gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing the interest in games. [Solution] When a normal pattern lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-enter state and the first normal winning pattern is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the device is controlled so that a normal game state is set at the time when a special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is held; when a normal pattern lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-enter state and the second normal winning pattern is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the device is controlled so that the first specific easy-to-enter state is maintained at the time when a special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is held; and the game state setting means can vary the game state to be set after the special game is executed depending on the game state that is set at the time when a special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is held.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine, which includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when a gaming ball is detected entering the starting port, a lottery for a special symbol is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a win, multiple special games are played. In each special game, a large prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the large prize opening.

[0003] Some gaming machines of this type have a predetermined number of time-saving cycles set when a special game state based on a winning special pattern lottery ends, and then transition to a predetermined time-saving state (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-116206 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, there is a demand for gaming machines to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises: A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and launching gaming media into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, A first starting hole (first starting hole 46) arranged in a predetermined area in the game area; A second starting hole (second starting hole 49) arranged in an area different from the predetermined area in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) that changes the ease of entering the second starting hole; An operating port (passing gate 48 or operating winning port) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery regarding whether or not to displace the movable member into a state where it is easy to enter the ball; A large prize winning hole (large prize winning hole 50) that is in a state where it is easy to enter a ball in a special game that is executed when the result of a special pattern lottery that is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole is a predetermined result; and a game state setting means (game state control means 250) capable of setting game states including an easy-to-score state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, At least a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol are provided as normal winning symbols that can result in displacing the movable member to a state where a ball can be easily entered in the normal symbol lottery. The easy-to-go-ball state can be set after the special game based on the predetermined result being obtained in the special symbol lottery is executed, and a plurality of types of easy-to-go-ball states including a first specific easy-to-go-ball state are provided as the easy-to-go-ball state, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball entry easy state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the normal game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball-entry easy state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the first specific ball-entry easy state is maintained at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed. The game state setting means can change the game state to be set after the special game is executed depending on the game state set at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed.

[0008] According to this configuration, the game state set after the execution of the special game differs depending on which game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed, thereby diversifying the method of transitioning the game state and providing new gameplay (game characteristics). This can increase the interest in the game. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating its external configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the general configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the big prize slot, in which (a) shows the state of passing through a specific area, and (b) shows the state of passing through a non-specific area. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing the regular winning lottery table. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the normal pattern lottery table. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the winning lottery table. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a symbol lottery table. [Figure 11] This is a diagram explaining the display of the performance patterns and reserved patterns. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 13] This is a diagram explaining the control for transitioning the game state when a normal winning symbol is displayed in a time-saving state. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of a gaming state of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state according to the modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of a gaming state of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a state transition diagram of a gaming state of a gaming machine according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the gaming state of a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is a diagram explaining the control for transitioning the game state when a normal winning symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram explaining the control for transitioning the game state when a normal winning symbol is displayed in a stopped state during the second time-saving state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of a gaming machine, the player side is "front" and the gaming machine side is "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the gaming machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of a player playing on the gaming machine is "left" and the right-hand side is "right."

[0012] Unlike conventional pachinko gaming machines, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment allows a player to play without touching the gaming balls. The gaming machine 1 is an enclosed circulation type in which a certain number of gaming balls (gaming media) circulate inside the gaming machine. The gaming machine 1 is also a gaming machine in which gaming value is used as electronic information, and the gaming value is consumed and paid out through play. In the gaming machine 1, paying out gaming value means electronically paying out (granting) the gaming value. Note that the invention according to this embodiment is not limited to the gaming machine 1 and can also be applied to conventional pachinko gaming machines, i.e., pachinko gaming machines in which a player can physically touch gaming balls and gaming balls are paid out to a tray when the gaming balls enter a predetermined winning slot.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the exterior configuration of a gaming machine according to this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment includes an outer frame 2 that forms the exterior surface of the gaming machine, a gaming board 6 that is provided inside the gaming machine and forms a gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move, an inner frame 7 that holds the gaming board 6, a glass unit 8 that makes the gaming board 6 visible but inaccessible to players, and a front frame 10 to which the glass unit 8 is attached. The inner frame 7 is attached to the outer frame 2 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The front frame 10 is also attached to the inner frame 7 via a hinge mechanism so as to be able to open and close. The inner frame 7 (and the front frame 10) can be opened and closed between a closed position (closed state) that closes the opening of the outer frame 2 and an open position (open state) that opens the opening of the outer frame 2.

[0014] The portion of the front frame 10 surrounding the glass unit 8 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the portion made of the translucent material are provided a plurality of lamps 12 (lighting means) that output light effects to enhance the game. In addition, speakers 14 (sound output means) that output sounds to enhance the game are provided on the left and right sides of the lower part of the front frame 10.

[0015] A grip unit 20 (handle) is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 10, and when a player rotates the grip unit 20 clockwise toward the gaming machine, a launcher (not shown) provided inside the gaming machine is activated, launching gaming balls into the gaming area 4. The launcher of this embodiment can launch 99 gaming balls per minute (1.65 balls per second).

[0016] The front frame 10 is provided with a performance button 26 (performance operation means), and when the player operates the performance button 26, the performance performed in the gaming machine changes.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, a dedicated unit 400 (game value lending device, specified device) that lends game value is provided on the side (left side) of the gaming machine 1 and is connected to the gaming machine 1. The front of the dedicated unit 400 is provided with a bill insertion slot 406 into which bills can be inserted, a card insertion / ejection slot 402 into which a card (game value management medium) can be inserted / ejected, a lending button (lending operation means) 403, a replay button (lending operation means) 404, and a card return button 405. The card is used to manage the number of game values ​​owned by the player. In other words, the number of game values ​​owned by the player can be ascertained by the card. The card may also be capable of storing a prepaid balance. In addition, the management of the number of play values ​​by card may be performed by storing the number of play values ​​on the card itself, or by storing the number of play values ​​in a designated management device installed in an amusement facility, etc., and linking the number of play values ​​stored in the management device, etc. with identification information stored on the card (such as the player's ID or an identification number unique to each card).

[0018] In the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the lending button 403 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the lending button 403 is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming a stored value stored as a prepaid balance on a bill inserted into the bill insertion slot 406 or a card. In addition, in the dedicated unit 400, an operation (pressing operation) on the replay button 404 is accepted as a lending operation (game value transfer operation) for transferring game value to the gaming machine 1. When the replay button 404 is pressed, a predetermined number (for example, 125) of game value is credited to the gaming machine 1 by consuming game value owned by the player and managed by the card (game value linked to the card). In other words, in this embodiment, an operation on the lending button 403 or the replay button 404 as a lending operation means is accepted as a lending operation (a game value transfer operation), and based on the lending operation, a predetermined amount of game value is transferred (lent) from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, a game value number display device 211 (game ball number display device) and a counting button 212 (counting operation means) are provided on the left side of the front frame 10 (the dedicated unit 400 side). Based on the lending operation on the dedicated unit 400, in the gaming machine 1, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values ​​is stored in a game value number memory area of ​​the frame control board 201 described below. Hereinafter, the value (stored value) indicated by the game value number memory area will be referred to as the "number of balls in possession" (number of balls in possession). The number of balls in possession can be said to be the number of game values ​​that can be used for playing. The number of balls in possession is displayed on the game value number display device 211. The game value number display device 211 has a 6-digit 7-segment display, and the number of balls in possession is displayed by the 7-segment display.

[0020] The gaming machine 1 is equipped with a frame control board 201 (see FIG. 5), which controls the value (number of held balls) stored in the game value number storage area. The frame control board 201 decreases the number of held balls when a game ball is detected to be launched. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when a prize ball is paid out. The frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls when a foul ball is detected. When game value is transferred from the dedicated unit 400 to the gaming machine 1, the frame control board 201 also increases the number of held balls by the amount of game value to be transferred. When game value is transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400, the frame control board 201 also decreases the number of held balls by the amount of game value to be transferred. The frame control board 201 also controls the display of the number of held balls on the game value number display device 211, and changes the display content of the game value number display device 211 according to the increase or decrease in the number of held balls.

[0021] The counting button 212 is a button that is operated when transmitting (returning, transferring) all or part of the number of balls held (the game value stored in the game value number storage area) to the dedicated unit 400. The counting button 212 has a pressing portion (operation portion) that is formed so that it can be pressed. When the player wants to end a game, for example, the player operates (presses) the counting button 212 as a counting operation (return operation). When the counting button 212 is operated, a predetermined number of game values ​​are transferred from the gaming machine 1 to the dedicated unit 400. After the game value has been transferred to the dedicated unit 400, when an operation (presses) is performed on the card return button 405 of the dedicated unit 400, a card that enables the number of game values ​​owned by the player to be determined is ejected from the dedicated unit 400 (card insertion / ejection port 402).

[0022] 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the gaming board 6. A circular outer rail 28 is provided on the gaming board 6, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 28 is the gaming area 4 in which gaming balls move. An arc-shaped inner rail 30 is provided on the left end of the gaming area 4 so as to follow the outer rail 28, and the outer rail 28 and inner rail 30 guide gaming balls launched from a launcher (not shown) provided below the gaming board 6 into the gaming area 4.

[0023] At the center of the game board 6, there is provided a liquid crystal display 32 (effect display device, display means) that displays effect images and the like to liven up the game, and an effect unit 36 ​​that includes a display frame 34 formed to surround the liquid crystal display 32. At the center above the liquid crystal display 32, there is provided a lamp 38 (illumination means) that constitutes the effect unit 36 ​​and outputs effect light and the like to liven up the game.

[0024] In this embodiment, the game balls cannot pass in front of the liquid crystal display 32, and the game balls launched from the launching device fall into the game area 4a on the left side or the game area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. In addition, in the game area 4, many game nails (not shown) are nailed so as to intersect with the surface of the game board 6, and the moving direction of the game balls moving in the game area 4 changes randomly.

[0025] An opening 40 is formed on the left side of the display frame 34, through which game balls falling in the game area 4a on the left side of the liquid crystal display 32 can pass, and game balls that pass through this opening 40 pass through a passage 42 provided in the display frame 34 and fall onto a stage 44 provided below the liquid crystal display 32. The top surface of this stage 44 is smoothly curved, and a gap is formed between the stage 44 and the glass unit 8, allowing game balls to fall downward from the stage 44, so that game balls that fall onto the stage 44 from the passage 42 move back and forth on the stage 44 before falling downward from near the center of the stage 44.

[0026] A first start opening 46 (first area) is provided in an area (predetermined area) below the center of the stage 44, through which game balls (including game balls that have fallen downward from near the center of the stage 44) can enter. A first start opening switch 100 (see FIG. 5) that detects game balls that have entered the first start opening 46 is disposed within the first start opening 46. When the first start opening switch 100 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the first start opening 46), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes a first special symbol lottery (first lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Based on the input of the detection signal from the first start opening switch 100, the main control board 200 executes the payout of a prize ball (for example, one ball). Furthermore, the gaming ball that has entered the first starting opening 46 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0027] To the left of the first starting opening 46 in the gaming area 4, multiple (three) general winning openings 47 (upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, and lower left general winning opening 47c) are provided. The gaming board 6 is also provided with a general winning opening switch 101 (see FIG. 5) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c. When the general winning opening switch 101 detects a gaming ball (entry of a gaming ball into the upper left general winning opening 47a, middle left general winning opening 47b, or lower left general winning opening 47c), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 then pays out prize balls (for example, three balls) based on the detection signal input from the general winning opening switch 101. One general prize opening switch 101 may be provided for each of the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, or only one may be provided for multiple (for example, three) general prize openings 47. Furthermore, in addition to the upper left general prize opening 47a, the center left general prize opening 47b, and the lower left general prize opening 47c, general prize opening switches corresponding to these general prize openings may also be provided.

[0028] A passage gate 48 through which gaming balls pass without being collected inside the gaming machine is provided in the gaming area 4b on the right side of the liquid crystal display 32. A gate switch 102 (see FIG. 5) that detects the passage of a gaming ball is also provided inside the passage gate 48. When the gate switch 102 detects a gaming ball (passage of the gaming ball through the passage gate 48), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Based on the input of the detection signal from the gate switch 102, the main control board 200 executes a normal symbol lottery that determines whether a normal win has been won. In this embodiment, a normal symbol lottery is performed based on the entry of game balls into the passing gate 48, but instead of or in addition to the passing gate 48, an actuated winning port may be provided that pays out a predetermined number of prize balls based on the entry of game balls and performs a normal symbol lottery, and the normal symbol lottery is performed based on the entry of balls into the actuated winning port. The passing gate 48 and / or the actuated winning port may be called an "actuated port."

[0029] In the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32, a second start opening 49 (second area) is provided below the passing gate 48. The second start opening 49 is located in an area different from the area (predetermined area) where the first start opening 46 is provided. A second start opening switch 103 (see FIG. 5) that detects a game ball that has entered the second start opening 49 is also provided within the second start opening 49. When the second start opening switch 103 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the second start opening 49), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 executes a second special symbol lottery (second lottery) as a special symbol lottery. Furthermore, based on the input of the detection signal from the second start opening switch 103, the main control board 200 executes the payout of a prize ball (for example, one ball). Furthermore, the gaming ball that has entered the second starting opening 49 is collected inside the gaming machine.

[0030] The second starting opening 49 is provided with a normal device 54 (first movable object, movable member) that can move between a reduced state (closed state, first state, state in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting opening 49) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting opening 49, and an expanded state (open state, second state, state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter the second starting opening 49) in which it is easy for a game ball to enter. The normal device 54 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to open under predetermined conditions when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery. The normal device 54 can change the ease with which a game ball can enter the second starting opening 49. The operating port triggers the execution of a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not to shift the normal device 54 to a state in which it is easy for a game ball to enter.

[0031] A special prize opening 50 (third area) is provided in the game area 4b to the right of the liquid crystal display 32. A count switch 104 (see FIG. 5) that detects game balls that enter the special prize opening 50 is disposed within the special prize opening 50. When the count switch 104 detects a game ball (entry of a game ball into the special prize opening 50), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 executes the payout of prize balls (for example, 15 balls) based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104. The main control board 200 also counts the number of game balls that enter the special prize opening 50 based on the input of the detection signal from the count switch 104. The game balls that enter the special prize opening 50 are collected inside the gaming machine.

[0032] The large prize opening 50 is provided with a special device 56 (second movable object, special movable member) that can move between a closed state (non-entry state) in which game balls cannot enter the large prize opening 50 and an open state (entry state) in which game balls can enter. The special device 56 has a built-in drive device such as a solenoid, and is controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a special game state that starts when a winning symbol is drawn in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery). The special device 56 is also controlled to be in an open state under predetermined conditions in a small win game state that starts when a small win is drawn in the special symbol lottery. The large prize opening 50 is in a state that makes it easy for balls to enter during a special game that is executed when the result of the special symbol lottery, which is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting opening 46 or the second starting opening 49, is a predetermined result (win).

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, within the large prize opening 50, there are provided a specific area 51, a discharge area 52, and a distribution means 53 (blade member) that distributes game balls that enter the large prize opening 50 to either the specific area 51 or the discharge area 52.

[0034] A specific area switch 107 is disposed in the specific area 51. The specific area switch 107 (specific area sensor) outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a gaming ball passing through the specific area 51 (passage of the gaming ball through the specific area 51). A discharge area switch 108 is disposed in the discharge area 52. The discharge area switch 108 (discharge area sensor) outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200 based on the detection of a gaming ball passing through the discharge area 52 (passage of a gaming ball through the discharge area 52). The sorting means 53 can be switched between a specific area passing state (FIG. 6(a)) in which gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are sorted to a specific area 51, and a non-specific area passing state (FIG. 6(b)) in which gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are sorted to a discharge area 52. In other words, when the sorting means 53 is switched to the specific area passing state, gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 are sorted to the specific area 51. This makes it impossible for gaming balls that have entered the large prize opening 50 to pass through the discharge area 52.

[0035] On the other hand, when the sorting means 53 is displaced to the non-specific area passing state, a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is sorted to the discharge area 52. This prevents a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 from passing through the specific area 51. The sorting means 53 is displaced by a specific area solenoid. A gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 is first detected by the count switch 104, and then sorted by the sorting means 53 to either the specific area 51 or the discharge area 52. After passing through that area, the gaming ball is discharged to the discharge path. At this time, a gaming ball sorted to the specific area 51 is detected by the specific area switch 107, and a gaming ball sorted to the discharge area 52 is detected by the discharge area switch 108.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3 , an outlet 62 is provided at the bottom of the game area 4 to collect game balls that fall through the game area 4 without entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 into the game machine. A discharge path (not shown) is provided inside the game machine through which game balls collected (discharged) from the game area 4 pass. This game machine is configured so that all game balls shot into the game area 4 (all game balls collected from the game area 4) pass through the discharge path. That is, game balls shot into the game area 4 are collected from the game area 4 and flow into the discharge path by entering any of the winning openings 46, 47, 49, and 50 or passing through the outlet 62. Specifically, game balls that enter each winning opening 46, 47, 49, and 50 are detected by switches 100, 101, 103, and 104 disposed in the winning openings and then guided to the discharge path. Furthermore, the gaming balls collected from the outlet 62 are guided to the discharge path. An out switch 106 (see FIG. 5) is disposed in the discharge path. When the out switch 106 detects a gaming ball passing through the discharge path (discharge of a gaming ball from the gaming area 4), it outputs a detection signal to the main control board 200. Furthermore, the main control board 200 counts the number of gaming balls discharged from the gaming area 4 based on the input of the detection signal from the out switch 106.

[0037] The game ball launching device is configured so that the launch output of the game ball can be changed by adjusting the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 (handle) shown in Figure 1; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is small, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4a (first game area 4a, left-hitting area) on the left side of the LCD display 32; when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 is large, the game ball is launched so that it falls in the game area 4b (second game area 4b, right-hitting area) on the right side of the LCD display 32.

[0038] The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 20 depending on the game situation, and launches the game ball so that it falls through the left-side game area 4a or passes through the opening 40, passage 42, and stage 44 to win in the first starting hole 46 (left hit), or launches the game ball so that it falls through the right-side game area 4b and passes through the passing gate 48 or wins in the second starting hole 49 or wins in the big winning hole 50 (right hit). Note that left hits may also be called the first game method, and right hits may also be called the second game method.

[0039] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a gaming ball falls through the left-side gaming area 4a, the gaming ball does not pass through the passing gate 48, and the gaming ball does not enter (win) the second start opening 49 or the large prize opening 50. In addition, when a gaming ball falls through the right-side gaming area 4b, the gaming ball does not enter the first start opening 46 or the general prize opening 47.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4, a status display unit 70 is provided at the lower right of the gaming board 6, outside the gaming area 4, for indicating various states of the gaming machine by turning on and off lamps or the like.

[0041] 4 is a front view showing the external configuration of the status display unit 70. The status display unit 70 is provided with a normal symbol display unit 72, a normal hold display unit 74, a first special symbol display unit 76, a first special hold display unit 78, a second special symbol display unit 81, and a game status display unit 84.

