Game machine

Abstract

To increase interest.SOLUTION: In a game machine capable of imparting a small winning game, a main CPU can control the execution of a special symbol variation game and can control a mode related to the execution of the special symbol variation game. The mode related to the execution of the special symbol variation game includes a second advantageous mode and a first advantageous mode that is less advantageous than the second advantageous mode. A specific condition can be satisfied in a situation in which the small winning game is imparted when controlled in the first advantageous mode and when controlled in the second advantageous mode. It is possible to make privileges imparted in relation to the small winning game different depending on the specific condition that is satisfied. In a case where a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where the small winning game is imparted when controlled in the first advantageous mode, the same privilege may be imparted as in a case where a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where the small winning game is imparted when controlled in the second advantageous mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine which is an example of a gaming machine, like the pachinko gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, in a small win game which is an example of a winning game, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, a jackpot game of a special item jackpot can be provided as a privilege.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, today, it is desired to further refine the privileges provided in relation to winning games and improve the interest of players.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The gaming machine that solves the above problems is a gaming machine capable of granting a specific-win game, and includes game control means for controlling the execution of a variable game, and mode control means for controlling a mode related to the execution of the variable game. The modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second mode. When controlled in the first mode and when controlled in the second mode, specific conditions can be established in a situation where the specific-win game is granted, and it is possible to vary the privileges granted in relation to the specific-win game according to the established specific conditions. When the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific-win game is granted while being controlled in the first mode, the same privilege as when the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific-win game is granted while being controlled in the second mode can be granted. This is the gist.

Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to enhance the interest.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

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Figure 14

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a pachinko gaming machine will be described. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front side), and back (back side) indicate the respective directions when viewed from the player. As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 as a gaming machine includes a frame body 11. The frame body 11 is configured to include an installation frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to an island facility such as a game parlor, and a mounting frame for mounting various game components. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a game board YB. The game board YB is mounted on the frame body 11. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a firing handle HD. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to fire a game ball when the firing handle HD is operated.

[0009] The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a speaker SP. The speaker SP can execute voice effects such as playing music and sound effects. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is provided with a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can execute a lighting effect by turning on, blinking, and turning off a light-emitting body (not shown).

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first special symbol display section 13a and a second special symbol display section 13b as display sections capable of displaying a special symbol variation game. In the present embodiment, the special symbol variation game corresponds to a variation game. The special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a special game) includes a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) and a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game). The first special symbol display section 13a displays the first special game. In the first special game, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed, and finally, a first special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is fixedly stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display section 13b displays the second special game. In the second special game, a predetermined symbol is variably displayed, and finally, a second special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is fixedly stopped and displayed. In the present embodiment, the first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured not to hold the execution of the first special game and the second special game.

[0011] The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of a predetermined lottery (for example, a winning lottery) as the result of a special game. In this specification, "variable display" means a state in which the type of the displayed symbol changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" means a state in which the symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed, and the type of the displayed symbol does not change. For a symbol, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning.

[0012] Special symbols include winning symbols and losing symbols as the results of special games. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a small win in the winning lottery, a winning symbol is derived in the special game, and after the end of the special game, a small win game is generated (awarded). In the present embodiment, the small win game corresponds to a specific winning game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when not winning a small win in the winning lottery, a losing symbol is derived in the special game.

[0013] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal symbol display section 13c. The normal symbol display section 13c displays a normal game. In the normal game, predetermined symbols are variably displayed, and finally, the normal symbol is fixedly stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the normal winning lottery as the result of the normal game. The normal symbols include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when winning a normal win in the normal winning lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and after the end of the normal game, a normal winning game is generated (awarded). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when not winning a normal win in the normal winning lottery, a normal losing symbol is derived in the normal game. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a normal hold display section 13d. The normal hold display section 13d displays information capable of specifying the number of normal games (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number) whose execution is held because the hold condition is satisfied but the execution condition is not yet satisfied. In the present embodiment, the upper limit number of the normal hold number is 4.

[0014] On the front side of the game board YB provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a game area YBa through which game balls flow down is formed. In the game board YB, an opening window YBb is formed substantially at the center in the front view. A center frame W with various designs is assembled in the opening window YBb.

[0015] The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an effect display device 12. The effect display device 12 has an image display section GH capable of displaying images. For example, the image display section GH is a liquid crystal panel. The effect display device 12 is assembled to the game board YB such that when viewed from the front, the image display area of the image display section GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the game board YB. The effect display device 12 executes a display effect for displaying a predetermined image. For example, the predetermined image is an image such as an effect symbol, a character, a landscape, a character string, a number, and a symbol.

[0016] In the present embodiment, the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect display device 12 are each an effect device that executes an effect and function as effect execution means. The effect execution means is not limited to including all of the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect display device 12, and may be configured by one or a plurality of effect devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these effect devices. The effect execution means may be configured to include an effect device different from the speaker SP, the decorative lamp LA, and the effect display device 12.

[0017] A plurality of winning holes into which game balls can enter are formed in the game board YB. The plurality of winning holes open into the game area YBa. The plurality of winning holes include a first start winning hole 14, a second start winning hole 15, a first big winning hole 18, and a second big winning hole 20. The plurality of winning holes may include winning holes different from these winning holes.

[0018] The first start winning hole 14 is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered to satisfy the condition for awarding prize balls and the condition for executing the first special game. The first start winning hole 14 is located below the effect display device 12. The first start winning hole 14 is opened so that a game ball can always enter. The game board YB includes a first start winning sensor SE1 for detecting a game ball that has entered the first start winning hole 14 (see FIG. 5).

[0019] The second start winning opening 15 is a winning opening for entering game balls to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for executing the second special game. The second start winning opening 15 is located to the right of the effect display device 12. The game board YB is provided with a second start winning sensor SE2 for detecting game balls that have entered the second start winning opening 15 (see Fig. 5).

[0020] The game board YB is provided with a normal movable piece 16. The normal movable piece 16 can take a first state in which game balls can enter the second start winning opening 15 and a second state in which game balls cannot enter the second start winning opening 15. That is, when the normal movable piece 16 is in the first state, the second start winning opening 15 is open. When the normal movable piece 16 is in the second state, the second start winning opening 15 is closed. The normal movable piece 16 can always take the second state during non-execution of the normal winning game. The normal movable piece 16 cannot take the first state during non-execution of the normal winning game. The normal movable piece 16 can take the first state during execution of the normal winning game. That is, when the normal winning game is awarded, the second start winning opening 15 is opened so that game balls can enter. The game board YB is provided with a first actuator AA1 as means for operating the normal movable piece 16 (see Fig. 5).

[0021] The first big winning opening 18 is a winning opening for entering game balls to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls. The first big winning opening 18 is located below the second start winning opening 15 in the game area YBa. The game board YB is provided with a first count sensor SE3 for detecting game balls that have entered the first big winning opening 18 (see Fig. 5).

[0022] The game board YB is provided with a first special movable piece 19. The first special movable piece 19 can take a first state in which a game ball can enter the first big winning opening 18 and a second state in which a game ball cannot enter the first big winning opening 18. That is, when the first special movable piece 19 is in the first state, the first big winning opening 18 is opened. When the first special movable piece 19 is in the second state, the first big winning opening 18 is closed. The first special movable piece 19 can always take the second state during non-execution of the small winning game. The first special movable piece 19 cannot take the first state during non-execution of the small winning game. The first special movable piece 19 can take the first state during execution of the small winning game. That is, when the small winning game is given, the first big winning opening 18 is opened so that a game ball can enter. The game board YB is provided with a second actuator AA2 as means for operating the first special movable piece 19 (see FIG. 5).

[0023] In the small winning game, the first big winning opening 18 is opened, and when a game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 18 is detected by the first count sensor SE3, the condition for awarding a prize ball is satisfied. Therefore, in the small winning game, it is possible to obtain a number of prize balls corresponding to the number of game balls detected by the first count sensor SE3. In the present embodiment, the first big winning opening 18 corresponds to a special entry opening.

[0024] A passage 26 through which a game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 18 can flow down is provided behind the first big winning opening 18. That is, the game ball that has entered the first big winning opening 18 flows down through the passage 26 that leads to the back side of the game board YB and is discharged outside the machine.

[0025] The passage 26 branches into a passage 28 and a passage 29 at the first branch portion 27a. A first sorting movable piece 30a is provided in the passage 26 as means for distributing the game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18 to either the passage 28 or the passage 29. The first sorting movable piece 30a can take a first state n1 in which game balls cannot flow into the passage 28 and a second state n2 in which game balls can flow into the passage 28. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the first sorting movable piece 30a operates in a predetermined operation pattern. Specifically, when a first sorting time (1 second in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of a small winning game, the first sorting movable piece 30a operates to enter the first state n1. When a second sorting time t5 (7 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the first sorting movable piece 30a entered the first state n1, the first sorting movable piece 30a operates to enter the second state n2. Thereafter, the first sorting movable piece 30a maintains the second state n2 until a new small winning game starts and the first sorting time has elapsed. Although details will be described later, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first large winning opening 18 is not opened until the first sorting time has elapsed since the start of the small winning game. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, game balls cannot enter the first large winning opening 18 until at least the first sorting time has elapsed since the start of the small winning game. The game board YB includes a third actuator AA3 (see FIG. 5) as means for operating the first sorting movable piece 30a.

[0026] At the second branch portion 27b, the passage 28 branches into a first passage 28a and a second passage 28b. A second sorting movable piece 30b is provided in the passage 28 as means for sorting the game balls flowing into the passage 28 into either the first passage 28a or the second passage 28b. The second sorting movable piece 30b can take a first state m1 in which the game balls flowing into the passage 28 are sorted into the first passage 28a and a second state m2 in which the game balls flowing into the passage 28 are sorted into the second passage 28b. In the present embodiment, the second sorting movable piece 30b corresponds to the sorting means. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, the second sorting movable piece 30b operates in a predetermined operation pattern. Specifically, when the pachinko game machine 10 is powered on, the second sorting movable piece 30b operates so as to be in the second state m2. When a third sorting time t1 (2 seconds in the present embodiment) elapses after the second sorting movable piece 30b enters the second state m2, the second sorting movable piece 30b operates so as to be in the first state m1. When a fourth sorting time t2 (1 second in the present embodiment) elapses after the second sorting movable piece 30b enters the first state m1, the second sorting movable piece 30b operates so as to be in the second state m2. Thus, when the pachinko game machine 10 is powered on, the second sorting movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 and the first state m1. The game board YB includes a fourth actuator AA4 as means for operating the second sorting movable piece 30b (see FIG. 5).

[0027] In the first passage 28a, a first specific passage sensor SE5 (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball passing through the first specific area 31a in the first passage 28a is provided. In the second passage 28b, a second specific passage sensor SE6 (see FIG. 5) for detecting a game ball passing through the second specific area 31b in the second passage 28b is provided. The first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b are so-called V areas. The first specific passage sensor SE5 functions as means for detecting a game ball passing through the first specific area 31a among the game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18. In the present embodiment, the first specific area 31a corresponds to the first area. The second specific passage sensor SE6 functions as means for detecting a game ball passing through the second specific area 31b among the game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18. In the present embodiment, the second specific area 31b corresponds to the second area. Although details will be described later, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 in a small winning game passes through the first specific area 31a and is detected by the first specific passage sensor SE5, it becomes a big win, and a big win game is awarded. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 in a small winning game passes through the second specific area 31b and is detected by the second specific passage sensor SE6, it becomes a big win, and a big win game is awarded.

[0028] A specific example will be described regarding the flow path of the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), when a small winning game starts and the first distribution time has elapsed, the first large winning opening 18 is opened, and a game ball can enter the first large winning opening 18. In the following description, among the game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18 in the small winning game, the game ball that first enters the first large winning opening 18 is denoted as game ball K1. Also, in the following description, among the game balls that have entered the first large winning opening 18 in the small winning game, the game ball that enters the first large winning opening 18 after the game ball K1 is denoted as game ball K2.

[0029] As shown by arrow Y1, when the game ball K1 enters the first large winning opening 18, it flows down the passage 26 and reaches the first distribution movable piece 30a in the first state n1. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the game ball K1 that has reached the first distribution movable piece 30a in the first state n1 is held by the first distribution movable piece 30a. That is, the game ball K1 stays. As shown by arrow Y2, when the game ball K2 enters the first large winning opening 18, it comes into contact with the staying game ball K1 and flows into the passage 29.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 4(a) to 4(c), the first distribution movable piece 30a operates to change to the second state n2 when the second distribution time t5 has elapsed since the first state n1. Thereby, the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28 as shown by arrow Y3. In the present embodiment, the time from when the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28 until it reaches the second branch portion 27b is about 0.2 seconds. As shown by arrow Y4 in FIG. 4(b), when the second distribution movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 when the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the game ball K1 is distributed to the second passage 28b. Thereafter, the game ball K1 distributed to the second passage 28b passes through the second specific area 31b. On the other hand, as shown by arrow Y5 in FIG. 4(c), when the second distribution movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 when the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the game ball K1 is distributed to the first passage 28a. Thereafter, the game ball K1 distributed to the first passage 28a passes through the first specific area 31a.

