JP4199581B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A pachinko that performs a jackpot game that is advantageous to the player (can win a large number of prize balls) if the jackpot lottery is performed in response to the game ball entering the start gate and the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot The machine is known. The result of the big hit lottery is displayed by, for example, a variable display capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols in a plurality of symbol display areas.
[0003]
In this type of pachinko machine, for example, the display screen of the variable display is divided into nine symbol display areas arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns, and the symbols in each symbol display area are changed. There is a pachinko machine that makes a big hit when three identical symbols stop on a predetermined stop line (left and right direction or diagonal direction) (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
In addition, some pachinko machines that can display a variety of symbols in a relatively large number of symbol display areas in this way are not a big hit when the same symbol stops on a predetermined stop line. There is also a pachinko machine that becomes a big hit when a predetermined number or more of the same symbols stop in the area (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-8-117404
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-246043
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention has been made under such a background, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine in which the interest of the game is further improved in relation to the display of the variable display.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 provides:Nine pieces arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columnsDisplay area (12a-12i)EachIndicated AreaBut,Fluctuating the designFigurePattern display area andFigureSwitch to a non-display area that does not display patternsThe variable display (12) enabled, the jackpot lottery means (30, S2) for executing the jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute the jackpot game advantageous to the player, and having passed a predetermined effective area As a condition, a display area having a predetermined number of initial symbol display areas of the variable display is set as the symbol display area, and symbol variation starting means (30, S5) for starting symbol variation display in the symbol display area, the jackpot Based on the result of the jackpot lottery by the lottery means, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a big hit, the number of the symbol display areas tends to be larger than the number of the initial symbol display areas, and the result of the jackpot lottery is not a big hit. In some cases, the number of the symbol display areas is selected so that the number of the symbol display areas is likely to be smaller than the number of the initial symbol display areas. In the middle of the symbol change operation started by the means (30, S3) and the symbol change execution start means, the number of the symbol display areas becomes the number lottered by the symbol display area number lottery means. Display area switching means (30, S8, S9) for switching each display area between the symbol display area and the symbol non-display area, and when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot after the symbol changing operation is completed Displays the same symbol in the predetermined number of the symbol display areas, and if the result of the big hit lottery is out of place, the symbol stop display that does not stop the same symbol in the predetermined number of the symbol display areas Means (30, S11)It is a featured gaming machine.
[0007]
The alphanumeric characters in parentheses indicate corresponding components in the embodiments described later. The same applies hereinafter.
The gaming machine includes, for example, a variable display (12) having the three or more display areas.
According to this configuration, since the display area can be switched between the symbol display area and the symbol non-display area, the number of symbol display areas can be changed (increased or decreased). When the number of symbol display areas is increased, it is possible to give the player an impression that the same symbol is highly likely to stop in a predetermined number (two or more) of display areas, and that there is a high possibility of winning. In this case, since the player's expectation can be enhanced, the interest of the game is further improved in relation to the display of the variable display.
[0008]
In addition, the greater the number of symbol display areas, the higher the possibility (expected degree) of winning a big hit. As described above, as the number of symbol display areas increases, the player is more likely to win, so the game can be made simple and easy to understand by making the expectation correspond to it. Therefore, a player's expectation can be raised and the interest of the game is further improved.
[0010]
  Claim2The described invention is characterized in that the symbol non-display area (122) is an effect display area for performing an effect.1It is a gaming machine described.
  According to this configuration, the entertainment of the game can be further improved by performing the effect in the display area (symbol non-display area) other than the symbol display area.
  In this case, a character may be displayed in the symbol non-display area (122).
[0011]
  As claimed in claim 3,In the symbol non-display area determined to be switched to the symbol display area when the symbol display area number lottery means determines that the number of the symbol display areas is larger than the initial symbol display area number, It may further include symbol display area increasing effect means (7) for effect display.
[0012]
  the above9The display areas (12a to 12i) include a predetermined number of symbol display areas (121) in a standby state (a state where the symbol variation display is not performed), and the other display areas are the symbol non-display area (122). In order to increase the symbol display area, the display area that has become the symbol non-display area (122) in the standby state is switched to the symbol display area (121) (30, S8), while the number of symbol display areas In the standby state, the display area that has become the symbol display area (121) in the standby state may be switched to the symbol non-display area (122) (30, S9).
[0013]
According to this configuration, the player can easily understand that the symbol display area has changed (increased or decreased) as compared to a configuration in which each display area is randomly switched to the symbol display area or the symbol non-display area. Therefore, the interest of the game is further improved.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This pachinko machine launches from a game board 1, a handle 2 for adjusting the momentum of a game ball launched from a launcher (not shown) toward the game board 1, and from the launcher towards the game board 1. An upper plate 3 for storing game balls to be stored and a lower plate 4 for receiving game balls that cannot be stored in the upper plate 3 are provided.
