JPH10230057A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine enabling a player to enjoy a game without getting bored. SOLUTION: When winning is generated in a pattern matching game performed by a pattern matching game execution means 70, a value selection means 90 selects the size (the upper limit opening/closing number of times of a variable winning port 60) of a special value to be imparted to the player this time from predetermined several kinds and informs the player of the result through animation called actions. Also, when a ball does not enter a specified zone inside the variable winning port 60 during the open period of the variable winning port 60, even in the case of not reaching the upper limit opening/closing number of times, the opening/closing operation of the variable winning port 60 is stopped. Thus, thrills and excitement are given to the user over the three stages of the stage of acquiring winning in the pattern matching game, the stage of selecting the size of the special value and the stage of imparting the special value.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a special symbol matching game that is executed when a ball hit on a game board surface wins a specific winning opening, and when the execution result is a hit, a special game advantageous to a player is achieved. Related to gaming machines that provide value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a game machine such as a pachinko machine, when a ball wins a special winning opening provided on a game board, a pattern matching game such as a number matching is executed on a liquid crystal display. And the execution result is "7
There is a so-called fever machine that generates a special value advantageous to a player when a big hit state in which specific symbols are aligned, such as “77”, is displayed.

[0003] In a general fever machine, the probability of occurrence of a jackpot is usually fixed to an extremely low value of about 1/200. The special value is given to the player by repeating the operation of opening the large variable winning opening that is closed in the normal state for about 30 seconds about 16 times to form a state in which the ball has a high winning probability. . As a result, for example, about 2400 prize balls are paid out per one big hit.

[0004] As described above, in a general fever machine, instead of setting the appearance probability of a jackpot low, when a jackpot appears, a great privilege is given to a player. In addition, some games have a so-called time reduction function and a probability variation function in order to change the game content or to ensure continuity of big hits.

[0005] The fever machine is usually provided with a so-called small digital constituted by a 7-segment LED and the like in addition to a liquid crystal display (so-called main digital) for executing a symbol matching game. The function and the probability variation function are applied to the game executed on the small digital.

When the ball passes through the through chucker arranged on the game board, variable display of numbers on the small digital is started, and after a variable display period of 10 to 15 seconds elapses,
A certain number is confirmed and displayed. When this number is a specific number such as “7”, a variable winning opening arranged above and near the out mouth opens, and about 10 prize balls are paid out by picking up one ball trying to enter the out mouth. .

[0007] The time reduction function that is activated when a big hit occurs in the main digital is to reduce the variable display period by one in the small digital.
It is a function to reduce from 2 seconds to about 2 seconds. In addition, the probability variation function is used to change the appearance probability of a hit in a game developed on a small digital, for example, from about 1/10 to 9/100
It is a function to increase to about 9.

[0008] By operating the time reduction function and the probability fluctuation function, the ball holding is improved, so that the game can be continued for a long time without increasing the investment amount, and as a result, the expectation that a hit occurs on the main digital will be increased. Can be given to players.

[0009]

In a conventional gaming machine, the privilege given when a big hit appears is set to be extremely large, but the appearance probability is fixed to an extremely low value. In some cases, the player may get tired of the game, or may end the game without a big hit, resulting in a great loss to the player.

[0010] Further, even if the model has a time reduction function or a probability variation function, these functions are activated after the appearance of the jackpot, so that these functions are rarely activated like the jackpot. Furthermore, these functions only provide the benefit of improving the ball possession, but do not increase the probability of the jackpot itself, so there is a problem that it takes time for the jackpot to appear and the player gets tired of the game. Was.

In addition, since the operation of giving the special value is a monotonous operation with a small change in opening and closing the large variable winning opening a fixed number of times, the game property after the big hit is low and the problem of lack of interest is raised. there were.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology. The present invention provides a game by causing frequent hits and giving a change in a mode of giving a privilege. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that allows a player to enjoy a game without getting tired.