[0031] Thus, the second distribution movable piece 30b can take the first state m1 in which the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the first specific area 31a, and the second state m2 in which the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the second specific area 31b. In the present embodiment, the first state m1 in which the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the first specific area 31a corresponds to the first distribution state. In the present embodiment, the second state m2 in which the game ball that has entered the first large winning opening 18 is distributed to the second specific area 31b corresponds to the second distribution state.

[0032] The second largest winning opening 20 is a winning opening for letting game balls enter in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls. The second largest winning opening 20 is located below the largest winning opening 18 in the game area YBa. The game board YB is provided with a second count sensor SE4 for detecting game balls that have entered the second largest winning opening 20 (see Fig. 5).

[0033] The game board YB is provided with a second special movable piece 21. The second special movable piece 21 can take a first state in which game balls can enter the second largest winning opening 20 and a second state in which game balls cannot enter the second largest winning opening 20. That is, when the second special movable piece 21 is in the first state, the second largest winning opening 20 is opened. When the second special movable piece 21 is in the second state, the second largest winning opening 20 is closed. The second special movable piece 21 can always take the second state during non-execution of the jackpot game. The second special movable piece 21 cannot take the first state during non-execution of the jackpot game. The second special movable piece 21 can take the first state during execution of the jackpot game. That is, when the jackpot game is awarded, the second largest winning opening 20 is opened so that game balls can enter. The game board YB is provided with a fifth actuator AA5 as means for operating the second special movable piece 21 (see Fig. 5).

[0034] In the jackpot game, the second largest winning opening 20 is opened, and when game balls that have entered the second largest winning opening 20 are detected by the second count sensor SE4, the conditions for awarding prize balls are satisfied. For this reason, in the jackpot game, it is possible to obtain a number of prize balls corresponding to the number of game balls detected by the second count sensor SE4.

[0035] The game board YB is provided with a gate 23. The gate 23 is located above the second start winning opening 15. A gate opening 23a is formed in the gate 23. The gate opening 23a is always opened so that game balls can enter. The gate 23 is provided with a gate sensor SE7 for detecting game balls that have entered the gate opening 23a (see Fig. 5). The gate opening 23a is a winning opening for letting game balls enter in order to satisfy the hold conditions of the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate opening 23a, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not satisfied.

[0036] The pachinko gaming machine 10 can adjust the launching intensity of the game balls according to the operation amount (rotation amount) of the launching handle HD. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game balls can be separated so as to flow down through either the left region R1a of the center frame W or the right region R2a of the center frame W. A first start winning opening 14 is provided in the flow path R1 of the game balls in the left region R1a. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to make the game balls enter the first start winning opening 14 by launching the game balls so as to flow down through the left region R1a in the game area YBa. In the following description, launching the game balls at a launching intensity such that the game balls flow down through the left region R1a is referred to as "left hitting". A second start winning opening 15, a first big winning opening 18, a second big winning opening 20, and a gate 23 are provided in the flow path R2 of the game balls in the right region R2a. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is possible to make the game balls enter the second start winning opening 15, the first big winning opening 18, the second big winning opening 20, and the gate 23 by launching the game balls so as to flow down through the right region R2a in the game area YBa. In the following description, launching the game balls at a launching intensity such that the game balls flow down through the right region R2a is referred to as "right hitting".

[0037] Next, the game state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assistance function. The ball entry assistance function is a function that assists the entry of game balls into the second start winning opening 15, which is the so-called "electric subsidy function". The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of ball entry states with different ball entry rates of game balls into the second start winning opening 15. The plurality of ball entry states include a non-time limit state and a time limit state in which the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second start winning opening 15 is higher than that in the non-time limit state. The time limit state is the so-called "electric subsidy state", "high base state". The non-time limit state is the so-called "non-electric subsidy state", "low base state". In the time limit state and the non-time limit state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the first start winning opening 14 is the same. In the time limit state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second start winning opening 15 is improved, and game balls are more likely to enter the second start winning opening 15 than the first start winning opening 14. Therefore, in the time limit state, it is recommended to hit the ball to the right so that game balls can easily enter the second start winning opening 15. On the other hand, in the non-time limit state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second start winning opening 15 is lower than that in the time limit state, and game balls are less likely to enter the second start winning opening 15 than the first start winning opening 14, so it is recommended to hit the ball to the left. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the ball entry assistance function is activated, the ball entry state shifts from the non-time limit state to the time limit state. In the time limit state, the ball entry rate of game balls per unit time into the second start winning opening 15 is improved, and it is easier to satisfy the execution conditions of the second special game compared to the non-time limit state, and it is easier to satisfy the payout conditions of prize balls accompanying the entry of game balls into the second start winning opening 15. Therefore, the time limit state is a state with a higher degree of advantage than the non-time limit state.

[0038] For example, the time-saving state can be realized by executing any one of the three controls described below, or by combining and executing a plurality of controls. The first control is a control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to when it is not in the time-saving state. The second control is a control that varies the normal winning probability in the normal winning lottery to a higher probability than when it is not in the time-saving state. The third control is a control that lengthens the time during which the normal movable piece 16 is in the first state in one normal winning game compared to when it is not in the time-saving state. Note that as the third control, at least one of a control that increases the number of times the normal movable piece 16 operates to the first state in one normal winning game compared to when it is not in the time-saving state, and a control that lengthens the time from when the normal movable piece 16 operates to the first state to when it operates to the second state in the normal winning game compared to when it is not in the time-saving state may be performed.

[0039] The time-saving state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a control that shortens the variation time (average variation time) of the special game compared to when it is not in the time-saving state. As a result, in the time-saving state, the average variation time of the special game becomes shorter than in the non-time-saving state. The average variation time of the special game can be obtained by dividing the integrated time of the variation time in the special game per unit number by the unit number assuming that the special game of the unit number is executed. In the time-saving state, the number of special games that can be substantially executed per unit time increases compared to when it is in the non-time-saving state.

[0040] The game states of the pachinko machine 10 include a normal state and a specific state. The normal state is a game state in which the ball entry assistance function does not operate. The specific state is a game state in which the ball entry assistance function operates.

[0041] Next, the winning probability of the winning lottery in the pachinko machine 10 will be described. In the winning lottery in the pachinko machine 10, there are a winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as the first winning lottery) that is executed when the first special game is executed, and a winning lottery (hereinafter referred to as the second winning lottery) that is executed when the second special game is executed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the probabilities of winning a small prize in the first prize lottery and the second prize lottery are different. The probability of winning a small prize in the second prize lottery is higher than the probability of winning a small prize in the first prize lottery. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a small prize in the first prize lottery is 1 / 300. On the other hand, the probability of winning a small prize in the second prize lottery is 1 / 100.

[0043] Next, the small prize game in the pachinko machine 10 will be described. The small prize game starts when the special game in which the small prize symbol is derived ends. In the small prize game, first, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined opening time t4 (1 second in this embodiment). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect indicating the start of the small prize game. In the small prize game, when the opening time t4 elapses, a round game in which the first big winning port 18 can be opened is performed. That is, when the pachinko machine 10 wins a small prize in the prize lottery, after deriving the small prize symbol in the special game, it gives a small prize game in which the first big winning port 18 is opened. The number of rounds of the round game in the small prize game is 1.

[0044] In the small win game, during the round game, the first large winning opening 18 is opened in a predetermined opening pattern that allows the game balls to enter the first large winning opening 18. That is, in the small win game, during the round game, the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern that allows the game balls to enter the first large winning opening 18. For example, the predetermined operation pattern is an aspect in which the first special movable piece 19 operates so as to alternately take the first state and the second state. In the present embodiment, the first special movable piece 19 operates to the second state when a predetermined openable time (5 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the round game. That is, in the small win game, during the round game, when a predetermined openable time has elapsed since the start of the round game, the first large winning opening 18 is closed. In the small win game, when the time condition that a predetermined upper limit time (10 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed is satisfied, the round game is ended. In addition to this, the round game may be ended when the ball entry condition that a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 10 balls) of game balls enter the first large winning opening 18 is satisfied.

[0045] In the small win game, a predetermined effect is performed during the round game. For example, the predetermined effect is a round effect indicating that the round game for opening the first large winning opening 18 is being executed. In the small win game, when the round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined ending time (1 second in the present embodiment). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect indicating the end of the small win game. The small win game ends when the ending time has elapsed. In this way, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to provide the small win game.

[0046] Next, the big win game in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The jackpot game is started after the end of the small win game on the condition that the game ball has passed through the first specific area 31a in the first passage 28a in the small win game. That is, the jackpot game is started after the end of the small win game on the condition that the game ball has been detected by the first specific passage sensor SE5 in the small win game. Also, the jackpot game is started after the end of the small win game on the condition that the game ball has passed through the second specific area 31b in the second passage 28b in the small win game. That is, the jackpot game is started after the end of the small win game on the condition that the game ball has been detected by the second specific passage sensor SE6 in the small win game. In the following description, the jackpot game started by the game ball passing through the first specific area 31a is referred to as the first jackpot game. Also, in the following description, the jackpot game started by the game ball passing through the second specific area 31b is referred to as the second jackpot game.

[0047] In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined opening time (1 second in this embodiment) elapses, and a predetermined effect is performed. For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect indicating the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, when the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the second large winning opening 20 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a ball entry condition in which a predetermined upper limit number (10 balls in this embodiment) of game balls enter the second large winning opening 20 is satisfied, or when a time condition in which a predetermined upper limit time (30 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed is satisfied. In the jackpot game, the second large winning opening 20 is always open during the round game. In the jackpot game, when one round game ends, the second large winning opening 20 is closed. Then, when the next round game starts, the second large winning opening 20 is opened. That is, the second special movable piece 21 operates in the first state during the round game of the jackpot game, and operates in the second state when the ball entry condition or the time condition is satisfied.

[0048] In a big win game, a predetermined effect is performed during the round game. For example, the predetermined effect is a round effect indicating that the round game for opening the second big winning opening 20 is being executed. In the big win game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed over a predetermined ending time (in this embodiment, 5 seconds). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect indicating the end of the big win game. The big win game ends when the ending time elapses.

[0049] Next, the types of wins in the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes one type of small win symbol as a special symbol small win symbol. The pachinko gaming machine 10 includes one type of losing symbol as a special symbol losing symbol. As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a small win symbol is derived, a small win game that allows a game ball to enter the first big winning opening 18 is given.

[0050] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball passes through the first specific area 31a in the small win game and the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball, it becomes a big win, and a first big win game is given after the end of the small win game. The fact that the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball in the small win game is an example of a specific condition. In the following description, the fact that a game ball passes through the first specific area 31a in the small win game may be simply referred to as "first V winning". That is, the first big win game is given in response to the first V winning in the small win game.

[0051] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a game ball passes through the second specific area 31b in the small win game and the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball, it becomes a big win, and a second big win game is given after the end of the small win game. The fact that the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball in the small win game is an example of a specific condition. In the following description, the fact that a game ball passes through the second specific area 31b in the small win game may be simply referred to as "second V winning". That is, the second big win game is given in response to the second V winning in the small win game.

[0052] In this embodiment, in the first jackpot game, nine times is set as the upper limit number of rounds of the round game. Therefore, when the first V winning occurs in the small win game, it can be said that a total of ten rounds of the round game are executed by combining the opening of the first big winning opening 18 in the small win game and the opening of the second big winning opening 20 in the first jackpot game.

[0053] In this embodiment, in the second jackpot game, three times is set as the upper limit number of rounds of the round game. Therefore, when the second V winning occurs in the small win game, it can be said that a total of four rounds of the round game are executed by combining the opening of the first big winning opening 18 in the small win game and the opening of the second big winning opening 20 in the second jackpot game.

[0054] The amount of obtained payout balls obtained during the jackpot game corresponds to the number of round games in which it is possible to obtain payout balls. The obtained payout balls may be represented as the total number of game balls (bonus balls) paid out by the balls entering the first big winning opening 18, or may be represented as the number obtained by subtracting the number of launched balls from the total number of paid out game balls. According to the above configuration, the theoretical value of the obtained payout balls in the first jackpot game is more than that in the second jackpot game. In this embodiment, the jackpot game is an example of a privilege. Since the first jackpot game can obtain more game balls than the second jackpot game, it can be said that when the first jackpot game is granted, a more advantageous privilege is granted than when the second jackpot game is granted. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the jackpot game as a privilege associated with the small win game differs depending on which of the first specific passage sensor SE5 and the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball in the small win game. In other words, the jackpot game as a privilege differs depending on whether the game ball passes through the first specific area 31a or the second specific area 31b in the small win game.

[0055] The game state after the end of the jackpot game will be described. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is controlled to a specific state after the end of the first jackpot game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, it is controlled to a specific state after the end of the second jackpot game. In addition, when the game ball does not pass through either the first specific area 31a or the second specific area 31b during the small win game, it is controlled to the normal state without awarding a jackpot game after the end of the small win game.

