Pachinko machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a gaming machine that can provide new gaming features. [Solution] In the gaming machine 10, when a hit / miss determination is made when a gaming ball passes through the right-side start gate 18R, the ball is allowed to enter the second start winning hole 14BK, and when a hit / miss determination is made when a gaming ball passes through the left-side start gate 18L, the ball is allowed to enter the specific start winning hole 40K. The gaming machine 10 controls the gaming states into a normal gaming state in which it is difficult to enter the two start winning holes 14BK and 40K, a time-saving gaming state in which it is easy to enter the two start winning holes 14BK and 40K, and an intermediate state in which it is difficult to enter the second start winning hole 14BK but it is easy to enter the specific start winning hole 40K.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, a normal state and a time-limited state (including a probability-variable state) are provided as the state of balls entering a start port that is opened and closed by an electric accessory.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

[0039] to

[0040] , FIG. 2)

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the gaming machine of Patent Document 1, there may be a problem that the freshness of the game is lacking.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of imparting novel gaming properties.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The first means includes a game state control means for controlling the game state into a first state in which the entry of game balls into a specific ball entry part is restricted, and a second state in which the entry of game balls into the specific ball entry part is easier than in the first state and the jackpot lottery probability is the same as in the first state. When a game ball enters the specific ball entry part in the second state, a winning determination that is more likely to result in a win than a loss is made. The game state control means controls the game state after the next jackpot game to be Set to the second state a gaming machine.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to the above invention, it becomes possible to impart novel gaming properties.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [First Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment includes a game board 11 covered by a front frame 10Z, and through a glass window 10W formed in the front frame 10Z, the entire substantially circular game area R1 formed on the front surface of the game board 11 is visible. The game area R1 is surrounded by a substantially circular guide rail 12 protruding from the front surface of the game board 11. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "right" and "left" refer to "right" and "left" when the gaming machine 10 is viewed from the front.

[0010] Below the glass window 10W in the front frame 10Z, an upper tray 26 and a lower tray 27 are provided in two upper and lower stages, and a firing handle 28 is provided on the right side of the lower tray 27. When the firing handle 28 is rotated, the game balls accommodated in the upper tray 26 are ejected one by one toward the game area R1 by a firing device (not shown).

[0011] In the center of the game area R1 of the game board 11, a display opening 11H is formed through, and a display device 30 faces the display opening 11H from the back side of the game board 11. The display device 30 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal module and has a display screen 30G for performing effects related to the game on the front surface. Various effects related to the game are performed on the display screen 30G.

[0012] A display decorative frame 23 is attached to the front center of the game board 11 so as to surround the display screen 30G. The display decorative frame 23 is fitted into the display opening 11H from the front side of the game board 11 and protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 11. Thereby, the game balls flowing down in the game area R1 are restricted from getting over the display decorative frame 23 and entering the inside of the display decorative frame 23.

[0013] An arc-shaped upper connecting path 24 along the guide rail 12 is formed above the display decorative frame 23 in the game area R1. The upper connecting path 24 connects the left area R2 and the right area R3 located on the left side and the right side with respect to the display decorative frame 23 in the game area R1. Here, the game balls launched from a launching device (not shown) enter the game area R1 from the upper left part of the game area R1. In the gaming machine 10, the game balls that have passed through the upper connecting path 24 flow down in the right area R3 of the game area R1. The upper connecting path 24 is formed to have a width through which one game ball can pass at a time.

[0014] A first start winning opening 14AK is provided at the center in the left-right direction of the lower part of the display decorative frame 23 in the game area R1. The first start winning opening 14AK is always open and specifically has a pocket structure having an opening at the upper part with a size through which one game ball can enter at a time.

[0015] Below the first start winning opening 14AK, a first major winning device 15A is provided. The first major winning device 15A includes a first major winning opening 15AK that is open to the front side, and a first variable member 15AT that opens and closes the first major winning opening 15AK. The first variable member 15AT is configured to be rotatable about the lower edge of the first major winning opening 15AK, and is arranged in a closed position that is substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11 and an open position that is tilted forward. When the first variable member 15AT is arranged in the closed position, the first major winning opening 15AK is blocked and it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the first major winning opening 15AK. When the first variable member 15AT is arranged in the open position, the first major winning opening 15AK is opened, and the game ball can enter the first major winning opening 15AK guided by the first variable member 15AT.

[0016] In the left region R2 and the right region R3, one starting gate in the shape of a gate through which the game ball can pass through is provided respectively. Specifically, in the left region R2, a left starting gate 18L is provided on the left side of the display decoration frame 23, and in the right region R3, a right starting gate 18R is provided on the right side of the display decoration frame 23. When the game ball passes through the left starting gate 18L or the right starting gate 18R, a normal symbol winning or losing determination is made. Hereinafter, the normal symbol winning or losing determination will be referred to as "normal symbol determination". The normal symbol determination based on the right starting gate 18R will be referred to as the first normal symbol determination, and the normal symbol determination based on the left starting gate 18L will be referred to as the second normal symbol determination, and the two normal symbol determinations will be appropriately distinguished.

[0017] When the normal symbol determination is made, the normal symbol is variably displayed on the normal symbol determination display unit 18H (see FIG. 2), and after a predetermined time has elapsed, it is stopped and displayed. Then, the result of the normal symbol determination is displayed by the stopped normal symbol.

[0018] When a game ball passes through the left starting gate 18L or the right starting gate 18R during the variation of the normal symbol, information regarding the normal symbol determination resulting from such passage (specifically, the result display of the normal symbol determination and the accompanying symbol variation) is held up to a preset maximum number of holds. Then, when the variation of the normal symbol being executed ends, one hold is consumed, and the held variation of the normal symbol and the display of the determination result are performed. The maximum number of holds for information regarding the normal symbol determination (hereinafter referred to as "normal symbol hold") is, for example, four. In the case of multiple normal symbol holds, the normal symbol holds are consumed in the order of occurrence.

[0019] Below the right starting gate 18R in the right region R3, a second starting winning device 14B is provided. The second starting winning device 14B includes a second starting winning opening 14BK that is open to the front side, and a second starting variable member 14BT that opens and closes the second starting winning opening 14BK. Specifically, the second starting variable member 14BT is configured to be rotatable about the lower edge of the second starting winning opening 14BK, and is normally arranged in a closed position substantially flush with the front surface of the game board 11 to close the second starting winning opening 14BK. When the result of the above-described first normal symbol determination is a win, it is arranged in an open position that is advanced by a predetermined period to open the second starting winning opening 14BK. When the second starting variable member 14BT is arranged in the open position, the game ball can enter the second starting winning opening 14BK guided by the second starting variable member 14BT, and when the second starting variable member 14BT is arranged in the closed position, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening 14BK.

[0020] Below the second start winning device 14B in the right area R3, a second large winning device 15B is provided. The second large winning device 15A includes a second large winning opening 15BK that is open to the front side, and a second variable member 15BT that opens and closes the second large winning opening 15BK. The second variable member 15BT is configured to be rotatable about the lower edge of the second large winning opening 15BK, and is arranged at a closed position flush with the front surface of the game board 11 and an open position where it tilts forward. When the second variable member 15BT is arranged at the closed position, the second large winning opening 15BK is blocked and it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the second large winning opening 15BK. When the second variable member 15BT is arranged at the open position, the second large winning opening 15BK is opened, and the game ball can enter the second large winning opening 15BK guided by the second variable member 15BT.

