A game machine comprises a plurality of cylindrical reels each provided with various kinds of symbols on its outer surface. The reels are axially aligned and independently rotatable about an axis in first and second directions. Part of symbols of the respective reels are displayed on a window having a predetermined winning line crossing over the symbol of the respective reels to define the symbols on the winning line as a symbol combination The reels start rotating in the first direction in response to an operation of a start lever. The reels independently stop rotating in response to respective operations of stop buttons to bring the symbol of the corresponding reel to a standstill on the winning line to obtain the symbol combination after all reels are stopped rotating. The symbols are shifted in the first and second directions within a predetermined waiting time to change the symbol combination.