[0013]

The gist of the present invention to achieve the above object lies in the following inventions. [1] A predetermined symbol matching game is executed when a ball hit on the game board surface (11) wins a specific winning opening (12), and a special value advantageous to the player is obtained when the execution result is a hit. In the gaming machine (10) to be awarded, a variable display means (20) for displaying the symbol matching game, and the symbol on the variable display means (20) when a ball wins in the specific winning opening (12). A symbol matching game executing means (70) for executing a matching game, and the magnitude of the special value to be given to the player this time when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game performed by the symbol matching game executing means (70) (90) for selecting a value from among a plurality of types determined in advance, and, when the magnitude of the special value is selected by the value selecting means (90), the special value of the magnitude is added to the player. Special value generating means (60) for performing a predetermined value of the special value selected by the value selecting means (90) on the variable display means (20) when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game. A game machine (10) for notifying a player by displaying an animation of (1).

[2] The special value generating means (60)
By opening and closing the movable piece, it has a variable winning opening (60) that can take either a state with a high winning probability of the ball or a state with a low winning probability, and opens and closes the normally closed movable piece. The gaming machine (10) according to [1], wherein the special value is given to a player, and the value selecting means (90) selects the number of times the movable piece is opened and closed.

[3] The variable winning opening (60) has a specific zone (65) in a part of the winning opening where the winning probability of the ball is lower than other portions in the winning opening, and the movable piece is opened. When the ball does not win in the specific zone (65) having a low winning probability between the closing and closing, the movable piece as the special value to be given this time irrespective of the opening / closing frequency selected by the value selecting means (90) The gaming machine (10) according to [1] or [2], wherein the opening / closing operation is stopped thereafter.

[4] The average value of the special values of the predetermined plurality of sizes is reduced, and the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set higher accordingly. A gaming machine (10) according to [2] or [3].

The present invention operates as follows. The symbol matching game executing means (70) executes the symbol matching game on the variable display means (20) when the ball wins the specific winning opening (12). Symbol matching game execution means (7
When a winning is achieved in the symbol matching game performed in (0), the value selecting means (90) selects the magnitude of the special value to be given to the player from a plurality of predetermined types, and
The size of the special value selected by the value selecting means (90) is notified to the player by displaying a predetermined animation on the variable display means (20). The special value generating means (60) gives the special value of the selected size to the player.

As described above, since the magnitude of the special value is selected from a plurality of types each time a hit appears, there are two stages of the appearance of the hit and what privilege is given by the hit. Can give players thrill and excitement. Furthermore, since the size of the selected special value is notified to the player by displaying an animation generally called an action on the variable display means (20), it is possible to further excite the player.

Here, the average value of the magnitudes of the plurality of types of special value as options is reduced, and the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set higher accordingly. As a result, hits appear frequently, and the player is not bored.

The special value generating means (60) sets a variable winning opening (60) capable of changing the winning opening to either a state having a high winning probability of the ball or a state having a low winning probability by opening and closing the movable piece. A special value is given to a player by opening and closing a normally closed movable piece. Then, the value selecting means (90) selects the size of the special value by selecting the number of times the movable piece is opened and closed.

Further, in a part of the variable winning opening (60),
A specific zone (65) in which the winning probability of the ball is lower than other portions in the winning opening is provided, and when no ball wins the specific zone (65) between opening and closing the movable piece, Regardless of the number of times of opening / closing selected by the value selecting means (90), the opening / closing operation of the movable piece as the special value to be given this time is stopped thereafter.

That is, while winning in the specific zone (65) continues, the opening and closing operation of the variable winning opening (60) is repeatedly performed with the upper limit of the number of opening and closing selected by the value selecting means (90). On the other hand, if no ball wins in the specific zone (65) while the variable winning opening (60) is open, the subsequent opening / closing operation is stopped.

As described above, since the game has a game characteristic that depends on the magnitude of the special value that can be acquired even during the occurrence of a jackpot, the game content is further varied and gives a more thrill and excitement to the player. be able to.

[0024]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Each of the drawings shows an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, a gaming machine 10 according to the present invention
Is a pachinko machine that launches a ball by rotating the handle 19 and competes for winning the ball in various winning ports. The gaming machine 10 includes a gaming board surface 11 as a place where the launched ball flows down.