[0021] Below the left start gate 18L in the left area R2, a specific start winning device 40 is provided. The specific start winning device 40 includes a specific start winning opening 40K that is open to the front side, and a specific start variable member 40T that opens and closes the specific start winning opening 40K. The specific start variable member 40T is configured to be rotatable about the lower edge of the specific start winning opening 40K, and is usually arranged at a closed position flush with the front surface of the game board 11 to block the specific start winning opening 40K. When the result of the above-described second general drawing determination is a win, it is arranged at an open position where it tilts forward for a predetermined period to open the specific start winning opening 40K. When the specific start variable member 40T is arranged at the open position, the game ball can enter the specific start winning opening 40K guided by the specific start variable member 40T. When the specific start variable member 40T is arranged at the closed position, it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the specific start winning opening 40K.

[0022] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, for each winning of the first general symbol determination and the second general symbol determination, two types are provided: a short general symbol win and a long general symbol win. When it is a long general symbol win, the time during which the start variable member (the second start variable member 14BT in the case of the first general symbol determination, and the specific start variable member 40T in the case of the second general symbol determination) is arranged at the open position is longer than the time during which the start variable member is arranged at the open position when it is a short general symbol win. That is, two types are provided: a short mode and a long mode with different opening times of the start winning port, in a state where a game ball can be entered into the start winning port. In the gaming machine 10, in the case of a short general symbol win, it is substantially impossible to enter a game ball into the start winning port, and a game ball can be entered into the start winning port only in the case of a long general symbol win.

[0023] When a game ball enters the first start winning port 14AK, the second start winning port 14BK, or the specific start winning port 40K, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the upper tray 26 (see FIG. 1), and a special symbol winning or losing determination is performed. The result of this determination is displayed on the special symbol determination display unit 14H (see FIG. 2) and the display screen 30G. Hereinafter, the special symbol winning or losing determination will be referred to as "special symbol determination", and the special symbol determination based on the first start winning port 14AK and the special symbol determination based on the second start winning port 14BK will be appropriately distinguished as the first special symbol determination and the second special symbol determination.

[0024] The result of the special symbol determination is displayed on the display screen 30G as follows. That is, on the display screen 30G, usually, three special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R on the left, middle, and right are stopped and displayed side by side. Each special symbol 30L, 30C, 30R is composed of a plurality of types representing, for example, numbers from "0" to "9", and a predetermined type is stopped and displayed for each special symbol 30L, 30C, 30R. When the special symbol determination is performed, the three special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R are scrolled and displayed (variably displayed) in the vertical direction, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, they are stopped and displayed in the order of, for example, left, right, and middle. Then, the result of the special symbol determination is displayed according to the combination of the stopped special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R.

[0025] When it is displayed on the display screen 30G that the result of the special figure determination is a big win, the game state becomes a big win game state, and the big win game is executed, and game balls can enter the first big winning port 15AK or the second big winning port 15BK. When a game ball enters the first big winning port 15AK or the second big winning port 15BK, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out as prize balls to the upper tray 26 (see FIG. 1).

[0026] Specifically, when the big win game is executed, the first variable member 15AT is driven to the open position for a predetermined period, and the first big winning port 15AK is opened. Here, if the operation from when the first big winning port 15AK is opened until it is closed is called a "round", one big win game continues until a predetermined number of rounds are executed. One round ends when either the opening time of the first big winning port 15AK reaches a predetermined time (for example, 29 seconds), or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are won in the first big winning port 15AK. An award sensor (not shown) is provided inside the first big winning port 15AK to count the number of winning balls.

[0027] Also, when it is displayed on the display screen 30G that the result of the special figure determination is a small win, the game state becomes a small win game state, and the small win game is executed. In the small win game, game balls can enter the second big winning port 15BK. The opening time of the second big winning port 15BK is shorter than the opening time of the first big winning port 15AK in the big win game, and the number of balls drawn in one small win game is less than the number of balls drawn in one big win game. The small win game ends when either the opening time of the second big winning port 15BK reaches a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds), or a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) are won in the second big winning port 15BK. An award sensor (not shown) is provided inside the second big winning port 15BK to count the number of winning balls.

[0028] Here, when a game ball enters the first start winning opening 14AK, the second start winning opening 14BK, or the specific start winning opening 40K during the variation of the special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R, during a small win game, or during a big win game, information regarding the special symbol determination resulting from the ball entry (specifically, the result display of the special symbol determination and the accompanying symbol variation) is held up to a preset hold upper limit number. Then, when the ongoing symbol variation, small win game, or big win game ends, one hold is cleared, and the held symbol variation and result display are performed. Here, if we appropriately distinguish between the hold of information regarding the first special symbol determination and the hold of information regarding the second special symbol determination as the first special symbol hold and the second special symbol hold, the hold upper limit number is set for each of the first special symbol hold and the second special symbol hold, and the numbers of the first special symbol hold and the second special symbol hold are recognizable to the player, for example, by being displayed on the hold display section 30H (see FIG. 2). In the gaming machine 10, the hold upper limit number of the first special symbol hold and the hold upper limit number of the second special symbol hold are the same, for example, four. Note that the hold upper limit number of the first special symbol hold and the hold upper limit number of the second special symbol hold may be different.

[0029] Note that in the gaming machine 10, the second special symbol hold is preferentially cleared over the first special symbol hold. Also, among the first special symbol holds, the holds are cleared in the order of occurrence, and among the second special symbol holds as well, the holds are cleared in the order of occurrence.

[0030] In the game area R1, in addition to the above-described winning openings 14AK, 14BK, 40, 15AK, 15BK, a plurality of general winning openings (not shown) that open upward or laterally and allow game balls to constantly enter are provided. Also, at the lower end of the game area R1, specifically, below the first big winning device 15A, an out opening 16 for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the winning openings to the outside of the game area R1 is provided. Further, in the game area R1, a large number of obstacle pins (not shown) for randomly changing the flow direction of the game balls are implanted.

[0031] Figure 2 shows the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10. In the figure, reference numeral 50 denotes the main control circuit 50, which includes a microcomputer having a CPU 50A, a RAM 50B, a ROM 50C, and a plurality of counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer and the sub-control circuit 52, and an input / output circuit connecting a relay circuit to which a big winning device or the like is connected and a payout control circuit or the like, and performs main control related to the game. The CPU 50A includes a win / loss determination unit, a control unit, an arithmetic unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and in addition to performing arithmetic control, it also generates random numbers related to special drawing determination and normal drawing determination, and is configured to be able to output (transmit) a control signal to the sub-control circuit 52 or the like. The RAM 50B includes a storage area for various random number values generated by the CPU 50A, a storage area for temporarily storing various data, flags, and a work area for the CPU 50A. In the ROM 50C, control data, special symbols 30L, 30C, 30R, and symbol variation data related to the variable display of normal symbols are written, and in addition, determination values for special drawing determination and normal drawing determination, the number of rounds of a big win game, etc. are written. Note that the information on the first special drawing determination related to the first special drawing reservation and the information on the second special drawing determination related to the second special drawing reservation are stored in the RAM 50B. Also, the information on the normal drawing determination related to the normal drawing reservation is stored in the RAM 50B.