[0042] The normal symbol display unit 72 is composed of two lamps, and when a normal symbol lottery is held, the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps, and the normal symbol is displayed in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery.

[0043] The normal hold display unit 74 is composed of two lamps, and displays the normal hold number corresponding to the number of the reserved random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery when the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are reserved because the normal pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are obtained, such as when the normal pattern is already being displayed in a changing or stopped state when the game ball passes through the passing gate 48, and displays the normal hold number from 0 to 4 by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0044] The first special pattern display unit 76 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a first special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the first starting hole 46, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the first special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the first special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the first special pattern lottery.

[0045] The first special reserve display unit 78 is composed of two lamps, and displays a first special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved first special random number values ​​when the first special pattern or second special pattern is already being displayed in a variable or stopped state at the time the game ball enters the first starting hole 46, and the random number value for the special pattern lottery is reserved as the first special random number value because a special pattern lottery cannot be held even if the random number value for the special pattern lottery (lottery information) is obtained, and displays 0 to 4 first special reserve numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0046] The second special pattern display unit 81 is composed of a 7-segment display, and when a second special pattern lottery is held by a gaming ball entering the second starting hole 49, the 7-segment display is made to flash to display the second special pattern in a variable manner, and the 7-segment display is made to light up in one of a plurality of modes to display the second special pattern in a static manner, thereby displaying the result of the second special pattern lottery.

[0047] The game status display unit 84 is composed of six lamps, and displays the type of game status currently set by combining the lighting, extinguishing, or flashing of the six lamps. Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, multiple game statuses can be set, including a normal status and a time-saving status. In the time-saving status, the time for the first special symbol or the second special symbol to change is shortened compared to the normal status, and the opportunity to draw a special symbol occurs more frequently.

[0048] 5 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 200 (main control means), a sub-control board 202 (sub-control means), and a frame control board 201. The functions of the main control board 200, the sub-control board 202, and the frame control board 201 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0049] The main control board 200 receives input signals from input means such as the gate switch 102, the first start port switch 100, the second start port switch 103, the general winning port switch 101, the count switch 104, the out switch 106, and the specific area switch 107, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as the normal device 54 and the special device 56 based on the calculation results.

[0050] The sub-control board 202 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the effect button switch 150, which detects operation of the effect button 26, and performs various calculations to execute effects that match the progress of the game, and based on the results of the calculations, controls the operation of effect devices such as lamps 12, 38, speaker 14, and LCD display 32.

[0051] The frame control board 201 receives signals sent from the main control board 200 and input signals from the counting button 212, controls the number of balls held (number of game balls), and controls the game value number display device 211, etc. The frame control board 201 is capable of two-way communication with the main control board 200.

[0052] The main control board 200 is configured to include a random number generating means 210, a normal pattern lottery means 220, a normal display control means 222, a normal gimmick control means 224, a special pattern lottery means 230 (lottery means), a special display control means 240, a game status control means 250 (status control means), a special game execution means 260, a payout control means 270, a communication control means 280, and a main memory 290.

[0053] The random number generating means 210 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery, and is realized by a random number generator that generates hardware random numbers, or a program that generates software random numbers. Software random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, the term "random number value" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but that can essentially function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0054] The normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires a random number value for the normal symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102 that detects each game ball passing through the passage gate 48, stores the random number value for the normal symbol lottery in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290, and performs a normal symbol lottery to determine whether or not a normal win has been won based on the random number value for the normal symbol lottery read from the normal random number storage means 2912.

[0055] In detail, the normal random number memory means 2912 has four normal reserve memory areas, normal reserve memory area 1 to normal reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery, and one normal reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery that are read from normal reserve memory area 1 and used to draw the normal pattern until the changing and stopping display of the normal pattern ends. Then, when normal pattern lottery means 220 acquires the random number value for normal pattern lottery from random number generating means 210, if the random number value for normal pattern lottery is not stored in any of normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4, it first stores the acquired random number value for normal pattern lottery in normal reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the random number value for normal pattern lottery is stored in normal reserve memory area 1, if the normal pattern is not being displayed variably or stationarily, that is, if the random number value for normal pattern lottery is not stored in the normal reserve memory area and control to open normal role device 54 is not being executed, it immediately reads out the random number value for normal pattern lottery from normal reserve memory area 1 and performs a normal pattern lottery, and stores the random number value for normal pattern lottery used in the normal pattern lottery in the normal reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the normal symbol is being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, that is, when the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is stored in the normal reserve memory area or when control to open the normal device 54 is being executed, the random number value for the normal symbol lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1.

[0056] Then, when a random number value for the normal pattern lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the gate switch 102 to obtain a random number value for the normal pattern lottery, the normal pattern lottery means 220 stores the random number value for the normal pattern lottery in the normal reserve memory area with the smallest ordinal number among the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 in which a random number value for the normal pattern lottery is not reserved, on the condition that the number of random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery reserved in the normal reserve memory areas 1 to 4 is less than four, i.e., the normal reserve number is less than four.

[0057] Then, when the variable display and stationary display of the normal symbols are finished, the normal symbol lottery means 220 erases the random number values ​​for normal symbol lottery stored in the normal reserve memory area, and if a random number value for normal symbol lottery is reserved in the normal reserve memory area 1, it reads the random number value for normal symbol lottery from the normal reserve memory area 1, performs a normal symbol lottery, and stores the random number value for normal symbol lottery obtained by the normal symbol lottery in the normal reserve memory area, provided that control to open the normal accessory 54 is not being executed. Here, if a random number value for normal symbol lottery remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 or later, it moves the remaining random number value for normal symbol lottery from the original normal reserve memory area to the normal reserve memory area with the smaller ordinal number by one. For example, if a random number value for normal symbol lottery remains in the normal reserve memory area 2 to the normal reserve memory area 3, it moves it to the normal reserve memory area 1 to the normal reserve memory area 2.

[0058] In this way, in the normal random number memory means 2912, the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has been held is held in the normal hold memory area up to a maximum of one, and the random number value for the normal pattern lottery for which a normal pattern lottery has not been held is held in the normal hold memory area 1 to normal hold memory area 4 up to a maximum of four.

[0059] The normal symbol lottery means 220 performs normal winning determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, etc. as normal symbol lottery.

[0060] The normal winning determination process is a process for determining whether or not a normal winning has occurred. In the normal winning determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 performs a random number determination process by referring to the normal winning lottery table stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290.

[0061] 7 shows a normal winning lottery table. In this embodiment, in the normal winning lottery table, a normal winning is associated with each of 100 random number values ​​for normal symbol lottery from 0 to 99, and the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery is 1 / 1 (100 / 100). In other words, in the normal winning lottery table, the correspondence between the normal winning and the random number value is set so that the normal winning is won with a probability of 1 / 1. The normal symbol lottery means 220 refers to the normal winning lottery table and determines whether one random number value for normal symbol lottery read out from the normal reserve memory area 1 of the normal random number memory means 2912 is associated with a normal winning, thereby determining whether a normal winning has been won.

[0062] In this embodiment, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects the normal winning lottery table regardless of the gaming state. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a normal winning in the normal symbol lottery does not change depending on the gaming state. Note that the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is in the time-shortened state may be set to have a higher probability of winning a "normal winning" compared to the normal symbol lottery table selected when the gaming state is not in the time-shortened state. In other words, the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is in the time-shortened state may have a higher probability of winning a "normal winning" compared to the normal symbol lottery performed when the gaming state is not in the time-shortened state.

[0063] In this embodiment, the normal win lottery table is configured so that a normal win occurs with a 1 / 1 probability, but if it is configured as in this embodiment so that a "normal miss" is not included, then as a modified example of the normal win determination process, it may be configured as a simple program that does not perform a judgment process based on a random number value, but simply checks whether or not a random number is present and returns the result of a "normal win."

[0064] The normal symbol determination process is performed when a normal win is won in the normal win determination process, and is a process for determining which of a plurality of normal winning symbols will be the normal winning symbol (type of normal win). In this embodiment, "normal winning symbol 1", "normal winning symbol 2", and "normal winning symbol 3" are set as the types. In the normal symbol determination process, the probability (winning probability) of "normal winning symbol 1" being determined is 8 / 1000, the probability (winning probability) of "normal winning symbol 2" being determined is 2 / 1000, and the probability (winning probability) of "normal winning symbol 3" being determined is 990 / 1000.

[0065] In this embodiment, when a normal win is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 is opened (opened and closed) in an opening pattern (opening mode, opening and closing mode) according to the type of the determined normal win. In this embodiment, a short opening pattern (first opening pattern) and a long opening pattern (second opening pattern) are set as the types of opening patterns of the normal device 54. The short opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it difficult for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the short opening pattern, the time that the normal device 54 is in the open state (expanded state) is set to be shorter than in the long opening pattern. In the short opening pattern, for example, the number of times that the normal device 54 is opened is set to one, and the opening time of the normal device 54 is set to approximately 0.016 [s]. The long opening pattern is an opening pattern that makes it easier for a game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the long opening pattern, the normal device 54 is set to be in the open state (expanded state) for a longer period of time than in the short opening pattern. For example, in the long opening pattern, the normal device 54 is set to open once, and the opening time of the normal device 54 is set to approximately 6 seconds. Note that, in one opening of the long opening pattern, the normal device 54 may be opened for a total of approximately 6 seconds, and may operate in the following order: open state (3 seconds) → closed state (1 second) → open state (3 seconds). In other words, after entering the open state, the normal device 54 may close once and then return to the open state again. When the long opening pattern is selected as the opening pattern for the normal device 54, it is almost certain that a game ball will enter the second starting hole 49 if the game is played by hitting the ball to the right.

[0066] In the normal symbol determination process, the normal symbol lottery means 220 selects which of the multiple types of normal symbol lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on the game status at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed. When the gaming state is the normal state, the normal symbol lottery table 1 shown in FIG. 8(a) is selected. In this case, regardless of whether "normal winning symbol 1" to "normal winning symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, a short release pattern is set. As a result, when a normal winning is won in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, a short release pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1. In other words, when a normal winning is won in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the probability that a long release pattern is set is 0. When the game state is the first time-saving state, the normal symbol lottery table 2 shown in Figure 8 (b) is selected. In this case, if "normal winning symbol 1" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is selected, if "normal winning symbol 2" is determined, the long opening pattern is selected, and if "normal winning symbol 3" is determined, the short opening pattern is selected. As a result, if a normal winning is won in the normal symbol lottery in the first time-saving state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 100. When the gaming state is the second time-shortened state, the normal symbol lottery table 3 shown in Fig. 8(c) is selected. In this case, even if any of "normal winning symbol 1" to "normal winning symbol 3" is determined in the normal symbol determination process, the long opening pattern is set. As a result, when a normal winning symbol is won in the normal symbol lottery in the second time-shortened state, the long opening pattern is set with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0067] In this embodiment, it can be said that at least normal winning pattern 1 (first normal winning pattern) and normal winning pattern 2 (second normal winning pattern) are provided as normal winning patterns that can result in displacing the normal device 54 into a state that makes it easier to score in the normal pattern lottery.

[0068] In the first and second time-saving states, the normal device 54 is operated to make it easier for the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state, making the state more advantageous to the player than in the normal state. Also, in the first and second time-saving states, the probability of the long opening pattern being selected in the normal winning of the normal symbol lottery is different. In the second time-saving state, the probability is higher than in the first time-saving state, making the state more advantageous to the player.

[0069] The normal symbol lottery means 220 determines the normal symbol variation pattern (variation time) according to the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed (normal variation pattern determination process). In this embodiment, when the game state is a time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state), the normal symbol variation time is set shorter than when the game state is a normal state. In other words, when the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is not a time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is set to a first time (e.g., 20 seconds), and when the game state at the time the normal symbol lottery is performed is a time-saving state, the normal symbol variation time is set to a second time (e.g., 1 second) that is shorter than the first time. Therefore, when the game state is a time-saving state, the opportunity to perform the normal symbol lottery occurs more frequently. Note that the normal symbol variation time may differ between the first time-saving state and the second time-saving state, and in that case, the normal symbol variation time in the second time-saving state may be set to the shortest.

[0070] The normal display control means 222 is a means for controlling the display of the status display unit 70 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery, and performs normal symbol display control processing and normal hold display control processing.

[0071] In the normal symbol display control process, the normal symbol display control means 222 displays the normal symbol in a variable manner by flashing the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 until the variable time corresponding to the normal symbol variable pattern determined in the normal variable pattern determination process has elapsed, and displays the normal symbol in a static manner by turning on or off the two lamps of the normal symbol display unit 72 depending on whether or not a "normal symbol win" has been won in the normal win determination process, thereby displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery on the normal symbol display unit 72.

[0072] In the normal hold display control process, the normal display control means 222 displays 0 to 4 normal hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the normal hold display unit 74, depending on the number of random number values ​​for normal pattern lottery stored in the normal random number memory means 2912.

[0073] The normal accessory control means 224 (movable member control means) is a means for controlling the normal accessory 54 based on the result of the normal symbol lottery. When the normal symbol is stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a normal win, the normal accessory control means 224 controls the drive of the normal accessory drive device so that the normal accessory 54 opens (opens and closes) in the determined opening pattern (opening mode, opening and closing mode). When the gaming state is not in the time-shortened state, the normal device control means 224 can perform control to operate the normal device 54 so that, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a win of a "normal win", the normal device 54 becomes enlarged until time A (for example, 0.016 seconds) has elapsed, and then returns to the reduced state. Also, when the gaming state is in the time-shortened state, the normal device control means 224 can perform control to operate the normal device 54 so that, triggered by the normal symbol being stopped and displayed in a manner indicating a win of a "normal win", the normal device 54 becomes enlarged until time B (for example, 6 seconds) longer than time A has elapsed, and then returns to the reduced state.

[0074] When a "normal win" is obtained in the normal symbol lottery, if the gaming state is not in the time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so as to hardly increase the ease with which the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 49, but if the gaming state is in the time-saving state, the normal device 54 operates so as to increase the ease with which the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 49. In this embodiment, in the time-saving state, the operation of the normal device 54 is controlled so that the gaming ball enters the second starting hole 49 more easily than in the normal state. Therefore, the time-saving state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

[0075] The special symbol lottery means 230 (special lottery means) acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 that detects gaming balls entering the first start port 46 one by one, and stores the value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. Also, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 that detects gaming balls entering the second start port 49 one by one, and stores the value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special symbol lottery means 230 uses the first special random number value or the second special random number value read from the special random number storage means 2914 to perform a special symbol lottery that determines whether or not a jackpot will be won.

[0076] The special random number memory means 2914 has four first special reserve memory areas, first special reserve memory area 1 to first special reserve memory area 4, which are memory areas for storing the acquired first special random number values, and one first special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the first special random number value read from first special reserve memory area 1 and used in the special pattern lottery until the varying and stopping display of the first special pattern ends.

[0077] When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal being input from the first start port switch 100, in a state where the first special random number value is not stored in any of the first special reserve memory areas 1 to 4, the special symbol lottery means 230 first stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, if the first special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the first special random number value is not stored in the first special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, the special symbol lottery means 230 immediately reads out the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the first special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, i.e., when the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being played, the first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1.

[0078] Then, when a first special random number value is reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 and a detection signal is input from the first start port switch 100 to obtain a random number value for the special pattern lottery, the special pattern lottery means 230 stores the first special random number value in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 that has the smallest ordinal number and in which the first special random number value is not reserved, on the condition that the number of first special random number values ​​reserved in the first special reserve memory area 1 to the first special reserve memory area 4 is less than four, i.e., the first special reserve number is less than four.

[0079] The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with a second special random number storage area as a storage area for storing the acquired second special random number value.

[0080] When the special pattern lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special pattern lottery based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103, if the second special pattern is not being displayed in a variable or stationary manner, i.e., if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special random number memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, it immediately performs a lottery for a special pattern and stores the second special random number value in the second special random number memory area.

[0081] When the variable display and static display of the first special symbol are completed, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the first special random number value stored in the first special reserve memory area. If the first special random number value is stored in the first special reserve memory area 1, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads the first special random number value from the first special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the first special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the first special reserve memory area, provided that the game state is not a special game state and a small win game is not being executed. Furthermore, when the variable display and static display of the second special symbol are completed, the special symbol lottery means 230 erases the second special random number value stored in the second special random number memory area. In this embodiment, the second special random number value is consumed with priority over the first special random number value. In this embodiment, the system does not include a second special reserve memory area for storing the second special random number value (the second special random number value is not reserved). Therefore, the display of the second special symbol based on the second special random number value can be performed only when the display of the first special random number value and the display of the second special random number value are not being performed. Therefore, the second special random number value takes priority in processing, but there is no actual priority relationship. As a modified example, the display of the second special symbol may be started while the display of the first special symbol is being performed, or while the display of the first special symbol is being performed while the display of the second special symbol is being performed. Furthermore, regardless of whether the special random number value is the first special random number value or the second special random number value, the special symbol lottery may be performed by reading the first special random number value or the second special random number value in the order stored in the special random number memory means 2914. In other words, the first special random number value or the second special random number value may be consumed in the order in which the gaming ball entered the first start slot 46 or the second start slot 49.

[0082] When the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1, if there are any first special random number values ​​remaining in the first special reservation memory area 2 or later, the remaining first special random number value is moved from the original special reservation memory area to a special reservation memory area with an ordinal number one smaller. For example, when the first special random number value is read from the first special reservation memory area 1, if there are any first special random number values ​​remaining in each of the first special reservation memory area 2 to the first special reservation memory area 4, the first special random number values ​​stored in each of the first special reservation memory area 2 to the first special reservation memory area 4 are moved to each of the first special reservation memory area 1 to the first special reservation memory area 3.

[0083] In the special random number storage means 2914, first special random number values ​​for which no special symbol lottery has been performed are reserved in the first special reservation storage areas 1 to 4, with a maximum of four.

[0084] Furthermore, when the first special symbol and the second special symbol are being displayed variably or stopped, or when the game state is a special game state or a small win game is being executed, a new second special random number value is not stored in the special random number storage means 2914. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a random number value (second special random number value) based on the game ball entering the second start hole 49 (in other words, the detection signal being input from the second start hole switch 103) is not reserved.

[0085] Next, the details of the special symbol lottery will be explained. The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires multiple types of random number values, such as a winning determination random number value and a pattern determination random number value, as random number values ​​for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and stores these multiple types of random number values ​​as first special random number values ​​or second special random number values ​​in the special random number storage means 2914. Then, the special symbol lottery means 230 performs a winning determination process, a pattern determination process, etc. as the special symbol lottery.