[0015]
On the periphery of the game board 1, a substantially arc-shaped guide rail 11 for guiding the game ball launched from the launch device to the upper left side of the game board 1 is disposed. A number of obstacle nails (not shown) are arranged on the game board 1, and the game balls released upward from the upper left side of the game board 1 along the guide rails 11 are the surface of the game board 1. Along and fall through a number of obstacle nails.
Near the center of the game board 1, a variable display 12 composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display is disposed. The display screen of the variable display 12 is, for example, divided into a total of nine display areas 12a to 12i arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns, and each display area 12a to 12i has a different display content ( Designs, characters, etc.) can be displayed. A plurality of types of symbols (for example, numbers “0” to “9”) can be variably displayed in a predetermined display region (symbol display region 121; see FIG. 2) among the nine display regions 12a to 12i.
[0016]
Below the variable display 12, a start port 13 into which a game ball can enter is disposed. When a game ball enters the start port 13, a predetermined number of prize balls (game balls) are paid out to the upper plate 3 by a prize ball payout device (not shown), and advantageous to the player (a large number of prize balls are acquired). A jackpot lottery is performed to determine whether or not to run a possible jackpot game.
For example, the symbols in the symbol display area 121 of the variable indicator 12 start to fluctuate (high-speed fluctuation) all at once in response to a game ball entering the start port 13. As will be described in detail later, the number of symbol display areas 121 displayed on the variable display 12 may change (increase or decrease) after the symbol variation starts. Whether the symbols of the plurality of symbol display areas 121 are stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed, and whether the result of the big hit lottery is a big hit depending on the number of the same symbols stopped and displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas 121 Whether or not is displayed. In this embodiment, for example, when the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in three or more symbol display areas 121, and the jackpot lottery result is out of place. The different symbols are all displayed in the plurality of symbol display areas 121 or the same symbol is stopped and displayed in the two symbol display areas 121.
[0017]
Below the start opening 13, for example, a large winning opening 14 that is formed in a rectangular shape that is long to the left and right and that allows a plurality of game balls to enter simultaneously is disposed. In relation to the big prize opening 14, there is provided an opening / closing plate 15 that can be opened and closed in an open state in which a game ball is guided to the big prize opening 14 and in a closed state that prevents the game ball from entering the big prize opening 14. . In other words, the opening / closing plate 15 can block the grand prize opening 14 in a state along the board surface of the game board 1 and prevent the game ball from entering the big prize opening 14. By lying down on the front side around a pivot shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the winning opening 14, the winning opening 14 is opened and falls onto the winning opening 14. The game ball can be introduced into the special winning opening 14.
[0018]
In the jackpot game, an operation in which the opening and closing plate 15 is opened for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls enter the grand prize winning opening 14 is defined as one round. If at least one of them passes through a special area (so-called V zone) in the big prize opening 14, the opening operation of the big prize opening 14 by the opening / closing plate 15 is performed in a predetermined manner, such as executing the next round. Only the maximum number of rounds continues. A predetermined number of prize balls are paid out to the upper plate 3 for entering the game balls into the big prize opening 14. In the jackpot game, the game ball easily enters the big prize opening 14, so that the player can obtain a large number of prize balls.
[0019]
The game balls (out balls) that have not entered the start opening 13 and the big winning opening 14 are collected in the machine from the out ball collection opening 16 formed in the lower part of the game board 1. The game board 1 may be provided with a windmill for influencing the flow of game balls, a general winning opening for awarding a prize ball for entering a game ball, or the like.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in the standby state of the variable display 12. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the standby state (a state in which the symbol variation display based on the entrance to start port 13 is not performed), center display region 12e and nine display regions 12a to 12i and A total of five display areas, the display areas 12a, 12c, 12g, and 12i at the four corners, is a symbol display area 121 that can variably display a plurality of types of symbols (numbers “0” to “9”). The other four display areas 12b, 12d, 12f, and 12h serve as an effect display area 122 for displaying the character and performing an effect.
[0020]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a display flow of the variable display 12 when a game ball enters the start port 13. The white arrow shown in the symbol display area 121 indicates that the symbol in the symbol display area 121 is changing (the same applies hereinafter).