[0032] The sub-control circuit 52, like the main control circuit 50, includes a microcomputer having a CPU 52A, a RAM 52B, a ROM 52C, and a plurality of counters, an input / output circuit connecting the microcomputer and the main control circuit 50, and an input / output circuit connecting a display control circuit 54 or the like. The CPU 52A includes a control unit, an arithmetic unit, various counters, various registers, various flags, etc., and in addition to performing arithmetic control, it is configured to be able to output (transmit) a control signal to the display control circuit 54 or the like. The RAM 52B has a storage area for various data and a work area by the CPU 52A. In the ROM 52C, data on various effects and the like are stored.

[0033] The display control circuit 54 is provided in the display device 30 and has a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM. The CPU of the display control circuit 54 acquires image data from the ROM based on the control signal output from the sub-control circuit 52, and displays an image on the display screen 30G based on the image data.

[0034] <Game performance of the gaming machine 10> FIG. 3 shows the flow of the game in the gaming machine 10. As shown in the figure, in the gaming machine 10, there are two types of game states, a normal game state and a time-saving game state, as game states other than the big win game state and the small win game state. The control of the game state is performed by the main control circuit 50.

[0035] In the time-saving game state, it becomes easier to enter game balls into the second start winning opening 14BK than in the normal game state. Specifically, between the normal game state and the time-saving game state, the winning probabilities of the first general figure determination and the second general figure determination are the same, and in any of the first general figure determination and the second general figure determination, the ratio of getting a long general figure in the time-saving game state is set higher than that in the normal game state. As a result, in the normal game state, even if a win occurs in the second general figure determination, it is difficult to enter the game ball into the second start winning opening 14BK, and in the time-saving game state, when a win occurs in the second general figure determination, it becomes easy to enter the game ball into the second start winning opening 14BK. Therefore, in the normal game state, the player allows the game ball to flow down in the left area R2 of the game area R1 and receives the first special figure determination by entering the game ball into the first start winning opening 14AK, and in the time-saving game state, the player allows the game ball to flow down in the right area R3 of the game area R1 and receives the second special figure determination by entering the game ball into the second start winning opening 14BK.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows the distribution of short general figure wins and long general figure wins when a win occurs in the general figure determination in each game state. In the example of FIG. 4, all wins in the general figure determination in the normal game state are short general figure wins regardless of whether the general figure determination is the first general figure determination or the second general figure determination, and all wins in the general figure determination in the time-saving game state are long general figure wins regardless of whether the general figure determination is the first general figure determination or the second general figure determination.

[0037] The initial game state of the gaming machine 10 is the normal game state. The state transition from the normal game state to the time-saving game state is triggered by a big win. Specifically, there are two types of big wins: a time-saving big win that becomes the time-saving game state after the end of the big win game, and a non-time-saving big win that does not become the time-saving game state after the end of the big win game. Whether it is a time-saving big win or a non-time-saving big win is determined by the judgment value (big win random number) of the special figure judgment.

[0038] In this embodiment, there are two types of big wins in the first special figure judgment: a time-saving big win and a non-time-saving big win, and the big win in the second special figure judgment is only one type of time-saving big win. That is, in the gaming machine 10, since all big wins in the time-saving game state are time-saving big wins, once the time-saving game state is entered, it becomes difficult for the game state to shift to the normal game state. The time-saving game state ends when a preset time-saving end condition is satisfied. When the time-saving game state ends, the game state shifts to the normal game state.

[0039] Note that in this embodiment, the big win in the first special figure judgment may be only one type of time-saving big win, or there may be two types of big wins, a time-saving big win and a non-time-saving big win, in the second special figure judgment.

[0040] In the gaming machine 10, between the first special figure judgment and the second special figure judgment, regardless of whether the game state is the normal game state or the time-saving game state, the winning probability of the big win is the same. Also, between the first special figure judgment and the second special figure judgment, regardless of whether the game state is the normal game state or the time-saving game state, the winning probability of the small win is higher in the second special figure judgment than in the first special figure judgment. Note that in the gaming machine 10, for example, the big win probability and the small win probability in the first special figure judgment are 1 / 200 and 1 / 500, respectively, and the big win probability and the small win probability in the second special figure judgment are 1 / 200 and 1 / 50, respectively.

[0041] In the gaming machine 10, when a small winning game is executed, game balls can enter the second large winning opening 15BK. Here, in the second large winning device 15B, the game balls that enter the second large winning opening 15BK are sorted into either a specific area (V zone) or a normal area (both not shown in the figure). When a game ball passes through the specific area (i.e., wins a V), a big win is determined, the game state changes from the small winning game state to the big winning game state, and the big winning game is executed. Then, in the big winning game after a V win, game balls can enter the first large winning opening 15AK. When a big win is determined by a V win, the game state after the end of the big winning game becomes the time-saving game state.

[0042] In the gaming machine 10, in the small winning game when a small win occurs in the time-saving game state, game balls are more likely to be sorted into the specific area than in the small winning game when a small win occurs in the normal game state. Specifically, in the gaming machine 10, when a small win occurs in the second special figure determination, regardless of whether it is in the normal game state or the time-saving game state, the sorting into the specific area is 100%. In contrast, when a small win occurs in the first special figure determination, when it is in the time-saving game state, the sorting into the specific area is 100%, and when it is in the normal game state, the sorting into the specific area is 0%. Note that in the gaming machine 10, in the time-saving game state, the small winning probability of the second special figure determination is higher than the big winning probabilities of the first special figure determination and the second special figure determination. Therefore, it is more likely to occur that a small win occurs in the second special figure determination and then a big win occurs due to a V win in that small winning game, rather than a big win occurring in the first special figure determination.

[0043] In this way, in the gaming machine 10, when it enters the time-saving game state, game balls are more likely to enter the second start winning opening 14BK and more likely to win a small win. During the execution of the small winning game, when a game ball passes through the specific area (i.e., wins a V), a big win is determined. And in the gaming machine 10, when a big win occurs due to a V win, the game state after the end of the big winning game becomes the time-saving game state. So, once it enters the time-saving game state, it becomes difficult to shift to the normal game state, and so-called consecutive big wins, where big wins occur continuously without shifting to the normal game state, are more likely to occur.

[0044] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the time-limit end condition for the end of the time-limit game state is either winning a jackpot (including winning a V prize in a minor jackpot game) or the number of executions of the special figure determination reaching a preset upper limit number (hereinafter referred to as the "time-limit upper limit number"). In the gaming machine 10, the time-limit upper limit number is the sum of the number of executions of the first special figure determination and the number of executions of the second special figure determination, and is, for example, 50 times.

[0045] In the gaming machine 10, one execution of the special figure determination is from when the special figure determination starts until the result of the special figure determination is notified to the player. Therefore, when the upper limit number of special figure determinations is started, the time-limit game state has not ended, and the state where game balls are likely to enter the second start winning opening 14BK continues until the variation of the special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R based on the special figure determination ends. And during the variation of the special symbols 30L, 30C, and 30R, information regarding the special figure determination can be held up to the hold upper limit number, so the player can receive the second special figure determination additionally by up to the hold upper limit number (in the example of the present embodiment, 4).