[0086] The winning determination process is a process of reading out one winning determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914 and determining whether or not there has been a big win (or a small win). Here, one winning determination random number value is obtained from 65,536 winning determination random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0087] In the winning determination process, the special symbol lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of winning lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 of the main memory 290 to refer to in performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one winning determination random number value read out was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0088] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a winning lottery table A shown in Fig. 9(a) and a winning lottery table B shown in Fig. 9(b). In each winning lottery table, a small win (or a big win) is associated with each of 65536 winning determination random number values ​​from 0 to 65535.

[0089] The winning lottery table A is selected when performing a winning determination process for the first special random number value, and a correspondence relationship between each determination result and the winning determination random number value is set so that a "winning" occurs with a predetermined probability (X / 65536) (e.g., 1 / 219) and a "losing" occurs with a predetermined probability ((65536-X) / 65536) (e.g., 218 / 219). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether a "winning" or a "losing" has been won by referring to the winning lottery table A and determining whether the winning determination random number value read from the first reserved memory area 1 corresponds to a "winning" or a "losing". In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "winning" or a "losing" in the first special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0090] The winning lottery table B is selected when performing a winning determination process for the second special random number value, and a correspondence relationship between each determination result and the winning determination random number value is set so that a "winning" is won with a predetermined probability (65536 / 65536). The special symbol lottery means 230 determines whether or not a "winning" has been won by referring to the winning lottery table B and determining whether or not the second special random number value (winning determination random number value) is associated with a "winning" value. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a "winning" value in the second special symbol lottery does not change depending on the game state.

[0091] The symbol determination process is a process that is performed when a "win" is won in the win determination process. The symbol determination process is a process that reads out one symbol determination random number value included in the first special random number value or the second special random number value stored in the special random number storage means 2914, and determines which of multiple winning symbols will be the winning symbol (type of win) when a "win" is won. Here, one symbol determination random number value is obtained from 200 symbol determination random numbers ranging from 0 to 199 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100 or the second start port switch 103, and is stored in the special random number storage means 2914 as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0092] In the pattern determination process, the special pattern lottery means 230 selects which of the multiple types of pattern lottery tables stored in the lottery table storage means 2910 to refer to when performing the random number determination process, depending on whether the one read-out pattern determination random number value was stored as the first special random number value or the second special random number value.

[0093] In this embodiment, the lottery table storage means 2910 stores a symbol lottery table A shown in Fig. 10(a) and a symbol lottery table B shown in Fig. 10(b). In each symbol lottery table, a predetermined symbol is associated with each symbol determination random number value.

[0094] 10(a) is selected when a "win" is won and one read-out symbol determination random number value is stored as the first special random number value, and a correspondence relationship between each symbol and the symbol determination random number value is set so that "win symbol 1" is won with a predetermined probability and "win symbol 2" is won with a predetermined probability. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table A and determines which of the plurality of types of winning symbols the read-out symbol determination random number value is associated with, thereby determining which of the plurality of types of winning symbols has been won.

[0095] 10(b) is selected when a "win" is won and one read-out symbol determination random number value is stored as the second special random number value, and the correspondence between each symbol and the symbol determination random number value is set so that "win symbol 3" is won with a predetermined probability and "win symbol 4" is won with a predetermined probability. The special symbol lottery means 230 refers to the symbol lottery table B and determines which of the plurality of types of winning symbols the read-out symbol determination random number value is associated with, thereby determining which of the plurality of types of winning symbols has been won.

[0096] The special game execution means 260 (special game control means) is a means for executing a special game (big win game) based on the result of the special symbol lottery, and performs execution processing of the special game, etc. The special game execution means 260 is a means for executing a small win game based on winning a "small win" in the special symbol lottery, and performs execution processing of the small win game, etc.

[0097] The small win game state begins when a "small win" is won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), and ends when a predetermined number of small win games have been played (one in this embodiment). During the small win game, the special device 56 opens, allowing game balls to enter the large prize opening 50, and the distribution means 53 shifts from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state. The small win game ends when a predetermined opening time (e.g., 1.8 seconds) has elapsed since the special device 56 was opened, or when the number of game balls entering the large prize opening 50 during the small win game has reached a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 10 balls).

[0098] In a small win game, the allocating means 53 is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state so that a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area 51. When "winning symbol 1," "winning symbol 2," "winning symbol 3," or "winning symbol 4" is won, the allocating means 53 is shifted from a non-specific area passing state to a specific area passing state in a manner that a gaming ball that enters the large prize opening 50 during the execution of the small win game can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area 51. As a result, when "winning symbol 1," "winning symbol 2," "winning symbol 3," or "winning symbol 4" is won, the gaming ball can easily (possibly) pass through the specific area 51 in the small win game state.

[0099] If the passage of a gaming ball through the specific area 51 is detected in the small win gaming state (if the passage of a gaming ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through the specific area 51 is detected during the execution of a small win game), a special gaming state (special game) is initiated based on the end of the small win gaming state. On the other hand, if the passage of a gaming ball through the specific area 51 is not detected in the small win gaming state (if the passage of a gaming ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through the specific area 51 is not detected during the execution of a small win game), the special gaming state is not initiated.

[0100] If "Winning Symbol 1" or "Winning Symbol 2" is won in the first special symbol lottery, or "Winning Symbol 3" or "Winning Symbol 4" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the passage of a gaming ball through the specific area 51 is detected during the small win gaming state, the number of special games (round games) is set to nine. As a result, ten rounds will be played, with the small win game being the first round game. The nine round games excluding the small win game are ended when a predetermined opening time (e.g., 29 seconds) has elapsed since the special feature 56 was opened, or when the number of gaming balls entering the large prize slot 50 during the round game reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 10 balls). The special gaming state then ends on the condition that ten rounds of special games have been played. Furthermore, a predetermined number of time-saving modes, etc., are set at the end of the special gaming state, and the time-saving mode begins. In addition, if the passage of the game ball through the specific area 51 is not detected during the small win game state (if the passage of the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through the specific area 51 during the execution of the small win game is not detected), the special game state is not initiated and the normal state is initiated.

[0101] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first special pattern lottery and the second special pattern lottery are configured to allow a player to win a "small win" but not a "jackpot." However, the first special pattern lottery and the second special pattern lottery may be configured to allow a player to win a "jackpot." That is, in this embodiment, "win symbol 1," "win symbol 2," "win symbol 3," and "win symbol 4" are symbols corresponding to small wins, but this is not limited thereto and they may also be symbols corresponding to a jackpot. In other words, a random number value associated with a "jackpot" may be set in the win lottery table A. Furthermore, when a random number value associated with a "jackpot" is set in the win lottery table A, it is preferable that a random number value associated with a "jackpot" is also set in the win lottery table B. Specifically, it is preferable that the first special pattern lottery and the second special pattern lottery are configured to allow a player to win a "jackpot" with the same probability. For example, "winning symbol 1" and "winning symbol 2" on symbol lottery table A are symbols corresponding to a jackpot, and a random number value associated with a "jackpot" is set in winning symbol lottery table B, and "winning symbol 5" and "winning symbol 6" may be set as symbols corresponding to a jackpot on symbol lottery table B ("winning symbol 3" and "winning symbol 4" correspond to a small jackpot). In other words, if a "jackpot" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") is won in the first special symbol lottery, and if a "jackpot" ("winning symbol 5" or "winning symbol 6") is won in the second special symbol lottery, a special game state may be started without going through a small jackpot game state, and the special game state may end on the condition that 10 rounds of special games from the first round to the tenth round have been played. If a "jackpot" can be won in the special symbol lottery (first special symbol lottery or second special symbol lottery), the special game state begins based on the "jackpot" being won in the special symbol lottery, and ends when a predetermined number of rounds (10 rounds) of special game (jackpot game) are played according to the type of winning symbol (jackpot symbol). If a "jackpot" is won in the special symbol lottery, a predetermined number of time-saving rounds, etc. are set at the end of the special game state, and the time-saving state begins.

[0102] In this embodiment, the term "special game" may be a general term for a big win game and a small win game. In addition, the term "special game" is not limited to referring to one round of game, but may also refer to the entire round of game (for example, 10 rounds of special game: special game state).

[0103] The special feature 56 enters an open state upon the start of a special game (including a small win game) in each round (based on the establishment of an opening condition). The special feature 56 enters a closed state upon the establishment of one of a plurality of closing conditions. One of the closing conditions is that the opening timer in the main memory 290 counts a predetermined time (1.8 to 29 seconds) (reaches the predetermined time). Another closing condition is that the value of the large prize counter 2920 in the main memory 290, which is incremented by a value equivalent to one game ball (e.g., 1) when the count switch 104 detects the entry of one game ball, reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 10). When the closing condition is established (when the special game termination condition is established), the drive control of the special feature drive device is performed so that the special feature 56 enters a closed state. In addition, the small win game is configured to end when the opening time reaches 1.8 seconds, but in reality it is not opened continuously for 1.8 seconds, but is configured to measure a total opening time of 1.8 seconds by repeating a short opening of 0.15 seconds and a short closing of 0.8 seconds, for a total of 12 short openings.

[0104] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the upper limit of the number of game balls that can enter the big prize slot 50 in one round is 10, and the number of prize balls for one ball that enters is 15, so the player can win 150 prize balls in one round. Therefore, if "winning symbol 1," "winning symbol 2," "winning symbol 3," or "winning symbol 4" is won, the player can win 1,500 prize balls.

[0105] The special display control means 240 performs a first special symbol display control process, a second special symbol display control process, and a first special pending display control process based on the result of the special symbol lottery.

[0106] The first special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a special pattern lottery is conducted based on the first special random number value, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner. The special pattern lottery means 230 performs a variation pattern determination process for the special pattern lottery, and the special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a predetermined manner.

[0107] In this embodiment, the display mode of the 7-segment display is determined in advance in correspondence with each winning symbol. The special display control means 240 causes the first special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the first special pattern display unit 76 in a manner according to whether or not a "hit" has been won in the hit determination process, and in a manner according to the winning pattern (small hit pattern or big hit pattern) determined in the pattern determination process if a "hit" has been won in the hit determination process, and causes the first special pattern display unit 76 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0108] The second special pattern display control process is a process that is performed when a special pattern lottery is conducted based on a second special random number value, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 until the variable time has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a predetermined manner. The special pattern lottery means 230 performs a variation pattern determination process for the special pattern lottery, and the special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a variable manner by flashing the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 until the variation time corresponding to the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern determination process has elapsed, and then causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static manner by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a predetermined manner.

[0109] The special display control means 240 causes the second special pattern to be displayed in a static state by lighting up the 7-segment display of the second special pattern display unit 81 in a manner according to whether or not a "hit" has been won in the hit determination process, and in a manner according to the winning pattern (small hit pattern or big hit pattern) determined in the pattern determination process if a "hit" has been won in the hit determination process, and causes the second special pattern display unit 81 to display the result of the special pattern lottery.

[0110] In the first special hold display control process, the special display control means 240 displays 0 to 4 first special hold numbers by combining turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps of the first special hold display unit 78 depending on the number of first special random number values ​​stored in the special random number memory means 2914.

[0111] In this embodiment, a special game state is initiated (including via a small win game state) in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50 based on winning a "win" in the special pattern lottery (first special pattern lottery or second special pattern lottery). For example, when a "small win" is won in the special pattern lottery, a small win game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50, and when the passage of the game ball that entered the large prize opening 50 through the specific area 51 is detected in the small win game state, a special game state is initiated in which it is possible (easy) for a game ball to enter the large prize opening 50. By having game balls enter the large prize opening 50, the player can win many prize balls.

[0112] In this embodiment, the probability of transitioning to the special game state is higher when an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery is obtained than when an opportunity for the first special symbol lottery is obtained. As described above, in order to obtain an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery, it is necessary to win a "normal win" in the normal symbol lottery and to cause the game ball to enter (win) into the second start opening 49 when the normal role device 54 (normal electric role device) is in the open state (open state). The ease of entry of the game ball into the second start opening 49 (ease of entering the ball) varies depending on the game state.

[0113] Returning to Figure 5, the payout control means 270 performs control to (electronically) pay out a number of game balls equivalent to a predetermined number of prize balls for each detection signal based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100, the detection signal from the second start port switch 103, the detection signal from the general winning port switch 101, and the detection signal from the count switch 104.

[0114] The communication control means 280 controls the transmission of various commands generated in response to various calculation results in the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 and the frame control board 201. In this embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 is possible, and information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 202 to the main control board 200.

[0115] The sub-control board 202 is configured to include a performance control means 300 and a sub-memory 302.

[0116] The performance control means 300 controls the performance device based on various commands sent from the main control board 200, input signals from the performance button switch 150, and performance data stored in the performance data storage means 303 of the sub-memory 302, and controls the performance device to perform effects to liven up or assist the game, such as lighting or flashing the lamps 12, 38, displaying performance images on the LCD display 32, controlling the sound device to output performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects.

[0117] The performance data storage means 303 stores a large number of performance image data for displaying images on the liquid crystal display 32, and the performance control means 300 draws an image in the frame buffer of the sub-memory 302 for each frame (1 / 30 seconds) based on this performance image data, and displays the drawn image on the liquid crystal display 32, thereby playing and displaying a moving image on the liquid crystal display 32.

[0118] The performance control means 300 executes a performance in which a performance pattern (demo pattern) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32 in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern in the first special pattern display section 76, or in accordance with (corresponding to) the varying and stationary display of the normal pattern in the normal pattern display section 72, and is capable of announcing the result of the first special pattern lottery or the normal pattern lottery. The performance control means 300 is capable of displaying, on the liquid crystal display 32, performance patterns corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the first special pattern in the normal state, and is capable of displaying, on the liquid crystal display 32, performance patterns corresponding to the varying and stationary display of the normal pattern in the time-saving state.

[0119] Here, we will explain the display of the effect symbols in the normal state. Figure 11(a) shows the state before the first special symbol starts to change display. The left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 are displayed in the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32 as effect symbols. The left effect symbol 350 is displayed on the left side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, the middle effect symbol 352 is displayed in the center of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, and the right effect symbol 354 is displayed on the right side of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32. The left effect symbol 350, the middle effect symbol 352, and the right effect symbol 354 each form nine types of effect symbol strings representing the numbers "1" to "9." Note that each effect symbol representing the numbers "1" to "9" may be configured to include decorative elements such as characters in addition to the numbers.

[0120] As shown in Figure 11(b), the display of the first special symbol begins, and the display of the effect symbol (the effect of the effect symbol) begins. The downward arrow in the figure indicates that the effect symbol is being displayed vertically at high speed (scrolling).

[0121] As shown in Figure 11(c), the effect pattern is displayed in a stopped state based on the stopped display of the first special pattern. The effect pattern is displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the result of the first special pattern lottery. For example, if a "win" is won in the first special pattern lottery, the effect pattern is displayed in a stopped state in accordance with the winning pattern determined in the pattern determination process. Although not shown, even in the time-saving state, the effect pattern is displayed in a changing or stopped state in accordance with the changing and stopped display of the normal pattern, just as in the normal state (as shown in Figures 11(a), 11(b), and 11(c)).

[0122] The performance control means 300 can execute a performance (hold performance) of displaying an image showing the first special hold number on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the first special hold number in the main control board 200 (the first special random number value stored (held) in the special random number storage means 2914). Also, the performance control means 300 can execute a performance (hold performance) of displaying an image showing the normal hold number on the liquid crystal display 32 based on the normal hold number in the main control board 200 (the random number value for normal symbol lottery stored (held) in the normal random number storage means 2912). In the hold performance, four hold display areas (display areas) of the first hold display area 411 to the fourth hold display area 414, which correspond to the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 4 (or the normal hold memory area 1 to the normal hold memory area 4) of the special random number storage means 2914 (or the normal random number storage means 2912), are displayed at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32.

[0123] Figure 11(a) shows a hold effect executed in a normal state, in which the first special random number value is stored in the first special hold memory area 1 to the first special hold memory area 3, and the first hold image 420 (three first hold images 420) is displayed in the first hold display area 411 to the third hold display area 413.

[0124] In the hold performance, one hold display area 430 is displayed in the area to the left of the first hold display area 411 at the bottom of the display area 32a of the liquid crystal display 32, corresponding to the special hold memory area (or the normal hold memory area) of the special random number memory means 2914 (or the normal random number memory means 2912). In the state shown in Figure 11(a), when the first special random number value is read out from the first special hold memory area 1 and stored in the special hold memory area, a first hold image 420 is displayed in the hold display area 430, as shown in Figure 11(b).

[0125] Figure 11(d) shows a hold effect executed in the time-saving state, in which random number values ​​for the normal pattern lottery are stored in the normal hold memory area 1 and the normal hold memory area 2, and the second hold image 422 is displayed in the first hold display area 411 and the second hold display area 412.

[0126] (Game state transition) The game state control means 250 (game state setting means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between multiple game states based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions), as shown in Fig. 12. The multiple game states include a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state.

[0127] (Normal state) The normal state (normal game state, non-time-saving state, low-probability state) is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple game states. As described above, in the normal state, even if a "normal hit" is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 operates so as to barely increase the likelihood of the game ball entering the second starting hole 49. In other words, if a normal hit is won in the normal symbol lottery in the normal state, the probability that a long opening pattern will be set is zero. In the normal state, the normal device 54 is less likely to enter a state that makes it relatively easy for the ball to enter based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. In the normal state, it is difficult (impossible) to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In other words, it is difficult (impossible) to gain an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. Therefore, in the normal state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball leftward to get the game ball to enter the first starting hole 46 in order to gain an opportunity to draw the first special symbol than to hit the ball rightward. In other words, the normal state is a gaming state in which the left hand should be hit.

[0128] (Time-saving mode) As described above, in the time-saving states (first time-saving state and second time-saving state), if a "normal hit" is won in the normal symbol lottery, the normal device 54 operates to increase the ease with which the game ball can enter the second starting hole 49. The time-saving state can be said to be an easy-to-enter state in which the normal device 54 is likely to be in an open state (a state in which it is easy for a ball to enter the second starting hole 49 as a ball entry hole). In the time-saving state (easy-to-enter state), the normal device 54 is likely to be in a state in which it is relatively easy for a ball to enter based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. The normal state can be said to be a state in which the normal device 54 is unlikely to be in an open state (a difficult-to-enter state). In the time-saving state, it is easier to get the game ball to enter (win) the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state. In other words, it is easier to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol. In the time-saving state, it is more advantageous for the player to hit the ball to the right so that the game ball passes through the passage gate 48 in order to get an opportunity to draw the second special symbol than to hit the ball to the left. In other words, the time-saving state is a game state in which the player should hit the ball to the right. In this embodiment, the second special symbol lottery based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 is more likely to determine a transition to the special game state than the first special symbol lottery. In other words, in the time-saving state, the probability of determining a transition to the special game state is higher than in the normal state. In this embodiment, the time-saving state in which it is easier to enter the second starting hole 49 than in the normal state may be referred to as a high base state, and the normal state may be referred to as a low base state.