[0056] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the first jackpot game, it is controlled to a specific state until the first end condition is satisfied. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the first jackpot game, when the first end condition is satisfied, it is controlled to the normal state. The first end condition is satisfied when a small win game is awarded. The first end condition is satisfied when the number of executions of the special game reaches the first upper limit number (in this embodiment, 100 times) without awarding a small win game after being controlled to the specific state.

[0057] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the second jackpot game, it is controlled to a specific state until the second end condition is satisfied. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the end of the second jackpot game, when the second end condition is satisfied, it is controlled to the normal state. The second end condition is satisfied when a small win game is awarded. The second end condition is satisfied when the number of executions of the special game reaches the second upper limit number (in this embodiment, 100 times) without awarding a small win game after being controlled to the specific state.

[0058] The display effects that the effect display device 12 can execute will be described. In the effect display device 12, as an example of the display effect, an effect game is displayed. In the effect game, a plurality of columns of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is derived. The effect symbols are also called "ornamental symbols" or "decoration symbols". The effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling display) the effect symbols in the left symbol column, the middle symbol column, and the right symbol column in a predetermined direction.

[0059] The performance game starts and ends together with the special game. In the performance game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol derived in the special game is derived. When a winning symbol is derived in the special game, a winning symbol combination is derived in the performance game. The winning symbol combination is a symbol combination in which all the performance symbols in a row are the same performance symbol, such as "777". When a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a losing symbol combination is derived in the performance game. The losing symbol combination is, for example, a symbol combination in which the performance symbols in at least some of the symbol rows are different from the performance symbols in other symbol rows, such as "738" or "787".

[0060] In the performance game, when a reach is formed, a reach performance is executed. A reach is a state in which the same performance symbol has once stopped being displayed in a plurality of specific symbol rows, and the performance symbols are continuously being variably displayed in other symbol rows. In the present embodiment, the left symbol row and the right symbol row correspond to the specific symbol rows, and the middle symbol row corresponds to the other symbol rows. The reach performance includes a normal reach performance and a super reach performance with a higher winning expectancy than the normal reach performance. The winning expectancy can be calculated by the ratio of the appearance rate in the case of a win to the total appearance rate obtained by adding the appearance rate in the case of a loss and the appearance rate in the case of a win.

[0061] Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40 and a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that a control signal can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 performs various controls and outputs various control information (control commands). The sub-control board 50 controls the performance device based on the various control commands output by the main control board 40.

[0062] First, the main control board 40 will be described. The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main CPU 41a) and a storage unit. The main CPU 41a executes various processes by executing the main control program. The storage unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main ROM 41b) from which information can be read but into which information cannot be written, and a RAM area (hereinafter referred to as the main RAM 41c) into which information can be read and written.

[0063] The main ROM 41b stores the main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lotteries, and the like. For example, the main ROM 41b stores a small hit determination value used for determining whether or not a small hit has been won in a small hit lottery. The main ROM 41b stores a plurality of types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start to the end of a special game. In other words, the variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time of a special game. The variation pattern is information that can specify at least a part of the production content (variation content) of the production game performed during the execution of the special game. The variation patterns include a small hit variation pattern and a losing variation pattern. The small hit variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally derives a small hit symbol combination. The losing variation pattern is a variation pattern that finally derives a losing symbol combination.

[0064] The main RAM 41c stores various information that is rewritten according to the results of the processes by the main CPU 41a. For example, the information stored in the main RAM 41c includes flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 includes a random number circuit (not shown) that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may be able to generate software random numbers by random number generation processing by the main CPU 41a.

[0065] The main control board 40 is connected to sensors SE1 to SE7. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to input detection signals output when sensors SE1 to SE7 detect a game ball. The main control board 40 is connected to display units 13a to 13d. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the display contents of display units 13a to 13d. The main control board 40 is connected to actuators AA1 to AA5. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the normal movable piece 16 by controlling the operation of the first actuator AA1. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the first special movable piece 19 by controlling the operation of the second actuator AA2. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the first distribution movable piece 30a by controlling the operation of the third actuator AA3. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the second distribution movable piece 30b by controlling the operation of the fourth actuator AA4. The main CPU 41a is configured to be able to control the operation of the second special movable piece 21 by controlling the operation of the fifth actuator AA5.

[0066] The sub-control board 50 will be described. The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-CPU 50a, a sub-ROM 50b, and a sub-RAM 50c. The sub-CPU 50a performs various processes related to the effect by executing a sub-control program. The sub-CPU 50a executes a process related to the execution of the effect based on the control command input from the main CPU 41a. The sub-ROM 50b stores a sub-control program, determination values used for the lottery of the effect, and the like. The sub-ROM 50b stores display effect data used for the display effect, light emission effect data used for the light emission effect, and voice effect data used for the voice effect. The sub-RAM 50c stores various information that can be rewritten during the operation of the pachinko machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RAM 50c is a flag, a counter, a timer, and the like. The sub-control board 50 is configured to be able to generate a software random number by a random number generation process by the sub-CPU 50a. The sub-control board 50 may include a random number circuit and be able to generate a hardware random number.

[0067] The sub-control board 50 is connected to the effect display device 12. The sub-CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the display content of the effect display device 12. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-CPU 50a is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP.

[0068] Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 41a of the main control board 40 will be described. As timer interrupt processing performed by the main CPU 41a every predetermined period (4 ms in this embodiment), the main CPU 41a executes processes in the order of counter update processing, first special symbol start processing, second special symbol start processing, second distribution movable piece processing, small win game processing, big win game processing, normal symbol input processing, normal symbol start processing, and normal win game processing. Not limited to this, the processes executed in the timer interrupt processing may include processes different from the above processes. The control information (control command) stored in the output buffer is output to the sub-control board 50 by information output processing executed as timer interrupt processing. The order of the processes in the timer interrupt processing may be changed as appropriate.

[0069] The counter update processing will be described. In the counter update processing, the main CPU 41a updates a predetermined counter stored in the main RAM 41c. For example, the predetermined counter includes a variation pattern selection counter and a distribution counter. The variation pattern selection counter is information used to determine a variation pattern in the variation pattern determination processing described later. The distribution counter is information used to control the operation of the second distribution movable piece 30b.

[0070] In the counter update process, the main CPU 41a updates the variable pattern selection counter. Specifically, the main CPU 41a adds 1 to the variable pattern selection counter. The main CPU 41a stores the updated variable pattern selection counter in the main RAM 41c. If the updated variable pattern selection counter exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (749 in this embodiment), the main CPU 41a sets the variable pattern selection counter to 0 and stores it in the main RAM 41c. In this way, there are multiple types of numerical values in the variable pattern selection counter. The variable pattern selection counter is information that can take any value from 0 to 749. In this embodiment, the variable pattern selection counter corresponds to predetermined numerical information.

[0071] When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the main CPU 41a initializes the variable pattern selection counter. As a result, the variable pattern selection counter becomes 0 when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on. After that, the variable pattern selection counter is incremented by 1 every time the counter update process as the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the variable pattern selection counter is updated as 0 → 1 → 2 → ··· 748 → 749 → 0 → 1 → ···. Since the timer interrupt process is executed every 4 ms, the time required for the variable pattern selection counter to be updated from 0 and become 0 again is 750 times × 4 ms = 3000 ms (3 seconds).

[0072] In the counter update process, the main CPU 41a updates the distribution counter. Specifically, the main CPU 41a adds 1 to the distribution counter. The main CPU 41a stores the updated distribution counter in the main RAM 41c. If the updated distribution counter exceeds a predetermined upper limit value (749 in this embodiment), the main CPU 41a sets the distribution counter to 0 and stores it in the main RAM 41c. In this way, there are multiple types of numerical values in the distribution counter. The distribution counter is information that can take any value from 0 to 749. In this embodiment, the distribution counter corresponds to specific numerical information.

[0073] When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the main CPU 41a initializes the distribution counter. As a result, the distribution counter becomes 0 when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on. After that, the distribution counter is incremented by 1 every time the counter update process as the timer interrupt process is executed. Therefore, after the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on, the distribution counter is updated as 0 → 1 → 2 → ··· 748 → 749 → 0 → 1 → ···. Since the timer interrupt process is executed every 4 ms, the time required for the distribution counter to be updated from 0 and become 0 again is 750 times × 4 ms = 3000 ms (3 seconds).

[0074] In this way, both the variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter become 0 when the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is turned on. After that, both the variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter are incremented by 1 and updated in the counter update process. And the upper limit values of the variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter are the same numerical value, and when the upper limit value is exceeded, they become 0. Therefore, the numerical values of the variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter are the same when the counter update process ends. That is, the update of the variable pattern selection counter and the update of the distribution counter are synchronized. For example, when the variable pattern selection counter can take 500, the distribution counter can take 500. When the main CPU 41a finishes the counter update process, it executes the first special symbol start process.

[0075] The first special symbol start process will be described. In the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41a determines whether a game ball has entered the first start winning port 14 based on whether a detection signal is input from the first start winning sensor SE1. When a game ball enters the first start winning port 14, the main CPU 41a determines whether the start condition of the first special game is satisfied. The main CPU 41a makes an affirmative determination when it is not in a small win game, not in a big win game, and not in the execution of a special game. On the other hand, the main CPU 41a makes a negative determination when it is in a small win game, in a big win game, or in the execution of a special game. When the start condition of the first special game is not satisfied, the main CPU 41a ends the first special symbol start process. When the start condition of the first special game is satisfied, the main CPU 41a acquires a random number generated within the main control board 40 and performs processing to start the first special game based on the acquired random number.

[0076] The main CPU 41a performs a first win lottery using the special win random number among the acquired random numbers. Specifically, in the first win lottery, the main CPU 41a determines whether it is a small win based on the value of the special win random number. When winning a small win, the main CPU 41a determines to derive a small win symbol in the first special game. When not winning a small win, the main CPU 41a determines to derive a losing symbol in the first special game. When the main CPU 41a determines the special symbol to be derived in the first special game, it determines the variation pattern by executing the variation pattern determination process. The variation pattern determination process will be described later. When the main CPU 41a determines the variation pattern, it ends the first special symbol start process. When the main CPU 41a ends the first special symbol start process, it executes the second special symbol start process.

[0077] The second special symbol start process will be described. In the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41a determines whether a game ball has entered the second start winning port 15 based on whether a detection signal is input from the second start winning sensor SE2. When a game ball enters the second start winning port 15, the main CPU 41a determines whether the start condition of the second special game is satisfied. The main CPU 41a makes an affirmative determination when it is not in a small win game, not in a big win game, not in the execution of a special game, and the start condition of the first special game is not satisfied in the first special symbol start process. On the other hand, the main CPU 41a makes a negative determination when it is in a small win game, in a big win game, in the execution of a special game, or the start condition of the first special game is satisfied in the first special symbol start process. When the start condition of the second special game is not satisfied, the main CPU 41a ends the second special symbol start process. When the start condition of the second special game is satisfied, the main CPU 41a acquires the random number generated within the main control board 40 and performs processing to start the second special game based on the acquired random number.

[0078] The main CPU 41a performs a second win lottery using the special win random number among the acquired random numbers. Specifically, in the second win lottery, the main CPU 41a determines whether it is a small win based on the value of the special win random number. When winning a small win, the main CPU 41a determines to derive a small win symbol in the second special game. When not winning a small win, the main CPU 41a determines to derive a losing symbol in the second special game. When the main CPU 41a determines the special symbol to be derived in the second special game, it determines the variation pattern by executing the variation pattern determination process. When the main CPU 41a determines the variation pattern, it ends the second special symbol start process. Thus, the results derived in the special game include a losing symbol and a small win symbol. In this embodiment, the losing symbol corresponds to the first result. In this embodiment, the small win symbol corresponds to the second result.

[0079] When the second special symbol start process ends, the main CPU 41a executes a special game by a process different from the first special symbol start process and the second special symbol start process. In the process of executing the special game, until the special game ends, the main CPU 41a executes processing according to the timing every time a timer interrupt process occurs. For example, when the main CPU 41a determines to start the first special game in the first special symbol start process, the main CPU 41a starts the first special game in the process of executing the special game. For example, when the main CPU 41a determines to start the second special game in the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41a starts the second special game in the process of executing the special game.

[0080] When starting the first special game, the main CPU 41a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. Then, the main CPU 41a stores a variable start command and a special symbol command in the output buffer. The variable start command is a control command that can specify the determined variable pattern and the start of the special game (production game). The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the determined special symbol. When the main CPU 41a starts the first special game, the main CPU 41a measures the variable time defined in the variable pattern. Until the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses, the main CPU 41a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a so that a predetermined symbol is variably displayed. When the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses, the main CPU 41a controls the first special symbol display unit 13a to derive the special symbol determined in the first special symbol start process. When the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses, the main CPU 41a ends the first special game and stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) that can specify the end of the special game in the output buffer.