The game board surface 11 is provided with a winning opening, various accessories, obstacle nails, an out opening, and the like. At a substantially central portion of the game board surface 11, a symbol matching game is displayed.
A main variable display means 20 as a so-called main digital is provided. The main variable display means 20 has three symbol display areas 21 a to 21 which can display an arbitrary symbol.
1c are juxtaposed horizontally. These symbol display area 2
On 1, a symbol matching game developed as a slot machine which becomes a hit when the same number such as “777” is prepared is developed.

Here, as the main variable display means 20, a color liquid crystal display is used. In addition, a monochrome liquid crystal display or a CR
A T display or the like can also be used.

Above the main variable display means 20, there is provided a so-called small digital sub-variable display means 30 composed of 7-segment LEDs (light emitting diodes). After a single digit number is variably displayed from 10 seconds to 15 seconds, a certain number is finally confirmed and displayed, and when the number at that time is a specific number such as “7”, a screen game that is a small hit is added. It is executed on the variable display means 30.

On both sides of the main variable display means 20, a so-called through chucker 40 for detecting passage of a ball is provided. When the through chucker 40 detects the passage of a ball,
A screen game on the sub-variable display means 30 is started. The ball is set so that the ball can easily enter the through chucker 40 by the nail adjustment.

Below the main variable display means 20, a specific winning opening 12 which functions as a starting chucker for starting a symbol matching game developed on the main variable display means 20.
Is arranged.

Below the specific winning opening 12, a variable winning opening 60 which operates as a special value generating means is arranged. The variable winning opening 60 is a large winning opening that is normally closed but repeats the opening and closing operation of the winning opening when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game developed on the main variable display means 20.

The number of times the variable winning opening 60 is opened and closed is selected from a plurality of types of predetermined upper limit opening / closing times by random lottery each time a winning is achieved in the symbol matching game. Here, the upper limit opening / closing frequency is 8, 10, 12, or 1,
Four types of six times are set.

In the center of the variable winning opening 60, a specific zone 65 (so-called V winning opening) having a relatively low winning probability is provided. The maximum opening time from the opening of the variable winning opening 60 to the closing thereof is set to 30 seconds, and if the ball does not enter the specific zone 65 during this time, even if it does not reach the upper limit opening and closing times, The opening and closing operation of the variable winning opening 60 is stopped.

In the present embodiment, the setting is made such that ten prize balls are paid out each time a ball wins the variable winning opening 60. The variable winning opening 60 is set to open for a maximum of 30 seconds.
Even if 30 seconds have not passed after the individual winning, the variable winning opening 60 is closed at that time. Also,
3 if the ball wins the specific zone 65 before 30 seconds
The variable winning opening 60 is closed without waiting for 0 seconds to elapse.

Below the variable winning opening 60, when a small hit comes out in the screen game executed on the sub-variable display means 30 (when a specific numeric symbol such as "7" is fixedly displayed).
Is provided with a small variable winning opening 15. The small variable winning opening 15 is closed when one ball wins after opening the winning opening. When a ball is won in the small variable winning opening 15, about 6 to 13 prize balls are paid out.

Below the small variable winning opening 15, a game board 1
An out port 18 for collecting a so-called out ball which has not won any of the winning ports on 1 is arranged. Since the small variable winning opening 15 is provided immediately above the out opening 18, when the small variable winning opening 15 is opened, a ball trying to enter the out opening 18 is picked up by the small variable winning opening 15.

Above the game board surface 11, when the winning is achieved in the symbol matching game, the maximum number of times the variable winning opening 60 is opened / closed by the current hit (upper limit opening / closing number) is displayed. Opening / closing number display section 50 is provided. The opening / closing count display section 50 is a 7-segment LED.
, And two digits can be displayed.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of a circuit configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In addition,
A control circuit for controlling various operations of the gaming machine 10 is attached to the inside of the machine such as the back surface of the game board 11.

The specific winning opening 12 has a winning detecting switch 13 for detecting a winning ball. The prize detecting switch 13 may be a mechanical switch, an optical sensor that detects a prize when light is blocked by a ball, or a magnetic sensor that detects a change in a magnetic field due to the passage of a ball. it can.