[0129] (First time-saving state) In the first time-saving state (first specific ball entry easy state), if a normal winning combination is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, the long-opening pattern is selected for the normal device 54 with a probability of 1 / 100. Therefore, compared to the normal state, it is easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49. In the first time-saving state, if a normal winning combination is achieved in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 100 chance of winning the second special symbol lottery. In the first time-saving state, the probability of winning the long-opening pattern in the normal symbol lottery (1 / 100) is essentially the probability of winning the second special symbol lottery and transitioning to the special game state. In the first time-saving state, hitting the ball to the right is more advantageous than hitting it to the left, so that the game ball passes through the passing gate 48 to gain an opportunity for the normal symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery). In other words, the first time-saving state is a game state in which right-handed hitting is recommended.

[0130] (Second time-saving state) In the second time-saving state (second specific ball entry easy state), if a normal winning symbol is selected in the normal symbol lottery, the long release pattern is selected for the normal device 54 with a 1 / 1 probability. In the second time-saving state, the probability of a long release pattern being determined in the normal symbol lottery is higher than in the first time-saving state, where high probability includes a 100% probability. This makes it easier to get the game ball to enter the second starting hole 49 compared to the normal state. In the second time-saving state, if a normal winning symbol is selected in the normal symbol lottery, there is a 1 / 1 chance of winning the second special symbol lottery. Since the probability of a normal winning symbol in the normal symbol lottery is 1 / 1 and the probability of a winning symbol in the second special symbol lottery is 1 / 1 (65536 / 65536), transitioning to the second time-saving state almost certainly results in transitioning to the special game state based on a single normal symbol lottery (1G consecutive win). In the second time-saving state, the probability (1 / 1) of winning a normal prize in the normal symbol lottery is essentially the probability of winning the second special symbol lottery and transitioning to the special game state. The second time-saving state can be described as a game state in which the second special symbol lottery is executed based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49, a predetermined result (a win) is obtained, and the execution of the special game is essentially confirmed (a time-saving state in which the execution of the special game is confirmed). In the second time-saving state, hitting the ball to the right is more advantageous to the player than hitting it to the left, so that the game ball will pass through the passing gate 48 to gain a chance at the normal symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery). In other words, the second time-saving state is a game state in which hitting the ball to the right is recommended.

[0131] (Conditions for ending the first time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions are set as termination conditions for the first time-shortening state, including a 1A termination condition, a 1B termination condition, a 1C termination condition, a 1D termination condition, a 1E termination condition, and a 1F termination condition. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the first time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the first time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0132] The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 1, a normal symbol 2 operation start counter 2932 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 2, a normal symbol 3 operation start counter 2933 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 3, a normal symbol 1 operation end counter 2936 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 stops to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 1, a normal symbol 2 operation end counter 2937 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 stops to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 2, and a normal symbol 3 operation end counter 2938 which counts the number of times the normal feature 54 stops to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 3. In the following, the establishment of the termination condition for the time-saving state is determined by comparing the result of addition (increment) of various counters with the judgment value, but the time-saving termination condition may also be determined by whether the result of subtracting (decrementing) the initial values ​​set in the various counters becomes a threshold value (for example, "0").

[0133] The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 in the first time-shortened state each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of normal winning symbol 1 starts. The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the normal symbol 2 operation start counter 2932 in the first time-shortened state each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of normal winning symbol 2 starts. The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the normal symbol 3 operation start counter 2933 in the first time-shortened state each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of normal winning symbol 3 starts.

[0134] The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the value of the normal symbol 1 operation end counter 2936 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 1 ends in the first time-shortened state. The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the value of the normal symbol 2 operation end counter 2937 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 2 ends in the first time-shortened state. The gaming state control means 250 adds (or subtracts) "1" to the value of the normal symbol 3 operation end counter 2938 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 3 ends in the first time-shortened state.

[0135] The 1A termination condition is based on the number of times the normal reel 54 has started to operate. On the other hand, the 1B termination condition, the 1C termination condition, the 1D termination condition, and the 1E termination condition are based on the number of times the normal reel 54 has finished operating.

[0136] (1A termination condition) In this embodiment, in the first time-shortening state, when the number of times that the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 reaches the number of times (1A time-shortening count) that was set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-shortening state), the 1A end condition is established. Specifically, when transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the 1A time-shortening count. The game state control means 250 adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 every time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 starts. Then, when the value of the normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 reaches "1", the game state control means 250 determines that the 1A termination condition has been established, terminates the first time-shortened state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0137] (1B Termination Condition) In this embodiment, in the first time-shortening state, the 1B end condition is met when the sum of the number of times the normal device 54 has finished operating based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 and the number of times the normal device 54 has finished operating based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 reaches the number of times (1B time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (start of the first time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the 1B time-shortening count. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the normal symbol 1 operation end counter 2936 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 is completed, and adds "1" to the normal symbol 2 operation end counter 2937 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 is completed, and when the sum of the values ​​of the normal symbol 1 operation end counter 2936 and the normal symbol 2 operation end counter 2937 reaches "1", it determines that the 1B end condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortened state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0138] (1C termination condition) In this embodiment, the 1C termination condition is established when the number of times the normal device 54 has been activated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1 in the first time-shortening state reaches the number of times (the 1C time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (the start of the 1C time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the 1C time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the 1C time-shortening count to "130." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 1 activation termination counter 2936 each time the activation of the normal device 54 based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1 is terminated. When the value of the normal symbol 1 activation termination counter 2936 reaches "130," the game state control means 250 determines that the 1C termination condition has been established, terminates the 1C time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0139] (1D termination condition) In this embodiment, the 1D termination condition is established when the number of times the normal device 54 has been activated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2 in the first time-shortening state reaches the number of times (the 1D time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (the start of the 1D time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the 1D time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the 1D time-shortening count to "130." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 2 activation termination counter 2937 each time the activation of the normal device 54 based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2 is terminated. When the value of the normal symbol 2 activation termination counter 2937 reaches "130," the game state control means 250 determines that the 1D termination condition has been established, terminates the 1st time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0140] (1E termination condition) In this embodiment, the 1E termination condition is established when the number of times the normal device 54 has been activated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 3 in the 1st time-shortening state reaches the number of times (the 1E time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (the start of the 1st time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the 1st time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the 1E time-shortening count to "130." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 3 activation termination counter 2938 each time the activation of the normal device 54 based on the display of the normal winning symbol 3 is terminated. Then, when the value of the normal symbol 3 activation termination counter 2938 reaches "130," the game state control means 250 determines that the 1E termination condition has been established, terminates the 1st time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0141] (1st floor termination condition) The first-floor termination condition is based on the number of times the special symbol is displayed. In this embodiment, the first-floor termination condition is met when the number of times the special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state reaches the number (first-floor time-saving count) set at the end of the special game state (the start of the first time-saving state). Here, the "number of times the special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state" is the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state and the second special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state. The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a first special symbol counter 2934 that counts the number of times the first special symbol is displayed, and a second special symbol counter 2935 that counts the number of times the second special symbol is displayed. When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the number of first frame time-shortening times to "5." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the first special symbol counter 2934 or the second special symbol counter 2935 each time a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is displayed. Then, when the sum of the values ​​of the first special symbol counter 2934 and the second special symbol counter 2935 reaches "5" based on the execution of the special symbol display, the game state control means 250 determines that the first frame termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0142] (Ending conditions for the second time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions including a second A termination condition and a second B termination condition are set as termination conditions for the second time-shortening state. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the second time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the second time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0143] (2A termination condition) In this embodiment, in the second time-shortening state, the 2A termination condition is met when the total of the number of times the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 1, the number of times the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 2, and the number of times the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 3 reaches the number of times (2A time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (start of the second time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the 2A time-shortening count. The game state control means 250 adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 starts, adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 2 operation start counter 2932 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 starts, and adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 3 operation start counter 2933 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 3 starts; when the sum of the values ​​of each counter reaches "1", it determines that the 2A termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortened state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0144] (2B termination condition) The second-B termination condition is based on the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. In this embodiment, the second-B termination condition is met when the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state reaches the number (second-B time-saving number) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the second time-saving state). The "number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state" is the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state. When transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "5" as the number of 2B time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the first special symbol counter 2934 or the second special symbol counter 2935 each time a variable display of a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is executed. Then, based on the execution of the variable display of the special symbol, when the sum of the values ​​of the first special symbol counter 2934 and the second special symbol counter 2935 reaches "5", the game state control means 250 determines that the 2B termination condition is established, terminates the second time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0145] (Game state transition) In this embodiment, a first special symbol lottery is executed based on a ball entering the first starting hole 46, and a second special symbol lottery is executed based on a ball entering the second starting hole 49. The game state at the start of the special symbol variation is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state based on a "win" (predetermined result: small win or big win) in the special symbol lottery, and can determine (change) which game state to transition to after the special game state ends, depending on the game state (and winning symbol) stored in the predetermined area. In other words, the game state after the special game state ends can be changed (switched) depending on the game state stored in the predetermined area. In other words, the game state control means 250 can change the game state after the execution of the special game (special game state) depending on the game state set at the time when the special symbol lottery is executed.

[0146] (First special design lottery) The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (including via a small win game state) based on winning a "win" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") in the first special symbol lottery, and transitions the game state to a first time-shortened state or a second time-shortened state after the special game state ends. When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game state control means 250 determines whether to transition to the first time-shortened state or the second time-shortened state as follows, depending on the game state at the start of variation of the first special symbol related to the win and the winning symbol (winning symbol).

[0147] If a "win" is won in the first special pattern lottery, the game state at the time when the first special pattern related to the win starts to change is the "normal state", and "win pattern 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time reductions related to the first time reduction state (1A time reduction number "1", 1B time reduction number "1", 1C time reduction number "130", 1D time reduction number "130", 1F time reduction number "130", 1F time reduction number "5") at the end of the special game state, and transitions to the first time reduction state.

[0148] When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game state at the time when the first special symbol related to the win starts to change is the "normal state", and "win symbol 1" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the second time-saving state (second A time-saving times "1", second B time-saving times "5") at the end of the special game state, and transitions to the second time-saving state.

[0149] (Second special design lottery) The gaming state control means 250 transitions the gaming state to a special gaming state (including via a small win gaming state) based on winning a "win" ("win symbol 3" or "win symbol 4") in the second special symbol lottery, and transitions the gaming state to the first time-shortened state or the second time-shortened state after the special gaming state ends. In this embodiment, when a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the gaming state at the start of the variation (win variation) of the second special symbol related to the win is controlled so that there are cases where the gaming state is the normal state and cases where the gaming state is the first time-shortened state. A specific explanation will be given below using FIG. 13.

[0150] FIG. 13(a) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (1) In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1, and the 1A termination condition is established based on the start of operation, and the state transitions to the normal state at the start of operation (start of opening). (2) In the normal state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (3) In the normal state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. That is, the normal device 54 is in a closed state (closed state). In this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal device 54 is established based on the entry of one game ball (the specified number of balls) into the second starting hole 49, and the operation of the normal device 54 is completed. Note that the closing condition of the normal device 54 may be established based on the lapse of the opening time (specified opening time) of the normal device 54. (4) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (5) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (2) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won.

[0151] The timing at which the gaming state control means 250 refers to the gaming state and determines the gaming state after the special gaming state ends (to which time-shortening state to transition) can be any timing between after the "win" is won (including when the special symbol starts to fluctuate) and the end of the special gaming state. The same applies below.

[0152] FIG. 13(b) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (a) In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2, but none of the termination conditions are met based on the start of operation (the game does not transition to the normal state). (i) In the first time-shortening state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, "first time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the first time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (c) In the first time-shortening state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends. That is, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). Based on the end of operation of the normal device 54, the 1B end condition is met, the first time-shortening state ends, and a transition to the normal state occurs. In other words, a transition to the normal state occurs when the operation of the normal device 54 ends. In this embodiment, "the end of operation of the normal device 54" refers to the start of closing of the normal device 54 based on the entry of one game ball into the second starting hole 49, but it may also refer to the elapse of the opening time of the normal device 54. (E) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). In this embodiment, as described above in (C), the normal state is entered when the operation of the normal device 54 is completed, but the system may be configured to enter the normal state when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "first time-shortened state" stored in (I) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "first time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the second time-shortened state.

[0153] 13(b) (i) and (c), the process of starting the variation of the second special symbol based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 (special symbol variation start process) and the process of starting the closing of the normal device 54 based on the ball entering (normal device close process) are executed by the same interrupt process, but in the interrupt process, the special symbol variation start process is executed before the normal device close process. Therefore, after the game state "first time-shortened state" is stored when the special symbol starts to vary, the normal device close process is executed and the game state transitions to the normal state.

[0154] Although not shown in the figure, if the normal winning symbol 3 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery in the first time-saving state (i.e., if the short release pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (short release) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 3, but none of the end conditions are met based on the end of that operation (1 time), and the first time-saving state continues. Note that if the 1E end condition is met based on the end of the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 3, the first time-saving state ends and the state transitions to the normal state.

[0155] FIG. 13(c) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (A) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning pattern 1 is displayed as a result of the normal pattern lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning pattern 1, and the second A termination condition is established based on the start of operation, and the state transitions to the normal state at the start of operation (start of opening). (B) In the normal state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (C) In the normal state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. In other words, the normal device 54 is in the closed state (closed state). (D) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (E) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (B) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won.

[0156] FIG. 13(c) shows the case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-saving state and normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a stopped symbol. However, the same control is also applied when a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-saving state and normal winning symbol 2 or normal winning symbol 3 is displayed as a stopped symbol. That is, in the second time-saving state, regardless of which normal winning symbol is displayed as a stopped symbol, operation (long release) of normal device 54 begins based on the stopped symbol. Based on the start of this operation, the second A termination condition is established, the second time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state. Then, based on the fact that a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time the second special symbol related to the win begins to fluctuate is the "normal state," the game state after the special game state ends is determined to be the first time-saving state.

[0157] As described above, in this embodiment, a total of 10 rounds of special games are played based on one win, and the player can win 1,500 prize balls. If the normal winning symbol 1 is won in the first time-saving state, the game will return to the first time-saving state after one special game state. For this reason, a win of the normal winning symbol 1 in the first time-saving state may be called a "1500-shot win." A win of the normal winning symbol 1 in the first time-saving state (a 1500-shot win) can be said to be a win that allows one special game state to be executed based on one long release. If the normal winning symbol 2 is won in the first time-saving state, after the first special game state (which can win 1500 shots) ends, the second special game state begins after the second time-saving state (1G consecutive), and after the second special game state ends, the first time-saving state is restored. For this reason, a win of the normal winning symbol 2 in the first time-saving state may also be called a "3000 shot win." A win of the normal winning symbol 2 (3000 shot win) in the first time-saving state can be said to be a win that can execute multiple (total of two) special game states based on multiple (total of two) long releases (total of two long releases in different time-saving states).

[0158] In this embodiment, the timing of ending the first time-saving state (the timing of transitioning to the normal state) is different between when normal winning symbol 1 is displayed and when normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state. Therefore, the game state at the start of the special symbol (second special symbol) fluctuation (winning fluctuation) can be different between when normal winning symbol 1 is displayed and when normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state. This allows the game state to be transitioned to after the special game state ends to be determined by referring to the game state at the start of the special symbol (second special symbol) fluctuation, and switching between transitioning to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state can be performed depending on the game state. In this embodiment, winning a predetermined long-opening symbol (normal winning symbol 2) in the first time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than winning another long-opening symbol (normal winning symbol 1). This is because in the former case, the special game state is executed a total of two times before returning to the first time-shortened state, whereas in the latter case, the special game state is executed once before returning to the first time-shortened state.

[0159] (Preliminary Judgment) As described above, the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the detection signal input from the first start port switch 100 that detects each gaming ball entering the first start port 46, and stores the value as a first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 of the main memory 290. In addition, the special symbol lottery means 230 reads out the first special random number value from the special random number storage means 2914, and performs a jackpot determination process, a symbol determination process, etc. as a special symbol lottery. The special symbol lottery means 230 (preliminary judgment means) performs preliminary jackpot determination processing, preliminary symbol determination processing, etc. as preliminary judgment processing when storing the first special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914 (before performing the special symbol lottery). When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value (lottery information) for special symbol lottery from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the first start port switch 100, it performs preliminary jackpot determination processing, preliminary symbol determination processing, etc. as preliminary judgment processing for the first special random number value according to the game state and the number of reserved numbers at that time before storing it as the first special random number value. In addition, the preliminary determination process may be configured to execute a dedicated process for preliminary determination (preliminary jackpot determination process, preliminary symbol determination process) instead of the same process as the jackpot determination process or symbol determination process executed when a variation based on the random number value for special symbol lottery that is actually stored as reserved (for example, a lottery process executed based on the same table). Also, the preliminary determination process may be configured to execute a preliminary determination regarding the variation time of the special symbol. The special symbol lottery means 230 transmits the preliminary determination result, including the results of the preliminary jackpot determination process, preliminary symbol determination process, and the like, as preliminary determination processes, to the sub-control board 202 (performance control means 300) as preliminary determination result information, and stores the preliminary determination result in association with the first special random number value that was the subject of the preliminary determination process.

[0160] As described above, the normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires the random number value for normal symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 and stores it in the normal random number storage means 2912 of the main memory 290 based on the detection signal input from the gate switch 102 that detects each gaming ball passing through the passage gate 48. In addition, the normal symbol lottery means 220 reads out the random number value for normal symbol lottery from the normal random number storage means 2912, and performs normal winning determination processing, normal symbol determination processing, etc. as the normal symbol lottery. The normal symbol lottery means 220 (preliminary judgment means) performs preliminary normal winning determination processing, preliminary normal symbol determination processing, etc. as preliminary judgment processing when storing the random number value for normal symbol lottery in the normal random number storage means 2912 (before performing the normal symbol lottery). When the normal symbol lottery means 220 acquires the random number value for normal symbol lottery (lottery information) from the random number generation means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the gate switch 102, it performs preliminary normal winning determination processing, preliminary normal symbol determination processing, etc. as preliminary judgment processing for the random number value for normal symbol lottery according to the game status and the number of reserved balls at that time. The preliminary determination process may be configured to execute dedicated processes for preliminary determination (preliminary normal win determination process, preliminary normal pattern determination process) rather than the same process as the normal win determination process or normal pattern determination process that is executed when a variation based on the normal pattern lottery random number value actually stored as reserved (for example, a lottery process performed based on the same table). Also, the preliminary determination process may be configured to execute a preliminary determination regarding the normal pattern variation time. The normal pattern lottery means 220 transmits the preliminary determination results, including the results of the preliminary normal win determination process, preliminary normal pattern determination process, and the like, as preliminary determination processes, to the sub-control board 202 (performance control means 300) as preliminary determination result information, and stores the preliminary determination results in association with the normal pattern lottery random number value that was the subject of the preliminary determination process.