[0081] When starting the second special game, the main CPU 41a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start the variable display of a predetermined symbol. Then, the main CPU 41a stores the variable start command and the special symbol command in the output buffer. When the main CPU 41a starts the second special game, it measures the variable time defined in the variable pattern. The main CPU 41a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b so that a predetermined symbol is variably displayed until the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses. When the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses, the main CPU 41a controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the second special symbol start process. When the variable time defined in the variable pattern elapses, the main CPU 41a ends the second special game and stores the variable end command in the output buffer. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 41a functions as game control means for controlling the execution of the special game.

[0082] When ending the second special symbol start process, the main CPU 41a executes the second payout movable piece process. The second payout movable piece process is a process for controlling the operation of the second payout movable piece 30b. The main CPU 41a controls the operation of the second payout movable piece 30b by controlling the fourth actuator AA4 based on the payout counter stored in the main RAM 41c.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 6, when the payout counter is 0 to 499, the main CPU 41a controls the fourth actuator AA4 so that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2. When the payout counter is 500 to 749, the main CPU 41a controls the fourth actuator AA4 so that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1. When the payout counter is initialized due to the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10 being turned on, the main CPU 41a controls the fourth actuator AA4 so that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1.

[0084] When the distribution counter is updated from 499 to 500 in the counter update process, the main CPU 41a controls the fourth actuator AA4 so that the second distribution movable piece 30b operates from the second state m2 to the first state m1. Also, when the distribution counter is updated from 749 to 0 in the counter update process, the main CPU 41a controls the fourth actuator AA4 so that the second distribution movable piece 30b operates from the first state m1 to the second state m2. Therefore, the second distribution movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 and the first state m1. The second distribution movable piece 30b maintains the second state m2 for 2 seconds. The second distribution movable piece 30b maintains the first state m1 for 1 second. In this way, the main CPU 41a can control the second distribution movable piece 30b to be able to take either the first state m1 or the second state m2 based on the distribution counter. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 41a functions as distribution control means for controlling the second distribution movable piece 30b.

[0085] When the second distribution movable piece process ends, the main CPU 41a executes a small win game process or a big win game process. The small win game process is a process for awarding a small win game. When the main CPU 41a causes a small win symbol to be derived in a special game, the main CPU 41a executes the small win game process after the end of the small win special game. That is, when a losing symbol is derived in the special game, a small win game is not awarded. When a small win symbol is derived in the special game, a small win game is awarded. In the small win game process, the main CPU 41a executes processing according to the timing for each timer interrupt process until the small win game ends.

[0086] In the small win game process, the main CPU 41a measures the opening time t4. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can identify the start of the opening time t4 of the small win game. When the opening time t4 has elapsed, the main CPU 41a performs processing to start the round game. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can identify the start of the round game. During the round game, the main CPU 41a controls the second actuator AA2 so that the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern in which a game ball can enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0087] Specifically, the main CPU 41a controls the second actuator AA2 so that the first special movable piece 19 can alternately take the first state and the second state until a predetermined openable time (5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the round game. When a predetermined openable time has elapsed since the start of the round game, the main CPU 41a controls the second actuator AA2 so that the first special movable piece 19 can take the second state.

[0088] Also, during the round game, the main CPU 41a controls the third actuator AA3 so that the first distribution movable piece 30a operates in a predetermined operation pattern. Specifically, when the round game starts, the main CPU 41a controls the third actuator AA3 so that the first distribution movable piece 30a can take the first state n1. When the second distribution time t5 has elapsed since the start of the round game, that is, since the first distribution movable piece 30a has become the first state n1, the main CPU 41a controls the third actuator AA3 so that the first distribution movable piece 30a can take the second state n2.

[0089] When the time condition that a predetermined upper limit time (10 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the round game is satisfied, the main CPU 41a ends the round game. When the main CPU 41a ends the round game, it measures the ending time. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify the start of the ending time of the small hit game. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 41a ends the small hit game. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify that the small hit game has ended.

[0090] Through the small hit game process as described above, the main CPU 41a can execute control to cause a game ball to enter the first large winning port 18 when a small hit game is granted. And in the small hit game, the main CPU 41a can distribute the game ball K1 that has entered the first large winning port 18 to either the first passage 28a or the second passage 28b. That is, in the small hit game, it is possible to cause a game ball to enter the first large winning port 18, and it is also possible to pass the game ball that has entered the first large winning port 18 through either the first passage 28a or the second passage 28b. Also, in the small hit game, the main CPU 41a can distribute the game ball K2 that has entered the first large winning port 18 to the passage 29. When the main CPU 41a wins the first V prize in the small hit game, it stores in the main RAM 41c information that can specify that the first V prize has been won. When the main CPU 41a wins the second V prize in the small hit game, it stores in the main RAM 41c information that can specify that the second V prize has been won.

[0091] Next, the big hit game process will be described. The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 41a wins the first V in a minor win game, it executes a jackpot game process for awarding the first jackpot game after the end of the minor win game. When the main CPU 41a wins the second V in a minor win game, it executes a jackpot game process for awarding the second jackpot game after the end of the minor win game. When the main CPU 41a does not win the first V and does not win the second V in a minor win game, it does not execute the jackpot game process. In the jackpot game process, until the main CPU 41a ends the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, for each timer interrupt process, it executes a process according to that timing.

[0092] In the jackpot game process, the main CPU 41a measures the opening time. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify the start of the opening time of the jackpot game. When the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 41a performs a process for starting a round game. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify the start of the round game. The main CPU 41a controls the fifth actuator AA5 so that the second special movable piece 21 can take the first state from the start of the round game until the round performance ends.

[0093] After starting the round game, when the ball entry condition or the time condition is satisfied, the main CPU 41a controls the fifth actuator AA5 so that the second special movable piece 21 can take the second state, and ends the round game. The main CPU 41a repeats the process for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games defined for each type of jackpot game is completed. When the main CPU 41a ends the last round game, it measures the ending time. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify the start of the ending time of the jackpot game. When the ending time elapses, the main CPU 41a ends the jackpot game. The main CPU 41a stores in the output buffer a control command that can specify that the jackpot game has ended. Through the jackpot game process as described above, the main CPU 41a can execute control to cause the game balls to enter the second big winning opening 20 when a jackpot game is awarded. When the main CPU 41a ends the small win game process or the jackpot game process, it executes the normal symbol input process.

[0094] The normal symbol input process will be described. In the normal symbol input process, when the main CPU 41a inputs a detection signal from the gate sensor SE7 and the number of normal holds is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 41a adds 1 to the number of normal holds stored in the main RAM 41c to update it, and controls the normal hold display unit 13d to display the updated number of normal holds. Then, the main CPU 41a acquires the random number generated within the main control board 40 and stores the random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RAM 41c. In this case, the main CPU 41a stores it so that it is random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. Then, the main CPU 41a ends the normal symbol input process. When the main CPU 41a ends the normal symbol input process, it executes the normal symbol start process.

[0095] The normal symbol start process will be described. In the normal symbol start process, when the main CPU 41a is not in the middle of a normal win game, not in the middle of executing a normal game, and the number of normal holds stored in the main RAM 41c is 1 or more, the main CPU 41a subtracts 1 from the number of normal holds stored in the main RAM 41c to update it, and controls the normal hold display unit 13d to display the updated number of normal holds. Then, the main CPU 41a reads out the earliest stored random number information among the random number information for the normal game from the main RAM 41c, and performs a normal win lottery based on the read random number information. For example, the main CPU 41a performs a normal win lottery by determining whether the value of the normal win random number matches the normal win determination value stored in the main ROM 41b. The main CPU 41a performs a normal win lottery using different normal win determination values according to the current game state. For example, in the normal state, it does not win a normal win in the normal win lottery regardless of the value of the normal win random number. In the specific state, it wins a normal win in the normal win lottery regardless of the value of the normal win random number.

[0096] When winning a normal win in the normal win lottery, the main CPU 41a determines the normal symbol to be derived in the normal game and the variation time of the normal game. Then, the main CPU 41a ends the normal symbol start process. When in the specific state, the main CPU 41a determines a shorter time as the variation time of the normal game compared to when in the normal state.

[0097] The main CPU 41a executes a normal game by performing a process different from the normal symbol start process. Specifically, the main CPU 41a starts the normal game, and when the variation time determined in the normal symbol start process has elapsed, controls the normal symbol display unit 13c so that the normal symbol determined in the normal symbol start process is derived.

[0098] When the normal symbol start process ends, the main CPU 41a executes the normal winning game process. The normal symbol start process is a process for awarding a normal winning game. When the main CPU 41a causes a normal winning symbol to be derived in a normal game, it executes the normal winning game process after the end of the normal winning normal game. In the normal winning game process, the main CPU 41a awards a normal winning game in which the second start winning port 15 is opened in a manner corresponding to the game state. That is, in the normal winning game, the main CPU 41a controls the first actuator AA1 so that the normal movable piece 16 can take the first state.

[0099] Through such normal symbol input processing, normal symbol start processing, and normal winning game processing, when in a specific state, the main CPU 41a operates the normal movable piece 16 so that a game ball is more likely to enter the second start winning port 15 than in the normal state.

[0100] Next, the processing related to the control of the game state performed by the main CPU 41a will be described. The main CPU 41a can control the game state by setting a predetermined value in the game state flag stored in the main RAM 41c. Specifically, the main CPU 41a controls to the normal state by setting a value that can identify the normal state in the game state flag. The main CPU 41a controls to the specific state by setting a value that can identify the specific state in the game state flag. In this way, when the main CPU 41a shifts the game state, it sets a value in the game state flag that can identify the game state after the shift. When the main CPU 41a shifts the game state by updating the game state flag, it stores a control command that can identify the game state after the shift in the output buffer.

[0101] When the main CPU 41a ends the first big winning game, it controls to the specific state. When the first end condition is satisfied, the main CPU 41a controls to the normal state. When the main CPU 41a ends the second big winning game, it controls to the specific state. When the second end condition is satisfied, the main CPU 41a controls to the normal state.

[0102] Next, the process related to the control of the mode performed by the main CPU 41a will be described. The mode in the present embodiment is used to determine the variation pattern in the variation pattern determination process described later. That is, the mode in the present embodiment can be understood as a mode related to the execution of a special game.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, the main CPU 41a sets the mode related to the execution of the special game according to the number of times of execution of the special game after the jackpot game ends, the game state, and the type of jackpot game. The modes in the present embodiment include a normal mode, a first advantageous mode, and a second advantageous mode. In the present embodiment, the first advantageous mode corresponds to the first mode. The second advantageous mode corresponds to the second mode. The normal mode corresponds to the third mode.

[0104] The main CPU 41a can control the mode by setting a predetermined value in the mode flag stored in the main RAM 41c. Specifically, the main CPU 41a controls to the normal mode by setting a value that can specify the normal mode in the mode flag. The main CPU 41a controls to the first advantageous mode by setting a value that can specify the first advantageous mode in the mode flag. The main CPU 41a controls to the second advantageous mode by setting a value that can specify the second advantageous mode in the mode flag. Thus, when the main CPU 41a shifts the mode, it sets a value that can specify the mode after the shift in the mode flag.

[0105] When the main CPU 41a ends the first big win game, it controls to the second advantageous mode. When the number of executions of the special game reaches a predetermined number (60 times in this embodiment) without a small win game being given after the first big win game ends, the main CPU 41a controls to the first advantageous mode. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a predetermined number of special games are executed after being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it shifts from the second advantageous mode to the first advantageous mode. When the main CPU 41a ends the second big win game, it controls to the first advantageous mode. When the game state is controlled to the normal state, the main CPU 41a controls to the normal mode. In this embodiment, the main CPU 41a functions as mode control means capable of controlling the mode related to the execution of the special game. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it is controlled to the normal state, it is controlled to the normal mode. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when it is controlled to a specific state, it is controlled to either the first advantageous mode or the second advantageous mode.

[0106] As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game ball passes through the first specific area 31a in the small win game, the first big win game is given after the small win game ends. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game ball passes through the first specific area 31a in the small win game, the first big win game is given after the small win game ends, and when the first big win game ends and the special game becomes executable, it is controlled to the second advantageous mode.

[0107] Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game ball passes through the second specific area 31b in the small win game, the second big win game is given after the small win game ends. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the game ball passes through the second specific area 31b in the small win game, the second big win game is given after the small win game ends, and when the second big win game ends and the special game becomes executable, it is controlled to the first advantageous mode. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the small win game, depending on whether the game ball passes through the first specific area 31a or the second specific area 31b, the mode when the small win game ends and the special game becomes executable can be different.

[0108] Next, the variable pattern determination process will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the main CPU 41a determines a variable pattern table. The main CPU 41a can determine a variable pattern table based on the controlled mode. When controlled in the normal mode, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern table PT1. When controlled in the first advantageous mode, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern table PT2. When controlled in the second advantageous mode, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern table PT3. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, as the mode is shifted, the type of the variable pattern is changed. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a predetermined number of special games are executed after being controlled in the second advantageous mode, it shifts from the second advantageous mode to the first advantageous mode, and at the same time, the type of the variable pattern table is changed.