The symbol matching game executing means 70 is a circuit portion for controlling the execution of the symbol matching game developed on the main variable display means 20 in response to the winning of the ball detected by the winning detecting switch 13. The symbol matching game executing means 70 includes a random lottery section 71 that executes a random lottery when the winning of the ball is detected by the winning detection switch 13. Here, the probability of a hit in the random lottery section 71 is set in a range of 1/40 to 1/60.

The value selecting means 90 is a circuit portion for selecting the size of the special value to be given to the player by the present winning when a winning occurs in the symbol matching game executed by the symbol matching game executing means 70. Value selection means 90
Is provided with a random lottery section 91 for randomly selecting the size of the special value to be provided. Value selection means 90
Is the maximum number of times the variable winning opening 60 can be opened and closed,
, 10, 12, and 16 times, based on the lottery result of the random lottery section 91.

Variable winning opening 60 as special value generating means
Is an attacker 61 as a large winning opening which is opened and closed when a random lottery result performed by the random lottery section 71 is a hit and the execution result is definitely displayed on the main variable display means 20, A solenoid 62 for opening and closing the solenoid 62
And Further, a prize detecting switch 63 for detecting a prize of a ball in the variable winning opening 60 and a specific zone prize detecting switch 6 for detecting that a ball has entered a specific zone 65.
4 is provided.

Further, the attacker 61 of the variable winning opening 60
Has a winning number counting section 67 for counting the number of balls that have won the variable winning opening 60 after opening, and a round number counting section 66 for counting the number of times the variable winning opening 60 is opened and closed.

The small variable winning opening 15 has winning opening opening / closing means 16 for opening and closing the winning opening. Small variable winning opening 1
Reference numeral 5 denotes a spring (not shown) for urging the movable piece in a direction to close the winning opening, and a solenoid (not shown) for opening the movable piece against the spring.

The through chucker 40 is a mechanical switch that is pressed by a ball when the ball passes. As the through chucker 40, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor can be used.

The screen game execution means 80 is a circuit portion for controlling the execution of the screen game developed on the sub-variable display means 30 when the ball passes through the through chucker 40, and is used to determine the execution result. It has a random lottery section 81.
Further, the screen game execution means 80 includes an opening / closing control unit 82 for controlling opening / closing of the small variable winning opening 15.

The prize ball payout means 100 includes a small variable prize port 15.
And a circuit portion for sending an instruction to pay out a certain number of prize balls when a ball has won the variable winning opening 60 to a prize ball payout mechanism (not shown). The prize ball payout mechanism section includes a prize ball payout means 1
Based on an instruction from 00, a prize ball is paid out from a storage tank (not shown) to an upper plate provided on the front surface of the gaming machine 10.

The symbol matching game executing means 70, the screen game executing means 80, the value selecting means 90 and the like are provided with a CPU (central processing unit) which plays a central function of various controls in the gaming machine 10, and a ROM (read only memory). ) And RAM
(Random access memory).

The ROM stores various kinds of fixed data such as programs executed by the CPU and symbol patterns displayed on the main variable display means 20. Also, RAM
This is a working memory for storing data that is temporarily needed to execute a program.

Next, the operation flow of the gaming machine 10 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flow of an operation performed by the gaming machine 10 when a ball wins the specific winning opening 12. Specific winning opening 1
When the ball wins at No. 2 (Step S201; Y), the random lottery section 71 of the symbol matching game execution means 70 performs a random lottery for determining the execution result of the symbol matching game (Step S202).

The symbol matching game executing means 70 simultaneously executes the main variable display means 20
After scrolling each of the above symbols for about 30 seconds, symbols corresponding to the lottery results of the random lottery section 71 are successively confirmed and displayed, and the symbol matching game is executed (step S20).
3). That is, when the random lottery result of the random lottery performed by the random lottery section 71 is a hit, a state in which the numbers are aligned such as “777” is finally confirmed and displayed, and when the lottery result is out of alignment, the numbers are aligned. The absence status is confirmed and displayed as the execution result. Here, the winning probability is set such that a hit appears with a probability of 1/40 to 1/60.