[0161] In the first time-saving state, when a pre-determination process is executed and lottery information (random number value for normal symbol lottery) is acquired that indicates that a "normal winning symbol 1 will be won" (1500 shots) or a "normal winning symbol 2 will be won" (3000 shots) will be obtained as a result of the normal symbol lottery, the performance control means 300 can execute a pre-performance (pre-reading performance) based on the acquisition of the lottery information before the normal symbol lottery based on the lottery information is executed. The pre-performance is a performance that suggests in advance that the result of the normal symbol lottery will be a "normal winning symbol 1 will be won" (1500 shots) or a "normal winning symbol 2 will be won." The performance control means 300 is configured to execute a special pre-performance (hereinafter referred to as a "high profit pre-performance") that suggests the right to two "wins" may be generated when lottery information (random number value for normal pattern lottery) is obtained that results in "winning normal winning pattern 2" (3000 wins) as a result of the normal pattern lottery, but is not configured to execute a high profit pre-performance when lottery information (random number value for normal pattern lottery) is obtained that results in "winning normal winning pattern 1" (1500 wins) as a result of the normal pattern lottery.

[0162] When the high-profit advance effect is executed, a display suggesting that the normal winning symbol 2 has been won is displayed on the LCD display 32. The display suggesting that the normal winning symbol 2 has been won is a display suggesting, directly or indirectly, that the player will be able to win 3,000 prize balls. An example of a display suggesting this directly is a display containing the number "3,000," and an example of a display suggesting this indirectly is a rainbow-colored display (such as a character, letter, or reserved image in the reserved display area).

[0163] In addition, when a pre-effect indicating a normal winning symbol 1 is executed, a display different from the high-profit pre-effect is displayed on the LCD display 32, and is configured to display, for example, a display including words such as "chance" or "super hot," or a display with a color scheme based on red or gold (such as characters, letters, or reserved images in the reserved display area).

[0164] While the above has described the pre-effect that is executed before the normal symbol lottery is executed, the effect control means 300 can read out the normal symbol lottery random number value, execute the normal symbol lottery, and execute an effect (normal symbol win variation effect) suggesting the winning of normal symbol 1 or normal symbol 2 while the normal symbol variation display related to the winning of "normal symbol 1" or "normal symbol 2" (during the execution of the normal symbol variation effect) is being displayed. Also, as with the pre-effect, if "normal symbol 2" is won in the first time-saving state, it is possible to execute a "high-profit normal symbol win variation effect" that suggests the right to "win" may be generated twice.

[0165] Here, we consider a conventional control example that differs from this embodiment, in which the timing of ending the first time-saving state is not different when normal winning pattern 1 is displayed stopped and when normal winning pattern 2 is displayed stopped in the first time-saving state, and the decision on the transition destination is not made by referring to the game state as in this embodiment, but rather the long opening of the normal device 54 is carried out based on the display of normal winning pattern 1 or normal winning pattern 2, and based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 (based on the execution of the second special pattern lottery), it is decided which game state to transition to after the special game state ends depending on the winning pattern (small winning pattern or big winning pattern). In this case, even if the winning symbol includes a winning combination that will result in a total of 3,000 prize balls (a 3,000-shot win), the second special random number value based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 cannot be obtained during the period before the regular device 54 in the first time-saving state opens for the long time, and therefore a pre-determination based on the second special random number value cannot be made (lottery information resulting in a 3,000-shot win cannot be obtained). For this reason, a pre-effect suggesting a win for 3,000 shots (a high-profit pre-effect) cannot be executed during the period before the regular device 54 in the first time-saving state opens for the long time. The same applies to a pre-effect suggesting a win for 1,500 shots.

[0166] In this embodiment, the gaming machine ends the first time-saving state at different timings depending on whether the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed in the first time-saving state or the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state, and the gaming state at the start of the special symbol (second special symbol) variation is different. The gaming state to which the special symbol (second special symbol) will transition after the special gaming state ends is determined by referring to the gaming state at the start of the special symbol (second special symbol), and switches between transitioning to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state (1G consecutive) after the special gaming state ends. If the normal winning symbol 2 is won in the first time-saving state, the winnings will be 3000 shots, and the game state will transition to the second time-saving state after the special gaming state ends. During the period before the normal device 54 is opened for a long time in the first time-saving state, it is possible to obtain lottery information (random number value for normal symbol lottery) that indicates a "normal winning symbol 2 win" (3000 shots win) based on a preliminary determination based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 48. Therefore, when this lottery information is obtained, the above-mentioned preliminary effect (high-profit preliminary effect) is executed, thereby suggesting a win for 3000 shots in advance. Furthermore, when the preliminary determination obtains lottery information that indicates a "normal winning symbol 1 win" (1500 shots win), a preliminary effect suggesting a win for normal winning symbol 1 is executed, thereby suggesting a win for normal winning symbol 1 in advance. By executing the advance performance (high profit advance performance), it is possible to make the player feel a sense of expectation (excitement) at an earlier timing, such as before the game ball enters the second starting hole 49, during the normal symbol variation performance related to the normal symbol lottery, and to increase the interest in the game. Furthermore, even in the case of an effect suggesting a win of normal winning pattern 2 (high profit normal winning pattern variation effect) that is executed during the display of the normal winning pattern variation related to the winning of "normal winning pattern 2" in the first time-saving state, the effect is executed before the acquisition of the second special random number value based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49, so it is possible to suggest a win of 3000 shots in advance, thereby increasing the interest in the game.

[0167] (External signal output) Although not shown in the figures, the main control board 200 is equipped with an external signal output means. The external signal output means can transmit multiple types of external signals to an external device via an external terminal board provided inside the housing. The external signals can be said to be signals that notify the status of the gaming machine. Examples of external devices include a hall computer that centrally manages the gaming machines installed in the gaming parlor, and a data display device that is individually connected to the gaming machine and can display information about the gaming history.

[0168] One of the multiple types of external signals is a jackpot signal. The external signal output means outputs the jackpot signal to the external device every time a transition to a special game state occurs (every time a special game state starts). The external signal output means may set the jackpot signal to an ON state based on the start of the special game state, and set the jackpot signal to an OFF state based on the end of the special game state.

[0169] In this embodiment, the special game state and the time-shortening state may be alternately repeated. Here, a series of periods during which the special game state and the time-shortening state are alternately repeated is called a consecutive win period. One of the multiple types of external signals is a consecutive win signal (specific signal), and the external signal output means outputs the consecutive win signal to an external device during the consecutive win period. The external signal output means may set the consecutive win signal to an ON state based on the start of the consecutive win period, and set the consecutive win signal to an OFF state based on the end of the consecutive win period. In other words, the consecutive win signal may be kept ON during the consecutive win period.

[0170] As shown in Figure 13(b), when the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed in the first time-shortening state, the first time-shortening state does not end based on the start of operation of the normal device 54, and the first time-shortening state is maintained until the end of operation of the normal device 54, so that the fluctuation of the special symbol related to the winning (winning fluctuation) starts in the first time-shortening state (while the first time-shortening state is maintained). For this reason, the main control board 200 does not determine that the consecutive winning period has ended (been interrupted).

[0171] On the other hand, for example, as shown in Figure 13(a), when the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed in the first time-saving state, the first time-saving state ends based on the start of operation of the normal device 54, and after transitioning to the normal state, the fluctuation of the special symbol related to the winning (winning fluctuation) begins. For this reason, if no care is taken, the main control board 200 (based on the transition to the normal state) determines that the consecutive winning period has ended (been interrupted), and the output of the consecutive winning signal is temporarily terminated (the consecutive winning signal is temporarily turned OFF). In this case, even though the consecutive winning is actually continuing, it is determined that the consecutive winning is interrupted, and a new consecutive winning count may be started, which can be a problem.

[0172] In this embodiment, the operation of the normal device 54 begins based on the display of a normal winning symbol associated with a long release during the time-saving state (first time-saving state or second time-saving state). Even if the time-saving state ends (the normal state is entered) based on the start of the operation, the consecutive win signal is controlled not to be turned OFF based on that. In other words, the consecutive win signal is controlled to remain ON during the long release of the normal device 54. Note that the consecutive win signal may be configured to remain ON until the display of the special symbol associated with a win is completed. By doing so, the special symbol associated with a win begins to change while the consecutive win signal is ON, so the main control board 200 does not determine that the consecutive win period has ended. This prevents the occurrence of a problem in which a consecutive win is determined to have ended and a new consecutive win count is started, even though the consecutive win is actually continuing.

[0173] (Variation) In the above explanation, for (i) and (c) in Figure 13(b), it was stated that the process of starting the variation of the second special symbol based on the game ball entering the second starting hole 49 (special symbol variation start process) and the process of starting the closing of the normal device 54 based on said ball entering (normal device closing process) are executed in the same interrupt process, and in said interrupt process, the special symbol variation start process is executed before the normal device closing process, but as follows, the process relating to the closing of the normal device 54 may be executed before the process relating to the start of variation of the special symbol.

[0174] In Fig. 13, the normal device 54 is closed based on the entry of one game ball into the second starting hole 49, but here, the normal device 54 is closed (the closing condition is met) based on the entry of two game balls into the second starting hole 49. In the interrupt processing after the first ball enters, first, in a process (first processing) that determines whether or not to close the normal device 54 based on the entry of the first ball, it is determined that the normal device 54 should not be closed (the closing condition is not met) (the first time-shortened state is maintained), and then, in a process (second processing) that determines whether or not to start the variable display of the second special symbol based on the entry of the first ball (and to store the game state at the start of the variable display), it is determined that the variable display should be started (and the game state should be stored). Then, in the interrupt processing after the second ball has entered, first, in the first processing, it is determined that the normal device 54 should be closed based on the ball having entered, and then in the second processing, it is determined that the second special pattern should not be changed based on the ball having entered (the game state should not be stored).

[0175] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and launching gaming media into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, A first starting hole (first starting hole 46) arranged in a predetermined area in the game area; A second starting hole (second starting hole 49) arranged in an area different from the predetermined area in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) that changes the ease of entering the second starting hole; An operating port (passing gate 48 or operating winning port) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery regarding whether or not to displace the movable member into a state where it is easy to enter the ball; A large prize winning hole (large prize winning hole 50) that is in a state where it is easy to enter a ball in a special game that is executed when the result of a special pattern lottery that is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole is a predetermined result; and a game state setting means (game state control means 250) capable of setting game states including an easy-to-score state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, At least a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol are provided as normal winning symbols that can result in displacing the movable member to a state where a ball can be easily entered in the normal symbol lottery. The easy-to-go-ball state can be set after the special game based on the predetermined result being obtained in the special symbol lottery is executed, and a plurality of types of easy-to-go-ball states including a first specific easy-to-go-ball state are provided as the easy-to-go-ball state, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball entry easy state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the normal game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball-entry easy state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the first specific ball-entry easy state is maintained at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed. The game state setting means can change the game state to be set after the special game is executed depending on the game state set at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed.

[0176] By making the game state set after the execution of the special game different depending on which game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed, it is possible to diversify the methods of transitioning the game state and provide new gameplay (game characteristics), thereby increasing the interest in the game.

[0177] In this embodiment (Figure 13), when normal winning pattern 1 is won in the first time-shortening state (i.e., when 1500 shots are won), the game state when the special pattern starts to change is controlled to be the normal state, and when normal winning pattern 2 is won in the first time-shortening state (i.e., when 3000 shots are won), the game state when the special pattern starts to change is controlled to be the time-shortening state (first time-shortening state), but it is sufficient that the game state when the special pattern starts to change is different, and it may be reversed. In other words, when the normal winning symbol 1 is won in the first time-shortening state (i.e., when 1500 shots are won), the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is controlled to be the first time-shortening state (high reference) (transitioning to the normal state when the normal device 54 finishes operating), and when the normal winning symbol 2 is won in the first time-shortening state (i.e., when 3000 shots are won), the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is controlled to be the normal state (low reference) (transitioning to the normal state when the normal device 54 starts operating). However, in this case, if the normal winning symbol 1 is won (in the case of a 1500-shot win), the ball is placed into the second starting hole 49 just before the normal device 54 closes, so that the normal state is referenced instead of the first time-saving state (the normal state is reached when the game ball passes the sensor), and the game state at the start of the special symbol fluctuation is treated as the normal state, potentially creating a game strategy where the 1500-shot win is changed to a 3000-shot win. Therefore, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to set the win with the fewer winning balls (1500-shot win) as a low reference (reference to the normal state). In other words, by setting the 1500-shot win to a low reference, the above-mentioned game strategy can be prevented. In addition, when a "waiting time after closing" (for example, 2 seconds) is set based on the end of operation of the normal device 54 (as shown in the fifth embodiment), if the state is changed to the normal state when the waiting time after closing has elapsed, rather than when the normal device 54 ends its operation, the winning result with fewer winning balls may be set as a high reference (reference to the first time-shortening state). Even if a game ball is thrown just before the normal device 54 closes, the first time-shortening state is entered when the special pattern starts to change (the first time-shortening state is maintained at the timing when the game ball passes the sensor), and therefore, it is possible to prevent the above-mentioned strategy of the game from occurring.

[0178] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The plurality of types of easy-to-enter states include a second specific easy-to-enter state in which the special symbol lottery based on the entry of the ball into the second starting hole is executed, the predetermined result is obtained, and the execution of the special game is substantially determined; The game state setting means When the normal game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed, the game state after the execution of the special game is set to the first specific ball entry easy state, If the first specific easy-to-score state is set at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball scoring into the second starting hole is conducted, the game state after the special game is executed is set to the second specific easy-to-score state.

[0179] When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-win state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the normal game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, so the state transitions to the first specific easy-to-win state after the execution of the special game. In other words, one special game is executed. When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-score state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the first specific easy-to-score state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, so the state transitions to the second specific easy-to-score state after the execution of the special game. Then, in the second specific easy-to-score state, the execution of the special game is determined. Therefore, the special game will be executed multiple times (a total of two times across the second specific easy-to-score state). Now, consider a case where, when the normal pattern lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-score state and the first normal winning pattern is determined, the first specific easy-to-score state is maintained at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball scoring into the second starting hole is executed, and the game state after the special game is executed becomes the first specific easy-to-score state based on being in the first specific easy-to-score state; and, when the normal pattern lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-score state and the second normal winning pattern is determined, the normal game state is set at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball scoring into the second starting hole is executed, and the game state after the special game is executed becomes the second specific easy-to-score state based on being in the normal game state. In this case, if the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-score state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, a strategy may be developed in which the game state after the execution of the special game is set to the second specific easy-to-score state, by playing the game as if the normal game state were set instead of the first specific easy-to-score state at the time the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed. In other words, if the normal game state is set at the time the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed and the game state is configured to transition to the second specific easy-to-score state (a more advantageous state) after the execution of the special game, a strategy may be developed in which the game state at that time is set to the normal game state, and the game state is transitioned to the second specific easy-to-score state. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the normal game state is set at the time the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, the game state transitions to the first specific easy-to-score state instead of the second specific easy-to-score state after the execution of the special game. This prevents a player from playing a game aiming to make the game state at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is performed be the normal game state, thereby achieving a transition to the second specific easy ball entry state.

[0180] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, A performance control means (performance control means 300) is provided to control the execution of the performance, The performance control means When information is acquired that indicates that the second normal winning symbol will be determined as a result of the normal symbol lottery in the first specific easy-to-win state, a pre-effect suggesting that the second normal winning symbol will be determined can be executed before the normal symbol lottery based on the information is executed.

[0181] As described above, if the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-enter state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the first specific easy-to-enter state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, and the state transitions to the second specific easy-to-enter state after the special game is executed. Then, in the second specific easy-to-enter state, the execution of the special game is determined. Therefore, multiple special games (a total of two special games across the second specific easy-to-enter state) are executed. Therefore, the pre-effect suggesting that the second normal winning symbol will be determined is a pre-effect (high-profit pre-effect) suggesting that multiple special games will be executed. By notifying the player that multiple special games may be executed before the normal symbol lottery is executed, the player can be excited (expected) at an earlier timing. This can increase the player's interest in the game.

[0182] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball-entry easy state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the normal game state is set when the displacement of the movable member to the ball-entry easy state is started, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the specific easy-to-score state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the normal game state is set when the displacement of the movable member to the easy-to-score state is terminated.

[0183] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and launching gaming media into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, A first starting hole (first starting hole 46) arranged in a predetermined area in the game area; A second starting hole (second starting hole 49) arranged in an area different from the predetermined area in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) that changes the ease of entering the second starting hole; An operating port (passing gate 48 or operating winning port) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery regarding whether or not to displace the movable member into a state where it is easy to enter the ball; A large prize winning hole (large prize winning hole 50) that is in a state where it is easy to enter a ball in a special game that is executed when the result of a special pattern lottery that is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole is a predetermined result; A game state setting means (game state control means 250) that can set game states including an easy-to-enter state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state where it is easy to enter a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state where it is easy to enter a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery; A performance control means (performance control means 300) for controlling the execution of the performance, At least a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol are provided as normal winning symbols that can result in displacing the movable member to a state where a ball can be easily entered in the normal symbol lottery. The easy-to-score state can be set after the special game is executed based on the predetermined result being obtained in the special symbol lottery, and a plurality of types of easy-to-score states are provided for the easy-to-score state, and the plurality of types of easy-to-score states include at least a first specific easy-to-score state and a second specific easy-to-score state in which the execution of the special game is determined, In the first specific ball-entry-easy state, the normal symbol lottery is executed to determine the second normal winning symbol, the movable member is displaced to facilitate the ball entering the second starting hole, and the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed to execute the special game, and after the execution of the special game, the state can be shifted to the second specific ball-entry-easy state. When information is acquired that indicates that the second normal winning symbol will be determined as a result of the normal symbol lottery in the first specific easy-to-score state, the presentation control means can execute a pre-presentation (high-profit pre-presentation) suggesting that the second normal winning symbol will be determined before the normal symbol lottery based on the information is executed.

[0184] If the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball-entry-friendly state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member displaces, making it easier for the ball to enter the second starting slot. The special symbol lottery is executed based on the ball entering the second starting slot, and the special game is executed. After the special game is executed, the machine may transition to the second specific ball-entry-friendly state. The second specific ball-entry-friendly state is a state in which the execution of the special game is confirmed. Therefore, the pre-effect suggesting that the second normal winning symbol will be determined can be considered a pre-effect suggesting that multiple special games will be executed (high-profit pre-effect). By notifying the player that multiple special games may be executed before the normal symbol lottery is executed, the player can be excited (expected) at an earlier timing. This can increase the player's interest in the game.

[0185] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, so the description of the similar configuration will be omitted or simplified.

[0186] In the gaming machine of the first embodiment, a random number value (second special random number value) based on the entry of a gaming ball into the second start opening 49 (in other words, the input of a detection signal from the second start opening switch 103) was not reserved, but in this embodiment, a maximum of one second special random number value is reserved. As shown in FIG. 4, the status display unit 70 is provided with a second special reserve display unit 82. The second special reserve display unit 82 is composed of two lamps. When the first special symbol or the second special symbol is already in a variable or stationary display when the gaming ball enters the second start opening 49, the special symbol lottery random number value cannot be performed even if the special symbol lottery random number value is obtained, and the special symbol lottery random number value is reserved as the second special random number value. The second special reserve number corresponding to the number of reserved second special random number values ​​is displayed. The second special reserve number is displayed as 0 to 1 by a combination of turning on, turning off, or flashing the two lamps.