[0046] <Intermediate game state> In the gaming machine 10, there are two types of jackpots in the special figure determination in the normal game state: a jackpot without time limit and a jackpot with time limit. And the normal game state is a state where it is difficult to win a jackpot compared to the time-limit game state and is not advantageous to the player. For this reason, when a jackpot without time limit occurs in the normal game state, there is a problem that the player ends the game when the jackpot game ends. Also, even when the jackpot without time limit is included in the jackpot in the time-limit game state, there is a problem that the player ends the game when a jackpot without time limit occurs in the time-limit game state and the jackpot game ends. Thus, in the gaming machine 10, when a jackpot without time limit occurs, there is a so-called immediate stop problem that the player ends the game when the jackpot ends.

[0047] In the gaming machine 10, in order to suppress immediate termination after a non-time-reduced big win, as a gaming state after a non-time-reduced big win, it is provided with an intermediate gaming state positioned as a state between the normal gaming state and the time-reduced gaming state. Note that when a non-time-reduced big win occurs, after the end of the big win game, it may necessarily enter the intermediate gaming state, or it may enter the intermediate gaming state at a predetermined rate. In the latter case, the gaming state after the end of the big win game will be either the intermediate gaming state or the normal gaming state, and the allocation between the normal gaming state and the intermediate gaming state is determined by the random number value of the special figure determination when a non-time-reduced big win occurs.

[0048] In the intermediate gaming state, it is easier to win a long normal figure than in the normal gaming state, and it is more difficult to win a long normal figure than in the time-reduced gaming state. Specifically, for the first normal figure determination, the ratio of winning a long normal figure when winning in the intermediate gaming state is the same as the ratio of winning a long normal figure when winning in the normal gaming state. On the other hand, for the second normal figure determination, the ratio of winning a long normal figure when winning in the intermediate gaming state is the same as the ratio of winning a long normal figure when winning in the time-reduced gaming state.

[0049] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, the winning probability of the second normal figure determination is set lower than the winning probability of the first normal figure determination. In the example of FIG. 4, the winning probability of the first normal figure determination is 499 / 500, and the winning probability of the second normal figure determination is 1 / 500.

[0050] As described above, when winning a long normal figure in the second normal figure determination, a game ball can enter the specific start winning opening 40K. And when a game ball enters the specific start winning opening 40K, the gaming state becomes the time-reduced gaming state. Specifically, when a game ball enters the specific start winning opening 40K, a special figure determination based on the ball entry is executed. In this special figure determination, it will always be a big win with time reduction. Note that in the big win with time reduction based on the ball entry into the specific start winning opening 40K, compared with the big win with time reduction in the normal gaming state or the big win from a V win, the opening time of the first big winning opening 15AK is shorter and the payout of prize balls is less.

[0051] In the example of FIG. 4, all wins in the first general drawing determination in the intermediate game state are short general drawing wins, and all wins in the second general drawing determination in the intermediate game state are long general drawing wins. In the gaming machine 10, the opening time of the specific start winning opening 40K when a short general drawing win occurs in the second general drawing determination is extremely short, and it is configured such that it is almost impossible for a game ball to enter the specific start winning opening 40K unless a long general drawing win occurs in the second general drawing determination. Thereby, even when the second general drawing determination is performed in the normal game state, it is regulated that a game ball enters the specific start winning opening 40K.

[0052] The intermediate game state ends when the number of executions of the special drawing determination reaches a specified number. This specified number is the same as the time limit number of times related to the end of the time-saving game state. When the intermediate game state ends, the game state is controlled to the normal game state. Here, paying attention to a win in the second general drawing determination by the left start gate 18L, in the normal game state, it is a short general drawing win, and in the intermediate game state and the time-saving game state, it is a long general drawing win. And the intermediate game state ends when the special drawing determination is executed a predetermined number of times, similar to the time-saving game state. From the above, the intermediate game state is difficult to distinguish from the normal game state in appearance, but can also be regarded as an internal time-saving game state.

[0053] As described above, in the gaming machine 10, in the intermediate game state, when a win occurs in the first general drawing determination caused by a game ball passing through the right start gate 18R, it is difficult to make a game ball enter the second start winning opening 14BK, but when a win occurs in the second general drawing determination caused by a game ball passing through the left start gate 18L, it is easy to make a game ball enter the specific start winning opening 40K. Therefore, the player allows a game ball to flow down to the left area R2, receives the first special drawing determination caused by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening AK, and allows the game ball to pass through the left start gate 18L to receive the second general drawing determination.

[0054] In the middle game state, if a winning is determined in the second general drawing determination, a game ball can enter the special start winning opening 40K. When a game ball enters the special start winning opening 40K, it becomes a jackpot with time shortening. After the end of the jackpot game, the game state becomes the time shortening game state. In this way, in the gaming machine 10, even if it becomes a jackpot without time shortening in the normal game state, if a winning is determined in the second general drawing determination in the middle game state after the end of the jackpot game, the game state becomes the time shortening game state. That is, in the gaming machine 10, the middle game state is a state where a transition to the time shortening game state can be expected more than in the normal game state.

[0055] Note that in the middle game state, if a winning is not determined in the second general drawing determination and the number of executions of the first special drawing determination reaches the specified number, the middle game state ends and the game state becomes the normal game state.

[0056] FIG. 5 shows the main flow of the game in the middle game state. As shown in the figure, since it is difficult to make a game ball enter the second start winning opening 14BK when the game in the middle game state starts, the player tries to let the game ball flow down in the left area R2 and receive the first special drawing determination triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first start winning opening 14AK. At this time, when the game ball passes through the left start gate 18L, the second general drawing determination can also be received. If a winning is determined in the second general drawing determination before the number of executions of the first special drawing determination reaches the upper limit number, entry of the game ball into the specific start winning opening 40K is permitted, and when a game ball enters the specific start winning opening 40K, it becomes a jackpot with time shortening. On the other hand, if the number of executions of the second general drawing determination reaches the upper limit number without a winning being determined in the second general drawing determination, the middle game state ends and the game state becomes the normal game state.

[0057] Note that FIG. 6 shows the flow of the game in the normal game state for reference. As is clear from the comparison between FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, in the middle game state, it can be said that it is a state more advantageous to the player than the normal game state in that it has a route triggered by winning in the specific start winning opening 40K as a route for transitioning to the time shortening game state.

[0058] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, by providing an intermediate gaming state as a gaming state, the following excellent effects can be achieved.

[0059] In the gaming machine 10, as gaming states, there are provided three types of normal gaming states, time shortening inducing states, and intermediate gaming states in which the difficulty levels of the balls entering the second start winning opening 14BK and the specific start winning opening 40K, which are controlled between a ball entry restriction state and a ball entry permission state, are different. Therefore, it is possible to impart new gaming properties.

