free-game number B is equal to zero (step S511). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not a value of the remaining game number stored in theRAM43 is equal to zero. Upon judging that the value of the remaining free-game number B is not zero (step S511: NO), themain CPU41 controls the step to return to step S503. On the other hand, upon executing the process at step S510 or judging that a value of B is equal to zero (step S511: YES), themain CPU41 performs a free-game termination process (step S512). Specifically, themain CPU41 terminates a control operation over the level-up reels at step S607 inFIG. 13 to be described later. Themain CPU41 terminates the free-game execution process when executing the process at step S512.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the symbol rearrangement process of the free game according to the second embodiment, the process being invoked and executed at step S505 of the subroutine shown inFIG. 12. First, themain CPU41 displays symbols in thesymbol display area28 in a scrolling manner (step S601). Specifically, themain CPU41 starts rotation of thereels101ato101o.At this time, in thesymbol display area28, six basic lines BL are set along the column or row direction.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out a symbol determination process (step S602). Specifically, with respect to symbols rearranged in thesymbol display area28, theCPU41 executes a program stored in theRAM43 to sample a random number value from a numerical value range of a predetermined random number value range. On the basis of the sampled random number value and symbol weighing data, from among the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD”, and the level-up symbols “Blank” and “WILD”, theCPU41 determines those to be rearranged in thesymbol display area28.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out rearrangement of symbols (step S603). Specifically, themain CPU41 stops rotation of thereels101ato101oso as to display, in a stopped state, the symbols determined at step S602, thereby rearranging the symbols.

Next, themain CPU41 displays level-up symbols in thesymbol display area28 in a scrolling manner (step S604). Specifically, themain CPU41 starts rotation of the level-upreels102ato102e.

Next, themain CPU41 carries out rearrangement of level-up symbols (step S605). Specifically, themain CPU41 stops rotation of the level-upreels103ato103eso as to display, in a stopped state, the level-up symbols determined at step S602, thereby rearranging level-up symbols (seeFIG. 14B).

Themain CPU41 then judges whether or not the number of symbols “WILD” on the basic line in a column direction is equal to three (step S606). Specifically, themain CPU41 judges whether or not three of the level-up symbols “WILD” are rearranged in the level-upreel103ato103ein a column direction. Upon judging that the number of symbols “WILD” rearranged in a column direction is not equal to three (step S606: NO), themain CPU41 terminates the free-game symbol rearrangement process when the process at step S606 is executed.

On the other hand, upon judging that the number of symbols “WILD” rearranged in a column direction is equal to three (step S606: YES), themain CPU41 controls the level-up reels (step S607). Specifically, themain CPU41 controls the level-upreels103ato103ein a manner to stop rotation of the level-upreels103 having three of the level-upsymbols120 of “WILD” rearranged thereon, on the basic line in a column direction during the free game. Themain CPU41 terminates the free-game symbol rearrangement process when executing the process at step S607 (seeFIG. 14C).

FIGS. 14A,14B, and14C are views each showing one example of an image displayed during the free game in the slot machine shown inFIG. 2 according to the second embodiment. As shown inFIG. 14A, upon start of the free game, the upperimage display panel33 displays the free-game-number display image90aindicative of the number of times in executing the free game. In this case, the free-game-number display image90aof “10 FREE GAME” is displayed indicating that the number of times in executing the free game has been set to ten.

As shown inFIG. 14B, after any of the symbols “Blank”, “1Bar”, “2Bar”, “3Bar”, “7”, and “WILD” is rearranged in any of thedisplay windows103 inside thesymbol display area28 of the lowerimage display panel16, rotation of the level-upreels102ato102eis stopped, and then the level-up symbols are rearranged. In this case, when the level-upsymbols120 of “WILD” are rearranged in a superimposed manner on the reels101 in the

display windows

103a,103b,103c,103g,103h,103i,103m,103n,three of the symbols “WILD” are rearranged on each of the level-up

reels

102aand102cin a column direction. Therefore, rotation of the level-up

reels

102aand102cis stopped during the free game in which the symbols “WILD” are contiguously rearranged.

As shown inFIG. 14C, in the case where fifteen of the symbols “WILD” and the level-upsymbol120 of “WILD” are rearranged in thedisplay windows103ato103oinside the lowerimage display panel16, themain CPU41 terminates the free game and determines a payout that corresponds to a winning combination of the symbols “WILD” (seeFIG. 6).

In the foregoing, while the embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments merely present specific examples. An appropriate design change can be made for the specific configuration of each means or the like. Also, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only listing the most preferable effects arising from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slot machine, comprising:

a symbol matrix display area in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in column and row directions;

a plurality of first reels provided corresponding to individual fields of the symbol matrix display area, the first reels having plural types of first symbols arranged thereon respectively;

a plurality of second reels each having a larger diameter than that of each of the first reels, the plurality of second reels being disposed at outer peripheral sides of the plurality of first reels so as to enclose part of the plurality of first reels provided in a column direction, the plurality of second reels each having a plurality of second symbols arranged thereon, the second symbols being arranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols on the first reels disposed in the symbol matrix display area;

a plurality of first motors for driving the plurality of first reels, respectively, in a rotational manner;

a second motor for driving the second reels in a rotational manner; and

a processor for controlling rotation of the first and second reels by controlling the first and second motors, wherein:

the plurality of first reels each have an independent rotation axis respectively;

the second reels each have a rotation axis positioned closer to a rear side in comparison with that of each of the first reels when viewed from the symbol matrix display area; and

the processor is programmed to:

(a) control rotation of the plurality of first reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the first symbols arranged on the first reels;

(b) control rotation of the second reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the second symbols arranged on the second reels, so as to superimpose the second symbols arranged on the second reels on the first symbols arranged on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area; and

(c) award a prize in the case where a combination of the first symbols on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area and the second symbols on the second reels rearranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols arranged on the first reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a column, row, or diagonal direction.

2. The slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein:

each of the second symbols arranged on the second reel is set to a WILD symbol; and

the processor, in the itemized (c), awards a prize according to a combination of the first symbols on the first reels disposed in the symbol matrix display area and the plurality of WILD symbols contiguously rearranged on any one of the second reels.

3. The slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein:

the second reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.

4. The slot machine according toclaim 1, wherein:

the processor is further programmed to:

(d) execute a basic game;

(e) execute a free game in the case where a predetermined condition is met during the basic game; and

(f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c) during the free game.

5. A slot machine, comprising:

a plurality of first reels provided corresponding to individual fields of the symbol matrix display area, the first reels having plural types of first symbols arranged thereon respectively,

a second motor for driving the second reels in a rotational manner; and

the second reels each have a rotation axis positioned closer to a rear side compared to those of the first reels when viewed from the symbol matrix display area;

each of the second symbols arranged on the second reels is set to a WILD symbol; and

the processor is programmed to:

(b) control rotation of the second reels to rearrange, in the symbol matrix display area, the second symbols arranged on the second reels so as to superimpose the second symbols arranged on the second reels on the first symbols arranged on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area; and

(c) award a prize in the case where a combination of the first symbols on the first reels rearranged in the symbol matrix display area and the WILD symbols on the second reels rearranged in a superimposed manner on the first symbols arranged on the first reels is a winning combination on an activated line in a column, row, or diagonal direction.

6. The slot machine according toclaim 5, wherein:

the second reels each are made up of a predetermined symbol and a blank symbol.

7. The slot machine according toclaim 5, wherein:

the processor is further programed to:

(d) execute a basic game;

(f) execute processes in the itemized (a) to (c) during the free game.