[0187] The special symbol lottery means 230 acquires a random number value for special symbol lottery from the random number generating means 210 based on the input of a detection signal from the second start port switch 103 which detects each gaming ball entering the second start port 49, and stores the value as a second special random number value in the special random number storage means 2914. The special random number storage means 2914 is provided with a second special reserve memory area 1 (second special reserve memory area) as a memory area for storing the acquired second special random number value, and one second special reserve memory area is provided as a memory area for storing the second special random number value read from the second special reserve memory area 1 and used for the special symbol lottery until the variable display and stationary display of the second special symbol ends.

[0188] When the special symbol lottery means 230 acquires the random number value for the special symbol lottery based on the detection signal being input from the second start port switch 103, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, it stores the acquired random number value for the special symbol lottery as the second special random number value in the second special reserve memory area 1. Then, at the time the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area 1, if the second special symbol is not being displayed variably or stopped, that is, if the second special random number value is not stored in the second special reserve memory area, the game state is not a special game state, and a small win game is not being executed, it immediately reads out the second special random number value from the second special reserve memory area 1, performs a special symbol lottery, and stores the second special random number value used in the special symbol lottery in the second special reserve memory area. On the other hand, when the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable or stopped state, that is, when the second special random number value is stored in the second special reserve memory area, or when the game state is a special game state, or when a small win game is being played, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reserve memory area 1.

[0189] In the special random number storage means 2914, the second special random number value for which the special symbol lottery has not been performed is reserved in the second special reservation storage area 1, with the upper limit being one.

[0190] (Game state transition) As shown in Figure 14, the game state control means 250 (game state setting means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between multiple game states based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions). The multiple game states include a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state. In this embodiment, a first time-saving state, a second time-saving state, a third time-saving state, and a fourth time-saving state are provided as time-saving states (states where it is easy to score a ball).

[0191] (2nd time-saving state: normal ST) The second time-saving state is a time-saving state similar to the first time-saving state shown in the first embodiment. The 2A number of time reductions (2A termination condition) is the 1A number of time reductions (1A termination condition) shown in FIG. 12. The 2B number of time reductions (2B termination condition) is the 1B number of time reductions (1B termination condition) shown in FIG. 12. The 2C number of time reductions (2C termination condition) is the 1C number of time reductions (1C termination condition) shown in FIG. 12. The 2D number of time reductions (2D termination condition) is the 1D number of time reductions (1D termination condition) shown in FIG. 12. The 2E number of time reductions (2E termination condition) is the 1E number of time reductions (1E termination condition) shown in FIG. 12. The 2F number of time reductions (2F termination condition) is the 1F number of time reductions (1F termination condition) shown in FIG. 12.

[0192] (4th time reduction state: 1G consecutive) The fourth time-saving state is a time-saving state similar to the second time-saving state shown in the first embodiment. The 4A time-saving number of times (4A termination condition) is the 2A time-saving number of times (2A termination condition) shown in Figure 12. The 4B time-saving number of times (4B termination condition) is the 2B time-saving number of times (2B termination condition) shown in Figure 12.

[0193] (First time-saving state: for pending consumption) The first time-saving state is a time-saving state substantially similar to the second time-saving state. The second time-saving state has a different 1A end condition. In addition, the second time-saving state has a 1G end condition that is not present in the second time-saving state. (1A termination condition) In the first time-shortening state, when the total number of times the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 and the number of times the normal device 54 starts to operate based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 reaches the number of times (1A time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (start of the first time-shortening state), the 1A end condition is met. Specifically, when transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the 1A time-shortening count. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 1 operation start counter 2931 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 starts, and adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 2 operation start counter 2932 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 starts. Then, when the sum of the values ​​of the counters reaches "1", the game state control means 250 determines that the 1A termination condition has been established, terminates the first time-shortened state, and transitions to the normal state. (1st G termination conditions) The first game ending condition is based on the number of times the second special symbol is displayed. In this embodiment, the first game ending condition is established when the number of times the second special symbol is displayed in the second time-saving state reaches the number (first game time-saving number) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the number of first game time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the second special symbol counter 2935 each time the variable display of the second special symbol is executed. Then, when the value of the second special symbol counter 2935 reaches "1" based on the execution of the variable display of the second special symbol, the game state control means 250 determines that the first game time-shortening condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0194] (Third time reduction state: for pending consumption) The third time-saving state is a time-saving state similar to the first time-saving state, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0195] (Normal winning pattern 1) In the second time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 1 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (1) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1, and the second A termination condition is established based on the start of operation, and the state transitions to the normal state at the start of operation (start of opening). (2) In the normal state, the first game ball enters (wins) the second start opening 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. That is, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery is executed based on this ball entering the second start opening 49. In this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal device 54 is not met when one game ball enters the second start opening 49, but is met when two game balls enter the second start opening or when the opening time of the normal device 54 has elapsed. (3) In the normal state, the second game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). (4) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (5) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (2) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the first time-saving state (for reserved consumption).

[0196] In this embodiment, a transition to the first time-shortening state can be made with the second special random number value reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. When a transition to the first time-shortening state is made with the second special random number value reserved, the first time-shortening state begins, and the second special random number value is read out and a second special symbol lottery (variable display of the second special symbol) is started. At this time, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is the "first time-shortening state," and the "first time-shortening state" is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. Then, based on the variable display of the special symbol (second special symbol) once, the first game ending condition is met, the first time-shortening state ends, and a transition to the normal state occurs.

[0197] Then, a special game state is initiated based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). At the end of the special game state, the game state "first time-shortened state" stored in the predetermined area is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "first time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether winning symbol 3 or winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the second time-shortened state.

[0198] When the normal winning symbol 1 is won in the second time-saving state, after the first special game state (1500 shots can be won) ends, the second special game state (1500 shots can be won) starts after the first time-saving state, and after the second special game state ends, the second time-saving state is resumed. Therefore, the winning of the normal winning symbol 1 in the second time-saving state may be called a "3000 shot win." In this embodiment, a 3000 shot win is a win that can execute multiple special game states (a total of two times) based on one long release.

[0199] (Normal winning pattern 2) In the second time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 2 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (a) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2, but none of the termination conditions are met based on the start of operation (the game does not transition to the normal state). (i) In the second time-shortening state, the first game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 of the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, "second time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the second time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (c) In the second time-saving state, a second game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 related to the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). Based on the end of operation of the normal device 54, the second B end condition is established, the second time-saving state ends, and the state transitions to the normal state. (e) A special game state is initiated based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "second time-shortened state" stored in (I) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "second time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the third time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the third time-shortened state (for reserved consumption).

[0200] When the game transitions to the third time-saving state while the second special random number value is reserved, the third time-saving state begins, and the second special symbol lottery (variable display of the second special symbol) is started by reading out the second special random number value. At this time, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is the "third time-saving state," and the "third time-saving state" is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. Then, based on the variable display of the special symbol (second special symbol) once, the third game ending condition is established, the third time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0201] Then, a special game state is initiated based on the display of the stopped second special symbol (a special game is executed). At the end of the special game state, the game state "third time-shortened state" stored in the predetermined area is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "third time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the fourth time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether winning symbol 3 or winning symbol 4 has stopped, and transitions to the fourth time-shortened state.

[0202] In the fourth time-saving state, when a normal symbol lottery is executed and a normal winning symbol is won, and one of the normal winning symbols (normal winning symbol 1, normal winning symbol 2, or normal winning symbol 3) stops and displays, and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. Note that the same control is performed regardless of which normal winning symbol stops and displays, so the following explanation will be given for the case where normal winning symbol 1 stops and displays.

[0203] (A) In the fourth time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1, and the fourth A termination condition is established based on the start of operation, and the state transitions to the normal state at the start of operation (start of opening). (B) In the normal state, the first game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (C) In the normal state, the second game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 related to the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). (D) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "normal state" stored in (B) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the first time-saving state (for reserved consumption).

[0204] If the second special random number value is reserved and the game transitions to the first time-saving state, the first time-saving state begins, and the second special random number value is read and the second special symbol lottery (the display of the second special symbol fluctuations) begins. To simplify the explanation, the special game state begins based on the display of the second special symbol, and when the special game state ends, the stored game state "first time-saving state" is referenced. If a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the start of the fluctuation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "first time-saving state," the game transitions (returns) to the second time-saving state.

[0205] If the normal winning symbol 2 is won in the second time-saving state, the first special game state (1500 shots can be won) ends, followed by a third time-saving state, followed by a second special game state (1500 shots can be won). After the second special game state ends, the game transitions to a fourth time-saving state. If any normal winning symbol is won in the fourth time-saving state, the third special game state (1500 shots can be won) begins. After the third special game state ends, the first time-saving state begins, followed by a fourth special game state (1500 shots can be won). After the fourth special game state ends, the game returns to the second time-saving state. For this reason, winning the normal winning symbol 2 in the second time-saving state may be referred to as a "6000 shot win." In this embodiment, a 6000 shot win is a win that allows multiple (total of four) special game states to be played based on multiple (total of two) long releases.

[0206] (1 if transferred without holding) In the second time-saving state, a normal symbol lottery is executed and a normal hit is won, normal winning symbol 1 stops and is displayed, normal device 54 is opened long, and if one game ball enters second starting hole 49 during that long opening but a second game ball does not enter, the game transitions to a special game state based on the first ball entering, and after the special game state ends, the game transitions to the first time-saving state with no reserved balls. In this case, the second special symbol does not start to change with the start of the first time-saving state, and the first game ending condition is not met (the first time-saving state continues).

[0207] In the first time-saving state, a normal symbol lottery is executed, a normal win is won, and when the normal winning symbol 1 stops and displays, the long opening of the normal device 54 begins. At this time, the 1A termination condition is met, and the game state transitions to the normal state. A game ball (first) enters the second start hole 49, a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time when the second special symbol related to the win begins to fluctuate becomes the "normal state." A game ball (second) enters the second start hole 49, and the second special random number value is reserved. In addition, the operation of the normal device 54 ends based on the second game ball entering the second start hole 49. The game state control means 250 wins the "win" in the second special symbol lottery, and since the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," it transitions to the first time-shortened state (for consuming reserved data) after the special game state ends. As described above, if the first time-shortened state is transitioned to while the second special random number value is reserved, the game state transitions (returns) to the second time-shortened state after the special game state ends. Meanwhile, when a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first time-saving state and a normal win is won, and normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed, the long opening of the normal device 54 begins. At this time, the 1A termination condition is met, and the game state transitions to the normal state. A game ball (first) enters the second start hole 49, a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time when the second special symbol related to the win begins to fluctuate becomes the "normal state." A game ball (second) enters the second start hole 49, and the second special random number value is reserved. Furthermore, the operation of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. The game state control means 250 wins the "win" in the second special symbol lottery, and since the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," it transitions to the first time-shortened state (for consuming reserved data) after the special game state ends. As described above, if the first time-shortened state is transitioned to while the second special random number value is reserved, the game state transitions (returns) to the second time-shortened state after the special game state ends.

[0208] (2 if transferred without hold) In the second time-saving state, a normal symbol lottery is executed and a normal hit is won, normal hit symbol 2 stops and is displayed, normal device 54 is opened long, and if one game ball enters second start hole 49 during the long opening but the second game ball does not enter, the game transitions to a special game state based on the first ball entering, and after the special game state ends, the game transitions to a third time-saving state with no reserved balls. In this case, the second special symbol does not start to change with the start of the third time-saving state, and the third game ending condition is not met (the third time-saving state continues).

[0209] In the third time-saving state, a normal symbol lottery is executed, a normal win is won, and when the normal winning symbol 1 stops and displays, the long opening of the normal device 54 begins. At this time, the 3A termination condition is met, and the game state transitions to the normal state. A game ball (first) enters the second start hole 49, a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time when the second special symbol related to the win begins to fluctuate becomes the "normal state." A game ball (second) enters the second start hole 49, and the second special random number value is reserved. In addition, the operation of the normal device 54 ends based on the second game ball entering the second start hole 49. The game state control means 250 wins the "win" in the second special symbol lottery, and since the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," it transitions to the first time-shortened state (for consuming reserved data) after the special game state ends. As described above, if the first time-shortened state is transitioned to while the second special random number value is reserved, the game state transitions (returns) to the second time-shortened state after the special game state ends. On the other hand, when a normal symbol lottery is executed in the third time-saving state and a normal winning symbol 2 is won, the long opening of the normal device 54 begins. At this time, the 3A termination condition is met, and the game state transitions to the normal state. A game ball (first) enters the second start hole 49, a "win" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time when the second special symbol related to the win begins to fluctuate becomes the "normal state." A game ball (second) enters the second start hole 49, and the second special random number value is reserved. Furthermore, the operation of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. The game state control means 250 wins the "win" in the second special symbol lottery, and since the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," it transitions to the first time-shortened state (for consuming reserved data) after the special game state ends. As described above, if the first time-shortened state is transitioned to while the second special random number value is reserved, the game state transitions (returns) to the second time-shortened state after the special game state ends.

[0210] A win on the normal winning symbol 2 in the second time-saving state will result in a "6000-shot win," but if the first or third time-saving state is entered in an irregular state (no reserved balls), winning on the normal winning symbol 2 in that first or third time-saving state will not result in a "6000-shot win." Therefore, in the irregular first or third time-saving state, the type of effect executed may differ from that in the second time-saving state. For example, in the irregular first or third time-saving state, the high-profit pre-effect or the high-profit normal winning variable effect may not be executed, and the background may be slightly different.

[0211] (Variation 1) In this embodiment, in the fourth time-saving state, regardless of whether any normal winning symbol is displayed as a stop symbol, the game transitions to the normal state based on the start of operation of the normal device 54 based on that stop symbol. Therefore, when the game transitions to the fourth time-saving state, regardless of whether any normal winning symbol is displayed as a stop symbol, a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time the second special symbol related to that win begins to fluctuate becomes the "normal state," and after the special game state ends, the game transitions to the first time-saving state (for reserved consumption). In this modified example, if a predetermined normal winning symbol (normal winning symbol 2) is displayed as a stop symbol in the fourth time-saving state, the game does not transition to the normal state based on the start of operation of the normal device 54 based on that stop symbol (the fourth time-saving state continues).

[0212] In this modified example, if the normal winning pattern 2 is displayed as a result of the normal pattern lottery in the fourth time-saving state (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 will begin based on the display of the normal winning pattern 2, but none of the termination conditions will be met based on the start of operation (the game will not transition to the normal state). Next, in the fourth time-shortening state, the first game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "fourth time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the fourth time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. Next, in the fourth time-shortened state, a second game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). In this modified example, based on the completion of operation of the normal device 54 (one time), the termination condition for the fourth time-shortened state is met, and the fourth time-shortened state ends and transitions to the normal state. Next, a special game state is started based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). Next, at the end of the special game state, the game state "fourth time-shortening state" stored at the start of the variation of the second special symbol is referenced. In this modified example, when a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the start of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "fourth time-shortening state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortening times related to the third time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the third time-shortening state (for reserved consumption).

[0213] To avoid redundancy, the explanation will be simplified. Upon transitioning to the third time-saving state, a second special symbol lottery based on the reserved symbol is initiated. If a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time the second special symbol associated with the win begins to fluctuate is the "third time-saving state," the game transitions to the fourth time-saving state after the special game state ends. This modified example can be said to be a specification that allows for a loop of the fourth time-saving state (1G consecutive wins). In this modified example, the loop rate of the 1G consecutive wins can be said to be set according to the probability of winning a predetermined normal winning symbol (normal winning symbol 2) in the normal symbol lottery. When a predetermined normal winning symbol (normal winning symbol 2) stops and appears in the fourth time-saving state, an additional effect (an effect announcing the acquisition of a predetermined amount of game value) may be executed.

[0214] (Variation 2) In the first modified example, when a predetermined normal winning symbol (normal winning symbol 2) is stopped and displayed in the fourth time-shortened state, the normal state is not transitioned to (the fourth time-shortened state continues) based on the start of operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display. In this modified example, even if any of the normal winning symbols (normal winning symbol 1 to normal winning symbol 3) is stopped and displayed in the fourth time-shortened state, the normal state is not transitioned to (the fourth time-shortened state continues) based on the start of operation of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display.

[0215] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 15, a fifth time-saving state (for reserved consumption) is provided as a time-saving state. The fifth time-saving state is a time-saving state similar to the first time-saving state and the third time-saving state, so a duplicated explanation will be omitted.

[0216] In the fourth time-saving state, the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of any of the normal winning symbols, but the state does not transition to the normal state at the start of this operation (the fourth time-saving state continues). In the fourth time-saving state, the first game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 related to the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, the "fourth time-saving state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the fourth time-saving state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery is executed based on the ball entering the second start hole 49. Next, in the fourth time-saving state, a second game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 related to the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of the second game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). Furthermore, based on the end of operation of the normal device 54 (one time), the end condition of the fourth time-saving state (4A end condition) is met, and the fourth time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. Next, a special game state is started based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). Next, at the end of the special game state, the game state "fourth time-shortened state" stored at the start of the variation of the second special symbol is referenced. In this modified example, when a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the start of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "fourth time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the fifth time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the fifth time-shortened state (for reserved consumption).

[0217] When the game transitions to the fifth time-saving state while the second special random number value is reserved, the fifth time-saving state begins, and the second special symbol lottery (variable display of the second special symbol) is started by reading out the second special random number value. At this time, the game state at the start of the variation of the special symbol is the "fifth time-saving state," and the "fifth time-saving state" is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. Then, based on the variable display of the special symbol (second special symbol) once, the fifth game ending condition is established, the fifth time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0218] Then, a special game state is initiated based on the display of the stopped second special symbol (a special game is executed). At the end of the special game state, the game state "fifth time-shortened state" stored in the predetermined area is referenced. In this modified example, if a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the start of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "fifth time-shortened state," and "win symbol 3" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened states for the fourth time-shortened state at the end of the special game state and transitions to the fourth time-shortened state. On the other hand, if a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the start of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "fifth time-shortened state," and "win symbol 4" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened states for the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state and transitions to the second time-shortened state. This modified example is designed so that the fourth time-saving state (1G consecutive) can be looped. In this modified example, the loop rate of the 1G consecutive can be set according to the probability of winning a predetermined winning symbol (winning symbol 3) in the special symbol lottery (second special symbol lottery). If a "winning symbol" is won in the second special symbol lottery, and the game state at the time when the second special symbol related to the winning symbol starts to change is the "fifth time-saving state," and "winning symbol 3" is won, an additional effect (an effect announcing the acquisition of a predetermined number of game values) may be executed.

[0219] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment and the gaming machine of the second embodiment, so the description of the similar configuration will be omitted or simplified.