[0060] Specifically, the above-described new gaming properties are achieved by the gaming machine 10 adopting the following configuration. That is, in the gaming machine 10, two types of start gates, a left start gate 18L and a right start gate 18R, are provided. When the gaming ball passes through the right start gate 18R, the first general drawing determination is executed, and when the gaming ball passes through the left start gate 18L, the second general drawing determination is executed. In the normal gaming state, a win in either the first general drawing determination or the second general drawing determination is a short general drawing win. In the time shortening gaming state, a win in either the first general drawing determination or the second general drawing determination is a long general drawing win. In the intermediate gaming state, a win in the first general drawing determination is a short general drawing win, and a win in the second general drawing determination is a long general drawing win.

[0061] Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, the probability of winning in the second general drawing determination (the general drawing determination based on the gaming ball passing through the left start gate 18L) is set lower than the probability of winning in the first general drawing determination (the general drawing determination based on the gaming ball passing through the right start gate 18R). Therefore, it is possible to increase the difference in the difficulty levels of the balls entering the start winning openings 14BK and 40K between the time shortening gaming state and the intermediate gaming state.

[0062] In the gaming machine 10, since the ball entry port (second start winning port 14BK) controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the first general figure determination and the ball entry port (specific start winning port 40K) controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the second general figure determination are provided separately, it becomes easier to manage the state of the ball entry port. Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, the right start gate 18R related to the first general figure determination and the second start winning port 14BK that becomes ball-entry possible when winning in the first general figure determination are provided in the right area R3, and the left start gate 18L related to the second general figure determination and the specific start winning port 40K that becomes ball-entry possible when winning in the second general figure determination are provided in the left area R2. Therefore, it becomes possible to make the player distribute the game balls in the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state, and it becomes possible to provide a difference in the game properties between the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state.

[0063] [Second Embodiment] The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is significantly different from the above first embodiment in that the end conditions of the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state include that the number of executions of the general figure determination has reached the upper limit. In the following, the description will focus on the parts different from the first embodiment in the present embodiment, and for the configurations similar to those of the first embodiment, the description will be omitted by appropriately using the same names and reference numerals as those of the gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment.

[0064] The end conditions of the time-saving game state in the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment are any one of the occurrence of a big win (including winning a V-win in a small win game), the number of executions of the second special figure determination reaching the preset upper limit, and the number of executions of the general figure determination reaching the preset upper limit. It is preferable that the upper limit number of times related to the general figure determination is larger than the upper limit number of times related to the second special figure determination. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the end of the time-saving game state due to the number of executions of the general figure determination reaching the upper limit number of times before the number of executions of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number of times.

[0065] The end conditions for the intermediate game state in the gaming machine 10 are the same as those for the time-saving game state. That is, the upper limit number of times for the second special figure determination related to the end of the intermediate game state is the same as the upper limit number of times for the second special figure determination related to the end of the time-saving game state, and the upper limit number of times for the general figure determination related to the end of the intermediate game state is the same as the upper limit number of times for the general figure determination related to the end of the time-saving game state.

[0066] Note that Fig. 7 shows an example of the upper limit number of times for the second special figure determination and the general figure determination related to the end conditions of the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state in the gaming machine 10. In this example, the upper limit number of times for the second special figure determination is 1 time, and the upper limit number of times for the general figure determination is 4 times. In the gaming machine 10, since the upper limit number of times for the second special figure determination is less than the upper limit number of times for the general figure determination, when the time-saving game state is entered, a situation where the time-saving game state ends because the number of executions of the general figure determination reaches the upper limit number before the number of executions of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number is suppressed. Moreover, in the gaming machine 10, since the upper limit number of times for the general figure determination is equal to or more than the hold upper limit number of the general figure determination (4), a situation where the time-saving game state ends due to the consumption of the hold of the general figure determination before receiving the second special figure determination is suppressed.

[0067] Also, Fig. 7 shows the winning probabilities of the special figure determination (big win probability and small win probability) and the general figure determination together, and the winning probability of the first general figure determination is 3 / 4, and the winning probability of the second general figure determination is 1 / 4. Therefore, in the intermediate game state, when receiving the second general figure determination for the upper limit number of times of the general figure determination (i.e., 4 times), the number of winning times becomes 1 time on average.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, in the normal game state, all wins in the first general drawing determination and the second general drawing determination are short general drawing wins, and in the time-saving game state, all wins in the first general drawing determination and the second general drawing determination are long general drawing wins. Also, all wins in the first general drawing determination in the intermediate game state are short general drawing wins, and all wins in the second general drawing in the intermediate game state are long general drawing wins. That is, in the intermediate game state, it is more difficult to let the game balls enter the second start winning opening 14BK than in the time-saving game state, but it is easier to let the game balls enter the specific start winning opening 40K than in the normal game state.

[0069] Similar to the first embodiment, in this embodiment as well, when a win in the second general drawing is a short general drawing win, the opening time of the specific start winning opening 40K is extremely short, and it is configured that it is almost impossible for the game balls to enter the specific start winning opening 40K unless a win in the second general drawing is a long general drawing win. Therefore, even when the second general drawing determination is made in the normal game state, it is regulated that the game balls enter the specific start winning opening 40K.

[0070] FIG. 9 shows the main flow of the game in the intermediate game state of the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment. When the intermediate game state starts, since it is difficult to let the game balls enter the second start winning opening 14BK, the player allows the game balls to flow down in the left area R2 so as to let the game balls enter the specific start winning opening 40K. To let the game balls enter the specific start winning opening 40K, the game balls are passed through the left start gate 18L to receive the second general drawing determination. When a win occurs in this second general drawing determination, the entry of the game balls into the specific start winning opening 40K is permitted, and when the game balls enter the specific start winning opening 40K, it becomes a big win with time saving. On the other hand, when the execution count of the second general drawing determination reaches the upper limit count without a win in the second general drawing determination, the intermediate game state ends and the game state becomes the normal game state.

[0071] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, by including the count of the general drawing determination in the end conditions of the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state, the following excellent effects can be achieved.

[0072] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, since the end conditions of the states advantageous to the player (i.e., the intermediate gaming state and the time-saving gaming state) compared to the normal gaming state depend not only on the number of executions of the special drawing determination but also on the number of executions of the general drawing determination, the gaming property becomes complicated, and it becomes possible to enhance the interest of the game. Moreover, since there are two types of states advantageous to the player compared to the normal gaming state, namely, the time-saving gaming state and the intermediate gaming state in which it is more difficult for the game balls to enter the second starting winning port 14BK and the specific starting winning port 40K than in the time-saving gaming state, the gaming property becomes more complicated, and further enhancement of the interest of the game is achieved.

[0073] Specifically, the gaming machine 10 is provided with the left starting gate 18L and the right starting gate 18R in the left region R2 and the right region R3, so that it is possible to have two types of states advantageous to the player. In the gaming machine 10, the first general drawing determination is executed due to the game ball passing through the right starting gate 18R, and the second general drawing determination is executed due to the game ball passing through the left starting gate 18L. In the normal gaming state, a win in either the first general drawing determination or the second general drawing determination is a short general drawing win. In the time-saving gaming state, a win in either the first general drawing determination or the second general drawing determination is a long general drawing win. In the intermediate gaming state, a win in the first general drawing determination is a short general drawing win, and a win in the second general drawing determination is a long general drawing win.