When a game ball enters the start port 13, the symbols in the symbol display area 121 of the variable display 12 start to change from the standby state as shown in FIG. 2 (see FIG. 3A). In this embodiment, when the number of symbols in the symbol display area 121 starts to change, the number of the symbol display areas 121 that have been five is increased (see FIG. 3B), and is maintained at five. There is a case (see FIG. 3C) and a case of reduction (see FIG. 3D). The number of symbol display areas 121 is 6 to 9 when increased, and 3 or 4 when decreased.
[0021]
When the number of the symbol display areas 121 is increased, it is possible to give the player an impression that the same symbol is likely to stop in three or more display areas 12a to 12i and that the possibility of winning a big hit is high. In this case, since the player's expectation can be enhanced, the interest of the game is further improved.
In this embodiment, the greater the number of symbol variation areas 121, the higher the possibility that the same symbol will stop in a subsequent three or more symbol display areas 121 and win a big jackpot (expected degree of jackpot). Yes. As described above, as the number of the symbol display areas 121 increases, the player is more likely to win a jackpot. Therefore, by making the jackpot expectation correspond to it, the game can be made simple and easy to understand. . Therefore, a player's expectation can be raised and the interest of the game is further improved.
[0022]
Further, in this embodiment, after the start of symbol variation, each display region 12a to 12i is required to be a big hit (the number of display regions for the same symbol to be stopped and to be a big win), which is three or more. The symbol display area 121 may be left and the display may be switched to the symbol non-display area 122. Therefore, there is no possibility that the number of symbol display areas 121 is less than the number (three) required for the big win and the possibility of a big win is eliminated. .
[0023]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of this pachinko machine.
Referring to FIG. 4, the control circuit of this pachinko machine includes a control unit 30 configured by, for example, a microcomputer. The control unit 30 includes, for example, a central CPU for control, a RAM in which data necessary for control is written, a ROM in which program software is stored, and the like.
The control unit 30 is connected to a start port sensor 131 that detects a game ball entering the start port 13 and outputs a signal, and a signal output from the start port sensor 131 is input to the control unit 30. ing.
[0024]
On the other hand, the variable indicator 12, the opening / closing plate 15, and the like are connected as control targets to the control unit 30, and the control unit 30 operates based on a detection signal from the start port sensor 131. To control. That is, the control unit 30 performs various lotteries based on a detection signal from the start port sensor 131 and controls operations of the variable display 12 and the opening / closing plate 15 based on the lottery results.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of control performed by the control unit 30 in response to the game ball entering the start port 13.
[0025]
Referring to FIG. 5, while the handle 2 is operated by the player and the game is being performed, the control unit 30 monitors whether or not a detection signal is input from the start port sensor 131 (step S <b> 1). . When a detection signal is input from the start port sensor 131 in response to the game ball entering the start port 13 (YES in step S1), the control unit 30 performs a big hit lottery (step S2).
Thereafter, the control unit 30 performs a lottery drawing of the number of symbol display areas for determining the number of symbol display areas 121 (number of symbol display areas) (step S3). In the symbol display area number lottery, the control unit 30 performs lottery using different lottery tables depending on whether the result of the big hit lottery is different from the case of the big hit lottery. More specifically, when the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot, a lottery table having a high probability that the number of symbol display areas 121 determined by the symbol display area number lottery is large (for example, 6 to 9) is used. On the other hand, when the result of the big hit lottery is off, a lottery table with a high probability that the number of the symbol display areas 121 determined by the symbol display area number lottery is small (for example, three or four) is used.
[0026]
In the symbol display area number lottery, which of the nine display areas 12a to 12i of the variable display 12 is to be used as the symbol display area 121 is also determined. In this embodiment, when it is determined to increase the symbol display area 121 by lottery of the symbol display areas, in addition to the display areas 12a, 12c, 12e, 12g, and 12i that are the symbol display areas 121 in the standby state, A display area to be switched from the effect display area 122 to the symbol display area 121 is determined. On the other hand, if it is determined that the symbol display area 121 is to be decreased by lottery of the symbol display areas, the display areas 12b. 12d. 12f. In addition to 12h, a display area to be switched from the symbol display area 121 to the effect display area 122 is determined.
[0027]
After the symbol display area number lottery is executed, the control unit 30 performs a stop symbol lottery for determining a symbol to be stopped in each symbol display area 121 determined in the symbol display area number lottery (step S4), and waits. In the state, the change of the symbols in the five symbol display areas 121 displayed on the variable display 12 is started (step S5; see FIG. 3A). In the stop symbol lottery, for example, stop symbols are determined for the number of symbol display areas determined in the symbol display area number lottery, and it is randomly determined which symbol display region 121 each stop symbol is to be stopped. It is determined. Therefore, if the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the stop symbol lottery determines the number of stop symbols for the number of symbol display areas including three or more identical symbols, and the symbol display region for stopping those three or more identical symbols. Which symbol display area 121 is to be set to 121 is randomly determined.