[0109] When the main CPU 41a determines a variable pattern table, it determines a variable pattern based on a special symbol to be derived in a special game and a variable pattern selection counter. In the present embodiment, the main CPU 41a functions as variable pattern determination means for determining a variable pattern capable of specifying the variable time of a special game. When the main CPU 41a determines a variable pattern, it causes the main RAM 41c to store information capable of specifying the determined variable pattern. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

[0110] The case where the variable pattern table PT1 is determined will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, when the main CPU 41a is controlled in the normal mode, it determines one of the variable patterns HP1 to HP12 based on the special symbol to be derived in the special game and the variable pattern selection counter. For example, when the special symbol to be derived in the special game is a losing symbol and the variable pattern selection counter is any value from 0 to 249, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern HP1. The variable pattern HP1 is a variable pattern with a variable time of 1 second. For example, when the special symbol to be derived in the special game is a small win symbol and the variable pattern selection counter is any value from 0 to 82, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern HP4. The variable pattern HP4 is a variable pattern with a variable time of 2.2 seconds.

[0111] A case of determining the variable pattern table PT2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, when the main CPU 41a is controlled in the first advantageous mode, it determines one of the variable patterns HP1 to HP6, HP10 to HP15 based on the special symbol to be derived in the special game and the variable pattern selection counter. For example, when the special symbol to be derived in the special game is a losing symbol and the variable pattern selection counter is any value from 250 to 499, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern HP2. The variable pattern HP2 is a variable pattern with a variable time of 2 seconds. For example, when the special symbol to be derived in the special game is a small win symbol and the variable pattern selection counter is any value from 250 to 332, the main CPU 41a determines the variable pattern HP13. The variable pattern HP13 is a variable pattern with a variable time of 2.2 seconds.

[0112] A case of determining the variable pattern table PT3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when the main CPU 41a is controlled in the second advantageous mode, it determines one of the variation patterns HP1 to HP3, HP6, and HP10 to HP17 based on the special symbol derived in the special game and the variation pattern selection counter. For example, when the special symbol derived in the special game is a losing symbol and the variation pattern selection counter is any value between 500 and 749, the main CPU 41a determines the variation pattern HP3. The variation pattern HP3 is a variation pattern with a variation time of 3 seconds. For example, when the special symbol derived in the special game is a small winning symbol and the variation pattern selection counter is any value between 500 and 582, the main CPU 41a determines the variation pattern HP10. The variation pattern HP10 is a variation pattern with a variation time of 1.2 seconds.

[0113] As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the determined variation pattern can be different depending on the type of the variation pattern table. For example, in the variation pattern table PT1, the variation pattern HP8 can be determined. On the other hand, in the variation pattern table PT2 and the variation pattern table PT3, the variation pattern HP8 cannot be determined. For example, in the variation pattern table PT3, the variation pattern HP17 can be determined. On the other hand, in the variation pattern table PT1 and the variation pattern table PT2, the variation pattern HP17 cannot be determined. Thus, the main CPU 41a can determine the variation pattern based on the type of the variation pattern table.

[0114] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the determined variation pattern can be different depending on the value of the variation pattern selection counter. For example, in the variation pattern table PT3, the determined variation pattern is different when the variation pattern selection counter is 124, 374, and 624. In other words, in the variation pattern table PT3, the variation time of the special game is different when the variation pattern selection counter is 124, 374, and 624. Thus, the main CPU 41a can determine the variation time of the special game based on the variation pattern selection counter.

[0115] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the variable pattern selection counter has the same numerical value, if the types of the variable pattern tables are different, the determined variable patterns can be different. In other words, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the variable pattern selection counter has the same numerical value, different variable patterns can be determined depending on the controlled mode. For example, when the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable pattern HP5 is determined when it is controlled in the normal mode and when it is controlled in the first advantageous mode. On the other hand, when the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable pattern HP17 is determined when it is controlled in the second advantageous mode. And the variable time (1.8 seconds) defined for the variable pattern HP5 and the variable time (2.7 seconds) defined for the variable pattern HP17 are different.

[0116] For example, when the variable pattern selection counter is 374, the variable pattern HP8 is determined when it is controlled in the normal mode. On the other hand, when the variable pattern selection counter is 374, the variable pattern HP14 is determined when it is controlled in the first advantageous mode and when it is controlled in the second advantageous mode. And the variable time (2.8 seconds) defined for the variable pattern HP8 and the variable time (1.8 seconds) defined for the variable pattern HP14 are different.

[0117] Thus, even if the variation pattern selection counter is the same, the variation time of the special game can differ between the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the normal mode and the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the first advantageous mode. Also, even if the variation pattern selection counter is the same, the variation time of the special game can differ between the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the normal mode and the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the second advantageous mode. Further, even if the variation pattern selection counter is the same, the variation time of the special game can differ between the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the first advantageous mode and the case where a winning symbol is derived in the special game when controlled in the second advantageous mode.

[0118] Next, the state of the first payout movable piece 30a, the state of the second payout movable piece 30b, and the specific area where the game ball K1 is distributed according to the state of the first payout movable piece 30a and the state of the second payout movable piece 30b will be described in detail.

[0119] FIG. 12(a) shows a case where a winning lottery wins a small win when controlled in the second advantageous mode and the variation pattern determination process is executed when the variation pattern selection counter is 124.

[0120] At time T10, the distribution counter is set to 0. Therefore, at time T10, the variable pattern selection counter is 0. At time T10, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b can take the second state m2. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b maintains the second state m2 until the third distribution time t1 (2 seconds in this embodiment) elapses. At time T12, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the distribution counter is updated to 500, the second distribution movable piece 30b operates from the second state m2 to the first state m1. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b maintains the first state m1 until the fourth distribution time t2 (1 second in this embodiment) elapses. Thereafter, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 of the third distribution time t1 and the first state m1 of the fourth distribution time t2.

[0121] Assume that at time T11, a game ball enters the second start winning opening 15 in the pachinko gaming machine 10. At this time, assume that the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins a small win in the second winning lottery. The variable pattern selection counter at time T11 is set to 124. Therefore, at time T11, the distribution counter is 124. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, based on the fact that it is in the second advantageous mode, the special symbol to be derived in the special game is the small win symbol, and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable pattern HP17 is determined (see FIG. 11). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time T14 when the variable time t3 (2.7 seconds in this embodiment) defined for the variable pattern HP17 has elapsed since the start of the special game, the special game ends and the small win symbol is derived.

[0122] At time point T14, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, with the winning symbol being derived, a winning game starts. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time point T15 when the opening time t4 (1 second in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the winning game, the round game of the winning game starts. At this time, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the second state n2 to the first state n1. The opening time t4 is the same length as the first payout time. Therefore, the elapse of the opening time t4 since the start of the winning game corresponds to the elapse of the first payout time since the start of the winning game. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, between time point T15 when the round game starts and time point T16 when a predetermined openable time (5 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed, the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern in which game balls can enter the first large winning opening 18. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time points T15 to T16, the game balls K1 and K2 can enter the first large winning opening 18.

[0123] At time point T16, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 becomes the second state, and game balls cannot enter the first large winning opening 18. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, after time point T16, the game balls K1 and K2 cannot enter the first large winning opening 18.

[0124] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first payout movable piece 30a maintains the first state n1 until the second payout time t5 (7 seconds in this embodiment) elapses. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time point T18 when the second payout time t5 has elapsed since the start of the round game, the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2. Thereby, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 can flow into the passage 28.

[0125] At time T18, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 passes through the first specific area 31a in the first passage 28a. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the small win game ends, the first big win game is awarded.

[0126] Here, in the small win game of FIG. 12(a), when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the fact that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 will be described in detail.

[0127] Based on time T10, the time (seconds) from when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game can be calculated by "(variation pattern selection counter × 0.004) + variation time t3 + opening time t4 + second payout time t5". In FIG. 12(a), it is "(124 × 0.004) + 2.7 + 1 + 7" = approximately 11.2 seconds. That is, the time t6 required from time T10 to time T18 is approximately 11.2 seconds.

[0128] Based on time T10, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 is 0 - 2 seconds, 3 - 5 seconds, 6 - 8 seconds, 9 - 11 seconds, 12 - 14 seconds, and so on. On the other hand, based on time T10, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 is 2 - 3 seconds, 5 - 6 seconds, 8 - 9 seconds, 11 - 12 seconds, and so on.

[0129] At time T10, both the payout counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. Therefore, taking time T10 as a reference is equivalent to taking the time when both the payout counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference.

[0130] From the above, taking the time when both the payout counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference, when the time elapsed from this reference is, for example, 9 - 11 seconds, 12 - 14 seconds, the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2.

[0131] On the one hand, when the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0, taking this as a reference, when the time elapsed from this reference is, for example, 11 to 12 seconds, the second distribution movable piece 30b is in the first state m1. The time point T17 indicates the time point when the time elapsed from the reference is 11 seconds when the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0. The time point T19 indicates the time point (timing) when the time elapsed from the reference is 12 seconds when the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0. In FIG. 12(a), taking the time when the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference, when the time elapsed from this reference is 11.2 seconds, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, so the game ball K1 is distributed to the first passage 28a.

[0132] FIG. 12(b) shows the case where a small win is won in the hit lottery when controlled in the first advantageous mode and the variable pattern determination process is executed when the variable pattern selection counter is 124. That is, in FIG. 12(a) and FIG. 12(b), the situation is the same except that the controlled mode is different.

[0133] At the time point T20, the distribution counter is set to 0. Therefore, at the time point T20, the variable pattern selection counter is 0. Note that since the operation of the second distribution movable piece 30b in FIG. 12(b) is the same as that in FIG. 12(a), the description is omitted. That is, in the pachinko game machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 of the third distribution time t1 and the first state m1 of the fourth distribution time t2.

[0134] At time T21, it is assumed that a game ball enters the second start winning opening 15 in the pachinko gaming machine 10. At this time, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins a small win in the second winning lottery. The variable pattern selection counter at time T21 is 124. Therefore, at time T21, the distribution counter is 124. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, based on the fact that it is in the first advantageous mode, the special symbol derived in the special game is the small win symbol, and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable pattern HP5 is determined (see FIG. 10). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time T22 when the variable time t7 (1.8 seconds in this embodiment) defined for the variable pattern HP5 has elapsed since the start of the special game, the special game ends and the small win symbol is derived.

[0135] At time T22, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, with the derivation of the small win symbol, the small win game starts. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time T23 when the opening time t4 has elapsed since the start of the small win game, the round game of the small win game starts. At this time, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the second state n2 to the first state n1. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern in which a game ball can enter the first big winning opening 18 from the time T23 when the round game starts until the time T24 when a predetermined openable time has elapsed. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, at times T23 to T24, the game balls K1 and K2 can enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0136] At time T24, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 becomes the second state, and game balls cannot enter the first big winning opening 18. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, after time T24, the game balls K1 and K2 cannot enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0137] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second payout time t5 has elapsed since the start of the round game at time point T26, the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 can flow into the passage 28.

[0138] At time point T26, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 passes through the second specific area 31b in the second passage 28b. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the small win game ends, the second big win game is awarded.

[0139] Here, in the small win game of Fig. 12(b), when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the fact that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 will be described in detail.

[0140] Based on time point T20, the time (seconds) from when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game can be calculated by "(variation pattern selection counter × 0.004) + variation time t7 + opening time t4 + second payout time t5". In Fig. 12(b), "(124 × 0.004) + 1.8 + 1 + 7" = approximately 10.3 seconds. That is, the time t8 required from time point T20 to time point T26 is approximately 10.3 seconds.

[0141] Based on time point T20, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 is 0 - 2 seconds, 3 - 5 seconds, 6 - 8 seconds, 9 - 11 seconds, 12 - 14 seconds... On the other hand, based on time point T20, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 is 2 - 3 seconds, 5 - 6 seconds, 8 - 9 seconds, 11 - 12 seconds...

[0142] At time T20, both the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0. Therefore, using time T20 as a reference is equivalent to using the time when both the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference.

[0143] Time T25 indicates the time point when 9 seconds have elapsed from the reference point, with the reference being the time when both the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0. Time T27 indicates the time point when 11 seconds have elapsed from the reference point, with the reference being the time when both the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0. In FIG. 12(b), with the reference being the time when both the distribution counter and the variable pattern selection counter are 0, at the time point when 10.3 seconds have elapsed from the reference point, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2, and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28. Therefore, the game ball K1 is distributed to the second passage 28b. Note that not only in the first advantageous mode but also when controlled in the normal mode, when winning a small win in the winning lottery and when the variable pattern selection counter is 124 and the variable pattern determination process is executed, the flow is as shown in FIG. 12(b).