[0074] Also, in the gaming machine 10, since the winning probability of the second general drawing determination is set lower than the winning probability of the first general drawing determination (see FIG. 7), it becomes possible to provide a difference between the difficulty of the game ball entering the second starting winning port 14BK in the time-saving gaming state and the difficulty of the game ball entering the specific starting winning port 40K in the intermediate gaming state, and it becomes possible to create a contrast between the time-saving gaming state and the intermediate gaming state.

[0075] [Other Embodiments] (1) A plurality of types may be provided for the mode of the ball entry allowable state of the second start winning opening 14BK when a short general pattern is won (short mode), or a plurality of types may be provided for the mode of the ball entry allowable state of the second start winning opening 14BK when a long general pattern is won (long mode). Also, a plurality of types may be provided for the mode of the ball entry allowable state of the specific start winning opening 40K when a short general pattern is won (short mode), or a plurality of types may be provided for the mode of the ball entry allowable state of the specific start winning opening 40K when a long general pattern is won (long mode). Examples of differences in the types of the short mode and the long mode include differences in the opening time and the number of openings of the start winning opening.

[0076] (2) The start winning opening (second start winning opening 14BK) that becomes ball - entry possible when the first general pattern judgment is a win and the start winning opening (specific start winning opening 40K) that becomes ball - entry possible when the second general pattern judgment is a win were separate, but they may be common. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10, the common start winning opening 140K is provided in a start winning device 140 arranged at the central portion in the left - right direction (specifically, below the first start winning opening 14AK) in the lower part of the game area R1 and is opened and closed by a variable member 140T. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to vary the difficulty of ball entry into the common start winning opening 140K among the three game states of the normal game state, the time - shortening game state, and the intermediate game state.

[0077] (3) In the above - described embodiment, two types, namely, per general pattern, per short general pattern, and per long general pattern, were provided. However, only one type of long general pattern may be provided, and in the first general pattern judgment, the second general pattern judgment in the normal game state, and the first general pattern judgment in the intermediate game state, it may be a 100% miss, and in the first general pattern judgment, the second general pattern judgment in the time - shortening game state, and the second general pattern judgment in the intermediate game state, it may be a win at a predetermined ratio.

[0078] [Regarding the group of technical features extracted from the above - described embodiment] Hereinafter, the features extracted from each of the above-described embodiments will be described while indicating effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above embodiments are appropriately shown in parentheses or the like, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in such parentheses or the like.

[0079] <Group of Feature A> The following Group of Feature A is a feature extracted particularly from the first embodiment, and relates to a gaming machine "equipped with variable ball entry means that is controlled between a ball entry restricted state in which the entry of game balls is restricted and a ball entry permitted state in which the entry of game balls is permitted". Regarding the background art where "in the gaming machine of Patent Document A (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-83402 (paragraphs

[0039] to

[0040] , FIG. 2)), as the state of ball entry into the start port opened and closed by an electric accessory, a normal state and a time-limited state (including the probability-variable state) are provided.", it has been made in view of the problem that "the gaming machine of Patent Document A lacks the freshness of the game".

[0080] [Feature A1] Judgment means (main control circuit 50) for performing a win / loss judgment (general drawing judgment) based on the entry of game balls into the ball entry area (left start gate 18L, right start gate 18R), and Variable ball entry means (second start winning port 14BK, specific start winning port 40) that, when a win is determined in the above win / loss judgment, controls the game balls to be in a ball entry permitted state where the entry of game balls is permitted for a predetermined time from a ball entry restricted state in which the entry of game balls is restricted, and A gaming machine (gaming machine 10) comprising game state control means (main control circuit 50) for controlling the game state into a normal state (normal gaming state) in which it is difficult for game balls to enter the variable ball entry means, a special state (time-limited gaming state) in which it is easier for game balls to enter than in the normal state, and an intermediate state (intermediate gaming state) in which it is easier for game balls to enter than in the normal state and more difficult for game balls to enter than in the special state.

[0081] In the configuration shown in this feature, as the game state, three types of states are provided: a normal state, a special state, and an intermediate state, in which the difficulty of game balls entering the variable ball entry means is different. Therefore, it is possible to impart new gaming properties.

[0082] [Feature A2] As the above-mentioned ball entry area, there are at least two types, namely a first ball entry area (right starting gate 18R) and a second ball entry area (left starting gate 18L). In the ball entry allowable state of the variable ball entry means, there are at least two types, namely a first mode (short mode) and a second mode (long mode) in which it is easier for game balls to enter than the first mode. In the normal state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit, the variable ball entry means is more easily controlled from the second mode to the first mode. In the special state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit, the variable ball entry means is more easily controlled from the first mode to the second mode. In the intermediate state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit based on the entry of the ball into the first ball entry area, the variable ball entry means is more easily controlled from the second mode to the first mode, and when the pass / fail determination is a hit based on the entry of the ball into the second ball entry area, the variable ball entry means is more easily controlled from the first mode to the second mode. The gaming machine according to Feature A1.

[0083] In the configuration shown in this feature, by providing two types of ball entry areas, namely a first ball entry area and a second ball entry area, it is possible to form three states with different degrees of difficulty for the ball to enter the variable ball entry means. Note that, as in the above embodiment, "in the normal state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit, the variable ball entry means is controlled to the first mode, in the special state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit, the variable ball entry means is controlled to the second mode, and in the intermediate state, when the pass / fail determination is a hit based on the entry of the ball into the first ball entry area, the variable ball entry means is more easily controlled to the first mode, and when the pass / fail determination is a hit based on the entry of the ball into the second ball entry area, the variable ball entry means is controlled to the second mode", it becomes easier to manage the number of times the ball enters the variable ball entry means in each gaming state.

[0084] [Feature A3] The probability of a hit in the pass / fail determination based on the entry of the ball into the second ball entry area is set lower than the probability of a hit in the pass / fail determination based on the entry of the ball into the first ball entry area. The gaming machine according to Feature A2.

[0085] According to the configuration shown in this feature, it is possible to increase the difference in the difficulty of ball entry into the variable ball entry means between the special state and the intermediate state.

[0086] [Feature A4] As the variable ball entry means, it includes a first variable ball entry means (second start winning opening 14BK) and a second variable ball entry means (specific start winning opening 40) different from the first variable ball entry means. When the first variable ball entry means wins in the win / loss determination based on the ball entry into the first ball entry area, it is controlled from the ball entry restriction state to the ball entry allowable state. The second variable ball entry means is controlled from the ball entry restriction state to the ball entry allowable state when it wins in the win / loss determination based on the ball entry into the second ball entry area, for the gaming machine according to Feature A2 or A3.

[0087] According to the configuration shown in this feature, since the variable ball entry means controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the ball entry into the first ball entry area and the variable ball entry means controlled to the ball entry allowable state based on the ball entry into the second ball entry area are provided separately, it becomes easier to manage the state of the variable ball entry means.

[0088] [Feature A5] A special ball entry area (first start winning opening 14AK) different from the first ball entry area and the second ball entry area is provided in the ball entry area. It includes a privilege game determination means (main control circuit 50) for determining whether to execute a privilege game (big win game) capable of granting a privilege to the player based on the ball entry into the special ball entry area or the variable ball entry means. The gaming state control means controls the gaming state to any one of the normal state, the intermediate state, or the special state on the condition of executing the privilege game, for the gaming machine according to any one of Features A1 to A4.