The lottery result of the random lottery section 71 is a hit,
When a symbol such as “777” is confirmed and displayed (Step S204; Y), the value selecting means 90 sets the size of the special value to be given to the player based on the current hit, ie, the opening / closing operation of the variable winning opening 60. Is selected by random lottery indicating the maximum number of times of opening and closing that indicates how many times to perform
205). The maximum number of times of opening and closing is 8, 10, 12,
Any one of the six times is randomly selected with equal probability.

When the execution result of "777" or the like is confirmed and displayed, the number on the opening / closing frequency display section 50 starts a scroll operation, and the upper limit opening / closing frequency selected by the value selecting means 90 is a predetermined time. After that, the opening / closing frequency display section 50
The upper limit opening / closing number selected this time is notified to the player (Step S206). At this time, an animation or the like, which is generally called an action, is displayed on the main variable display means 20 to notify the upper limit opening / closing frequency, and to excite the player.

After selecting the upper limit opening / closing frequency, the variable winning opening 6
0 opening / closing operation is started (step S207). When a ball wins in the variable winning opening 60 while the variable winning opening 60 is open (step S208), ten winning balls are paid out by the winning ball payout means 100 (step S209).

When the ball that has won the variable winning opening 60 further wins in the specific zone 65 at the center (step S210; Y), the variable winning opening 60 is closed once at that time (step S211). Then, it is checked whether or not the number of times of opening and closing the variable winning opening 60 has reached the upper limit number of times of opening and closing set by the value selecting means 90 (step S212).

If the number of times of opening / closing has not reached the upper limit (step S212; N), the flow returns to step S207, and the opening / closing operation of the variable winning opening 60 is repeated. The opening / closing operation of the variable winning opening 60 based on the appearing hit ends.

If the ball that has won the variable winning opening 60 does not win the specific zone 65 at the center (step S210; N), the current winning is the tenth time since opening the variable winning opening 60. Check whether or not a prize has been won (step S2)
13). In the case of the tenth winning, the variable winning opening 60 is closed at that time (step S214).

On the other hand, when the winning is not the tenth winning (step S213; N) or when there is no winning of the ball in the variable winning opening 60 (step S208; N), the variable winning opening 60 is not set.
It is checked whether or not 30 seconds have elapsed after the opening of the device (step S215). 30 which is the maximum opening time of the variable winning opening 60
When the second has elapsed (step S215; Y), the variable winning opening 60 is closed (step S214).

Without the ball winning the specific zone 65,
When the variable winning opening 60 is closed (step S214), the opening / closing operation of the variable winning opening 60 based on the current hit is stopped at that time even if the number of opening / closing times is less than the upper limit.

As described above, since the hit in the symbol matching game appears with a relatively high probability of about 1/40, it is possible to prevent the player from getting tired and getting tired. In addition, since the magnitude of the special value to be given is selected by a random lottery executed when a hit appears, the player is notified through an action or the like, so that even after the hit appears, the player can be thrilled. And can give excitement.

Further, even when the variable winning opening 60 is opened and closed, the magnitude of the special value depends on whether or not a special zone 65 is won. Can be given the thrill and excitement, and a higher game quality can be provided.

That is, until the winning in the symbol matching game, a game similar to that of a normal fever machine is developed,
When a hit occurs, a game for selecting the size of the special value to be given is played. Further, after the start of giving the special value (during opening / closing operation of the variable winning opening 60), a so-called feather type game for competing for a prize in a specific zone is developed. Therefore, it is possible to arouse the player's expectation and excitement in three stages of the stage of winning, the stage of selecting the size of the special value, and the period in which the special value is provided.

The number of balls to be paid out as prize balls is a maximum of 80 when eight times are selected as the upper limit release number.
It becomes zero. That is, if ten prize balls are paid out for one prize and the variable prize hole 60 is opened, and the tenth sphere wins the specific zone 65, eight times (the maximum number of open times) × 10 times (number of winnings in one round) × 10
It becomes 800 pieces.

Similarly, when the upper limit is opened 10 times, a maximum of 1000 prize balls are provided, and when the upper limit is opened 12 times, a maximum of 1200 prize balls are set, and the upper limit is opened 1 time.
In the case of six times, a maximum of 1600 prize balls are paid out.