[0028]
When the number of symbol display areas determined in the symbol display area number lottery is 3 or 4, that is, as a result of the symbol display area number lottery, it is determined that the symbol display area 121 is to be decreased (in step S6). YES), the control unit 30 performs the effect of reducing the symbol display area 121 (decreasing effect of the number of symbol display areas), thereby determining the symbols that have been determined for the five symbol display areas 121 displayed on the variable display 12. The number of display areas is reduced (step S9; see FIG. 3D).
[0029]
On the other hand, when the number of symbol display areas determined in the symbol display area number lottery is 6 to 9, that is, as a result of the symbol display area number lottery, it is determined to increase the symbol display area 121 (step S6). NO in step S7, YES in step S7), the control unit 30 performs the effect of increasing the symbol display area 121 (the effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas), thereby displaying the five symbol display areas displayed on the variable display 12 121 is increased to the determined number of symbol display areas (step S8; see FIG. 3B).
[0030]
In addition, when the number of symbol display areas determined in the symbol display area number lottery is 5, that is, as a result of the symbol display area number lottery, it is determined that the number of symbol display areas is maintained as five ( In step S7, NO), the control unit 30 maintains the symbol variation state as shown in FIG. 3A without performing an effect of increasing or decreasing the number of symbol display areas (see FIG. 3C).
Thereafter, when the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot (YES in step S10), the control unit 30 stops the symbols determined by the stop symbol lottery in each of the fluctuating symbol display areas 121, thereby increasing three or more symbols. After the same symbol is stopped in the symbol display area 121 (a jackpot stop display; step S11), a jackpot game is executed (step S12). On the other hand, when the result of the jackpot lottery is out of place (NO in step S10), the control unit 30 stops the symbols determined by the stop symbol lottery in each symbol display area 121 that is fluctuating, so that a plurality of symbols are displayed. All the different symbols are stopped on the display area 121, or the same symbols are stopped on the two symbol display areas 121 (disconnection stop display; step S13).
[0031]
In this embodiment, for example, an effect using a character is performed in a display area (effect display area 122) other than the symbol display area 121 until the symbol in the symbol display area 121 stops. Thereby, the interest of the game can be further improved.
The control unit 30 displays the central display area 12e and the four corner display areas among the nine display areas 12a to 12i of the variable display 12 after the stoppage stop display (step S13) or after the big hit game ends (step S12). 12a, 12c, 12g, and 12i are used as the symbol display area 121, and the other four display areas 12b, 12d, 12f, and 12h are used as the effect display area 122, thereby returning the number of the symbol display areas to five. Then, the display screen of the variable display 12 is set to a standby state as shown in FIG. 2 (step S14). Thereafter, when a game ball enters the start port 13 again (YES in step S1), the control unit 30 executes the control after step S2 in FIG. 5 again.
[0032]
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the variable display 12 at the time of the effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas.
If it is determined that the symbol display area 121 is to be increased as a result of the symbol display area number lottery (YES in step S7 in FIG. 5), the symbols in the symbol display area 121 from the standby state as shown in FIG. Of the effect display area 122 is determined to be switched to the symbol display area 121 after the symbol display area number lottery in the effect display area 122 (in this example, the display area in the second row and the first column) In 12d and the display area 12f in the second row and the third column) a heart mark is displayed (appears), and an effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas is performed (see FIG. 6B).
[0033]
Thereafter, the symbols in the effect display area 122 (display areas 12d and 12f) where the effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas has been performed start to change (see FIG. 6C). As a result, the number (seven in this example) of the symbol display areas 121 determined in the symbol display area number lottery is changed.
Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the symbols in all the symbol display areas 121 are stopped simultaneously, and the symbol variation operation ends (see FIG. 6D). In this example, the same symbol “3” is stopped in the three symbol display regions 121 (display regions 12a, 12e, 12f) out of the seven symbol display regions 121 (the jackpot stop display), and then the jackpot game Is executed.
[0034]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the variable display 12 at the time of the effect of reducing the number of symbol display areas.
If it is determined that the symbol display area 121 is to be reduced as a result of the symbol display area number lottery (YES in step S6 in FIG. 5), the symbols in the symbol display area 121 are displayed from the standby state as shown in FIG. The symbol display area 121 (in this example, the display area in the third row and the first column) determined to be switched to the effect display area 122 by the symbol display area number lottery among the symbol display areas 121 In 12g and the effect display area 12i in the third row and the third column, a character appears and is displayed from below, whereby an effect of reducing the number of symbol display areas is performed (see FIG. 7B).