[0220] In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the second special random number value for which the special pattern lottery has not been conducted is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1 of the special random number memory means 2914, up to a maximum of one.

[0221] (Game state transition) As shown in FIG. 16, the game state control means 250 (game state setting means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between multiple game states based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions). The multiple game states include a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state. In this embodiment, a first time-saving state, a second time-saving state, and a third time-saving state are provided as time-saving states (states where it is easy to score a ball). The first time-saving state is the same as the first time-saving state shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 12).

[0222] (Second time-saving state) The second time-saving state is a time-saving state that is substantially the same as the second time-saving state shown in the first embodiment (FIG. 12), but has a different secondA termination condition. (2A termination condition) In this embodiment, in the second time-shortening state, the 2A termination condition is met when the total of the number of times the normal device 54 has finished operating based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 1, the number of times the normal device 54 has finished operating based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 2, and the number of times the normal device 54 has finished operating based on the stop display of normal winning symbol 3 reaches the number of times (2A time-shortening count) set at the end of the special game state (start of the second time-shortening state). Specifically, when transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "2" as the 2A time-shortening count. The game state control means 250 adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 1 operation end counter 2936 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 is completed, adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 2 operation end counter 2937 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 is completed, and adds 1 to the value of the normal symbol 3 operation end counter 2938 each time the operation of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 3 is completed; when the sum of the values ​​of each counter reaches "2", it determines that the 2A end condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortened state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0223] (Third time reduction state: for pending consumption) The third time-saving state is the same as the third time-saving state shown in the second embodiment (FIG. 14), and therefore a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0224] (Normal winning pattern 1) In the first time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 1 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (1) In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1, and the 1A termination condition is established based on the start of operation, and the state transitions to the normal state at the start of operation (start of opening). (2) In the normal state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (3) In the normal state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. That is, the normal device 54 is in a closed state. In this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal device 54 is established based on the entry of one game ball into the second starting hole 49, and the normal device 54 is closed. (4) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (5) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (2) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions (returns) to the first time-saving state.

[0225] When the normal winning symbol 1 is won in the first time-saving state, after one special game state (1500 shots can be won), the game returns to the first time-saving state. Therefore, winning the normal winning symbol 1 in the first time-saving state may be called a "1500 shot win." In this embodiment, a 1500 shot win is a win that allows one special game state to be executed based on one long release.

[0226] (Normal winning pattern 2) In the first time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 2 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (a) In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2, but none of the termination conditions are met based on the start of operation (the game does not transition to the normal state). (i) In the first time-shortening state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, "first time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the first time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (c) In the first time-shortening state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends when one game ball enters the second starting hole 49. That is, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). When the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the 1B ending condition is met, the first time-shortening state ends, and the state transitions to the normal state. (e) A special game state is initiated based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "first time-shortened state" stored in (I) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "first time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the second time-shortened state.

[0227] (a) In the second time-saving state, a normal symbol lottery is executed, and one of the normal winning symbols stops (the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), but based on the start of operation of the normal device 54 (first time) based on the stop display, none of the ending conditions are met, and the second time-saving state continues (it does not transition to the normal state). (b) In the second time-shortening state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, the "second time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the second time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (c) In the second time-shortening state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends when one game ball enters the second starting hole 49. That is, the normal device 54 enters a closed state. None of the end conditions are met based on the end of operation of the normal device 54 (first time), and the second time-shortening state continues. (d) In this embodiment, the time for which the second special symbol fluctuates once in the second time-shortening state is controlled to be longer than the time required for two consecutive long openings of the normal device 54. In the second time-shortening state, a second normal symbol lottery is executed, and one of the normal winning symbols is displayed as stopped (the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), but none of the termination conditions are met based on the start of operation (second time) of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display, and the second time-shortening state continues. (e) In the second time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 related to the normal device 54. Since the second special symbol is being displayed in a variable manner, the second special random number value is reserved in the second special reservation memory area 1. In addition, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 ends based on the entry of one game ball into the second start hole 49. In other words, the normal device 54 enters a closed state (closed state). Based on the end of operation of the normal device 54 (second time), the secondA termination condition is met, and the second time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. (f) The special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (the special game is executed). In this embodiment, the state transitions to the normal state based on the establishment of the second A termination condition as described above, but the state may be configured to transition to the normal state when the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. (g) At the end of the special game state, the game state "second time-shortened state" stored in (b) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "second time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the third time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the third time-shortened state (for reserved consumption).

[0228] When the game transitions to the third time-saving state while the second special random number value is reserved, the third time-saving state begins, and the second special symbol lottery (variable display of the second special symbol) is started by reading out the second special random number value. At this time, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is the "third time-saving state," and the "third time-saving state" is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. Then, based on the variable display of the special symbol (second special symbol) once, the third game ending condition is established, the third time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state.

[0229] Then, a special game state is initiated based on the stopped display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). At the end of the special game state, the game state "third time-shortened state" stored in the predetermined area is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the start of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "third time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether winning symbol 3 or winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions (returns) to the first time-shortened state.

[0230] If the normal winning symbol 2 is won in the first time-saving state, the first special game state (1500 shots can be won) ends, and then the game transitions to the second time-saving state. Regardless of which normal winning symbol is won in the second time-saving state, the second special game state (1500 shots can be won) begins. After the second special game state ends, the third special game state (1500 shots can be won) begins after the third time-saving state, and after the third special game state ends, the game returns to the first time-saving state. For this reason, winning the normal winning symbol 2 in the first time-saving state may be referred to as a "4500 shot win." In this embodiment, a 4500 shot win is a win that allows multiple (three total) special game states to be executed based on multiple (three total) long releases.

[0231] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, so the description of the similar configuration will be omitted or simplified.

[0232] (Game state transition) As shown in Figure 17, the game state control means 250 (game state setting means) performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between multiple game states based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (transition condition). The multiple game states include a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state. In this embodiment, a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state are provided as time-saving states (states where it is easy to score a ball).

[0233] In the first embodiment (FIG. 12), the timing of transition to the normal state is made different when normal winning symbol 1 is won (i.e., when 1500 shots are won) and when normal winning symbol 2 is won (i.e., when 3000 shots are won) in the first time-saving state, so that the game state when the special symbol starts to change is different. Specifically, when normal winning symbol 1 is won, the game state is transitioned to the normal state when the normal device 54 starts to operate, so that the game state when the special symbol starts to change is the normal state, and when normal winning symbol 2 is won, the game state is transitioned to the normal state when the normal device 54 finishes operating, so that the game state when the special symbol starts to change is the first time-saving state.

[0234] In this embodiment, by varying the number of times the normal symbol stops to meet the termination condition of the first time-saving state, the game state at the start of the special symbol fluctuation is made different depending on whether normal winning symbol 1 is won or normal winning symbol 2 is won in the first time-saving state.

[0235] (Conditions for ending the first time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions including termination conditions 1A to 1E are set as termination conditions for the first time-shortening state. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the first time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the first time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0236] (1A termination condition) The 1A termination condition is a condition based on the number of times that the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped. In this embodiment, the 1A termination condition is established when the number of times that the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped (the number of times that the normal symbol 1 is stopped) executed in the first time-saving state reaches the number of times (the number of times that the 1A time-saving state is started) that is set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a normal symbol 1 stop counter 2941 that counts the number of times the normal symbol 1 stops. When the game state control means 250 transitions to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, it sets the number of 1A time-shortening times to "1." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 1 stop counter 2941 each time a normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as stopped. When the value of the normal symbol 1 stop counter 2941 reaches "1" based on the execution of the normal winning symbol 1 being displayed as stopped, the game state control means 250 determines that the 1A termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0237] (1B Termination Condition) The 1B termination condition is a condition based on the number of times the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped. In this embodiment, the 1B termination condition is established when the number of times the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped (normal symbol 2 stop count) executed in the first time-saving state reaches the number (1B time-saving count) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a normal symbol 2 stop counter 2942 that counts the number of times the normal symbol 2 stops. When the game state control means 250 transitions to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, it sets the number of 1B time-shortening times to "10,000." The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 2 stop counter 2942 each time a normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as stopped. When the value of the normal symbol 2 stop counter 2942 reaches "10,000" based on the execution of the normal winning symbol 2, the game state control means 250 determines that the 1B termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0238] (1C termination condition) The 1C termination condition is a condition based on the number of times the normal winning symbol 3 is stopped. In this embodiment, the 1C termination condition is established when the number of times the normal winning symbol 3 is stopped (normal symbol 3 stop count) executed in the first time-saving state reaches the number (1C time-saving count) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). The main memory 290 of the main control board 200 is provided with a normal symbol 3 stop counter 2943 that counts the number of times the normal symbol 2 stops. When the game state control means 250 transitions to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, it sets "130" as the number of 1C time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the normal symbol 3 stop counter 2943 each time a normal winning symbol 3 is displayed as stopped. When the value of the normal symbol 3 stop counter 2943 reaches "130" based on the execution of the normal winning symbol 3, the game state control means 250 determines that the 1C termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0239] (1D termination condition) The 1D termination condition is based on the number of times the special symbol is displayed. In this embodiment, the 1D termination condition is met when the number of times the special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state reaches the number (1D time-saving number) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). Here, the "number of times the special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state" is the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state and the second special symbol is displayed in the first time-saving state. When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "5" as the number of 1D time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the first special symbol counter 2934 or the second special symbol counter 2935 each time a variable display of a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is executed. Then, based on the execution of the variable display of the special symbol, when the sum of the values ​​of the first special symbol counter 2934 and the second special symbol counter 2935 reaches "5", the game state control means 250 determines that the 1D termination condition is established, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0240] (1E termination condition) The 1E termination condition is based on the number of times the second special symbol is stopped. In this embodiment, the 1E termination condition is met when the number of times the second special symbol is stopped in the 1st time-saving state reaches the number (1E time-saving number) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the 1st time-saving state). When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the number of 1E time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the second special symbol counter 2935 each time the second special symbol is stopped and displayed. Then, when the value of the second special symbol counter 2935 reaches "1" based on the execution of the stop display of the second special symbol, the game state control means 250 determines that the 1E termination condition has been met, terminates the first time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0241] (Ending conditions for the second time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions including a second A termination condition and a second B termination condition are set as termination conditions for the second time-shortening state. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the second time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the second time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0242] (2A termination condition) The 2A termination condition is based on the number of times the normal winning symbol is displayed. In this embodiment, the 2A termination condition is met when the total of the number of times the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed in the first time-saving state (normal symbol 1 stop count), the number of times the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state (normal symbol 2 stop count), and the number of times the normal winning symbol 3 is displayed in the first time-saving state (normal symbol 3 stop count) reaches the number of times (2A time-saving count) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the first time-saving state). When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "1" as the number of 2A time-shortening times. Each time a normal winning symbol is stopped, the game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of any one of the normal symbol 1 stop counter 2941, the normal symbol 2 stop counter 2942, and the normal symbol 3 stop counter 2943. When the sum of the values ​​of the counters reaches "1" based on the execution of the normal winning symbol, the game state control means 250 determines that the 2A termination condition has been established, terminates the second time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0243] (2B termination condition) The second-B termination condition is based on the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner. In this embodiment, the second-B termination condition is met when the number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state reaches the number (second-B time-saving number) set at the end of the special game state (at the start of the second time-saving state). The "number of times the special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state" is the total number of times the first special symbol is displayed in a variable manner and the second special symbol is displayed in a variable manner executed in the second time-saving state. When transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets "5" as the number of 2B time-shortening times. The game state control means 250 adds "1" to the value of the first special symbol counter 2934 or the second special symbol counter 2935 each time a variable display of a special symbol (first special symbol or second special symbol) is executed. Then, when the total value of each counter reaches "5" based on the execution of the variable display of the special symbol, the game state control means 250 determines that the 2B termination condition is established, terminates the second time-shortening state, and transitions to the normal state.

[0244] (Normal winning pattern 1) In the first time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 1 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (1) In the first time-saving state, when the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., when the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is started based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1. In addition, the 1A ending condition is established based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1 once, and the first time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. (2) In the normal state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (3) In the normal state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. That is, the normal device 54 is in a closed state. In this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal device 54 is established based on the entry of one game ball into the second starting hole 49, and the operation of the normal device 54 is completed. (4) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (5) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (2) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won.

[0245] (Normal winning pattern 2) In the first time-saving state, when a normal pattern lottery is executed and a normal win is won, the normal winning pattern 2 is displayed and a long opening is obtained, the following control is performed. (A) In the first time-saving state, when the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., when the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is started based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2. Note that none of the termination conditions are met based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2 once, and the first time-saving state continues. (i) In the first time-shortening state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the display of the second special symbol begins to change, and the game state at the start of the change, "first time-shortening state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the first time-shortening state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (c) In the first time-shortened state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. That is, the normal device 54 is in a closed state (closed state). (E) The special game state starts based on the stop display of the second special symbol (the special game is executed). Based on the stop display of the second special symbol, the 1E ending condition is established, the 1st time-saving state ends, and the state transitions to the normal state. (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "first time-shortened state" stored in (I) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "first time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-shortened times related to the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and causes a transition to the second time-shortened state.

[0246] In this embodiment, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball entry easy state (first time shortening state) and the first normal winning symbol (normal winning symbol 1) is determined, the normal game state (normal state) is set based on the stop display of the first normal winning symbol, When a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball entry easy state and a second normal winning symbol is determined, a normal game state is set based on the stop display of a special symbol related to a special symbol lottery based on a ball entering the second starting hole.

[0247] In this embodiment, in (e) above, the game state is transitioned to the normal state based on the display of the stopped second special symbol, but in (b) above, a process of storing the "first gaming state" may be executed when the second special symbol starts to change based on the ball entering the reel, and then a process of transitioning to the normal state may be executed. In other words, the game state may be transitioned to the normal state when the second special symbol starts to change.

[0248] In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 3 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the short release pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (short release) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the stopped display of the normal winning symbol 3, but none of the termination conditions are met based on the one such stop display, and the first time-saving state continues. Note that if the 1C termination condition is met based on the stopped display, the first time-saving state ends and the state transitions to the normal state.

[0249] In the second time-saving state, if a normal symbol lottery is executed and a normal win is won, any normal symbol is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained, the following control will be performed. Note that the same control will be performed when any normal symbol is stopped and displayed, so the following shows the case where normal symbol 1 is stopped and displayed. (A) In the second time-saving state, when the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., when the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 is started based on the displayed stop. In addition, the second A ending condition is established based on the displayed stop once, and the second time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. (B) In the normal state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on the ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol begins, and the game state at the start of the variation, "normal state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. In other words, the normal state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second start hole 49 is executed. (C) In the normal state, the opening (operation) of the normal device 54 is completed. In other words, the normal device 54 is in the closed state (closed state). (D) A special game state is initiated based on the stop display of the second special symbol (a special game is executed). (E) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (B) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the number of time-saving times related to the first time-saving state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won.

[0250] In this embodiment, the conditions for ending the first time-shortening state are that the number of times that normal winning symbol 1 is stopped is 1, and the number of times that normal winning symbol 2 is stopped is 10,000, and when normal winning symbol 1 is won, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation becomes the normal state (low reference), and when normal winning symbol 2 is won, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation becomes the first time-shortening state (high reference). If the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is the first time-shortening state, it can transition to the second time-shortening state (long release winning probability 1 / 1).

[0251] Consider a case where, if normal winning symbol 1 is selected, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is set to the first time-saving state (high reference), and if normal winning symbol 2 is selected, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is set to the normal state (low reference). For example, suppose the number of 1A time-saving cycles is "10,000" and the number of 1B time-saving cycles is "1." The player can understand the result of the normal symbol lottery (stop display pattern) by looking at the normal symbol display section 72 (Figure 4) of the status display section 70. Therefore, when normal winning symbol 1 is displayed, a game ball entering the second start slot 49 will result in a win in the first time-saving state, and the first time-saving state will continue even if a game ball is not entered. Therefore, even if a long release of the normal device 54 based on the stop display is performed, a game ball will not be allowed to enter the second start slot 49. When the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed, if the game ball enters the second starting hole 49 during the long opening of the normal device 54 based on the stopped display, it will be a win in the normal state, so there is a risk that a strategy of making the game ball enter may occur. In other words, there is a risk that a strategy of making the game choose a more advantageous win (3000 hits) may occur. In this embodiment, when the normal winning symbol 1 is selected, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is set to the normal state (low reference), and when the normal winning symbol 2 is selected, the game state at the start of the special symbol variation is set to the first time-saving state (high reference). Since the first time-saving state ends (transitions to the normal state) based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1, unless the game ball enters the second start hole 49 during the long opening of the normal device 54 based on the stop display and the opportunity for the second special symbol lottery is not acquired, the game can be prevented from developing a strategy of not allowing the game ball to enter during the long opening of the normal device 54 when the normal winning symbol 1 is selected, and allowing the game ball to enter during the long opening of the normal device 54 when the normal winning symbol 2 is selected.

[0252] In this embodiment, if the normal winning pattern 1 is won in the first time-shortening state, the second special pattern lottery will result in a "win", and the game state at the time the second special pattern related to the win starts to change will be the "normal state", so at the end of the special game state, the number of time-shortening times related to the first time-shortening state is set and a transition (return) to the first time-shortening state will occur. However, without being limited to this, the system may be configured to transition to the normal state (without the time-shortening state being granted) at the end of the special game state.

[0253] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment, so the description of the similar configuration will be omitted or simplified.

[0254] (Game state transition) As shown in Figure 18, the game state control means 250 (game state setting means) performs game state transition control processing to transition the game state between multiple game states based on the establishment of predetermined conditions (transition conditions). The multiple game states include a normal state, a time-saving state, and a special game state. In this embodiment, a first time-saving state and a second time-saving state are provided as time-saving states (states where it is easy to score a ball).

[0255] (Conditions for ending the first time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions including a 1A termination condition and a 1B termination condition are set as termination conditions for the first time-shortening state. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the first time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the first time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0256] In this embodiment, in the time-saving state (at least the first time-saving state), the post-closing waiting time is set based on the end of operation of the normal device 54 (the end of the displacement of the movable member to a state where it is easy to score a ball). The post-closing waiting time (normal power operation end demo) is the waiting time until the next normal winning symbol becomes variable. Also, in this embodiment, the length of the post-closing waiting time that is set varies depending on the type of normal winning symbol. Note that the time when the post-closing waiting time has elapsed may be referred to as the end of operation of the normal device 54.

[0257] (1A termination condition) When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the first post-closing waiting time for the 1A termination condition to "approximately 0.5 seconds." In the first time-shortening state, when the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 begins and the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the game state control means 250 determines whether the first post-closing waiting time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed, it determines that the 1A termination condition has been met and terminates the first time-shortening state. In other words, when the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed, the first time-shortening state is terminated and a transition to the normal state is made.