[0144] As described above, in the same situation where a winning is obtained by a random draw and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the specific area where the game balls that have entered the first big winning opening 18 in the small winning game are distributed is different between when it is controlled in the first advantageous mode and when it is controlled in the second advantageous mode. More specifically, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a small winning symbol is derived in a special game while it is controlled in the first advantageous mode and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable time t7 is determined as the variable time of the special game. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the variable pattern selection counter is 124 and the variable time t7 is determined as the variable time of the special game, the game balls that have entered the first big winning opening 18 in the small winning game are distributed to the second specific area 31b. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a small winning symbol is derived in a special game while it is controlled in the second advantageous mode and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the variable time t3 is determined as the variable time of the special game. Then, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the variable pattern selection counter is 124 and the variable time t3 is determined as the variable time of the special game, the game balls that have entered the first big winning opening 18 in the small winning game are distributed to the first specific area 31a.

[0145] Therefore, in the same situation where a winning lottery wins a small prize and the variable pattern selection counter is 124, the types of jackpot games awarded are different when controlled in the first advantageous mode and when controlled in the second advantageous mode. More specifically, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can vary the jackpot games (bonuses) awarded when the variable pattern selection counter is 124 and the variable time t7 is determined as the variable time of the special game, and when the variable pattern selection counter is 124 and the variable time t3 is determined as the variable time of the special game. In the present embodiment, the fact that the variable pattern selection counter is 124 is an example of the fact that predetermined numerical information is specific numerical information. In the present embodiment, the variable time t7 is an example of the first time. In the present embodiment, the variable time t3 is an example of the second time.

[0146] FIG. 13(a) shows a case where the variable pattern determination process is executed when a winning lottery wins a small prize in the second advantageous mode and the variable pattern selection counter is 374. That is, FIGS. 12(a) and 13(a) are in the same situation except that the variable pattern selection counter is different, that is, the timing at which the special game is started is different.

[0147] At time point T30, the distribution counter is set to 0. Therefore, at time point T30, the variable pattern selection counter is 0. Note that the operation of the second distribution movable piece 30b in FIG. 13(a) is the same as that in FIG. 12(a), and thus the description thereof is omitted. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 of the third distribution time t1 and the first state m1 of the fourth distribution time t2.

[0148] At time T31, assume that a game ball enters the second start winning opening 15 in the pachinko machine 10. At this time, assume that the pachinko machine 10 wins a small win in the second winning lottery. The variable pattern selection counter at time T31 is 374. Therefore, at time T31, the distribution counter is 374. In the pachinko machine 10, based on the fact that it is in the second advantageous mode, the special symbol to be derived in the special game is the small win symbol, and the variable pattern selection counter is 374, the variable pattern HP14 is determined (see FIG. 11). In the pachinko machine 10, at time T32 when the variable time t9 (1.8 seconds in this embodiment) defined for the variable pattern HP14 has elapsed since the start of the special game, the special game ends and the small win symbol is derived.

[0149] At time T32, in the pachinko machine 10, with the derivation of the small win symbol, the small win game starts. In the pachinko machine 10, at time T33 when the opening time t4 has elapsed since the start of the small win game, the round game of the small win game starts. At this time, in the pachinko machine 10, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the second state n2 to the first state n1. In the pachinko machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern in which a game ball can enter the first big winning opening 18 from the time T33 when the round game starts until the time T34 when a predetermined openable time has elapsed. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, at times T33 to T34, the game balls K1 and K2 can enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0150] At time T34, in the pachinko machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 becomes the second state, and it becomes impossible for a game ball to enter the first big winning opening 18. Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10, after time T34, the game balls K1 and K2 cannot enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0151] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at the time point T36 when the second payout time t5 has elapsed since the start of the round game, the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 can flow into the passage 28.

[0152] At the time point T36, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 passes through the first specific area 31a in the first passage 28a. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the small win game ends, the first big win game is awarded.

[0153] Here, in the small win game of FIG. 13(a), when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the fact that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 will be described in detail.

[0154] Based on the time point T30, the time (seconds) from when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game can be calculated by "(variation pattern selection counter × 0.004) + variation time t9 + opening time t4 + second payout time t5". In FIG. 13(a), it is "(374 × 0.004) + 1.8 + 1 + 7" = approximately 11.3 seconds. That is, the time t10 required from the time point T30 to the time point T36 is approximately 11.3 seconds.

[0155] Based on the time point T30, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 is 0 to 2 seconds, 3 to 5 seconds, 6 to 8 seconds, 9 to 11 seconds, 12 to 14 seconds... On the other hand, based on the time point T30, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 is 2 to 3 seconds, 5 to 6 seconds, 8 to 9 seconds, 11 to 12 seconds...

[0156] At time T30, both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. Therefore, using time T30 as a reference is equivalent to using the time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference.

[0157] Time T35 indicates the time when 11 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. Time T37 indicates the time when 12 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. In FIG. 13(a), when 11.3 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2, and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28. Therefore, the game ball K1 is distributed to the first passage 28a. Note that not only in the second advantageous mode, but also when winning a small win in a winning lottery while being controlled in the first advantageous mode and when the variation pattern determination process is executed when the variation pattern selection counter is 374, the flow is as shown in FIG. 13(a).

[0158] FIG. 13(b) shows the case when winning a small win in a winning lottery while being controlled in the normal mode and when the variation pattern determination process is executed when the variation pattern selection counter is 374. That is, in FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b), the situations are the same except that the controlled mode is different.

[0159] At time T40, the distribution counter is set to 0. Therefore, at time T40, the variation pattern selection counter is 0. Note that the operation of the second distribution movable piece 30b in FIG. 13(b) is the same as that in FIG. 12(a), so the description is omitted. That is, in the pachinko game machine 10, the second distribution movable piece 30b can alternately take the second state m2 of the third distribution time t1 and the first state m1 of the fourth distribution time t2.

[0160] At time T41, it is assumed that a game ball enters the first start winning opening 14 in the pachinko gaming machine 10. At this time, it is assumed that the pachinko gaming machine 10 wins a small win in the first winning lottery. The variable pattern selection counter at time T41 is 374. Therefore, at time T41, the distribution counter is 374. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the normal mode, the special symbol derived in the special game is the small win symbol, and based on the fact that the variable pattern selection counter is 374, the variable pattern HP8 is determined (see Fig. 9). In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time T42 when the variable time t11 (2.8 seconds in this embodiment) defined for the variable pattern HP8 has elapsed since the start of the special game, the special game ends and the small win symbol is derived.

[0161] At time T42, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, with the derivation of the small win symbol, the small win game starts. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, at time T43 when the opening time t4 has elapsed since the start of the small win game, the round game of the small win game starts. At this time, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the second state n2 to the first state n1. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 operates in a predetermined operation pattern that allows a game ball to enter the first big winning opening 18 from the time T43 when the round game starts until the time T44 when a predetermined openable time has elapsed. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, at times T43 to T44, the game balls K1 and K2 can enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0162] At time T44, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the first special movable piece 19 becomes the second state, and it becomes impossible for a game ball to enter the first big winning opening 18. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, after time T44, the game balls K1 and K2 cannot enter the first big winning opening 18.

[0163] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second payout time t5 has elapsed since the start of the round game at time point T46, the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 can flow into the passage 28.

[0164] At time point T46, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 passes through the second specific area 31b in the second passage 28b. As a result, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the small win game ends, the second big win game is awarded.

[0165] Here, in the small win game of FIG. 13(b), when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28, the fact that the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 will be described in detail.

[0166] Based on time point T40, the time (seconds) from when the first payout movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game can be calculated by "(variation pattern selection counter × 0.004) + variation time t7 + opening time t4 + second payout time t5". In FIG. 12(b), "(374 × 0.004) + 2.8 + 1 + 7" = approximately 12.3 seconds. That is, the time t12 required from time point T40 to time point T46 is approximately 12.3 seconds.

[0167] Based on time point T40, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 is 0 to 2 seconds, 3 to 5 seconds, 6 to 8 seconds, 9 to 11 seconds, 12 to 14 seconds... On the other hand, based on time point T40, the time when the second payout movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 is 2 to 3 seconds, 5 to 6 seconds, 8 to 9 seconds, 11 to 12 seconds...

[0168] At time T40, both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. Therefore, using time T40 as a reference is equivalent to using the time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0 as a reference.

[0169] Time T45 indicates the time point when 12 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. Time T47 indicates the time point when 14 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0. In FIG. 13(b), when 12.3 seconds have elapsed from the reference time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2, and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28. Therefore, the game ball K1 is distributed to the second passage 28b.

[0170] Next, the timing at which the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 and the game ball K1 flows into the passage 28 will be described with reference to the time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0.

[0171] As shown in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c), the variation time of the special game is determined based on the type of the variation pattern table and the variation pattern selection counter. FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c) show the variation patterns that can be determined when the small win symbol is derived. In the following description, with reference to the time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the timing at which the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game is referred to as the "flow-down timing". The "flow-down timing" in FIGS. 14(a) to 14(c) indicates the time from the time when both the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0 until the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small win game.

[0172] As described above, based on the case where the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the time until the first distribution movable piece 30a operates from the first state n1 to the second state n2 in the small hit game can be calculated by "(variation pattern selection counter × 0.004) + variation time + opening time t4 + second distribution time t5".

[0173] Based on the case where the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the time when the second distribution movable piece 30b is in the first state m1 is 2 - 3 seconds, 5 - 6 seconds, 8 - 9 seconds, 11 - 12 seconds. On the other hand, based on the case where the distribution counter and the variation pattern selection counter are 0, the time when the second distribution movable piece 30b is in the second state m2 is 0 - 2 seconds, 3 - 5 seconds, 6 - 8 seconds, 9 - 11 seconds, 12 - 14 seconds. Therefore, for example, when the flowing-down timing is in the range of 11 - 12 seconds, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 is distributed to the first passage 28a. On the other hand, when the flowing-down timing is in the range of 9 - 11 seconds, 12 - 14 seconds, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 is distributed to the second passage 28b.

[0174] From the above, in the normal mode, when any one of the variation patterns HP4 - HP9 is determined, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 is distributed to the second passage 28b. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when any one of the variation patterns HP4 - HP9 is determined in the normal mode, the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball and a second big hit game is awarded. In the normal mode, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 - HP12 is determined, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 is distributed to the first passage 28a. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 - HP12 is determined in the normal mode, the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball and a first big hit game is awarded.

[0175] In the first advantageous mode, when any one of the variation patterns HP4 to HP6 is determined, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is distributed to the second passage 28b. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when any one of the variation patterns HP4 to HP6 is determined in the first advantageous mode, the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball and a second jackpot game is awarded. In the first advantageous mode, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 to HP15 is determined, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is distributed to the first passage 28a. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 to HP15 is determined in the first advantageous mode, the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball and a first jackpot game is awarded.

[0176] In the second advantageous mode, when the variation pattern HP6 is determined, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is distributed to the second passage 28b. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the variation pattern HP6 is determined in the second advantageous mode, the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball and a second jackpot game is awarded. In the second advantageous mode, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 to HP17 is determined, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is distributed to the first passage 28a. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when any one of the variation patterns HP10 to HP17 is determined in the second advantageous mode, the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball and a first jackpot game is awarded.

[0177] Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the normal mode, it is possible for either the first specific passage sensor SE5 or the second specific passage sensor SE6 to detect a game ball (a specific condition is satisfied), and the type of jackpot game awarded according to the sensor that detects the game ball (according to the satisfied specific condition) is different. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode, it is possible for a specific condition to be satisfied, and the type of jackpot game awarded according to the satisfied specific condition is different. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the second advantageous mode, it is possible for a specific condition to be satisfied, and the type of jackpot game awarded according to the satisfied specific condition is different. Therefore, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode and in the second advantageous mode, a specific condition can be satisfied, and it is possible to vary the jackpot games (privileges) awarded in relation to the small win game according to the satisfied specific condition.

[0178] In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects a game ball in a small win game, the first jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects a game ball in a small win game, the second jackpot game is awarded. The first jackpot game allows the player to obtain more game balls than the second jackpot game. Therefore, the first jackpot game is a more advantageous jackpot game (privilege) for the player than the second jackpot game.

[0179] The normal mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 that has flowed into the passage 28 is more likely to be distributed to the second passage 28b than to be distributed to the first passage 28a. Therefore, when a small win game is awarded in the normal mode, the second jackpot game is more likely to be awarded than the first jackpot game.

[0180] The normal mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is more likely to be distributed to the second passage 28b than in the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. In other words, the normal mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is less likely to be distributed to the first passage 28a than in the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. Therefore, when a small win game is given in the normal mode, it is less likely that the first big win game is given and more likely that the second big win game is given than when a small win game is given in the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. Thus, the normal mode has a different degree of advantage from the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. The normal mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode.

[0181] The first advantageous mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is more likely to be distributed to the first passage 28a than to be distributed to the second passage 28b. Therefore, when a small win game is given in the first advantageous mode, the first big win game is more likely to be given than the second big win game.

[0182] The first advantageous mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is more likely to be distributed to the second passage 28b than in the second advantageous mode. In other words, the first advantageous mode is a mode in which, in a small win game, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 is less likely to be distributed to the first passage 28a than in the second advantageous mode. Therefore, when a small win game is given in the first advantageous mode, it is less likely that the first big win game is given and more likely that the second big win game is given than when a small win game is given in the second advantageous mode. Thus, the first advantageous mode has a different degree of advantage from the second advantageous mode. The first advantageous mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second advantageous mode.