[0089] In the configuration shown in this feature, even when not controlled to a special state after the execution of a special game, it may be controlled to an intermediate state, so it becomes possible to give the player the will to continue the game. Note that this feature also includes a configuration in which the game state after the end of a privilege game becomes either an intermediate state or a special state.

[0090] [Feature A6] The gaming machine according to Feature A5, wherein the game state control means controls the game state from the intermediate state to the normal state when the number of consecutive misses in the determination by the privilege game determination means in the intermediate state reaches a prescribed number (time shortening upper limit number).

[0091] According to the configuration shown in this feature, it becomes possible to provide the player with a state more advantageous than the normal state until the number of consecutive misses in the determination by the privilege game determination means reaches the prescribed number after the execution of a special game.

[0092] [Feature A7] Variable ball entry means (second start winning opening 14B, specific start winning opening 40) that controls the ball entry of the game ball from a ball entry restricted state where the ball entry of the game ball is restricted to a ball entry permitted state where the ball entry of the game ball is permitted for a predetermined time when a start condition (the game ball passes through the right start gate 18R or the left start gate 18L) is satisfied. As the start condition, at least two types are provided, including a first start condition (the game ball passes through the right start gate 18R) and a second start condition (the game ball passes through the left start gate 18L) different from the first start condition. In the ball entry permitted state of the variable ball entry means, there are at least two types, including a first mode and a second mode (long mode) in which the ball entry of the game ball is easier than the first mode (short mode). A gaming machine further comprising a game state control means (main control circuit 50) capable of controlling the game state into a normal state (normal gaming state) in which the variable ball entry means is more likely to be controlled from the second mode to the first mode regardless of whether the first start condition or the second start condition is satisfied, a special state (time-saving gaming state) in which the variable ball entry means is more likely to be controlled from the first mode to the second mode regardless of whether the first start condition or the second start condition is satisfied, and an intermediate state (intermediate gaming state) in which the variable ball entry means is more likely to be controlled from the second mode to the first mode when the first start condition is satisfied and the variable ball entry means is more likely to be controlled from the first mode to the second mode when the second start condition is satisfied.

[0093] In the configuration shown in this feature, three types of game states, i.e., a normal state, a special state, and an intermediate state, with different levels of difficulty for ball entry into the variable ball entry means are provided, enabling the provision of new gameplay.

[0094] In addition, the configurations shown in Features A1 to A6 may be combined with the configuration shown in Feature A7. In that case, "the determination being a win based on the ball entry into the first ball entry area" may be defined as the "first start condition", and "the determination being a win based on the ball entry into the second ball entry area" may be defined as the "second start condition".

[0095] The following embodiments may be included in the group of Feature A.

[0096] (a1) The gaming machine 10 of the first embodiment had two start gates, but it may have three or more start gates. The third and subsequent start gates may play the same role as the right start gate 18L or the same role as the left start gate 18L.

[0097] (a2) In the first embodiment, when a ball entered the specific start winning opening 40, a big win or a small win with time-saving was determined, but it may be determined as a big win or a small win with time-saving by lottery. In this case, the probability of being a big win or a small win with time-saving may be set higher than the probability of being a big win with time-saving in the first special drawing determination.

[0098] (a3)In the first embodiment, it may be configured to enter an intermediate game state when the time-saving game state ends. Further, in this case, the transition to the intermediate game state after the end of the time-saving game state may be always performed or may be performed at a predetermined rate. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress quitting immediately after the time-saving game ends.

[0099] (a4)When a game ball enters the specific start winning opening 40, it may be configured to always result in a minor win, or may be configured to result in either a big win with time saving or a minor win. When a minor win is determined by the special drawing determination based on the entry of the game ball into the specific start winning opening 40K, in that minor win game, the game balls are distributed to a specific area.

[0100] (a5)In the first embodiment, as the number of executions (prescribed number) of the special drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state, there may be provided a plurality of types with different numbers of times. In this case, since it becomes difficult for the player to know how long the intermediate game state will continue, it is possible to make the player expect the continuation of the intermediate game state until the special drawing determination for the number of executions of the type with the largest number of times is completed.

[0101] (a6)The number of executions of the special drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state may be different from the time-saving upper limit number of times.

[0102] <Group of Feature B> The following Group of Feature B is a feature particularly extracted from the second embodiment above, regarding a gaming machine. Regarding the background art of "In the gaming machine of Patent Document B1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-246609 (paragraphs

[0093] ,

[0094] )), a normal symbol winning or losing determination and a special symbol winning or losing determination are performed, and when the number of executions of the special symbol winning or losing determination reaches a predetermined number of times, the time-saving state ends.", it is made with the problem that "In the gaming machine of Patent Document B1, since the end condition of the time-saving state depends only on the number of executions of the special symbol winning or losing determination, the game becomes monotonous and lacks interest."

[0103] [Feature B1] A normal winning area (left starting gate 18L, right starting gate 18R) where game balls can enter, and a special winning area (first starting winning port 14AK, second starting winning port 14BK, specific starting winning port 40) different from the normal winning area, Normal win / loss determination means (main control circuit 50) that executes normal win / loss determination (general drawing determination) due to the entry of game balls into the normal winning area, In a gaming machine (gaming machine 10) including special win / loss determination means (main control circuit 50) that executes special win / loss determination (special drawing determination) due to the entry of game balls into the special winning area, As the special winning area, it includes at least two types: a first special winning area (first starting winning port 14AK) and a second special winning area (second starting winning port 14BK, specific starting winning port 40), The second special winning area is configured to change between a ball entry restriction state in which entry of game balls into the second special winning area is restricted and a ball entry permission state in which entry of game balls into the second special winning area is permitted, based on the result of the normal win / loss determination, Game state control means (main control circuit 50) that controls the game state into a normal state (normal gaming state) and an advantageous state (time-saving gaming state, intermediate gaming state) in which the second special winning area is more likely to be in the ball entry permission state than the normal state, The game state control means ends the advantageous state and controls it to the normal state when the number of executions of the special win / loss determination based on the entry of game balls into the second winning area reaches a special specified number (the upper limit number of special drawing determinations) or the number of executions of the normal win / loss determination reaches a normal specified number (the upper limit number of general drawing determinations) in the advantageous state. Gaming machine.

[0104] In the configuration shown in this feature, the end condition of the advantageous state depends not only on the number of executions of the special win / loss determination but also on the number of executions of the normal win / loss determination, so the gameplay becomes complicated and it is possible to enhance the interest of the game.

[0105] [Feature B2] In the normal winning area, at least a first normal winning area (right starting gate 18R) and a second normal winning area (left starting gate 18L) are provided, In the ball - entry allowable state of the variable member, there are at least two types: a first mode (short mode) and a second mode (long mode) in which it is easier for the game balls to enter than in the first mode. In the normal state, when the normal win - loss determination is a win, the second special ball - entry area is more easily controlled from the second mode to the first mode. In the advantageous state, a first advantageous state (time - shortening game state) in which when the normal win - loss determination becomes a win based on the entry of a ball into the first normal ball - entry area or the second normal ball - entry area, the second special ball - entry area is more easily controlled from the first mode to the second mode; a second advantageous state (intermediate game state) in which when the normal win - loss determination becomes a win based on the entry of a ball into the first normal ball - entry area, the second special ball - entry area is more easily controlled from the second mode to the first mode, and when the normal win - loss determination becomes a win based on the entry of a ball into the second normal ball - entry area, the second special ball - entry area is more easily controlled from the first mode to the second mode, are provided. The gaming machine according to characteristic B1.