[0035]
Then, the symbol display area 121 (display areas 12g, 12i) on which the effect of reducing the number of symbol display areas has been performed becomes the effect display area (see FIG. 7C), and thereby the number determined in the symbol display area number lottery. (In this example, three) the symbol display areas 121 are in a fluctuating state.
Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, the symbols in all the symbol display areas 121 are stopped simultaneously, and the symbol variation operation ends (see FIG. 7D). In this example, different symbols are stopped in each of the three symbol display areas 121 (displacement stop display).
[0036]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the variable display 12 when the number of symbol display areas is maintained as five.
If the number of symbol display areas is determined to be five as a result of the symbol display area number lottery (NO in step S7 in FIG. 5), the symbols in the symbol display area 121 from the standby state as shown in FIG. When the change starts, the symbol display area 122 is maintained as the symbol display area 122, and the effect display area 122 is maintained as the effect display area 122 (see FIG. 8B). As a result, the number (five) of the symbol display areas 121 determined by the symbol display area number lottery is changed.
[0037]
Thereafter, when a predetermined time elapses, all symbols in the symbol display area 121 are stopped simultaneously, and the symbol variation operation ends (see FIG. 8C). In this example, different symbols are stopped (displaced stop display) in the five symbol display areas 121. In this embodiment, when the effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas is performed, the symbol display area 121 is increased by switching the display area that has been the effect display area 122 in the standby state to the symbol display area 121, and the symbol display area is increased. When the area number reduction effect is performed, the symbol display area 121 is reduced by switching the display area that has become the symbol display area 121 in the standby state to the effect display area 122, so that each display area 12 a to 12 i is a symbol. The player can easily understand that the symbol display area 121 has changed (increased or decreased) as compared with a configuration in which the display area 121 or the effect display area 122 is switched randomly. Therefore, the interest of the game is further improved.
[0038]
The present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
For example, the number of display areas 12a to 12i is not limited to nine, and may be other numbers as long as it is three or more. In this case, the plurality of display regions are not limited to the configuration arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 3 columns, and may be arranged in a matrix such as 2 rows and 2 columns, or may not be arranged in a matrix. Also good.
[0039]
The display area (symbol non-display area) other than the symbol display area 121 is not limited to displaying characters and providing effects, but may be configured to perform other effects, or may not perform effects. It may be a configuration.
The variable display 12 is not limited to the one for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery, but may be for displaying the result of another lottery.
In the above embodiment, a pachinko machine has been described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines other than a pachinko machine.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in a standby state of a variable display.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the flow of display on the variable display when a game ball enters the start port.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of control performed by the control unit in response to the game ball entering the start port.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the variable display at the time of the effect of increasing the number of symbol display areas.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of the variable display at the time of the effect of reducing the number of symbol display areas.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a display mode of a variable display when the number of symbol display areas is maintained as five.
[Explanation of symbols]
12 Variable display
12a to 12i display area
121 Symbol display area
122 Production display area
30 Control unit

Claims (3)

Has nine display areas arranged in three rows and three columns of a matrix, each display region, to be switched to the symbol display region without changing display Figure pattern display region and FIG pattern varying display the symbol Variable indicator,
A jackpot lottery means for executing a jackpot lottery for determining whether or not to execute a jackpot game advantageous to the player;
On the condition that a predetermined effective area has been passed, a display area of a predetermined initial number of display areas of the variable display is set as the above-mentioned display area, and a pattern change start means for starting display of changes in the pattern in the display area When,
Based on the result of the jackpot lottery by the jackpot lottery means, when the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the number of the symbol display areas tends to be larger than the number of the initial symbol display areas, and the result of the jackpot lottery is not a jackpot A symbol display area number lottery means for lottering the number of the symbol display areas so that the number of the symbol display areas tends to be smaller than the number of the initial symbol display areas in the case of being out of place;
In the middle of the symbol variation operation started by the symbol variation execution start means, each display area is set to the symbol display area so that the number of the symbol display areas becomes the number selected by the symbol display area number lottery means. And display area switching means for switching between the symbol non-display area and
After the symbol change operation is completed, if the jackpot lottery result is a jackpot, the same symbol is stopped and displayed in a predetermined number of symbol display areas, and if the jackpot lottery result is off, A symbol stop display means that does not stop display the same symbol in a predetermined number of the symbol display areas;
A gaming machine characterized by including: The symbol display region is gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the effect display area for an effect.   In the symbol non-display area determined to be switched to the symbol display area when the symbol display area number lottery means determines that the number of the symbol display areas is larger than the initial symbol display area number, 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, further comprising a design display area increasing effect means for effect display.

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