[0183] As described above, when a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the second advantageous mode, a privilege more advantageous than when the specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the normal mode is more likely to be awarded. When a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the second advantageous mode, a privilege more advantageous than when the specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode is more likely to be awarded. When a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode, a privilege more advantageous than when the specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the normal mode is more likely to be awarded.

[0184] However, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even when being controlled in the normal mode with a lower degree of advantage than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode, the first big win game may be awarded. That is, when a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the normal mode, the same privilege as when the specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode and in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the second advantageous mode may be awarded.

[0185] Also, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, even when being controlled in the first advantageous mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second advantageous mode, the first big win game may be awarded. That is, in a case where a specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the first advantageous mode, the same privilege as when the specific condition is satisfied in a situation where a small win game is awarded while being controlled in the second advantageous mode may be awarded.

[0186] The effects of the embodiment will be described. (1) When controlled in the first advantageous mode and in the situation where a minor winning game is given when controlled in the second advantageous mode, the jackpot game associated with the minor winning game can be varied according to which of the first specific passing sensor SE5 and the second specific passing sensor SE6 detects the game ball (the specific condition that holds). Thus, according to the present embodiment, when controlled in the first advantageous mode and when controlled in the second advantageous mode, in addition to whether or not a minor winning game is given, it is possible to give a sense of anticipation regarding which of the first specific passing sensor SE5 and the second specific passing sensor SE6 detects the game ball (the specific condition that holds). In particular, since a ball release can be obtained when a minor winning game is given, the situation where a minor winning game is given is a situation that can elevate the player's mood. According to the present embodiment, since the specific condition can hold in the situation where the player's mood is elevated, the player's awareness of the establishment of the specific condition can be enhanced. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to give a sense of anticipation regarding the giving of the jackpot game and to improve the entertainment value.

[0187] (2) In the situation where a minor winning game is given when controlled in a normal mode with different degrees of advantage from the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode, the same jackpot game as that in the situation where a minor winning game is given when controlled in the first advantageous mode and when controlled in the second advantageous mode can be given. According to the present embodiment, even when controlled in the normal mode, since the same privilege of the same jackpot game as when controlled in the first advantageous mode and when controlled in the second advantageous mode can be received, for example, a decrease in entertainment value due to being controlled in a mode with a lower degree of advantage can be suppressed. And when controlled in a mode with a lower degree of advantage, the player's awareness of the establishment of the specific condition is further enhanced, it is possible to give a sense of anticipation regarding the giving of the jackpot game, and the entertainment value can be improved.

[0188] (3) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, depending on which of the first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b the game ball passes through, the mode when the small win game ends and the special game can be executed can be different. According to the present embodiment, in the small win game, it is possible to arouse the player's interest in whether the game ball enters the first big winning opening 18, which of the first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b the entered game ball passes through, and at what timing the game ball passes through the first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b, and thus it is possible to improve the interest.

[0189] (4) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when a predetermined number of special games are executed after being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it shifts to the first advantageous mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second advantageous mode. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in particular, it is possible to give the player an expectation feeling with respect to the small win game being given in the second advantageous mode before shifting to the first advantageous mode. And since the types of the variable pattern tables are different between the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode, it is also possible to arouse the player's interest in the variable time of the special game.

[0190] (5) According to the present embodiment, when being controlled to the second advantageous mode, a jackpot game more advantageous than when being controlled to the first advantageous mode is more likely to be given. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it is possible to more easily make the player expect that a more advantageous jackpot game is given than when being controlled to the first advantageous mode. On the other hand, when being controlled to the first advantageous mode, it is possible to make the player expect that a more advantageous jackpot game is given. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to give the player different expectation feelings in the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode, and it is possible to improve the interest.

[0191] (6) When the small win game is given in the situation where the game is controlled in the first advantageous mode which is the mode with a lower degree of advantage among the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode, the same jackpot can be given as in the situation where the small win game is given when the game is controlled in the second advantageous mode. According to the present embodiment, even if it is the case where the game is controlled in the first advantageous mode with a lower degree of advantage, the same privilege of the same jackpot game as when the game is controlled in the second advantageous mode can be received, so that the decrease in interest due to being controlled in the mode with a lower degree of advantage can be suppressed. And when the game is controlled in the first advantageous mode, the player's awareness of the establishment of the specific condition is further enhanced, and an expectation can be given regarding the fact that the jackpot game is given, and the interest can be improved.

[0192] (7) According to the present embodiment, even if the variation pattern selection counter which is information for determining the variation time of the special game is the same when the small win symbol is derived, depending on whether the controlled mode is the first advantageous mode or the second advantageous mode, the variation time of the special game can be made different, and the given jackpot game can be made different. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to arouse interest in the controlled mode, the variation pattern selection counter, and the variation time of the special game when the small win symbol is derived, and the interest can be improved.

[0193] (8) According to the present embodiment, the update of the variation pattern selection counter for determining the variation time of the special game and the distribution counter for determining the state of the second distribution movable piece 30b are synchronized. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, even in the situation where the same small win game is given, the specific area for distributing the game balls can be made different. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to arouse interest in the controlled mode, the variation pattern selection counter, the variation time of the special game when the small win symbol is derived, the distribution counter, and the state of the second distribution movable piece 30b, and the interest can be improved.

[0194] The above-described embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above-described embodiment and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range. · The mode related to the execution of the special game may be changed as appropriate. The mode related to the execution of the special game may include a mode different from the normal mode, the first advantageous mode, and the second advantageous mode. The mode related to the execution of the special game may not include a part of the normal mode, the first advantageous mode, and the second advantageous mode. For example, the mode related to the execution of the special game may not include the normal mode. In this case, when the game state is controlled to the normal state, it may be controlled to the first advantageous mode or the second advantageous mode.

[0195] · The normal mode may be a mode in which the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 in the small hit game is more likely to be distributed to the first passage 28a than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. In other words, the normal mode may be a mode in which the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 in the small hit game is less likely to be distributed to the second passage 28b than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. Therefore, when a small hit game is given in the normal mode, it is less likely to be given the second big hit game and more likely to be given the first big hit game than when a small hit game is given in the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. Thus, the normal mode has a different degree of advantage from the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode. The normal mode may be a mode with a higher degree of advantage than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode.

[0196] · The first advantageous mode may be a mode in which the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 in the small hit game is more likely to be distributed to the first passage 28a than in the second advantageous mode. In other words, the first advantageous mode may be a mode in which the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 in the small hit game is less likely to be distributed to the second passage 28b than in the second advantageous mode. Therefore, when a small hit game is given in the first advantageous mode, the second big hit game is less likely to be given and the first big hit game is more likely to be given than when a small hit game is given in the second advantageous mode. Thus, the first advantageous mode has a different degree of advantage from the second advantageous mode. The first advantageous mode may be a mode with a higher degree of advantage than the second advantageous mode.

[0197] · In the small hit game given when controlled in the normal mode, the ratio of being distributed to the first passage 28a out of the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the normal mode, even when the variation pattern selection counter is any value from 0 to 749 when the small hit symbol is derived, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 may be distributed to the second passage 28b. That is, in the small hit game given when controlled in the normal mode, the ratio of being distributed to the first passage 28a out of the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be 0%. In this case, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, no matter which variation pattern is determined in the normal mode, the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball and the second big hit game is given.

[0198] ·In the small win game given when controlled in the first advantageous mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the first advantageous mode, when the variable pattern selection counter is within the range of 0 to 374 out of 0 to 749 when the small win symbol is derived, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 may be allocated to the first passage 28a. On the other hand, in the first advantageous mode, when the variable pattern selection counter is within the range of 375 to 749 out of 0 to 749 when the small win symbol is derived, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 may be allocated to the second passage 28b. That is, in the small win game given when controlled in the first advantageous mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be about 50%.

[0199] ·In the small win game given when controlled in the second advantageous mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the second advantageous mode, regardless of the value of the variable pattern selection counter within the range of 0 to 749 when the small win symbol is derived, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 may be allocated to the first passage 28a. That is, in the small win game given when controlled in the second advantageous mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be 100%. In this case, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, regardless of which variable pattern is determined in the second advantageous mode, the first specific passage sensor SE5 detects the game ball and a first big win game is given.

[0200] ·In the time-saving state, there may be a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state. In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the winning probability of the normal lottery may be different. In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the variation time of the normal game may be different. In the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, the opening mode of the second start winning opening 15 in the normal winning game may be different. In the second time-saving state, the rate of game balls entering the second start winning opening 15 per unit time may be higher than that in the first time-saving state. After the first big winning game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the second time-saving state until the number of executions of the special game reaches a predetermined number without giving a small winning game. When the number of executions of the special game after the first big winning game ends reaches a predetermined number, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the first time-saving state. Thereafter, when the number of executions of the special game after the first big winning game ends reaches the first upper limit number, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the normal state. After the second big winning game ends, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the first time-saving state until the number of executions of the special game reaches the second upper limit number without giving a small winning game. When the number of executions of the special game after the second big winning game ends reaches the second upper limit number, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be controlled to the normal state. When being controlled to the second time-saving state, it may be controlled to the second advantageous mode. When being controlled to the first time-saving state, it may be controlled to the first advantageous mode. When being controlled to the non-time-saving state, it may be controlled to the normal mode. Thus, when being controlled to the first advantageous mode, from the viewpoint that the rate of game balls entering the second start winning opening 15 per unit time is lower than that when being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it may be a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second advantageous mode. Also, when being controlled to the normal mode, from the viewpoint that the rate of game balls entering the second start winning opening 15 per unit time is lower than that when being controlled to the first advantageous mode and when being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it may be a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the first advantageous mode and the second advantageous mode.

[0201] ·In the small win game, the time condition for the end of the round game may be satisfied in less than 10 seconds as the upper limit time, or may be satisfied in 10 seconds or more. The time condition for the end of the round game in the small win game is preferably satisfied in a time longer than the second payout time t5.

[0202] ·In the small win game, the ball entry condition for the end of the round game may be satisfied with 9 balls or less, or may be satisfied with 11 balls or more. The number of game balls that can enter the first big winning opening 18 before the upper limit time elapses in the round game may be more than the number of game balls for which the ball entry condition is satisfied. That is, the ball entry condition for the end of the round game in the small win game may be configured so as not to be substantially satisfied.

[0203] ·The first upper limit number of times may be changed as appropriate. The second upper limit number of times may be changed as appropriate. For example, the first upper limit number of times may be more than the second upper limit number of times. For example, the second upper limit number of times may be more than the first upper limit number of times.

[0204] ·The predetermined number of times that can be controlled to the second advantageous mode in the specific state after the end of the first big win game may be changed as appropriate. For example, the predetermined number of times that can be controlled to the second advantageous mode in the specific state after the end of the first big win game may be less than the number of times that can be controlled to the first advantageous mode in the specific state after the end of the first big win game. That is, for example, when the first upper limit number of times is 100, the predetermined number of times may be less than 50 times.

[0205] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to store and retain (backup) various types of information stored in the main RAM 41c. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured such that when power is turned on and a predetermined operation means (for example, a RAM clear switch) is operated, various types of information stored in the main RAM 41c are initialized. The variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter may be initialized when power is turned on if a predetermined operation means is being operated. The variable pattern selection counter and the distribution counter may not be initialized when power is turned on if a predetermined operation means is not being operated. As a result, for example, even if the power is cut off during the execution of a special game in which a winning symbol is derived, in the winning game after the power is turned on, the game ball K1 can pass through the same specific area (either the first specific area 31a or the second specific area 31b) as when the power was not cut off.

[0206] · There may be multiple types of small winning symbols. For example, there may be multiple types of small winning symbols for the first special symbol. For example, there may be multiple types of small winning symbols for the second special symbol. In this case, in the pachinko machine 10, the variation pattern (variation time) may be determined based on the type of the variation pattern table, the type of the small winning symbol, and the variation pattern selection counter. And the pachinko machine 10 may be configured such that the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b in the small winning game varies depending on the type of the small winning symbol. That is, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured such that the ratio of the first big winning game being awarded varies depending on the type of the small winning symbol. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured such that the ratio of the second big winning game being awarded varies depending on the type of the small winning symbol. For example, when controlled in the normal mode, when the first small winning symbol is derived, the second big winning game may be more likely to be awarded than when the second small winning symbol is derived. For example, when controlled in the first advantageous mode, when the first small winning symbol is derived, the first big winning game may be more likely to be awarded than when the second small winning symbol is derived. For example, when controlled in the second advantageous mode, when the first small winning symbol is derived, the first big winning game may be more likely to be awarded than when the second small winning symbol is derived.

[0207] · In the small winning game awarded when controlled in the normal mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the normal mode, when the small winning symbol is derived, regardless of the value of the variation pattern selection counter being 0 to 749, the game ball K1 flowing into the passage 28 may be allocated to the second passage 28b. That is, in the small winning game awarded when controlled in the normal mode, the ratio allocated to the first passage 28a among the first passage 28a and the second passage 28b may be 0%. In this case, in the pachinko machine 10, regardless of which variation pattern is determined in the normal mode, when the second specific passage sensor SE6 detects the game ball, the second big winning game is awarded.