[0106] In the configuration shown in this characteristic, since there are two types of advantageous states: a first advantageous state and a second advantageous state in which it is more difficult to control the second special ball - entry area to the ball - entry allowable state than in the first advantageous state, the game play becomes more complex and the enjoyment of the game is further enhanced.

[0107] [Characteristic B3] The probability of a win in the win - loss determination based on the entry of a ball into the second normal ball - entry area is set lower than the probability of a win in the win - loss determination based on the entry of a ball into the first normal ball - entry area. The gaming machine according to characteristic B2.

[0108] According to the configuration shown in this characteristic, it is possible to provide a difference in the difficulty of ball entry into the second ball - entry area between the first advantageous state and the second advantageous state, and it is possible to add a sense of rhythm to the first advantageous state and the second advantageous state.

[0109] [Characteristic B4] The special specified number of times is less than the normal specified number of times. The gaming machine according to characteristic B2 or B3.

[0110] According to the configuration shown in this feature, when the first advantageous state is reached, before the number of executions of the special pass / fail determination based on the entry into the second entry area reaches the special specified number, the number of executions of the normal pass / fail determination reaches the normal specified number and the first advantageous state ends, such a situation is suppressed.

[0111] [Feature B5] It includes a holding means (main control circuit 50) capable of storing information regarding the normal pass / fail determination as holding information up to a predetermined number of holds, The gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B4, wherein the normal specified number is equal to or more than the predetermined number of holds.

[0112] In the configuration shown in this feature, when the normal pass / fail determination is stored in hold at the time of entering the advantageous state, before the number of executions of the special pass / fail determination based on the entry into the second entry area reaches the special specified number, the number of executions of the normal pass / fail determination reaches the normal specified number and the first advantageous state ends, such a situation is suppressed.

[0113] [Feature B6] A normal entry area (left start gate 18L, right start gate 18R) into which a game ball can enter, and a special entry area (second start winning opening 14BK, specific start winning opening 40) different from the normal entry area, A normal pass / fail determination means (main control circuit 50) that executes a normal pass / fail determination (general drawing determination) due to the entry of a game ball into the normal entry area, In a gaming machine (gaming machine 10) including a special pass / fail determination means (main control circuit 50) that executes a special pass / fail determination (special drawing determination) due to the entry of a game ball into the special entry area, As the special entry area, it includes at least two types of a first special entry area (first start winning opening 14AK) and a second special entry area (second start winning opening 14BK, specific start winning opening 40), The second special entry area is configured to change between an entry restriction state in which entry into the second special entry area is restricted and an entry allowable state in which entry into the second special entry area is allowed based on the result of the normal pass / fail determination. A game state control means (main control circuit 50) that controls the game state into a normal state (normal game state) and an advantageous state (time-saving game state, intermediate game state) in which the second special ball entry area is more likely to be in the ball entry permitted state than the normal state. The game state control means controls the game state to the advantageous state on the condition that a winning is determined in the special win / loss determination, and ends the advantageous state and controls it to the normal state when either a special end condition (the number of executions of the second special figure determination reaches the upper limit number) caused by a ball entry into the special ball entry area or a normal end condition (the number of executions of the normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number) caused by a ball entry into the normal ball entry area is satisfied.

[0114] In the configuration shown in this feature, since the end condition of the advantageous state depends not only on the special win / loss determination but also on the normal win / loss determination, the game properties become complicated, and it becomes possible to improve the interest of the game.

[0115] Note that the configurations shown in Features B1 to B5 may be combined with the configuration shown in Feature B6.

[0116] The following embodiments may be included in the group of Feature B.

[0117] (b1) In the second embodiment, instead of "the number of executions of the normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number preset" which is the end condition of the time-saving game state and the intermediate game state, it may be "the number of executions of the second normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number preset". With this configuration, in the gaming machine 10, since the right starting gate 18R for making the second starting winning opening 14BK, which is the trigger for the second special figure determination, ball-entry possible and the left starting gate 18L for executing the second normal figure determination are provided in the right area R3 and the left area R2 of the game area R1, it becomes difficult to execute both the second special figure determination and the second normal figure determination simultaneously, and it is suppressed that the time-saving game state ends when the number of executions of the second normal figure determination reaches the upper limit number when trying to receive the second special figure determination.

[0118] (b2) In the above-described second embodiment, the upper limit number of times of the second special drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state may be different from the upper limit number of times of the second special drawing determination related to the end of the time-saving game state, or the upper limit number of times of the normal drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state may be different from the upper limit number of times of the normal drawing determination related to the end of the time-saving game state. Further, this configuration may be applied to the configuration of the above (b1). That is, the upper limit number of times of the second normal drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state may be different from the upper limit number of times of the second normal drawing determination related to the end of the time-saving game state.

[0119] (b3) A plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of times of the second special drawing determination related to the end of the time-saving game state. Also, a plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of times of the second special drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state.

[0120] (b4) A plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of times of the normal drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state. Also, a plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of times of the normal drawing determination related to the end of the time-saving game state. Even in this case, if the upper limit number of times related to the normal drawing determination is larger than the upper limit number of times related to the second special drawing determination, it is possible to suppress the time-saving game state from ending due to the upper limit number of times of the normal drawing determination being reached before the upper limit number of times of the second special drawing determination is reached. Note that this configuration may be applied to the configuration of the above (b1). That is, a plurality of types may be provided for the upper limit number of times of the second normal drawing determination related to the end of the intermediate game state or the time-saving game state.

[0121] (b5) As an embodiment included in Feature B6, in the special drawing determination and the normal drawing determination in the time-saving game state and the intermediate time-saving state, the fall lottery may also be executed simultaneously, and the end condition of each state may be that the fall lottery is won. That is, when winning the fall lottery in the time-saving game state, the game shifts to the normal game state or the intermediate game state, and when winning the fall lottery in the intermediate game state, the game shifts to the normal game state.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0122] 10 Gaming machine 14AK First start winning port 14BK Second start winning port 14BT Second Variable Member 15A First Big Winning Device 15B Second Big Winning Device 18L Left Starting Gate 18R Right Starting Gate 40K Specific Starting Winning Opening 40T Specific Starting Variable Member 50 Main Control Circuit

Claims

【Claim 1】 The gaming state control means is provided to control the gaming state into a first state in which the entry of the game ball into the specific ball entry section is restricted, and a second state in which the entry of the game ball into the specific ball entry section is easier than the first state and the jackpot lottery probability is the same as that of the first state. When the game ball enters the specific ball entry section in the second state, a winning / losing determination that is more likely to result in a win than a loss is made. The gaming state control means is a gaming machine that sets the gaming state after the next jackpot game to the second state.

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