Since the four types of upper limit opening / closing times are selected at random with equal probability, if the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is reduced to 1/40, the specific winning opening 12 The probability that each upper limit opening / closing frequency is selected when the hemisphere is won is 1/40 × 1/4, which is 1/160 in total. Further, if the number of options of the upper limit opening / closing number is set to five, the probability that each upper limit opening / closing number is selected is 200.
It's a fraction.

In the embodiment described above, the upper limit opening frequency is selected from four or five types, but the options are not limited to these. For example, 1
Any number of times from 10 to 10 may be selected.

Further, in the embodiment, the upper limit opening number is selected with equal probability. However, the selection probability may be weighted according to the magnitude of the upper limit number. In addition to the variable winning opening 60 shown in FIG. 2, the variable winning opening 60 is a so-called vane type variable winning opening that switches two movable pieces between a vertically standing state and a state where the lower end is opened at a fulcrum. May be used. At this time, if the opening and closing of the movable piece is not performed regularly but irregularly, the fun of the game can be further increased.

In addition, when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game, a time reduction function or a probability variation function may be applied to the game developed on the sub-variable display means 30. Further, in the embodiment, the symbol matching game which looks like a slot machine is developed on the variable display means 20, but may be a symbol matching game in which other symbols such as fish and fruits are arranged.

[0068]

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the size of the special value to be provided is selected from a plurality of types each time a hit appears. Can give the player thrill and excitement over two stages of what kind of privilege is given. In addition, an animation generally called an action is displayed on the variable display means to notify the player of the magnitude of the selected special value, which can further excite the player.

Further, since the average value of the magnitudes of a plurality of types of special values as options is reduced, and the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set high accordingly, the winning appears more frequently. It is possible to prevent the player from getting tired because the player does not hit easily.

Further, even while the special value is being given, the magnitude of the special value depends on whether or not a ball wins in a specific zone. Can give thrill and excitement to
Higher game characteristics can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a game board surface of the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of an operation performed when a ball wins a specific winning opening in the gaming machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Game machine 11 ... Game board surface 12 ... Specific winning opening 13 ... Winning detection switch 15 ... Small variable winning opening 16 ... Winning opening / closing means 18 ... Out opening 19 ... Handle 20 ... Main variable display means 21 ... Symbol display area 30 ... Sub-variable display means 40 ... through chucker 50 ... open / close count display unit 60 ... variable winning opening 61 ... attacker 62 ... solenoid 63 ... winning detection switch 64 ... specific zone winning detection switch 65 ... specific zone 66 ... round number counting unit 70 ... design Matching game executing means 71: random lottery section 80: screen game executing means 81: random lottery section 82: opening / closing control section 90: value selecting means 91: random lottery section 100: prize ball payout means

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine which executes a predetermined symbol matching game when a ball hit on a game board has won a specific winning opening, and gives a special value advantageous to a player when the execution result is a hit. A variable display means for displaying the symbol matching game; a symbol matching game executing means for executing the symbol matching game on the variable display means when a ball wins the specific winning opening; and the symbol matching game. When a winning occurs in the symbol matching game performed by the executing means, the value of the special value to be given to the player this time is selected from a plurality of predetermined types of value selecting means, and the value selecting means When a special value size is selected, a special value generating means for giving the player a special value of the size is provided, and when a hit occurs in the symbol matching game, Gaming machine and notifies the player of the size of the special value is selected by displaying a predetermined animation on the variable display means through the serial value selecting means. 2. The special value generating means has a variable winning opening which can take either a state of a high winning probability of the ball or a state of a low winning probability by opening and closing the movable piece. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the special value is given to the player by opening and closing the movable piece, and the value selecting means selects the number of times the movable piece is opened and closed. 3. The variable winning opening has a specific zone in a part of the winning opening where a ball winning probability is lower than other portions in the winning opening, and between a time when the movable piece is opened and a time when the movable piece is closed. When the ball does not win in the specific zone with a low winning probability, the opening and closing operation of the movable piece as the special value to be given this time is stopped thereafter regardless of the number of opening and closing times selected by the value selecting means. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the average value of the special values of the predetermined plurality of sizes is reduced, and the probability of winning in the symbol matching game is set higher accordingly. The gaming machine according to 2 or 3.