[0208] · The mode controlled after the end of the first big win game and the mode controlled after the end of the second big win game may be the same mode. For example, when the main CPU 41a ends the second big win game, it may control to the second advantageous mode. After the second big win game ends, if the main CPU 41a reaches a predetermined number of executions of the special game without being given a small win game, it may control to the first advantageous mode. That is, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, after the second big win game ends, when a predetermined number of special games are executed after being controlled to the second advantageous mode, it may be shifted from the second advantageous mode to the first advantageous mode. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the small win game, depending on which of the first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b the game ball passes through, even if the mode when the small win game ends and the special game becomes executable is not different.

[0209] · In the pachinko gaming machine 10, the mode when the big win game ends may be different depending on the game state when winning the winning lottery. For example, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first big win game ends after winning a small win in the winning lottery in the normal state, it may be controlled to the first advantageous mode. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second big win game ends after winning a small win in the winning lottery in the normal state, it may be controlled to the first advantageous mode. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first big win game ends after winning a small win in the winning lottery in the specific state, it may be controlled to the second advantageous mode. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the second big win game ends after winning a small win in the winning lottery in the specific state, it may be controlled to the first advantageous mode. Thus, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, in the small win game, depending on which of the first specific area 31a and the second specific area 31b the game ball passes through, the mode when the small win game ends and the special game becomes executable may be different.

[0210] · The probability of winning a small prize in the first prize draw may be changed as appropriate. The probability of winning a small prize in the second prize draw may be changed as appropriate. The probability of winning a small prize in the second prize draw may be lower than, higher than, or the same as the probability of winning a small prize in the first prize draw. The probability of winning a small prize in the second prize draw may be such that the probability of winning a small prize before a predetermined number of special games are executed after the end of the first big prize game is higher than the probability of not winning a small prize before a predetermined number of special games are executed after the end of the first big prize game. That is, when the pachinko gaming machine 10 is controlled in the second advantageous mode, the probability of being given a small prize game when controlled in the second advantageous mode may be configured to be higher than the probability of not being given a small prize game when controlled in the second advantageous mode. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the first big prize game ends, the probability of being given a small prize game when controlled in the second advantageous mode may be configured to be higher than the probability of being given a small prize game when controlled in the first advantageous mode.

[0211] · The upper limit of the variable pattern selection counter may be changed as appropriate. The upper limit of the distribution counter may be changed as appropriate. The numerical values that the variable pattern selection counter can take and the numerical values that the distribution counter can take are preferably the same.

[0212] · The types of variable patterns may be changed as appropriate. The variable patterns determined based on the variable pattern selection counter may be changed as appropriate. For example, different variable patterns may be determined when the variable pattern selection counter is 0 and when the variable pattern selection counter is 1. The variable time defined for each variable pattern may be changed as appropriate.

[0213] · The opening time t4 of the small prize game may be changed as appropriate. · The time for the first vibration stage may be changed as appropriate. The time t5 for the second vibration stage may be changed as appropriate. The time t1 for the third vibration stage may be changed as appropriate. The time t2 for the fourth vibration stage may be changed as appropriate. The upper limit of the variation pattern selection counter may be changed as appropriate.

[0214] · The first special game and the second special game may be executed simultaneously in parallel. The first special game and the second special game may be executed in the order of reservation. The second special game may be executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game may be executed with priority over the second special game.

[0215] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to hold the execution of the first special game with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) as an upper limit based on the entry of a game ball into the first start winning opening 14. The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to hold the execution of the second special game with a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4) as an upper limit based on the entry of a game ball into the second start winning opening 15.

[0216] · In the normal state, it may be possible to win a normal win in the normal win lottery. · The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that conducts a jackpot lottery in addition to the small win lottery. Generally, when winning a jackpot in the jackpot lottery, a jackpot game is given after a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game. And when the jackpot game ends, it may be controlled to a specific state (time shortening state).

[0217] · As a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a high-probability state (so-called probability fluctuation state) where the probability of winning in a winning lottery is high, there are specifications (fall machines) that control to the high-probability state until winning the fall lottery, and specifications where the high-probability state continues until the next jackpot game is awarded. Also, among pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high-probability state, there is a specification (V probability variation machine) that controls to the high-probability state when a game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine with any of these specifications. The pachinko gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine with a specification that mixes the above-mentioned fall machine and V probability variation machine. Also, the pachinko gaming machine of the above embodiment may be embodied as a gaming machine that awards a jackpot game based on winning the jackpot in a jackpot lottery and a jackpot game based on a game ball passing through a specific area (so-called, a one-kind two-kind hybrid machine).

[0218] · In the above embodiment, the privilege was a jackpot game, but it is not limited to this. The privilege may be being controlled to a high-probability state where the probability of winning in a winning lottery is high, or being controlled to a time-saving state. Also, the privilege may be being awarded the number of special games that can be executed in a probability fluctuation state, or being awarded the number of special games that can be executed in a time-saving state.

[0219] · The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a single control board that integrates the functions of the main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50. Also, the functions of the main control board 40 may be realized by being divided among a plurality of boards. The main CPU 41a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0220] ·Use the sub-control board 50 as the sub-master control board. Separately from the sub-control board 50, a display control board that specifically controls the effect display device 12, an audio control board that specifically controls the speaker SP, and a lamp control board that specifically controls the decorative lamp LA may be provided individually. Also, one or all of the display control board, the audio control board, and the lamp control board may be the same board. Further, the sub-CPU 50a may be composed of a plurality of CPUs mounted on a single board.

[0221] ·The pachinko game machine may be embodied as a pachinko game machine that, when awarding a game ball, awards a virtual medium composed of electronic data. That is, the pachinko game machine may be embodied as a pachinko game machine (so-called smart pachinko (registered trademark)) that does not dispense a physical game medium. Such a pachinko game machine is configured to convert into a game ball that can be launched by using the virtual medium and to be able to launch the game ball.

[0222] Describe the technical idea that can be grasped from the above embodiments and modification examples. (Appendix 1) In a gaming machine capable of awarding a specific-hit game, it includes game control means for controlling the execution of a variable game and mode control means for controlling a mode related to the execution of the variable game. The mode includes a first mode and a second mode. When controlled in the first mode and when controlled in the second mode, specific conditions can be established in a situation where the specific-hit game is awarded, and it is possible to vary the privileges awarded in relation to the specific-hit game according to the established specific conditions. A gaming machine characterized by this.

[0223] (Appendix 2) The mode includes a third mode with a different degree of advantage from the first mode and the second mode. When the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific-hit game is awarded when controlled in the third mode, the same privilege as when the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific-hit game is awarded when controlled in the first mode and when controlled in the second mode can be awarded. The gaming machine according to (Appendix 1).

[0224] (Appendix 3) It is provided with a special ball entry port into which game balls can be entered. In the specific-win game, it is possible to enter game balls into the special ball entry port, and it is possible to pass the game balls that have entered the special ball entry port to either the first area or the second area. In the specific-win game, depending on which of the first area and the second area the game ball passes through, after the specific-win game ends and when a variable game can be executed, the mode may be different. The gaming machine according to (Appendix 1) or (Appendix 2).

[0225] (Appendix 4) When the specific condition is satisfied in the situation where the specific-win game is given while being controlled in the second mode, the privilege that is more advantageous than when the specific condition is satisfied in the situation where the specific-win game is given while being controlled in the first mode is more likely to be given. The gaming machine according to any one of (Appendix 1) to (Appendix 3).

[0226] (Supplementary Note 5) The game control means can determine the variation time of the variable game based on predetermined numerical information. There are multiple types of the predetermined numerical information. The results derived in the variable game include a first result and a second result. When the first result is derived in the variable game, the specific win game is not awarded. When the second result is derived in the variable game, the specific win game is awarded. Even if the predetermined numerical information is the same, the variation time of the variable game can be different between the case where the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the first mode and the case where the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the second mode. It is possible to vary the benefits awarded between the case where the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the first mode, the predetermined numerical information is specific numerical information, and the first time is determined as the variation time of the variable game, and the case where the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the second mode, the predetermined numerical information is the specific numerical information, and the second time different from the first time is determined as the variation time of the variable game. The gaming machine according to any one of (Supplementary Note 1) to (Supplementary Note 4).

[0227] (Supplementary Note 6) A special ball entry port into which game balls can enter, a first sorting state for sorting the game balls that have entered the special ball entry port into a first area, and a second sorting state for sorting the game balls that have entered the special ball entry port into a second area, sorting means capable of taking the state, and sorting control means for controlling the sorting means. The sorting control means can be controlled so that the sorting means can take either the first sorting state or the second sorting state based on specific numerical information. The update of the specific numerical information and the update of the predetermined numerical information are synchronized. The privilege varies depending on whether the game ball passes through the first area or the second area in the specific game. When the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the first mode, and the predetermined numerical information is the specific numerical information, when the first time is determined as the variable time of the variable game, the game balls that have entered the special ball entry port in the specific game are sorted into the first area. When the second result is derived in the variable game when controlled in the second mode, and the predetermined numerical information is the specific numerical information, when the second time is determined as the variable time of the variable game, the game balls that have entered the special ball entry port in the specific game are sorted into the second area. The gaming machine according to (Supplementary Note 5).

[0228] (Appendix 7) In a gaming machine capable of awarding specific hit games, there are provided game control means for controlling the execution of variable games, variable pattern determination means for determining a variable pattern capable of specifying the variable time of variable games, and mode control means for controlling the mode related to the execution of variable games. The variable pattern determination means can determine a variable pattern based on the type of variable pattern table. The modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second mode. When a predetermined number of variable games are executed after being controlled to the second mode, a transition is made from the second mode to the first mode, and the type of variable pattern table is changed. Specific conditions can be satisfied in the situation where the specific hit game is awarded when being controlled in the first mode and when being controlled in the second mode, and it is possible to vary the benefits awarded in relation to the specific hit game according to the satisfied specific conditions. A gaming machine characterized by this is provided.

[0229] (Appendix 8) When the specific conditions are satisfied in the situation where the specific hit game is awarded when being controlled in the second mode, the benefit that is more advantageous than the case where the specific conditions are satisfied in the situation where the specific hit game is awarded when being controlled in the first mode is more likely to be awarded. The gaming machine according to (Appendix 7).

[0230] (Supplementary Note 9) In a gaming machine capable of awarding a specific winning game, it includes game control means for controlling the execution of a variable game and mode control means capable of controlling a mode related to the execution of the variable game. The modes include a first mode and a second mode. The first mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second mode. When controlled in the first mode and when controlled in the second mode, specific conditions can be established in a situation where the specific winning game is awarded, and it is possible to vary the benefits awarded in relation to the specific winning game according to the established specific conditions. When the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific winning game is awarded while being controlled in the first mode, the same benefit as when the specific conditions are established in a situation where the specific winning game is awarded while being controlled in the second mode can be awarded. A gaming machine characterized by this.

Explanation of Signs

[0231] 10…Pachinko gaming machine 13a…First special symbol display section 13b…Second special symbol display section 13c…Normal symbol display section 13d…Normal hold display section 14…First start winning opening 15…Second start winning opening 16…Normal movable piece 18…First big winning opening 19…First special movable piece 20…Second big winning opening 21…Second special movable piece 23…Gate 23a…Gate opening 26…Passage 27a…First branching section 27b…Second branching section 28…Passage 28a…First passage 28b…Second passage 29…Passage 30a…First distribution movable piece 30b…Second distribution movable piece 31a…First specific area 31b…Second specific area 40…Main control board 41…Microprocessor 41a…Main CPU 41b…Main ROM 41c…Main RAM 50…Sub control board 50a…Sub CPU 50b…Sub ROM 50c…Sub RAM AA1…First actuator AA2…Second actuator AA3…Third actuator AA4…Fourth actuator AA5…Fifth actuator HD…Firing handle SE1…First start winning sensor SE2…Second start winning sensor SE3…First count sensor SE4…Second count sensor SE5…First specific passage sensor SE6…Second specific passage sensor SE7…Gate sensor YB…Game board YBa…Game area

Claims

Claim 1 In a gaming machine capable of awarding a specific-win game, game control means for controlling the execution of a variable game, mode control means capable of controlling a mode related to the execution of the variable game, and comprising: the mode includes a first mode and a second mode, the first mode is a mode with a lower degree of advantage than the second mode, when controlled in the first mode and when controlled in the second mode, specific conditions can be satisfied in a situation where the specific-win game is awarded, and it is possible to vary the benefits awarded in relation to the specific-win game according to the satisfied specific conditions, A gaming machine characterized in that when the specific conditions are satisfied in a situation where the specific-win game is awarded while being controlled in the first mode, the same benefit as when the specific conditions are satisfied in a situation where the specific-win game is awarded while being controlled in the second mode can be awarded.

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