Slot machine and playing method thereof

A slot machine, comprising:

• a display device configured to present a plurality of symbols with the symbols arranged in a plurality of rows and columns;
• a controller that controls gaming operation of the gaming machine;
• and
• a selectively active stop control button;
• wherein the controller is configured to control the presentation of the symbols such that the symbols in each of the rows or in each of the columns move or simulate moving in a scrolling manner or otherwise change;
• wherein during the execution of base games, the stop control button is inactive and the controller is configured to control stoppage of the movement or simulated movement or other changing of the symbols solely in accordance with a controller-implemented process that determines the outcome of a given base game;
• wherein during the execution of stop control games, the stop control button is active to permit a player to effect stoppage of the movement or simulated movement or other changing of the symbols so as to determine an outcome of a given stop control game;
• wherein the controller is configured to control gaming operation of the gaming machine such that whether a stop control game is executed depends on the outcome of at least one base game;
• and
• wherein the controller is configured to control the gaming operation of the gaming machine such that the symbols stop their movement or simulated movement or other changing during execution of a stop control game without player input and always in a non-winning arrangement if the player does not operate the stop control button within a predetermined period of time.