[0258] (1B Termination Condition) When transitioning to the first time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the second post-closing waiting time for the first-B termination condition to "approximately 2 seconds." In the first time-shortening state, when the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 begins and the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the game state control means 250 determines whether the second post-closing waiting time (2 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed, it determines that the first-B termination condition has been met and terminates the first time-shortening state. In other words, when the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed, the first time-shortening state is terminated and a transition to the normal state is made. In this embodiment, the second post-closing waiting time is longer than the first post-closing waiting time.

[0259] (Ending conditions for the second time-saving state) In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of termination conditions are set as termination conditions for the second time-shortening state, including a second A termination condition, a second B termination condition, and a second C termination condition. The gaming state control means 250 terminates the second time-shortening state and transitions the gaming state to the normal state based on the establishment of the termination condition for the second time-shortening state (for example, one of the plurality of termination conditions).

[0260] (2A termination condition) When transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the first post-closing waiting time for the secondA termination condition to "approximately 0.5 seconds." In the second time-shortening state, when the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 1 begins and the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the game state control means 250 determines whether the first post-closing waiting time (0.5 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed, it determines that the secondA termination condition has been met and terminates the second time-shortening state. In other words, the second time-shortening state is terminated and a transition to the normal state is made after the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed.

[0261] (2B termination condition) When transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the second post-closing waiting time for the secondB termination condition to "approximately 2 seconds." In the second time-shortening state, when the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 2 begins and the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the game state control means 250 determines whether the second post-closing waiting time (2 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed, it determines that the secondB termination condition has been established and terminates the second time-shortening state. In other words, when the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed, the second time-shortening state is terminated and a transition to the normal state is made.

[0262] (2C termination condition) When transitioning to the second time-shortening state at the end of the special game state, the game state control means 250 sets the third post-closing waiting time for the second-C termination condition to "approximately 0.3 seconds." In the second time-shortening state, when the operation (long opening) of the normal device 54 based on the stop display of the normal winning symbol 3 begins and the operation of the normal device 54 ends, the game state control means 250 determines whether the third post-closing waiting time (0.3 seconds) has elapsed. Then, when the third post-closing waiting time has elapsed, it determines that the second-C termination condition has been met and terminates the second time-shortening state. In other words, when the third post-closing waiting time has elapsed, the second time-shortening state is terminated and a transition to the normal state is made.

[0263] (Game state transition) In this embodiment, the game state at the end of the special symbol variation (winning variation) is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state based on a "win" (predetermined result: small win or big win) in the special symbol lottery, and can determine (change) which game state to transition to after the special game state ends, depending on the game state (and winning symbol) stored in the predetermined area. In other words, the game state after the special game state ends can be changed (switched) depending on the game state stored in the predetermined area. In other words, the game state control means 250 can change the game state after the special game (special game state) is executed, depending on the game state set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery is displayed (at the time of the end of variation, when the stop display is performed).

[0264] (First special design lottery) The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (including via a small win game state) based on winning a "win" ("winning symbol 1" or "winning symbol 2") in the first special symbol lottery, and transitions the game state to a first time-shortened state or a second time-shortened state after the special game state ends. When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game state control means 250 determines whether to transition to the first time-shortened state or the second time-shortened state as follows, depending on the game state at the end of the variation of the first special symbol related to the win and the winning symbol (winning symbol).

[0265] When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game state at the end of the variation of the first special symbol related to the win is the "normal state", and "win symbol 2" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first time-shortened state.

[0266] When a "win" is won in the first special symbol lottery, the game state at the end of the variation of the first special symbol related to the win is the "normal state", and "win symbol 1" is won, the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state and transitions to the second time-shortened state.

[0267] (Second special design lottery) The game state control means 250 transitions the game state to a special game state (including via a small win game state) based on winning the second special symbol lottery ("winning symbol 3" or "winning symbol 4"), and transitions the game state to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state after the special game state ends. In this embodiment, when a "winning symbol" is obtained in the second special symbol lottery, the game state is controlled so that there are cases where the game state at the end of the variation of the second special symbol related to the winning symbol (winning variation) is a normal state or a time-saving state. Specific explanations will be given below using Figures 19 and 20.

[0268] FIG. 19(a) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (1) In the first time-saving state, when the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., when the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation of the normal device 54 (long opening) is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1. (2) In the first time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second start hole 49 associated with the normal device 54. Based on this ball entry, the variable display of the second special symbol begins. In this embodiment, the variable time of the second special symbol is set to one second. Also, in this embodiment, the closing condition of the normal device 54 is met based on one game ball (the specified number of balls entering) entering the second start hole 49, and the operation of the normal device 54 ends (the normal device 54 closes), and measurement of the first post-closing waiting time (0.5 seconds) begins. When the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed in the first time-saving state, it is determined whether the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed. (3) The 1A termination condition is met based on the passage of the first closing waiting time (0.5 seconds), and the first time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. When the normal winning symbol 1 stops, the first closing waiting time elapses before the second special symbol variation display ends (the first closing waiting time is shorter than the second special symbol variation time). In other words, the passage of the first closing waiting time occurs earlier than the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed in the first time-saving state. (4) The special game state is initiated (the special game is executed) based on the completion of the variation (stop display) of the second special symbol. In addition, the game state "normal state" at the time of the variation completion is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The normal state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed. (5) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (4) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the end of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the first time-shortened state.

[0269] In addition, the timing at which the game state control means 250 refers to the game state and determines the game state (to which time-shortening state to transition) after the special game state ends can be any timing between the time when the special pattern stops changing and the time when the special game state ends.

[0270] FIG. 19(b) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the first time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (a) In the first time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), operation of the normal device 54 (long opening) is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2. (i) In the first time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second starting hole 49 of the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol (1 second) begins. In addition, based on this ball entering, the operation of the normal device 54 ends (the normal device 54 closes), and measurement of the second post-closing waiting time (2 seconds) begins. When the normal winning symbol 2 stops and is displayed in the first time-saving state, it is determined whether the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed. (c) A special game state is initiated (a special game is executed) based on the completion of the variation (stop display) of the second special symbol. In addition, the game state at the time of the variation completion, "first time-saving state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The first time-saving state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed. (e) The first-B termination condition is met based on the passage of the second closing waiting time (2 seconds), and the first time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. When the normal winning symbol 2 stops, the second closing waiting time elapses after the second special symbol change display has finished (the second closing waiting time is longer than the second special symbol change time). In other words, the passage of the second closing waiting time occurs later than the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed in the first time-saving state. (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "first time-shortened state" stored in (C) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the end of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "first time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the second time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether winning symbol 3 or winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the second time-shortened state.

[0271] Although not shown in the figure, if the normal winning symbol 3 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery in the first time-shortened state (i.e., if the short-opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation (short-opening) of the normal device 54 is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 3, but the first time-shortened state continues unless the 1E termination condition (130 1E time-shortened times shown in Figure 12) is met based on the end of that operation. Note that if the 1E termination condition is met based on the end of that operation, the first time-shortened state ends and the state transitions to the normal state.

[0272] FIG. 20(a) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-saving state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (A) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 1 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation of the normal device 54 (long opening) is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 1. (B) In the second time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second starting hole 49 of the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol (1 second) begins. In addition, based on this ball entering, the operation of the normal device 54 ends (the normal device 54 closes), and measurement of the first post-closing waiting time (0.5 seconds) begins. When the normal winning symbol 1 is stopped and displayed in the second time-saving state, it is determined whether the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed. (C) The second A termination condition is met based on the lapse of the waiting time after the first closure (0.5 seconds), and the second time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. When the normal winning symbol 1 stops, the waiting time after the first closure elapses before the variable display of the second special symbol ends. (D) The special game state is started (the special game is executed) based on the completion of the variation (stop display) of the second special symbol. In addition, the game state "normal state" at the time of the variation completion is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The normal state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed. (E) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (D) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the end of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the first time-shortened state.

[0273] FIG. 20(b) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-shortened state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 2 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (a) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed as a result of the normal symbol lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation of the normal device 54 (long opening) is initiated based on the display of the normal winning symbol 2. (a) In the second time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second starting hole 49 of the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol (1 second) begins. In addition, based on this ball entering, the operation of the normal device 54 ends (the normal device 54 closes), and measurement of the second post-closing waiting time (2 seconds) begins. When the normal winning symbol 2 stops and is displayed in the second time-saving state, it is determined whether the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed. (c) A special game state is initiated (a special game is executed) based on the completion of the variation of the second special symbol (stop display). In addition, the game state at the time of the variation completion, "second time-shortened state," is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The second time-shortened state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed. (D) After the second closing wait time (2 seconds) has elapsed, the second B termination condition is met, the second time-saving state ends, and the game transitions to the normal state. When the normal winning symbol 2 stops, the second closing wait time elapses after the variable display of the second special symbol has finished. (E) At the end of the special game state, the game state "second time-shortened state" stored in (C) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the time when the variation of the second special symbol related to the win starts is the "second time-shortened state," the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state and transitions to the first time-shortened state, regardless of whether winning symbol 3 or winning symbol 4 is won.

[0274] FIG. 20(c) shows a case where a normal symbol lottery is executed in the second time-saving state, a normal winning symbol is won, the normal winning symbol 3 is stopped and displayed, and a long opening is obtained. (A) In the second time-saving state, if the normal winning pattern 3 is displayed as a result of the normal pattern lottery (i.e., if the long opening pattern of the normal device 54 is determined), the operation of the normal device 54 (long opening) is initiated based on the display of the normal winning pattern 3. (B) In the second time-saving state, a game ball enters (wins) the second starting hole 49 of the normal device 54. Based on this ball entering, the variable display of the second special symbol (1 second) begins. In addition, based on this ball entering, the operation of the normal device 54 ends (the normal device 54 closes), and measurement of the third post-closing waiting time (0.3 seconds) begins. When the normal winning symbol 3 stops and is displayed in the second time-saving state, it is determined whether the third post-closing waiting time has elapsed. (C) The second C termination condition is met based on the lapse of the waiting time after the third closure (0.3 seconds), and the second time-saving state ends and transitions to the normal state. When the normal winning symbol 3 stops, the waiting time after the third closure elapses before the variable display of the second special symbol ends. (D) The special game state is started (the special game is executed) based on the completion of the variation (stop display) of the second special symbol. In addition, the game state "normal state" at the time of the variation completion is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290. The normal state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole 49 is displayed. (E) When the special game state ends, the game state "normal state" stored in (D) above is referenced. When a "win" is won in the second special symbol lottery and the game state at the end of the variation of the second special symbol related to the win is the "normal state," the game state control means 250 sets the end condition of the first time-shortened state at the end of the special game state, regardless of whether the winning symbol 3 or the winning symbol 4 is won, and transitions to the first time-shortened state.

[0275] In this embodiment, the timing of ending the first time-saving state (the timing of transitioning to the normal state) is different between when normal winning symbol 1 is displayed and when normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state. Therefore, the game state at the end of the special symbol (second special symbol) variation (win variation) can be different between when normal winning symbol 1 is displayed and when normal winning symbol 2 is displayed in the first time-saving state. This allows the game state to transition to after the special game state ends to be determined by referring to the game state at the end of the special symbol (second special symbol) variation, and switching between transitioning to the first time-saving state or the second time-saving state can be performed depending on the game state. In this embodiment, winning a predetermined long-opening symbol (normal winning symbol 2) in the first time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than winning another long-opening symbol (normal winning symbol 1). The former involves a total of two special game states (3,000 shots can be won) before returning to the first time-saving state, while the latter involves one special game state (1,500 shots can be won) before returning to the first time-saving state.

[0276] In this embodiment, the second special symbol variation time is set to 1 second (fixed), but the second special symbol variation time may be variable within a range longer than the first post-closing wait time (0.5 seconds) and shorter than the second post-closing wait time (2 seconds). Furthermore, if the second post-closing wait time is set to a longer time, and the normal winning symbol 2 is displayed, the game may transition to the normal state when the second special symbol variation ends, rather than when the second post-closing wait time has elapsed (however, in this case, the game state must be stored in a predetermined area of ​​the main memory 290 when the second special symbol variation ends, before transitioning to the normal state). If the second special symbol variation time can be set to a short or long time, it is possible to diversify the effects related to the variation of the second special symbol.

[0277] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a gaming area (gaming area 4) in which gaming media move, and launching gaming media into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, A first starting hole (first starting hole 46) arranged in a predetermined area in the game area; A second starting hole (second starting hole 49) arranged in an area different from the predetermined area in the game area; A movable member (normal accessory 54) that changes the ease of entering the second starting hole; An operating port (passing gate 48 or operating winning port) that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery regarding whether or not to displace the movable member into a state where it is easy to enter the ball; A large prize winning hole (large prize winning hole 50) that is in a state where it is easy to enter a ball in a special game that is executed when the result of a special pattern lottery that is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole is a predetermined result; and a game state setting means (game state control means 250) capable of setting game states including an easy-to-score state in which the movable member is relatively likely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is relatively unlikely to be in a state in which it is easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, At least a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol are provided as normal winning symbols that can result in displacing the movable member to a state where a ball can be easily entered in the normal symbol lottery. The easy-to-go-ball state can be set after the special game based on the predetermined result being obtained in the special symbol lottery is executed, and a plurality of types of easy-to-go-ball states including a first specific easy-to-go-ball state are provided as the easy-to-go-ball state, Among the plurality of types of easy-to-score states, at least in the first specific easy-to-score state, a first post-closing waiting time based on the completion of the displacement of the movable member to the easy-to-score state based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery and the determination of the first normal winning symbol, and a second post-closing waiting time based on the completion of the displacement of the movable member to the easy-to-score state based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery and the determination of the second normal winning symbol can be set, The second post-closing waiting time is longer than the first post-closing waiting time, The normal gaming state is set when the first post-closing waiting time has elapsed and when the second post-closing waiting time has elapsed, When the waiting time after the first closure has elapsed, the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole in the first specific ball entry easy state is displayed earlier than the time, The time when the waiting time after the second closure has elapsed is later than the time when the result of the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed in the first specific ball entry easy state, The game state setting means can change the game state to be set after the special game is executed depending on the game state set at the time when the result of the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed.

[0278] By making the game state set after the execution of the special game different depending on which game state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed, it is possible to diversify the methods of transitioning the game state and provide new gameplay (game characteristics), thereby increasing the interest in the game.

[0279] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The plurality of types of easy-to-enter states include a second specific easy-to-enter state in which the special symbol lottery based on the entry of the ball into the second starting hole is executed, the predetermined result is obtained, and the execution of the special game is substantially determined; The game state setting means When the normal game state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed, the game state after the execution of the special game is set to the first specific ball entry easy state, If the first specific easy-to-score state is set at the time when the result of the special pattern lottery based on the ball scoring into the second starting hole is displayed, the game state after the special game is executed is set to the second specific easy-to-score state.

[0280] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, A performance control means for controlling the execution of the performance is provided, The performance control means When information is acquired that indicates that the second normal winning symbol will be determined as a result of the normal symbol lottery in the first specific easy-to-win state, a pre-effect suggesting that the second normal winning symbol will be determined can be executed before the normal symbol lottery based on the information is executed.

[0281] When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-win state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the normal game state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed, so the state transitions to the first specific easy-to-win state after the special game is executed. In other words, one special game is executed. When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific easy-to-score state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the first specific easy-to-score state is set at the time when the result of the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is displayed, so the game transitions to the second specific easy-to-score state after the special game is executed. Then, in the second specific easy-to-score state, the execution of the special game is determined. Therefore, the special game is executed multiple times (a total of two times across the second specific easy-to-score state). Therefore, the pre-effect that suggests that the second normal winning symbol will be determined is a pre-effect that suggests that multiple special games will be played. By notifying the player that multiple special games may be played before the normal symbol lottery is executed, it is possible to create a sense of expectation and excitement in the player. This can increase the interest in the game.

[0282] In the first to fifth embodiments, when a specific normal winning symbol that results in a long opening is won in a relatively unfavorable time-saving state (lower normal ST), the normal electric device 54 is activated, and the ball enters the second starting hole 49, the system is configured so that after a special game that occurs based on the fluctuation of the second special symbol, the system can transition to the time-saving state that is most advantageous to the player (a state in which the probability of a normal long opening is 1 / 1 and a win is effectively confirmed), but it may also be configured so that the system can transition to a higher normal ST as an advantageous time-saving state (a time-saving state in which it is easier to win a normal long opening than in a time-saving state that results in a lower normal ST, and in which there is a possibility that the ST state will end without a normal long opening (a win) being obtained).

[0283] However, if a specific normal winning symbol is won in a relatively unfavorable time-saving state, and the relatively favorable time-saving state to which the player transitions after the special game based on the fluctuation of the second special symbol is a higher-level normal ST where there is a possibility (for example, 1% or more) of not winning, it is preferable to avoid a presentation that suggests that a "win" can be won in the higher-level normal ST as a high-profit advance presentation, and for example, rather than suggesting two wins such as "3000," it is better to limit it to a suggestion such as "1500+" or "if you can win, you will be in the top ranks."

[0284] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and any component may be modified or omitted without departing from the spirit of the invention. In other words, the configuration of the gaming machine is not limited to that of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention allows for free combination of the components of the embodiments within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0285] 4 Gaming area 46 First starting point 48 Passage gate (operating gate) 49 Second starting point 50 Grand Prize Winners 54 Ordinary accessories (movable parts) 250 Game status control means (game status setting means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine having a gaming area in which gaming media move, and launching gaming media into the gaming area in response to a player's operation, A first starting hole disposed in a predetermined area in the game area; A second starting hole arranged in an area different from the predetermined area in the game area; A movable member that changes the ease of a ball entering the second starting hole; An operating port that triggers the execution of a normal pattern lottery regarding whether or not to displace the movable member into a state where it is easy to score a ball; A big prize hole that is easy to enter in a special game that is executed when a result of a special symbol lottery that is executed in response to a ball entering the first starting hole or the second starting hole is a predetermined result; and a game state setting means for setting game states including an easy-to-score state in which the movable member is likely to be in a state where it is relatively easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery, and a normal game state in which the movable member is unlikely to be in a state where it is relatively easy to score a ball based on the execution of the normal symbol lottery. At least a first normal winning symbol and a second normal winning symbol are provided as normal winning symbols that can result in displacing the movable member to a state where a ball can easily enter in the normal symbol lottery, The easy-to-score state can be set after the special game is executed based on the predetermined result being obtained in the special symbol lottery, and a plurality of types of easy-to-score states including a first specific easy-to-score state are provided as the easy-to-score state, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball entry easy state and the first normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the normal game state is set at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed, When the normal symbol lottery is executed in the first specific ball-entry easy state and the second normal winning symbol is determined, the movable member is displaced to make it easier for the ball to enter the second starting hole, and the first specific ball-entry easy state is maintained at the time when the special symbol lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed. The gaming machine is configured such that the gaming state setting means can change the gaming state to be set after the special game is executed depending on the gaming state set at the time when the special pattern lottery based on the ball entering the second starting hole is executed.

Images